Going Coconuts over Good Food: New Coconut Kenny's

Aaaahhhh Hawaii.

The tropical breezes; beautiful beaches; warm sun; yummy food. I pretty much love everything about Hawaii any month of the year. If only my travel budget matched with my love of aloha. But now, thanks to Coconut Kenny’s, just across the trestle off Hwy 9, you can enjoy the aloha spirit of being in the islands, anytime you want.

Coconut Kenny’s is a tropical-themed restaurant that describes itself as a "taste of paradise." After dining there recently, I might describe them as a taste of paradise with a "beverage wall full of fun."

It was my 15-year-old niece's birthday and Coconut Kenny's was her selection for where to celebrate. She made an excellent choice.

We had pizzas, lots of pizzas, but they also have an extensive sandwich menu. Our pizzas were all yum (and, for the sake of, you know, research for this story, I had to try them all.) My personal favorite was the White Pizza which featured a creamy garlic ranch sauce and the most boring name of all the pizzas. Others were the Maui Wowie featuring shredded beef; the Big Kahuna with pretty much everything on it and the Tahti Mi a delicious take on vegetarian. Oh, and there is a traditional Hawaiian pizza on the menu with the Canadian bacon and pineapple, but somehow we didn't have that.

The sandwiches sound equally creative and delicious, and I've put it on my calendar to come back for lunch and try them out. The Hilo sandwich calls to me with turkey and pesto but maybe it will need to be a Boogie Board with chicken breast or the Big Luau that sounds a lot like a clubhouse sub. In total there are eight great sounding sandwiches of the hot and cold variety to select from.

Still, while all of that is worth the drive and fires up my aloha vibes, it's the wall of drinks that added the extra dose of fun. When you walk into Coconut Kenny’s, you get a wristband. That wristband unlocks whatever beverage, or beverages, you want to enjoy during your meal. Along the wall, Coconut Kenny’s has 40 - 40! - different choices for you to choose from. You can have wines, mixed cocktails like a margarita, ciders and a wide array of all kinds of ales and beers. You simply make your choice on what you'd like to enjoy, put your wristband up to the reader on that choice and make your pour. You are charged by the ounce depending on the beverage you selected.

They also offer non-alcoholic choices and sodas as well. (In fact, I had a very tasty coconut pineapple cream concoction that was delicious.) Really the only thing this drink wall was missing for it to feel fully like a Hawaiian vacation was a pool boy, and even at that, they have very helpful team members.

At our table of more than 20, what we each selected from the wall bar was a big part of the chatter in between bites of pizza. This is a fun spot for families, teams to hit after practice and anyone looking to relax and plan their next trip to Hawaii. One of my favorite ways to while away some time.

We live lucky my friends! - Jingle Jackson

Coconut Kenny’s
8813 Soper Hill Road
Lake Stevens, WA 98258

Jingle Jackson grew up in Everett, attended WSU (go Cougs!) and worked a great career at Snohomish PUD. Now, she is working on the pursuit of new adventures and fun wherever she can find it.