The Offbeat New Jersey Bar Serving Up Island Vibes All Year

I’ll let you in on a secret: on a quiet corner of Lyndhurst sits a portal to the tropics. No, seriously – one minute you’re in New Jersey, the next you’re surrounded by tiki masks, bamboo walls, glowing lanterns, and waterfalls that make you forget the Turnpike even exists.

Lee’s Hawaiian Islander has been serving up Polynesian magic since 1973, and founder Steven Lee (now 91!) still keeps watch over his creation.

Walking in feels less like entering a restaurant and more like stepping into a vintage postcard from old Hawaii. And yes, the red-and-green facade is basically a neon “vacation starts here” sign.

Ever wish you could teleport to a tropical island without the airfare? Craving pupu platters that taste like nostalgia but better?

Or maybe you just want to belt out karaoke under swaying palm fronds while sipping something fruity from a tiki cup? Same.

I came for the kitsch, stayed for the drinks, and left already planning my next visit. Because honestly, who needs a plane ticket when New Jersey’s got its own slice of paradise hiding in plain sight?

A Time Machine Disguised as a Restaurant

Walking through the doors at Lee’s Hawaiian Islander feels like stepping back five decades to when tiki culture ruled the restaurant scene. The moment you enter, you’re greeted by an explosion of authentic Polynesian decor that hasn’t changed much since the Nixon administration, and that’s exactly the charm.

Bamboo lines the walls, tiki masks stare down from every corner, and soft lighting from paper lanterns creates an ambiance that whispers vacation mode.

Steven Lee opened this Lyndhurst treasure in 1973 with a vision to bring Hawaiian escapism to New Jersey, and boy, did he succeed. Over 50 years later, the place retains every ounce of its original character, making it a living museum of tiki bar culture.

The staff greets you with genuine warmth that makes first-timers feel like regulars, often walking guests through menu highlights with pride and patience.

What sets this spot apart isn’t just the decor but the authenticity behind it. Steven, now 91, still oversees operations alongside family members Nancy and Danny, who’ve carried forward the rich tradition with the same attention to detail.

Every waterfall wall, every carved mask, every bamboo accent tells a story of dedication to creating an immersive experience.

Guests consistently mention feeling transported the second they walk in, with many saying photos simply can’t capture the magic. The outdated vibe some mention actually adds to the nostalgic appeal, making you feel like you’ve discovered a secret portal to simpler times when dining out meant adventure and atmosphere mattered as much as the meal.

The Legendary Pupu Platter Experience

If there’s one dish that defines the Lee’s Hawaiian Islander experience, it’s the pupu platter, and trust me, this isn’t your average appetizer spread. Arriving at your table with actual flames dancing around the edges, this showstopper immediately becomes the centerpiece of your meal and probably your Instagram feed.

The sizzle, the spectacle, the sheer abundance of it all makes this platter perfect for groups who want to share something memorable.

Inside this treasure trove, you’ll find Hawaiian beef that customers rave about, crispy egg rolls made fresh in-house daily, barbecue spare ribs that hit the sweet-savory spot, and an assortment of other goodies that change slightly but always deliver. Everything tastes homemade because it actually is, right down to the sauces that accompany each item.

The portions are generous enough that one platter easily serves multiple people, making it both economical and fun.

What makes this pupu platter stand out from childhood memories or other restaurants is the freshness factor. Lee’s doesn’t cut corners with frozen or commercially prepared items.

The kitchen staff prepares components from scratch daily, giving everything a quality you can taste in every bite. The egg rolls alone earn consistent praise for their crispy exterior and flavorful filling.

Groups celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or just Tuesday nights find this platter brings people together in a way few dishes can. The communal aspect of sharing from a flaming centerpiece creates conversation and laughter, turning dinner into an event worth remembering and repeating.

Karaoke Nights with a Classy Twist

Forget everything you think you know about karaoke night at your typical bar. Lee’s Hawaiian Islander elevates the experience with weekend karaoke sessions that lean more Frank Sinatra than pop hits, creating an atmosphere that’s uniquely sophisticated yet still wildly fun.

Friday and Saturday evenings transform the restaurant into a stage where guests channel their inner crooners surrounded by swaying bamboo and tiki torches.

The music selection skews toward classics from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, which perfectly complements the vintage vibe of the space. Instead of belting out today’s top 40, you’re more likely to hear someone tackle “My Way” or “Fly Me to the Moon,” and somehow it just fits.

This classy approach to karaoke attracts a crowd that appreciates the nostalgia and wants to participate in something a little different from the norm.

Families particularly love these nights because the atmosphere remains welcoming and appropriate for all ages. Kids get a kick out of seeing parents and grandparents perform songs from their youth, while adults enjoy the throwback vibe that makes them feel young again.

The staff encourages participation without pressure, so whether you want to perform or just enjoy the show, you’re equally welcome.

Regular visitors often plan their trips around karaoke nights, making reservations in advance to secure their spot. The combination of great food, tropical surroundings, and entertainment creates an all-in-one experience that beats dinner and a movie any day of the week, giving you stories to tell and memories to cherish.

Homemade Everything from a Dedicated Kitchen

Behind every memorable meal at Lee’s Hawaiian Islander lies a kitchen philosophy that’s become increasingly rare in modern restaurants: make it from scratch or don’t serve it. Walking through the menu, you’ll discover that virtually everything arrives at your table having been prepared in-house that very day.

The wonton crisps that arrive as you sit down? Made fresh.

The duck sauce you dip them in? Homemade.

Those incredible egg rolls? Rolled and fried right in the back.

This commitment to quality extends beyond just a few signature items. Tour groups have visited and reported being impressed by the operation’s dedication to avoiding commercially prepared shortcuts.

In an era when many restaurants rely on frozen components and premade sauces, Lee’s stands as a throwback to when restaurant cooking meant actual cooking, not just reheating and assembly.

The difference shows up immediately on your palate. Dishes taste brighter, fresher, and more vibrant than comparable items at chain restaurants or spots that prioritize speed over quality.

The sauces have depth and complexity you won’t find in bottles, and the proteins are prepared with care that reflects decades of perfected recipes and techniques.

Steven Lee’s insistence on maintaining these standards even at 91 years old demonstrates the pride this family takes in their craft. Nancy and Danny continue the tradition, ensuring that every plate leaving the kitchen meets the same exacting standards that built the restaurant’s reputation over five decades.

When you taste the difference, you understand why loyal customers keep returning generation after generation.

The Tropical Oasis Atmosphere

Close your eyes and picture the most elaborate tiki bar you’ve ever imagined, then multiply it by ten. That’s the atmosphere waiting inside Lee’s Hawaiian Islander, where every square inch has been thoughtfully decorated to transport you somewhere far more exotic than northern New Jersey.

Waterfall walls create soothing background sounds that mask traffic noise from outside, while strategically placed lighting makes the whole space glow with warm, inviting ambiance.

The attention to environmental detail goes beyond just hanging a few grass skirts and calling it themed. Carved tiki statues stand guard throughout the dining room, bamboo covers surfaces from floor to ceiling, and tropical touches appear in unexpected places that reward careful observation.

Guests report feeling like they’ve stepped onto a movie set or into a vacation resort the moment they cross the threshold.

This immersive environment works its magic on diners of all ages. Kids wide-eyed at the exotic surroundings find adventure in every corner, while adults appreciate the escape from everyday stress that the setting provides.

Even the most skeptical visitors who worried about kitschy overload find themselves charmed by how well everything comes together into a cohesive, transportive experience.

The decor hasn’t undergone major renovations since the 70s, which some might consider dated, but most guests view as perfectly preserved nostalgia. This authenticity can’t be replicated by modern restaurants trying to manufacture vintage vibes.

Lee’s earned its patina through decades of service, making the slightly worn edges part of the charm rather than a drawback that needs fixing.

Meet Steven Lee, the 91-Year-Old Legend

Not every restaurant lets you meet the visionary behind the operation, but at Lee’s Hawaiian Islander, Steven Lee himself often greets guests and shares stories from over 50 years in the business. Opening the restaurant at age 30 in 1973, Steven brought Hawaiian culture to Lyndhurst when tiki bars were hitting their peak popularity.

His gamble paid off spectacularly, creating a beloved institution that’s outlasted countless restaurant trends and economic shifts.

Now celebrating his 92nd birthday, Steven remains actively involved in daily operations, watching over the dining room and ensuring standards stay high. His presence adds an extra layer of authenticity and warmth that guests consistently mention in reviews.

Meeting him feels like shaking hands with living history, someone who witnessed decades of change while keeping his vision intact and thriving.

Steven’s personality shines through in every aspect of the restaurant, from the carefully curated decor to the welcoming service style. Customers describe him as genuine, gracious, and still passionate about creating memorable experiences for every person who walks through his doors.

His dedication inspires the entire staff, setting a tone of pride and care that trickles down to every interaction.

The fact that Steven still shows up at 91 speaks volumes about his commitment and love for what he built. He’s not just a figurehead or silent owner collecting checks from home.

He’s there, present and engaged, making sure his life’s work continues serving the community with the same excellence that established its reputation half a century ago.

Mongolian Beef and Orange Chicken Done Right

While the tropical theme might suggest a purely Hawaiian menu, Lee’s Hawaiian Islander actually serves up exceptional Chinese dishes that rival any dedicated Chinese restaurant in New Jersey. The Mongolian beef arrives tender and flavorful, coated in a sauce that balances sweet and savory notes without overwhelming the quality beef underneath.

Each bite delivers that perfect texture contrast between crispy edges and succulent interior that makes this dish a perennial favorite.

Orange chicken takes center stage as another standout, featuring crispy battered chicken pieces tossed in a bright, tangy orange sauce made in-house. Unlike versions that lean too heavily on sugar or artificial flavoring, Lee’s version tastes fresh and balanced, with real citrus notes shining through.

The chicken stays crispy even under the sauce, showing proper technique in both the frying and the timing of sauce application.

What makes these dishes particularly impressive is how they hold up against expectations formed by decades of Chinese restaurant dining. Older guests who remember the golden age of sit-down Chinese restaurants comment that Lee’s captures that nostalgic quality while maintaining high standards.

The portions are generous without being wasteful, and the presentation shows care rather than just slopping food onto plates.

Paired with the fried rice that customers consistently praise, these entrees create satisfying meals that justify the visit even without considering the atmosphere. The fact that you get restaurant-quality Chinese food AND a tropical vacation vibe makes the value proposition even stronger, giving you multiple reasons to return and explore more of the extensive menu.

The Lychee Hawaiian Duck Worth Ordering

Adventurous eaters who venture beyond the usual suspects on the menu discover a true gem in the lychee Hawaiian duck. This dish represents the restaurant’s Polynesian roots beautifully, combining tender duck with the sweet, floral notes of lychee fruit in a sauce that tastes like island sunshine.

The preparation shows skill, with the duck cooked to perfect tenderness while maintaining enough texture to feel substantial rather than mushy.

Lychee brings a unique flavor profile that many American diners haven’t experienced much, making this dish an excellent choice for trying something new in a comfortable setting. The fruit’s delicate sweetness complements the rich, slightly gamey quality of duck meat, creating a balanced plate that feels exotic without being challenging.

Each component gets its moment to shine while contributing to a harmonious whole.

Guests who order this dish often express pleasant surprise at how well the flavors work together and how different it tastes from typical Chinese-American fare. The homemade sauce ties everything together with layers of flavor that reveal themselves bite by bite, rewarding slower eating and mindful tasting.

This isn’t fast food meant to be wolfed down; it’s a dish that deserves attention and appreciation.

For those seeking the full Hawaiian experience beyond just decor and atmosphere, the lychee duck delivers authenticity on the plate. It represents the kind of menu item that keeps food enthusiasts coming back, knowing they’ve found something special they can’t easily replicate at home or find at more generic establishments.

Taking a chance on this dish often converts curious diners into devoted regulars.

Family Traditions Spanning Three Generations

Behind the success of Lee’s Hawaiian Islander lies a beautiful story of family dedication spanning multiple generations. Steven Lee started this journey alone in 1973, but over the decades, family members joined the operation, learning the business and carrying forward the founder’s vision.

Nancy and Danny now help run daily operations, ensuring that the restaurant maintains the standards and traditions that made it beloved in the first place.

This family involvement creates a different atmosphere than corporate-owned restaurants or even single-operator establishments. There’s genuine pride in the work, a personal investment in guest satisfaction, and a long-term perspective that prioritizes reputation over quick profits.

When family members greet you, serve you, or check on your meal, they’re protecting something precious: their family legacy and their father’s life work.

The continuity of family management also explains how Lee’s has maintained such consistent quality over five decades. Recipes pass down directly from one generation to the next, techniques are taught hands-on by people who’ve perfected them over years, and the philosophy of hospitality gets transmitted through example rather than training manuals.

This creates authenticity that customers can feel even if they can’t quite articulate what makes it special.

Watching Steven Lee at 91 still involved while his children carry the torch forward touches something deep in guests who value tradition and family bonds. In an age when everything feels disposable and temporary, Lee’s Hawaiian Islander stands as a testament to building something lasting, something worth preserving, and something that brings joy to countless people across multiple generations of both owners and customers.

The Perfect Group Celebration Destination

Planning a birthday, anniversary, or group outing in New Jersey? Lee’s Hawaiian Islander offers something most restaurants can’t: an experience that makes any gathering feel like a special occasion.

The combination of unique atmosphere, shareable menu items, and accommodating staff creates the perfect storm for memorable group celebrations. Large party rooms upstairs provide semi-private spaces for bigger gatherings, giving groups their own tropical paradise for the evening.

The restaurant has extensive experience handling tour groups, which speaks to their ability to manage large parties smoothly. Coordinators report that working with Lee’s staff makes planning easy, with flexible menu options and reliable service that doesn’t sacrifice quality when serving many people simultaneously.

This expertise translates to better experiences for birthday parties, retirement dinners, and friend reunions of all sizes.

Menu items like the pupu platter are practically designed for groups, encouraging sharing and conversation while providing variety that satisfies different tastes. The karaoke option adds entertainment beyond just eating, giving shy guests something to watch and bold guests a chance to shine.

Combined with the Instagram-worthy decor, every group celebration generates photos and stories that keep the memory alive long after the fortune cookies are gone.

Reservations are required and deposits are standard for group bookings, but these policies protect both the restaurant and customers by ensuring tables are ready and expectations are clear. The deposit comes off your final bill, so it’s not an extra charge, just a commitment mechanism.

For groups seeking somewhere distinctive that delivers both quality food and unforgettable ambiance, Lee’s checks every box while remaining surprisingly affordable for the value provided.