About the Place
Itchy Butt is one of those hidden gems tucked away in Honolulu that captures your curiosity before it tempts your taste buds. The name alone is catchy—quirky and unorthodox—that draws you in. But beyond the fun branding lies a seriously satisfying fried chicken experience that locals and visitors rave about.
The star here is definitely the chicken. Whether you go for the half garlic or the half Korean spicy, each bite bursts with layers of flavor. The garlic chicken maintains a crisp crunch even after takeout, thanks to thoughtful packaging that keeps it fresh without sogginess—something many fried chicken spots miss. The Korean chicken shines with its sweet, sticky glaze that balances just the right hint of spice, perfect for those who prefer their heat tempered. Fans of bold sauces will appreciate pouring theirs generously over the chicken, amplifying the savory notes and creating a juicy, crispy bite.
Beyond chicken, the cheese sticks wrapped in wonton skins are a revelation. Crispy on the outside and gooey within, they pair perfectly dunked into the accompanying sauce, adding a delightful contrast to the meal’s textures. Plus, pickled radish provides a refreshing, palate-cleansing crunch that cuts through the richness.
While seating and parking can be a challenge—typical of a cozy hole-in-the-wall—the friendly staff and well-crafted menu make the wait worthwhile. The menu’s clear visuals and detailed descriptions simplify ordering, and the vibrant local vibe extends to their cool branded t-shirts, turning a meal stop into a small, fun experience.
Ultimately, Itchy Butt delivers more than just fried chicken; it offers a flavorful journey deeply rooted in quality, texture, and inventive flavor balancing. If you’re in Honolulu and hunting for crispy, juicy fried chicken with a kick, this spot should be at the top of your list.
“ Full of flavor! Crispy chicken, radish was refreshing and the rice wasn't dry. Not a short wait, but it's kind of a hole in the wall, definitely worth it. There's street parking around the corner. Dip the cheese sticks into the sauce! So good. ”
“ Funny thing, it was the name that drew me here. As unorthodox as it is, it’s a solid place to get some chicken. We had the half garlic chicken and an order of the cheese sticks. The chicken is best eaten after you pour the sauce over it. So delicious. The wonton wrapped cheese sticks are really good too. Along with that, the t-shirts are cool. Downsides are a lack of parking. The parking lot can be tricky to navigate given the size and location. There is street parking that’s occasionally open. Also, when you place an order they don’t give you a number or take your name. When your order is ready they call out what you ordered and hopefully no one else waiting ordered the same thing. All in all would recommend trying. ”
“ The name definitely catches your eyes and there are so many positive reviews online so I have decided to try it. I had ordered the half garlic chicken pack with rice on the side for $3 additional so it came out to $23.04 tax included. I initially thought it was expensive for my lunch. But when I got it it was heavy as it was a lot. There were 9 good size pieces with pickled radish and soda included. It was enough for 2 people and in my case it was enough for my lunch and dinner. The garlic chicken tasted very good. The seasoning was just right and the meat was very juicy. So, it was very good and definitely a cheapeats that I highly recommend. Note: they do have some parking but no dining area, it is only take outs. ”
“ Small hole in the wall with yummy chicken. Order the whole chicken half Korean and half Garlic. The Ajumma who took our order was so nice and double bag our order and took time to tie and cute handle. We left and had to puncture the bag to let it vent so the fried chicken won’t get soggy the garlic chicken still had some crunch when we got to our hotel ”
“ Great name so I stopped by to grab a t-shirt! Had to wait in line behind a number of people ordering food - that tells me the food must be good! They were super friendly & showed me the different colors available. It's a tiny place with a walk-up to-go window. Menu covers the windows - pictures, description, & prices clearly visible. Small parking lot, but street parking available. Maybe next time I'll grab a bite to eat! ”