Coffee Shop was my Dad's lunch hangout. I ordered his fave- ox tail soup, the regular bowl comes with 2 scoops rice for $31.00. 4 pieces of ox tail. Comes with the cilantro and green onions already in the soup. It was just okay, lately its a hit or miss. The meat was not fall off the bone tender and too much fat. But ambiance was old school and wait staff were fast and nice. read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

Two words: Oxtail soup. Several sizes. Rich savory falls off the bone goodness. If you are on a budget. Oxtail broth. Comes with rice and garnishes. read more

Dinner in Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i... On Saturday evenings, my casual foodie group (with my 89 year old auntie) tries various restaurants. Sometimes auntie can't join me, so we've added a guy from the Philippines and a gal from the mainland. Both of them are quite open to new foods and places. I told them about Kapiolani Coffee Shop and that I had never been here before, even though I lived here (basically) all of my life. Kapiolani Coffee Shop is an iconic, Old School institution that started in the late 1940s. If you like the cozy diner vibe, this it... in a local form... and it's NOT just a coffee shop that's open for breakfast only. They even have a takeout window for those who don't want to dine in. The mainland gal poked her head in on the restaurant side and thought that we were in the wrong place because there are only nine tables inside. She was surprised at the size of the place. Yes... it's intimate. We told them that we're a party of three and waited a few minutes for a table to open up. Soon after we were seated, our Filipino friend started speaking Tagolog to the bus boy. Our server was friendly and patient with us! It was a nice, calm, comfy environment! Of course, I had to get the famous Oxtail Soup. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender! The broth was delicious! I appreciate the few peanuts, a couple of pieces of star anise, and generous amount of cilantro in the soup! Our Filipino friend enjoyed his succulent pot roast and the gal from the mainland took half of her yummy corned beef and cabbage home because the portion was so large! Thanks for a great foodie adventure! The free, shared parking was an added plus at Waimalu Shopping Center! read more

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Excellent service! We were greeted immediately after entering the restaurant. There were a few open tables and we were told to sit wherever we wanted to. Right after sitting down, we were asked if we wanted something to drink; I asked for a coffee. Aside from my coffee, the waitress brought two cups of water and our forks. I decided to get garlic fried rice (brown rice), bacon and eggs, and my husband got the loaded breakfast. Our food took a while to cook but everything came out nice and hot. The garlic fried rice was good, and our eggs were cooked perfectly. The only downfall was my bacon; I like my bacon crispy. Other than that, everything was great! I definitely want to come back and try some of the lunch plates. read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Island Breakfast - over medium eggs, bacon and garlic fried rice (brown rice) - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Would rate this place as 3.5 if half stars were possible. A few things are very good (oxtail soup - theirs is one of the best, pot roast - hubby orders it a lot), and some not so good. Hubby had a mini tonkatsu tonight and he said it was good. I had a grilled cheese sandwich and fries. Fries came out piping hot (always a good thing) and crispy on the outside, soft inside. Not bad. Grilled cheese sandwich was 2.5 stars. Bread was a little burnt. Not too much but it was. Only one slice of standard American processed cheese (usual for grilled cheese sandwich), soft inside it didn't fill the bread. The big disappointment was the oil or whatever was used to grill the sandwich. It had an off taste or the taste if something previously grilled and pretty much ruined the sandwich. Never again. So will still come here but will be very careful about what I order. read more

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Update 9-9-26. I went to kapiolani coffee shop and got their Wednesday soecial roast turkey with garlic mash potatoes. Took it home and we had it for dinner. It was alot. Sorry the picture was half eaten with my husband before I forgot to take a picture. They use real turkey it was good came with 1 scoop mash, stuffing underneath the brown and white meat, scoop of their Mac salad and small spoonful of cranberry sauce. The gravy was ok but it was brown gravy instead of turkey gravy but that's ok. The stuffing was on the sweet side. But all in all was good and plentiful for $19.00 plus tax. read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Half eaten turkey plate. Lol... - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

Kapiolani Coffee Shop is definitely a place you should try! It's family friendly, and simple set up inside with amazing food. My ohana came here after the zoo and everything we tried was so ono! The loco moco was flavorful, the garlic chicken was fried just right, the tonkatsu curry was the best I have ever had, the teri beef was good, and the oxtail soup was fantastic! We will definitely come back. I also had a cup of the chicken papaya broth and it was sooo good. They serve the ginger on the side so you can add it yourself to the soup, which I loved because I like a lot of ginger and my keiki and husband just like a little so we could each make it the way we wanted it. We came in mid afternoon and didn't have to wait at all, but I have driven by here a lot in the morning/around meal times and have seen a line waiting at the door so you may have to wait depending on when you come-but it is worth it! read more

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Saturday May 9, 2026 first time, coming here. Plenty food places here. Not enough parking. Lol. I found parking after a while driving and waiting a while. 2 people in front us of in line to go in. We had to wait a little while. Not a very long wait. We went inside and we sat down. Ambiance is casual and comfortable inside here. We ordered right away. Service is friendly and fast. The food came out shortly after. It looked good. We ate and then we left right away. As other people were waiting outside. We paid and we left to go outside. There was a very long line of people waiting to go in. Plus, it was the day before Mother's Day. Or it's always busy like that. We will be back to try the Famous Oxtail Soup. Which we should've tried this first time here. We will be back another time. Support local businesses. read more

Thursday special, pork guisantes! Very flavorful and the portions size is great! The people that work there are very nice and friendly! This is one of my favorite places to get a good plate lunch anytime of the week read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Pork guisantes Thursday special - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

First time here located in the Waimalu Shopping Center, was a hot Saturday afternoon 1:30 pm. Wanted a place to sit in a/c. comfort. Lots of places to eat in the center.Got seated & May was our server. We chose a Cheeseburger Deluxe , side of French fries & a Fried Saimin. May was friendly& had to come back a second time, cuz we couldn't decide. The food arrived in a timely manner& it was all so delicious! Sitting down in a cool restaurant, made the lunch really nice. Having May being very nice& her partner server, Jackie was a treat to have excellent customer service! The inside of the restaurant is simple, but clean Will return on our shopping trips ! Reasonable & good hearty food! Thank you! read more

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My Curry Katsu chicken was greattt! Service was fast and the staff know their customers by name. My first time ever and it was amazing. I'll return when family says. read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Front of store. - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Had breakfast to day at Kapiolani Coffee Shop. The service was excellent. I ordered bacon and egg with toast. . Bacon medium and eggs over easy. The cook did it perfectly. The toast was the exception. it was under done. Otherwise a perfect meal. Enjoy read more

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Beef Curry simple order. I ask for more carrots and less potatoes. Instead I got two big potatoes , two carrots okay that's fine. The beef I got 1 piece fine the second piece fatty, When the name BEEF is in the name of the dish I expect beef. So I paid $19 for 2 carrots 2 potatoes and a few pieces of meat. The cook told me they normally place 1 carrot, 1 potato and 3 pieces of beef. I don't get it. I also ask for gravy all over. But NO didn't happened. Sorry not a happy ending. read more

I always come for the oxtail soup here. It's my very favorite place to get the Chinese style version! Simmered with star anise and tangerine peel, flavored heavily with Chinese parsley and peanuts. Shoyu and grated ginger provided on the side. Mostly order for takeout so I can head back into town before traffic builds up tho have eaten here in the dining room on occasion. Very old school; greasy spoon joint; very come as you are. On takeout I love how the counter person always packs my order so well. And always get extra grated ginger (well worth the slight upcharge). Order then walk over to Palama Market for a "few extras". Take out order always quick and ready when I return. Located in Waimalu Shopping Center strip mall sharing parking with many other eateries. Parking always full yet always someone leaving. Patience is a virtue. And good food which touches the soul is worth the small wait! read more

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Inside dining was a good experience. Friend was craving for the oxtail soup so this is where we ended up. The Kalbi fried rice tasted even better and the portion was even more. My friend's reaction was "Wow!" We both enjoyed our meals. Went a little earlier to beat the lunch-hour crowd. Sure enough the tables were filling up. There was a sign on the wall by our booth that stated a time limit. I can't remember what it said though. I usually order takeout, so this day was a nice change of pace. Service inside was just as cordial and polite as the window help. read more

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My husband had the oxtail soup, I had chicken katsu with fried noodles and side order scoop rice. My husband always gets the soup. I have yet to find my go to meal there although I really did enjoy the noodles and the ladies were very nice. read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Started eating Fried noodles with chicken katsu and side scoop rice - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

First time eating at Kapiolani Coffee Shop in a long time, and it did not disappoint. The place has such a local, laid-back ambiance that really gives you that classic Hawaii comfort feel. We came in for a family breakfast this morning and were seated right away, which was a great start. The service was super quick -- our food came out in less than 10 minutes after ordering, which was impressive, especially during breakfast hours. Everything felt smooth, easy, and welcoming. Definitely a solid spot if you're looking for a relaxed, local-style breakfast experience. read more

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Delicious and perfectly warm soup for the rainy weather we have been having! Not a BYOB establishment. Family oriented environment. Would come here for family dinner again, not too loud read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Oxtail soup; regular - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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This place will always be a staple for myself and my family. The oxtail soup is still the best on the island. Yes it's close to $30, but the flavor is unmatched. Still cheaper to buy it than make it at home + labor. And for $8 to get a burger and some fries? Timeless classics. The burgers here are so simple and just bring you back to small kid time. I will always make the drive to come out here whenever I'm craving. read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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A staple for oxtail soup! I usually get the oxtail soup with rice, but I tried the saimin version and I loved it. There's ginger shoyu sauce for more flavor, but I usually add a ton of tabasco lol. The noodles weren't overcooked and the oxtail was so tender. Aunties serving us was great and the place was small and cozy. The parking lot can get super full though read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Stopped in for a quick late lunch. Greeted promptly by server & ordered Oxtail soup (regular size) & the food was delivered quickly. Soup is always good, their recipe is consistent as to what it was back in the day at the old Kam Bowl coffee shop. I request to get the green onions on the side, just so Im able to enjoy the flavor of the broth. This is the place to go if you need a simple yet perfectly prepared oxtail soup. Straight to the point...yummy. read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Oxtail soup & 2 scoop white rice with a drizzle of soy sauce - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Decided to take my wife here on 8/9/2026 since she has been craving oxtail soup for a while, I have never dined in over here, just take out for work many years ago. We got there around 2pm, had to wait about 5 minutes for a table. We ordered oxtail soup, pigs feet soup, steak w/ onions and mushrooms, calamari, Kim chee and fries. First thing to come out was the steak for our son, few minutes later the fries and calamari came out. This is where everything went wrong, maybe about 10 minutes later my son was done eating, our waitress comes by and says the soups will be coming out shortly, 5 minutes pass, 8 minutes pass, I had to ask the girl at the register how much longer on the food, she says about 10 more minutes..... Wife and I decided it was too much to wait 10 more minutes, so I walked up to the counter to cash out, told her we'll pay for what we were served. Manager (I'm assuming) came out and said sorry the oxtail is not soft enough and will need about 10 minutes more (quality control?) we said nevermind it's been too long, and I'll just pay the bill, side note we was charged the kim chee and didn't get it so I had the girl remove it from the bill. My question is, how does a place that boast about their oxtail soup run out??? Granted it was 2:00 Sunday, they do have a take out window and they close at 9pm, someone should have been preparing the next batch before the pot ran dry. If it was handled better maybe we would've waited for it to be cooked, but I had to inquire about our soups instead of someone informing us on what is going on in the kitchen. I get places don't want to overcook to lose money, but at 2:30 and no oxtail?!?!?! Go figure. As for the food my son had, steak was good, but wasn't worth a $29.00 steak plate, calamari was a little overpriced too, but then again it's Hawaii. read more

We were in the area and decided to go Kapiolani Coffee Shop (haven't been in years) for Breakfast. We got there around 9:30 and there was only one table open so we seated ourselves immediately. I ordered a regular sized ox-tail soup and my boyfriend ordered the adobo fried rice and the lechon kawali to share. We ordered our toodler just a pancake. Our food came so fast, I don't even think we waited 5 minutes. When I started on my ox-tail I noticed it was a little bland for me so ended up pouring half my ginger sauce in the bowl to give it more flavor- also the oxtails had so much fat that wasn't trimmed so I had to cut it off before I ate it. My toddlers pancake was cooked on the outside but the middle part was still raw. They could've probably let it cook for a minute more. The best dish was the lechon kawali. The pork skin was so airy & crispy but not hard. The meat and fat just melted in my mouth. It was soooo good. However, I think they only serve that on Fridays and Saturdays. I probably won't come back anytime soon but if I did, I'd definitely order the Lechon. read more

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I was hungry for pig's feet soup and this was the closest place. Menu says Okinawa style. It was missing shiitake and konbu but the broth was ok. Would have been better and more "umami" with shiitake and konbu. Pig's feet was not fall off the bone tender. They even supply a steak knife. Plenty of daikon and carrot. It was ok but I wouldn't get it again. Oxtail soup is better. Hubby got the pork chop without the gravy because he likes catsup. Pork chop is thin so it was not super tender but it was ok. read more

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Loved the oxtail broth. Service was good for it being crowded. Ambience is very small but good read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Pork link with over easy egg & rice - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Kapiolani Coffee Shop famous for their Oxtail Soup and local style entrees. Love their version of Oxtail Soup. Flavorful broth, plenty of tender and n flavorful oxtails, served with fresh cilantro and green onions, and shoyu ginger sauce. Simply delicious. We also tried the Hamburger Steak, Cream of mushroom pork chops, and Lechon Kawali. All were prepared well and were delicious. Service was quick and friendly. Nice cozy dining room take out and delivery service available. Definitely a place to visit for your comfort food fix. read more

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Food is delicious; we loved their stir fry chop steak. Service at pick up order was good. Ambiance, we have not done in, because it looks small and not so clean/tidy looking. read more

Oxtail soup - still one of the best on this island. Added extra parsley and green onion for a little more $$. Came nice and hot. It is expensive, but well worth it when you crave something comforting. read more

Highly recommend getting their oxtail soup if it's your first time! They also have other great items like steak plates and fried rice. Love ordering family style so we can try and share everything. read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Oxtail Soup - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

Went today for the first time here with a friend (who last time he came he said was about ten years ago). Upon walking up to the entry from the parking lot, which by the way are spacious wide parking stalls (haven't been here for years, last time was before they repaved)., we had to wait outside in the line for seating (there is NO sign in log ---just wait outside on decal spots on ground designated to 'wait here'. We were 3rd in line to wait, but became 2nd in line when the first party decided to leave the line and muttered he had waited more than I guess he wanted to. Yikes for him, as less than a minute later, the man in front of us got called! Then two minutes later (after waiting over ten minutes), we were seated in the booth by the DH side wall. I decided to order one of today's lunch specials, the Garlic Aioli Cheeseburger with fries at $10.50 along with a side order of two scoops of mac salad at $3.75 (one scoop would have cost $2.75), so the better value I chose with the two scoops. Waited almost ten minutes and both my food and my friend's (there were three sizes available) regular bowl size of oxtail soup was delivered at the same time by our waitress. This waitress tabled all 10 or 11 total tables in the coffee shop except when to clear the tables, when one or two others from the kitchen would come and assist to clear and wipe down the tables. Nice that they provide a metal steak knife to be able to cut your hamburger into a smaller size so it would be easier to grab. The paper napkins were of the good/very good quality type with thickness, not some thin plies like some other similar diners. Let's start off with the mac salad... perfectly cooked, not mushy, some grated carrots visible, but a disappointment in taste... like there is no or so very little salt...I would have to rate this at 2 stars out of 5 stars... sure there is table salt on the condiments tray on each table, but at least some salt already poured onto the mac salad would have been nice. The French fries were another thing not worthy of mention as there was hardly anything special about it, appearance wise or taste wise. It too needed salt as I hardly tasted any salt at all... Makes me wonder if I lost my taste buds... but nah, I don't think so.... yet.. The surprise item for my lunch was the Garlic Aioli Cheeseburger sandwich with some grilled onions *and* button fresh mushrooms... Boy, was it soft to bite --- hey, no teeth? no worries! Anyone could eat the so soft medium/medium well interior and nicely grill exterior burger that went well with the soft hamburger buns. Tasty? Oh yes, it was! A very delicious burger to eat, though at $7.00, a little pricey for the small sized burger, but where isn't? But I give it still 3.5 stars, leaning towards wanting to give it 4 stars, but the small size kind of made me deduct a 1/2 star. My friend though who ordered the regular sized bowl of oxtail soup was NOT too excited about the overly salted broth, as he told me it would be overkill to even put more shoyu/flavorings that came in the small sauce container. He is a connoisseur of oxtail soup, always on the lookout for where he gets the best tasting oxtail soup. He loves to cook and his take is their oxtail was cooked separately from the broth as his bowl had NO peanuts nor meat remnants that would have fallen off the bone. Says Zippy's oxtail soup has so much more flavor that comes out to pleasure one's mouth than here! Yes, there is a shared male/female one person bathroom with a wide door (so it has an handicapped accessible entryway). There are Kapiolani Coffee Shop t- shirts for sale but currently only available in sizes XL to XXXL at $16.50 (comes in black, green, or purple) as a black t-shirt showing its design is hung on the upper wall by the cash register. The waitress will drop off the check at your table and you bring it up to the cash register area to pay your bill near the t-shirt on display. This is a good place to informally dine... love the inside ambiance of old...saw a few but noticeable number of retirees eating with each other, so this must be a good place to meet! If I were to come just by myself though, I'd feel guilty to take up a table that could seat at least four since there are no counter seating for single parties. I would come back here to Kapiolani Coffee Shop (open since 1949) for lunch or dinner... maybe even breakfast! Again, it would be fair to give it three (3) stars out of 5 stars! read more

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Located in the Waimalu shopping center on the Ewa side of the shopping center, (looking forward to the center it will be on the left side) near Palama Market. Parking is limited shared by all restaurants and stores, we got there early so had quite a few open spaces, lunch is the most crowded. The ox tail soup they have small and regular only and I had the regular which was still as good as before. My wife wanted breakfast and ordered the scrambled eggs & Pancakes & Vienna sausage which she enjoyed. They have only 1 restroom shared by men & women, so if you have to go if it's open go! read more

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For as long as Kapiolani Coffee Shop has been open in Aiea, we have never been until about a month ago... (10/2024). And, believe it or not, we've been in 3 times since!! Yikes!! But yikes in a good way! I can't believe we never cane sooner! We used to live in Kailua, and swore by Times Coffee Shop. But NO! Kapiolani Coffee Shop is where it's at! The Adobo fried rice is our favorite so far!! We've also had the French toast, mochi pancakes, and sides of corned beef hash and lup cheong, along with lots of coffee. We still absolutely need to come in and try their famous Ox Tail Soup! Ambience is basic, old school diner. It's small, less than 10 tables, so sometimes there's a wait outside the door. But service is attentive and fast, so normally you don't have to wait long for a table. Totally recommend Kapiolani Coffee Shop! Oh, and there's lots of parking and a take out window too, if you don't want to dine in. read more

After watching Amanda and Felix on YouTube eating Oxtail Soup at Kapiolani Coffee Shop in Waimalu shopping center I had to try it!! It's a hole in da wall and thats how I like it. These small places always have "da winna" kine food. They have a large selection on their menu but my wife and I was there for their famous Oxtail Soup and they didn't disappoint!! Service was fast, they took our order and in no time I was digging in. The broth is clear and nicely seasoned. Not too many veggies like other places just enough to give the broth a nice taste. I had maybe six or so pieces of meat, which was tasty and soft. With rice and ginger on the side, this meal was winnas!!! Perfect for a cold day!! When I'm back on that side of the island I would definitely stop by again!! Maybe try something different... then again... just go for the Oxtail. read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Famous Oxtail Soup - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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Best oxtail. I usually go with the family so I usually get the xl oxtail to share with my girlfriend along with a plate of fried rice to share with the kids as well. Little over $30 for the oxtail which is ok since it feeds 2. The xl oxtail comes with a plate with like 5 scoops of rice and they serve premixed soy and ginger on the side. I like my soup extra gingery so I usually ask for extra ginger on the side which they are happy to give. The broth is so flavorful so we usually finish the broth before even finishing the meat. I could have a meal with just rice and the broth alone. The oxtail meat is very tender. You don't have to put in too much work when eating it. The meat alone taste amazing with the broth but I like to dip the meat in lots of ginger and some shoyu. One thing I like to do is take the ginger that's been in the shoyu and eat that straight with some rice and the broth... everything about the oxtail soup is delicious. The fried rice is flavorful as well. I usually get the Kim chee fried rice and honestly I don't really touch it at dinner but I like to take it home to eat later. At the end of the meal, the kids don't normally finish all the meat in their bowl nor does my girlfriend and I so they'll give a to go container. I'll put the leftovers from both bowls together and the great thing is you could order extra broth for cheap. Depending on the server, I've had times where they don't even charge for the extra broth. The restaurant itself is not no fine dine place, it's more like a mom and pop kind of restaurant... it feels homey. The workers are friendly and provide great service. Need anything like bowls or extra ginger and they'll bring it right away. Overall it's a great place to go for any day you just don't want to cook at home. I personally like cooking oxtail soup myself but it takes time so for the days I am short on time or just too tired or lazy to cook, this is one of my go to spots to eat. read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Fried rice - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii

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"Pot Roast Nightmare." That which used to charm and delight has gone to Hell in a bucket. I consistently order from the Saturday Daily Specials menu hoping to return to the glory days. On average, there are at least two slices in my last several orders that are so fatty that it barely qualifies the dish as food. All front end employees are gracious and nice, which points to a lack of serving pride on the back. I am now braced for pancreas failure from processing such a low end meal. Hoping for improvement henceforth. read more

If you're looking for no-frills, local-style comfort food that slaps, this spot delivers every time. Special of the day: Pork & Chicken Adobo - flavorful and tender, but definitely oily. Garlic Aïoli Cheeseburger + Fries: garlic-forward, fries were perfectly crispy. Corned Beef Hash: crispy edges, full flavor -- lowkey the MVP. Kalbi Fried Rice + Over Easy Eggs: LOADED with meat. Always a favorite. Total for all that? Just $50. Fast, filling, and hits the local cravings hard. Would 100% come back post-gym or late-night grind. read more

Nice friendly restaurant. One of our go to spot for lunch on the weekend due to convenient location that's across the street from goodwill. They have weekly specials. And mini version of certain food. I enjoy the pork tonkatsu, it's crispy and not dry. The dipping sauce also very tasty. Hits the spot every time when order with a cup of hot broth for a dollar more. read more

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Today I got to try the Oxtail Soup and it was very tasty. The service was friendly and helpful. read more

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Felt kinda small on the stuff that matters(meat), i asked for a regular loco moco, plate full of rice, 3 eggs, mac salad and a tiny patty that tasted amazing. Service was solid 9/10 Standard local ambiance. Probably a 2 ounce patty with 2 cups of rice kine, i dont usually do this type of review read more

It's been a few years since I've visited. I tried 3 other places, which will remain nameless, but I would visit Oahu, if only to eat Oxtail and try other dishes from this shop. I send other people to Aiea Bowl, if they ask for Oxtail... shout out to the aunties at the airport for this recommendation! read more

Kapiolani Coffee Shop - Diners Near Me - Aiea, Hawaii