FIVE OF THE BEST BRUNCH SPOTS IN HONOLULU
March 2, 2017
Because when you can’t decide on breakfast or lunch, there’s brunch. And the only things that can make this late morning meal more appealing are cocktails, good company and damn good coffee. Here, a list of our favorite brunch spots throughout Honolulu.
ARVO, Kakaako
| 675 Auahi Street | @a_r_v_o |
One of the hippest hangouts in Honolulu right now is Arvo, the cute cafe that shares a space with our friends at the botanical boutique Paiko and the curated surf shop Milo. The Aussie-inspired spot is helmed by Honolulu’s creative couple Mason and Dixie Rose, as well as Dixie’s sister Casey Wiggins, and their keen eye for style is reflected in everything they do. From the oh-so-Instagrammable nitro brew-slinging bicycle and Sunday Supply Co. umbrellas shading the outdoor seating, to the lavender latte and avocado toasts that are almost too pretty to eat, this neighborhood hot spot is just the place you want to be on any given morning or arvo (afternoon, in Aussie slang).
KOKO HEAD CAFE, Kaimuki
| 1145 12th Avenue, Suite C | @kokoheadcafe
Top Chef alum Lee Anne Wong helms this island style brunch house in the heart of Kaimuki. It’s no surprise that the mouthwatering baked goods—Kimchi Bacon Cheddar Scones, Banana Chili Lime Mac Nut Bread, for example—and island-style dishes like the Poke Omelette and Breakfast Congee draw quite a crowd. Equally as enticing as the food are the brunch cocktails. Among our favorites: the Queen’s Mimosa (sparkling cava, elderflower and a splash of guava), the Beach Comber (junmai sake, lililet, lychee, chambord) and the Mary Mary (vodka, Ho Farms tomato, wasabi yuzu).
MAHINA & SUN’S, Waikiki
| 412 Lewers Street | @mahinaandsuns |
Like all of Ed Kenney’s restaurants, Mahina & Sun’s focuses on sustainable, seasonal ingredients. For breakfast, choose from a mix of classic comfort foods as well as unexpected options, all with a signature Chef Kenney twist. Local eats like the Pork Adobo Fried Rice Bowl and the Surfjack Breakfast (featuring hapa rice and kimchee) are popular picks. Sweet options include the Malted Waffle, served with banana and peanut butter brown sugar bourbon hard sauce; and the U’lu Pancake, slathered in coconut brown sugar syrup, vanilla cream and lilikoi. And what’s a brunch without a beverage? Specialty cocktails served alongside your meal make the experience that much sweeter.
MORNING GLASS COFFEE & CAFE, Manoa
| 2955 East Manoa Road | @morningglasscoffee |
Be prepared for lines out the door, but know that it’s well worth it. At Morning Glass, you can also expect simple, fresh ingredients sourced from here in Hawaii whenever possible. Think pork from 2 Lady Pig Farmers in Waianae, Oahu; Kulana Beef and local milk from the Big Island; and fruits and veggies from the North Shore of Oahu. Stumptown coffee and specialty products like homemade baked goods, syrups and sodas also make this Manoa Valley spot a standout one. The weekend brunch menu features healthy eats like Brulee Oatmeal, unique plates such as the Macaroni and Cheese pancakes, and traditional American meals like Biscuits and Gravy and Eggs on Toast.
SCRATCH KITCHEN & BAKE SHOP, Chinatown
| 1030 Smith Street | @scratch_chinatownhi |
Head to Chinatown’s Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop for a stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s not too fancy, but also not boring. Scratch offers a variety of skillets, sandwiches and one serious pancake dish (Milk & Cereal Pancakes featuring berries, banana and milk syrup). You’ll find your morning staples like eggs Benedict, French toast and the local favorite loco moco, prepared with a twist on the traditional. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available and just as delicious. We recommend washing it all down with signature cocktails such as Kim Chee Bloody Mary, a Pineapple Mojo or a craft brew.