My go to’s: Top Coffee Shops
Do you ever get asked for recommendations/suggestions on where to eat, where to go, what to see? neither do i lol…but if I did, I wanted something I could refer back to in case the moment comes up. Since I do a lot of take-out coffee, I’m gonna start out with Cafe’s, Coffee shops that I frequent. Bear in mind, the shops/cafe’s I will be discussing here, are in by no means in any ranked order, as they each have unique offerings that I tend to order each time I visit. I wanted to make future suggestions based off your mood, whether you’re craving straight black coffee, something milky and sweet, or hungry for food at the same time.
This post was inspired by my Wife, Kiana, who suggested we visit each of our favorite shops during the week of our cancelled vacation trip to the Mainland d/t covid-19 restrictions. Like most of us, covid-19 cancelled pretty much the entire 2020 in terms of out-of-state travel, so we utilized the time off to enjoy what we have at home. We selected local and small shops, so you will not be hearing of Starbucks, or CBTL, or anything of that scale. During this time, the small businesses were hit hard, and they needed the communities help the most to stay afloat, keep their staff, and most importantly keep serving me coffee. So do your thang, buy local, shop small, support small businesses.
ARS Cafe
Remember in 2016, when avocado toast blew up your instagram feed? The avocado toast ARS provides is a step above the usual smashed with your fork avocado beneath sprinkles of red pepper flakes. Atop the layer of avocado is sliced beets, crumbled cheese, topped with a poached egg, paired on the side is a helping of arugula salad with dressing. If i’m not mistaken, ARS is a sister to PIONEER Saloon next door.
If I am craving a strong and tasty cold brew, in a jazzy setting, with dark tones and a vinyl record player, I go here. Plus points is the white art gallery sections, housing pieces from local artists. Plus plus points in the seasonal house made gelato that pumps up here and there if you can get your hands on one.
Location: Monsarrat Ave looking at Diamond Head Crater.
Kona Coffee Purveyors
When I am due for a treat, a Kouign-Amann from KCP is usually on the list. Pronounced “queen a-mahn,” this flaky pastry is a result of folding layer after layer of buttery dough, most similar to a croissant but more sweet/salty, sticky, and crispy. Inside KCP lays B.Patisserie, an open kitchen bakery originating from SanFrancisco. They are the masterminds behind the Kouign amann and other pastries like their cookies and crossiants.
If its a hotter day than usual in Hawaii, I opt for an Espresso Tonic which is a double shot of espresso layered over tonic water, topped with a lime. The bubbly drink doubles as a perfect thirst quencher, and afternoon pick me up.
Location: Waikiki inside the International Market Place ground floor.
9 Bar HNL
Do you want a hearty breakfast to go with your coffee? but wait, your significant other wants something sweet…well you can have both at 9 Bar. My go to is the Cali bowl, it comes with some roasted baby potatoes, avocado, salsa, sour cream, mexican cheese, a perfect poached egg, and the crunchiest, melt in your mouth bacon. It’s gone in seconds, i have to teach my self to eat slower. They also have an assortment of scuffins (thats not a typo) from savory to sweet, amazing cookies, and an even more amazing double-chocolate peanut butter buttercream cookie-sandwich, your eyes will roll to the back of your head because its so good.
I also get the Espresso Tonic here, less sweet as compared to KCP, because carbonated water used is different, still awesome.
Location: Kakaako, inside SALT.
Honolulu Coffee
When I just coffee/flavored drink and I’m near the mall, I find myself at Honolulu Coffee. They have this Hawaiian Latte that I can’t get my mind off of, I even tried replicating it at home but nada. They have small food goods, but coffee is their specialty here, since they farm their own beans on the big island and roast them here in Honolulu. The consistency is keen, and I have yet drank something disappointing. It’s probably why you see them at coffee competitions often, because they take coffee craft seriously. The flagship store has a cool cupping lab for tasting/experimenting. This shop leans towards big chain, since there are multiple locations, theres lots of retail items other than food too.
Location: Ala Moana Shopping Mall. Kalakaua Ave as pictured.
Bean About Town
This is my neighborhood coffee shop. The shop knows me by name, the owner, Olivier, is cool down to earth french man who drives a dope VW Vanagon. My wife loves the mocha latte here. If I am on the go, I get a cold brew, If I want to sit and chat I get a pour over with whatever beans Olivier suggests because I trust his expertise in the speciality coffee scene. He sources beans and roasts as well. It’s a very small coffee shop, but it gives off all the vibes, and makes you feel separated from the busy Kaimuki. Grab a Cannelés de Bordeaux with your drink and thank me later. Inside the caramelized crust is this eggy custard goodness, perfect with a hot drink in the morning.
Location: Kaimuki Ave
SURFERS COFFEE
My hometown of Wahiawa is probably the last place you would think of when “cool coffee shop” came to mind. The strip mall that occupied kamehameha hwy once was filled with strip clubs and late night bars, it was more of an area you would have avoided. Ever since Surfing the Nations cleaned up the area is now thriving with small business and eateries.
When visit home, I come here for the creamy nitro cold brew that comes out with a super frothy head compared to others on the island that just come out flat. The other drink I come here for is the Dirty Chai Latte. Special David Rio Vanilla chai combined with milk topped with 2 shots of espresso makes for a perfect blend of bold coffee taste with more sweet than spicy vanilla chai. Best on the island.
