Café Kai — Restaurant in Bremerton

The only Musubi I had ever tried before this was at one of those awful Hawaiian chain restaurants. I was so grossed out, I couldn't understand why it was so popular in Hawaii. Cafe Kai has helped me to understand now.

My lady thinks Spam is really gross, so I had to wait a while until I had some time alone to get over here and try this place out. I am glad I had some spare time the other day after getting some work done on our car. I decided that I wanted to try "one of everything" once I got there, not really knowing what I was in for. I walked right in and did just that, I ordered one of everything. I got one Spam musubi, one hot dog musubi, and an order of the pork hash. The only thing I turned down was the saimin, because I'm not a fan of fried noodles. I also was asked if I wanted a spicy tuna musubi to which I excitedly responded "of course!" They said they had to make that one and it would be right out.

The spam and hot dog musubis were already made and wrapped in cellophane and the pork hash was also already made and in a small plastic bag. I sat down and marveled at the size of these musubi. They're huge. I instantly panicked and realized I still have more food coming, and then wondered what the other patrons thought of the fat guy in the corner with all that food. They brought out the spicy tuna musubi and it was actually two musubi rolls. So now, I'm in total shock sitting with 4 musubi to eat along with pork hash. Did I mention I got ALL of that, along with a bottled water for less than $15? Yes, super cheap.

Every one of the musubis were delicious. I tried a little of each and had to get a to go box to take home. I wanted my lady to try the spicy tuna musubi. Sometimes, I get pleasure having someone try a food they swore they'd never eat and get them to admit it's really good. She devoured the tuna musubi. The spicy tuna musubi is basically tuna salad, and then smothered in a delish spicy aioli type sauce on top. My personal favorite is the hot dog musubi. I'd never had that type of hot dog, and it was interesting, and smoky and salty, almost as if a hot dog and bologna made a baby red sausage. I think one of their best tricks is the rice they use in the musubi which is lightly infused with teriyaki sauce. It really makes a huge difference and also makes them super easy to pick up and eat. The pork hash is also amazing, little meatballs wrapped in steamed dumpling.

I reserve 5 star reviews for the best of the best, and for what this is, it is the best I've had, and I suspect will probably be the best I ever have aside from going directly to Hawaii. They are just as friendly as other reviewers have mentioned, the building is nice and clean (could use some window shades). I will be trying their espresso next time as well. I feel pretty lucky that we have something like...

Finally got to try this! We tried one of each musubi, as well as one coffee and one red bull drink. The last who attended is was super sweet and friendly & everything was delicious. I loved the bacon avocado the most and my spouse loves the spicy tuna. I don't know what kind of sauce came with that spicy tuna but it is amazing. The drinks were too but I don't know if I can order drinks next time. This is drive through only and it's really the drinks that delay the drive through as the musubis are already made and it makes me uncomfortable to slow it down.

I think the one thing I really don't like is the drive through situation. Only maybe 4-6 cars fit into the area and the rest need to stay out in the street, in the suicide lane waiting for a spot which just gets me all antsy as someone could easily/accidentally cut in front. Also if you are not in a car, are you supposed to stand in the street? Doesn't seem safe.

I would think it would be best to have the line snake through the parking lot. OR maybe place an order, get a ticket, wait in car, and have it brought out for drink orders, but they need more than one worker for that. OR maybe a walk-up only would be the best option, so have people park and then they form a line in person. Any of those would mean no one is in the street.

Basically the food and the service are amazing, but really wish they could work with the way their...

A friend shared Café Kai’s musubi with me and it was stellar! 5 stars for the food itself but unfortunately 3 stars because of the cons.

Pros Delicious musubi I have not tried their coffee or other items myself but have heard it’s very good Small family owned and run

Cons As of today 8/23/22 they are only doing drive-thru service, but their google information said that they also had dine in available. I went today hoping to sit down with my colleagues and enjoy our lunch break there and was very sad to see this was NOT a possibility. Because they have such a small staff, they have limited supplies and VERY ODD hours which ends up leading to long lines and no assurance you will be able to get something you waited in line for There is no space for a multiple car line to form, so you will sit in the turn lane in the street which is not safe nor good for local traffic. It’s also hard on the gas tank considering the times If you are a pedestrian, you have to wait in the car line which is also unsafe and there is no shade.

Considerations: Again, this is a TINY family owned business and you have the choice to be a super patient patron that may or may not get what you waited for. If you do end up getting it it’s one of the ONLY places who make musubi in town and it’s up to you to determine if the gas was worth how...