Paniolo Cafe — Restaurant in Great Falls

My family and I were visiting Great Falls from the ninth island (Las Vegas), and just like any other cities I visit, I enjoy trying new restaurants. Ok, let's be honest here, who would ever expect a Hawaiian-inspired restaurant to be located in the downtown area of Great Falls, Montana? I know I would've never presumed that in a million years. Regardless, it's true and we stumbled across this business on 13 Aug 2024, and got to experience brunch at this wonderful restaurant.

I was slightly confused trying to find this restaurant on foot because Google Maps was a little deceiving that afternoon, but eventually, I figured it out. When we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and Aloha; we also had the distinct privilege of talking to one of the owners of Paniolo Café, Sedgie, which was amazing to hear about his business venture and to be able to just sit there and "talk story" with him.

Their menu offers a wide array of authentic, Hawaiian cuisine. Also, if you talk to the owners of that restaurant, they'll explain the additional items that are served on specific days, based on supply and demand. For us, we ordered the Cherry Chocolate Chip Bar, Haupia, Mixed Plate (Huli Huli Chicken and Kalua Pork), Loco Moco, and High Country Pulled Pork Sandwich. We also ordered their coffee as well which is from the islands; I believe it's from Bad A$$ Coffee (IYKYK). You definitely get your money's worth at this place based on the quantity, and especially the quality because everything was outstanding.

This business seems to be doing well, but the one thing I would hope is that this business eventually opens a standalone building just for them and not located within another business complex. I know that demand challenges a lot of business decisions, but I would love to see this restaurant somewhere else that enables them to have a bigger dining area. Then again, I don't know how often people opt to dine at their restaurant. All I can say is that we enjoyed dining there because the décor and Hawaiian music playing in the background (along with no one else in the dining area), positively encapsulated the entire experience. 🌴 Although, there were a lot of people in line getting their food to-go.

Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant to all locals and visitors. I cannot express just how amazed my family and I were to have found this restaurant while we were visiting this city and how authentic their entrées were. Their prices are very reasonable and I highly respect this business for their continued support to the active men and women of the Armed Forces, including its Veterans! Mahalo Nui Loa for the hospitality and the...

We went to this coffee house because was the reviews were great, I would disagree on that. The space is old style, the food is awful. We have chosen the brisket, that sounded the best on the menu. When I took one bite, it was hitting me a extreme salt and spices, which made the sandwich uneatable. Same for my daughter, because she did not say anything about the taste. I took one bite and could not eat any more of it. One of the waiter asked me what is wrong, I told him and he went away. Then waitress came and I told her again what is the issue. She offered another dish, but I did not take it, I do not want to poison myself for these kind of food again. And she was asking me and my daughter if we want to take the food....are you kidding me? Why would I take food what is taste bad? They did not even offer me a refund. The latte was also tasted like super cheap beans which has all the garbage grinded in it. I was super disappointed. The tacos taste...

If you haven't been here yet, you're missing out! Amaaaaaazing food, absolutely delicious. I cried when I ate their caramel, walnut cinnamon roll (that's as big as my hand 🤤) it was insanely delicious! I also enjoyed one of their home made ice cold drinks and a chicken sandwich that made your mouth water with all its goodness! That's not even the best part, everyone that works there is absolutely welcoming and make you feel like you're coming home to eat a meal! Like family, ohana! So make your way down as soon as you can and be prepared to be blown away! Mahalo...