Brunch Spot Waikiki — Restaurant in Honolulu

Summary: It was like the staff were all on their first day at a restaurant...not just working in one, being in one. Forced 20% tip (party of 5), food not delivered until multiple reminders, cold plates (cold eggs).

For a party of 5, I didn't expect a mandatory 20% tip. Parties of 8+ used to be standard, but now it seems to be 6+. 5, is absurd. It's your staff you're looking after (not with a proper wage) so your rules. However....if you force a 20% tip, you better come with even mediocre service and table manner. Service should at least include all courses arriving to the table within a 5 minutes of each other (if not at the same time).

My side of eggs arrived before any meals, already on a cold plate, and were alone for about 5 min until the 4 other members' meals arrived. I asked about the pancake/berry entree I'd ordered and they said they'd check. 5 min later, out comes a single pancake on a plate. It takes a couple min to get the attention of a server (again, more of them than tables sat), and I explain what I'd ordered vs what was presented. They took the pancake and returned to the kitchen. Out comes a different server to plain-face tell me they'd already delivered a pancake/berry plate. We all looked at the now empty plates where once had been savory meals....not a sign of a pancake crumb in the sauce. We already explained in unison that that was incorrect. They came out 5 min later, about 10 min after the last member had finished eating with the correct plate.

When the bill arrived, THE SINGLE PANCAKE WAS CHARGED! (LMAO) I inquired, and they said they "DID ME THE FAVOR OF REMOVING THE PANCAKE". No comp to the entree, but whatever. The final bill arrives and I ask how I can edit the tip to other than 20%, and he reminds me of the policy. I remind him I had to wait 30 min for pancakes and sliced berries and the 4 attempts it took to even get them on the table. He reiterates the store policy, so I quit in order to go make something better of the day.

In all; pancakes were ok, berries were fresh and tasty, coffee was cold before I could get their attention for some sugar and a spoon, eggs actually could have been delicious if they were served on a cold plate.

In summary, forcing 20% is ludicrous for any party if your service isn't at least fair. 15% for fair service, 20% if above standard. But it was the total lack of awareness toward the whole situation that boggled me.

My person rule is only write a negative review if I take the time to write a positive one. Check out Noi Thai for great Thai Food, cocktails, and...

The food is delicious. We had the Waikiki Omurice and Garlic Shrimp. The gravy that comes with the Omurice is rich and flavorful, the proprietor simmers overnight grassfed beef to get that rich umami flavor. I was impressed that they added mushrooms to create an umami flavor bomb…dang, other people know about my little trick. The garlic shrimp is wonderful, the shrimp is peeled so the garlic sauce can stick to the shrimp as you eat it. I don’t know why the food trucks keep the shells on the shrimp, makes it harder to create that perfect bite.

The restaurant also serves 100% Kona on request. I ordered both the 100% Kona and the house coffee so I could compare and contrast. I recommend you do the same, have some fun and channel your inner wine critic.

Its a family run restaurant and hearing the waiter call back to “Appa” and “Eomma” reminded me of my own childhood experiences working at my Dad’s restaurant. Although I am a little jealous, the waiter says he’s had luck giving his Dad creative feedback….me, no such luck. 😆

If you’re in the mood for a high quality breakfast away from the tourist oriented locations give this place a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Oh…almost forgot to mention, this is one of those restaurants that have a dual personality. Its both the “Brunch Spot” and the “Sushi Spot” at different times of the day. ☕️🍳 and...

The food was very good but the space is a bit small inside. When they are full it can get a little cramped. I had the moco loco and the waffle plate. Both were cooked perfectly and the Loco Moco gravy was delicious.

Service was not very good. Once I sat down, the waitress didn't even get me water. She only got me water after another party came in and she was getting them water and saw I needed one as well. My server only came once to drop off my food and never returned. I never got water refilled, never asked how I was doing or if I needed anything. I dropped my knife on accident and was waiting to ask for a new one but she just kept skipping over me. So I just used my fork to spread the butter.

Needless to say I did not leave a tip. She asked why I did not tip and I was confused because clearly she knows the type of service she provided (or maybe not). I explained to her and the other gentleman that was working.

I usually tip but I do not leave tips for bad service and I wish others would do the same. Tips have become so normal that even when service is bad they think a tip is still required.

A simple checkin with your tables go a long way. I felt like I was forgotten about in the back corner while larger tables took precedence.

I would eat there again but only takeout. Inside dining too small/cramped and...