Island Vintage Coffee Waikiki — Restaurant in Honolulu

We waited in line for about 15-20 minutes to place our order, and it took over 30 minutes to receive our acai bowl and sandwich after ordering.

Although the cashier gave us number 71, our number was never called, and we noticed that people who ordered after us were receiving their orders. Additionally, we saw the acai bowl sitting on the counter for over 10 minutes, but when we checked the number, it was 74, which was not ours. We continued to wait, but no one came, and when we saw the server looking for the sandwich order for number 74, we realized we were given the wrong number.

We tried to explain the situation to a server, but she either couldn't understand us or didn't speak English, as she simply replied, "ah... yes" and walked away. So we approached another server and explained the situation, but she didn't return after saying she would check on it (perhaps it took her a long time to confirm).

By this point, we had been waiting for over an hour since we got in line and over 45 minutes since we placed our order, yet no one apologized or offered a solution. We couldn't eat anything.

Since we had other plans, we requested a refund for the sandwich. While speaking with another cashier, we started eating the acai bowl. Then, a woman(probably manager) came to our table, apologized, and offered us the sandwich for free, so we took it to go.

Although I understand that it was busy, I felt that the customer service was extremely poor. Despite waiting for over 30 minutes in front of the counter, no one noticed us, and we had to explain the situation from scratch to four different staff members. Furthermore, no one apologized or offered a resolution until someone like a manager finally arrived. It was truly disappointing.

Lastly, when I checked the receipt, I realized that the refund was for the acai bowl, not the sandwich.

Despite this negative experience, I have to say that it was the best acai bowl I have ever had. I wasn't expecting much because acai bowls are famous, but the sandwich was also delicious with a good balance of flavors and generous portions. It would have been a 5-star experience if it weren't for the terrible...

MY FAV ACAI BOWLS!! UBE CREAM CHEESE COOKIE? SAY LESS!

Come early as the lineup can pick up reallllll quick and it will take 30-40 mins wait. But if your early, it will just take 5-10 mins. We came about 9am and there was just 3 people ahead of us. Yesterday the lineup went around and were like NOPE, tomorrow it is lol

Food: Açai bowls: Waialua Moana Bowl MY FAVOURITE! Had to come here twice because their house made coconut peanut butter is a cherry on top of this Acai bowl. I’ve been trying different açai bowls daily (7days trip) and this one topped it!

Poke, Shoyu spicy tuna: Tuna is fresh and has flavors with a salad. This is more like a healthy poke, so the flavour was refreshing. I usually like my poke full of flavor but the concept is understandable to give it the healthy taste to it.

Eggs Benedict: the eggs were Almsot cooked to perfection, a bit overcooked but Delicious! Flavours and the bread is fresh.

Ube cream cheese cookie: SO FRESH and delicious ~ it’s sweet because of the cream cheese but that’s to be expected. So gooey and it looks beautiful. Best ube cookie I ever had!

Pricing: take my money, I’ll come here again.

Atmosphere: the views are pretty and it overlooks the fountains and garden area

Presentation: everything is presented beautifully even the açai bowl in a mug cup with a flower is just beautiful. Those little details makes me love this place even more!

Staff: sweet and kind, even with a big line. They are patient with you when ordering since it was our first time there, they told us what was their favourite when we asked, which I was not disappointed at all. Everything tasted delicious!

Overall: I already miss this place and want to come here for breakfast/lunch again!

Tip: if there’s a large lineup, go another day and earlier! I wouldn’t wait but I would definitely come here as it’s my top...

If you like Starbucks, you're gonna absolutely love IVC even more! I first tried them at their shop in Whaler's Village in Kaanapali and was wowed. There are several locations on Oahu including Island Vintage Shave Ice shops, a sole coffee spot on Maui, and a few in Japan.

ATMOSPHERE: They're located in the Royal Hawaiian Center, second level, just off of the Royal Hawaiian Avenue point of entry. While the open-air shop is adequately sized, it's the hoards of people that make it seem cramped. Tables are scattered along a small balcony and if you eat-in, you will constantly have someone standing near your table waiting for their order, something very annoying to me. Luckily we were getting our drinks to go.

MENU: Acai bowls, breakfast items, sandwiches, burgers, rice dishes, pokē bowls, fruits, salads, 100% hot & cold Kona coffees/drinks, teas, smoothies.

DRINK: Macadamia Kona Mocha This is akin to Starbucks' Frappuccinos but are ten times fresher and tastier. In addition to the chocolatey and smoky mocha flavor, a hint of macadamia takes it over the flavor edge, all while not being overly sugary. Their whipped cream is the real stuff, and doesn't leave that nasty film in your mouth like you-know-who's version.

SERVICE: There was healthy line when we came in around 9am on a Sunday but it moved quick. The female cashier was cool, calm and collected regardless of the never-ending queue. You're given a number but order firing wasn't numerical so don't bother counting. We were a group of three and our beverages were ready in about 10 minutes.

TIP: They have paper menus at the front door for you to browse while in line, but they don't list the beverage selections, only food.

OVERALL: I love it when a local biz shines over chains with fresher & higher quality products....