Button Up Cafe

Button Up Cafe is a favorite breakfast spot in Pearl City.  They are known for their stuffed French toasts, but they have other great menu items as well.  

Stuffed Nutella Cheesecake French Toast

The Stuffed French Toast is like a dessert!  Such an indulgence!

Bacon & Mushroom Omelet

Omelets come with rice, fries, tots, potato hash, or upgrade to fried rice for extra.  I got the tots, because I love tots!  Some of the tots were overcooked and hard to eat, but most of it was nice and crispy.  I loved that the omelet was stuffed with lots of bacon, mushrooms, and onions - and not the skimpy kind of pieces.

There were more tourists than locals when we visited, which I was surprised about, but it was nice to see the little restaurant so busy.

Button Up Cafe
719 Kamehameha Hwy
Pearl City, HI  96782

(808) 454-5454

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Miki's

If you grew up in or near Pearl City, there were a few late night / early morning spots you could dine at . . . Zippy’s & Anna Miller’s used to be open for 24 hours. And then there was Miki’s — a hole in the wall that opened late and closed early the next morning.

The last time I went to Miki’s was in high school, when my friends and I would often stop in after midnight.

We recently picked up a late (for me) dinner at 10pm. It was great to see a steady crowd of customers coming and going for plates of no-frills, tasty comfort food at this Pearl City mainstay.

BBQ Pork Ribs

Pork Guisantes

Pastele Stew

Beef Stew

I had the Pork Guisantes, and it was delish (they offer a lot of Filipino dishes on the menu).

Current hours are 8pm-3am.  Follow them @mikismenu for the daily specials.

Miki's
1001 Lehua Ave

Pearl City, HI 96782

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Pau Hana Bar

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - Pau Hana Bar at Foodland Farms in Pearl City has some of the best food in the neighbohood.

Chinese Style Ahi Belly

Crispy Chili Peppah Chicken

Fried Saimin

Warm Portuguese Sweet Bread Pudding

Everything was so delish!  My friend loved the ahi belly and appreciated the portion size for the price.  The chicken was really crispy and flavorful - not too spicy, but just enough chili pepper.  The fried saimin was seasoned well and had ample garnishes.

The bread pudding was humongous!  It was served warm, and I opted for a scoop of ice cream on the side. It was so good.

The day we went, it was the first day of a new ticketing system, and they were having lots of issues.  Our food order never went through, and by the time they figured it out, almost 45 minutes passed.  The bartender was apologetic and gave us a discount.  I appreciated the gesture!

Pau Hana Bar is a great spot for food in Pearl City!

Pau Hana Bar at Foodland Farms Pearl City

Pearl City Gateway Center
1150 Kuala Street
5 a.m. to 12 midnight daily
(808) 453-4509

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Oh My Grill - Pearl City

Oh My Grill is known for their huge portions and being open until pretty late.  They have several locations around Oahu, including in Pearl City (it used to be near Don Quijote, but now it's in the Pearl City Gateway Shopping Center).

Wagyu Loco Moco

Beef Lovers Mixed Plate

The Beef Lovers Mixed Plate comes with Hamburger Steak, Teri Beef Steak, and Beef Curry (pictured), Beef Stew, or Chili.

Their menu is pretty extensive, full of plate lunch faves, sandwiches, noodles, and so much more.

Oh My Grill
1140 Kuala St #108 Pearl City Gateway

Pearl City, HI 96782

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Liliha Bakery - Pearl City

I often go to Liliha Bakery to pick up treats, especially the popular Coco Puffs!  I went to the Pearl Highlands location, and it sure was crowded - both the dine-in and the bakery take-out! 

I absolutely love chantilly, so the chantilly-topped Coco Puffs are always a must.

We also got a Guava Roll, and some pre-packaged goodies that are perfect for omiyage - Chocolate Chip Cookies Brownies, and Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies.  

They also have a nice selection of savories which are perfect for a quick bite.

Next time I'll try more things (along with the Coco Puffs).

Liliha Bakery

1000 Kamehameha Hwy #210

Pearl City, HI 96782

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Cotti Coffee

Mocha Frappe

We were at Pearl Highlands Center and stopped at Cotti Coffee - a Chinese-based business with locations worldwide.  

Chocolate Frappe and Pampas Blue Coco Frappe

Although they obviously specialize in coffee, they offer fruit teas and milk teas as well, and you can add boba to drinks.

They were out of the mango and orange drinks, but they still had a large menu of drinks to choose from.  

There was just one employee working, making all the drinks for everyone who ordered, and he was really working hard to make everyone's drinks promptly.  He kept apologizing for the delay, when there really wasn't a long wait, which revealed he was very conscientious of the customer's wait time.  He was also very calm and pleasant.

For the employee's great service alone, I would recommend Cotti Coffee, although the drinks were refreshing and hit the spot too!

Cotti Coffee
1000 Kamehameha Hwy Suite C

Pearl City, HI 96782

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Pau Hana Bar at Foodland Farms Pearl City

When I don't want to go into town for some good food (which is often), I can always count on Pau Hana Bar at Foodland Farms Pearl City, which is my favorite spot in PC!

Fried Saimin

Pastele Stew "Tot-chos"

Salt & Vinegar Chicken Skin

Everything was so delish! The Fried Saimin was full of kamaboko, cabbage, SPAM, and char siu - it was very tasty! The tots on the Tot-Chos were perfectly crispy, and the pastele stew was delicious too, with tender pieces of pork. It was an interesting combo, especially with all the cheese, but it worked!

The Salt & Vinegar Chicken Skin was so addicting.  It was light, crunchy, with a punch of vinegar (my friend thought there was too much vinegar, but I enjoyed it as it was).  It was served with an adobo aioli.  

The bartender was working solo and it took some time for him to take our orders, but we didn't mind. He had to walk far to get the food and there were 10 of us seated at the bar at the time, but he was great in tending to the guests as quickly as he could. He was very friendly and funny too!

Pau Hana Bar is a great spot in Pearl City!

Foodland Farms Pearl City
Pearl City Gateway Center
1150 Kuala Street
5 a.m. to 12 midnight daily
(808) 453-4509.

 

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Chicken & Brisket

I love Chicken & Brisket.  We have done takeout from there several times, but for the first time, I dined in (with @melissa808!).

Jumbo Wings

Melissa got Jumbo Wings.  We weren't so sure what was "jumbo" about them, but they sure were yummy, especially with their signature YUM sauce.  

Lechon Kawali

I decided to try the Lechon Kawali for the first time, and it did not disappoint!  The pork was crispy, and I really enjoyed the garlic vinaigrette that pulled the dish together.  The dish reminded me of my grandparents!

Each plate came with two sides of choice.

Shave Ice

They also offer shave ice!  You can get two flavors (Melissa picked passion orange and guava), and add extras (we added ice cream and mochi).

It was the perfect combo of flavors and such a cool, refreshing treat (much needed during the intense heat we've been experiencing on the island). 

I thought service was great - our server was very pleasant and friendly, and although on the pricey side, the food is just so delicious.  You know the team makes an effort in cooking quality, from scratch foods, and I would gladly pay a higher price for that.

Chicken & Brisket
1000 Kamehameha Hwy Suite L/M

Pearl City, HI 96782

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Bento & Curry

We recently ordered take-out from Bento & Curry at the Pearl Highlands Center.

BBQ Chicken Salad

Spicy Ahi Don

Curry Loco Moco

Chicken Karaage Curry with Rice

I had the Chicken Karaage, which I thought was good overall.  They gave a nice amount of chicken which was not quite like typical karaage, and it was more like basic, breaded and fried morsels of chicken that were a bit underseasoned.  They did also give a nice amount of curry sauce on the side.

For the prices we paid for the dishes, I thought the portion sizes were generous, especially for the Curry Loco Moco.

Bento & Curry
Pearl Highlands Center
1000 Kamehameha Hwy #213

Pearl City, HI 96782

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Uproll Cafe - Pearl Highlands Center

Our family recently ordered from Uproll Cafe for the first time!  They have a variety of items that could be made into a bowl or a roll!

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Avocado

California Snow Crab Bowl

Korean Chicken Bowl

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Aburi Miso Salmon Bowl

Spicy Ahi Roll

I had the Korean Chicken Bowl, which I thought had a great flavor.  It was full of crispy garlic, green onions, and edamame, but the amount of chicken seemed a lot less than what was in the other bowls we ordered.  Also, there was a lot of fatty skin vs actual meat, but I did appreciate the plentiful veggies.  

I like how you can customize your bowl to your liking, adding additional toppings, and selecting different sauces.

We had a nice, filling, healthy lunch from Uproll Cafe!

Uproll Cafe
1000 Kamehameha Hwy # 100

Pearl City, HI 96782

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Badass Steakhouse Burgers by Black Angus

Badass Steakhouse Burgers by Black Angus is actually an offshoot of Black Angus Steakhouse.  You'll find Badass burgers on the menu at Black Angus Steakhouse, and although there is no stand-alone restaurant, there is a separate website for Badass Steakhouse Burgers.    

America's Most Wanted

The America's Most Wanted burger included a panko-fried American cheese patty, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and BA Burger Sauce.

High Noon Showdown

The High Noon Showdown was a patty melt with American and Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and BA Burger Sauce. 

Chicken Tenders and Fried Zucchini

I shared the Chicken Tenders and Fried Zucchini with one of my kids.  If you've had these items at Black Angus before, you know how good they are.  Panko-crusted, crispy, and delish!

The burgers were indeed impressive!

Badass Steakhouse Burgers
98-1262 Kaʻahumanu St

Pearl City, HI 96782

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Chicken & Brisket Takeout

Chicken & Brisket moved to Pearl Highlands Center, and their menu has really expanded since the move!

Of course, you'll still find favorites, like the Fried Chicken and Fried Noodles!

Noods & Thighs Combo Plate

The Fried Chicken is seriously some of my fave on the island.   Crispy skin, juicy meat - so good!  The noodles are great too.  You can pick your choice of sauce and side for your plate.

Prime Brisket Burger Loco Moco

Chicken & Brisket Plate

Classic Plate

The Classic Plate includes 4 pieces of fried chicken.

Old School Prime Burger

The prices are on the higher side, but we all enjoyed the food.  Portion sizes were good, and I can appreciate the effort that went into cooking great food. 

Chicken & Brisket
1000 Kamehameha Hwy Suite L/M

Pearl City, HI 96782

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Alejandro's in Pearl City

I've been wanting to try Alejandro's Mexican Food for a while now, but hardly ever make it in to town, so I was very excited to hear they would open up in Pearl City!

I ordered the Wet Chicken Burrito Combo Plate.  The burrito was a nice size, stuffed with chicken (which I thought was a bit under-seasoned), but I loved the enchilada sauce that smothered the burrito.

The combo plate comes with rice and beans.

Quesadilla

Macho Burrito

The Macho Burrito was nicely-sized as well, stuffed with your choice of meat, sour cream, onions, and rice.  

I'd definitely give them another try - will probably order the Mexi Bowls or Nachos next time!

Alejandro's Mexican Food
850 Kamehameha Hwy #133

Pearl City, HI 96782
(808) 888-8855

 

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Fresh Catch 808 - Pearl City

Fresh Catch 808 offers - what else, fresh seafood, but also several non-seafood menu items.

Smoked Meat

Seared Ahi Salad

Ahi Katsu

Pastele Fries

Garlic Chicken

I loved the Pastele Fries - seasoned fries topped with pastele stew and lots of cheese - so hearty and delish.  This could easily be a meal!

The Smoked Meat was very flavorful, and the garlic chicken was good too (not as garlicky as I was hoping, but still good).  

I loved the Signature Creamy Oriental Dressing served with the Seared Ahi Salad, and the Ahi Katsu came with Chef Reno's Savory Sauce (you can buy his sauces!).

Fresh Catch
98-371 Kamehameha Hwy

Pearl City, HI 96782

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