Welcome to ‘The Breakfast Club’

The yellow signage of Eggs ‘n Things is ubiquitous in Honolulu for locals and tourists alike. During its 40 years of operation, the island business has expanded from its humble beginnings to embrace three locations in Honolulu, a retail line and partner restaurants in Japan. Despite growing in size and refining its menu to suit modern tastes, Eggs ‘n Things remains at its core the original place its founders envisioned and the public fell in love with.

Founded in 1974, Eggs ‘n Things began in Waikiki as a modest breakfast restaurant with only two tables. It was wildly popular with locals and became instrumental in converting foreigners to American-breakfast-food lovers.

“They used to give every tourist a free pancake,” says director of operations Michael Skedeleski, “because people from other countries, especially Japan, had never seen or tried them before.”

Eggs ‘n Things still serves favorites from its original menu, such as Fresh Ahi and Eggs. Bucking the modern Belgian waffle trend, the eatery’s Wells golden waffles are the traditional thin style of American yesteryear. Eggs ‘n Things also retains an old-school commitment to quality. Its ahi is freshly delivered every day, and its premium juices ($3.95) are all fresh-squeezed.

Eggs ‘n Things’ unwavering approach to quality means the business goes the extra mile, regardless of expense. In order to use all Hawaiian eggs in its dishes, the eatery worked with a local farmer years in advance to guarantee fresh eggs. For the Eggs Benedict, the team found “the English muffin too hard, and the biscuit too crumbly,” explains Skedeleski. This prompted the restaurant to work with a local bakery to tailor-make a muffin with just the right softness and texture.

This Eggs Benedict ($13.45) is part of the expanded offerings on Eggs ‘n Things’ modernized menu. Even with new dinner options to choose from, it’s a testament to the draw of Eggs ‘n Things’ breakfast that people still order pancakes at dinnertime. “No matter what we do, people always order breakfast,” says Skedeleski.

Favorites include Paniolo Loco Moco ($12.95) covered in rich, white country gravy. For dessert, the company just introduced Cheesecake Waffle Fold ($12.95), where a beloved breakfast waffle envelops a thick slab of cheesecake filling and is topped by fruit of your choice, such as pineapple. No matter how eclectic the dishes are, “we also want to make sure we keep our roots — our roots in what we did before,” affirms Skedeleski.

Eggs ‘n Things’ locations in Waikiki and in Ala Moana will all soon carry the new menu, but they retain their own individual personalities and strengths. As the flagship store, the Saratoga Road venue boasts a full retail area with locally made products. The Ala Moana eatery is frequented by locals who adore the 5-10 percent kamaaina discount, and extensive beer and wine list. Waikiki Beach Eggspress is exactly as it sounds — the perfect spot to grab food to-go, with eco-friendly takeout containers to boot.

No matter the location, all of them share the same traditional yet adventurous menu that’s made Eggs ‘n Things a standout favorite for those who’ve come from across the pond or just from down the street.

Eggs ‘n Things

343 Saratoga Road
923-3447
Open daily, 6 a.m.-2 p.m.; 4-10 p.m.

451 Piikoi St.
538-3447
Sunday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-midnight

WAIKIKI BEACH EGGSPRESS
2464 Kalakaua Ave.
926-3447
Open daily, 6 a.m.-2 p.m.; 4-10 p.m.