The Chuckwagon ($14.60)
Waikiki’s Wailana Coffee House features a diverse menu with affordable prices, keeping kamaaina coming back for more.
“We serve local style comfort food with consistency, value and service that keeps our customers coming back, some on a daily basis,” says Kenton Tom, general manager.
Tom explains that in 1951, his father, Francis Tom, with the help of his family and friends, purchased the land where Wailana Coffee House stands and started Kapiolani Drive Inn. It instantly became many locals’ and tourists’ go-to spot to visit, especially at night. Then in 1969, with the help of Bruce Stark, Wailana Condominium and Wailana Coffee House was developed.
Baked Lasagna with Italian Sausage ($15.75)
“My father was always driven to provide food that people liked, he always traveled a lot, going to National Restaurant Association meetings and all types of restaurants. This is the type of restaurant he wanted to own and operate, this was his vision — a nice coffee house,” says Tom.
The coffee house gives customers the ability to dine on an array of tastes and flavors, as the eatery offers everything from Saimin and Broasted Chicken to New York Steak.
In addition, breakfast is served 24 hours, meaning guests can satisfy their Eggs Benedict, Strawberry Belgian Waffles, and Steak and Eggs cravings morning, noon or night.
The Sizzling Steak Special ($18.25)
Wailana Coffee House also is famous for All You Can Eat Pancakes with eggs and bacon for $9.75. “The best pancakes on the island according to Hawaii 5-0,” says Tom.
Among the popular menu offerings at Wailana Coffee House is The Chuckwagon ($14.60), which is a grilled smoked pork chop served with two macadamia pancakes, two eggs, horseradish, apple sauce, and three types of syrup to choose from.
Baked Lasagna with Italian Sausage ($15.75) is the restaurant’s delicious cheesy house lasagna, which features savory and sweet Italian sausage. Customers who order the layered delight also can enjoy the salad bar and vegetable of the day with their meal.
The Sizzling Steak Special ($18.25) is a broiled 8-ounce “King of Steaks,” served with the all-you-can-eat salad bar, your choice of starch and the vegetable of the day. The meal also comes with a slice of Ted’s Cream Pie.
With affordable and tasty eats served at convenient hours, Wailana Coffee House continues to be one of the most beloved places to eat on the island.
“The restaurant would not be successful without the hard work and dedication of our employees, many of whom have been here for 20-plus years, and of course the help of my brother Malcolm Tom, sister Joanna Leong and wife Angelica Tom,” notes Tom.
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