Boots & Kimo's Homestyle Ktchn

06/20/2008 Posted by dogstar49

And there's a shrine to John Elway. Complete with Stanford and the old Broncos helmets. Last time we were there, the "divider" from the dining room to the kitchen was a Denver Bronco's banner. Oh yeah, the pancakes are great. One time I got the menu item that had the corn beef hash in it, I think it was an omlette, but just now I started drooling thinking about it. If you are like me and big brekkies are the best meal of the day, this gem is not to be missed; but be forwarned; GET THERE EARLY ! Hey wait a minute, if everyone gets there early won't it be crowded early? Who cares? And while you're at it, take the bus there. Parking is metered everywheahs now. Sheesh...and then the next day, try the Koa Pancake house in Kaneohe. There's a little more elbow room.

Pros: Breakfast lover's haven and heaven

Cons: ride a motorcycle, bicycle or take the bus

05/31/2008 Posted by JanisLikeJoplin

You come to Boots and Kimo's knowing the wait is long. One of the fun things is that because it is so tiny you might get the fun of sitting in the row of tables and chairs all pushed together with other folks you may not even know, but that's half the fun! Perching up on the counter seats is fun too because it means, you got a seat and you are IN! Last year friends of ours staying in Honolulu left their hotel one moring very, very early. The valet asked them where on earth they were going to so early. They said they were going to Kailua to Boots' and Kimo's. That local valet smiled and ask them how on earth they (tourists) knew of one of Hawaii's greatest places for local spirit, local girinds and local "da kine". My friends smiled and told him they had gotten to catsit the year before in Kailua for friends (us) and knew all the local secrets! Don't miss the pancakes with Macadamia nut syrup. Sorry the TExas guy didn't like it----he missed the point! Aloha, Janis Like Joplin/Kailua, HI

Pros: Where we, the locals (I'm a 20 year mainland transplant) eat.

Cons: You have to wait---go early for breakfast. Hang out and howdy with others otherwise!

05/16/2008 Posted by fortunateomen

OK so my wife wanted to go to this place because she heard of the great food. Being a good husband and knowing that we would have to go eventually I agreed to go. Personally, I'll go to any place just as long as there is Country Fried Steak and Eggs. Upon entering the place I stood by the door expecting someone to take my name. I think it was obvious that I had not been there before. Regardless, the waitress rushed past me with no acknowlegement. I remained there and attempted to get the attention of the only other waiter. He somehow did not hear me yet everyone else did! Anyhow, eventually I did ask the waitress about placing my name on the list. You will have to go to the register to get on the list. Also when asked about the choice of seating I asked for a table. Well, only minutes later our name was called and told to sit at the counter (yes, told, not asked or offered if we would accept the counter seats). I mentioned that I specifically asked for a table. We went back to waiting. The place is small, but darn! I think they were trying to maximize the seating by sacrificing our comfort. Be sure to ask for your own table otherwise you may end up like 3 other couples, seated at the same table. I felt sorry for them, but then again they should have said something. Anyway, pushing forward, when we did get our food it was fine. The pancakes were good but the service was not all that appealing. The waitress never brought our water so we had to ask for our water again from the other waiter. Overall, I was not impressed. I think I will stick to Denny's or IHOP. But I guess my wife is now content that we've Been There Done That. Now for the big question: Would I take family there? No, not worth the wait and service is everything to my family from Houston. Now, I would take them to Koa's on the same side of the island, service was good there and the place has alot more character. Good Luck.

06/01/2007 Posted by donttalktofreaks

Where do I even begin? I'm not a big fan of pancakes, but my husband is and he says they are the best he's ever had. I stick to the seafood omelette with added jalapenos and it is absolutely to die for. The hashbrowns are perfectly cooked, the juice is fresh. The wait is long (usually an hour or more) but well worth it. You usually have your food within minutes of being seated as your order is taken while you wait. Service isn't always the best but that's understandable seeing how busy it is. Definitely worth trying--and if you're a motorcycle rider, it's a very nice ride from the other side of the island.

Pros: food, juices

Cons: waiting

03/12/2007 Posted by tamstrat

This tiny little hole in the wall restaurant was highly recommended on Citysearch so my husband and I decided to give it a try when we were in Hawaii in February. It was fabulous!!!! It is a tiny, tiny place so be prepard to wait. It was a little confusing however, you go in and give your name and are given menus. You then are directed to wait outside as there is absolutely no room inside to wait for a table. I assumed you were given the menu (incorrectly) that this was just to review while you were waiting. Wrong. About 20 minutes later the server approached us and said "Go ahead". Now mind you we were still sitting outside, not even seated at our table yet and so I was a little confused but evidently in order to move things along they go ahead and take your order ahead of time and then when you table comes available they bring the food to your table. Our drinks were not refilled promptly but in fairness the place was crazy busy and the servers were really running so we didn't mind. This is a great place to have breakfast, the food was wonderful. I can't say enough about how good it was. However, since it was so jam packed and people waiting outside I did not feel we could take a leisurely, long relaxing lunch. But I would still go back again and highly recommend due to the quality of the food. Yum!

Pros: Great breakfast food, pancakes, fresh juice

Cons: Tiny, crowded, long wait, extremely busy waitstaff

11/19/2006 Posted by boski1989

Very small family run restaurant only open for breakfast and lunch. There is usually a wait to be seated, but it is well worth it. The Banana, Macadamia Nut pancakes with their well known syrup are their specialty. Get an order and share. I would also recommend their other house specialty, fried rice. Spam and spicy sausage are offered as a meat choice with every meal - I would highly recommend both. Juices are also of island fare, guava, mango and pineapple. Service was outstanding and meals served promptly. Large portions mean you won't go away hungry.

Pros: Awesome authentic Island food - great service - large portions

Cons: Small restaurant, long wait for service, very limited parking

06/28/2006 Posted by hktg21

Last time I was here in Hawaii some friends of mine tried this place out, so I couldn't wait to test it out for myself. I don't even like pancakes usually, but their famous Kimo Macadamia Sauce Pancakes are awesome! I also ordered a house special...their Eggs Benedict, one of the best I've had in a long time. The hash browns were a bit dry for me, but my wife still loved them. We got there around 1pm on a Tuesday and while it was full, we were seated shortly. The staff there is great, but if you're in a hurry you might find the food comes out a little slow. It's definately worth the wait though. FYI: Cash only, no credit cards, etc. It'll average about $10/person depending on what you order. It's a must place to eat if you: a) love homey breakfast food, b) are looking for a one-of-a-kind mom-pop joint, and c) are going to Kailua Bay to Kayak anyways.

Pros: Awesome food, friendly service

Cons: long wait for food

11/03/2005 Posted by sbpooker

A friend in CA recommended the place to us so when we last visited, we made the trek. You will need a rental car since it is in Kailua, but it was worth it. Try the Macadamian Nut Pancakes (or we heard the waffles are good too). It is definitely the best pancakes we have ever had. We even tried going back a 2nd time in the same weekend trip, but they are closed on Mondays. Other Macadamian Nut Pancakes we tried didn't even compare. Now we just wish they would package the sauce/syrup they use so that we can have it back home!