"Wow! Hilo Grinds!"

Name: Cafe100
Telephone: (808) 935-6368
Address: 969 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI (Big Island)
Hours: Sun- Thurs 6:00 am to 8:30 pm; Fri- Sat 6:00 am to 9:30 pm

Prices: $3.55 to $5.95
Macaroni Salad Alternative? Potato
Specialties: mixed plates, Loco Moco



And I sez:

Every good restaurant has a signature dish so it's not surprising that a drive- in could have one too.

A fixture on the Big Island since 1946 and a survivor of two Tsunamis, Cafe 100 is a Hilo institution. Its current location and structure is the third incarnation ( having been destroyed twice in 1946 and 1960)- you can't keep a good eatery down. When driving thru Hilo town it's hard to miss the distinctive sign in the front. Although called a cafe, it's actually a drive-in with ample covered outdoor seating for diners. Clean and spacious, friendly counterhelp, Cafe 100 is a family operation that offers good value to its customers.

Cafe 100 is also noted for the Hawaii phenomenon known as " loco moco"- essentially a bowl of rice with a hamburger patty , gravy and an egg (usually over easy). This basic combination of rice, meat and egg may have been served before elsewhere, but it is Cafe 100 which is supposed to have originated the name. This would explain why they offer 14 variations of this local favorite, everything from a Mahi Loco to a Spam Loco. ($1.95 to $3.99)

Da Classic Loco Moco

Like any good drive-in variety is the spice of life and Cafe 100 offers lots of grinds to chose from. Daily special examples include Baked Lasagna, Kalua pork/Poi & Lomi, and something called "dinner in a dish" which I should have inquired about. The Hilo Boy plate which is a mixed plate variation comes with fried chicken, teri beef, and beef stew. Throw in the potato salad and the two scoops rice and you have a great meal.The chicken was crispy on the outside and tender inside, not too dry. the teri-beef slice was on the thicker side, I prefer it with thinner cuts. the beef stew was great- tasty stew gravy with a nice mixture of potato, carrots and beef. They even throw in some kim chee- this is a classic local plate lunch!

Da Hilo Boy Plate

Cafe 100 is a fine example of why drive-ins are not exclusive only to Honolulu. Good food, good service and good prices will make a winner every time.

The ratings:

Food: 1/2 (Loco Moco variety pushes it up 1/2)

Service: (Patient and friendly)
Atmosphere: 1/2 (Very clean and spacious)
Value: 1/2 (Nice combination of variety, price and service)

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