Diner reviews of Pahoa's Village Cafe
A diner from Puna
Jul 22, 2010
Two of us went on a Saturday night to eat dinner before their live music started. The waitress was very nice and accommodating to our orders and answered our questions about certain menu items. I had a coke and Seagram and it was very stiff ~ loved it! In the middle of our meal, we were approached by a woman wanting to collect $5 each for cover charge for the band. We were not planning on staying but we paid it anyway. he food was average meaning no presentation. The fish I ordered was just a big chunk that they grilled and poured tasteless sauce over the top. The white rice was cold and hard. Greens on the salad were browning. Then we could smell cigarette smoke and much to our surprise, they allowed smoking in the area where it was coming from. We asked our waitress to move us, and we sat up on the bar. We were done with our meal and finishing up our drinks when the band started to play. The music was way too loud and distorted. It was total noise pollution, our ears were buzzing & hurting, and we wanted out ! I talked to the bartender about the loud music and she agreed helplessly. The door lady never offered to give our money back when we walked out she did not even look at us or smile to say goodnight and I am guessing she was avoiding eye contact with us in case we ask for our money back but we have class and was not interested in conflict. Probably will not go back there again unless they take care of their sound system issue and smoking rules. I hope the manager reads this and takes it to heart and rewrite the company mission.
A diner from Pahoa, HI
Apr 25, 2010
I'm a fish sandwich & eggs Benedict fan. Both can be rather hard to find on east side of Big Isle. Pahoa's Cafe gets seafood frozen, but it's good. Go to Malama Mkt seafood shop for better value & less ambiance. Chef Jake makes perfect eggs on weekends. Just really sad they can't be fresh & local ... w/ all the chickens everywhere you'd think it'd be possible. There is disharmony in the kitchen & owners/mgt seems to shift frequently. I hear it's better @ Kalapana Cafe (same ownership 2010). Beware for constant HELP WANTED postings, which reveals kitchen disharmony & poor employee service.
No star rating
A diner from Pahoa, HI
Apr 13, 2010
Good if you like truck-stop food. I like the place overall, but the kitchen manager needs to be fired and kept away from customers! It runs a lot better when she's not around.
A diner from Keaau, HI
Jul 21, 2009
Service was horrible. The bartender was rude and mean. Did not greet us nor smile when serving our meal. It was absolutely unacceptable. The waitresses were laughing when we were asked to move tables because the table we chose was reserved (even though it did not say reserved.) Our drinks were watered down, I witnessed it with my own eyes.
A diner from tustin, CA
Oct 15, 2007
The food was alright but not great. Service was alright. We got a little concerned when the waiter disappeared for 20 minutes and returned carrying a McDonald's bag.
A diner from Missoula, MT
Aug 11, 2007
We spent 4 days in the area and we were lucky enough to find them on the very first day.. We never considered anyplace else after our first meal there.. The food is wonderful, especially the fruit waffles!. The staff was helpful, quick and engaging (although the Fox "news" was a little much to digest) The bill never came with stidcker shock... We love you man!
A diner from Pahoa, HI
Apr 15, 2007
Good healthy breakfast. The place was quite busy and still they served us relatively quickly. Food was done just right and the coffee is very good.
A diner from Pahoa
Aug 4, 2006
American style breakfast and lunch, rare in Pahoa.
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