Boots & Kimo's Homestyle Kitchen

Awful service and mediocre food. Save yourself the hour long wait and overpriced menu and head to Denny's, the food quality is about the same. This place gets by on a reputation that is based more on local nostalgia than the food. Disappointing to say the least, there are too many other truly good restaurants to waste your time on this place! more

I live here on the island I've been to B&K when it was at it's old location. I've always thought they should move to a bigger location. Now that they have moved it is nicer and a little bigger but for the amount of people that visit there they should find a bigger location. Like everywhere else you eat, some days the food or the way it is cook is not always the same....however, I ordered the palehu ribs and it was delicious it was simple but it had taste the presentation was great and the amount of food was just right.....As for the service the guy who took my order was very pleasant he introduced his self and went over the specials he was very professional however the greeter who was a female at the front where everyone would sign in was rude and not pleasant at all. I enjoyed the food and yes I still would go back.... more

We've lived in Kailua for a few years but have never taken the opportunity to go to Boot's & Kimo's. There's always a line and the locals all rave about how good the food is, especially their signature items. We had in-laws visiting, so thought it might be the perfect opportunity to go out for breakfast and try B&K. We went on a Friday morning; the wait was really not too long - maybe 10 minutes, which was good. The inside is clean and bright, with a pro-sports theme. Tables are close together, but we weren't bothered by that too much. The service is not great; the servers can't seem to answer any questions about the menu items. None of us ordered any of the ""signature"" items, i.e., banana-mac pancakes, which may have been our mistake. My wife ordered strawberry crepes; turns out they are SUPPOSED to be cold, although this is not indicated anywhere on the menu. She would have preferred something hot. I had a couple of eggs with corned beef hash and toast. Everything was cold, and the hash looked to be straight out of a can - not ""homemade"" at all. Overall the experience was disappointing for us, especially with all the ""great"" things we had heard. I could have probably saved a few bucks and gotten the same level of service with better food at Denny's. Sorry B & K - despite the big buildup, you guys don't make the cut in my book. more

I tried Boots & Kimo at the urging of a friend. The must-have item is the Macadamia Nut Pancakes she raved! So, I had them, and they are delish! The serving was huge, though, and I wasn?t able to eat it all or save any of it. I would love to go back there again, but the wait is sooooooo long. If you are hungry, you will probably die before getting seated so make sure you snack ahead of time. The service is less than good - I guess the concentrate on seating you, serving you, then booting you out as soon as possible. Eventhough - this place is worth the try! Have fun, and be prepared! Pros: good food Cons: extremely long wait, average customer service more

The long wait makes it unique. Sure, waits can be common but 45 to an hour? The grub's not worth that kind of wait or price. It's pricey too. Cinnamon's, that crepe shop, Brent's and yes Times Bakery are a hundred times better. Don't go there! Cons: long wait for tables, staff are always mean and ugully more

We went on a Friday morning @ 9:30 AM. There was a long line, but that's OK, because I was expecting it. We put our name on the list for a table for 5. While you wait outside, a ""waiter"" comes out on the sidewalk and takes your order. I assume this is to speed up the turnover of tables in the tiny restaurant. This guy has NEVER heard of the concept of customer service. He pretty much gives you the feeling that we (the customers) are a bother. When my sister who has some food allergies asked him a very simple question about a menu item he mumbled something to the effect of ""i don't know"" and then just ignored her next question. (hmm ? how about ?I don?t know, but I?ll go ask? ???)\r \r After about 45 minutes we were called to our table. However, it was a booth only big enough for 4 people (I requested a table for 5). So we could all sit, my nephew grabbed an empty chair and pulled it up to the end of the table. Within a couple minutes ""Mr Charm"" the order taker, walked up and told my nephew ""you can't sit here"". When we reminded them that this was where the staff sat our party of 5 he said ""you can't sit here"". We then asked him where we should sit, we got a reply of ""you'll have to wait for another table"". At this point he went and got someone from the back of the restaurant who told we couldn't sit there because it was a fire hazard. While we were blocking one of two isles to the front door (there?s probably only 10 tables in the whole place), I think the real issue was that the wait staff had to walk a little farther to get to the couple tables on our side of the restaurant. When the ""waiter"" again told us that we had to move to another table (none available), I told them that we'd just go somewhere else. His reply was ""OK"". I'm a pretty easy going guy, so what really bothered me about all of this was that through the whole episode not once did we hear a single ""I'm sorry"", ""thank you "", or anything of the sort.\r \r \r Pros: other people claim the food is good Cons: staff is VERY RUDE. Makes you wonder why they work in the restarant business more

My husband found this in one of the must go to books. We love the macadamia nut and banana pancakes and the macadamia nut sauce!!!!!!!!! It is to die for. People are missing the point if they don't order them. We hope to be back this summer for another visit to both Hawaii and Boots & Kimo's!!!!!!! more

Don't arrive hungry...you're going to wait for a table. And, if you're hungry and waiting a long time you're gonna get grumpy. This is not a place to be grumpy. But, not being hungry at Boot's and Kimo's is a problem because the portions are somewhat generous and, for breakfast the prices are not so cheap. So, here you are, not too hungry waiting for a table knowing you are likely not to finish your somewhat pricey food. Why are you here? You are here because this quirky place serves tasty breakfasts with some delightfully novel flavors. It's worth a visit from time to time. Pros: Novel flavors with quirky ambience Cons: Nobody goes there anymore...it's too crowded. more

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 more

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! \r \r 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!\r 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! more

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. more

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. \r \r 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. \r \r 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 more

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 more

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 more

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.\r \r 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.\r \r The hash browns were a bit dry for me, but my wife still loved them.\r \r 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.\r \r FYI: Cash only, no credit cards, etc. It'll average about $10/person depending on what you order.\r \r 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 more

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! more