Cafe Waiola by The Curb

As long as I have my drink made by that one hapa looking male barista (I think he’s the owner??? head barista???), I’m fine. If there’s anyone else working… It’s always been hit or miss when it’s not him. My most recent experience was particularly odd where I was told the strawberry black tea that I ALWAYS ORDER is not made here and only made on campus at their UH location. Then, tell me, why have I ordered it multiple times before from the other baristas!!! He offered to make it for me anyway, and said I had to tell him which black tea to pick. I had no idea because they usually just make it for me so I let him choose… bad move. It tasted COMPLETELY different and downright strange. I couldn’t put my finger on what I was tasting. I even let my friend try it to make sure it wasn’t just me and she remarked that it had a coffee aftertaste. BINGO! It tasted like coffee, which I don’t care for, which is exactly why I get TEA instead of coffee. So disappointing.
Food wise, everything is okay but a bit pricey for what you get. My coworker swears by their scones and I have to admit they have some unique flavors. I like their pesto pasta salad and sometimes it’s on sale if they have some from the day before. Tuesdays are taco Tuesdays and that seems to be popular. Other than that though, meh.
Basically I’m going to stay away from here for awhile. Unfortunately it’s the only cafeteria for my work place sooooo I have to bring lunch or walk farther to get food.

I’ve only been once but it’s a decent sized cafeteria. It was clean and the air conditioning was cool on the Saturday morning I visited.
Although all I can really write my review on is the croissants and cardamom bun. The croissants are flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. I could’ve eaten more than 2 but luckily I didn’t buy more or I probably would’ve! They’re so yummy! I didn’t know what cardamom was but I bought it to try anyway. Chris Sy usually doesn’t disappoint with his breads and their flavor. Later I looked up cardamom and it is one of the 3^rd most expensive spices by weight. It was lightly sweet and I’d definitely buy one again.
Looking forward to trying more of the items.

My workplace recently moved to the Kaka’ako area this month, so one of my first (dire, dire) missions was seeking out a new cuppa joe route. Which lead me here — and I will freely admit, I hope that The Curb is a mainstay! Their lattes already have me hooked. I haven’t tried any cooked breakfast items, mostly because I can’t get over how good the croissants are (SO GOOD). Thankfully, they also take credit cards with no minimum purchase (no nearby ATMs for this HawaiiUSA FCU gal).
The lack of a morning rush is odd (lunchtime seems to attract the main crowd), but I can’t really argue since it means I get my coffee to go that much faster!

The coffee is «craved» by everyone who’s had it. Over all the chains like Starbucks, coffee bean and peets.
And now with hot foods, the sky is the limit for this curb run establishment. I enjoy very much the perfectly cooked bacon, fried rice and fresh eggs in the morning. I heard the breakfast burritos are great too. Fresh pastries, never frozen like those other brand shops.
They takes cash and credit and the ambiance is clean and quite down in Kakaako.
A must try for any breakfast lover or coffee fiend.

This is the newest Curb located in the main building of JBSOM in Kakaako.
The Coffee Expresso Bar is amazing along with the Super Duper Kitchen.
This is it!

Let the Curb brand grow! The Curb is truly «the little coffee truck that could». From coffee truck to coffee shop, the Curb has gotten many opportunities since parking their trusty blue truck along the curb of Moore Hall at UH Manoa. In addition to a temporary coffee bar at Ala Moana, they’ve also recently opened a coffee bar within Sinclair Library at UHM and now, they have their own café. And, with three current locations, let’s all say goodbye to owner, Sumner Ohye’s life and freetime. But that aside, I’m so proud of my Curbies!
Located at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, Café Waiola by The Curb is a legit café with a good amount of seating, full coffee/​tea service, and amazing food options courtesy of barista Juli and Neale Asato of the BLK/​BOX food truck.
If you’re in the Kaka’ako area, I suggest checking them out!