Hawaii Local Grindz: Big City Diner

View of the Hamakua marsh from the lanai at Big City Diner, Kailua.

When I'm not sure what I want to eat for breakfast, I head to Big City Diner.  The menu includes mainland favorites like pancakes and eggs as well as local Hawaii touches like Loco Moco and Kimchee Fried Rice. On weekends, the brunch menu adds Eggs Benedict and Salmon and Spinach Benedict. A full bar makes a Bloody Mary or Mimosa possible.

I often order from the keiki (children's) menu. For five dollars I can get an egg, two strips of bacon or sausage and hash browns or steamed rice, pancakes with bacon or sausage, a "Mr. Chipper" chocolate chip pancake with whipped cream or a Keiki Loco Moco. It's always enough food. The price for children is four dollars and includes a cup of orange or Guava juice. It always amuses me to get the bill for a Bloody Mary and a Keiki Breakfast. On days like today, when I am tempted by the adult menu, half of it comes home with me in a box unless I can convince someone to split with me.

Mama’s Breakfast Bread Pudding
Topped with Haupia Crème Sauce,
Roasted Macadamia Nuts and
Real Whipped Cream with Two
Link Sausage And Two Strips
of Honey-Cured Bacon.
$7.99. Oh, my!

Big City Diner is very family and child-friendly. Recently, I took a three-year-old companion. The waitress allowed him to order his own juice selection, then invited him to pick out a toy and the color of a balloon that she then filled with helium and tied around his wrist. He was enchanted. I often see local families celebrating birthdays of their children at Big City Diner.

Although I usually hit breakfast, Big City Diner is open for lunch, dinner, and late night food. Here in Kailua, there is live music on Fridays. I know I've worked too late when I walk home past BCD and the band is playing on the patio. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. I've never been disappointed with a visit and I've certainly never left hungry.

For Hawaii travel information, call 1-800-843-8771 to talk with agents in Hawaii.

Things to know:

There are BCD locations in Kailua, Kaimuki, Ward, Pearlridge and Waipio.

Menus are available online.

The Kailua location is very near the main bus stop in town and the major intersection at the entrance to town (Hamakua and Kailua Road) and across from the Hamakua wetlands.

The Ward location is next to the movie theater, near the shops of the Ward Center/Warehouse.

They take all major credit cards.

Portions are generous.

Save money on food by eating like a local on your Hawaii vacation.

*grindz means food in Hawaii.

Posted by Cindy Scheopner  Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Dining,Hawaiiana,Keiki/kids,Local grindz,Oahu

May 14th, 2011