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Hilo › Hilo › Popover
PopoverBWorth Trying
399 E Kawili St Suite 102, Hilo, HI 96720
· Cafe, Coffee shop, Donut shop
· 4.5/5 Google (370 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative popover-based sandwiches and local-style pastries draw fans, but waits, sporadic cleanliness, and drink consistency issues mean best for patient diners who prioritize the food.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Popover delivers on its signature strength—exceptional popover sandwiches with memorable house sauce—and offers solid value, but operational challenges limit its standing. Inconsistent execution across service speed and drink quality, combined with occasional cleanliness concerns, prevent this beloved neighborhood cafe from reaching higher territory. For those seeking the signature popovers, it's worth the visit; expect waits and variable experiences beyond the core sandwich offering.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling in a modest, well‑loved space where counter staff call out drink tickets. Fans rave about the popover sandwiches, with one diner noting the sauce makes the flavors pop. Expect occasional lines and items selling out, especially pastries. Cooking is classic cafe fare with a twist: popovers replace bread, yielding generous, shareable plates and breakfast-friendly flatbreads. Pastries feature local touches like lilikoi and ube. Drinks can be inconsistent; several diners found coffee underwhelming, while others enjoyed specialty lattes. For families, this works well thanks to familiar kid-pleasers like donuts, turkey melts, and cheese flatbreads. There is no formal kids menu, but portions are big and shareable. Allergies require care; one report mentioned a milk substitution error, so confirm ingredients when ordering.
At a Glance
- Big, tasty popover sandwiches with memorable house sauce
- Good value for portion size
- Slow service and long waits during rushes
- Mixed drink quality and occasional order errors
- Sporadic cleanliness issues reported (restroom, case pests in older reviews)
What Sets It Apart
- signature_popover_bread
- local_flavors_in_pastries
- airport_convenience
What People Love
- The unique popover bread that soaks up sauces
- Portions large enough to split
- Friendly counter staff on many visits
- Lilikoi and ube pastry flavors
Points of Concern
- Service can be very slow at peak; drinks often lag while bakery orders are boxed
- Coffee and matcha quality inconsistent; a few incorrect milk substitutions reported
- Venue cleanliness varies; some older roach sightings and unclean restroom reports
- Pricing nudged up in recent years; still fair for portions but not a bargain
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$22-$32 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Roasted Veggie Sandwich or Hamakua Flatbread ($18) with Alii mushrooms
- For light eaters: Split one breakfast sandwich and add a puff
- For kids: Three Cheese Flatbread ($18) or turkey and cheese popover
Perfect For
- Hearty breakfast before or after the airport
- Casual lunch with shareable flatbread
- Sweet-tooth pastry stop with local flavors
- Grab-and-go when you order ahead
Location Insights
Area: Casual mixed-commercial corridor near UH Hilo and the airport; daytime foot traffic, student and local mix.
Safety: Generally safe by day; some cleanliness critiques inside the venue noted by reviewers.
Nearby: Close to Hilo Airport, UH Hilo, small shops and casual eateries; convenient for travelers.
HiloThe dining scene in Hilo is casual and diverse, featuring local Hawaiian cuisine, fresh seafood, and small cafes and bakeries. The atmosphere is laid-back and community-oriented, with many establishments emphasizing local ingredients and traditional flavors.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday06:30–13:30
Thursday06:30–13:30
Friday06:30–13:30
Saturday06:30–13:30
Sunday06:30–13:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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