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The Booch BarBWorth Trying

Name: The Booch Bar
Address: 110 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720, Hilo, United States
Rating: 4.5

110 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720 · Bar, Restaurant, Coffee shop · 4.5/5 Google (780 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Creative, veggie-forward cafe with house kombucha and counter service; excellent breakfast and drinks, but service speed and allergy handling can be inconsistent.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

The Booch Bar delivers solid neighborhood cafe quality with strong food quality and genuine local loyalty, but quality variation and uneven allergy protocols prevent higher standing. Colorful, artsy downtown setting and friendly but scattered service during peak hours position it as a worthwhile destination for breakfast and kombucha enthusiasts, though not among the region's most reliable dining establishments.

Restaurant Summary

A colorful spot in downtown Hilo, The Booch Bar blends cafe ease with a kombucha taproom feel. Expect relaxed, artsy vibes, sidewalk seating, and the occasional live singer. One diner summed it up: "Clean, local food and the kombucha hits the spot." Service runs counter-order with table delivery, and while many find the team friendly, peak times can feel slow and scattered. The cooking leans produce-driven and playful rather than fussy: bibimbap with local mushrooms, omelets with kimchi and cashew crema, and a waffle that is naturally gluten-free. It is a creative, fusion-leaning kitchen that emphasizes local sourcing and house ferments. Most guests rave about breakfast plates and kombucha flights; a minority report bland fish or overcooked burgers on off-days, so timing and expectations matter. Families do well here thanks to kid-appealing options like waffles, french toast, smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches. Multiple reviews mention toddlers and kids eating happily. That said, the menu skews adventurous with krauts and kimchi showing up often; if your crew prefers plain flavors, choose the simpler items and confirm ingredients up front.

At a Glance

Standout vegetarian and vegan options with creative twists
House-brewed kombucha and relaxed downtown vibe
Inconsistent speed and attentiveness during peak hours
Allergy handling reported as uneven despite menu options
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

house_brewed_kombucha
vegetarian_vegan_depth
local_ingredient_focus
live_music_evenings

What People Love

Fresh, local ingredients that taste vibrant
House kombucha flavors that feel refreshing
Veg dishes that satisfy non-veg diners
Relaxed, artsy space with local art

Points of Concern

Pricing sits above basic cafes due to local sourcing; some find it pricey
Peak-hour waits and slow counter queue can lead to cold food
Allergy requests (especially gluten) reported mishandled by a few diners
Review patterns are consistent with a broad mix of locals and visitors; experiences vary by timing

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$34-45 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose omelets ($17-23) or bibimbap ($23) for best value-to-flavor.
Desserts like gelato or brownie ($8-10) add a sweet finish without breaking the bank.
Gluten-free bread is a $1 supplement; confirm allergy handling at order.

Perfect For

Casual breakfast after the farmers market
Healthy lunch with kombucha flights
Veg-forward brunch with friends
Live-music date with light plates

Location Insights

Area: Relaxed historic downtown with local shops, artsy vibe, and a mix of residents and visitors.

Safety: Generally safe daytime foot traffic; typical small-city downtown after dark with moderate activity.

Nearby: Near galleries, boutiques, and other eateries; walkable to bayfront attractions and markets.

Downtown HiloDowntown Hilo features a mix of historic buildings, local shops, eateries, and cultural venues. The dining scene is casual and community-oriented, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and diverse culinary influences reflecting Hawaiian and Asian flavors.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday08:00–21:00 Tuesday08:00–21:00 Wednesday08:00–21:00 Thursday08:00–21:00 Friday08:00–21:00 Saturday08:00–21:00 Sunday08:00–15:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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