A true East Side Kauai staple, Kountry Kitchen transforms fresh, local ingredients into tasty diner fare right before your very eyes. For over 40 years, they’ve served as the place to go when you want to start your day out right or get a quick afternoon pick-me-up. Since they’re only open until 1 pm, you must strike while the iron’s hot to get your fill before they close down shop each afternoon.
Fortunately, they kick open the doors as the sun comes up, often greeting a steady stream of customers from open to close. Despite being so busy all the time, you can always expect a friendly Aloha as soon as you walk in plus excellent service through your entire meal. You may not always be able to choose between their table and booth seats, but you’re sure to feel right at home no matter where you sit.
Whether you come in right when they open or toward the end of their day, you can order from either the breakfast or lunch menu. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to pour over the options, so consider starting with a bottomless brew made from Kauai Roastery beans. Although they do not have any appetizers, their fresh fruit works well to whet your appetite.
At first glance, their menu might feel a bit overwhelming, but you really cannot go wrong with any of their dishes. They always use the highest quality ingredients they can get their hands on, like local grass-fed beef from Makaweli Meat Company. Their other trusted vendors include Kealia Farms, Kauai Kim Chee, and Tradewind Spice Company.
Must-try items on their menu include:
Polynesian Omelette
Bright, bold flavors make the Polynesian Omelette an easy choice whenever your hunger strikes. To create this masterpiece, they set up an eggy base before filling it up with kimchee, Portuguese sausage, onions, and American cheese. Once it’s melty and delicious, they put it on the plate with hash browns, fresh fruit, or rice plus buttered toast or cornbread. You can also upgrade to char siu fried rice instead for an extra charge.
Caramelized Pineapple French Toast
When you’re craving sweet treats aplenty, but it’s time for a hearty breakfast, get what you need by ordering the Caramelized Pineapple French Toast. They make this dish by cooking up French toast golden brown and then smothering it in pineapple chunks caramelized in brown sugar and cinnamon. As if that’s not enough, they give it a drizzle of their homemade coconut syrup to take the flavors to the next level. Not sure if you can finish it all? Get the half order instead.
Mushroom Swiss Burger
When only burger goodness will do, you need the Mushroom Swiss Burger in your life. This fan-favorite begins with the creation of a robust patty using local grass-fed beef. As the burger goes down on the grill to sizzle up with Swiss cheese on top, they sauté plenty of mushrooms and onions. Then, they put the cheesy patty, mushrooms, and onions on a brioche bun before adding lettuce and tomato. Along with all that, you get either potato mac salad, chips, or a side salad. Want hash browns instead? No problem, but it is an extra charge.
When the diner gets busy, takeout orders go to the wayside. To ensure you get your dish before close, order online through their website for a bit later in the day. Although that might a little bit of an extra wait, it’s well worth the trouble. Upon arriving at the selected time, your order will be hot and ready to enjoy, although you’ll have to take it elsewhere before chowing down. Fortunately, Kapaa Beach is just a few minutes away and always serves as a great place to enjoy the views while eating your food.
Insider Tips:
-All kids ages 10 and under can order off the Keiki menu for a child-friendly take on breakfast or lunch.
-Want to sub out the milk in your coffee? They have coconut, almond, or soy milk for an extra charge.