North Shore General Store has a secret. Tucked away in the back of this convenience store next to a gas station, you’ll find a humble counter service restaurant serving up unexpectedly delicious and fresh meals. We know what you’re thinking; food from a convenience store can’t be that great, right? Wrong. Trust us, and let this place change your mind.
Located in Princeville, on Kauai’s North Shore, this local gem is down the street from the Princeville Library, very close to the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Nearby are several North Shore beaches, including Hideaways Beach, Anini Beach, Pavilion Beach Park, and Waioli Beach Park, making this a logical place to stop and grab a bite between sightseeing and beach-hopping.
From the outside, the humble building is unassuming. A green awning covers the entrance. On one side of the building, there is a covered counter with stools. On the other, a small patio with picnic tables and umbrellas. On the wall are colorful murals and playful birdhouses. Although located near the road, lush green plants and foliage make the side of the building feel calm and peaceful.
Inside, you’ll find snacks, drinks, and your typical convenience store offerings. They also sell souvenirs and knickknacks, including some cute water bottles and tumblers. Once you reach the café counter, you’ll see their impressively large menu.
The café offers a complete breakfast menu, including homemade breakfast sandwiches, loco moco, bagels, and huge breakfast burritos. They also feature a variety of burgers, pizzas, plate lunches, and homemade cookies. The menu isn’t fancy, but that’s what makes it great. North Shore General Store is serving up simple, classic, comforting food cooked expertly. Meals are packaged in to-go containers, making it easy to enjoy your food at the outdoor tables, or take it with you to your next destination.
Everything we saw looked and smelled delicious, but here are a few of our favorites:
Chili Pepper Chicken Lunch Plate
This is a hot item (pun intended) – it seems like everyone orders this, and after tasting it, you’ll realize why! The well-seasoned chicken is fried to crispy perfection, and the chili pepper flakes add a spicy kick. The sides of fluffy rice and cool potato mac salad complement the chicken perfectly. All in all, a delicious and very filling dish.
Loco Moco
You can’t visit Kauai without getting at least one loco moco during your trip. Every eatery has its own riff on the local specialty, and North Shore General Store is doing it right. A juicy burger steak sits drenched in brown beef gravy, topped by two perfectly cooked eggs, and accompanied by a side of rice. The savory explosion of flavors will leave your tastebuds happy. You’ll want to come back and order this again.
Chicken Fried Hamburger Steak Lunch Plate
Under a generous serving of gravy and perfectly grilled mushrooms and onions sits a huge, juicy, and flavorful hamburger steak. The textures and flavors combine to create a warm, tasty, comfort-food meal with a local touch. Everything is piping hot, fresh, and undeniably delicious.
Insider Tips:
-Most people take their meals to go, and the food is packaged to travel. Stop by early in the morning, grab breakfast, and bring it to one of the nearby beaches for a breakfast picnic. There’s no better way to start your day.
-The counter can get busy, especially at prime breakfast and lunchtimes. Make sure to give yourself at least 15-30 minutes (or sometimes longer) to wait for your meals. In the meantime, browse the shop and stock up on any essentials you need.
-Adjacent to the store is the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. While you’re here, it’s worth checking out the expanse of tropical plants and taro fields. Bird lovers will be especially impressed by the assortment of exotic and tropical birds that call the refuge home.