If you love an awesome burger joint that has all the bells and whistles of an all-American classic with a Hawaiian twist, then The Cool Cat Cafe on Front Street in Lahaina town is the place for you. Voted, The Best Burger on Maui for 14 years in a row is just one of the reasons this family-owned and operated hot spot is making customers come back for more. Not only is everything on the menu amazing and the customer service second to none, but the atmosphere will also take you back in time to saddle shoes and sock hops. That’s right, my burger-loving friends, this 1950s inspired diner features cozy booths, jukeboxes, an awesome bar, and really cool retro decor. What a great family-friendly restaurant with a touch of nostalgia to get the conversation started.
Whet your appetite on a menu that is so big and full of options, it’ll knock your bobby socks off. Be careful, not to fill up on the appetizers…this happens to the best of us. Cool Cat calls their appetizers shared plates, and we recommend that’s exactly what you do. Oldies but goodies like onion rings, baby back ribs, chicken strips, and French fries are on the list. But it’s the house specialties like hula sticks (chicken, pineapple in sweet Hawaiian sauce) Frings (1/2 fries, 1/2 onion rings, and sub sweet potato fries), and homemade pineapple coleslaw that you’ll want to try and definitely share!
Now on to the refreshing salads. You’re going to love the names as much as you will eating them:Blue Hawaii Fresh fish piled atop a large service in fresh mixed Kula greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, egg, cheese, and mango fruit salsa.
Buddy Holly
Chicken strips piled atop a large serving of fresh mixed Kula greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, egg, cheddar cheese
Beyond the Sea
Two scoops of tuna salad piled atop a servicing of fresh mixed Kula greens with tomatoes cucumbers, croutons, egg, and cheeses
All Shook Up
Sliced turkey breast, bacon, and avocado piled atop a large serving of fresh mixed Kula greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, egg, and cheese.
Ricky Ricardo
Grilled chicken breast piled atop a large serving of fresh mixed Kula greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, egg, cheddar cheese
Lucy
Large portion of fresh greens with croutons, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
The scrumptious menu continues with fish sandwiches and tacos made with fresh locally caught fish. You have to try the blackened fish sandwich that features the fresh catch of the day blackened in the Cool Cat’s very own Cajun spices. Make sure you have a refreshing beverage to cool things off! Water will do the trick but make sure you take a tour of the drink menu. It’s just as fascinating as the food! There are cocktails, mocktails, fountain drinks, draft and bottled beer, coffee, tea, wine, and get this, Adult Double Shot Shakes. That’s right, it is decadence in a glass. Your favorite alcoholic beverages are blended with ice cream. How’s that for a double dose of deliciousness!
We’ve saved the star of the Cool Cat show for last. The burgers are what make this place rock and roll. Each one is made to order, with fresh, never frozen 100 percent Angus ground beef. They season each burger with a house spice blend, top with crispy veggies, and serve on a freshly baked bun. It’s like a symphony for your taste buds. The regular menu features 14 different burgers, or you can create your own, or check out the burger of the month. They say, “from donuts to fresh dips we have something that will turn heads.” Their burgers are so cool, they were featured on the hit Travel Channel series, Man V Food! Side note: You have to try the Blue Suede Shoes featuring bacon, blue cheese, and sweet Maui onion. It’s exceptional!
If possible sit in the outdoor dining space. You already know the Maui sunsets are absolutely stunning so evening dining is recommended, That said, it’s just as beautiful in the daylight. The palm trees line the streets below and the deep blue sky is breathtaking. What a backdrop for an exceptional dining experience.
Insider Tip:
The Cool Cat Cafe is open 11 am-8 pm with an exceptional happy hour menu from 11 am-6 pm with $5 food, $6 drink specials, $2 draft beer, and $6 milkshakes. It is conveniently located across from Lahaina Harbor.