Are you tired of yelling at your kids to stop playing with their food? Well, why not show them a place where they can do just that? A laid-back breakfast spot appropriately called Slappy Cakes.
Located in West Maui in the village of Lahaina, this American comfort food restaurant is one of a small chain that started up in Portland, Oregon. That flagship location was the wonderful brainchild of husband and wife duo Ashley Berry and Adam Fuderer, the latter of which was himself inspired by a Florida breakfast spot he visited as a child. The thing that was so inspiring in Florida and what has brought the successful Slappy Cakes from Portland to Lahaina? The ability to make ones’ own pancakes right at one’s table.
Yes, Slappy Cakes gets its name from guests’ ability to craft and cook pancakes right on a non-stick griddle that sits at the center of every table in the restaurant. The idea here is to bring a passion for interactive dining to the masses, and create something that is fun and engaging for the whole family. Reaching these goals was a success and today, Maui’s Slappy Cakes has received accolades as the best kid-friendly restaurant on the island.
The restaurant is set within a large stand-alone building at the bustling intersection of Honoapiilani Highway and Lower Honoapiilani Road. So while not overlooking the beach or in some lush Upcountry location, this is prime commercial real estate and reflects just how popular Slappy Cakes has become for islanders as well as vacationers. Parking here is easy, or you can take public transit for the Honokowai Shopping Center stop.
Stepping into Slappy Cakes feels a bit like stepping into an upscale cafeteria or diner. Not all of the tables are going to have the integrated griddle in them, but most will. Make sure to ask the hostess if you are going to Slappy Cakes with that purpose. If you are looking to enjoy other items off their menu, then you might consider enjoying a faster seating time by choosing one of their outdoor tables, barstool seating, or inner tables without the griddle. The decor boasts rich natural wood tables and the bright orange of their branding on some walls and lighting fixtures.
Once you have made your way to your seating, you will find a menu full of breakfast-oriented items. Note, that Slappy Cakes is very much a breakfast joint, not to be confused with a diner or something open for casual food all day long. The hours here are 7 am to noon, so don’t dawdle too long if you’re making your way here for a later morning meal.
If you choose to make pancakes, each member at your table can select their own batter and extra fixings to go into it.
Batter choices include special seasonal options as well as the always-there options of Chocolate, Buttermilk, and Gluten-free/Vegan (yes, Slappy Cakes is very much vegan-friendly!). Your server will then ask each dining guest their preferred fixings that will come mixed into the batter. Such fixings include standard options like chocolate chips, but you can also find some exciting Maui ingredients like pineapple and bananas. All that’s left is for your party to pour the batter on the griddle into whatever shape and size you desire, flip it around, and enjoy it served to your liking.
Guests can also order a stack of pancakes already made to order, or breakfast plates like a Chorizo Omelet and Slappy Moco, the restaurant’s take on the popular Hawaiian breakfast entree of loco moco.
Insider Tips:
-Slappy Cakes may bill itself often as kid-centric and family-friendly, but that doesn’t mean it’s only sugar and all things under-age. This restaurant has a pretty exciting drinks menu that includes signature cocktails, mimosas, and much more.
-Park at the nearby parking lot of Kaanapali Beach Parking walk over to the shopping center for breakfast, and then walk down to the beach to enjoy an afternoon in the sun and surf.