Cafe 100

Open air dining that's covered. Food was traditional Hawaiian and was ready fast!

I planned for my husband and I to grab a quick bite at Cafe 100 before leaving Hilo. With more than 2000 reviews on Google and 30 varieties of loco moco, it was hard to ignore. Cafe 100 is a casual, local spot with window (staff) or kiosk (automated) ordering and plenty of semi-outdoor seating (i.e., you are technically inside and covered, but you can still feel the heat from outside). I will admit the menu felt a bit overwhelming at first glance because there are so many options available, but we visited on a weekday when it was not busy, so we were able to take our time deciding. Anticipating larger portions, we decided to share a mixed type loco moco plate along with a drink. That turned out to be a great call, as the portion was more than enough for the two of us, especially since we would not easily be able to take leftovers with us. This is casual, familiar comfort food done well. No complaints here, and I have already recommended Cafe 100 to a few friends :)

This downtown Hilo classic has been around for a reason! Local grinds done well and home of the original loco Moco! The braised beef and noodles, wow. The miso mahi is huge and delicious. Grab some food and hang out or go to the park. Daily specials and quick service also 🤙

Great quick stop for authentic Hawaiian food! Rotating specials so be aware if you are planning on wanting a specific item. Kalua cabbage was amazing had great flavor, was tender, juicy and comforting. Loco moco was good, had great char flavor and gravy was not too heavy or salty. Plenty of seating and food came out quickly. Make sure you stop for a quick lunch in Hilo!

I ordered the beef stew plate, and it was really good, even though it doesn’t look great. I thought the Mac salad was only okay. The service was friendly and pretty fast.

Great local food items. Lots of choices. Outdoor seating. No bathrooms.

A home of loco moco. Try to eat some local food. Not bad but not impressive.

Good sized portions, flavourful and tasty. The fries could have been cooked a smidge longer so it was more crisp. Lots of rice, gravy was smooth and not too salty. Service was quick. Ample parking and outdoor seating. Portable potty available

Love the Goody Good and products with company logo. Business hours are irregular. Please maintain regular business hours.

I planned for my husband and I to grab a quick bite at Cafe 100 before leaving Hilo. With more than 2000 reviews on Google and 30 varieties of loco moco, it was hard to ignore. Cafe 100 is a casual, local spot with window (staff) or kiosk (automated) ordering and plenty of semi-outdoor seating (i.e., you are technically inside and covered, but you can still feel the heat from outside). I will admit the menu felt a bit overwhelming at first glance because there are so many options available, but we visited on a weekday when it was not busy, so we were able to take our time deciding. Anticipating larger portions, we decided to share a mixed type loco moco plate along with a drink. That turned out to be a great call, as the portion was more than enough for the two of us, especially since we would not easily be able to take leftovers with us. This is casual, familiar comfort food done well. No complaints here, and I have already recommended Cafe 100 to a few friends :)

Cafe 100 has a laid-back, relaxed vibe with plenty of seating and parking. They offer lots of plate lunch options and daily specials, but the main draw is the loco moco. Portions are ok but is rice heavy, so it's a bit pricey for what what it is. The teri loco is better than the regular version, and I'd definitely recommend extra gravy. Overall, it's not a bad spot for a quick bite and the staff is friendly, but this should not be your first loco moco experience if you haven't had one before.

Came across this place mid-day because the kids were hungry. I liked that its a stress-free, low maintenance place where we could take our 6 kids to. One of our kids ended up having a meltdown, and since it was outside, it was okay. Given the serving size, I was a bit disappointed at the price. We got a few loco mocos and chili over rice. They were all around $8-$10 and the serving was small. We also ordered a kastu and that was even pricier at the same serving size. I do like the home-feel taste of their food so I think its worth the price. We also got a few bags of fries on the road which the kids loved.

Read that this was the place the loco moco originated so I wanted to try it. We placed an order to go about 30 minutes prior to wanting to pick up. Our food still wasn't ready when we arrived. Prices are quite high for the amount of food that you get. You get a ton of rice and the whole container is covered in rice, but the amount of meat is small compared to the amount of rice. The salad served with it was just cabbage, which I wouldn't exactly call a salad. Also the food didn't have much flavor.

Cafe 100 is a classic Hawaiian fast food spot. It is frequently by locals and tourists. Service is always with a smile. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. I am not sure why people criticize the ambience. It has been improved since my last visit. Greatly improved there's plenty of seating, and the seating is covered. This is the location where the first Loco Moco was made for some local kids who wanted something filling, tasty and cheap. I always order the original, there are many other options. The original is not salted at all and will need a little bit of salt. I put pepper on also. The milkshakes are seldom focus of attention and I can't figure out why. They are outstanding.

It has been years since I last came here and food is still delicious and affordable. Simple, local food at its best in Hilo. They're quick and for early evening it wasn't busy. Many tables were available and they were clean. We got a bento, oyako moco, and Pork chops. They were all filling and delicious. We will continue coming here when in Hilo

We came because we heard this is the home of the loco moco - we got the super version which is double the amount of the normal. To be honest, the portions are quite generous and the original probably would have sufficed. Also got the mahi mahi - fish was quite tender, and I liked the potato side! Everything leaned a bit salty. The cafe is not really like a closed shop - more like the kitchen is covered and extends to an awning over the seating, which is in the style of picnic tables.

The five stars of the loco moco gravy. Ok back track, we wanted to check this place out well because it's said to be the home of original loco moco. We ordered the loco moco and miso butter fish. I give the stars to the gravy, it was well seasoned and they put a lot of gravy all over the rice, as how it should be. The downside is the meat. It didn't have much flavor. The miso fish was okay. I'll take all the gravy they have here.

Came here directly from the airport to try the loco moco from the "Home of the Loco Moco." Service was fast and friendly. The dining area is open air but have a lot of tables. While the menu features a variety of variations of the loco moco (e.g. with spam, or other food), I went with the standards loco moco. Most people are shocked since it comes in a small container, but it was filling. It wasn't spectacular, but still good for loco moco.

My expectations for "the original loco moco" was a little too high I guess, specially after watching videos from travel vloggers raving about this place. The loco moco was mediocre at best, I come fr California and have had better. There was barely any bland gravy on the patty. The pork adobo special was not it (coming fr a Filipino). There was not even a proper restroom avail.. think porta-potty under the Hawaiian sun. I would skip this place.

Everything here looks so delicious it's was hard to choose. They have a chili loco moco dish that was AMAZING! I'm a big fan of chili and this dish did not disappoint!It's an open walk up and order restaurant.Staff was super friendly!

Nice lil spot on Hilo. Open air seating...order at the register. We tried the Loco Moco...we have tried MANY loco Mocos and this one was one of the best! Loved their Mac salad! Service: nothing to really say. You order, you go.

This is a very laid back, order at the window and eat outside vibe restaurant. The food was great! We tried the famous loco moco here but got the super version so it came with spam and Portuguese sausage which was delish! The Mac salad was also tasty. We also enjoyed the convenient service of ordering on the touch screen system they had. The menu was a little confusing but the touch screen would be helpful if you were unfamiliar with the menu like we were.

Very disappointed. Ordered a Beef Curry Moco as I have done before. Lots of rice, two medium chunks of potatoes, two chunks of carrots, Curry sauce and an egg. The beef was a single one inch cube. I'll be going to K's or Verna's from now on.

Open air. Picnic tables. Counter service. Great local spot! Had the teriyaki chicken - was delicious!

Loco Moco reportedly originated in Hilo but there has been debates as to which establishment actually created it. So, when in Hilo, had to stop by Cafe 100, considered the home of the Loco Moco for our first dinner for the original and the fish moco. Loved how they have so many moco varieties including non-beef ones as well as double patties if you so choose. I do wish that it came with more gravy though. Lots of parking and seating available if you want to dig in on site. Like many spots in Hilo, it does close early (6PM) so plan accordingly if you want it for dinner.

Bought Chili tickets. Chili was full of beans, and watery. Not much customer service. Not inviting. Other people ordering had to use a kiosk. Food expensive.

Very disappointed! Not sure what happened..this use to be our go to place for lunch.. But not after today. We ordered 2 burgers and a French fries which costed $25. The burgers had no condiments and patties didn't taste good at all. I couldn't even eat it

I haven't been to Cafe 100 in a very long time so we decided to go a support out loco eatery. Needless to say I was very disappointed. For one I spent $35 on just myself, a double loco, fries and a drink. Secondly it is not a great as I remembered it tasting. I was so heartbroken. Spending all that money and not even tasting the way it used to be :( Although my food was a bust, service was great. The cashier was very friendly. As usual, it's always a nice place to hang and eat. Just an fyi, they have no restrooms, just porter potties.

We stopped here on a tour of Hilo and the volcano park. It's got a cool story, the founder was a Japanese American and after Pearl Harbor he joined the Army to protect the USA. He was part of the 100th Battalion, and when he got out after the war, started this cafe. The place was spotlessly clean. Lots of picnic table style seating (covered) to sit at. Great menu of local favorites. I got the Loco Moco, which is a burger patty over rice with a fried egg and brown gravy on top. SO GOOD! The service was friendly and everything was made fresh, so it took a few minutes but it was worth it!

I like their burgers because their buns are soft, sweet, warm and fresh. Probably the cleanest drive-in I've ever been to. Service is usually good with friendly staff singing to some jams and smiling. I also like their loco mocos. Prices seem a tad high, but inflation and tariffs I guess. Anyway, we are repeat customers every once in a while.

Just came across this old photo in a box. The current Cafe 100 on Kilauea Avenue has always been a landmark in Hilo.

Note that seating is open aired, and there is a parking lot dedicated to this area! We came right before closing and even then there were still patrons. We ordered at the window and food arrived pretty fast. You pick it up when they call your number. we got a loco moco and a katsu plate. Loco moco was pretty small in portion, but the katsu was extremely generous. Both were delicious. The loco moco wasn't overcooked and gravy was generous, overall, one of the better loco mocos I've had! The katsu was a little too thin, but was extremely well breaded. The Mac salad was also extremely delicious. Good to eat either there or on the road. Glad we stopped by here!

Simple, unassuming restaurant with the BEST, highest quality, outstanding, DELICIOUS loco moco! This is a staple, daily stop for us in Hilo. To not eat here when on the big island would be criminal! My fave is the spam loco!

We made it to Cafe 100 before they closed on Friday night! Well, there was a rush of people arriving behind us. They have a big menu! We got Aloha Friday (beef stew and lau lau) and Island Girl (fried shrimp and beef teri). The lau lau was so good! It was tender and flavorful. The beef stew was classic style with carrots and potatoes. The fried shrimp were hot and crispy and the beef teri were big slices of beef in tasty sauce. We really should have only eaten half, but it was too yummy to stop. Cafe 100 is classic and a must visit. They get weekends off, so don't wait!

Two Words - LOCO MOCO. Very generous serving and the hamburger patties (I got the double), were pretty hefty. Rice was tender and hot. Gravy was flavorful. My only disappointment were the eggs. Not runny, but fried hard. Overall, I would still recommend it. Lots of parking and a variety of other items if someone in your party is not feeling the Loco Moco.

I have been here in the past and the food was pretty good and was reasonably priced. I had some friends visiting from the mainland and before venturing into Hilo town we decided to stop for lunch. I suggested Cafe 100 because of my past experiences. We all got in line to order my friends had the terri beef and the other had a cheeseburger I decided on the beef stew. Obviously since I had been last the prices had definitely gone up, for 3 plates and two drinks it was over $50. My friend said her cheeseburger tasted like it was a frozen Mayes burger and my stew tasted like it just came out of a can like dinty more and my other friend who had the terrible beef said it was so dry it was like eating leather. She went to the counter to ask for some Terri sauce to hopefully moisten it up a bit and the told her the didn't have any terri sauce? Now I'm trying to understand if you order a Terri beef plate but there is no Terri sauce wouldn't that just be a beef plate? My friend took her plate back and informed them it was one of the worst meals she has ever had and couldn't eat it. They did refund her money but the whole experience was ruined and I was so disappointed that I actually recommended the place. Sorry to say I won't be back!

We saw Cafe 100 on YouTube and made a trip over from Kona just to have the loco moco here. My husband loved it! Cafe 100 is clean, the food is good and the employees friendly. I had a burger and fries. The fries were 5 star too. I recommend.

This place is for locals who love eating local food. We're taking Loco Moco with spam and Portuguese sausage. Fried port over rice, The good suff. Served in a real diner environment by real people. Bring it on baby!!

BIG ISLAND HAWAII 2023 VACATION #3 - NO HEAVY LOCO During the week leading up to Memorial Day I was staying at Kailua-Kona for six days. I made a day trip to Hilo on a Thursday. Since that drive was going to be a 3-hour round trip I made itinerary of what I wanted to do while I was at Hilo. The first stop was Cafe 100. I didn't have breakfast in the morning as I decided to come here for lunch. Knowing that this place opens at 11:00 AM I wanted to be one first ones to be here. I arrived around 10:30 AM that day and was the first person in line. Initially I was going to order a single loco. When I was the first in line order I changed my order to double loco because I thought to myself when is the next time is I'm going to Hilo. The next item I had no indecision as I ordered the cascaron, which is a Filipino donut that you see display on trays at family parties. I admit I was nervous when I got my double loco as though the gravy and extra patty would be heavy. To my surprise delight the double loco wasn't heavy at all. The more I ate the double loco I wasn't getting bloated. I'll be honest loco moco served at the mainland makes you bloated. The double loco was a hearty meal as beef patties weren't greasy and the gravy wasn't oily. Seeing the cascaron was great delight to see as it rekindled memories of seeing sticks of cascaron at Filipino family parties. What makes a great cascaron? They are sweet and crispy on the outside yet soft inside that you can taste the mochi texture. In the past I ate some cascaron that weren't edible because the outside was too tough. The cascaron I ate at Cafe 100 was crunchy and soft. The sweet cascaron supplemented the savory double loco. Eating a double loco and cascaron at Cafe 100 was a very good way to start a day.

So glad we had time to stop by this restaurant before they closed at 6pm. Came here about 30 minutes before they closed, though we noticed that people were still stopping by up until 556pm! I don't blame them because it's good portions for a good price and it was delicious. Also, super friendly staff! There was plenty of parking when we got there. There was a bit of a line but it moved really fast. By the time we got there, it was a limited menu. Next time we stop by, we wanna get there early because my sister said that the pork adobo was life changing. They just means another visit to the Big Island soon! In any case, the menu has lots of options, even if it was limited. The price point is fair for the amount of food that you get. We ordered the hot dog loco moco and the super loco loco and some fries. We wanted the fried chicken and unfortunately, they just ran out for the day. The order was ready pretty quickly. They ask you if you want shoyu, Tabasco and/or ketchup. Yes to all. But to be honest, we didn't need the shoyu because the gravy was flavorful and we didn't want it to be salty. The eggs were cooked the way we asked and the over easy was yolk perfect. The hot dog was huge and had a nice char texture, if that's even a description. The spam was spam and the Portuguese sausage was good. Well, let's be honest, all the proteins went well with the gravy, rice and egg combo. Each bite was perfect. We also found that the proteins weren't that salty, so we appreciated it. The rice was freshly cooked, even late in the day. At least that's what I heard when another customer asked. Oh, the fries! They were good. It was liked seasoned fries and plentiful. Of course I had to dip it in ketchup but the hubby didn't. Btw, all the seating is outdoors but it's very clean. It's also great to see the photos of the owners and learn a little bit of history about them. Overall would definitely come back again and again and again.

I was excited to try this hawaiian spot. From the outside, it looks like a no frills drive thru. I went at 3pm and there was still quiet a few locals grabbing a snack. Lots of options but we got: Oxtail soup ($17): soup was very heavily flavored with msg. Think the free soup from a cheaper Chinese restaurant. With pieces of Chinese greens and tender oxtail. It's okay, but i won't be getting this again. Loco moco ($8.50): small container with the basics. Steamed rice, hamburger patty, gravy, and a sunny side up egg. Gravy tastes like the powdered kind. Nothing mind blowing. And quality wise, it's pretty cheap. But it's good. If you're looking for a quick bite to get, this might be a good place for you! But just be warned the quality isn't very high. But this is also the price point you're paying. Food is expensive here.

Went back to Cafe 100 after a few years. Just wanted to see how the beef stew tasted after decades. We also wanted to see how the teri beef sandwich was. I heard they had a gravy burger as well, so this was going to be interesting. Well, right off the bat, the prices are way up, I was surprised that the teri beef was $7.25. The gravy burger was $6.40. So interesting to see the prices go up over the years. One thing that was awesome was the goody good - which was still available. It's basically soda and condensed milk and frozen. The teri beef was underwhelming.... with just bun, teri beef, lettuce and bun. It was dry - maybe put some mayonnaise or something??? The gravy burger was ok, just not as good as it could be. It was probably the gravy. The goody good was as good as decades before! So the memories remain, but Cafe 100 is not the same as before. They are not even open on weekends - I don't understand that... And the stew...... not made on the day I went. Very sad.

"Marty, Don't Be Such A Square. Everybody Who's Anybody Drinks..." - Back to the Future Cafe 100 in Hilo is not only iconic because it's been around since 1946, named in honor of the legendary Nisei 100th Infantry Battalion of WWII, but Loco Moco has been served here for 70+ years! Cheers to that! On my weekend visit to Hilo I had Cafe 100 as a must. The typical tourist, or recent transplant, just might not get it, but I do, having been here before. My Dad before me, and Uncle's before him. Why? It's simple, it's affordable, but what makes Cafe 100 so special to me is it's a throwback to the plantation days. A time well before iPhones, television, and Pacific Rim Cuisine. The simplicity of a time once was is why I go! And of course the iconic Loco Moco. Many stories swirl on origin of the Loco Moco, but one thing is certain is it's origins are from Hilo, Hawaii. I only heard the urban legend stories as told by elders or our Kapuna, but those that did the research confirm it was first placed on the map by "the Lincoln Wreckers Sports Club" a group of teenagers post WWII that would visit the now obsolete Lincoln Grill in Hilo. Wherever the Loco Moco story goes it always finds it's way back to humble Hilo town. On my latest visit I ordered the original Loco Moco... Hamburger over Rice, Eggs over Easy, Brown Gravy over everything! I add Lilikoi (less than 5% fruit lol) drink. The recipe sounds simple, it really is that simple, yet it's attention to detail and consistency allows Cafe 100 to call theirs the "original" Loco Moco for decades. It starts with Hamburger that is farm fresh, Rice just cooked, Island Eggs from KTA, and perhaps the most important, the Brown Gravy not over salted, the perfect consistency for the Rice to soak up all the remaining Gravy! Ohh! Cafe 100 is a "plate lunch" open-air diner popular with the locals, many descendants from plantation workers and farmers. A relaxed vibe from start to finish. The counter service always friendly and no one in a rush. Oh! My bestie also noticed that many variations in Loco Moco now, including Spam & No Meat options! Large parking lot for cars, monster trucks, or horses! In the end, I do admit Cafe 100 is not for everyone, especially the Waikiki tourists or fancy types headed to the Waikoloa Resorts, but I highly recommend to those seeking comfort foods from days long gone. Old Hawai'i. The simplicity of the Loco Moco symbolizes the simplicity of yesteryear. Maybe, just maybe, the old way was always the better way... Dedicated to my OG, Hilo girl, Terry K.

I heard this is the OG loco moco spot in Hawaii so we had to check it out. It's a take out spot with outdoor seating and porter potty. You order at the front and seat yourself as you wait for your order. We got the super loco moco to share which was heavy amount of food and filled us two up with some leftovers (we had small bites earlier so we weren't extremely hungry). We saw that they have burgers and other items on the menu that we wished we had the appetite to try. The pricing is decent too, definitely more affordable than a plethora of restaurants across the island. The super loco moco comes with a ton of rice topped with brown gravy, two meat patties, Portuguese sausages, and spam. The meat patty was okay, I was expecting something similar to another spot we had in Maui but the flavor tasted like it was regular beef patties. Frozen beef patties perhaps? I make loco moco myself hence my slightly high standards. The spam was spam, but my favorite item would have to be the Portuguese sausages. This is more of a quick and easy meal that I see locals grab. Overall a comforting meal and would be back if I stay closer to Hilo area.

Excellent food and they give a LOT of food for decent prices. I recommend any of the different loco moco variations.

So DISSAPOINTING! $17.70 for a sad little fish sandwich and a boring little burger with wilted lettuce. One pack of mustard and one of mayo for two sandwiches. Nothing more. Be smart. Don't go.

Not exactly the best loco moco i've ever had but it definitely hit the spot. This is exactly the type of place I think of when i'm in Hawaii and want good value (portion vs price) Hawaiian BBQ food. I recommend the Super Loco as that has pretty much all the standard meats (spam, hamburger, sausage). The macaroni salad was pretty disappointing though.

Went to try something other than the local moco. Was very disappointed. My whole family didn't like what they ordered, the local girl teriyaki was more like beef jerkey. The shrimp was frozen from a box. Chicken Heaka was dry and un appealing. WILL NOT GO BACK AGAIN. Too bad

I don't like leaving bad reviews but after spending the amount of money I spent, I did not get good quality food. Customer service was good. But the food was warmed up. Nothing was freshly made.

Named in honor of the bravest battalion in U.S. Military history, a continuing source of local pride. Of course if those Hawai'ian soldiers ate here too much they would be too fat to fight effectively. On the other hand, I've seen some pretty tough mokes so what do I know? Well I know that this is some broke da mouth tasty local plate lunch. I don't call this place a hole in the wall, it's local aesthetic, clean and friendly. You can argue about where the best loco moco and burger plate lunch is, but this is one of the best and it's been around long enough to prove it. Aloha and mahalo!

This is use to be one of our go to places. Ever since I was a small kid and then with our own kids and now with our mo'opunas. Affordable, good food and great service. Today we ordered Chicken Hekka, Island Girl and Loco Moco. When we got home and opened the Chicken Hekka plate we was flipping out. It should've been called Chicken and bamboo shoots. It was a pile (not kidding) of bamboo shoots and some dried out chicken pieces. As for the Island Girl the Teri beef was dried out, no flavors. And the Mac salad had an onion flavor and watery. Cannot go wrong with Loco Moco, the reason for the two stars. I have had Cafe 100 Chicken Hekka and always liked it. My husband most of the time goes for the Island Girl. We threw our plates away. I know it's not original owners but did they change the way they are making their food? Such a disappointment. Can't get over the Chicken Hekka! Literally Bamboo shoots and pieces of chicken. No noodles whatsoever! Is this their way of making it?

Cafe 100 is supposed to be the creator of loco moco so we wanted to give this place a try. Although their dining area is outdoors you cannot eat in yet. It is only take outs, and be sure to mask up. They have overwhelming variations of loco moco to choose from, not to mention a lot of menu items. We went with traditional loco moco with one hamburger patty, over easy egg, and white rice. We also got their special - grilled mahi mahi. I personally thought loco moco was a bit bland, but it was as expected. I think the real winner was the grilled mahi mahi! Meaty, flavourful, and especially with their homemade tartar sauce it was so satisfying. I believe this is their Friday only special. We went to a park across from Cafe 100 and ate our food.

Food was delicious price is right on those portions!!! Had the Super Loco and the Beef Curry as well as the Liliko Drink. Staff was very efficient and kind! Ambiance was relaxed and more so Sunday morning brunch takeout vibes. A must go if you're on the big island!

The loco moco (regular) was pretty mediocre. I've had much better. Service was quick at least but portion small and flavors bland, with bad rice.

Great comfort food. Good price with large portion of food. Loco moco is a must! Would recommend to anyone visiting Hilo

The Loco Moco is as advertised. Amazing delicious tasty. You need a mask to order here even though no open seating due to COVID , still. So it's all to go out of the window. We got the Super Loco- 2 eggs. 2 burger Pattys. With one egg. Portuguese sausage and lots of rice. Enjoy.

Call ahead because it can get crowded! And the phone line even says they may not answer the phone line if they're busy...but if you have time keep calling so you don't have to wait a long time. Really enjoy the gravy cheeseburger, even more so than the loco moco (shhhh). It's got a grandmas kind of cheeseburger flavor and the old school white bun, and the gravy is, well I mean these guys know loco moco so the gravy on the gravy cheeseburger is good. Enjoy the loco moco and chili moco too. Don't let the size fool you. It looks like a small square container but it's FILLING. If you're really hungry go for it but otherwise try it the size they serve before thinking you need to order another one. I might try one of the other derivative loco mocos next time, but i'm an old school person who just really enjoy a regular loco moco! Fries are good too!