Tucked inside the two-story Pearl City Plaza on Oahu, Button Up Cafe has become a local breakfast favorite despite having just seven tables and counter space.
Regulars sign in at the door and wait for a table, but the wait rarely lasts long, and the menu of roughly 50 items keeps people coming back for more. 🍳
It’s a small, family-friendly breakfast spot that punches well above its size.
How Button Up Cafe won Pearl City’s hearts
What sets Button Up Cafe apart is its fusion approach to Hawaii breakfast staples, blending local island flavors with Korean and Portuguese influences on nearly every plate.
Diners rave about dishes like the braised short rib loco moco and strawberry stuffed French toast, both frequently singled out as must-order items.
That kind of flavor-forward, fusion breakfast menu is exactly why this small Pearl City breakfast cafe has built such a loyal following.
The café’s signature Egg Benny lineup, offered with options like the Korean Braised Short Rib or house-made corned beef hash, gives regulars a reason to try something new on every visit.
Meanwhile, the Ciabatta Grilled Cheese sandwiches, including a Kalua Pork version, showcase the same inventive spirit that runs through the rest of the menu.
With QR code menus, outdoor seating, and a relaxed pace, the café feels less like a quick pit stop and more like a neighborhood institution people genuinely love.
Food Highlights
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Braised Short Rib Loco Moco: Slow-braised short ribs served over rice with a fried egg, a hearty twist on the classic Hawaii comfort dish 🍚
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Kalua Pork Loco Moco: Tender kalua-style pulled pork layered over rice with a fried egg for a smoky, savory bite
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Corn Beef Hash Loco Moco: House-made corned beef hash served over rice with a fried egg, a satisfying, savory island classic
- UBE Cheesecake French Toast: A purple-hued twist on French toast layered with UBE cheesecake filling for a sweet, indulgent finish 💜
- Strawberry Stuffed French Toast: Thick Hawaiian sweet bread stuffed with fresh strawberries, a dreamy, fruit-forward take on French toast 🍓
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Korean Braised Short Rib Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs and braised short rib layered over an English muffin, finished with hollandaise 🍳
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Bulgogi Breakfast Sandwich: Korean bulgogi beef paired with eggs and kim chee aioli on a ciabatta roll for a bold morning bite
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Ciabatta Sandwich with Portuguese Sausage: Scrambled eggs, provolone, and chipotle mayo layered with Portuguese sausage on soft ciabatta bread
Atmosphere
The vibe inside is cozy and casual, with just seven tables and a steady stream of regulars who don’t mind a short wait.
Outdoor seating and a covered area for pets make it easy for the whole family, furry members included, to grab a meal together .🐾
The counter moves fast for takeout customers who’d rather skip the sit-down wait. It’s the kind of low-key neighborhood breakfast spot that feels like a well-kept secret.
Bottom Line
Visit for the fusion loco moco varieties, the dreamy strawberry stuffed French toast, the creative Egg Benny options, the cozy neighborhood feel, and a breakfast menu unlike anything else in Pearl City.
Address:
97-719 Kamehameha Highway, #A102, Pearl City, HI 96782
📞 (808) 454-5454
🕔 Tue-Sat 7 AM–2 PM; Sun 7 AM–1 PM (closed Monday)