East Side Kauai Eats Under $20

Breakfast

Java Kai in Kapa’a serves up a smorgasbord of yummy breakfast options to compliment the coffee drinks that they’re best known for. I’m not a coffee drinker so I can’t help you there! There are fresh baked pastries galore, breakfast sandwiches made with local bagels, plus bowls and burritos. I cannot live without the cream cheese + pesto + tomato (bagel). There is indoor and outdoor seating available however both fill up quickly, fortunately there’s also an option to order online! When you drop in be sure to check out Shipwrecked, the amazing boutique next door.

Kalalea Juice Hale in Anahola serves up acai bowls and smoothies with the prettiest backdrop you ever did see. They are best known for their Next Level acai bowl–a blend of Tambor acai, banana, kale, protein powder, and fresh coconut milk topped with granola, coconut meat, banana slices, peanut butter, honey and more. I cannot live without the King Kong bowl which adds goji berries and cacao nibs to the mix! Order at the window of the bright orange hale and snag a seat at a picnic table.

Lunch

Kenji Burger in Kapaa serves up burgers and fries with an Asian twist. They are best known for the Kenji Burger–teryaki, ponzu aioli, caramelized onions and more–paired with the furikake fries. I cannot live without the latter and the Japanese Burrito–it’s like a giant sushi roll that includes spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, and crab meat drizzled in their signature sauce. Indoor and outdoor seating is available with a fenced-in grassy area for the keiki to run around in.

Eat Healthy in Kapaa serves up casual vegan cuisine (that even a meat and cheese lover like myself is extremely excited about). They are best known for being the only fully vegan restaurant on Kauai and I’m not sure anyone else would stand a chance against them. I cannot live without the chocolate chip cookies. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, the backyard has a fun vibe that you don’t want to miss.

Dinner

Street Burger in Kapaa serves up tasty burgers that are made from 100% Kauai grass-fed beef. They are obviously best known for their burgers that are split between two menus–“classics” and “different;” however, they also have an amazing selection of beers on tap! I cannot live without the Texas Poutine–Texas style chili atop fries along with sharp cheddar, a poached egg, and fizzled onion. Indoor and patio seating is available.