The go-to brunch spot in Kailua, serving creative morning dishes with fresh local ingredients. Known for thick-cut bacon, creative eggs benedicts, and excellent coffee. Long weekend lines reflect its popularity with both locals and visitors.
Scratch Kitchen and Meatery has established itself as the premier brunch destination in Kailua, a residential beach town on Oahu's windward coast that has developed a strong local dining culture centered around the food tastes of its creative, community-oriented population. Located on Aulike Street in central Kailua, the restaurant operates primarily as a morning and midday venue, serving creative American brunch and breakfast dishes made from scratch with local Hawaiian ingredients wherever possible. The menu reflects a commitment to quality that sets it apart from the standard resort brunch buffet format — ingredients are sourced thoughtfully, bread and pastry components are made in-house, and the preparations are designed with genuine care rather than assembled from commercial products. The eggs benedict variations are among the menu's most celebrated offerings, with multiple preparations changing seasonally and using local eggs alongside house-made English muffins, locally sourced pork products, and creative hollandaise applications. Thick-cut bacon from local sources is another signature element, appearing in multiple dishes and as a standalone order for those who want the best rendition of what is otherwise a common brunch item. Fluffy pancake preparations, granola bowls, and creative seasonal specials complement the core menu. The dining room is bright and cheerful in design, reflecting Kailua's beach-casual aesthetic. Lines form on weekend mornings before the restaurant opens and can extend for a significant wait — arriving early on weekdays or before 9am on weekends reduces waiting time considerably. Kailua is approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki by car across the Pali Highway, and a morning visit to Scratch Kitchen pairs naturally with time at Kailua Beach Park or Lanikai Beach.
Good to know
- Reservations
- No — expect a wait on weekends
Location
30 Aulike St, Kailua, HI 96734
Highlights
- Kailua's most popular brunch destination, known for creative eggs benedicts and thick-cut local bacon
- Made-from-scratch approach with local Hawaiian ingredients — house-made bread, locally sourced eggs and pork
- Seasonal menu variations and daily specials ensure the menu evolves beyond standard brunch staples
- Bright, casual dining room in central Kailua, popular with both residents and visitors on the windward coast
- Weekend lines are substantial — early arrival or weekday timing dramatically reduces wait times
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 8:30am on weekends to avoid the longest waits; weekday visits face shorter queues and a more relaxed pace
- The eggs benedict variations change seasonally — ask about the current preparation before defaulting to a standard order
- The thick-cut local bacon is worth ordering as a side regardless of the main choice
- Scratch Kitchen pairs naturally with Kailua Beach Park, which is a 5-minute walk away for a post-brunch beach morning
- The restaurant is cash-friendly but also accepts cards; parking on Aulike Street and nearby lots is available
Accessibility
Scratch Kitchen and Meatery is a ground-floor restaurant in central Kailua with street-level entry. The dining room is generally accessible for wheelchair users; guests with specific mobility needs should contact the restaurant in advance. Note that weekend lines extend onto the sidewalk.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Scratch Kitchen and Meatery open for dinner?
No, Scratch Kitchen operates as a breakfast and lunch restaurant. Service is during morning and midday hours only; check current operating times before visiting as hours may vary seasonally.
How long is the wait at Scratch Kitchen on weekends?
Weekend morning waits of 30 to 60 minutes are common, particularly between 9am and noon. Arriving before the restaurant opens or after 1pm reduces the wait significantly. No reservations are taken.
How do I get to Scratch Kitchen from Waikiki?
Scratch Kitchen is in Kailua on Oahu's windward coast, approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki via the Pali Highway (Route 61). The drive through the mountains is scenic. GPS navigation to Aulike Street in Kailua is recommended.
Is Scratch Kitchen accessible for visitors with mobility concerns?
Scratch Kitchen is a ground-floor restaurant in Kailua town. The dining room is generally accessible at street level; guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the restaurant to confirm current access arrangements.