Tip Top Motel, Cafe, And Bakery

4.4 ( 955 reviews )
3173 Akahi St, Lihue, HI 96766, United States
+1 808-245-2333
Nestled in Lihue, Hawaii, **Tip Top Motel, Cafe, and Bakery** is a gem for anyone seeking authentic Hawaiian comfort food. Known for its **famous oxtail soup**, which reviewers rave is a “must-try,” the soup is slow-cooked to perfection, yielding tender meat that effortlessly falls off the bone. Diners appreciate the rich flavor profile, often enhanced with fresh ginger and herbs. Renowned for generous portions, the cafe offers an array of dishes, including the **beef cutlet**, crispy **chicken wing dings**, and hearty **Loco Moco**, showcasing the essence of local cuisine at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is casual, drawing in locals and tourists alike, generating a warm and bustling environment. Despite the often-packed dining room, the friendly staff remains attentive, ensuring guests are well-cared for. Reviewers note that the busy scene adds to the charm of the establishment, reflecting its popularity among locals. For those seeking a genuine taste of Hawaiian culture away from the tourist traps, Tip Top is a delightful choice, inviting patrons to indulge in hearty meals that resonate with home-cooked warmth. With its blissful combination of flavor and hospitality, this cafe certainly delivers on its reputation.

Amenities and More

  • 0
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • 1
  • 1
    • Free parking
    • 1
  • 2
    • Pool
  • 3
    • Air-conditioned
    • 1
  • 4
    • Kid-friendly
    • 1
  • 5
    • Restaurant
    • 1
  • 6
    • Fitness center
  • 7
    • Smoke-free
    • 1

Reviews For Tip Top Motel, Cafe, And Bakery

Rohit P
Jun 3,2025
This review is for the restaurant only! We ordered the famous oxtail soup and Beef stew with rice. Both dishes were cooked to perfection and super tasty, but the oxtail soup stole the show for me. The meat pieces were fall-off-the-bone soft and packed with flavor, while the soup had a perfect, mild taste. Adding a bit more parsley and ginger really took it to the next level. The restaurant was packed, so our server might not have been able to stop by as often as we’d like, but they were super friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. Overall, we had a great time and would highly recommend this place for its oxtail soup!
Pooja Kalshetti
Jun 1,2025
Restaurant review - The one dish for which you need to visit this restaurant is the Oxtail soup - it’s mind-blowingly delicious!! The meat is well cooked and the soup is flavorful. Adding ginger and cilantro just elevates the taste to the next level. We also ordered beef stew which was decent. This place is popular and full of people. We were lucky to get a seat right away. The staff here is busy and may not be able to stop by quite often but they are super friendly.
Mike Ropicky
May 19,2025
Another local favorite for a restaurant. Tucked inside the Tip Top motel, this diner serving breakfast and lunch is a local favorite. We didn’t stay here. Just came for the food. We were told by locals that this is a great place for breakfast and lunch. So we had both! This is a very local local place. Once a bakery (called Orly’s known for Malasada’s), it is now a restaurant serving up Loco Moco and Bentos. The bakery is still in business. Just in a new location (google it). If you like to move off the tourist path and more towards what the locals eat.... This Tip Top Cafe is a “must try”. No pretentiousness here. This is a simple down to earth place you would find on diners drive-ins and dives. But the food is what I would call Hawaiian comfort food. You won’t find a piece of garnish (parsley or an orange slice) on a plate. But the food is really good, served hot and delicious at reasonable prices (by Hawaiian standards). Give it a try.
Roy Rosnik
May 16,2025
Super not fancy - just really good food. Right after we were seated - a long line formed out the door. It didn’t look like they had to wait long as the tables turned over quickly. I had their pancakes. Highly recommend - unless you want something else.
T&G
May 15,2025
Cafe had the best oxtail soup I’ve ever had! Loco moco was good too. It was busy, but that’s because we went on a holiday. Fast service
Oksana Zubatova
May 4,2025
Before my trip to Kauai I googled all highlights for the island and Tip Top cafe was one of the best places to visit for macadamia pancakes and oxtail soup. I had to come back again because I was pretty full after one pancake for breakfast and I came back for lunch for the soup. Even a small portion was big enough for me. Soup was reach of flavor, served with ginger paste, cilantro and rice. Oxtail made the broth taste reach, rice noodles were light. I had one soup and haven’t touched rice. Nicely cooked, served fast, popular place among locals. Highly recommend it to try.
Joanne B
Apr 13,2025
We heard about The Tip Top Cafe from one of the security guards at our time share and he did not disappoint. There were 6 of us and the wait staff at the cafe were really well organized. The boys had pancakes, which were delicious. Ryan had to try the Oxtail soup, which sounded weird for breakfast but it was to die for! Tina had the Loco Moco, which was also super delicious. What a great experience start to finish. Great place for breakfast on your way to the airport.
Mike Cortez
Mar 5,2025
The tip top motel was great. I would recommend it. The rooms are clean and the air condition works well. Ice cold if that's how you like it. Soundproof rooms, we love it and we'll be back. Thank you to the cleaning ladies at the tip top motel.

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