Had dinner on a Thursday nite at 7pm. Three of us ordered a round of drinks and escargot for starters. The waitress was attentive and personable. The drinks and appetizer were served quickly. Six escargot were delish with melted cheese atop spinach with buttery toasted garlic bread. We ordered the night's special, Paniolo prime rib, which was a generous 12 oz cut smothered in carmelized onions and mushrooms. Three of us could eat just half our meals and took the rest to go. The prime rib was prime quality, juicy and served as we ordered, medium rare and medium. The ambience was more country diner, friendly, quick service, and very reasonably priced ($5.95 margarita, $18.95 prime rib with all trimmings). We'll be back! read more

Black Rock Cafe - Paniolo 12oz prime rib with onions and mushrooms comes with choice of starch and choice of veggies. Generous cut! - Cafes Near Me - Pahoa, Hawaii

We always enjoy the food here and were especially impressed with our server today (Tuesday 12/3) because she held down the whole place by herself, from hostess to waiting tables, running food and drinks, and cashier. One table of non-locals was so rude and demanding we wanted to drive them to the airport but she handled them really well. read more

Casual diner with mediocre food and service. I prefer dining here for breakfast or brunch as it seems to be a better overall experience. We come here pretty often, so it's nothing terrible! But just not somewhere you'd wanna have a nice "night out". Not everything is fresh, I know for sure the crab won tons must be frozen as we received them still frozen in the middle once. Overall a decent place, and frequented by locals. read more

I love it when Roseanna is working . She is extremely polite, efficient and knows our orders by heart. It must be hard at times for her to be working by herself. I ordered the famous black Rock Cafe omelette. I must say that todays one was burnt on the inside. I still ate it as I was very hungry. Stop by when Roseanna is working cause she is the best. read more

Four adults visiting Pahoa. Four entrees. All thumbs up. Pork adobo, roast pork and gravy, Korean chicken and kalua pig and cabbage all seasoned and cooked to perfection. Service was excellent. Waitress was so hospitable. And prices were goooood. read more

Cozy little bar with the local community feel. Lucked out to hear a cool little blues band that put out some good sounds. The bassist was an inspiring gentleman. Had my first Kona Lava Man here. Can't get back home in the PNW. The blues, Kona Fire Rock and Lava Man were apropos to the events occurring around this community as a result of the volcano and hearing the story from a man who had lost his house to it just that day. A man with a survivor attitude. read more

I like going there for breakfast. They have a great selection of items to choose from for a great price. The biggest downfall are the rude waitresses. No matter how many times I have gone in or how many times I leave tips....they are still rude! When you walk in you don't even get greeting and get totally ignored. How hard is it to say hi or good morning? read more

Waitress staff are definitely stepping up there game as I have been here multiple times it seems that they are happier now and it is always a pleasure there number 16 meat lovers omelet is my fave it is definitely the most meat and has it all read more

We were coming back from viewing the lava flows and stopped in Pahoa. We went to a pizza shop which was closed, someone was there doing the books but was not open for food. We asked her if any place was open on Sunday and she said no. We drove about 20 yards down the road and stopped at Blackrock Cafe. Order 2 pizzas and ice cold draft beer, pizza was amazing and beer was just as good. We ended up coming back two more mornings for breakfast and that was just as amazing. Everyone was so nice, they got quite busy and seemed a bit short staffed. The staff did a great job and we realized they were short staffed, they apologized when we went to pay our bill. I told them I totally understood and gave an extra tip for being so nice. They really show the Aloha spirit and cannot wait to visit again. For being our first visit on the big island, they definitely left a lasting impression on me. I only wished I had picked up one of their shirts. Mahalo for your staff and service !! Lee read more

The waitresses were very friendly and nice but the food was the worst I've seen and eaten probably ever. I'm no food snob, one of my favorite dives is a hole in the wall serving pelmenis made by scary mean looking russian men who smoke cigarettes while cooking and yelling at eachother. The fries tasted off and fishy. The onion rings were burnt to an almost blackened crisp. My daughter enjoyed her hamburger but noticed the bad tasting fries as well. I had the Admirals platter which consisted of deep fried ono, shrimp, calamari, clams, oysters and scallops. Where to start here? Everything was overcooked, burnt and super greasy. What should have been ono looked and tasted like frozen cod you'd buy in a grocery store. It didn't have the taste or texture of ono. The outside was burnt and the middle was not cooked. The panko that barely coated the calamari was burnt black. The clams and oysters were barely recognizable. The shrimp was equally bad. I really wanted to like this place but after tonight, never going back. Stay far away from this one. read more

My mom loves going here especially since I'm her neighborhood. This is our go to place if we wanna just feel at home. Ono grinds and excellence in customer service. read more

The food here is still good. Adaquate portions at a fair price, served in a clean environment that is maintained at a reasonable temperature. The burgers and the Korean Chicken have been my go-to items. The service used to be friendly and efficient. Half the time these days the service is surly, and my order comes out wrong. Rare means well done, requested substitutions or deletions are not honored. If you point out the problem you get attitude and they don't fix the issue. It's a small town and I've overlooked this til now but it's become the norm rather than the exception. read more

Food is ok, although they were out of quite a few dishes early on a Friday evening. The Kailua pork was good.

Not a fan of all the washed up haoles that LIVE here from open to close but the beer is cold and their fry platter is on point! We mainly go here during football season and they have a nice raffle, good burgers, and stiff drinks! PLUS, I hear you can score smack, crack, crank, and a host of other substances in the parking lot. LOL IDK but if ever in the need of these items, ask one of the washed up, ex-Vietnam, divorced, long haired, drunk haoles that live at the bar...LOL...Im sure they can point you in the right direction! CHEEHUU!!! read more

Once the home of the Pahoa Dairy Queen, this little local (hole in the wall) cafe'-bar, has become one of my favorite places to have breakfast. I don't think I know of anyone else who serves a pork adobo omelet, or Southern style biscuits and pork gravey...delish! Their no frills loco moco is big and filling with a handmade burger for under $5. They have several choices of eggs benedict, all of which are very good. Coffee..always fresh and perfectly brewed. Beer with your breakfast...LOL! They have it! Whether you are a local or visitor driving through to Kalapana, you will be pleased with their food and friendly-filled with aloha-service. read more

It's a good diner in Pahoa but the service is inconsistent. Is you are looking for a quick bite I would say try somewhere else because the service takes a while, but if your looking for a chill place with okay food then this is your place! read more

Went for breakfast and the food was good. I had to use the bathroom and was so disgusted it really made me wonder how clean is the kitchen! The bathroom is a TOXIC WASTE ZONE! They need to go in there with high pressure steamers, Clorox HARD BRUSHES AND ACTUALLY SCRUB THE FLOORS WALLS AND GET THAT SMELL OUT! They need major disinfectants! I thought I was in the third world country...it is so disgusting and there is only one bathroom! The food was good but I just could not get the smell of the funky bathroom out of my nose...Show some pride in your business establishment and PLEASE CLEAN YOUR BATHROOM! Like I said I really started to wonder HOW CLEAN IS THE KITCHEN! read more

We came into town late in the evening to check into our AirBnB and this was the only place open to feed us. This is a typical diner type atmosphere with diner type fare with a few Hawaiian flares. I ordered chicken strips off the appetizer menu and my husband went off of a recommended dish from the server which was korean chicken. Neither were fantastic but we were grateful for the kind service and the food considering there was no food until the morning and the local grocer was also closed. read more

The Florentine omelet was good. It is very thin and not very filling. The toast was ok. The juice was watered down. The French toast was mushy and felt apart. The coffee was also watered down and tasted stale. The corn beef hash was 90% potato with very little meat. read more

Black Rock Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Pahoa, Hawaii

See all

Kaleo's used to be our go to place for lunch in Pahoa. But for a few dollars less, you can get a comparable fish sandwich with fries at Black Rock. They usually have grilled Ono or Ahi available. Service is always attentive and friendly. Black Rock offers good local food at reasonable prices. You know you're in Pahoa town when dining here. I love their beef stew, rice and Mac Salad! Can't get more local than that! read more

Casual atmosphere, friendly service, some crazies popping in and out, but this is Pahoa after all. Our waitress was very nice and forth coming. People watching was a lot of fun to do. When the food came out it was good. My boyfriend had the chop steak with extra mac salad on the side (he loves his mac salad). It looked very tasty and it was! Packed with sauteed veggies in a light shoyu or teriyaki sauce, it was slightly sweet. He just wished there was more steak in it. I had the teriyaki cheese steak sandwich/sub. The cheese was all gooey and melted, delicious! I really really like the onions and how they were still crunchy, but had started to caramelize. The bread was good, nothing crazy, held all the yummy onions, bell peppers (which I usually don't like), and teriyaki marinated meat (possibly steak? It was hard to tell). Good price too, for our meal, which included a draft beer we paid about $24, which isn't too bad. I recommend checking this place out in Pahoa, gets a lot of business on the bar side. After dinner grab a drink. read more

We just fed our family of 6 for $50 and walked out with 2 to-go boxes and VERY full, happy bellies. Their loco mocos are gigantic and delicious. The shining my fish sandwich was fresh and tasty. So many great comfort food options after a long hard day of playing. Quick and friendly service, great staff, menu with lots of options, and kid friendly. What more could you ask for?! read more

The worst service we ever had. We waited over an hour to be seated. They took people before us we let it slide twice the third time we up and left. Took our business somewhere else We're the service and hospitality was way better. Me and family said we would never go back there again. its a warning to all you people with a big famil. read more

I think the house margarita and burgers are 5 star. I enjoy them a few times a week. Some of the other dishes are not 5 star.

Black Rock Cafe- What can I say about this? This is my go to spot for breakfast in Pahoa! Kalua pig omelet....Broke da mouth! Best cholesterol evar! But, I digress. I haven't tried the bar or lunch. I will update in March. (If lava doesn't shut them down). I can't imagine that lunch or dinner isn't much different. Friendly people! Mahalos! Update..... tried lunch.... wings were the most tender evar! The meat melted off the bone. Everything was delicious! One of the best spots in Pahoa! read more

Went at 815 am, waited for acknowledgement not till 15 later she says 1st come 1st serve. only 6 people at 3 different tables, They were 3 inside orders hanging up, They Kept Taking Phone Orders, a family of 6 were called to seat and they were waiting 40 minute's already, waitress 'Says OK I can seat you 6 But it Will Be 40 to 45 minutes to get food as we have lot of Callin Orders to Make. Customers responds, What we've waited 40 minutes already? Well, They Left Mad... As we still waiting, 1 couple got up walked out as they been seated & Waited 40 minutes and no one helped them. Waitress 'Rudely Says Well I told them it will be a Wait...Meanwhile I counted the Phone Orders hanging in up 13 and still taking more Phone Orders...Didn't Tell Phone In People how Long To Wait! Finally tells I can seat you, BUT WILL BE 40 MINUTES FOR FOOD TO GET TO YOUR TABLE We said NO,, If you Stop taking all phone orders & help with some of us ,We Just Left! After 35 minutes. The place WAS NOT PACKED. THEY DIDNOT CARE! THE PLACE WAS Dirty, Look up Lights Were Cracked Filled with Dead Bugs. The Window Casings Littered with dead Flies I Fully Understand Shortage on Help if So and Pandemic Changes But They Should've Just closed doors And Do Takeout Only!! THIS RESTAURANT SHOULD NOT BE OPENED IF THEY DONT CARE ABOUT THE CUSTOMERS & THE CLEANLINESS & SANITATION!! We've Always Enjoyed This Restaurant But This Was Shear Disgraceful Restaurant Should NOT BE OPENED.... No Apologies Nothing... Big Fat 0- ZERO... INSPECTION SHOULD BE DONE ON THIS RESTAURANT & NEW OWNERS, WHO CARE!!! read more

Food was really good. People were really nice. Everything was pretty fresh. My favorite dish would be hawaiian stroganoff which is only served on Fridays and can't go wrong with breakfast. Oh and must have deep fried icecream! read more

Black Rock Cafe - Black Rock - Cafes Near Me - Pahoa, Hawaii

I've only eaten here with friends once. My first impression was 'What a dive!" The seating was a little uncomfortable and the service a little slow, BUT....what an awesome Rueben sandwich! We're from NY, so we know a good one and are very harsh critics of this sandwich! So believe me when I tell you it was spot on! Our friends had the Loco Moco which they seemed happy with. The best part of this dining experience (besides the Rueben) was the bill...4 adults ate for $32! read more

Local place, everyone is so friendly and they work really hard. Breakfast is the time to go, their Black Rock Omelette is outstanding. If your in Pahoa try this little gem right in the heart of the little city read more

Drove to Pahoa in hope of seeing the volcano glow but decided to have dinner first. We ordered chicken teriyaki sandwiches, fish sandwich, chili cheese fries & onion rings. Everything was yummy! Good home style food. After dinner we saw the volcano glow! Awesome! read more

Had grilled mahi mahi fish sandwich, it was wonderful. Great local place! The staff was wonderful and greeted us with a smile. It could use a good cleaning but overall I really enjoyed my experience. A must go if in Pahoa! read more

Black Rock Cafe - Mahi mahi grilled fish sandwich with fries. Super good! - Cafes Near Me - Pahoa, Hawaii

See all

I've definitely experience better but it was a great and quick stop in a rush. The food came out quick and the waitress was on it with drinks. I'm not to sure what the goal of this business is. Fast food or quick fresher food or an actual restaurant. Prices were extremely reasonable but as a food enthusiast I have to give it 3 instead of 4 because the food quality could have been so much better with some more attention and patience, even though it wasn't fresh. I ordered the POG which seemed poorly mixed from concentrate and not the POG I have come to know and love. My french toast was very wet and soggy inside not being cooked thoroughly. My hash browns were pretty good with a tad more oil than I would have like but still good taste. My bacon was overcooked but I didn't specify when I ordered that I like it a bit flexible so no shame there. Overall I would recommend for anyone wanting a quick breakfast or lunch on the go and on a budget. read more

Wait time was short, service was quick but ok. Food was in generous in portions and prices beyond reasonable. Definitely family friendly and they have a separate bar for the evening. Atmosphere is very much an old feel which I love because it's an authentic cafe. I would recommend anyone to come and check it out for a lovely breakfast lunch and dinner for a mellow time. Location is right in the middle of Pahoa town which isn't hard to find and parking is not too limited. read more

Black Rock Cafe - These pancakes are HUGE, we weren't expecting such a generous amount - Cafes Near Me - Pahoa, Hawaii

I've eaten here several times, and until today my rating would have been 4 stars. Today I had their eggs Benedict and they got their 5th star from me. Unlike other reviewers I have never had a problem with the cleanliness or the service or the taste and quality of the food. Black Rock is a local cafe and does what it does well. About the Eggs Benedict; generous portions, real hash browns, real ham, fresh eggs cooked perfectly to my order, and the hollandaise sauce was delicious. They also have a bottomless cup (within reason) of some of the best coffee on the island. What's not to love!? read more

It's a straight up solid cafe, not fine dining, but something for everyone with a varied menu. Good pizza! Large portions and reasonable prices. The service can be iffy at times, even when it's not busy- but hey, this is Pahoa. Relax and enjoy. If you are seated in the bar be aware the smokers congregate right outside. The bartender was attentive and friendly. Worth a try. read more

Good simple grub to go or dine in. Ordered a chili burger. It was a fun mess. Nice fries. I finished mine and then finished my girlfriends. Server was very friendly. Made sure we got wherever we needed. read more

I got the hamburger steak for the first time and it was nasty! The patties were super dry and hard and there was barely any gravy just a TON of onions. I couldn't eat much of it. I thought at least I have some Mac salad but I took a bite and it tasted like it had been sitting in a fridge for days!!! So gross! This place is usually not too bad. I've gotten some pretty decent things here. Their burgers are usually pretty good but they are skimpy on their fries. I guess it's kinda like Russian roulette with what you order. Sometimes you get something good, sometimes you get something bad. read more

Not a bad place to stop in for lunch. Had the bacon cheeseburger with crinkle-cut fries. The burger was cooked properly and the fries were crispy. Service was pretty quick around noon. Traveling through Pahoa, i'd have no problem stopping in for a quick bite or grabbing something to go. read more

Smells gross in there, food has no seasoning at all. Their appetizer plate was bland. I recommend not to go there for a family dinner.

Was down in pahoa to check out a job, stopped in for lunch, sat by the window in a booth it was really hot and my mother in law swore she was melting, moved ourselves to back of the restaurant where it was dimly lit but cooler. Waitress didn't give an attitude for us moving, offered to point the oscillating fan at us instead so that was nice. Waitress got 3 of the 4 orders at the table right so I guess not bad, to put it in perspective your the best batter ever if your batting a .750 right? On to the food, French dip: really tasty but it's definitely the smallest French dip I've had, was still hungry after eating it and I wouldn't say I was terribly hungry to begin with. All in all, I would say just "standard" nothing special, and I've def had worse read more