Insomnia

4.7 (464 reviews)

ModerateCoffee & Tea, Vietnamese, Sandwiches

Closed • 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

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Insomnia - beef pho - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Insomnia - Inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Insomnia - Lemongrass chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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INSOMNIA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

109 Photos

Outside

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Moderate noise

Casual

Good for kids

Outdoor seating

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Toan D.

Formerly a cozy coffee house, Insomnia Café has reinvented itself as a Vietnamese restaurant under the same name , and it has quickly become my favorite go-to whenever I'm craving Vietnamese food. After multiple visits, I can say the food is consistently excellent, the prices are incredibly reasonable, and the husband-and-wife owners are some of the warmest people you'll ever meet. He handles the front of the house, she cooks everything fresh in the kitchen, and together they create the kind of hospitality you normally only find in small towns. The Beef Pho is outstanding. Clean, well balanced broth with generous slices of tender sirloin steak. The Lemongrass Chicken (served on freshly baked bread) is packed with flavorful chicken , julienne of pickled carrots, daikon and fresh herbs. The Pork Chop is another standout. A generously sized chop with great seasoning and a caramelized crust. They also have a surprisingly broad menu for such a small operation, including spring rolls, a great Mongolian beef plate, and several salad and sandwich options. Even their breakfast menu looks great. A thoughtful touch I really appreciate: when you sit down, they bring out a complimentary plate of fresh fruit. It's simple, kind, and sets the tone for the whole experience. Street parking is available, or you can use the garage next door. If you're looking for delicious Vietnamese food served by genuinely kind people, Insomnia Café is a gem. Happy Eating!!

Winton F.

Insomnia has become one of those rare places that feels like a second home. Every time I walk in, I'm greeted with a warm "friend" from the gentleman running the floor and a sweet "dear" from his wife. They even remember my family -- it's the kind of thoughtful service that sticks with you. The space is always spotless, and the Vietnamese music playing softly in the background gives off spa-like vibes. Calming, inviting, never rushed. They always start by giving some fresh fruit - on the house. Super sweet gesture. I always order the beef pho, and they've perfected every part of it. The broth is piping hot -- hotter than most places -- and packed with flavor. Before the bowl even hits the table, they bring out a little plate of fresh fruit (a small gesture, but one that makes a big impression). Basil and lemon are crisp and fragrant, and they ask how I want the bean sprouts -- on the side or in the bowl. The attention to detail is unreal. Even the noodles seem cut just right; no long, awkward slurping required. What stands out most, though, is the energy. It doesn't matter if you're a regular or a first-timer -- everyone is treated with genuine warmth and care. I've watched them interact with other diners, and it's always the same: cheerful, present, and real. If you're looking for comfort food with comfort service, Insomnia is it.

Caroline F.

I come here due to its proximity to my house. It is located right on the side side of salt in kakaako. This small little eatery is open for a pretty short time so try and get in there while they are open as each day they're only open from 8 AM to 2 PM. I come in here and I'm greeted quickly by a "hello friend" .It takes a little bit of time to be order but the people that run the café are very cute older Vietnamese couple, so please give them grace--they do it all! Serve you, cook, and clean! Once you order, they often bring out a plate of fruit while you were waiting for your food. However, you're not really waiting that long because of food comes out quite quickly! The food is hot and flavorful and everybody is delicious. I typically come here for pho, but everything else I've tried. Here has been very good. But please note that if you come later in the day, closer to closing, they might run out of food. Today they ran out of spring rolls with about an hour left in their workday. The atmosphere is wonderful here as, again, the couple that owns the place are a delight. They always make jokes about people who order coffee later in the day saying that they'll be up for days. I agree. Their Vietnamese coffee is strong! But while strong, it's very delicious. All in all, eating here is like eating at a friends house. You just sit back and relax and enjoy your food. I really like this place and I really like the owners. I'm so happy to support it.

Kayla N.

The cutest mom & pops shop that offers really good Vietnamese cuisine and coffee (if I do say so myself) I was greeted with such warm and welcoming energy. I ordered their Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi, it was full of flavor, and packed with extra veggies hehe.

Nicole C.

My only complaint is they arent open longer! But the charm of the owners that will greet you as "my friend" makes you feel right at home in this little location in SALT off of auahi st. They have a restroom located inside (perfect!) and all the chili sauce u may need to compliment your meal. That vietnamese coffee is no joke and aunty will ask if you need more condensed milk cause it is STRONG. I love my coffee but it is potent and legit gave me insomnia one day. Now I know better and only drink half and save the other half for the next day. The beef pho is so delicious. Not oily and very clean broth with the most tender brisket ever!!! I wanted to try the summer rolls which were also good but would be better if I had been with company! If youre looking for an early morning or lunch viet spot or some delicious coffer stop in! You wont be disappointed

Jenaiah M.

A great mom & pop shop that makes reasonably priced Vietnamese food in a otherwise expensive neighborhood. The couple who I assume are super sweet. They gave our kids little mandarin oranges while we waited. The decor inside is fun with lots of things to admire like gold fish swimming in a giant champaign glass and dozens of coffee accessories on the wall. The lemong grass chicken banh mi was good. Not as much lemon grass flavor as other places, but not bland by any means. The steam ginger fish tasted low-sodium which I kind of appreciated. Just don't expect the super salty oil shoyu sauce that Chinese restaurants usually use.

Marissa K.

Love this place! We came here hungry and ordered their spring rolls which came with lettuce, vermicelli noodles, pickled daikon, and cucumbers with fish sauce. Also ordered their lemongrass chicken banh mi and beef brisket and meatball pho. Everything was delish! This is a cute restaurant in Salt Kakaako with older husband and wife running this shop. Everytime you walk in it feels like you just stepped into your Aunty's place to eat. Very homey and cozy vibes!

Catherine W.

Solid Vietnamese food at Salt Kakaako. I've tried both bahn mi and rice dishes and they taste absolutely delicious. Seasoning is just right, not too salty. Their coffee is very strong so don't drink it too late otherwise you'll get insomnia! Besides the food, it's the service that makes me come back. The elderly couple are so friendly and cheerful. Never a bad day when you are in this little cafe. There are only like 4 or 5 tables so definitely not for big groups.

Peggy X.

This is the best meal we had in Hawaii! The service is so warm and attentive - the lovely couple who runs the restaurant took such good care of us, we felt like we were in the presence of family. I ordered the beef pho and my mom ordered the chicken plate. The pho was delicious - flavorful broth, tender meats, well-cooked noodles - but my mom's chicken plate stole the show. I tried a bite: the chicken is perfectly charred, so tender, and pairs so well with the peanuts and rice. I want to go back to Honolulu just to order a plate for myself! We also ordered a Vietnamese coffee to share. The coffee is pretty large and quite caffeinated, so it was plenty for the two of us. I also really appreciated the complimentary mandarins that they brought out at the start of the meal. Another shout-out to the wonderful older couple who runs this place - we came in for lunch close to their closing time, but they didn't rush us at all, and told us we could wait inside or outside the cafe for the bus even after they had closed up shop. This is on our must-visit list if we're ever back in Honolulu!

Mika Y.

I was attracted to this place when I saw goldfishes in an interesting tank. I was looking for a place to eat so I checked the menu with my friend. The menu looked good so we went in and had a great service and yummy lunch. Thank you goldfish, for getting my attention. (^^) It's Vietnamese food restaurant. We shared Lemongrass Chicken ($12.50) and Pork Chops ($12.50). Both dishes were delicious. Great flavor. Portion were good too. I want to try other food next time but because they were so good I might order the same one. We had ice tea and it came with strawberry. I looked at other table and it seems like fruit comes with drink order. Very nice service. People there were friendly and very thoughtful. We sat at the table with 2 chairs but the owner? he gave us extra chair to put our bags. I can't wait to go back.

S M.

Stopped by while visiting the Salt At Our Kakaako and ordered the pho, which turned out great. The soup was very good and I think it may have been the best pho soup I have had in a very long time. Moreover, the couple that worked there were so friendly and kind. This really is a hidden gem.

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Sarah M.

177

199

10 years ago

Excellent, friendly service and delicious food and coffee, Vietnamese-style. My favorite is the lemongrass chicken sandwich, fresh and hot, with cilantro, pickled daikon and carrots, tomato and mayo in a crusty French roll; $6.75. So tasty! Also love the uber-strong Vietnamese ice coffee, $3.75. Lots of dark coffee flavor. I hope this super cheerful mom-and-pop coffee shop stays around forever! read more

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Heather N.

Elite 21

464

163

9 years ago

So I did end up going back to try them again because it is so close to my work place and we waited 15 minutes for 2 lemongrass chicken plates which isnt too bad considering its made fresh. It was super tasty and reasonably priced so I am happy. I would recommend calling ahead though if you are planning to eat there. read more

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C W.

8 years ago

We eat here a lot and the food is freshly made to order just like homemade with a twist. The service is awesome and the restaurant is very clean. Small momma and poppa type business. Hands down a great place to eat! read more

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Imai C.

12 years ago

This is a cute little coffee shop in Kakaako that serves food as well. And not pastries, but actual hearty food. Got me a iced Thai coffee (needed something strong) and a butter looking roll. As I sat down, the man who I assume is an owner, brought over my roll and asked if I wanted a glass of water. What a nice touch! Love the ourkakaako wifi and the seat by the window for people watching. It was a holiday so even more of a plus, free street meter parking. Boy, no joke about the iced Thai coffee being strong....it put some hair on my chest. I would love these for my all night study seshes at Sinclair!! I will definitely be back to try their food and a different iced coffee. I'd love to try all their different espresso drinks too. read more

Insomnia - Switching it up here at Insomnia coffee in Kakaako. The proprietors here are so charming. I love how they call you friend. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Deana S.

10 years ago

"My friend" is the greeting you will get every tin you come in here! And you leave like they (owners) are your friend. Great food! Great atmosphere. And outstanding service! And they gave a us a morning treat!! Wow! We will be back for sure ! read more

Insomnia - Ham, Egg & Cheese Sandwich!!! Simple! But so yummy! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Cel R.

140

8 years ago

My favorite restaurant at SALT. Delicious Pho, sandwiches, and noodle dishes. Coffee is perfect. The owners are so sweet and welcoming to all. read more

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B M.

8 years ago

I wish I found this place sooner. Great food and two great owners who are happy to see every customer that comes in. Prices are fair and this place is completely about excellent service and excellent food. Vietnamese coffee and breakfast sandwich special on French bread are extremely good. read more

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Zachary B.

486

8 years ago

Super friendly service and the best Vietnamese iced coffee I've had outside of Vietnam!

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Chase M.

299

8 years ago

My first yelp review for a place I love! I've been a customer for the past 8 years and have never been disappointed. With all the new hip stores popping up in Kakaako, Insomnia may not instantly catch your eye, but upon entering you'll see that it has an undeniable charm to it. The food and coffee are undoubtedly terrific, but what really keeps people coming back is the quality of service that you get. Even after leaving the island for a year the Aunty & Uncle still remember me and my order (lemongrass bahn mi and vietnamese iced coffee). If you come here expect to be greated with a big smile and a "hello my friend" from uncle. It may not be the most "instagramable" place but photo ops like that are a dime a dozen. Insomnia is truly special. read more

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Zeus K.

11 years ago

Very friendly service and excellent food. Did I mention excellent service? The lady, owner I'm guessing was very friendly and informative as I've never been there before. Got the lemon grass bai min sandwich which was awesome. Highly recommended. read more

Insomnia - Lemongrass bai Minh with strawberry banana shake. She gave me pineapples on the house. How friendly and awesome!!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Melanie M.

8 years ago

Amazing PHO!!!! Clear Broth and amazing service. My personal favorite whole in the wall Pho place on Oahu

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Evan K.

9 years ago

Literally as good as it gets. The coffee is made with robusta beans, which is very distinct (and I think better) than arabica. Robusta gets a bad wrap in America, but when prepared correctly it has a bold, smooth, and chocolaty flavor. Not to mention -- it has more caffeine too! Breakfast sandwich -- 5 stars Iced coffee -- 5 stars The owners and staff -- 5 stars Hours -- 4 stars. I wish they opened earlier but it's a mom and pop shop, not Starbucks, so I understand I will definitely be coming back here more often now that I know about it. read more

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Michelle A.

14 years ago

I've only had the bubble tea, smoothies, and pho here but all of those were delicious. The Vietnamese couple that runs/owns the place are so so friendly and polite and make an effort to provide the best service. The cafe itself is quaint and very charming with aquariums and the crocodile (or are they alligator?) lamps and decor. read more

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H J.

14 years ago

This is my favorite coffee shop in town. Love this place for good food, coffee and good service. I've been going to this place for my breakfast since August 2011. Cheap and good place right by my work! My favorite food here is breakfast bagel with egg and ham, summer rolls, spring rolls and iced coffee. If you work in Kakaako Area, this is the good place for your breakfast and coffee in the morning. They get really busy at lunch time though. But please do check this place out! read more

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Kelly Q.

10 years ago

I really do love some of the drinks at )but the thing that makes this a 3-star and not a 4 or 5 star is inconsistency. There have been a few instances where one day I am craving a drink from . But, when I get my drink, it tastes nothing like it usually does, usually it's too sweet. This last time the boba balls tasted way too sweet and had a different texture. So the ball's sweetness + the drink sweetness was too sweet. It was kind of gross. I feel like there are too many good drink places out there to lose out on returning customers because of inconsistency. I'm not sure about others but I would choose a different place over this place knowing that I would always get a GOOD cup of whatever I'm getting for my $4 or $5. read more

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Thu P.

9 years ago

Can't believe it took me so long to try this place. Perfect for your iced Viet coffee and banh mi fix. It's not that easy finding a good Viet sandwich. The owners are the cutest couple ever and in the morning... parking is a breeze. Will definitely be back to try their lunch plates which I'm sure will be great. Please support these guys. You won't be disappointed. read more

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jung j.

7 years ago

literally the best pho on the island. the broth is super clean and flavorful and to make things even better the owners are super sweet and helpful. definitely coming back and you guys should too. read more

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Angela W.

9 years ago

Insomnia sounds like some bar you go to at 2 a.m. because your can't sleep... Or want to drink. This or not that. Insomnia is a mom and pop Vietnamese restaurant. Parking can be difficult, but there is now a parking garage, but you have to pay to park verse street parking. They have good ideas Vietnamese coffee. I've tried the lemongrass chicken and rice plate from there and it was delicious. My only complaint is that they could have used more lemongrass... But maybe they are making it for a palate that's not used to a strong lemongrass flavor? I would eat here again if I'm in the mood for Vietnamese and in the area. read more

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Kei U.

131

6 years ago

This place does not disappoint. You can get anything from the menu and they all taste good. Love the customer service!

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Dawn A.

8 years ago

The owners of this place are so sweet and caring. I've only been there a handful of times over the past couple of years but they always seem to remember me. Their lemongrass chicken is insanely good. Also, if you dine-in, they often have complimentary fruit. Great prices for great food and amazing people. No matter the growing food scene at SALT, I always seem to gravitate back to this shop. read more

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Nick B.

8 years ago

This place is as real as it gets. The food is amazing and the owners are super friendly. Don't pass by without trying the Breakfast French Sandwich! read more

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Piikea K.

Elite 17

9 years ago

Visited here for the first time today, and I am soooo impressed! Not only were the owners extremely nice and welcoming, but the food was delicious and the prices were a steal. I stopped in for some vietnamese coffee and decided on the "breakfast special": a ham and cheese omelette, two sausages and rice. Portions were decent, and I left satisfied and happy. I will definitely be back here in the future. Thank you so much to the owners for such a nice morning, I can't remember the last time I was treated so nicely as a patron. Recommend for anyone looking for a quick, pleasant, no-fuss breakfast that doesn't skimp on taste. read more

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Valerie A.

9 years ago

Awesome little cafe serving breakfast, coffee and Vietnamese food. The owners are very warm and welcoming, food was delicious, at great affordable prices. We'll be back! read more

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Sharey V.

9 years ago

This was my go-to lunch spot everyday during the work week. Mom and pop style joint, they are the sweetest and their lemon grass chicken sandwich is delicious! Be prepared to wait a while for your order as they get really busy during lunch time and there are at most three people working the restaurant. read more

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Rachel M.

9 years ago

Great Mom and Pop cafe where they treat customers like friends. Reasonably priced, fresh and clean Vietnamese cafe. Their lemongrass chicken is so so good!!! Lots of great lunch played to choose from. I only wish they stayed open later. read more

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Larkin D.

261

9 years ago

The actual sweetest people I've ever met and a killer Vietnamese coffee. Prices are low, the parking is free in the garage if you are there less than an hour, and the people are precious. I'll spend as much time here as possible on our trip. read more

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Theresa V.

Elite 15

192

223

357

12 years ago

Nice to see this place has such a loyal following given Cocina just opened next door. The place was packed with regulars. Love being referred to as "my dear" by the owners. sweet couple. Will be coming here more often. read more

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Kristine K.

9 years ago

The owners are really sweet and take care! They have GREAT pricing and great food. I came here because nextdoor ARVO was busy and I didn't want to wait. I'm glad I did. What a little gem. read more

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Jean P.

Elite 19

223

355

141

13 years ago

The coffee is strong, the staff is so kind and friendly. They call you "my friend" and if you come in more than once, they are pretty sure to remember who you are. The food is fresh and delicious and I love the strong coffee. My favorite is the Vietnamese sandwich...YUMMY!! Small location but it's very cozy and clean. Definitely a must-visit in the Kaka'ako area! read more

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Camilla J.

13 years ago

this place was incredible. the people, those fishes! their lemon grass chicken (omg! to die for!) it was only my sister & I in the cafe so we got to talk to the owners a lot! they're the sweetest, most loving people i've met in a while! amazing food, beautiful fishes (that I couldn't stop taking pictures of, lol) great pricing, & amazing customer service! I will definitely be returning :-) read more

Insomnia - oriental chicken salad. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Insomnia - they let me feed the fishes :-) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Insomnia - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Insomnia - the sweetest people you'll ever meet! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Ryan G.

7 years ago

This small cozy place in kakaako has the atmosphere of little vietnam. Run by a husband and wife they have the besr breakfeast. A hot expresso and a ban mien sandwich. Their coffee hits you like a brick wakes you up. The chicken sandwich has a mixture of veggies and shreeded that fills you up. Their parking is limited and call if they can get crowded during lunch read more

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Hank D.

197

9 years ago

This place rocks! Went next door for coffee and since they had no indoor seating went here.....the owners were nice, friendly and funny. Grabbed breakfast....it was like a breakfast burrito but it was like $5 and was amazing......any place else would have been $10. Then I asked for coffee and they hooked me up with Vietnamese coffee saying "It's so powerful..." don't know about power but it was good. Then I tried to buy a newspaper and it was so confusing that a patron gave me his....ha ha.....if you are in the area, drop by, great food and entertainment! Aloha read more

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Hanna M.

Elite 20

237

263

11 years ago

I really liked this place. It's unfortunate that Starbucks opened up so close by because I'm sure it takes away from this family owned place, at least I think it's family owned. The coffee was good and the food was surprisingly good. Too bad it's not open at night because I have been trying to go back but never have time during the day. read more

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Miks R.

129

9 years ago

These are the SWEETEST business owners. The customer service, food, and drinks are all amazing. Even the pricing is great! I really, truly love this place! read more

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Tao M.

9 years ago

Great service and the nicest people ever. During peek lunch times they do get busy and a little overwhelmed but it's worth the wait. The food is always great and the owners have the best smiles ever. read more

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Eldon V.

13 years ago

Great service, good food, and very fair prices give this place 5 stars. I love their Chicken Pho and Mongolian beef. Any of their dishes with lemongrass chicken are also very good :) read more

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Gavin D.

12 years ago

I would regularly get my coffee there before I went in to the office. Great coffee, tasty breakfast (when my diet allowed), and wonderful service. The couple that owns Insomnia are honest-to-goodness nice people, and it made me happy to go there. Sadly, I relocated my office farther away, so I'm not a regular there any more, but try to stop in when I can. Just a charming place. read more

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Kaiwiola C.

196

10 years ago

I really love this place. It's a gem in Kaka'ako. It's unique and unpretentious. The coffee and breakfast food items are delicious. Most of all, the couple that runs this place are the NICEST people ever. If you're having a bad day, step inside and they will instantly cheer you up. I try to come in to do some work in the mornings. There's also newspapers to read and free wifi. I hope they stay here for a long time because a special mom & pop place like this can't be easily recreated. read more

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Gloria S.

Elite 19

567

187

111

9 years ago

Looooooove their Vietnamese ice coffee. Brand new around the area and this will be my To go lunch spot Thank you Aunty and Uncle!

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Julie N.

173

9 years ago

Being Vietnamese, a lot of people ask me where's the best place to get pho on island and my answer is "my aunty's house." But as far as a restaurant, none. Until today. Until Insomnia. Just finished at the doctor's in town and looking for some comfort food. Found this place via Yelp and hallelujah, thank you! Aunty and Uncle who run this cute little joint are soooo friendly and cheerful. It felt like family. And the pho is DELICIOUS. Full rich flavor with no MSG. I didn't even put sriracha or hoisin sauce in the bowl at all because it was that good! My grandma doesn't cook pho anymore because she says it's too much work, so I can't wait to take her here. :) I am one happy customer and highly recommend Insomnia! read more

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Page 9 of 12

669 Auahi St
Honolulu, HI 96813
Downtown
Directions
(808) 545-4160
Call Now

Hours

What time does Insomnia open?

Insomnia opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Insomnia opens at 9:00 AM on Saturday.

What time does Insomnia close?

Insomnia closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Insomnia is closed on Sunday.

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 2:00 PMSat 9:00 AM - 2:00 PMSun Closed

Payment methods

Does Insomnia take credit cards?

Yes, Insomnia takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Insomnia have catering options?

No, Insomnia does not have catering options.

Does Insomnia have a happy hour?

No, Insomnia does not have a happy hour.

Does Insomnia serve alcohol?

No, Insomnia does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Insomnia allow dogs?

Yes, Insomnia allows dogs.

Does Insomnia have TVs?

Yes, Insomnia has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Insomnia have bike parking?

Yes, Insomnia has bike parking.

Does Insomnia have outdoor seating?

Yes, Insomnia has outdoor seating options.

Does Insomnia have parking?

Yes, Insomnia has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Does Insomnia have free WiFi?

Yes, Insomnia has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

foods and coffee

History

Established in 2003.

We are the happy couple that took the business over from a associate in 2003, as the years go by, we have met many of our valued customers who keep referring new patrons and we think that it is most important of all to keep our business consistently steady. We strive to serve the healthiest food possible and do our best to make the customers happy, in closing we want to give a big mahalo to all of our customers.

Meet the Business Owner: Le Thu H.

Born in 1953 from South Vietnam and moved to Honolulu in 1994, worked for Hilo Hattie until 2003 and then took over the business venture from Insomnia Espresso Coffee.

Insomnia Reviews in Other Languages

Japanese
1 Review

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EARL Kakaako

Great sandwiches although parking in the area can be tricky, the parking lot across the street is…read moremonitored. Wife and I ordered two sandwiches, a Cubano and a Hot Honey Old Bay Fried Chicken. I preferred the Cubano, the chorizo is a nice touch but all the hallmarks are there (mortadella and the peppers were my fave). Solid 8.5/10. The fried chicken sandwich was good, but we mainly got it to try the Old Bay seasoning. Wasn't too hot, 8/10 Earl Fries were good, the pickles were a nice touch although it did make certain spots on the fries a little soft due to liquid (we brought the food home). 8.0 Spicy Pickles were the weakest link for me, and I misread--I thought it was fried pickles. 6.5/10, although I can see them adding to certain sandwiches as a topping. The location itself is chill and the workers were efficient. All in all, great sandwich spot to have in the back pocket.

Really tasty and hearty sandwiches that were packed with a lot of filling. I got the turkey club…read morewhich was really good and I love the amount of lettuce they add for a crunch. The chipotle chicken was also really good a bit on the heavier side but a lot of chicken included. I did think the sandwich was going to be bigger for the price of almost $20 a sandwich. Won't be an everyday thing but definitely a nice treat.

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French Dip with Au Jus - my favorite!

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Funny looking picture of the Philly Cheesesteak but it was tasty

Le’s Banh Mi

I love their sandwiches!! But I don't like their location .. otherwise I would be going back more…read moreoften ... Let me just say ... this has to be one of the best banh mi sandwiches I've ever eaten ... I ordered the Tofu / Mushroom and it was so delicious! The bread had a lot to do with it because it was so crispy .. light and so fresh. . I think the bread is important .. It makes a big difference if the bread is good or not . My friend ordered the Lemongrass chicken and she also enjoyed it. We had to wait a while for our order as they got busier while we were there. Lot of people were doing take outs. It's a very small place on the third floor but there are a couple of tables on the inside and outside .. you can sit down comfortably and eat . They also have drinks such as Iced Tea or Iced Vietnamese Coffee which goes perfect with your sandwich. I will continue to come here to eat their sandwiches .. as long as they continue to make the crispy.. light fresh bread .

They don't have large menu but they get their banh mi done right! We had the Saigon special and…read morelemongrass chicken. The meats are well seasoned, bread is nicely toasted, pickled veggies are the right sour and sweet balance. Their chili sauce has real kicks! Their service is quick and friendly. They have a few small tables and seats. It's on the third floor of the 808 building. We definitely will go back again!

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Inside the shop

Saigon Sai Gon Special & Coconut Juice

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Lunch@Le's Banh Mi; 5/21/2024.One of R FAVE Banh Mi Eatery that David & I enjoy eating R Banh Mi Sandwiches from! Roast Pork Banh Mi,Ono!!

Machete's Mean Sandwiches

Delicious sandwich, friendly service, not great location, but worth it... filling characters…read morerequired for review

The sandwich was awesome! It's a little hole in the wall spot but worth it. The pumpkin cookies…read morewere great too.

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Nalu Health Bar & Cafe

Nalu Health Bar & Café is such a solid spot, especially if you're looking for something fresh,…read morequick, and actually satisfying. Parking is super easy with the complimentary structure, and the café is located on the bottom floor alongside other vendors. One thing I immediately appreciated was how well air-conditioned the entire market is--it's nice and cool, which makes sitting and eating there really comfortable. The cashier recommended the turkey pesto croissant, but suggested swapping it onto ciabatta since it's one of her favorites--and I'm so glad I trusted her. It was phenomenal. The flavors were balanced, the bread held everything together perfectly, and it felt like a step above your typical sandwich. I also had what looked like a simple salad, but the vinaigrette and candied pistachios really elevated it and made it feel more thoughtful than expected. The staff across the board were friendly and welcoming, and there's plenty of seating--whether inside the café or out in the open market area. Honestly, the value surprised me the most. I paid under $13 for everything, which is hard to beat for the quality. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to.

I love this place. I come time and time again…read more I got the monkey kine smoothie and the steak sandwich. Though my favorite is the steak wrap. I love the little cacao nibs in the smoothie. The sandwich was so good. Omg. So many flavors. I always never order steak, but I always do when at Nala.

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Logo items for sale

Ahi wrap

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Mango colada smoothie

Hau'oli Sandwich

I love that there's such an awesome sandwich truck downtown! There's definitely not enough yummy…read moresandwiches on island!!! The lady at the register was super duper nice and aw so friendly! She made the experience super enjoyable :) I'm glad I went with a friend as we got to try two of their yummy sandwiches! When we went, they are offering different kinds of sandwiches. We got a roast beef and a pesto sandwich. -The roast beef sandwich was definitely our favorite. The bread so toasted and also fluffy. The sauce they had on the sandwich was just so terrific and onolicious!! We devoured it so fast, I can't remember what else was in it other than it was so freakin awesome! -The pesto sandwich was good too but definitely not as memorable as the roast beef. I can't remember exactly what type of meat it was (possibly turkey?). The pesto sauce was good and they put pickled onions in this sandwich so so Ono!!!

Though the previous owners have passed their beloved food truck to new owners, the food remains to…read morebe amazingly delicious and remains to have the same amazing service with a warm ambiance. They don't necessarily have a set menu so your best bet is to check out their Instagram page to see where they will be and what will they be serving. My favorite sandwich thus far is their po'ipu (turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto). The bread they use is foccacia which will fill you up pretty quickly. And because they usually operate during work day hours, it is best that you just eat half of the sandwich to avoid that afternoon crash. Prices for these sandwiches may be on the higher side but the quality of the food makes up for it. This food truck is definitely worth checking out. Make sure you follow their Instagram account and see where they will end up. Pro tip: turn on that notifications to see where they are and head there before the lunch rush appears.

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7-21-22 is the last day for the current owners

Po'ipū

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Located on Cooke Street, near Kapiolani Boulevard

La Tour Cafe

Took me two days to savor and enjoy my chocolate and custard Kouign Amann pastries. Besides the…read morepastries I enjoyed their hot mocha latte with whipped cream. Cute little place with a friendly counterperson. Clean and organized.

We had come here hoping they still had the vegan macarons, but it appears they don't. However, they…read morestill have vegan caneles and apparently the base kouign amann here are vegan! We tried the kouign amann with the toppings she mentioned as vegan (the butter one is not), and they were pretty good, especially with the cinnamon topping! The young lady at the counter was very helpful and patiently pointed out which things were vegan to us, which I really appreciate. The kouign amann seems like a popular item as we bought the last of them (we had wanted four, but there were only three) and it was still early afternoon. There is a parking garage nearby that allowed for long enough free parking for us to go order and grab our goodies to go. The location itself doesn't have a lot of seating space, so it seems best set up for takeout, but it is a pleasantly bright space and the outdoor seating seems like it would be nice as they're not on a main throughfare. It's far from where my family lives on the island that we stay with when we're visiting, but next time we're near Ala Moana around lunchtime, we'll definitely stop by for some vegan goodies!

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Order counter, we missed the delicious looking desserts in the middle glass case... next time!

Falafel banh i missed u

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Falafel Banh Mi & Lemonade

Bocconcino Hawaii

I checked the app and saw that the next available pickup time was about an hour and a half away, so…read moreI scheduled my order before heading to the gym around 12:30 PM. About 10 minutes before my 2:00 PM pickup time, I received a text letting me know my order was ready, which was a nice surprise. I ordered the IL Parma sandwich, and it was absolutely delicious. At $24, it's definitely on the expensive side for a sandwich, but the quality of the ingredients and the freshness made it worth every penny. The flavors were fantastic, and I didn't mind paying the premium price after taking that first bite. Parking can be a little tricky. I'm not sure whether customers are allowed to use the Hana Koa parking lot for quick pickups, but a kind employee allowed me to park there while I ran in to grab my order. There are only a few parking spaces directly in front of Bocconcino, so that's something to keep in mind. There's some tables under a covered area, right next to the store. Many people were seated there talking story and enjoying drinks. Overall, a great experience and an excellent sandwich. I'll definitely be back for another Italian sandwich!

Of course after we moved to the mainland did they open some really interesting places and this was…read moredefinitely one we needed to try. We were staying close by and made our way over for lunch, it wasn't ridiculously crowded which was a plus. I made my way around the store window shopping and they have some great pasta and wine choices. They have a nice selection of pizza and sandwiches to choose from and anything in the deli is available by the slice. We ordered the Parma and while we waited we managed to score a seat outside at the table. Once our sandwich was ready we got a text message to let us know. The sandwich was delicious, the bread was so fresh along with the meat and cheese. The pesto spread was a perfect compliment as well. Overall it was so worth it and when we are back on island I will definitely return. If you live here make this one of your go to places and if your staying in town get over there for lunch.

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Merchandise

Illegal panino (AKA IG special) - Bresaola, Toma Casstelrosso cheese, sun-dried zucchini, honey mustard, balsamic pearls, arugula on Puccia

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Illegal panino (AKA IG special) - Bresaola, Toma Casstelrosso cheese, sun-dried zucchini, honey mustard, balsamic pearls, arugula on Puccia

Baton

3.5

(2 reviews)

0.3 mi

On the plus side, well balanced flavor, delightful croissant crust, and gorgeous packaging…read more On the down side, open 11am-4pm but sold out at 1:30pm. Bummer. And superbly overpriced, truly. Wow. So expensive! I could get an entire entree at a nice restaurant for that.

Baton a Manger describes itself as a new type of sandwich place. Super long and narrow sammiches…read more They have been popping up in Fishcake on some Saturdays. Credit card only. Menu changes. Follow them on IG to get schedule. Looks like they're gonna have pick ups during the week as well. IG: https://www.instagram.com/batonamanger The bread is made from puff pastry and is very flaky. We tried the Jambon Beurre (ham, cheese, cornichon) for $18 and the Curry Chicken (vadouvan french curry) for $18. I am glad I split with a friend. We both liked the curry chicken more (pickled onions were lovely). Honestly, I would rather buy different flavors and cut them up for pupus vs. having a full one for a meal. But I am glad I tried this place! Their advertising is right. Never had a sandwich like this! Note: It's not a particularly filling sandwich. I found myself hungry again after four hours. Lol. If you wear black clothes, check for puffs of puff pastry on your clothes afterwards. Packaging is gorgeous but was surprised at the plastic. Assuming it is not recyclable.

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Beautifully packaged... yet overpriced

Packaging is fancy

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Dubai chocolate

Little G Cafe By Garibaldi's

Just got off an office diet challenge where we ate no carbs for three months and after our diet…read morechallenge the entire office knew we wanted to LIL G'S!! Nothing like eating huge sandwiches and the best pizza around! Our office orders takeout frequently from little g's and we absolutely love it here! We usually have place our order a few days in advance to secure our order for the day we want. They do run out fast so it is safer to place the order in advance too. You can order online but after a certain amount it requires you to phone in your order. I didn't grab a picture of everyone's food but this was the two sandwiches I got! The chicken parm is incredible stacked with 3-4 pieces of chicken parm and their red sauce with mozzarella served hot. The Italian has three different meat with cheese and lettuce and bell peppers served cold. These were served with a different grained bread which was a lil different than what we are used to but still really great! Service here is always great and food is always mind blowing with their large portions and fresh ingredients!

My husband and I were in the area and decided to try Little G Cafe after seeing all the positive…read moreYelp reviews. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. After looking over the menu options, we stood waiting for quite a while before anyone acknowledged us or took our order. The manager seemed rude and unwelcoming, which immediately set a negative tone for the visit. Looking back we should have trusted our first impression, but we decided to give it a chance and see what the hype was about. We each ordered a slice of pizza and took it outside to eat. After eating , we walked past the glass wall of the cafe and I noticed the manager handling and mixing flour with his bare hands, with the flour mixture covering his hands and forearms. I didn't expect to see food prep without disposable gloves and it made me uncomfortable. The pizza itself didn't make up for the experience. At around $22 per slice, I was expecting something exceptional or life-changing, instead, it was pretty underwhelming. The flavor, texture, and overall quality just didn't justify the premium price. Between the unfriendly service, concerns about food handling, and the disappointing pizza, I don't feel the experience was worth the cost of overpriced slices of pizza and I will not be returning nor will I recommend Little G Cafe to others. There are plenty of other pizza spots in Honolulu, including Boston's Pizza, that offer better value and a much more welcoming atmosphere.

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I saw this post on Instagram

Interior

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Sign of Quality

Pai's Deli

Hold up- this place betta not be closed! It's my favorite veggie sandwich and has been around since…read morethe 90's. It's owned by the nicest family. Just saw the "Yelpers report this location closed." It's just outside of Duke restaurant in the Outrigger Hotel in Waikiki. 2335 Kalākaua Ave Please someone confirm they are still open.

A little tough to find via Google Maps, but enter the walk-through mall area (towards Duke's) from…read morethe street side, NOT the beach side and walk all the way through and it'll be on your right (near laundry machines). Stuffed sandwiches, one of the best value meals we've found on the island during our stay and it was surprisingly in Waikiki. We got the turkey + avocado sandwich and a build your own salad, total was ~$27, but the portions are large. They don't skimp on the avocado, that's for sure. And on vacation, it can be hard to get in your veggies, but this is the spot to do so! I love that sprouts are a part of their veggie mix. Nowhere to eat really, but they package it up nicely and in a bag for you to take to-go. Great if you're headed to the beach on literally the other side of the building.

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Chicken sandwich!!! SO GOOD! And packed with veggies! Yum!

The storefront.

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Two topping salad! One scoop of egg salad one scoop of tuna, comes with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, shredded carrot & sprouts.

Ocean Taste

Best stuff i've ever had. Their torched bowls melt in your mouth while exploding with flavor. Could…read morehave this everyday

Best Poke Bowls fresh fish, Smokey flavors, Service and location all perfect I will never want any…read moreother Poke Bowls then this spot Best Poke bowls I ever had in my life!!!

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Exterior

Cheesy Crab is kanikama crab leg, house soy glaze, cheese sauce, green onion, and masago.

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Lava Flow Don with Uni

Waiola Shave Ice

Waiola Shave Ice is the perfect treat after a long day at the beach. The shave ice is incredibly…read moresoft and fluffy, almost like fresh snow, and the flavors are refreshing without being overly sweet. Exactly what you want when you've been out in the sun all day. The portions were generous, and every bite helped cool us down. It's easy to see why this place is so popular with both locals and visitors. Whenever I'm in Honolulu, stopping at Waiola is a must. A simple treat done exceptionally well!

Waiola Shave Ice has been operating for at least 20 years now, and located in a residential…read moreneighborhood away from shopping centers and malls. I remember my father taking me when I was in Elementary School, and for nostalgia sake, I decided to return after work. Open everyday from 11a-6:30p, its rare to see a local mom and pop shave ice shop open that late. The shave ice was as good as I remembered it 20 years ago. Can't wait to get the azuki bean one next.

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Small Strawberry

Azuki bowl

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Obama Rainbow (left) & Hawaii 5-0 Rainbow (right)

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12 reviews that are not currently recommended

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SI L.

15 years ago

i come here alot and would recommend this place to anyone who was hungry for great healthy food and hospitality. one thing i thought would be helpful is if u could see the menu. i swiped a copy and here it is. DRINKS (SM /MED/ LG): Coffee of the day ($1.25/1.60/1.95) Americano ($1.95/2.25/2.60) Expresso ($1.50/1.95/2.40) Blonde Mocha ($3.75/4.25/4.75) Breve ($3.15/3.60/3.95) Cappuccino ($2.85/3.30/3.75) Depth Charge ($.15/2.60/2.95) Steamers ($1.50/2.00/2.50) Latte ($2.85/3.30/3.75) Macchiato ($2.15/2.60/2.95) ThaiCoffee ($3.25/3.70/4.15) Hot Chocolate ($2.00/2.50/3.00) Hot Tea $1.25, Iced Coffee $1.50, Iced Tea $1.00, Espresso Shake $4.25, Italian Cream Soda $2.50, Banana, Strawberry or Pineapple Smoothie $3.50,Thai Iced Tea $2.50, Bubble Drink $3.25. and Xtra Shots and flavor add $0.50. SALADS are fresh and great . you have Garden, Tuna , Chicken Ceaser, Oriental Chicken, and Chef from $4.35-$5.95. SANDWICHES are delicious too and filling. They have Tuna(my fav) Turkey, Roast Beef, Ham or Chicken for $4.99 with choice of bread. they even have a Veggie and my second fav Banh Mi. Their ENTREES are Steamed Fish Fillet, Mongolian Beef, Saute Chicken, Pork Chops, And my fav Pho. All from the $7-7.95 range. And Finally their HOUSE SPECIALS are Fried Spring Rollsx4, Summer Rollsx2, And Tuna Rollsx2 from $4-5. They also have week day specials and a Breakfast menu that serves till 10. i hope this was helpful if ur scanning through the reviews and want more to go on than just a great place to eat. read more

S F Y.

6 months ago

I had a truly heartwarming experience! It's rare to find that level of genuine hospitality these days. The food was delicious and the portions were generous, but what really stood out was the exceptional service. The owners are incredibly warm and welcoming. I actually walked out and forgot the coffee I'd ordered, and the owner literally ran outside to find me and make sure I got it! They are such genuine, down-to-earth people. It's so refreshing to encounter such kindness. I'll definitely be returning! read more

Karla L.

10 years ago

I use to work right round the corner from this great cafe. Among the cool things is the fact that the owners constantly recall you name and something personal about you. The heat from the owners as well as the truly amazing food and coffee make this a spot to go to. One of my favourite things to eat there's the tuna sandwich...the finest I 've had in Hawaii and is consistently fresh... Oh, the costs are fantastic... You won't be let down! read more

Taylor A.

5 years ago

I always love going to Insomnia whenever I am in the area. I live far from town, but going here is worth the drive! Everything on the menu is amazing, but my favorites are the Vietnamese iced coffee and the pho. For any first timers or regulars that go here, the owners are always so friendly and welcoming. I really appreciate how kind, caring, and sweet they are. I can't wait to go back again soon! read more

SL H.

8 months ago

I was really glad I found this little cafe! The lemongrass chicken plate was so delicious - the chicken was juicy and flavorful and the salad was fresh and crunchy. It was a little busy when I was there and it took a little while to get my food, but it was well worth the wait! The service was good and it was a pretty inexpensive lunch compared to other restaurants in the area. read more

Carolyn K.

10 years ago

Love this little cafe! Delicious food made fresh to order, breakfast and lunch, sandwiches and soups, vegetarian options.. Fabulous friendly service, very sweet people making your food...And the best part amazing prices for Honolulu! Make sure to try the Vietnamese style ice coffee :) nom nom nom read more

Rose F.

7 years ago

Excellent service! I am a Pho lover and heard wonderful things about this place. Small but cozy ...you can't go wrong here. I had the beef Pho which I continue to rave about. Most friendly owner who is energetic and full of smiles. I will definitely be back. read more

Mia S.

9 years ago

My family loves Insomnia! My brother is in the Army and whenever he visits we take him to his favorite restaurant! The owners are super nice and the food is delicious, I often recommend Insomnia to friends. read more

Aka M.

6 years ago

I love this place. The cute couple that own this place gives the best customer service and it's now a place we come once a week. If you are ever in the area I totally suggest you try it. read more