Tip Top

Ok, let's say that I would not bring the British Royal Family over here, but the place was decent enough and clean, even though a bit outdated. We spent 7 nights and had no complaints. Since it is the most affordable accomodation on the island, we weren't expecting Grand Hyatt like amenities either. Overall, good place for those traveling on a budget that want to explore the island. Plus, the food in the cafe was really good, the oxtail soup is an absolute must.

Spacious place, but still buzzing with life. Service was prompt and the food was out fast. My only complaint was the generic hash browns. They used to make it shredded in the griddle and I would have liked that more.

We arrived around 930am, parking lot was near full and difficult to park with multiple deliveries on both sides. Cafe staff were quick to seat us. My wife enjoyed her oxtail soup. I had the beef stew with the meat being tough, sauce was tomato based and local. Plenty of potatoes and carrots. An okay stew. My wife would come back for the oxtail. Me, not sure. It is comfort food but i have had better stews.

Restaurant: 8/10 Motel: ??? For what it is, food is delightful. Service is good, but not always smiley. Decor is very dated, in a local Kauai yesteryear vibe. For some reason, I like this place just the way it is.

I had such a pleasant experience stopping here; it has a wonderful, nostalgic feel that you just don't find everywhere anymore. The breakfast was hearty and exactly what I needed to start the day, and the staff were very welcoming. It is a genuine local spot that feels like a hidden treasure, and the baked goods were a lovely treat to take with me. I really appreciated the cozy atmosphere and would definitely make this a regular stop if I were in the area more often.

My review is based on the café, not the motel. I was recommended this cafe by a local. The food and service here is excellent! On my first visit I ordered the Roast Pork plate (which I forgot to take a picture) and enjoyed the meal so much that I came back to order the country style chicken (picture attached) plate to go, and it was very delicious! Parking here is challenging if you are not staying at the Motel but the effort to find parking is worth the time!!!

We were on a 5-day trip to Kauai and ended up coming back to this place three times, just for the ox soup.We have 2 ppl and one regular OX soup with extra meat and extra noodles suits well. It was absolutely worth every penny. After a full day of hiking or swimming, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl to bring you back to life. The location is great too, surrounded by cafés and other spots we kept returning to throughout the trip. One important heads-up though: they close in the early afternoon, around 1:30–2:00 PM. If you’re planning a dinner visit, adjust your plans accordingly.

The last time I went to Tip Top Cafe was at least 12 years ago. The food was still as ono as before. Vibe is still the same as well. Prices had to have gone up because I don't remember paying $30 for a bowl of oxtail soup back then, but …

If you want a true taste of old Hawaii, skip the flashy resort breakfast and head straight to Tip Top Motel, Cafe & Bakery. This place is a Lihue institution for a reason. Walking in feels like stepping back in time—it’s unpretentious, nostalgic, and smells like heaven.The Oxtail Soup is, without a doubt, the star of the show. It is pure soul food. The broth is incredibly deep and flavorful, clear yet rich, with that perfect hint of star anise and ginger. The meat is so tender it literally falls off the bone. When you load it up with fresh cilantro and plenty of grated ginger, it becomes a transformative meal. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and makes you understand why locals have been coming here for over a century.Then there is the Loco Moco. It is a masterclass in Hawaiian comfort food. The hamburger patty is thick, juicy, and tastes homemade—not like a frozen processed disc. It’s smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy that has just the right consistency, topped with two perfectly fried eggs. Breaking those yolks and letting them mix with the gravy and rice is a religious experience.Don't forget to grab some of their famous bakery treats on the way out (the macadamia nut cookies are a must!). The service is "auntie-style"—warm, efficient, and welcoming. Tip Top isn't just a meal; it’s a Kauai landmark that delivers five-star flavors at a price that won't break the bank.