The Booch Bar Review: Kombucha & Fresh Eats in Hilo Hawaii
The Booch Bar is a go-to spot for health-conscious diners in downtown Hilo on the Big Island, Hawaii!
I lived on the Big Island for a year and often visited Hilo, making a stop at the Booch Bar.
Their menu is full of delicious and nutritious options made with local and organic ingredients. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they have something to satisfy your appetite. To this day I can’t stop thinking about their hamburgers!
Enjoy their house-made kombucha on tap or crafted into one of their unique cocktails – all while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of their cozy eatery.
They also offer a variety of vegan and gluten-free options so everyone can find something they love at The Booch Bar!
Where is the The Booch Bar?
Address: 110 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720
You’ll find The Booch Bar about 3 blocks north of the famous Hilo Farmers Market on Keawe St, which is a one way road leading in the direction of the restaurant.
You will have to find street parking, which is free. Depending on the time of day, parking can get tricky. In the mornings I can usually find parking in front of Jackie Rey’s Grill, on the corner of Waianuenue Ave.
Alternatively, you can park in the public parking lot along Kamehameha Ave and walk the few blocks.
Inside The Booch Bar
You won’t miss The Booch Bar walking by the brightly colored designed sidewalk and walls.
Inside you’ll immediately be drawn in by the warm multi-colored walls, giving off a Mexican cafe vibe.
Seating is casual whether at the fast food type tables or on a stool at their actual bar. There are a few outdoor tables, but I don’t prefer it as the view is of rundown buildings and it’s not super busy on this end of the road for any good peoplewatching.
I really enjoyed sitting the raised cubby on the far end of the room; it felt like my own private booth.
Seat yourself and order/pay for your meal at the front cashier.
What is on The Booch Bar Menu?
Breakfast is served 8am-11am.
Lunch/Dinner is served 11am-8pm.
Food at The Booch Bar
For cost, you are looking at about $15-20 per plate, so pretty average prices for a sit down restaurant.
What’s unique about The Booch Bar menu is their Island and International take on classic favorites, creative condiment combinations, and housemade ingredients.
Some typical menu items include french toast and omelets for breakfast or salads, sandwiches, tacos and burgers for lunch and dinner. But their creative twists are things like dipping the French toast in a coconut custard, or having breakfast tacos, a Reuben omelet, or bibimbap choices.
Some menu ingredients I didn’t recognize and had to Google the definitions for, like:
tempeh – (def.)traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans; (on The Booch Bar menu) house-made tempeh “chorizo” and tempeh “bacon”.
cortido – (def.) El Salvadoran cabbage slaw or relish that is made with cabbage, red onion, carrot, oregano, and vinegar; (on The Booch Bar menu) cortido kraut
The Booch Bar is also known for it’s fresh and flavorful variety of house-made kimchi, krauts, and hot sauces like:
- ginger beet kraut
- fire-roasted jalapeno cashew crema
- basil-kale pesto
- lilikoi mustard
- kombucha ketchup
You’ll be please to know that local meat options on the menu are freshly caught Hawaiian fish and Big Island beef.
Vegans and Vegetarians will rejoice at dishes that will even tempt the meat eaters! The The “Conscious Culture Burger” is made with a house-made lentil/walnut/hemp patty or “Matty’s Tempeh Tacos” has tempeh “chorizo” folded between non-GMO corn tortillas.
As I mentioned earlier, I ended up getting the “Booch Bar Burger” and to this day still have cravings for it. The 1/2 pound Big Island Beef patty is served on a toasted whole wheat roll with greens, tomatoes, and sprouts. It is dressed with 3 condiments: roasted garlic aioli, lilikoi mustard, and kombucha ketchup.
It was so flavorful and juicy and a brilliant combination of flavors.
The house-made pickle spear was tart and crispy and their eye-catching purple sweet potato salad side dish a perfect pairing.
Drinks at The Booch Bar
While kombucha is the main drink attraction at The Booch Bar (more on that below), they offer quite an eclectic array of drink options.
There’s plenty of coffee and ways to drink it like nitro cold brew, a Cafe Cubano, or Turkish Espresso.
The have an assortment of loose leaf teas, both caffeinated and non-caffeinated, served in a 16oz pot.
Smoothies and wellness shots are offered for the health nuts.
And since the word “bar” is in their name, they of course have Hawaiian beers and ciders on tap, a short wine list, and premium cocktails.
✨Tab’s Trip Tip: The Booch Bar is a great lunch stop while
Exploring Waterfalls on the Big Island!
Big Island Booch on Tap
The Booch Bar is owned by Big Island Booch, a local kombucha company on…you guessed it…the Big Island. You’ll likely notice the black labeled drinks among your travels in grocery stores, cafes, and Costco.
Big Island Booch makes their kombucha (fermented black tea and sugar) and jun (fermented green tea and honey) in small batches, using organic teas, fruits, and herbs and locally sourcing their ingredients whenever they can.
Some of their flavors include:
Kombucha –
- Super Ginger Turmeric Tonic
- Hibiscus Blossom Bliss
- Lilikoi Lush
- Mango Merri Mint
- Cosmic Coconut Chai
- Elderberry Lavender Love
- Benevolent Beet
- Mystic Melon
Jun-
- Ginjah
- Luminous Lavendar
But of course, getting kombucha fresh on tap is a different experience. Order it in pints or in growlers to-go.
But beyond having it on tap, The Booch Bar has come up with other creative ways of taking this fermented drink.
Have you ever had a kombucha cocktail? Well, they make them here with drinks like:
“Hot Mango Love” with Kuleana Big Island Rum, lime, mint, jalapeno, organic mango syrup, and Mango Merri Ming kombucha.
OR
“Pink Cadillac” with Mi Campo tequila, Patron Citronage, lime, hibiscus syrup, and hibiscus blossom kombucha.
Some cocktails are offered virgin.
If you’re not the cocktail type, try a straight up hard kombucha instead!
They also provide kombucha smoothies or smoothie bowls with addable boosts like spirulina, mangosteen, cacao nibs, and lots more. Check their board for smoothie flavors.
And last, but not least, for dessert, why not try a kombucha float? !
The Booch Bar FAQs
Does The Booch Bar Offer Takeout?
Yes, The Booch Bar offers takeout if you don’t wish to eat in the restaurant.
However, it is important to note that there is a $0.50 surcharge for each item added to the takeout bill.
Fill up growlers to-go with kombucha, jun, or beers.
They also offer fermented foods ready to-go like their krauts, kimchi, and chili sauce.
Is The Booch Bar Good for Kids?
While kids are most definitely welcome at The Booch Bar, there is no kid’s menu.
Depending on how picky of an eater your child is, you might not find menu items that appeal to the younger palette and may have to omit certain ingredients accordingly. Or maybe mix and match some simple sides.
How is The Booch Bar Rated?
The Booch Bar is highly rated with a 4.5/5 star review on Google.
Past diners have raving comments:
“Delicious counter-service spot. As someone on a very limited diet, this was my favorite dinner meal on the island, and probably the best GF sandwich I’ve had in a while. Vegan/GF desserts hit the spot, too, along with a great selection of beverages.” – Lena
“Great place for veggie and non vegetarian food. Kombucha on tap is so much better than bottled Booch. Staff is always friendly. Nice outdoor seating.” – Rob
“Excellent prices for top-notch food and kombucha. The Booch Bar is a neat little niche spot in downtown Hilo. We love to stop by Saturday mornings while browsing the farmer’s market. Their ginger turmeric Booch is next level.” – Wile
👉 The Booch Bar is just one of the many reasons Hilo is worth visiting!
Epilogue: The Booch Bar
Visiting The Booch Bar is a must-do experience for anyone looking for food in Hilo on the Big Island. From delicious, healthy meals to creative cocktails, there is something for everyone at this unique establishment.
With its 4.5/5 star rating, it’s no wonder why locals and tourists alike find this diamond in the rough an unforgettable dining experience.
🌺 Big Island Travel Planning Guide 🌺
🚨 Should I buy Hawaii travel insurance?
YES — I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work on the Big Island?
PROBABLY — Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
🛏️ What’s the best way to book my Big Island accommodations?
For Big Island hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Big Island flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to the Big Island?
Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack.
