Reviews for Red Water Cafe in Waimea, HI
This restaurant, Red Water Cafe, may be a place that locals enjoy, and may be a consistent place to get good food. Unlike some... of the low-star reviews, our food came quickly and was pretty tasty. That's where our positive points abruptly end. My husbandand I have NEVER felt so unwelcome and out-of-place at an establishment as we did at this restaurant (and we've traveled allover the world). We couldn't put our finger on the "vibe" here, but it's very dark (without visible windows or any view), withsequestering barriers everywhere inside (not shown in their photos), and our best guess is that they resent or detest touristscoming to their town and restaurant. Despite the nice food and creative presentation (just as pictured in photos), the place ispretty unkempt as were the staff (in dirty, disheveled black clothing) as well as (surprisingly) every other patron who came inwhile we were there... It was as if a strange, depressing hostility was exuding from the walls as well as the words (or lackthereof) from the staff. It was not only the staff that made us uncomfortable; the whole atmosphere made us very uncomfortable(and believe me, we weren't trying to imagine it; we would have much preferred a great evening on our vacation). All we did wasput on our tropical attire and show up with smiles, hoping for a decent dinner at the end of a day of exploring (and paid quitea bit for the meal, too). Other tourists who wish to do similarly on their trip to Hawaii, without feeling uncomfortable andtrying to leave as quickly as possible, will want to choose a different restaurant; there are plenty of others in Waimea. Thoughthe food was fine and filling, we cannot recommend ANYONE to think of going to this place. To save you a very uncomfortableevening on a vacation, we'd like to recommend that you do exactly the opposite--and don't consider Red Water Cafe. To theproprietors--we aren't sure what exactly you are trying to achieve at your restaurant. We were treat Read more
The food was delicious and also the drinks..not to sweet just right.loved it.
One of the worst restaurants on the Big Island. The service was unfriendly and slow, the food was mediocre at best but had 5... star prices. The place is generally unclean and unkempt. We found crumpled up napkins on the floor of our table. When we pickedthem up they left streaks in the dust. This used to be a very good place. What happened?? Read more
Celebrating hubbys birthday was made special by Red Water. Our service & food was excellent. Our server (Jay) was very... personable and attentive. Read more
A generous C. Starters: the ahi-shrimp roll ($30). Good sized and it was amazing. Wife loved her strawberry basil house martinis... ($13 ea.), so good on that one. The live jazz was a wonderful surprise, perfect for a dinner mood. Wife had fillet mignon ($55)and she said it was perfectly cooked and tender. I had rib-eye steak ($50). Now, I eat steaks. I cook steaks. I love a MRmarbled steak. This was the toughest, most inedible piece of meat I've ever had. The mashed potatoes were goodthankfully. Debated telling the server... I did, and he shrugged, "meh". OK, guess they don't care. OK - lets have a desert!Homemade ice cream ($9). I thought more icy than creamy. Wife's comment was "interesting". The vanilla flavor was faintlydiscernible. We grow vanilla, so maybe we expected too much. One scoop in a egg cup. Thanks for watching my calories. Weird howthe floor tiles are peeling up and plywood sub-floor is exposed. Could use new cushions on the bench seats, which are reallycool BTW. And what's with the white butcher paper instead of a tablecloth? Summary- A $240 meal, in which if not for the mashedspuds, would have considered Burger King down the street for an evening feed. Oh, and the glasses are plastic... Read more
T?was raging chilly outside and we need something to eat before heading back to Kailua-Kona. Searched for an open dining eatery... and Red Water Cafe popped up. Goodness it?s along the way so we took advantage on it. We were greeted and seated after a fewminutes. Staffs are friendly and patience to us. Our starter was butternut squash soup which is so comforting and nicelymade. Fresh catch of the day was our entree: Osso Buco - fish and veggies are seasoned well. Fish meat was a bit on a dry sidebut still its good and tasty. Hot tea to end our dinner and that was perfect before dealing the cold outside. Happy eating! Read more
A. MA. ZING!! Creative, healthy, locally sourced food. Large portions. Great service. We may need to go back before we leave!
The worst place I have eaten during my entire Hawaii trip. Super expensive for the quality and service offered. We got dry and... black-burned ribs for 45 $ and chicken curry for 35 $ - containing huge chunks of potatoes (only cut in half) and chicken. Mygrandmother had a farm and the chunks she served her pigs were smaller. Our bill was +80 $ - no drinks, no starter, no desert.If you want to eat well in that region it?s The Fish and the Hog. Read more