ARS Cafe and Gelato image

ARS Cafe and Gelato

Cafe

👍👍 Lovely place to get some coffee to beat the summer heat. I appreciated that ARS cafe closes much later than other coffee shops/cafes. I got an iced coffee during an afternoon walk. I usually am a hot latte person as sometimes the cold temperature changes the flavor of the latte, but to my surprise,... People often mention coffee, cafe, latte, good, great, friendly,


Address

3116 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States

Website

ars-cafe.com

Contact

+1 808-734-7897

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (316 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 6:30 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 6:30 am to 4 pm, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 6:30 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: (Easter), 8 am to 4 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 6:30 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday: 6:30 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 6:30 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (20) cafe (11) latte (9) good (8) great (8) friendly (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Justine LaLa S. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place to go if you like crafted coffee beans from around the world. The cafe is normally quiet and cozy. I.e. not like Starbucks crowded. They have a good light food menu. I’ve tried their open faced toast, pastries in the past which was excellent. My to go place for a cup of morning coffee.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edmond C. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely place to get some coffee to beat the summer heat. I appreciated that ARS cafe closes much later than other coffee shops/cafes. I got an iced coffee during an afternoon walk. I usually am a hot latte person as sometimes the cold temperature changes the flavor of the latte, but to my surprise, it was bold in flavor and smooth in texture. It wasn't sour/acidic forward, nor was it bitter. In one of the attached images, there is a card where it describes the flavor profile of the roast used for their espresso drinks. I enjoyed the salted dark chocolate notes, and it was mocha-esque and not gritty. I also found that the name "rainbow falls" fits Hawaii. The roasts rotate depending on the season, so that they might have a different roast in a couple of months. After I finished my drink, I had a chat with the barista, Rose. She was well informed about the different roasts they have, and we chatted about different coffee shops and shared our enjoyment of coffee. I usually try the latte to get a gist of what the shop offers, and she likes to try out a shop's cold brew. I'll be returning to ARS Cafe to try out their hot latte.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James 9 months ago on Google
    ARS Cafe sits along with numerous restaurants within walking distance. ARS serves coffees from many different regions & countries with a small, simple, and eclectic style cafe seating. You’ll always get a great espresso pull with lots of flavor. The food is good but the coffee is better. No Wi-Fi means people are chatting, reading, or listening to the old vinyl playing. I have never seen the gelato station open.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Brendon B. 2 years ago on Google
    I rarely write reviews, but I had to drop a note to say I was very frustrated with their service. Long wait for food. They forgot to make my drink. Staff was opening complaining about being there. Food was no where near worth the wait or money. It took over a half hour to get my drink and it wasn't even that busy. Art was pretty good though!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thien N. 1 year ago on Google
    What a gem! Their cortado was proper with the light roast beans. Avocado toast and mango cream cheese scone (fresh baked) were good addition to round up my breakfast.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hillary J. 1 year ago on Google
    Only the best ! This is a fantastic neighborhood cafe , however , it gets slammed quick and there is a wait. I go before 8. Baked goods are so delicious. We had the best service. Surroundings clean and perfectly simple design. Will be back , but early.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aria C. 2 years ago on Google
    Staying in Honolulu for a week but almost visiting this place every day. Highly recommend their Cajun fried rice, açaí bowl, and granola bowl!!!! Compared to other popular cafe in Waikiki which often require for 30-50mins wait time, this place is perfect - no long lines

  • 5/5 Kimi N. 8 months ago on Google
    I wish I took a photo of the bagel I had but one of the BEST bagel I’ve had in my entire life. The baristas were so chill and nice. There were pictures and art around their walls and it was nice to check it out. My boyfriend especially liked their coffee. Such a cool cafe.

  • 5/5 Taylor U. 10 months ago on Google
    This coffee shop is a bit fancier than I had expected! It’s interesting that they don’t allow Wi-Fi, but that is probably a smart business move to get customers in-and-out and a pretty well-trafficked area. The vibe is very cool and quite unique to a lot of coffee shops that I’ve been to. A bit more dark, moody. Very dark-academia for the most part, lol. There’s a bit of extra seating in the back part of the cafe which is convenient. We got the avocado toast (very yummy!) and banana bread (not bad). Our coffees (not latte and iced latte) were quite tasty as well.

  • 5/5 Christina H. 9 months ago on Google
    The vibe here is super rad. My first time here, just googled a cafe and this one popped up. Had a small americano and it was smooth and delicious. I also ordered the avocado toast and it was perfection. Just the right amount of feta, and sprinkled with beets (my fave!) with a side of fresh rocket/arugula (also my fave!) I wish I took a photo before I mopped it all up. I’ll definitely be back here. Cool art, friendly staff and a relaxed chill atmosphere, what more could you want for your morning coffee break!

  • 5/5 Nathalie H. 3 months ago on Google New
    Perfect breakfast spot before hiking Diamond Head. Great iced cold brew. Matcha latte was more milk than matcha, but better with simple syrup. We had the smoothie bowl and salmon bagel. Realized the bagel was missing the poached egg, but it was great without. Beautiful cafe with a classic feel and watercolor art on the walls.

  • 3/5 Wesley G. 1 year ago on Google
    The espresso was extracted very well. I had a double shot and it was really great. My wife had a chocolate latte that was also really great. Their large latte also looked like it was 12oz at the most. It really tastes like great care went into making the coffee here. I know this is no Starbucks, in and out in a couple of minutes, but 35 minutes for two drinks was pretty not great. It was really good and prices were fair, but I don't think I'd spend 35 minutes for coffee again.

  • 5/5 Pandy D. 1 year ago on Google
    ARS Cafe and Gelato, Diamond Head, Oahu Hawaii After a long walk around Diamond Head, the cafe offers a good variety of coffee and in real cups. They have seating indoors and some outdoors. #ARS.Cafe

  • 5/5 Brandie M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great local coffee shop with an art gallery and small gifts, like soy candles and canvas bags.

  • 5/5 Steven De S. 1 year ago on Google
    Visiting the island and during a morning jog I walked into, ARS cafe. NBA legend Michael Jordan wore the number 23 on his jersey during his career. My espresso and granola bowl wore a number 23 the day I visited. Coinsidence? The universe? Island energy? All of the above? Coffee and food made my morning.

  • 5/5 Ejay M. 2 years ago on Google
    I ordered a pour over black coffee. Local, Kona. Delicious. Also the Barista was super kind to everyone who walked in. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Min K. 2 years ago on Google
    Hipster vibes (which may be a minus), good coffee and friendly staff (are ALL Hawaiians friendly? They were all so friendly!). I also bought sunblock here and that was great too. Nice view of Diamond Head in the outside seating area.

  • 5/5 Helen H. 2 years ago on Google
    Super artsy with groovy food and eclectic art. Big local fave. Do NOT MISS getting at least a homemade muffin or fresh squeezed lemonade. Seating inside or out and the vibe is perfect aloha.

  • 4/5 Takia W. 2 years ago on Google
    Tasted great. My Chai was clearly handmade. I knocked off the start because our cold dishes took longer than expected but the staff was friendly. You can feel the aloha here.

  • 5/5 Paxton 3 years ago on Google
    "Tastes like a dream." According to my 6 year old. Great vibe, chill music, and friendly staff. About $10 a person for breakfast with coffee and milk. As of March 12, 2021 has limited indoor and outdoor seating. Opens at 6:30am.

  • 4/5 Rosa J. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome coffee selection and good breakfast grub. Love the art gallery set up.

  • 3/5 ホロホロHawaii 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place to have light breakfast ☕️🥞

  • 4/5 graceeunjoo 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice place to sit in with all the art pieces on the wall and menu options. Try the salad with poached egg and balsamic dressing


Call +1 808-734-7897 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed outside
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
    • ✓️ Good for working on laptop
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

Trends



Last updated:

Similar places



Similar Cafes nearby

Ono Seafood image
1
Ono Seafood
Seafood restaurant
Locals flock to this no-frills eatery for the variety of ahi poke & a chill, laid-back atmosphere.
$ $$$
4.60 (2.3K reviews)
Denny's image
2
Denny's
American restaurant
Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
$ $$$
4.10 (2.2K reviews)
Koko Head Cafe image
3
Koko Head Cafe
Brunch restaurant
Celeb chef Lee Anne Wong runs this brunch stop for breakfast udon, congee & other Pan-Asian eats.
$$ $$
4.50 (1.6K reviews)
Café Kaila image
4
Café Kaila
Cafe
Casual coffeehouse serves hearty breakfast favorites such as French toast & breakfast quesadillas.
$$ $$
4.60 (1.3K reviews)
Kono's image
5
Kono's
Barbecue restaurant
Hawaiian kitchen preparing slow-roasted pork sandwiches, platters & more in laid-back surrounds.
$$ $$
4.50 (1.2K reviews)
Last updated:
()