Java Kai Coffee and Mermaids Cafe, Kapaa, HI

Even though I went to these to places on different days, they are right next door to each other so I'm doing them as one post, I'm lazy like that sometimes. The first time I went to Kauai, my crew and I walked down to Kapaa looking for some good food, and Mermaids didn't disappoint. Basically just a window to the kitchen and some tables on the sidewalk, what mermaids lacks in fanciness, it more the makes up for in the taste of it's food.

I ordered the Tropical Tacos, which was Ahi  cooked in their "special sauce" on two corn tortillas, served with black beans, salsa fresca, and organic lettuce. Fresh local ingredients and food that is cooked as ordered, not sitting around under a heat lamp, made this little cafe a gem. The food was cooked perfect and the taste was out of this world, definitely in the top five for fish tacos I've had. If your near here, go, you won't be disappointed.

Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: B
Mermaids Cafe
4-1384 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaa, HI
808-821-2026
http://mermaidskauai.com/Mermaids_Cafe/Mermaids_Cafe_Kauai.html

Java Kai Coffee is located right next door to Mermaids and after taking a long walk the day after going to Mermaids, I found myself at their door. The place was packed, and for a touristy area to have a coffee place packed in the off season means something. The only thing I had was a coffee, so that's all I'll review, but the pastries in the case looked delicious. Plus, they had several gluten free options for the growing number of my friends that have gone gluten free. I'm not a coffee affectionado, but I do like a good cup of Joe and Java Kai's Surfer Blend is a great medium roast cup of Joe. Java Kai gets extra bonus points for a great decor and an amazingly friendly staff. When you start talking about surfing with the barista and he tells you next time your there to stop by and borrow a board, you know you in a great place!

Would I go back: Yes
Overall score: A
Java Kai Old Kapaa Town
4-1384 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaa, HI
808-823-6887
http://www.facebook.com/JavaKai