OEC Cafe

345 Queen St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
+1 808-428-4105
$$$ Cafe
(35 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

OEC Cafe is a cozy spot tucked just off the main downtown stretch on Queen Street in Honolulu, offering a no-frills atmosphere that feels a bit like a neighborhood kitchen. Its focus isn’t on fancy coffee drinks but on solid, comforting food with an emphasis on Japanese plate lunches and sandwiches that pack reliable portion sizes without stretching your wallet.

Locals and office workers often drop by around lunch hours to grab one of the daily rotating Japanese-inspired specials—think hearty combos like saba fish or curry chicken, served rice that customers repeatedly praise for its quality and texture. Sandwiches like the roasted chicken with basil pesto or the classic beef pastrami are also popular grab-and-go options when you want something quick but filling.

The space itself is modest and easy to overlook if you’re driving a larger vehicle, but it’s a pleasurable find for those walking or cycling through downtown Honolulu. The casual vibe leans toward efficiency, with quick service and friendly staff who know their regulars. While it doesn’t focus heavily on coffee culture or outdoor seating, it suits anyone looking for a reliable lunch spot without the typical lunchtime rush crowds or high prices.

Crediting modest price points alongside generous portions makes OEC Cafe especially appealing for people working near or living downtown who want an everyday meal with a bit of variety and an unmistakable local flavor. Midday visit times are the busiest, meaning if you’re looking for a more relaxed moment, arriving slightly before or after peak lunch might make for a quieter experience.

Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

35 Reviews
Grant Chuggy Bear Shindo

27 Dec 2025

Hidden gem right outside of downtown. Three to four Japanese plate lunch specials per day plus paninis, smoothies and sweets. The rice here is unbelievably good.

Marie Robeck

23 Nov 2025

This little cafe always have great food! I've been here many times and the food is delicious. It's inexpensive and right price for the food you're ordering. Credit/debit acceptable with a minimum purchase of $5. There's probably a restroom for public use but I'm not sure. Very popular place for lunch. The cafe is visible by foot although if you're in a big, tall truck passing by then you can see it on your right. Opens from 1100 to 1430 Monday to Friday. Stop by and support local!

Luke Withy-Berry

13 Nov 2025

Always super high quality food! Good portion sizes & excellent flavors. They post their menu on Instagram. The tonkatsu is excellent and if you're lucky, they might have crispy pork with chili sauce that day. The sandwiches are also very good and reasonably priced.

Jakob

23 Oct 2025

What a great place to grab a plate lunch! It’s small and not very visible but that’s all made up with the great service, large portions, and wonderful food. Living downtown, it’s nice to find a place like this! Highly recommend.

GERALD DUNG

13 Oct 2025

I love the spinach noodles at this place. And it is so reasonably priced!!!!! Turnaround for food is quick and employees are super nice! Wish I took a pic to share!

Garett Kajiwara

05 Oct 2025

Still open during covid-19 and practicing increased cleanliness and social distancing. Great food from the nicest couple. Check their Facebook, to see the daily menu.

Justin Ching

24 Sep 2025

This is very well kept lunch place near the downtown post office. They are very clean and always happy to have you come and eat. They have weekly lunch specials that are pretty reasonable. I had the surf and turf plate that had tempura like shrimp and chicken. This is one of the best sauces for chicken I have had. The shrimp was very crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Everything was extremely well prepared.

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