This Is It Too

My boss went to buy bagels for our office because they make a great bagel. He comes back empty handed because the counter guy refused to sell him a dozen even though their baskets were all full, apparently they get their bagels once a day and ration them out to make them last the whole day! What ever happened to first come first served? How about getting your shit together and just have bagels available for your customers when they want them. The counter guy actually said we should have called ahead and reserved them! FOR A DOZEN! fricking ridiculous! Hope the rationing was worth it cause our entire company is hearing about this and will probably NEVER shop there again. Our department is already in boycott mode. Such a shame, just because your bagels are good doesn’t mean you are doing us a favor by selling them to us!

I tend to think like George Costanza on season 9 of Seinfeld when I eat This Is It’s Pastrami on Rye. Best pastrami I had on island.
The staff is friendly, the sandwiches are great and their soup is pretty good as well. For dessert, try one of their pastries.
If you’re in downtown looking for lunch, please go here.

For the past 7 months, I’ve gone to This Is It Too nearly *every day* for my soup and bagel combo. It sort of worked out that way because:
1. The bagel, toasted with butter, satisfies my love for carbs and actually fills me up and gives me energy for the work day. The cinnamon-​raisin was my favorite but I have also tried the garlic, sesame, energy (healthier option but on the denser side), and blueberry. You have to figure out if you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, and with butter or cream cheese.
These days I’m eating bialy. It’s less dense than a regular bagel, so you get a nice crisp. The doughy flavor/​texture works so well with the sweet, salty butter. And the best part? Lower in calories. I can’t get enough of it!
2. The meat & vegetable soup is served daily, and has all kinds of goodies in it: cabbage, Portuguese sausage, beans, macaroni pasta, ground beef, tomato, all in a comforting peppery broth. They serve two other soups but it’s on a rotation I haven’t figured out yet. I have tasted them but nothing combines everything I want for lunch in soup form than the meat & vegetable soup.
3. They’re very efficient and courteous! Sometimes I’m in a rush or I’m tired, and I appreciate how Josh seems to have all his regular customers’ orders memorized and ready to get their food started. We’re at that sign language level– this couldn’t be any easier for me! Even the wallet-​friendly pricing is convenient ($ 5) — no change, tax is included! So I try to have exact amount when I go. Don’t be dismayed if you ever see a long line outside their door; it will move quickly.
4. I’ve actually lost weight! I’m sure there are healthier things to eat every day besides soup and bagel (like a salad maybe?), but it’s so much easier to input the same thing in your calorie counting app. And by doing so, it’s like I’ve re-​set my taste buds. Lunch doesn’t need to be a downtown foodie adventure. I’m not depriving myself; I’m finding smarter ways to eat what I want without all the calories, and I’m glad that This Is It Too was a part of the experience.

Super yummy thin thin sliced pastrami. The whole meal included side, drink, desert for under $ 10. Really good

I’m a regular now, especially for a morning bagel and at lunch for the Hot Pastrami. Several people at work have commented on how good the pastrami sandwich looks, and they’re right. It is a really good sandwich.

Great stop for breakfast and bagels! Got the Lox on an Everything Bagel, which my Fiancé and I easily split in 2 since it was presented as an open face sandwich.
The bread was toasty and the shop had the fresh smell of bread.

This Is It Too is becoming my go-​to spot for bagels in the morning! It’s located near the ASB Tower and right next to Jack In The Box. Most times that I’ve been here, the line wasn’t that bad. Even if it was out the door, the workers are very efficient and they work hard to get everyone their orders asap so they can be heading back to work. It IS downtown — time is money!
I like getting a plain bagel with cream cheese ($ 3) or if I’m craving sweets that day, a cinnamon bagel with strawberry cream cheese ($ 3.75). OMG absolutely amazing, highly recommend either for your first time. They put a generous amount of cream cheese too! Once I bit into my bagel sandwich, the cream cheese goodness started oozing out from the sides. Not wanting to waste it, I used a finger and wiped it back onto the bagel, while also taking a quick lick. IT WAS HEAVEN. This makes me want to explore their other bagel options and spreads. I have also tried Rossi’s special omelet ($ 5) which has hash brown, bacon, eggs, and american cheese inside a bagel of your choice. It’s literally the best breakfast bagel/​sandwich ever.
Besides bagels, they also have soups and sandwiches. There’s a bagel and soup combo ($ 5) after 10:30a which I have only been able to try the meat & vegetable one because their soup of the day changes daily. There are usually 3 choices, but on this particular day there was only meat & vegetable or chili w/rice…sad face. I like to dip my bagel into the soup, the soup itself reminds me of minestrone. It’s yummy and a great combo that’s perfect for lunch. I hope to one day try their corn chowder, chicken noodle, or cream of mushroom soup!
As for the sandwiches, they’re pretty pricey like their bagels, but if you’re willing to treat yourself to a filling meal — you won’t be disappointed. I have tried the hot pastrami ($ 9). The sandwich was HUGE, stuffed with tons of pastrami and garnished with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. It also includes your choice of chips, potato/​mac salad, or cole slaw. At an extra cost, you can also add a drink/​water and a dessert. If you become a regular, the employees start remembering you and your orders. Solid spot for breakfast/​lunch with great food and customer service! I look forward to coming back for more.

Very friendly service. Good bagels, with sandwich options. Variety of spreads. This is my go to place for a bagel fix.

Hands down, this is one of my favorite breakfast places in downtown.
Fast service — yes, depending on how many people are in line (it can be a very busy spot in the mornings, with 5 — 8 people in line), they can get you your bagel in about 5 minutes, even with a long line.
Good food — yes! I usually only get the bagels, which may be carb-​heavy, but it staves off my hunger until lunch time. I usually get the biali, which is a more flat bagel with no hole in the middle. It has a more flour-​y taste and definitely leaves flour on my hands as I devour it. I love to get the strawberry cream cheese to sweeten it up… and it looks like they mix this cream cheese themselves (you can actually see pieces of the fruit in the cream cheese!). They are very generous with the cream cheese, so I normally get the cream cheese on the side. I’ve also tried their corn chowder creamy with perfectly cooked chunks of potatoes that were so tender. The soup has a sweet taste due to the corn. Definitely a satisfying meal, but if you are still hungry (or need some bread to mop up the last drops of soup), the soup comes with a bagel.
Affordable — ABSOLUTELY! A plain bagel (no cream cheese) or any of their assorted muffins or scones are just $ 2! A bagel with cream cheese — $ 3.75. The soup with bagel I get for lunch is only $ 5!
The employees are always friendly and remembers the regulars and their orders.

Bagels. This is a good place to get your bagel fix in the morning before work at a pretty high price. A bagel with butter (or dry) will cost you $ 2. There’s an extra charge for cream cheese and flavored cream cheeses. If you’re going to splurge though, the strawberry cream cheese is kick butt!
They also have some really good soups for lunch. A bowl of soup and a bagel will cost $ 5 and it will fill you up. Be sure to go early to ensure your choice of soup and bagel. I tried to keep track of their soup schedule but I have no idea what the pattern is. They have meat & vegetable everyday and also one creamy and one clear soup. I like their Italian wedding soup and corn chowder. The corn chowder is sweet and not as thick. The soup and bagel combo is perfect for those chilly days.
Their sandwiches are also good choices, but they take some time to make so if you have a large order, call it in. They also have mini bagels, perfect for those early office meetings. The mini sesame bagels with strawberry cream cheese are the best!

Me and my girlfriend absolutely love this place. It’s a good place for a quick bite for lunch or breakfast. However I can only do a review for breakfast, more specifically the bagels. They have a few varieties of bagels such as plain, poppy seeds I guess, and another with everything on it. I forgot what they were called. I suggest not toasting the bagel with the garlic chips on it because it’ll taste burnt unless you like that. Then they have a few varieties of cream cheese like plain, strawberry, lox, chives and vegetables. They have a lot of other things there like donuts and tuna and jellies straight from Maui.
They have a very clean bathroom and it’s probably the nicest bathroom in all of Kakaako. It’s AC and the place is actually pretty big if you consider the hall way. Everything there is made by them. You can actually see them making the dough in the back if you look through the window. It’s pretty amazing actually to see them preparing the ingredients for the perfect bagel. The counter women are so nice and I always go there in the morning so they always say hi and they even have me and my girlfriends regular down which is the plain bagel toasted with strawberry. If they are reading this they know who we are haha
Other than that I love this place because it’s affordable and they accept card. God bless this place!

Generally in downtown HNL if a place has a line out the door, it means it’s amazing. That’s entirely true for This Is It Too. There is almost always a line out the door & a full room of people waiting for their orders. Don’t be discouraged, their staff works quickly & efficiently to get you out the door. They serve breakfast & lunch, with different options/​ways to utilize their awesome bagels. For lunch I’ve tried the tuna sandwich on a bagel, and breakfast I’ve tried an omelette once & cream cheese another time, both on bagels. All three were deelish!
Just a few tips:
–Know what you’re going to order, if possible. They have a lot of regular customers & zero time to wait while you mull over the menu. Do it ahead of time or you’ll be scoffed at by everyone. It’s downtown HNL, time is money!
–Note if you want the bagel toasted or untoasted right away. I prefer untoasted since the bagels are fresh & softer to chew.
–Most people pay with cash, and even pay for their lunch ahead of time (regulars!) but they do accept cards.
Overall, their food is great, prices are ridiculously cheap & staff is very quick/​helpful. Definitely recommended!

Carbs Carbs Carbs!
This place is one of my favorite AM stops in downtown for a quick bite.
Located near the American Saving Building, they are in line with My BBQ, San Francisco Salads and Honolulu Coffee Company. Opening around 6 and usually closes before 2 (they sell out!!)
I love that their bake case is right in front so you can see the goodie selection up close. Bagels, muffins and scones are all baked fresh in their bakery! They even have sandwiches too! They have packed sandwiches made to order, like ham and cheese! Or pastrami Or Pam’s favorite; ooey gooey cheese and eggs!
My faves for high carb day are:
Blueberry bagel (with cream cheese)
Everything bagel (so so generous on the toppings!)
Poppyseed muffin
Chocolate chip muffin

I’m a fan of ‘This Is It’ bakery on Cooke Street, so I was happy to see they opened a second location downtown. Despite being of similar quality, this location isn’t as good as the original.
This Is It has amazing breads and pastries; the sandwiches are simple and genuinely good. I like the portion sizes and freshness of the meats, greens, and breads. This location is right on Bishop Square, so there is plenty of pleasant outdoor seating. There is no restroom. The prices are higher here, and the combo meals cost more than on Cooke St.
They carry no non-​sugared drink, which is always a disappointment. This is a solid lunch place, nothing too special.

The name says it all. This IS it… too, just because the first location is on Cooke St. but because it’s not the original doesn’t mean it won’t be just as good and keep the same consistence like the original location.
Tips & Tricks
Come early. This place it popular for a reason. It’s fast and convenient for any downtown worker. They run out pretty quickly of certain bagels, so if you want your pick of the litter, come early. Bring cash. Yes, they accept credit cards, however this place is always busy so to help alleviate people traffic, keep your cash in hand. (seriously it’s cheap & under 10 so why build up traffic just for a piece of paper to print out?)
Order the Pam special every time. Comes with scrabbled eggs with bacon in it, topped with cream cheese with chives, put between your choice of bagel. all for the low price of 5 dollars.
This honestly keeps me full for most of the day and they don’t skimp on cream cheese! Love that they have a system with just two guys in the front and people in the kitchen pumping out bagels filled with what your heart desires. Fast, convenient, efficient and affordable! You’re welcome.

This is a go-​to place for a quick bite, simple yet satisfying! Who knew a bagel could fulfill your hunger pangs.
Always order the Lox spread its $ 3.50 but let me tell you they are very generous with the spread.
Downside it is CASH ONLY — service is great and they are fast!

Love to visit this place in downtown in the morning. It’s located by the ASB building in downtown, right next to Jack in the Box. This is the best place to come for a bagel and I love how friendly the staff is here! They’re also very quick and efficient.
They have a variety of different bagels to choose from — I get the «Everything» bagel every single time w/​plain cream cheese ($ 3). Delicious! I’ve tried the breakfast bagels w/​egg, cheese and ham, and that’s good too, but it still doesn’t beat just having plain cream cheese on it! The only one I wouldn’t recommend is the salt bagel– it’s a little too salty and that says a lot being that I LOVE my salty foods.
Sometimes we’ll also order a box of bagels for a morning meeting, which they can definitely help pack for you. They also sell cream cheese on the side so that people can prepare it how they want at the meeting – a nice additional option!

This was in my bookmarks and after an intense Zumba session I needed something close, fast and good.
The service: great! he was super patient! I had no idea what they offered and needed to be walked through.
The food: good! ended up getting the corned beef on rye with everything, coleslaw, chips and drink. I always forget that corned beef is yummy and their bread was really good. The coleslaw had surprising touches of cranberries which were great but the slaw itself was a bit bland. $ 9.75
Details: they put little chocolates in your plate!!! now that’s thoughfulness I could get used to.
Overall glad I stopped in! they mentioned tuna is really popular and that intrigues me because how can tuna be popular? maybe I’ll stop in and find out…

After reading several raving Unilocal reviews for This Is It Too’s Pastrami Sandwich, I just had to try it out for myself. I am not a huge pastrami lover, but I have had my fair share of pastrami sandwiches. This Is It Too’s is my all time favorite! A heaping and generous portion of lean and tender pastrami can be sandwiched between White Bread, Wheat Bread, French Bread, or a Kaiser Roll with Mustard/​Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, and Red Onion. After asking the cashier what he recommended, I chose the Kaiser Roll. The roll was soft and warm and the pastrami nestled within was perfect!
Following the many Yeeps who recommended the potato salad, I went for that over chips. I normally do not like potato salad and this one was no different than most I’ve tried. I think I will stick to chips from now on.
A sandwich with a potato salad came out to an even $ 9. It’s a bit steep for me, but for quality pastrami and generous portions, you can’t go wrong!

They sure have their regulars here, which I feel is always a good sign.
At about $ 2 per bagel ($ 0.50 extra for cheese bagels)-this is a good option for a quick breakfast in downtown.
I ordered the Rossi’s special omelet which was comprised of hash browns, bacon, egg, & American cheese. The wait time was okay and the bagel was tasty-​large enough for me to split it with a friend and still be satisfied.