There are two types of people in this world: Those who eat breakfast religiously, and those who don’t. I can’t say much about the latter, but few things can bring devout morning eaters to our happy place like a good neighborhood breakfast spot.
For more than 30 years, Hawaiians have flocked to Cinnamon’s in Kailua, a beach town on Oahu. Hearty, homemade creations await inside the beloved coastal joint, from savory, meat-heavy dishes to indulgent plates more reminiscent of dessert than breakfast.
Luckily for us, Las Vegas is lovingly referred to as Hawaii’s “ninth island,” and the famed neighborhood haunt recently expanded with its first mainland location in December. Now, Cinnamon’s is spreading Hawaiian-style goodness to Las Vegans one short stack at a time.
The restaurant is best known for its off-the-griddle specialties, starting with its award-winning guava chiffon pancakes. Order two ($6.75) or four ($10.25) of these massive and fluffy buttermilk cakes, which come topped with two different sweet and tangy guava-flavored, rosy-pink sauces and a swirl of whipped cream. Or opt for the green pistachio cream pancakes—not too sugary with a delicate nutty flavor—only available at the Las Vegas version.
Cinnamon’s Las Vegas menu is smaller than the original Oahu location, but it serves up the restaurant’s greatest hits, including the best-selling kalua pig Benedict ($7.75 for a half order, $11.50 for a full)—a buttery, toasted English muffin piled high with smoky roasted pork, a poached egg and made-from-scratch Hollandaise, with tater tots, home fries, rice or salad. Want a true taste of Hawaii? Look no further than Cinnamon’s loco mocos, which come with your choice of a hamburger patty ($8.95), boneless and meaty Korean kalbi short ribs ($11.25) or prime rib ($12.95), served atop white or brown rice with gravy and two eggs.
From its solid-yet-varied menu to the friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere, Cinnamon’s already bears the markings of a true neighborhood gem.
Cinnamon's 7591 W. Washington Ave. #110, 702-478-7877. Daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
