Old School Cafe

Old School Café is no longer in business. Tanioka’s Express is slated to open there on January 11,2016.

After reading these reviews, I got excited thinking that I had found a perfect venue for my son’s first birthday party. I found out that their contract ended and there was no replacement is sight. So the pavilion and the huge grassy area sits there, unused. What a waste.

Located in the Patsy MInk Veterans Aquatic Center in Waipio Gentry right across of McDonalds Waipio Gentry. My grandson’s b-​party was held here. The staff there were very helpful. We had lots of compliments from our guests on the food and the place. It rained that day but the area was well-​covered and did not spoil our celebration. The food was good and decent for $ 10 a head. We were also able to bring in other outside dishes, desserts, pupus. Ice was provided but you needed to bring your own coolers. You need to rent your own tables, chairs, and medium size canopy tent from outside sources since they only have enough tables and chairs to sit about 50 people. They supply food warmers and tables for your food dishes. Lots of parking and lots of room to throw a party there. If it was sunny, the kids could have played in the grass area — which is a huge field fenced in. There was enough covered area to fit approx 200 people, game area, and other activities such as photo booths, food booths, etc.

I visited the Old School Café for a birthday party.
It is located at the CORP in Waipio. Parking is plenty. If there is no parking directly in front, there is additional parking off to the side. Dont be lazy people!
As soon as we entered the gate, there were tables setup up in the pavillion. Its actually really nice and shaded. Very breezy since it is open space. The only thing was that the ceiling has some glass portions so if its around noonish, the sun blazes straight down to the tables underneath. Still no biggie!
Off to the side in the hallways are the bathrooms. And across the bathroom area is where the café is. There is a small side room that the party used to setup up their tables with chafers of food. I like how it is separated so its not so «busy» in the eating area. The courtyard has room for bouncy castles which they also rented. There is a lot of grassy area and shady trees in case you want to do outdoor activities with the kids.
I would definitely consider having a party here. Our party host said it averaged to about $ 10 a head. Decent price.
Please note: The café did not provide everything for this party. Some things were rented through outside sources.

Old School Café is located in the Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park a.k.a. «CORP». Walk into the Aquatic Center, hang a right, you will see Old School Café straight ahead.
I came here on a weekday at around 11am and there was only one other customer. I tried the Garlic Chicken Plate ($ 7) and a Pina Colada Slushie ($ 2). It was $ 9 even, tax included, how nice. The Garlic Chicken Plate was normal/​generous in size and came with about 5 pieces of chicken, scoop rice, and corn. The chicken was a little batter-​y and hard but it wasn’t horrible, I ate the whole thing.
The park and facility is just so beautiful and peaceful. The Old School Café pavilion is airy, simple, clean, and spacious. There is a large enclosed grassy area where you could probably picnic too. There are 2 parking lots for the Aquatic Center and parking was ample when I went. Restrooms located right outside of the restaurant.
I should add though that there was very noticeable signage about surveillance and security posted next to the menu on the order window. There was even a camera right at the window by the cash register. One of the signs was a HPD-​issued letter warning of a black Saturn car or something. So while the park seems peaceful, there may be some shady folks hanging around. Watch your belongings and lock your car!
I was told by a friend that they generate most of their business through the pool go’ers. I also heard the pavilion can be rented out for parties and it is free if you use Old School Café’s catering services. Please don’t quote me on that but here is the website for the Department of Parks & Recreation where you could click around or make some phone calls and confirm:
I couldn’t find very much about Old School Café online. They do not have a website or use social media. I’ve included pictures of their hours, location, menu, and facility.