Cuisine & Specialties
Kickshaws’ signature 100% Awesome Burger, a beef-and-bacon patty topped with cheddar, house-made marmalade and more. Many visitors hail it as one of Kauai’s best burgers.
Kickshaws is a gourmet food truck specializing in inventive, “science-forward” cuisine built on comfort food favorites. Chef-owner Seth Peterson takes a culinary experimentation approach – blending molecular gastronomy techniques with local Hawaiian ingredients to elevate dishes like burgers and sandwiches into imaginative creations. The menu is often described as upscale comfort food with a twist, featuring everything from a classic patty melt reimagined with maple bacon ground into the beef patty, to vegan takes on street food. Kickshaws literally means “a fancy delicacy,” and true to its name, the truck serves one-of-a-kind flavor combinations that wow diners’ taste buds.
Signature dishes include the famed “100% Awesome Burger”, an 80/20 blend of fresh chuck steak and bacon topped with a pineapple–black pepper onion marmalade, cheddar cheese, arugula, tomato and mayo on a soft torta roll. This burger earns rave reviews and was voted one of the top burgers on Kauai. Another favorite is the “Crazy Good” lamb burger, house-ground and spiced with cumin, coriander and sambal, finished with olive tapenade, cucumber and a cooling yogurt sauce. For non-beef options, Kickshaws offers a rotating selection: think local fish sandwiches (their “Island Catch” special) and inventive vegetarian fare like a jackfruit banh mi drizzled in coconut sriracha. Even the sides and snacks are novel – for example, the “Duckin’ Hot Toddy” takes waffle-pressed tater tots and piles them with duck confit and a miso–chipotle honey sauce, creating a salty-sweet crunch unlike any standard fries. The chef isn’t afraid to experiment with global inspirations and even exotic meats (past menus have featured venison or camel burgers and Korean-influenced tacos), all while using local produce and island flavors to keep a Kauai touch. Overall, expect modern American fusion cuisine – diner classics meets molecular gastronomy – with playful presentations. One day you might find a tempeh curry banh mi or a smoked-watermelon “sushi” taco on the menu, the next it could be a sous-vide pork belly sandwich with house-made kimchi. Kickshaws embraces change and creativity, so there’s always some new “flavor bomb” to try.
Notable Features & Ambiance
Kickshaws operates out of a bright food truck in the heart of Old Koloa Town, offering an informal outdoor dining experience. The truck typically parks in a small lot alongside other vendors, where picnic tables and benches are available for customers. The atmosphere is ultra-casual and island-friendly – guests often drop by in beach attire or hiking clothes. There is no dress code beyond comfort. Despite the laid-back setting (food is served in baskets or to-go containers), the vibe is uniquely fun and quirky. The truck’s tagline, “Not Your Ordinary Truckin’ Food,” is painted on its side, and that spirit comes through in everything from the menu names to the friendly banter at the order window.
In terms of amenities, think open-air picnic dining rather than formal restaurant service. It’s a family-run operation, and many reviews praise the warm, welcoming service that makes you feel “like you were being invited to their family table”. The venue is kid-friendly – children are welcome to romp in the outdoor space – and pet-friendly as well (on any given day you might see a dog on a leash lounging under a picnic table). Accessibility is generally good: ordering is done at a street-level window, and the picnic area is on mostly flat ground (though it’s a casual setting, so wheelchair users may need to navigate some grass or gravel). Parking is available along Koloa Road or nearby lots in town, making it relatively easy to visit. As for price range, Kickshaws is rated $$ – moderate by Hawaii standards. Portions are generous, and considering the gourmet quality, most visitors find it high value for the money. The overall ambiance can be summed up as island casual meets foodie heaven: you’ll enjoy high-end flavors while sitting under the sun in a no-frills setting. It’s an unpretentious stop where shorts and flip-flops are as welcome as big appetites.
History & Background
Kickshaws was founded by chef Seth Peterson in the mid-2010s as the first gourmet food truck of its kind on Kauaʻi. Peterson – a self-taught chef with a Bachelor’s in biology – combined his scientific background and a decade of organic farming experience to create a truly unique food business. He has operated Kickshaws for over 10 years on the island, constantly honing his craft of “science-forward food.” This approach means applying techniques like sous-vide cooking, flavor chemistry, and even occasional molecular gastronomy (spherification, flavored foams, etc.) to everyday dishes. The name “Kickshaws” itself is an old term (from the French quelque chose) meaning a fancy little delicacy, hinting at the chef’s mission to transform street food into fine-dining caliber bites. In practice, Seth has been known to surprise guests with amuse-bouche treats – for example, a “PB&J” palate cleanser made of powdered peanut butter and liquid jelly spheres – just to elevate the food truck experience.
Originally a roaming food truck popping up at local events and markets, Kickshaws built a loyal following across Kauai by appearing at gatherings like the Hanapēpē Art Night and catering private functions. In recent years, the operation has settled into a regular location in Koloa (5371 Koloa Road) for most of the week, giving visitors a dependable spot to find it. Chef Peterson’s innovative cooking has earned Kickshaws considerable recognition. It was featured by Bon Appétit magazine as a must-try on the island for its “imaginative and delicious” menu of experimental dishes. Hawaiian Airlines’ in-flight magazine highlighted the scientific flair of Peterson’s sandwiches, noting his use of sous-vide bacon and even meat caramel in recipes. Kickshaws has also garnered local accolades: it consistently rates 4.5–5 stars on review platforms, and in 2025 the truck was voted among Kauai’s top five food trucks and even one of the island’s top five burger spots in the Hawaii Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards. Such honors are impressive given the competition from brick-and-mortar restaurants. The business has a few fun distinctions as well – for example, it’s likely the only food truck on Kauai where you might find house-cured bacon, duck confit, or camel meat on the menu. Through years of operation, Peterson and his team have shown a commitment to creativity, local sourcing, and personal hospitality. The result is a food truck with a real “cult following” and a reputation that extends well beyond the Garden Isle.
Review Sentiment Snapshot
Customer reviews for Kickshaws are overwhelmingly positive, painting a picture of a foodie’s paradise on wheels. A major theme is the exceptional flavor and creativity of the food. Diners frequently rave that the 100% Awesome Burger “lives up to its name,” calling it “one of the most delicious burgers ever” and a “must-try” for any burger lover. Many describe Kickshaws as a place that “takes food truck dining to the next level,” delivering gourmet-quality taste from a humble trailer. Dishes often surprise in the best way – for instance, visitors love the unexpected combos like cheese sauce on a pulled pork sandwich or the crunch of a waffle-pressed hashbrown “bun.” One reviewer enthusiastically dubbed it “a foodie adventure on wheels,” noting that even in a land of many food trucks, this one stood out as a “hidden gem” with “amazing” food and service. Other common praise includes generous portions (you won’t leave hungry) and the breadth of menu choices for all diets. People appreciate that there are vegetarian and vegan options that are just as thoughtfully prepared – something not every food truck offers.
The service and overall experience also earn high marks. Reviewers often mention Chef Seth and his family by name, highlighting their friendly, down-to-earth hospitality. It’s not unusual to see comments like “Seth and his family are honestly amazing – we felt like part of the family”. That personal touch, combined with the chef’s willingness to explain his creations, makes the dining experience memorable beyond just the food. Many visitors were so impressed they returned multiple times during their trip (in fact, one reviewer loved it so much they ate at Kickshaws twice in one day).
Of course, there are a few minor criticisms in reviews, mostly reflecting the challenges of a popular made-to-order food truck. The most frequent caution is to expect a bit of a wait for your meal, especially if you arrive at peak lunch hour. As one TripAdvisor user noted, “be patient, there is usually a wait for the food but it is worth it.” This is echoed by others who say that because everything is cooked with care from scratch, you might wait 20+ minutes, but nearly everyone agrees the food is worth the patience. A handful of reviews mention instances where a particular item didn’t meet personal expectations – e.g. one guest thought the tuna melt was only “okay” and not as exciting as the other offerings. Another review (a rare negative outlier) described a burger patty that crumbled and seemed overworked on one occasion, but such comments are very uncommon. Consistently, the feedback is that Kickshaws delivers bold, delicious flavors that “blow your mind” (to quote an enthusiast), backed up by an inviting atmosphere. The few small hiccups like waiting time or an item selling out are seen as understandable trade-offs for the high quality. In summary, the sentiment is that if you’re a food lover, Kickshaws is a must-visit: reviewers use phrases like “best meal of our vacation,” “worth the drive across the island,” and even “the best food on the planet” to describe this little truck.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Hours: Kickshaws currently operates primarily as a lunch spot. As of 2025, the truck is open Wednesday through Saturday, roughly 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM for lunch service. It is closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, so plan around those days. (Always double-check current hours on their website or social media, as food truck schedules can change.) The truck may occasionally pop up for special evening events, but regular dinner hours are not the norm.
- No Reservations – First Come, First Served: Being a food truck, Kickshaws does not take reservations. At times there can be a line or wait, so it’s wise to arrive early in the lunch period if possible. If you’re on a tight schedule, consider calling or texting in your order ahead. In fact, the owners encourage texting your to-go order before you leave for the truck – that way your food will be ready when you arrive. This can significantly cut down on waiting, especially during the lunch rush.
- Best Times to Visit: Mid-week days (Wed/Thurs) tend to be a bit quieter than Friday or Saturday, when both tourists and locals turn up. Going right at opening (11 AM) can ensure you get first dibs and avoid any sell-outs of popular items. If you come later (say after 2 PM), know that some menu items might be sold out for the day, as everything is fresh and limited in quantity. Also, note that the truck closes at 3 PM sharp; they won’t usually take new orders past the cutoff, so don’t arrive last-minute.
- Cash or Card: Kickshaws accepts credit/debit cards (and likely mobile payments) – it’s not a cash-only spot, which is convenient. That said, tipping in cash is always appreciated for this small family business. Prices are moderate (most entrees in the $15-$20 range), and gratuity isn’t included, so consider a tip if you enjoyed the experience.
- Seating & Eating: All seating is outdoors. If it’s a sunny day, wearing a hat or sunscreen is a good idea, as shade can be limited. On the flip side, if a passing shower pops up (Kauai’s weather is fickle), you might wait it out in your car or under an awning nearby. There are picnic tables on-site, but during peak time you might have to share a table or do takeout and find a scenic spot to eat. Many visitors happily take their food to go – for example, you could grab lunch from Kickshaws and drive 5 minutes to Poipu Beach to picnic. The food is packaged travel-friendly if you choose to do this.
- Family & Dietary Notes: Kickshaws is family-friendly – kids are welcome and there are usually menu items that kids enjoy (if they aren’t adventurous eaters, the “Keiki grilled cheese” is a simple option). The truck also offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices or modifications. If you have a dietary restriction, just ask – the chef is knowledgeable and can often adjust a dish (for example, making a burger protein-style without the bun, or pointing out vegan sauces). The menu changes frequently, but there’s always at least a couple of meat-free dishes on rotation.
- Follow Social Media for Updates: Because this is a small, chef-driven truck, occasionally there are special events or closures. It’s a good idea to check Kickshaws’ Instagram or Facebook page before visiting. They sometimes announce “We’ll be closed for a private event tomorrow” or share their participation in off-site events (like a brewery night or food festival). On the flip side, you might catch announcements of special menu items or tasting menus via social media – a fun bonus if you’re in town at the right time. Following them ensures you get the latest info on daily specials, location changes, or holiday closures.
- Enjoy the Experience: Finally, a tip from repeat customers – embrace the wait and the quirks as part of the Kickshaws experience. This isn’t fast food; it’s a chance to chat with locals, savor the aromas coming from the truck, and maybe talk story with Chef Seth about what you’re about to eat. Grab a local juice or soda from a nearby stall, relax at a picnic table, and know that the meal you’ll get is prepared with creativity and care. Many agree that the payoff – an unforgettable gourmet meal from a humble food truck – is well worth it. Enjoy!
Sources: Kickshaws official site and menu; Hawaiian Airlines “Island Guide”; Bon Appétit feature on Kauai food trucks; HawaiianIslands.com review; TripAdvisor/MapQuest summary; Hawaii Magazine 2024–25 Readers’ Choice Awards; and assorted customer reviews on Yelp/TripAdvisor. Each source corroborates the unique cuisine, atmosphere, and acclaim that set Kickshaws apart as a must-visit culinary stop in Kauai.
