Downtown @ the HiSAM

Best for: Museum + lunch
Location: Downtown

black forest ham and sharp cheddar panini, about $10

Oh how I love museum cafés. This particular one is called Downtown (because -- surprise! It's located in downtown) and is located on the first floor of the Hawaii State Art Museum, which, by the way, is a free art museum, funded by the state government. Your tax dollars at work. Downtown is owned by the Ed Kenney, owner of town in Kaimuki. Town definitely has better food, but hey, this place comes with art galleries.

my water glass is stuck to the paper. Also, check out that art!

Reservations are a good idea because it gets pretty crowded with downtown workers. Clean, modern, bright wood tones, with art all over the walls, Downtown serves typical museum café food: sandwiches, soups, and salads. I got the black forest ham and sharp cheddar panini. The panini was pretty good with lots of ham, and our waiter was fun. Chelsea and I shared a flourless chocolate torte - delicious!