We Tried It: Oreo Café at IT’SUGAR

What: A café inside the mega candy store, IT’SUGAR

Who: A mom and her 5-year-old son on an afternoon “date” 

Where: Ala Moana Center, Target wing, Level 3

When: Friday afternoon

The candy metropolis, IT’SUGAR, has upped its game with the addition of an Oreo Café, only the second in the world after the one in New Jersey. If you haven’t experienced the candy store already, think a Willy Wonka wonderland. The place has seascape sculptures made of jelly beans, unique candies from all over the world, and lollipops larger than your head.

My son Duke and I had visited the candy store before and (luckily) managed to escape with only a box of Nerds and two Tootsie Rolls. This time we had come specifically to indulge in his favorite cookie: Oreos! Tucked into the left-hand side of IT’SUGAR, the café reminded me of an ice cream shop with a long counter and a few tables for customers to eat at. The whole café is wrapped in adorable Oreo wallpaper and features a gigantic faux Oreo hanging from the ceiling. 

Photo: Laura Dornbush

After waiting in line for a few minutes, it was finally our turn to order. We were told that a few of the menu items were unique to this Hawai‘i location, like the Mango Golden Oreo Milkshake and the Pineapple Upside-Down Golden Oreo Snowcream. Despite the creative dessert options, Duke was set on ordering a classic Oreo Milkshake, so I branched out and tried the Oreo Snowcream (a combo of shave ice and soft serve).

Photo: Laura Dornbush

We watched the staff craft our treats and then found a table by the window to chow down. Duke went straight for the whole Oreo cookie garnish on top of his milkshake first. Both he and I gave two thumbs up to the thick, rich OREO Milkshake—hey, it’s a classic for a reason! (I couldn’t resist sampling some of his.) And I enjoyed the snowcream’s texture, icy and creamy at the same time, yet couldn’t wrap my head around the watery taste of the Oreo-flavored shave ice syrup. 

Photo: Laura Dornbush

After some breaks due to brain freeze, we both called it a day leaving over half of our desserts to melt. If you can’t tell from the photos, these treats are big and despite trying our best, we were stuffed! On the way out, we admired the cute Oreo merchandise including socks, pillows and shirts, but didn’t see anything that we HAD to have.  

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Our Tips

1. Strategically schedule. There’s no doubt your kids will leave with a sugar high, so do yourself a favor and plan your visit accordingly. My personal preference is in the afternoon after nap time, but well before dinner. 
2. Use it as a reward. Need to get some errands done at the mall? Make a deal with your kids that if they don’t complain, they get a treat. (Obviously, I have no shame in bribing my son to get stuff done!)
3. Sharing is caring. Most of the Oreo-themed desserts here are huge, with prices to match ($10.99 average price for each)! Bummer that there is not a keiki-size option. If you are looking for something smaller, try the Oreo cone ($7.99) or Oreo cup ($5.99). 
4. Bring your reusable water bottle. Chocolate makes you thirsty! When we asked for a complimentary water cup, we were told we’d have to purchase a bottle. 
5. Use the restroom beforehand. Yes, there is a single-stall bathroom in the café next to where you order. And no, it doesn’t have a baby-changing table. 
6. Burn off energy nearby. You’re in luck: Let your keiki get some wiggles out at the open-air jungle gym outside of Target and the new Search for Snoopy exhibit right next door. 

Oreo Café is open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Unit 3404, Honolulu. (808) 400-6008. itsugar.com, @itsugar