Date night? Hanging with friends? Pau hana with colleagues? Just want your own moment but you also…read moreenjoy history and well made drinks and pupus? This is your stop. Plan for reservations well in advance because you're going to want to sit at the bar. That's where the storytelling is center stage. From the outside, you'd easily miss it. But once you step inside, you realize you're stepping into an experience. Every drink comes with a unique story and the bartender is not simply a storyteller but an artist as well.

Months before my trip to Oahu, I tried to book a reservation to Bar Leather Apron but was unable to…read moredo so because the reservations were immediately scooped up right as they were released. To my surprise, on a Sunday evening after having dinner nearby at Maze, my wife and I walked over to Bar Leather Apron and we were able to get seated right away! In fact, around 7:30 p.m. when we stopped by, there was actually a ton of seating available in the bar. Who would've guessed. If you're in the same boat as me and are unable to find a reservation for your upcoming visit, I would encourage you to stop by and try a walk-in. The first page of the menu lists a wide variety of whiskey based cocktails. Most -- if not all, of the cocktails are pre-fixed with BLA (Bar Leather Apron), and represent a collaboration with the named distillery. If you're fan of whiskey, you'll definitely have a difficult time picking only one. I ultimately ordered their "Take Warning" -- 2021 BLA Knob Creek BLA Single Barrel, Cynar, Carpano Antica, Mezcal, Bergamot Salt. Drinks here are not cheap -- averaging $20 to $25 per drink. Although my drink was very spirit forward, it still felt very well balanced. I appreciated the hint of smokiness from the mezcal that rounded out the end of a sip. Service here quick and friendly. When we received the check, a cute small chocolate snack was brought over as well, borrowed from the menu at Maze. Overall, I can see why Bar Leather Apron has earned so many accolades in its field. Definitely worth a stop by if you enjoy the art of mixology.

Thank you, Joe, for sharing your cigar experience and insights. Thank you for your recommendations…read moreof a great celebratory cigar to give as a gift.

When you walk into this place do not expect the warm fuzzies nor outright friendly service. The…read moreowner is a local dude with lots of local customers, possibly a pack rat (stuff everywhere), but with a good selection of cigars. He seemed rough around the edges and honest. So when you walk in, walk in with aloha attitude. Not sure if there is a backstory, but you have to earn his trust and confidence and you'll realize he knows his stuff and he has a good selection. But you also have to know your stuff or be upfront about it.

Very niiiiice. I love the ambiance here. Feel free to dress to the nines and bring someone special…read more This place is a stylish, low-lit jazz lounge with a cool atmosphere and smooth vibe. I immediately felt calm and relaxed here, much like everywhere else at Halekulani. The pūpū and drinks we ordered were special, thoughtfully prepared, and professionally delivered. We also ordered the hamburger, which was excellent, followed by two French press coffees and coconut cake. The staff was unpretentious and welcoming from the start--nothing stuffy despite the sophisticated setting. The musicians are so talented it felt more like a private concert or dinner theater. The pianist, Maggie, is a singer-songwriter who taught us a few things and kept us engaged the entire time. We caught up on our day, ate, and enjoyed the show. Reservations are for two hours, so there was no rush at all. Overall, this is a classy spot for a relaxed night out. Prices are about what you'd expect but even stopping in after dinner elsewhere would be nice. Reservations are not needed for the bar. The only thing I would do differently is arrive earlier to enjoy the grounds more before sunset. Valet park and enjoy your night!

Lovely anniversary evening here. Came for the live jazz music and they were stellar as usual. The…read moreambiance is lovely and service excellent Why I demoted them a star was the pretty cocktails I saw in Yelp are gone. There's no: "Moonglow" (Benny Goodman) or "That was my heart" (honor to Ella Fitzgerald), so I asked for my favorite aperitif, "Dubonnet" , no. But, they came up with my other favorite, sambuca Mist. I have to agree with another reviewer that the French baguette served with the charcuterie was hard as could be and inedible. I did not enjoy the choice of cheeses as they were both of the same hard boring tastes, unimaginative, mix it up. They olives should be pitted. The tiramisu dessert was very delicious, even though very small, but expected--after all its fine dining. I have no other way to tell new manager to up their game in the food and beverage department. Just wouldn't expect Halekulani to slip in these departments. Also, manager never came around or was seen checking in his or her patrons, not very 5 star there. Just being honest. The complimentary valet parking was exceptional. Thank you for a very enjoyable evening.

We started with drinks, they have a great selection of all alcohol and some great original…read morecocktails. I had a yuzu drink that was splendid! Then we shared the small seafood tower...it was plenty for 4 of us as an appetizer. It had all sorts of cooked and fresh seafood, a true splurge. I had the Ahi Mignon, a wonderfully fresh block of Ahi that was prepared with a wonderful sauce and seared just right...raw inside. Mom had the lamb chops, which were cooked medium to perfection. The creme brulee had the crispy crust and a soft creamy center. Our server was wonderful, very busy but always had time to dote on us. This is one of the few places that has that seafaring/Trader Vic's ambiance left in Hawaii. Just like the old Spencecliff Restaurants in Hawaii in the 70's and 80's, it brings back nostalgia. I know that no place is cheap in Hawaii any more, but this place is definitely now a splurge for special occasions. I hope I can come back one day and afford it again!

1 star for the Miso Cod special on Father's Day…read more Miso Cod or butterfish invokes images and flavors of a simple, pure umami dish. And it was a beautiful piece of butterfish in a miso broth, BUT it was covered with chunks of crunchy green and red bell peppers, potatoes, onions and tomatoes (?) that appeared to have been tossed onto the plate without thought of presentation; not at all pleasing to the eye. The array of veggies were totally unrelated to miso or butterfish. It was a huge disappointment.

Had wonderful items I didn't even know existed! The staff was knowledgeable, well spoken and…read morehelpfully. Thank you Mr. Field for having a great venue!!

Shhh...can you keep a secret? Neither can I! I came here in…read moreNovember on a whim hoping to find some rarer bourbons,...and I did. The Knob Creek and High West hard to find bottles were here so I had to get a few. If you're looking for these hard to find bottles, check out any of the several R Field stores besides the usual liquor stores. Their prices are generally very competitive, and in fact I missed a special rye and ended up paying $20 more at another store. My advice: if you see it, buy it! It might not be there when you return. Got any other secret place to find bourbons I can try?

This is such a dangerous shop to go into! We came here for a specific champagne and left with so…read moremuch more lol. I mean just look at all those awesome snacks in one location. See, dangerous! All of the West side shops that we checked around didn't have this particular champagne available. I wouldn't normally be so picky about the type of champagne except I had already started a dessert recipe using a specific bottle and then I ran out and needed to make more. This Tamura's happens to be right down the street from my doctors office. Their poke selection is much bigger than the one closer to home. Freshness wise, the quality is still top-notch no matter which location.

The fresh pokes are awesome and delicious. Different types to your taste. We like the limu poke,…read morespicy ahi, Tamura special, Sunset, Crayfish garlic & spicy, and tako poke. The poke bowls are ono with white or brown rice. We can always find special cabinet wines, special imported beers, even nonalcoholic beers from Japan, China, Europe & US .

I love a good dive bar as much as the next gal but - this isn't my neighborhood joint, so I don't…read morehave that Kailua pride and nostalgia that Creekside has honestly earned with their regulars. One of my friends is a regular here-- and she got a round of tequila shots for everyone. I tried to get the attention of the bartender on my own without luck since it was so busy, so it's nice to be rolling with a windward side friend. We did end up leaving shortly after because it was very crowded (on Halloween, as expected) and just wasn't the vibe. People may say that 3 stars is harsh, but for a dive bar that's exactly where the bar is. I would go again, but not without a good group with me.

So Pam said she wanted to take me to a dive bar close to Whole Foods in Kailua. We went to…read moreCreekside just a 5-minute walk or 2 minute drive away. She described it as a place out of a Stephen King novel and she was right. It was a wonderful mix of a biker bar, military bar and a few locals. The drinks were good, bartenders were friendly music was happening and there's dart boards to keep you entertained. It's definitely a fun place to visit. They have a small parking lot right in front of the place and Apple street parking and other parking nearby. There's even a food truck that parks close by on weekends if you want something to snack on. They also sell chips and beer nuts. It's not my kind of place but definitely worth checking out if you are into a authentic dive bar experience.

Stopped in on a weeknight with my husband and parents, and seated right away. Good mix of people at…read morethe bar just for drinks and couples/groups at tables for food. My dad loved every beer he tried, and my mom appreciated that they had a hard cider too. My husband and I were digging the cocktails!! Whatever you do, don't leave this place without ordering a pizza!! Server was accommodating and I was able to build my own pizza with toppings rather than select from menu, which was really kind. The crust was SO GOOD! Perfectly thin, but chewy and crispy all at the same time. Definitely will be back when in Kailua again!

Family friendly brewery that has a unique tap list; each beer is brewed with a specific local…read moreingredient, as a cool twist on the usual styles. I had a guava IPA that was great; not too sweet, and just a little different from other juicy IPAs. I also had a salad, don't judge me. Jokes aside, it was fine, but the pizza appears to be the main attraction for food here. I saw lots of folks ordering pies while I was sitting at the bar. Pleasant atmosphere and interesting beers? Yes please.