Super chill spot in Chinatown.......the ambiance, the music, the super cute and friendly bartender (Jen). And the most delicious cocktails ever. Highly recommend and should have taken some photo evidence, next time! read more

Fifteen minutes west of Waikiki, you'll find yourself in a completely different Hawaii. Honolulu's Chinatown feels worlds away from the beachfront resorts and postcard-perfect sunsets. The neighborhood is vibrant, gritty, and alive--a mix of Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Native Hawaiian influences layered over historic buildings, glowing neon signs, art galleries, and hidden cocktail dens. It reminded me a bit of New Orleans: worn facades with stories to tell, creative energy around every corner, and the sense that the best experiences are often tucked behind an unassuming door. Which makes it the perfect home for EP Bar. "EP" stands for Extend Play, a fitting name for a place built around music. Long before listening bars became fashionable in Los Angeles, New York, and London, there were the jazz kissa of Japan--small cafés where people gathered not to drink or dance, but to listen. Records spun through carefully tuned sound systems while patrons sat immersed in the music. The music wasn't background noise. It was the main event. Walking into EP Bar, you can feel traces of that tradition. The room is intimate and inviting. Reservations are highly recommended because the place fills up quickly on weekend nights. Once inside, the atmosphere hits a sweet spot. The music is loud enough to create a mood and provide privacy for conversation, yet never so overpowering that it dominates the room. Loud enough to muffle the secrets being shared between old friends. Loud enough to drown out the office gossip that somehow followed everyone from the coffee machine into happy hour. The soundtrack isn't just playing--it's setting the tone. As an Old Fashioned guy, my choice was easy. I ordered a Oaxaca OF, which swaps traditional whiskey for mezcal. Smoky, balanced, and memorable, it felt like the kind of drink that rewards slow sipping between tracks. Another member of our group went with the Pho Us By Us. To nobody's surprise except perhaps her own, it tasted a little salty. Considering the ingredients--Green Chile Vodka, Sake, Pho Spice, Lemon, and Soda--it was probably the most honest cocktail description I've ever seen. The drink tasted exactly like its name suggested. That's part of the fun here. The menu doesn't hide behind clever marketing. Drinks like Thai Me Down and Candy Rain practically dare you to order them. Not every note landed perfectly. Service was a little off-beat during our visit. But like any live performance, sometimes the rhythm isn't flawless. Thankfully, the vibes, decor, music, and overall experience more than carried the set. What I appreciated most was that EP Bar doesn't feel like a gimmick. It feels like a genuine continuation of a tradition that began decades ago in Japan's listening cafés, traveled across oceans, and found a home in Honolulu's Chinatown. It's a place where music matters, conversation flows, and the pace of the evening slows down just enough to appreciate both. The place slaps for what it is--and for what it isn't. In a world increasingly filled with distractions, EP Bar invites you to do something refreshingly simple: sit down, have a great drink, listen to great music, and be present. I'll definitely be back. After all, every good record deserves another spin, and I'm curious to see how the needle lands next time. read more

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A rad Japanese listening bar in China Town with an unassuming looking storefront. You walk in and it doesn't seem like much, but you are guided to the back room where all the magic happens. A beautiful bar with vinyl galore. A DJ spinning records at the far end and a couple bartenders ready to curate anything on or off the menu. The drinks were superb. The ambiance was just what I was searching for. Loved that the DJ was doing a mix of 90s-early 00s hip-hop. Loved every second and sip here. Will absolutely be back next time we're on the island. read more

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Definitely book a reservation for EP Bar. We didn't have a reservation but they were able to squeeze us in. Very small/intimate spot with a DJ mixing records. Drinks are made well and easy to drink. read more

It's a full bar so they can make most things. I found the drink menu on the smaller side, but everything we ordered was balanced and well made. It's quant with a record store vibes, making it intimate and nice for smaller groups. read more

EP Bar - Menu - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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After a lovely evening of dinner and cake, Birthday Boy decided on one more stop before calling it a night. With much Birthday Luck, our group of eight was able to get seated at two tables situated together. Great ambience...not too noisy, fun all around! They have an excellent cocktail menu. There's a refreshing beverage for everyone's palate. My personal favorite was the umai Highball, made with vodka, ume, lemon, and soda poured over a long Highball cube...rimmed with a nice balance of pucker LOL DJ read the audience and to our pleasant surprise, he was spinning old school R&B and classic hip hop music. He certainly knew how to keep us celebrating there longer :) Tipped our server and the DJ well, we all exited safely. Using a ride share app, our Birthday Boy's entire crew got home responsibly :) Cheers! read more

EP Bar - Birthday Cheers :) - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Second time at EP bar... was in disbelief of how rude the worker was. Female bartender/worker or whatever she was on 5/23. We went in to meet up with friends that were already there... we went up to the bar to order few more drinks to our server/bartender... a female worker (who was not our server) literally yelled at me behind the bar saying that I couldn't stand near the bar because seats are reserved. I said sorry and returned back to the table sort of in shock but didn't think too much of it. We had more friends that walked in (3 more) I just waved at them hi... the same girl marched over to me and said "stop inviting people over". Basically said we couldn't have people crowding our table because she had to tell other party to leave for having too many people and that if she allowed us to have a big party, other people would question. I get that if that's the "rule" of this establishment, that's fine... but SAY IT NICELY. I was unfamiliar with whatever their policy or rules were. We assumed it was a bar that we could hangout in and order drinks. We weren't young belligerent drunks. Everyone grabbed at least 1-2 drinks for being present. All I'm asking here is to be just talked to in courteous manner. She doesn't even have to be friendly to us! Just don't be RUDE. We are in our 30-40s, I do not need scoldings from a bartender/server. She then went behind the bar and was Shaking her head in full attitude. We just grabbed our check and left. We were all turned off by her. Will not be returning. read more

Shocked I haven't written a review about EP Bar yet. I would like to proudly say I used to come once every other week. EP Bar is located in Downtown near the Hawaii Theater with craft specialty cocktails that are creative, tasty, and overall so fun! Definitely inspired by the vinyl highball bars in Japan. This is a great place to either end your night after dinner or your first place for a night of fun. They don't offer food here, so plan to have dinner elsewhere. Here and there they would host a few food popups such as Tsukimaki with handrolls and Menya with ramen. Services is always friend and welcoming and are part of the reason why I always come back. A few of my favorite cocktails are the umai highball and the spicy senpai. The pho cocktail is something I also definitely recommend because its so different, but delicious. Immaculate vibes, amazing music, tasty cocktails. What more could a girl ask for?? read more

EP Bar - hail mary, umai highball, ringo - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This bar is a hidden gem located in Chinatown. I found parking at a lot nearby and used the QR code to pay for parking. On first glance, I thought it was extremely dark but I actually liked the intimate feel to it. My friend and I tried several different drinks: the Strawberry Fields Forever, HighBall, Basa Boyz Paloma, and Pho Us By Us. I'd say the pho cocktail was the main attraction for us. We would shockingly recommend it! Our bartender initially recommended it and we're glad he did. It tasted exactly like pho but cold. It's so hard to explain but it was good! The other notable favorite was the Strawberry Fields Forever. My friend and I like our cocktails on the sweeter side and this one was good and up to our standards. My friend made reservations, which I would highly recommend doing before showing up. I would definitely come here again after a night out to dinner as this place does not serve food strictly cocktails and alcoholic beverages. We were told they have occasional chef pop ups where food is served and to check their IG for these updates! read more

EP Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Usually a fan. But we just had a really frustrating experience at EP Bar. When we arrived, we were told to wait, so we did. After standing around for about 10 minutes, staff then told us it was last call and essentially asked us to leave. If it was already last call, that should have been communicated upfront instead of having us wait for no reason. The interaction felt dismissive and unnecessarily rude. Clear communication and basic courtesy would have made a big difference here. I've never encountered this before, but this woman left such a bad impression that I will never send anyone here ever again. read more

My friends and I were looking for a chill spot with good drinks and solid vibes, so we decided to give EP Bar a try--and it did not disappoint. The cocktails were beautifully crafted, and I absolutely loved the dark, moody atmosphere. It has this sultry, intimate feel that makes it perfect for unwinding after a long day at work. Inside, the vibe was super laid-back--no overwhelming crowd, just good energy. Outside, the area can feel a little sketchy at night, so just be aware of your surroundings. That said, once you're inside, it's a vibe. Would definitely come back for another "drinky drink drink" moment ! read more

EP Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Some friends suggested this place to us so we knew we had to check it out! I suggest making a reservation because the place isn't big and it definitely gets packed! I loved the music they were playing. The seating was mostly at the bar or high top tables so I wouldn't suggest big groups. We didn't end up staying that long because there was a private party about to start. I ordered the sticky fingaz and my boyfriend got the basa boys Paloma. I tend to like sweeter drinks and loved this one! The Paloma was refreshing as well. Would love to come back here and hangout longer next time we are in town. read more

EP Bar - Left: sticky fingaz Right: Basa Boyz Paloma - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

If you want to know what the best bar in Oahu is, it's definitely EP bar. It's a vinyl bar that plays classic R&B and showa era pop. I remember last time I was visiting, Pho Us by Us was the drink that impressed me the most - well-balanced, like a clean tasting pho sans the beef bone flavor. Skip bar leather apron, (trust me I I've been) this is the best. Innovative cocktails, great ambience and chill service. read more

EP Bar - Kyoho Grape Highball (pho us is still my favorite) - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Love the vibes here! Dark & moody... right up my alley. It feels like a speakeasy because of the unsuspecting front entrance. We were able to snag a table on a Friday at 6pm without a reservation. The guys working were so friendly and welcoming, and there was a DJ spinning too. Ordered a Thai Me Down and Hail Mary, both were perfectly crafted and delicious. Will definitely return again next time. read more

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A hidden gem of a bar that deserves more attention. The drinks were excellent -- well-crafted, balanced, and clearly made by someone who knows what they're doing. The bartender was friendly and welcoming, which really added to the overall vibe. The only downside is that it closes a bit early, even on weekends, which is a shame because it's the kind of place you want to hang out at a little longer. Still, if you're looking for great drinks and good energy in a more low-key spot, this place is absolutely worth checking out. read more

EP Bar is such a vibe! The staff was super friendly, and the drinks were so good. It's a nice, chill spot with great music -- the perfect place to relax and hang out with friends. Definitely coming back! read more

EP Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I've seen this place online and from friends pictures, but never experienced it myself. A very cozy bar/lounge type place that fits around 20 people total (including at the bar). Sound system is perfect. Not too loud, easy to have a conversation with friends. Lighting exactly how it should be. Lamps on the table to read the menu. Dim everywhere it needed to be. Vibes immaculate. We were greeted outside the door by a friendly face- she welcomed us into the bar and brought us to our reserved table. Waters were brought over immediately and our drink orders were taken. The music brought me and my friends back to times where music had more soul than it does now. There was no shortage of good music here. Watching DJ's on vinyl was a treat. One thing I really liked was how "on it" they were. My water was never empty for long. The drinks were interesting, inspired, and flavorful. A lot of the cocktails utilized bitters or some kind of sweet or sour flavor, so if you're not into that, be aware, but they had a great selection of drinks in addition to their crafts. Some of them were on the sweet side, but I think it's just preference. One of them tasted exactly like an almond cookie with the red dot. Overall, I loved this place. The bathroom was clean, spacious, and had ample room for multiple people so you didn't have to wait for a stall. We will find an excuse to be back sometime! read more

I'm a little upset. Last time I went to EP Bar was a year ago, this time I went with a friend during busy hours so we didn't get to sit in the back area where the bar was. A girl told us we could sit up front and then when a table opened up, she would move us back there. However, as more men seem to arrive, she promptly sat them at any available table and never came back to get us or acknowledge us after she had gotten our drink order. My friend made a point to say that she never came back around and it was the worst service we've ever had. Very disappointing and I don't think I'd come again. Even for how busy it was, it wasn't overly loud, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Just a bummer we got ignored because we weren't as interesting as the males it seemed. read more

Hands down our favorite bar we went to in Honolulu. Excellent music, unique cocktails, talented and friendly bartenders, and just all around good vibes. We came three nights in a row, and each time and each drink was a treat. Pho By Us (Green Chile Vodka, Sake, Pho Spice, Lemon, Soda) was the show stealer. Man, I miss that one most. Where am I going to find that anywhere else?? Spicy Senpai (Tequila, Yuzu Curacao, Wasabi Syrup, Lime) and Basa Boyz Paloma (Tequila, Lime, Grapefruit, Hawaiian Chili Agave, Pink peppercorn foam) were also excellent. Drinks are well balanced and so interesting. The space is small and gets more popular as the night goes on. We came in right around opening at 5 and posted up at the bar, and within a couple hours the place would be packed, so reservations are definitely advisable, especially for the later hours. Loved talking music with all three of the bartenders we met. We miss you guys! read more

Great vibes and love the atmosphere here. Walked in and was able to get seating. Drink menu is decent wished they offered bar bites. But if you're just looking for a bar to sit, sip and chat with peers this is one of them. read more

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Great vibes and great music. Make a reservation in advance because this place fills up. I'm not much of a drinker, but I did enjoy my time here. I opted for their EP drink and I had a great time. This is definitely a good place to hang out with the dim lighting and superb playlist, I saw myself staying for a long time LOL read more

We came to EP Bar on a Wednesday night for some post birthday dinner cocktails. I always enjoy EP Bar's interior layout and decor, a very laid back setting with moody lighting and a live DJ. As far as drinks, I ordered the Ringo Star and Big Body Buttery. Would definitely recommend both, the Ringo Star had a wonderful spice to it and the Big Body Buttery was amazing. It was my first time trying a brown butter fat washed bourbon, which I am now a fan of. We also ordered the Beef Jerky to snack on, which I would also highly recommend. Overall the staff were very engaging and friendly. Personally this is one of my favorite speakeasy bars in Honolulu and I will definitely be returning in the near future. read more

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Located in Chinatown in Honolulu. My step-son took me here for drinks. The name didn't click until we entered the place. Had to be a 1000 albums on the shelves behind the bar. They had a guy spinning records on 2 turntables. The drink menu was the bomb. Nothing standard here. Big selection of specialty cocktails featuring many Japanese brands. No standard ice cubes. You get 1 gigantic ice cube in your cocktail. The vibe was sensational, the bartenders were awesome. One of the coolest bars I have ever been in. read more

EP Bar - Turntables. - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Best bar, great vibes and amazing drinks. The records are nostalgic and great space for a classy party

best atmosphere. friendly bartenders. great drink selection. good vibes. mostly locals (although with high reviews, more tourists are coming). read more

Describing itself in two words, 'highballs' and 'vinyl', EP Bar offers an extensive drink list that includes highballs, cocktails, wine, sake, and beer, as well as beef jerky chips to munch on. We came here post-dinner, making reservations in advance - for drinks, we tried: +the Kyoho Highball - prepared with Glenmorangie - X, green grapes, elderflower, and soda +the Umai Highball - prepared with haku vodka, ume shrub, lemon, and soda +the Basa Boyz Paloma - prepared with tequila, lime, grapefruit, Hawaiian chili agave, and a pink peppercorn foam +Stinky Fingaz - prepared with kuleana rum, lilet blanc, hayden mango, lemons, and clarified with coconut milk +and, the Big Body Buttery - with brown butter fat washed bourbon, toasted almonds, aquafaba, and lemon The set-up of the bar was really nice, with the shelving for the vinyls and a few turntables - the vibe was very laid back and casual, and the place was dimly lit with limited seating. Reservations is a must, and larger parties (more than 4) cannot be accommodated - so, plan accordingly! The bar staff were friendly and lively. +reservations required +parties of 4+ prohibited +friendly service read more

The bar's ambiance was unique, with shelves brimming with vinyl records and a few turntables adding to the relaxed and casual vibe. The dim lighting and limited seating created an intimate atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended, as larger parties (exceeding four guests) are not accommodated. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment. The bar staff were friendly and engaging, contributing to the positive experience. Every cocktail we sampled was exceptional. The Paloma was a clear favorite. Service was efficient and attentive. Overall, we enjoyed a fantastic evening at EP Bar." read more

If Batman had a secret speakeasy in Gotham, it would probably look like EP Bar--moody lighting, stone walls, and an absurdly cool collection of vinyl that makes you feel 10% more sophisticated just by existing near it. The DJ? Certified vibe curator. One moment, I'm nodding my head to some deep cuts; the next, I'm reconsidering all my life choices because the music is that good. Even Yoda on the shelf looked impressed. Now, let's talk about their House Old Fashioned. First off, clear ice. You know a place means business when the ice in your drink is so pristine you can see your reflection in it--probably rethinking all the choices that led you here (which, for the record, were all great). Smooth, balanced, just the right amount of bite--this Old Fashioned didn't just slap, it delivered a full-on roundhouse kick to my taste buds. Bartenders? Pros. The kind that don't just pour drinks, but make you feel like a regular even if it's your first time. Bottom line--EP Bar is where you go when you want to feel effortlessly cool while sipping something dangerously delicious. Just don't be surprised if you leave with an expensive new vinyl habit and an unrealistic confidence boost. Five stars, no notes. read more

EP Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Ambiance and drinks are top notch. I've come here two times making reservations online. They take your cc information and it notes a charge if you cancel last minute. It also mentions vaccination ID, but that's not checked. First off, this bar's aesthetic is great. The type of drinks and look of this bar is consistent. Feels like an underground intimate bar. More of a mature crowd that appreciates drinks, rather than shoots it. I think everyone took a picture of the bar or at least stared at it for a long time. You got a guy spinning records on the side. The bathrooms are like a maze, but there are signage and rooms are clean. The tables are small for 4, but keeps conversations close. Nobody is yelling from a distance. If only 2 people, I'd rather sit at the bar and see the drinks being made. Kyoho highball - Smooth and it's scary smooth. Cause I could drink that and fall over if I drank it fast enough. Second time was more whiskey forward, definitely depends who makes the drink, both were good though. Old Fashioned - Damn smooth again with a slight smooth coffee finish. Ringo Star - A stellar drink. Another deceptively smooth and tasty drink of apple. Luminescent Dream - A sweet drink that is very tasty. Only for those that like sweeter stuff. *cough* girly drinks, which I admit, love... The Vietnamese Coffee drink is strong. The coffee flavor is smooth, but strong. No bitterness. I drink coffee, but I think for me liquor inside it is just not for me. The matcha IPA and pu**y grabs back. Interesting stuff I'd try, but the Orion and Chu-Hi is normal stuff I can buy at the store. Matcha IPA was an IPA for sure if you like that sort of thing. I don't like IPA's. Why is there only beef jerky as a food option? I understand this is a cocktail bar. But have at least 2 food items at least. I don't care if you serve stale popcorn, I'm still ordering it to eat something with the drinks. I hope they offer something else because that's basically what stopped us from ordering more. We all wanted to grab food after drink #2! Anyways, that might just be the intention here, so I don't knock stars for that. If they want to keep people rotating out, then that makes sense. Overall a stellar experience. read more

EP Bar - Nice bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I had a great time at EP bar last night. I always have a great time at EP bar. My first visit was summer of 2022 on my last day of work for a beautiful nonprofit here in Hawaii. We wrapped up at Native Bookstore around the corner and my boss wanted to hit the hot new spot on the block for a cocktail. She loves a good old fashioned and they did not disappoint her on the classic nor their black sesame rendition. For such a mind expanding cozy corner this bar can seem quite unassuming to a passerby. That is until you cross the second threshold. You'll walk into something extremely cozy yet elevated, and it's not just the high bar stools. Your palette will soar between brick walls, musical explorations and cool conversation. You'll get to know your company and develop your musical fortitude, too. The DJ spinning that day, now my dear friend, played a song that took me over the moon. I had to know what the track was and just had to ask. It was 17 Days by Prince on his acoustic piano album. Hitter! I wasn't a Prince fan until that moment. And now I rock with Prince and this quite regal establishment. With a wall lined with records to behold, rotating DJs play the records available but mostly bring records of their own. Fun fact, they only play records here! If you hear a track you like and don't know what it is you could ask shazam or ask your DJ! May be nice to tip them, too! Grateful for all the music this space and these people have put me onto. You'll get the chance to be exposed to artists worldwide while sipping on that sizzer. You'll love coming here. Your service providers will feel like more than friends, they become your friends. They take care of you so be sure to take care of them, too. And if you have been coming here for a while now, I just got some inside scoop! They're coming out with a fresh menu with flavors special to Chinatown! See you at EP bar real soon read more

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Massive fan of this place. We came without reservations but it was still early in the evening so we got a seat at the bar. The drink options were amazing. I had the best tasting beverage (oolong passion) I've had in a while. They are extremely creative in their concoctions. The atmosphere is chill relaxing but also hip. They have alot of things to look at on the walls including all the vinyls. Saw many people on dates and others with a friend group. This bar definitely is elevated, the staff are nice, and the drinks are fantastic. read more

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The music and the vibes are impeccable and the cocktails even better. Keep them coming, please.

I came here with my family and fiance on a Monday evening and we had a really good time! We were a group of 5 so I had to contact them to make a reservation as opposed to making a reservation online. The staff were so friendly and attentive! There was a guy who was in charge of the music and his picks were so good! Such a chill vibe. The space is intimate so I see why they try to limit their group sizes to 4 on the online reservation. I just loved the vibes of this bar (I kind of wish I just left the family at home and had a nice evening with the fiance lol) The cocktails were really good! My brother had the basa boyz paloma which I felt was nice and balanced. I had the hail mary (their take on an espresso martini) which I am craving as I write this. They have a good selection of Japanese whiskey if that's something you're interested in. Don't be fooled by the cocktails; they didn't TASTE strong but they were strong enough to get a good buzz going! read more

EP Bar - bar area - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Make sure you make reservations. Small establishment, records played, whisky drinks poured. Good for a small gathering of 4-ish. read more

EP Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Stopped in for a quick drink! The strawberry fields forever drink was delicious. Service was chill yet attentive. Great spot to come hang for a drink read more

Good music, good mixologist, unique cocktails. Great service. Small spot in the cut. Worth checking out.

Finally came back after awhile, and I still love the vibes of EP bar. It's really intimate at times, but it's nice! ***What we ordered **Ringo (11/10) FALL VIBES!!!! I always wanted to try this drink, however it would always be sold out. But today I got to try it! Amazing flavors, you can taste cinnamon, apple, and other fall spices. Personally, I'm a huge fan of fall flavors so this really hit home. One of the bartenders (Tyler) made it and hands down I'd say is my favorite drink there! If you have the chance, give it try especially if you love fall flavors. Overall, EP Bar will forever be my favorite vinyl & booze place. The staff here are super friendly! :) and they make drinks FAAAST. I hope you get the chance to swing by :)! Also I highly recommend you making reservations before coming! read more

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I've been here twice. And I love this place! The drinks are very different. I'm in love with this drink called the Pho Us By Us. The vibe here is so cool and all the bartenders and staff are so friendly. I loved the 80s music and the entire vibe of this place. Try to make reservations if you really want the full experience. I accidentally left my credit card there and the bartender found me at a restaurant across the street to return it to me. Talk about fabulous service. I can't wait to go back again. read more

EP Bar - Pho Us by Us - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love EP bar, it gives off a Brooklyn bar vibe and they place cool records depending on who is in charge of music that day. The drinks are good and the drink prices are what you expect it to be. In that $18-$25 range. Service is great as well, they kept checking in to see if we needed anything read more

Chill af vibes with lit cocktails! Came on a Wednesday at opening and was happy to have found street parking. I love how this spot is doing a more upscale cocktail bar, as the Mai Tai and overdone tropical tiki drinks can get a bit too sweet/overdone in the Waikiki area. Good whiskey selection. Super chill music vibes. They were also able to make me a mocktail! And it was an amazing mocktail! Not just a POG juice, but like a strawberry balsamic drink that blew my mind! 1000% recommend for locals and tourists alike. read more