Drinks. That's what…read moreyou're here for isn't it? It is why you've searched for EP bar, looked over various reviews, and randomly found yourself reading thru the first few lines of this review. Well, welcome Dear Reader, and I hope what I'm about to share peaks your interest to visit EP Bar. I had my 2nd visit to EP Bar earlier this month with friends for some after dinner drinks. We did make a res, but there were some walk-ins while we there, so it's probably recommended but not necessary. We perused the menu, and our 1st round consisted of: Ringo Star Strawberry Fields Forever Pho Us By Us Hail Mary Any guesses on the drink I chose? It's related to the Beatles. If you guessed Ringo Star.....take another guess. The Strawberry Fields Forever was very refreshing. Recommended. My partner ordered the Hail Mary, which (sadly) wasn't to his liking, and he happily "helped" me finish my drink before ordering his own in the next round. I chose the Ringo Star as my next drink, and I'd say if you're a fan of Mr. Star and/or apples, this drink is right up your orchard. Recommended. SERVICE The service is friendly, mixed with a splash of polite, and served with patience and knowledge. BOTTOM LINE A great place for drinks. Casual ambiance/vibe and relaxed atmosphere. Recommended.

Fifteen minutes west of Waikiki, you'll find yourself in a completely different Hawaii…read more 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.

We went to Upstairs at Pier 38 last week. They had some awesome hamburger sliders on their happy…read morehour menu from 4pm to 5:30pm. They also had killer French fries, with a combination of garlic, parmesan, and truffle oil. Impressive! Also the angry ahi tartare and escargot were delectable. We asked for seconds on almost all the above (had enough snails in one serving lol). Food options are limited to HH menu items, but everything we tried was wonderful! Bartender was cool, servers were gracious. The place was pretty empty, since dinner service doesn't open up til 5pm. We really felt like we had the place to ourselves! Probably a total of 35-40% of the bar/lounge seating capacity was used. Of note, HH seating is only at the bar or in the nearby lounge seating area.

Outstanding service, beautiful views of the pier at night, & AWESOME French inspired grub!…read more What more can you ask for? I came here with a few of my coworkers & our usual spot - Side Street Inn had shut down in the Kapahulu neighborhood. I guess nobody felt like going to the original Side Street Inn location near Ala Moana, so one of my coworkers mentioned "Upstairs at Pier 38" for our get together. Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted right away. There was a short wait for our table, but no problem as not all of our party showed up on time. Upon getting seated, our waiter swung by to give us the specials and to take our drink orders. While looking over the menu, I noticed everything on the menu is served "ala carte". I ended up ordering the Misoyaki Sea Bass which came with Bok Choy, White Rice, with a Daikon Puree, Miso Caramel. One of my coworkers ordered the Gouda Macaroni & Cheesem and I must say that side dish was excellent! The food here was outstanding, & the staff that provided service to us certainly matched the level of what this restaurant is showcasing. Bravo!

I forgot to take a photo here but this place is pretty legendary and one of the cooler speakeasies…read moreI've been to. Super dope vending machine entrance and very interactive with the coin. The interior was also well designed but I wish our group was sat in a different area of the bar. We got sat in this one corner and it was dark with like translucent lights, kinda like Jinx's lair from Arcane. Idk just wished we sat somewhere else with more light and visibility of the bar. The drinks were pretty good. It's a large menu and honestly I wanted to try multiple drinks but can't be getting all drunk and stuff you know the vibes. Also I know it's unrelated to this establishment but it's next to a billiards hall and that was legendary. Great vibe, great place, highly recommend.

Super cool speakeasy in Ala Moana…read more It was a bit confusing on how to get here, but if your Lyft drops you off at 24 Hour Fitness, go up to the 2nd level, walk out into the parking garage & go across to Brian's. Brian's was an interesting vibe. There is security out front, dark, several pool tables, other sections I did not explore & then, Wild Orange. The entire area was kind of sketchy. Wild Orange, fortunately, was a cool spot. Friendly bartenders. Japanese inspired cocktails, anime & pinball machine art.

Some places you find, others you have to earn, and 430 Parkway is one you'd miss if you weren't…read morelooking for it. Tucked on the second floor of a Piikoi Parkway building, it feels like stepping back in time, a true bespoke bar with vintage art, moody lighting, and comfy couches that make it perfect for couples or a night out with friends. We sat at the bar, which was a highlight, Michael and Tony were welcoming, easy to talk story with, and clearly know their craft. I went with the Barreled Old Man, a smooth, layered mix of bourbon, rye, and brandy that just worked, while my wife's Sesame Veil brought a nutty, balanced flavor that stood out. For round two, the Espressing My Love was a great take on an espresso martini, and Michael built my wife a custom drink off her favorite flavors and nailed it again. We paired it with the smoked mozzarella and salami grilled cheese and Ho Farms tomato soup, and this is where it really hit. The sandwich came out hot and crisp, and when you took a bite the cheese pulled away just right, that perfect melt, with the salami adding a savory kick. The tomato soup was fresh, bright, and made for dipping you didn't want to stop. We were welcomed with a table that had our name on it, a small touch that goes a long way. Prices are on point for the quality and experience you're getting. It's a bit of a hidden, hip spot, not for a quick drink but for when you want to sit, relax, and enjoy it. Parking is tight, but you can park at Ala Moana and walk over, and it's worth it. Next time we're coming back for Grandma's Old Fashioned and the pork belly bao buns. This isn't a bar you stumble into, it's one you come back to.

I went here for my birthday and didn't realize I should've made a reservation for a larger group,…read moreespecially since it was my first time. Thankfully, Michael and his team were able to accommodate us, which I really appreciated. From the moment we walked in, the place had a great vibe, the interior is beautiful. Throughout the night, the staff and Michael (the owner) were incredibly welcoming, funny and attentive. The cocktails were amazing. I had the expressing my love all night and even though the place was busy and there was a bit of a wait for food, it was honestly worth it. We had the crab dynamite, the ahi brioche, and the prosciutto and burrata. SO GOOD! My friends and I had such a great time and will definitely be back.

We travel for tiki... Skull & Crown did not disappoint! Great ambiance in a traditional tiki space…read morethat is welcoming and inviting. The escapism is just what we had hoped for. Best background music too! Lots of classic and modern exotica. Sat at the bar so we could watch all the drinks being made and so happy we did. Making tiki drinks is an art form as so much goes into them. We had a Navy Grog, King Kō Swizzle, and the non-alcoholic Sunset Passion. All of them were so delicious and it was fun to have the Navy Grog with the traditional ice cone! Attention to detail was obvious as was the quality of ingredients and rum! Everyone working was very sweet and it was just good vibes all around We did not eat but they do have a full restaurant and what we saw people ordering all looked yummy Highly recommend when you're in town; a wonderful place to get away from the hustle of Waikiki and enjoy a local gem

I'm not one that's usually into Tiki or themed bars in general but we decided to give this place a…read moretry. Upon entering, there is an immediate spooky mermaid/pirate vibe. The drinks also match the theme as the cocktail menu is primarily made up of rum-based drinks. I ordered the Pua 'ula 'ula which was fruity and a bit floral. The food was tasty - we got the lettuce wraps and salmon belly special. The lettuce wraps do take a bit of assembly, so not the best if you don't like to work for your food. The service was friendly and quick. I would return if in the area and looking for a quick drink/bite to eat.

Fresh poke (seafood) + Hawaiian food for take-out and restaurant at a converted wharf in an…read moreindustrial/pier area of Honolulu. There are two sections to Nico's - a take out are where you can order poke, poke bowls, Hawaiian food, as well as fresh fish; also available are beer in a cooler and wine. Next door is a busy restaurant with a full bar. My sister and I wanted some poke and based on her friend's recommendation, we decided to visit. I ordered the special ultimate poke bowl (three fish selection) and it's amazing where there is more poke than rice! My sister's choice was also tasty. As we were checking out, the young cashier stated we could eat next door in the restaurant - wow, a pleasant surprise. It was during lunch so the restaurant was busy, but we found a seat. What's goes great with great fresh poke? Great fresh poke + beer, which was available at the bar! A great combination. Located off of Nimitz, Nico's is located on the far end of a converted warehouse, close to the pier, park and walk. It's worth visiting.

Just or the fresh tuna, Ahi grilled and serve on a French baguette with spicy wasabi aioli and…read moretomato and arugula. The sandwich is very tasty in my opinion. The ambience is really comfortable and everybody here is very friendly. But nothing beats the service that the bartenders gave, and it's an above and beyond what I'm used to highly recommend it! This is a great venue for small businesses to connect or network. Mahalo, Neal

Love this patio bar located on Hotel Street, next to Bar 35. It's up a super steep flight of…read morestairs. My first thought was hmmm... if someone's really drunk it could be tragic. Anyways when you get to the top it's like being in another city (ok that's seriously what I think...) it's beautiful! There's an indoor section and an outdoor rooftop with greenery on the walls. Seating outside and inside is beautiful. We went around sunset, sat outside and there was a nice city feel outside with buildings all around. I loved it. When the sunset the lighting outside on the patio beautiful & relaxing. I don't drink but I love food and it was good, perfect pupus! We had the charcuterie board, fries, and a few others. Huge plus, they had mocktails!!! Service was good. The bartender was knowledgeable about the menu and drinks & gave recommendations. He even made hot water for my friends at the end. It wasn't crowded - like we were the only ones there. We stayed for awhile talking and it was comfortable and relaxing!!! I would've never known this beautiful place existed on Hotel Street. It's really an amazing relaxing experience. Parking: we parked in the municipal parking lot by Hawai'i Theatre.

After a celebratory dinner nearby, Birthday Boy wanted cake. What better place to share it, at a…read morewine bar! Our server was gracious in helping us pick a bottle of red that paired well with our mocha cake. He offered us a spacious table with comfortable seating for our group of 8. Thank you kindly for the plates, forks, and napkins :) Their outdoor seating is magical under the stars and we enjoyed celebrating here. Sorry, no pictures this time LOL Careful walking downstairs after a night of fun :)

I got a bar seat when I stopped by in the evening. Podmore was recommended to me by the concierge…read moreat my hotel. The happy hour is a 15% off across the menu from 4-6pm. Service was friendly and open to conversation. They have a bottle of Maker's Mark prominently displayed at the bar. The story with that is that they ordered a custom batch from the distillery. So they have a custom blend of Maker's Mark you can try. I didnt order it, but it seems interesting. The food was prepared well, everything came out crisp and contrasted with the other ingredients. The roasted steam bun was interesting, it make me think of gua Bao which has a lot of similar touches but not crispy pork belly like they do here. The chicken parmesean was good, but probably not their most notable dish. Interior seemes modern and relatovely compact. If you come here to host a gathering of more than ten, it may be better to book the venue altogether. The space is rectangular, and there isnt really a great sea ting for bigger groups to be together and engaged. The restaurant should be able to fit around 25 people.

I absolutely love this place! The decor is beautiful, ornate, and full of thoughtful little details…read morethat make the entire dining experience feel special. The staff is always so friendly and helpful, and they consistently give great recommendations for both food and drinks. I've been here for both brunch and dinner, and while dinner is good, brunch is definitely the standout for me! Their drinks are so inventive and unique -- I always look forward to trying their newest creations. As for the food, everything we ordered was delicious, but the surprise favorites were definitely the pancakes and the chicken and waffles. The pancakes were incredibly flavorful with a subtle smoky touch that made them extra memorable. I'm usually not a huge chicken fan, but I could not get enough of the chicken and waffles. The French toast was also amazing -- rich, custardy, and perfectly done. I can't wait to come back!