Absolutely blown away…read more This place was recommended to my partner and I by multiple people so we put in the reservation. Upon arrival, we were asked for a password (which he could not find in his emails hot fortunately they gave us grace lol) then let in. The place was simply lit and each table had a literal gas lamp lighting the space. On the second floor there was a man playing the sax. It was SO gorgeous, Our waitress was great, we were easily influenced by all her suggestions and ended up getting a great meal. We started with drinks. My partner didn't hear her say that the bottom of the menu was "spirit forward" and ordered a VERY strong drink. It actually made for a very giggly and eventful dinner so it was a very happy mistake lol. I got the espresso martini. It was a little creamier than I expected but still tasted really good! I'd order again. Our first appetizer was the Wagyu carpaccio- topped with cilantro (the menu said dill but I saw/ tasted none), fried capers, and caviar. It was surprisingly light and refreshing, basically a meat salad. A beautiful start to our meal. Our second (yes, second) appetizer was the escargot and bone marrow. This was our personal star of the show. A complete 180 to the carpaccio. This was rich, heavy, and decadent. The tomato added a nice balance of acidity to counteract the fatty bone marrow. The escargot was cooked perfectly, no chew but soft and buttery. One of the best bites of my life. The salad it came with was just we needed with it. After this, there was quite a wait until our main entree. A fire dancer came, and danced on the bar counter. I'd say we waited a good 20 minutes until it came out. But we were only impatient because we had plans after dinner. Our main course, which we shared, was the King Arthur- beef Wellington with a side of crab legs. The crab did come out during our appetizers which I appreciated. I only ordered this because I never had beef Wellington before and really wanted to try it LOL, my partner said it was better than the one at hella kitchen! The waitress also talked us into ordering a side of Mac and cheese, and thank GOD she did. It came out piping hot and saucy. There was a slight note of truffle, but it wasn't overpowering, and a nice crust of cheese and breadcrumbs on top. Everything was delicious and generously portioned. You definitely get a bang for your buck. It's a hefty buck but it's so worth it.

Our group of 7 went here on a Monday night. We made a reservation a couple days in advanced and…read morereceived the secret entry code a day before. Overall: It was a really cool experience. Live jazz music was a plus. Food was really good, especially for the portions of it. At the end we couldn't even get desserts since everyone was stuffed but happy. Best dish of night would be the Black Truffle Risotto. We would definitely come back just to get this dish alone. It could have been a 5 stars experience if one of our servers didn't seem to rush things to clear up the tables. Got asked a couple of times if dish was done tho the person who ordered that was in the restroom.. and was asked to pass the utensils to her in not a very nice tone.. Our main server however was very nice and helpful.

Everything was perfect except for the smell. Not sure what had happened but it smelled musty…read more The service and the food were great!

Okay, the concept of Yours Truly is everything. So many cool little details that make it a great…read moreexperience. First off, it's just right below the AC Hotel Honolulu, which already gives it that hidden gem feel. There are two areas: the main bar and a speakeasy. Both have access to the full drink menu. My favorite part? The cocktails served in animal shaped glasses, so freaking cute. The turtle one was my favorite The main bar has more of a classy, elegant vibe, while the speakeasy leans tropical, almost tiki-style. Also, no bartenders or servers in that back area but you actually order by marking your drink on a letter and putting it on a mailbox that goes directly to the bartenders... How cool is that? Big shoutout to the bartenders, you guys were amazing!! Definitely a spot worth checking out if you're in Honolulu

Food 9/10 Drinks 10/10…read moreService 10/10 Ambiance 8/10 The service was super friendly and the food was so good. Great for a girls night out food was great and good portions to share

What an experience. This eloquent, intimate restaurant is an experience. I dined with my wife and…read morethree small children and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The drinks were strong, flavorful, and locally sourced. Our salad was massive, the coconut shrimp was great for our kids, and the ribeye was delicious (especially with the chimichurri). We all feasted on the charcuterie board while we waited for our food. The restaurant feels secluded behind lots of foliage. There's a limited amount of seating so reservations are recommended. I was unsure about bringing kids, but the the staff was extremely friends and accommodating to our family. Also, the kids loved watching the live feed of Kīlauea. The Boardroom is anything but boring.

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.

I love finding places that feel like a hidden discovery, and the speakeasy inside Vintage Books…read moreHawaiʻi is exactly that. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels warm, intimate, and welcoming. There's something special about enjoying a thoughtfully crafted cocktail surrounded by books, vintage décor, and a neighborhood vibe that feels completely different from the typical bar scene. Everyone from the host to the servers, treat you like you are a VIP... What I appreciated most was how relaxed everything felt. It wasn't overly crowded or loud, making it easy to have a conversation and actually enjoy the experience. The cocktails were well-balanced, creative, and clearly made with care. This is the kind of place that's perfect for a date night, catching up with friends, or simply unwinding after a long week. It feels like one of those hidden gems that locals hope stays under the radar, but is too good not to share. If you're looking for something unique and a little different from the usual nightlife options, I highly recommend checking it out. I'll definitely be back.

Vintage Books! Love this hidden gem…read more The ambiance is amazing, and the food is absolutely delicious. I have been a few times now, including most recently on my birthday, and each visit has been such a great experience. Some of our favorites are definitely the crab cakes, karaga chicken, taco flight, old fashioned, and the lychee martini. Everyone from the hostesses to the wait staff is always incredibly friendly and professional, which really adds to the overall experience. It's the kind of place that makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you're local or just visiting, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Love this place!

I visited this speak easy a couple years ago, and recently went back for the first time…read more Definitely a lot more options than I remember and I loved the spirit free cocktails. Wish there was maybe two more pupu options but thats just because I am picky. That toffee was delicious! Drink were light and to to sugar/syrupy.

Came here multiple times and each time service was fantastic. It's located in the white sands hotel…read moreand push the door that has the dark 8 next to it. Fun speakeasy with fantastic drinks. Also if you like bourbon, fantastic fair prices per pour. A good variety of cocktails, mocktails, and absinthe drinks and cocktails.

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.