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    Genius Lounge

    4.1 (656 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

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    GENIUS LOUNGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Genius Lounge

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    Drink menu
    Rhondi S.

    Great cocktail menu, from Hawaiian Mai Tai's to numerous delicious cocktails. Pupu Menus is delicious. We had the Kalua pork empanadas, which was delicious, local fair, and fresh Hawaiian menu items are varied and delicious. Service was fun and ambience is very casual, but excellent service. We had various foods from the Ramen, which was delicious, appetizers, or pupu's were authentic, flavorful, and delicious, salads are fresh, sushi and sashimi were fresh and delicious!! They do have a happy hour, which we miss, but we will be back

    Michelle M.

    Don't let the dumpy looks of this hidden gem fool you... I heard so much chatter about Genius Lounge that I knew we had to try it. When we walked up for our reservation, I told my husband, this place looks kind of sketchy. His immediate response: "the best places are always the ones that look like a dump." So, up the dirty staircase up to the 3rd floor we went. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted and brought to our table on the street side facing lanai. There were several other parties already seated enjoying their yummy smelling good. By the time we left around 8:15ish, the place was packed. We started off with cocktails (lemon drop for me and The Duke signature cocktail for my husband). Both delish! Going in though, we already knew we wanted to try a few different items from the menu (pickled veggies, spam katsu, Caesar salad, and the ribeye skewer). Everything was SO YUMMY! We of course ended our night with the Hawaiian brownie. I honestly could have eaten my own. It was SO GOOD! The prices are reasonable, and the service is outstanding. Genius Lounge from the outside looks very deceiving, but you will not be disappointed.

    Ahi Steak Lightly Seared
    Scott L.

    Genius Lounge is a hidden restaurant and bar located up two flights of external stairs to a not really identifiable doorway. No external awning or sign to tell you that a restaurant was located way at the top of the stairs. There is a beautiful mural to entertain you as you walk up the stairs though. The place is also one of the few restaurants that opens late for food but is on a not very well traveled Waikiki side-street. So you could easily miss the establishment by thinking....dark and not busy side street - sketch, two flights of stairs with no elevator in sight - how am I going to drink and navigate the stairs?, do I walk up two flights, look around, and turn around and walk back down if I don't like the looks of the place? What to do? What to do? Well, it's late and they have decent drink prices and serve food til 11pm. Thus, walking up and up and up and in. Greeted, walked past the nice looking bar, and seated on the external patio. Big menu, so it took some time to peruse in the dark. Finally selected edamame, drinks, ahi steak lightly seared, and a poki bowl. The fish was fresh but a bit pricey, but hey, you're in pricy Waikiki and not paying more for a RT Lyft or rental car & hotel parking to get you out of the area for less expensive food. At least not late tonight. So overall, food was decent, not mind blowing but you are getting fresh fish. Service was attentive and people were super nice, but it's just those external stairs.... Can't drink a lot and make it down those steps....

    Kahlúa pork nachos (Happy Hour)
    Ethan T.

    Solid place to visit and the staff is wonderful. Side street from the main road and up a flight of stairs above an oyster restaurant. Came in during happy hour and the dishes were excellent. Clearly smaller than their normal sizes, but ordering a couple of dishes to try new things. They will let you know happy hour is ending and once 6:30 will grab the menu. The Poke was very refreshing, nice amount of heat for the spicy. The Karaage was tasty, just a little over cooked for me. The sauces added a different level of flavor to include heat. It did not come with rice, ordered a side for the chicken. Kahlúa pork nachos were ok, the best part was the fried chips. The negatives was the bland pork and the fake cheese The facility places music but it does not drown out the ppl walking by that are loud or large vehicles. There is bar sitting with a TV on playing a local sport. Overall, highly recommend and if you come during happy hour, the prices seem to save you $2-3 per item.

    Poke
    Darryl M.

    Suoer nice cozy place to have dinner and cocktails in Waikiki off the beat Nice people great service food is really good too !

    Yuzu chicken
    Sarah S.

    Finally made it up the stairs to this cute cozy Japanese Hawaiian fusion bar in Waikiki. Got there in time for their Happy Hour from 5-6:30 which includes various drink options, appetizers, and a few protein dishes offered at about $2 off. We started with draft beers.My Japanese friend got the Kirin ($5) and I got the Coco Weizen which I preferred to the P-ssy Grabs Back both from the Honolulu Beer Company ($7). Taught the friend a new slang word when she wondered why our server was blushing and laughing when she delivered my drink. The tomodachi liked the kalua pork nachos which came with crispy fried wonton type chips and a cheese that resembled Velveeta. I prefer corn chips and shredded cheese but the flavor of the the pork was good. She also liked the curly fries with garlic ($1 more) which came with a glaze that made it look oily. Again the taste was good but I prefer my fries dry. My favorite dish was the yuzu chicken which tasted "sappari" (fresh) and flavorful with the citrus sauce which complemented the chicken while still allowing the flavor of the meat to come through. I was impressed that it was a whole chicken cut up into pieces bones in. We also got a green salad for a healthful element. Simple and served its purpose. All in all pretty good but I would have had a better dining experience if the AC worked better. A bit difficult since the doors are open and it was a hot day. A number of couples sat outside on the lanai which could be cute and romantic in cooler weather and later in the evening. If I return I want to try the poi noodles.

    Flaming ribeye
    Rachel C.

    A friend brought me here for the flaming ribeye, he said it was good! He was so right!!! From the moment we walked in, service was great, the menu was extensive, and the drinks are reasonably priced. We ordered the flaming ribeye and garlic shrimp. It was such a good meal, with a great vibe.

    Nancy L.

    The food here was decent -- if I were rating based on that alone, it might've been a 3 out of 5. Unfortunately, the service left a lot to be desired. When we were asked about drinks, we opted for water for the whole family since we had elders and kids with us, and it was very hot seating outside. In response, the two Asian women serving us exchanged glances and rolled their eyes -- completely unnecessary and unprofessional. When we asked for recommendations, one of them dismissively replied, "I don't know what you like, so..." which felt rude and unhelpful. Thankfully, we later had a much better experience with a different server -- the one with the beautiful flower tattoos (a fellow Jersey girl!) -- who was friendly, attentive, and made the rest of our visit more pleasant. I left a 25% tip just because of her. Still, the initial treatment soured the experience enough that I wouldn't return or recommend this place to others.

    Menu - more specials
    Simon K.

    Hawaiian Japanese fusion! What a splendid change from all the touristy restaurants in Honolulu. Our server Lisia was so friendly and helpful with many great suggestions from the huge menu that was also reasonably priced. The red mochiko chicken nanban was great and reminded me of a quality General Tso Chicken. If you like Orange Chicken then try this, it has a more refined flavor profile. We yearned for some rice to go with it so Lisia suggested we try their special Waianae Shaka Moa Egg Over Rice. First let me tell you that they pride themselves on using island eggs, apparently safer to consume raw than than mainland eggs. The dish is a mix it yourself bowl of rice with a side of raw egg and white soy sauce. We were a bit scared and only used the yolk, but overall it was wonderful. The tan-tan poi pasta tsukemen with island egg (soft poached) was awesome with homemade noodles, and mix it yourself soup broth of white sesame flavor and ground pork. Next time I'd like to try their Pasta Carbonara with Kalua pork soup broth. The original jumbo garlic shrimp came in a hot skillet with garlic butter. However we didn't like that we had to peel the shrimp. Also it was a rather muted flavor profile. Perhaps they should have added a splash of white wine while cooking. Anyway it's tough to beat the garlic shrimp that you can find all over the island. I wouldn't get this dish again. The Poke Nachos were wonderful and came with homemade wonton crisps as the chips. It was served in a large bowl with that island egg again. They told us to break the egg and toss the nachos around. It was great! I love it that they have Honolulu Brewery beers. The Coco Weizen beer was awesome! Unfortunately they don't have Sauvignon Blanc wine. Be sure to arrive between 5pm to 6:30pm to do Happy Hour! Overall adorable ambience on the 3rd floor of a small building. Like a residential premises. It feels like somebody has warmly invited you into their home.

    Poi noodle tsukemen
    Joe W.

    This hidden Gem is located on the third floor, with two cozy balconies or an inside Izakaya bar feel inside. They have friendly staff, like you would expect from a neighborhood bar, but you really go here for the food and drinks Genius Lounge is where Japanese-Hawaiian fusion comes together. You're getting crispy mochiko chicken, Kalua pork nachos, garlic shrimp, and drinks that hit just right -- all in a chill third-floor hideaway perfect for date night or drinks with the crew.

    Sangria
    Krysta W.

    Cute upstairs place with an awesome atmosphere. Very friendly people and food was really fantastic. Must get the Caesar salad. A little too much onions on the sushi roll but still very good

    Lovina A.

    I don't know why there's not more hype on this place! This restaurant is located on the 3rd floor and is pretty hidden, but they serve amazing food and drinks! Service was also really good and fast and they helped give us suggestions on what to order. We ordered a bunch of food and they were all delicious, but the poi noodles with poke was the highlight of our meal. It was so unique and different, but it was also really tasty. I ended up finishing up the whole meal to myself!! The steak were really juicy and tasty too. They also had a salmon and tuna carpaccio with tofu suace and that was amazing too! There's so many drink options so be ready to have a good time! Definitely check them out when you're in Waikiki!

    Sushi with Ahi
    Ben C.

    This restaurant is amazing. Every dish is absolutely amazing! The nigiri, sushi, short rib, gyozo, and more! Definitely tru this out if visiting or if you are a local!

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    10 months ago

    Fantastic flavors and interesting mix of Japanese and Americans tastes. Quick service and decent prices.

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    Page 2 of 17

    Genius Lounge Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Genius Lounge

    Is happy hour every day?

    Yes it is. Mahalo

    Where's the best place to park?

    We walked there, but there is a hotel with a garage across the street. I'd avoid driving unless coming for a great distance. Downtown Waikiki parking is miserable.

    What're your current hours? I swung by at 10pm on a Thursday to a closed Genius Lounge :(

    View All 4 Questions

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    Herringbone Waikiki easily became one of our new favorite restaurants in Waikiki! We were promptly…read moreseated right at our reservation time, which was such a great start to the experience. Our server was incredibly sweet, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, making it easy to choose what to order. Everything we had was absolutely delicious, and every dish was cooked to perfection. We genuinely had zero complaints from start to finish! The food, service, and overall atmosphere made for such a great dining experience. What I love most is that it feels like a more elevated restaurant without being overly priced. Everything was completely worth it, and we'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend giving Herringbone Waikiki a try!

    I always love to pop into Herringbone for Happy Hour. I'm a sucker for oysters and martinis - who…read morecould blame me?! Plus this place is always a nice respite from the rest of Waikiki. And a really pretty room. This visit I was accompanied by my oyster loving friend Uli so 2 dozen oyster got us going. They were plump and creamy if not super big and of course fresh and briny! YUM! We also ordered the Brussels sprouts (delish), the ahi tacos (subtle and sublime) and we each had a baha taco (meaty and cones with a little peppery kick). The bar tender was sweet and attentive. Of course I shall return.

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    Royal Lobster

    Royal Lobster

    4.7(998 reviews)
    0.1 miWaikiki
    $$$
    Free parking
    Locally owned & operated

    Note: The prices listed are from May 23, 2026. The prices appear to fluctuate based on market…read moreprice. All rolls are served with following sides: crinkle cut potato chips, melted butter, house coleslaw, garlic mayo, lemon wedge, and Old Bay seasoning. The meat is served chilled in the bun. They have 4 "sizes" that they serve on a toasted brioche bun (~6 inch bun): - The Regular (3.5 oz)**: $36.99 - The Popular (5 oz)**: $49.99 - The Big One (7 oz)**: $62.99 - The Maine Event (1/2 lb (8 oz)): $74.99 **You can also ask for extra 1.5 oz lobster meat to this size for $13.99. You can also buy just the cooked lobster meat: 1/2 lb (8 oz) for $75.00 They have can drinks such as sodas (including Hawaiian sodas) and beer. The roll was actually quite tasty! I was able to experiment with different flavors with the Old Bay seasoning, garlic mayo, lemon, and butter. The garlic mayo was surprisingly good with the lobster. You can also throw the Old Bay seasoning on the chips if you're in the mood. The price is pretty steep which was my mistake. I don't know what I was expecting when ordering lobster in Waikiki. The lady at the cash register was less than pleasant and helpful so it makes spending that money feel a little more painful. If you can afford it and are really craving a lobster roll, this should satiate you. I didn't feel like I needed more to eat after finishing my meal. Location: The store is located in the Royal Hawaiian shopping center. You have to take a staircase from the first floor to a lower floor to get to it. You may need to ask around for directions. The restaurant is super small. Maybe two or 3 small tables that can fit no more than 6-8 people.

    I enjoyed eating at this place it's located next to other small eateries. I first went on a Monday…read moreand it was not open when I came back Tuesday they were open and I got Lobster Roll with chips. It's a bit pricey but the portion is reasonable for price point! I enjoyed the food and they had Old Bay seasoning in every table and even provided a small baggy of it in my to go box. The were playing 90s music there are like two tables to sit inside pretty small inside service was quick and good was fresh!

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    Sato Seafood - Yuzu miso ahi tuna

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    I'm about a week late on this review. We visited this poke takeout spot in Honolulu, with high…read morehopes from a friend's recommendation. Here's how it went. Food (3.5 stars) + The poke was undeniably fresh--tuna and salmon. My daughter likes salmon and she liked it although I know ahi is the way to go. ~ Spicy Sato had a nice kick but didn't match the photo that looked more creamy and flavorful. - However, the shoyu sauce seasoning was overpowering, masking the fish's natural flavor. - Salmon hand roll was scarfed down by my 11yo daughter in like 2 bites for $8 - Portion was on the smaller side for the price (around $17). I expected more value. Service/Ambiance (3 stars) + Food came out quickly, but don't forget to bring your own water--they only sell drinks. ~ It's a takeout place with only outdoor seating. - Seating was tight, no indoor option, and we had to rearrange seats to accommodate our group of four. Overall, Sato has fresh poke, but the seasoning needs balance. I hate to say this but Don Quixote poke from their cold aisle was better.

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    Kirin Restaurant - Black Bean Sauce Dungeness Crab

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    The moment I stepped in, Kirin Chinese Restaurant felt like a celebration of Chinese cuisine in…read moreHawaii. It's easily the best Chinese food I've had on the islands, and the experience left me impressed from start to finish. The dishes were consistently delicious, with vibrant flavors, quality ingredients, and thoughtful preparation. Each bite showcased balance and artistry typical of standout Chinese dining. Star dishes stood out for their aromatic profiles and generous portions. A few favorites offered comfort with a refined touch, elevating familiar favorites to something memorable. The menu seems well-curated to deliver both classic staples and chef-driven specials. Attentive, friendly, and efficient without hovering. The staff anticipated needs, explained menu options with enthusiasm. The timing between courses was spot-on, keeping the meal flowing smoothly. The staff's knowledge about each dish enhanced the overall dining experience. The dining room was inviting, comfortable, and suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions. Given the quality and portion sizes, the value felt very fair for Hawaii's dining scene. Kirin stands out as a top-tier Chinese restaurant in Hawaii, delivering extraordinary food and warm, professional service. If you're craving authentic flavors executed with care and flair, this is a must-visit.

    My husband and I came to Waikīkī and made the cardinal mistake of not making dinner reservations…read moreanywhere. We went out to have dinner and realized everywhere had an incredibly long wait time. We remembered passing Kirin and the menu looked good so I called to ask if they had a long wait. I was happy to hear there was no wait so we walked over and were immediately sat at a table. We eat Chinese food a lot and was happy to be back in a familiar environment. Our waitress was very kind and funny and the food was very tasty! The only issue we had is we felt there could have been a bit more chicken in the sweet and sour chicken. We ordered the 6-piece dim sum plate, hot tea, BBQ fried rice, and the sweet and sour chicken. Had we had known about the chicken we would have ordered a bit more food because we left a tad hungry still. We would still recommend this place!

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