Jake is the best side of the ala wai I've ever seen !!! I'm having so much fun with him and he's the best magician on island I've ever seen.

Jake was an amazing bartender/magician. It's a great spot! Good vibes. It was a great time.

How do I describe Hank's to someone who's never been there? It's like the really eccentric kid in school who was tall and awkward, drove a beat-up VW van, and could invert his eyelids upon demand. He was weird, but somehow everyone liked him because he was who he was and never tried to be anything else. Hank's is a tiny little cubby hole of a bar which one could easily pass by and not give a second thought. But for those of you who are able to see past it's dive bar exterior, you'll find a special place full of not commonly found charm. Owned by a local guy, named Hank (who knew right?!), this little bar that could is who adorned with Hank's paintings of local scenery and clowns. Yes, clowns scare me too. I used to go into Hank's for their Saturday night songwriters night. I'd play a couple songs for my friends, two drunks at the bar, the bartender, a meth addict, three old guys, a lost tourist and sometimes Hank himself. It was fantastic for my songwriting because I knew that if I could get the two drunk local guys to listen, then I had a really great song! I fondly remember when I ordered a pizza from Dave, the bartender at Hank's. We laughed when it came to our table because it was a Digiorno's pizza. Hey, it's not delivery! It's Digiorno's! Hank's is kitchy and tacky and beautiful in the way that a mother loves her crossed eyed child. The world doesn't think that kid is very cute, but to her, that kid is perfection! read more

Hanks Cafe Honolulu - Dive Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This was stop #3 on the bar hopping excursion. My first time here even though I drive by this place quite often. I've always wondered what it was like inside since from the outside, it looks so dingy and divey and there seems to always be drunk old guys standing on the sidewalk in front of the place. I'm really happy we went here because this place is pure neighborhood-bar awesomeness. It was kind of crowded when we got there but Dave the bartender and the folks at the bar welcomed us with a friendly hello. They squeezed together to make room for us to sit at the bar which was really kind of them. We each had a couple of beers when I noticed something on the back of the bar. It looked like an old patron bottle with something soaking in it. I was kind of inebriated by now so it was hard for me to focus on what it was...i pointed to the bottle and asked what was in there. Dave brought it over and said the words that to me were like reciting a magic spell, "it's ghost peppers soaking in vodka, you want to try a taste?" -gasp- I'm not quite sure but I think I said "OH F**K YES!" .... and damn, that ish was HOT and DELISH! Towards the end of our stay there, a really cool live band started playing. The first 3 songs they played were Beatles tunes, we all sang along...a great way to end my first, and for sure not last, Hank's experience. read more

jacob is the man. Cheap drinks and gets everyone going for a good time. 10/10 recommend for a pre game or such. check them out!!

Jake is the best!! Such a great bartender and makes the best drinks. I will be coming here every weekend just to get a drink from him!

Jake is the man!! Best bartender in Oahu. It's a vibe, great atmosphere and service!!

Jake is a great bartender. Good at his job, and the dude does magic. Saw one of the best card tricks I've ever seen. Dudes legit. Still don't know how he pulled it off. read more

Great local dive bar with live music on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday! Friendly service and atmosphere for days!

Hanks is a great bar to relax with genuine people that have issues that may need to be dealt with by alcohol. But very rarely does it get out of control. Enjoy the music and some great Bar tenders that know there drinks. Dave in the evenings everyday but Sun.Mon. Thurs. is one of the best on the island. I recommend Friday nights as Carl plays request hits and nails some great tunes. Enjoy at your convenience! read more

Hanks Cafe Honolulu - Dive Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

the atmosphere is so fun. best bar, feels like family!!! Jake the magicIan can talk to you about anything under the moon!

visited during our vacation - perfect pregame spot. drinks are absolutely fire (always strong) and the bartender is super cute

Hanks is the absolute best bar to go to for a good time. Dave, the bartender, does his job extremely well. Staff and regulars are all very kind and welcoming. It doesn't take long to become part of the hanks ohana. Live music is always a treat here! read more

For a small bar in Chinatown that has been there for helluva long time, this place is fantastic! Every time I walk in Dave is tending bar and he is engaging and personable, regardless if it's fifty people or four. Great selection of hards, beers and liqueurs. Great music when they have bands playing. Love, love, love this joint. read more

Last night, I pulled a David Beckham and made some goals for myself: Go into "solo wolf" mode, drink beer, and listen to a guitar. The challenge, of course, was that I was out on a Friday night with a bohemian wallet. How was I going to pull this off without breaking the bank? After making it through the cool crowd of First Friday, this nerd found the end of the yellow brick road at Hanks Cafe. Everyone has already covered how small the bar is, so I'll get to the vibe of the place. I think if I went solo in any of the hip bars on N. Hotel Street, I would've gained legitimate social piranha status. At Hanks, no one batted a judgmental eye and after allowing myself a few minutes of awkwardness, I felt right at home. It's a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere to disappear into; A typical dive bar experience. Here's a few things I picked up from my night: *** When you sit on a chair at Hanks, you are sitting there to chill the fuck out.They've got some of the best classic rock musicians in town who really light up the place. *** Very cool/kitschy decor. This place has mannequin legs on the ceiling and Dali-esque beer art on the walls. Tremendous stuff, if you ask me. *** I ordered two Samuel Adams, $5 a piece. Pretty cheap, if not, standard. I didn't see a wide variety of beer, but they did have the stuff I love drinking (Sam Adams, Guiness) so they're good in my book. I'm not sure if they sell any food, but I didn't see anybody eating. I'd definitely recommend this place. I think it's one of the few places downtown where you can enjoy live music and drinks on a tight budget. You don't have to stand in any lines to get in and I can say with definite loner expertise that you won't feel sorry if you tried it on your own. *** PARKING TIPS *** On a First Friday, I was not about to park at the mad house known as Mark's Garage or any place surrounding Nuuanu. If the structures are not hectic enough, trying to get out of the streets will be. I parked my car at the Chinese Cultural Plaza. It's a $3 flat rate after 5 pm, stalls are evenly spaced so you won't be shoulder buddies with the SUV parked next to you, and it's in a pretty secured building. It might take a few minutes to walk to Hank's, but it's nothing that a girl in heels can't handle. read more

Decided to go out with a few co workers one night for pau hana and ended up at Hanks. It smelled a little weird, wasn't very spacious, and was very much a dive. But I looooooved it!! We ran into a few very social people looking to have a good time, made some new friends, had a (couple) extremely delicious upside down pineapple cake shots and sang/danced along to some bomb ass live music! It's a bit grungy in looks, but it seemed like everyone who ended up at Hanks was super chill and down for a good time. The bartender was friendly, and very hard-working if I may add. I'll be back again :) read more

A real-life Hawaii version of "Cheers". This is a weird but cool place!!! Last year I put 3 French presses on Craigslist. I had 4, and really only wanted 1. Anyway, this guy responds saying he'll take all 3, but could we drop it off because our place was hard to catch the bus to. Normally we would say "Um, no...", but the guy says he plays music at "Hank's" on Nu'uanu. So since we've passed by the place, were always a little nervous about going in, and thought this would be a good excuse to try a new bar, we agreed. So we walk into Hank's during the early evening. It's a small bar with no women in there, one bartender, and a guy playing guitar. When we entered everyone turned and just stared at us as if they were thinking, "Who the Hell are these people?". Very awkward... "Can we help you?", someone says. "Um, we're looking for _____, the musician. He's buying our French presses..." It was just the WEIRDEST situation and feeling. So anyway, to make a long story not so long, we settled in for a beer to check out the place (spent all the money we made on the French presses, but oh, well). I had a couple Hinano's (Tahitian beer), played Megatouch, and talked to the musician. He played and sang the most specific genre of old country music. I normally don't like country, but I liked this! My then-boyfriend, now fiance made friends with a stinking drunk tug-boat captain (seriously!) and some other interesting guys at the bar. Everyone seemed to know everybody, and seemed like they were regulars, just like in Cheers! We both thought it was so crazy funny when the bartender at some point picked up the phone and said, "Hey, I'm going to order Chinese. Anybody want anything?" Then he ordered his food, and five minutes later actually left the bar unattended to get his food, "OK, I'll be back. Watch the bar." Also super-funny: they have a "swear jar". People actually observe this rule in the bar that if you swear, you have to donate a dollar to the swear jar! The bartender said that when the jar gets full (it looked pretty full to me, and people were handing over dollar bills the whole night!), the money gets donated to the homeless shelter. How nice! read more

I don't think an establishment has ever been more welcoming. The bar tender was hilarious and chatted up everyone. Made it a point to learn our name. Easy guy to talk to. Then the one of the regulars bought our first round. Then another regular brought us food. This is the easiest bar to sit at. Like a second living room. Even the music was smashing. Walked in to Michael Jackson. Then some Boston. A little Motown. Rounded out with the Bee Gees. If there had been a little James Brown, I might never have left. Top notch. read more

Hank's cafe employees Dave, the bartender. He's a real laid back fella. The venue as a whole has a real laid back feel, and if you're looking for a place that won't jack up the $3.00 beer to $5 (or even $6) at 10:00 PM, then this is your place. The beer is always $3.00. For $11.00 they'll make you Digiorno pizza - the huge ones. There's live music here every night, and they all play for tips - so if you go, please show some love - the kind that folds. As a side note, the owner of Hanks is the same guy who owns the Dragon Upstairs. read more

This is exactly the kind of bar that I love. It's small, there is live music and a jukebox, a heavy mix of locals, tourists, college kids, and hipsters. Drinks are moderately priced and they carry a great selection of beverages. My favorite thing on the menu? The pineapple upside down cake shots, hollllyy crap are those things are good, and I don't even like pineapple upside down cake! I put down 4 of these one night and then remarked that the world was spinning wildly, to which my husband replied, "Darling, that's because you've put down at least 4 oz of vodka in about 10 minutes." Yeah, that'll do it. I would never have come here if I hadn't gone to the Yelp Elite Christmas party which was help here and at the Dragon Upstairs. It is now one of my favorite spots. read more

What another neat find in Downtown Honolulu. I have passed this place many times and wanted to give it a try but it was either dead or packed inside. Well, after going to a performance at the Hawaii Theatre, I stopped in here. It was very crowded and the bar area is very small. There was this band playing, Halawa, and they played classic Hawaiian songs. There was three members from the band and they sounded really good. It was almost like going back in time...to old Hawaii. Back when Downtown was the place to go. I have noticed that many people are finding a new appreciation for Downtown nightlife. This is a good thing. I am finding new restaurants to go to and new entertainment happenings. I will soon make my way to The Dragon, upstairs from Hanks, where they have live Jazz mostly on the weekends. read more

Super small bar I never would've thought to go to if I wasn't invited. I went upon invitation of a friend who said there'd be live music. The music was alright, but it was a bit awkward as it was just maybe 5 of us in that little bar. We enjoyed some delicious take out noodles from Mini Garden -- the bartender keeps menus handy for ordering by phone, and he has some chopsticks and utensils and sharing trays on hand if needed. This place definitely has character. read more

Aloha, Hanks a great Little dive bar in downtown Honolulu located on nuuanu st. that's NOT an Irish bar, imagine that ?!?! Don't expect a Las Vegas style nightclub scene. Just a place to pull up to the bar and have a few drinks and socialize with patrons and if you feel like it you can buy some of Hanks art work that cover the walls. Live music most nights and it varies but mostly classic rock and roll. I gave hanks 4 stars, heck id give em 5 stars, if dave(the bar-slender) would stock Landshark beer haha......please Dave i beg of ya.... Aloha read more

Love this little bar under Dragon. There is alot of "stuff" in the place...on the walls and around you. Its reminds me of Elephant and Castle when it was around. Its a great place to just hangout with a couple friends. On a recent visit, they had 2 guys singing "live" read more

Great Longterm Bar for Chinatown. Gots the feel for decades. Upstairs is the Dragonroom Which you should try as well read more

Hanks Cafe Honolulu - Dive Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Hank's is as good as it gets when it comes to good, friendly bars. I don't know If I would even call it a dive bar. It has character too be sure, but dive bar? Nah. I first walked into the on a Wednesday night. After ordering a couple of drinks while the band set up, I had met everyone sitting at the bar. Nice people all. The prices are excellent on mixed drinks and beer. The bartenders are friendly and the patrons are excellent. As someone else mentioned, parking can be a pain in the butt. It's all street parking and Chinatown in Oahu is not the easiest place to find an open spot. read more

Unassuming little bar on Nuuanu. Slightly divey, but friendly crowd and great service. I used to go there Tuesday nights when BBC was playing. Great little retroband playing the Beatles and other classics. I like the ambiance of the place, feels like Honolulu! The beer selection is good, and the suds are cold! Should you get hungry, you may order a pizza. And if you want more live music, easy to go up a few steps into Dragon Upstairs to enjoy some jazz. Feels like Cheers (in a good way). Great place. read more

This is a great, tiny, local bar--the type I would totally frequent if I lived in Honolulu. As mentioned, the bartender, Dave, is great--very friendly and accommodating and I loved that they'll throw a pizza in the oven for you at any time of night. However, the highlight of my time at Hank's was that my friend, Barefoot Bob, has organized a showcase of original, local singers and songwriters to perform at the bar on Saturday nights. He does the opening, closing, and some songs in the middle (all of which are wonderful--ranging from funny to raunchy to wistful and back to funny again) and then gets anywhere from 4-6 local artists to come in and perform. The styles and talent level can vary pretty dramatically but it was such a treat to get to experience live, original music in a laid back yet intimate setting. Check out his myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/barefootbobsmusic. Oh yeah, the prices are awesome: I drank all night AND got a pizza and my tab was $31. Yes, I'm from San Francisco and so have a totally distorted sense of price inflation but this is VALUE right here people! read more

In the middle of the hip, bustling arts district of downtown Honolulu, it's nice to know there's still room for a dive bar with no aim to be cool, popular or skew young. It is what it is, and they wouldn't have it any other way and neither will their clientele. It's small, sure, but I think they make good use of the space. The service is friendly, and the customers are a varied and eclectic mix. Gotta love a place that serves frozen pizzas heated in a toaster oven. Okay, well you don't have to love the pizza, but you gotta admit, there's a bit of a kooky charm to that, like an eccentric uncle with no pretensions. I've passed this place a million times, but haven't gone in until last night, and enjoyed my experience. I'll definitely be back. -r- read more

the 5 stars does not mean that you and your hipster friends should run out and take up valuable bar stools upon seeing the high rating. If you like drink specials, microbrews and a throbbing social scene, this place is not for you. Which is exactly why I like it. Laid back atmosphere, wacky decor, friendly and relaxed staff go a long way. You'll find all of them at Hanks. Coors lite runs 3.50, Primo is 5. Hung out here for a couple of hours on Saturday night. Two different bands played before we relocated to the Dragon Upstairs. Hank's paintings adorn many of the walls and are a definite plus. read more

Went here with a friend of mine because we read and heard good things. By the time we left, my friend and I were buzzin' hard and I was asked to play the saxophone when I come back. Really didn't expect Hank's to have such a nice and chill atmosphere. I'm more used to loud and dirty places where the agenda is usually to get smashed. At Hank's, I feel more inclined to socialize and drink only enough to enjoy myself. Plus the live music they had Tuesday night was great. Beatles hits and an old bearded man who sounded a lot like Johnny Cash. Also shout-outs to Dave the barman, he's an awesome dude! Definitely gonna try and come here more often, hope I can find my reeds and mouthpiece :d ps don't forget to check out the wall of sailor moon stickers in the back, it'll totally trip you out read more

This place is quickly becoming a comfort spot for me. I had always had intentions to go because of its reputation for bringing in good live and original music. However, it took Discord & Rye playing there to reel me in finally. We've been heading over every other Thursday to catch John and Oliver play some folk rock. The place is small but comfortable. There's only ever one bartender, but we're always quickly and kindly served. The other patrons who come to see the music or hang out are usually nice and chill making the atmosphere, like I said, comfortable. Prices are about the same as most other bars in Chinatown. The beer selection isn't as extensive as some other places around the corner. But the good service, comfortable setting, and chill atmosphere is good enough to keep me coming back. read more

Super dive bar but awesome people. Very, very friendly staff. If you love dive bars, this is definitely the place to go!

Hank's is a cute little bar. Good drinks. Bartenders Ashley and Dave are very nice and friendly. Great live music on Friday nights

Hanks Cafe is a great place to go and just be YOU. You don't have to be anyone else. There's a great variety of people that come here, just like everyone has already mentioned. Whether you're pretentious, nerdy, drugged out, an Islander, tourist, out with your boyfriend or simply single-- you just belong. This isn't your "classy, pinkies up" bar, but rather your "come as you are, pinkies down, feet up" kinda bar. Not to mention the drinks are heavily poured and the bartenders have great attitudes. This is the place to unwind after a week of work. read more

THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!!!! Dave is the best ever, ask for a pineapple upside down cake drink! And his "shot" that doesn't really have a name, it's delicious!!! Very fun vibe, a cool jukebox, and people who are so nice and friendly! If you don't go here, you're not a fun person. read more

Hanks is like "Cheers" but even if everybody DOESN'T know your name they'll at least be nice! Dave at the bar has a welcoming smile. We sat at the bar and instantly talked to everyone near us. It's just one of those places you're instantly comfortable and relaxed. Drinks are reasonable and the music is fun. It's your neighborhood bar in the middle of downtown. People are real and you'll be back! read more

This is a great place to take it slow, drink some bottled beer, and listen to good local music. The decoration is eclectic and the bar is geared to more of a middle-aged crowd but is welcoming to all. The space is small, but that's part of its appeal. This is a fun place to wind down after hopping between some of the louder bars in Chinatown. read more

Sitting at the bar at hanks getting served delicious pineapple upside down shots by a charismatic handsome david. Thanks david it was yummy. The music is pretty cool and got me swaying to the beat read more

It's not a block party till we get a pineapple upside-down cake shot. Bartender David is the best. Love that guy!