Being the whiskey lover I am, I just had to make it a priority to visit Ko'olau Distillery while…read morevisiting O'ahu! The first time we visited the distillery was back in 2021. There wasn't much of anything other than the single rickhouse area, so when we went back in 2025 it was nice to see how much they had expanded. A nice, full tasting bar, plenty of seating area (outdoor and indoor), and an expanded rickhouse. The employees are friendly and give great recommendations. Definitely loved seeing how much they've grown in the 4 years since we visited. They had more expressions to try this time around, which was great because I got to do a flight of their releases. My wife got a cocktail which she enjoyed. This place is definitely a good vibe for any whiskey lover visiting O'ahu!

I visited after the Max Holloway fights, and the venue was extremely busy. Unfortunately, there…read moreappeared to be only one restroom stall available for a large crowd. My biggest concern is the lack of adequate restroom facilities during busy events. I hope the business considers improving restroom access or providing additional portable restrooms when large crowds are expected. Better facilities would help prevent situations like this from happening in the future. Food and drinks were great.

We had the BEST time at Banyon's last night!!! The staff were super friendly and the service and…read morefood were excellent! Really delicious and great atmosphere. Highly recommend!!!!

We decided to try this place out for valentines dinner. This was our first time and I was excited…read moreas I heard good things. The setting: I really like the vibe they went with for valentines and the decor, I like the lowlight setting as well. The banyan tree decor in the middle of the restaurant was a nice touch. Service: our host and our waiter were awesome, very pleasant and helpful. The food: it was a fixed menu due to Valentine's Day, I guess I did not see that when I booked the reservations or it was listen on the open table app. I wish I had known because I wanted to try other dishes. Anyways.. we got to each choose an appetizer so we got the coconut shrimp which omgggg really good, that sauce was a perfect touch, the shrimp was nicely crispy. We also got the beef tataki which was another fav I must say. The main entrees was ok, I only say this because we got the lamb and fish. The lamb came with 4 pieces but 2 were cooked good and the other 2 seemed like it could have been cooked a little longer. The fish to me was also over done and a little touch and hard. I will go back because I do wanna try other things on their menu. Overall we still made it a great night and will come back again.

There aren't enough good things I can say about this place…read more First of all, the ATMOSPHERE. Walking in feels like stepping into the warmest, most welcoming home. The floral arrangements, the décor, the attention to detail... everything makes you feel like you're visiting an old friend. I feel like Odysseus finally making it home to Penelope. And then... THE FOOD. Omg. Everything is delicious. I've been here a few times now and they have never disappointed. I absolutely love the roast pork, but honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Here's my completely unbiased (very biased) ranking: Petiscos - Kind of like a charcuterie board for bad bitches (i.e. me). 5/5 Sardines - 5/5. I use the sauce for everything. Cod Balls - 5/5. I would rub these on my face if I could. Bolo de Bolacha - Like tiramisu, but with experience. One of my favorites. Branzino - This fish is so soft and flavorful, and the salad it comes with is incredible. It takes a little longer to prepare, so order it first! Pistachio Rum Cake - Also one of my favorites. I genuinely can't choose. It's buttery, delightful, and just the right amount of sinful. Pastéis de Nata - A classic for a reason. The best custard tarts you'll ever have. I could eat one every morning with a cup of tea. Medeiros ʻOhana Celebration Cake - Chocolate. Cherry. Goodness. That's all I have to say. Arroz Doce - Think crème brûlée meets rice pudding. AMAZING. I've had it both warm and cold, and honestly, both are incredible. If you're looking for a dessert to take with you and eat in the car on the way home (because somehow you'll still have room), this is the one. Basically... just go. Bring friends, order way too much food, and thank me later. (I know i stopped rating the food when you go, you'll understand).

You're doing yourself a disservice if you don't get the Portuguese bean soup. So amazing…read more Polenta fritters were super! The bread basket was also amazing with 3 different fresh breads to try. The cod & potato gratin was nice. The cod and potatoes were layered. This was delicious. However, I think it may have been better with a bit more béchamel as I was looking for that sauce one comes to expect with gratin. Pot Roast was superb. This is our second time here and it didn't disappoint. Service this night was a little slower as they were short staffed. They do have walk in seating but best get reservations as the walk in seats fill up quickly. If you sit at the bar, bring a sweater as it'll be cold. Otherwise the restaurant is very comfortable.

We stopped in for a quick drink before heading to dinner. It gives off the "locals bar" vibes,…read morewhich we were looking for. It's located in the Safeway strip mall. Service was very friendly and quick. Definitely recommend for a cold beer. They do serve food as well.

1st time there. Bruce was the server and gave impeccable service. The ambiance is just right! Very…read morespacious. Good was great!!! I would come back, when I'm in the windward area.

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.

After walking through the Byodo-In Temple about 10 minutes away we decided to have a great dinner…read moreat Haleiwa Joe's. This location opens at 4pm and does not take any reservations but we had very little wait, 25 minutes, even arriving at 4:05pm with a line already formed. While waiting for our table we made our way down to the garden and walked around and enjoyed the turtles and fish in the little lake they have. This is a great photo opportunity. Once our table was ready we were seated and our server came over quickly to get our drink orders and any appetizers we wanted to put in. Their poke and island ceviche were delicious. They also provide complimentary bread with guava butter that was amazing. Since I was celebrating my birthday I decided to go for the prime rib that many have compared to a steak out of the prehistoric era. It was cooked perfectly and the potatoes and green beans were great sides. This will definitely be a place I return to with friends and family due to how great the service was and the beautiful view and delicious food. The best part of the night was the Liliko'i Crème Brulee. I cannot wait to go back for more.

Although not in Haleiwa, it's still not an average Joe…read more Been here multiple times and it's always a great place to eat. Please be prepared to be there early, there are no reservations. But it is very much worth the wait! You get to look out on the beautiful outdoors of their nice little koi pond with the views of the mountains. Open air seating, right in front of the fresh air. Food is amazing. Make sure to order their prime rib. It's a bone in 3lbs steak (I could be wrong on the weight, but just know the sucker is HUGE!) Went here on my birthday and had some great laughs and cocktails with my friends. Make sure to get the paradise pie (mud pie) for dessert!

Happy Friday! Our boss took us out for a farewell lunch for…read moremy best coworker friend. Poutine and Lasagna were the best choices today!! Burger was also pretty good. Forgot to take a picture of Carbonara, pretty good too. Service was excellent, and we all had a great time. The ambiance is always charming, honestly the best lunch spot in downtown Honolulu in my opinion.

Velvet chic. Thoroughly designed w/ a chic European vintage…read moreaesthetic, yet filled w/ the modern downtown hnl patron - Podmore's juxtaposition offers a unique dining atmosphere for any occasion. Take a screen break and relax in one of their cozy velvet seats (: . the Sheppards Pie is stuffed with lamb and served on a lipped plate - different from the expected bowl - but the pie was still just as rich, filling, and delicious. the Seared Ahi Sandwich comes with a hefty cut of ahi and thick cut house made fries. The chunky sweet ketchup was the surprising spotlight and made an impressionable difference. Apparently it's also made in house from scratch...cute! The cold brew (straight) effectively combatted the possible post lunch nap. A wise order considering my stroll back to work wouldn't be enough to battle the snooze. . Excellent service, excellent food, and am excited to return. Cheers!

Yay for being yelp elite. We got to visit this place for our yelp elite experience. This particular…read moreestablishment is tucked in one of the side streets of Kailua, opposite side from Hamakua, where get Oh My Grill, LexBreezy, KFC.. at that end street on the corner. They don't have parking so you have to find street parking. We went to go visit today, Wednesday. They open 8AM to 9PM everyday, and we got there around 10AM ish. Upon entering, you enter through the short wooden gate by sliding it lol. Was all confused because signs said "the Garden to your left, Boardroom to the right", so we kind of passed the entrance, going around the corner, and noticed that there wasn't another entrance on the other side, and that's when we figured the short wooden sliding gate was the entrance lol as you walk in, it's an outdoor establishment, lots of seats everywhere. With this yelp elite experience, we got to have a pizza and a dole whip. They have a menu posted up, and you order at the truck. They don't start serving pizza till 11, so we left cuz we was too early, and wanted to take advantage of our yelp perk, so went to go run errands and came back around 2PM ish. We got a pepperoni pizza, vanilla dole whip, and I ordered a maitai. Pizza was good. Dole whip was good, and Maitai was good. Everything was good! I loved that we got to make our way here to take advantage of my yelp elite perk because if wasn't for this yelp event, on any other normal day, we would just pass this place, not even knowing what this place has to offer! One thing about this place is that it's hotttt, if u go in the day. And for me, alcohol and hotness does not go together lol Since they open till 9, I would think it's probably cooler when sun is down. Love pet friendly places. We got to bring our jellybean with us. Cool spot to chill, have a few. Shout out to Eric for taking care of us. Awesome customer service. Only had him working all morning. Go check this place out. Don't forget to tip :)

Great relaxing outdoor setting with local music and great pizza's! I really enjoyed the truffle…read moremushroom pizza and they have many types of beverages available and Dole whip ice cream for dessert. Limited parking only street and only 1 restroom for men & women Pet friendly

Food was great and service from Teagan was stellar! She was attentive and made great suggestions,…read moreeven though we come frequently it was great talking with her. Although this does make like 6 years since the merch table was actually usable as a shuffleboard. We used to spend 5-6 hours every Friday on it when they first got it pre-covid! It might be time to bring it back.... Please.? Pretty Please!

Service was friendly. Food took a while to come out and they comped us for a beer we ordered due to…read morethe wait which was a kind gesture. Food was very mediocre. We got the black garlic truffle fries (probably the best item), pepperoni pizza, baja fish tacos, and jalapeño bacon burger. Pepperoni pizza was like frozen pizza. Chalky and barely had any sauce/cheese. Baja fish tacos were nothing special and on the dry side. Jalapeño bacon burger wasn't bad but nothing to write home about. Beef patty was pretty juicy though. Definitely a spot that's more for the beer + vibes than the food. I enjoyed the open air seating though and it's a nice spot to hang out.

This location has a very different layout compared to the kapolei location and both being good…read more I Have always drove past the Kailua one this one is a lot smaller and has a more casual island vibe. The ordering counter and cashier is right as you enter along with thr pastry counter. Same deals with thr kapolei location you order and find your own table and put number so they can find you when your order is up. Inside is airconditioned with around maybe 10 tables and chairs some seat 2 others eat 4 and they also have outside patio seating back and front. The parking can be challenging having maybe 10 -12 spots in their lot and some street parking . Their Menu is a bit more limited than their other location. Sandwiches.. pizza and other stuff oh and coffee. The only thing that wasmt as good as their kapolei location was they didnt have the thin crispy salty cravable fries they only had small bags of chips available The food is always good and the service was real good. The staff gave you an impression where they really valued their customers with greetings with a smile and happy goodbyes. As always a great experience with a great casual setting..fair pricing (nothing is considered "cheap" nowdays) ..good food and friendly staff.

I've been here several times now, and it's consistently been a solid 4 out of 5 stars…read more If you're expecting full table service or "princess treatment," this probably isn't the place for you. Water is self-serve, and the setup feels more like a cafeteria than a traditional sit-down restaurant. That said, the staff has always been friendly and welcoming, which makes for a pleasant experience. I usually order the chicken pesto sandwich, which is always a great choice, but today I decided to branch out and try the Beach Burger and the Margherita Pizza. Both were absolutely delicious and definitely worth ordering again. The atmosphere is one of my favorite parts. It has a relaxed, coastal vibe that makes you feel like you're dining at a beachfront café, even if you're not right on the sand. Overall, it's a great spot for good food, a laid-back environment, and friendly service. I'll definitely keep coming back.