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    Onkee Korean Grill House

    4.3 (249 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Onkee Korean Grill House Photos

    Business Info

    ONKEE KOREAN GRILL HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy

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    Elizabeth L.

    Onkee is one of my favorite KBBQ places on the island! They're located in Ward so there's plenty of parking near the Consolidated Theaters / Whole Foods. Service has been stellar every time I've been, with attentive servers and friendly staff. - Their fresh kimchi is what keeps me coming back! Don't get me wrong, their meat is good too, but their kimchi is so refreshing and delicious, it almost steals the show. - Tasty cocktails! All of the drinks on their cocktail menu are so tasty and pretty. - Meat quality is exceptional, and I like that they cook the meat for you table-side. Their grills have vents right next to them, to reduce you smelling like the food which is a nice touch.

    Tracy D.

    Michael our waiter was exceptional! He was quick, attentive & answered all our questions with a positive attitude. Lunch set combo 1 & 2 are the best and affordable. We also did the lunch set with ribeye & short ribs(grill your own) and it comes with soybean & kimchi soup, also egg soufflé. Also includes banchan. ($43 min 2ppl) The in house kimchi was so good! Of course we will be back!

    Mhonn P.

    We had a dinner party in this place and it's located in a new prestigious high risers by Ala Moana-in front of the beach by Ward Center. It's beautiful and clean. Truly deserving of luxurious dining. By the way, we just had a Korean Cuisine the other day so everything is fresh to me I regards to comparison. The Service is superb, we had more than 5 staff attending to our needs. The manager even welcomed us. We were a large group and we had our own private room. So, it's special setting, which I highly recommend for parties. As far as the food, there are some I really enjoyed and it's truly authentic. The tofu soup was great but the other place I dined the other day lingered in my pallet more so. But that's just preference. Also, there were more meat selections on the other place; however, it's a bit more pricey than this restaurant. Overall, I enjoyed Onkee and it will be our go to place for authentic Korean food when we're in the area especially if we want to host people and impress them.

    Seafood pancake- cut and served individually
    Marlene Y.

    Check In: Amazing grilled beef as always. Added yummy bossam and fried chicken too! Always a great choice in Kakaako!

    Side dishes
    Christine L.

    I visited Onkee for the first time with friends for lunch, and we had a fantastic experience. We made a reservation in advance and were seated in a private room. We all opted for the lunch menu, and in my opinion, it is an incredible value for the price. I ordered the LA marinated short ribs combo, which came with a spread of Korean side dishes, rice, and a choice of soup (I went with the soybean paste soup)! Everything was delicious! I enjoyed the lunch so much that my husband and I actually decided to stop by one more time during our trip. On our second visit, we tried their bibimbap and kimchi jjigae. I have to say, the kimchi jjigae was easily the best I have ever tried.

    Menu 3/25/25 (1 of 8)
    Jo Y.

    On Kee Korean Grill House opened in Aug 2024 in Ward Village by Grace Park, retired professional golfer married to Skye Kim, who has many years of experience iny's iconic Samwon Garden Restaurant in Seoul. "On Kee" translates to the warmth of food from a traditional stove or hearth. It commonly refers to earthenware pots used for storing ingredients like kimchi or soy sauce, and means the warmth of food from the stove, fueled by the fire from the hearth. It evokes feeling of home-worked Korean food, specifically of aromas of rice and smoking grills. As such, the restaurant was aptly named On Kee Korean Grill House, an upscale restaurant known for premium meats, tableside grilling, and refined side dishes, bringing a taste of contemporary South Korean cuisine to HI. The menu has been prepared by Michelin-trained Executive Chef Jwi Ho Jang and Sous Chef Won-Deuk So for a selection of appetizers, entrees, grilled meats, soups, noodles, and stews. The restaurant prides itself that its servers will grill their meats for you. On Kee offers lunch, happy hour, and dinner. This review is for our lunch experience. The lunch menu offers a noodle hot pot, various meat sets, and combo menus for various meats/fish and stews. We chose the following lunch sets: * LA marinated short ribs meal with soybean paste stew. The kalbi was excellent, so tender, juicy, and flavorful! The soybean paste stew was pleasantly mild and had tofu, zucchini, cucumber, green onion * Stir-fried pork meal with kimchi stew. Although very tasty, the pork was very spicy, but the menu description did not specify it as spicy. It's a good thing that we could handle spicy. The kichi stew was also spicy and flavorful, and it included tofu, pork belly, kimchi, sliced onions; the menu description also did not note that this was spicy. As with the kalbi, I would not be surprised if the flavor of the meat marinades were adapted to local tastes. Loved that both the kalbi and pork were served with a bed on sliced onions on a sizzling cast iron platter! Both sets each came with 4 delicious banchans that are freshly made in-house: choy sum with bits of tofu, seasoned dried daikon strips with sesame seeds, mac salad with imitation crab, and marinated won bok with green onion and chili pepper. Note that the marinated won bok was not kimchi, but was sweeter. Instead of having the same 4 bachans, it would have been better for a set of different banchans to try. In addition to the banchans, a larger dish of marinated crunchy won bok kimchi was served to be shared by both of us, but it was not spicy and not marinated long enough. Rice accompanied both sets (extra cost at dinner). There has been a lot of hype about staff cooking your meats for you while dining. It was a disappointment when we were told that our lunch sets are cooked in the back kitchen and then served to us. Apparently, the tableside grilling only applies to the higher-priced sets, as we noticed a group of Korean tourists on the next table with staff grilling for them. Nevertheless, our kalbi and spicy pork were excellently prepared; however, wished that there was clarification as to what is to be grilled at tableside. Chloe, our server, was very friendly to engage us in small talk, attentive, and efficient! She left us alone and appeared periodically to refill our tea/water glasses and to inquire if we needed a refill of our banchans or other assistance. We saw the plain and seasoned salt containers on the table. When we asked Chloe about them, we were told that they are mainly used for the grilling of meats; however, it was not necessary to use them for our lunch sets. Wished this was explained to us beforehand, as we weren't sure how to use them. On Kee shines in its ambiance! With its high ceilings, huge windows, and warm tones of stone, copper, and iron fixtures, as well as ceramics used for tableware, make this restaurant upscale, trendy, and modern. The spacious layout of the dining room makes it noisy, as sounds bounce of the concrete walls; however, the engineered smokeless grills will make up for it, as diners will see the excellent ventilation of not smelling like smoke when they leave. Lunch hours are daily from 11:00a to 2:30p. Lunch is not as busy as the dinner hours, so walk-ins are welcomed. (For reference, happy hour is daily from 4:30p to 6:30p in the bar area; and dinner Sun to Thurs 5p to 9p, Fri/Sat 5p to 10p.) Located on the 2nd floor of Kaka'ako's Koula condo, there is free self-parking in the Ward Theater parking garage; exit the garage by walking to the porte cochere of the Koula condo and look for the direct elevator to On Kee, which is located next to Dean & Deluca. Lunch at the upscale On Kee with generous portions and good price point, combined with superb customer service, makes this a great dining experience!

    Se C.

    I came here with friends for Saturday lunch with a reservation. They put us in a private room and we had an excellent time here. The service and food were both top notch. I ordered the marinated LA galbi meal combo with spicy naengmyun ($3 extra). The meat was very good quality and super tender. The naengmyun was refreshing and not too spicy. The noodles were bouncy and not overcooked. Everything including banchan and fresh kimchi was very simple and delivered a traditional, but modern take on Korean homestyle food. The restaurant is very spacious and has a lot of windows providing natural light. They are located on the second level of the mall. Everything is new here in the Ward village since Kaka'ako is still rapidly developing. There is free parking nearby in the garage. Recommend without hesitation.

    Elevator area
    Leang S.

    This new Korean BBQ spot has some great happy hours drinks on 2nd floor with Instagram worthy decors and ambiance. The foods well worth it. Great flavors of Korean BBQ with a modern fusion twist. Hats off to the chef or owners that came up with the menu. The flavors was there in every items we tried.

    Linda T.

    Onkee Korean Grill House in Ward Village, been here a few times and this place definitely feels like a more upscale Korean BBQ experience compared to most spots in Honolulu. The interior is modern and stylish, like a Seoul-style restaurant rather than the typical casual KBBQ vibe. The meat quality was excellent very tender and flavorful. What I liked is that they keep it simple with just sea salt instead of heavy sauces, so you really taste the quality of the beef. The galbi and ribeye were definitely highlights. Banchan was clean and nicely presented, and the overall dishes felt more refined than your usual Korean BBQ. Service was attentive and the staff helped with grilling which made the experience smoother. Only thing to note is that it's a bit on the pricier side, but you're paying for the quality and the elevated dining experience. Overall: 8.5/10. Great spot for a date night or when you want Korean BBQ that feels a little more upscale.

    Grilled Lunch Set
    Daniel C.

    Onkee Korean Grill House has been on my radar and I finally got to dine here to cross it off my bookmark list. They are located in the Kakaako area and there's ample parking in the Ward Theaters parking garage. You just walk over and either take the elevator up or walk up their fancy stairs. There is a sign that asks diners to wait to be seated. When you walk in, there is a bar area and open dining room. We came during lunch on a weekday and the restaurant was half full but the place was COLD! Their AC was on full blast so maybe bring a light jacket if you get cold easily. We received menus right away but it took awhile to get our orders taken. Apparently they only had two people working and one person was brand new who just finished training. The other server worked there a year and was carrying him on their shift. We each ordered their Grilled Lunch Set + 1 Meal and their Beef Tartare to start. The kitchen didn't take too long to get our appetizer out with the Kimchee Stew and Bibim-naengmyeon. It was good and we enjoyed it, especially the Beef Tartare. Our male server did mix up who got what for our + 1 Meal but we just swapped the bowls. We also ordered hot tea because it was so cold but he forgot about it. The male server put in our order wrong so we received the wrong meat and it took them time to get our actual order out. The female server was great though. Wish I got her name but she's from China and lived in the Bay Area. 5 stars for her and for carrying her coworker. She did start grilling our meats but we told her we got it since they are short staffed. Their two salts were nice to add on top of the meat. Glad we added a bow of rice each. Overall, it was a good experience thanks to the female server.

    Kalbi soup
    Art C.

    Since I was craving for Korean food, it was an easy choice for me to come here for an early lunch, especially I lived right by Onkee. I think their lunch offerings were pretty solid. The bachan was great and enjoyed the non-fermented fresh kimchee. I ordered the Kalbi soup. It was decent but it didn't have the depth of Kalbi soup that I had from the other Korean restaurants. Since it was still early, there was just another table with other guests. From the service standpoint, it could be improved. They didn't stop by to refill the water. It is not my first time here so I knew what to expect in terms of ambiance. I enjoy eating there without smelling like Korea bbq after on my clothes. I probably will come back for quick lunch when I crave for some Korean food. I think it was decent for the value.

    Mari D.

    Whenever I'm at Dean & Deluca, I always see people coming in and out of Onkee and I finally know why. Finally decided to check this place out while a girlfriend was in town and I'd say we were both impressed. Came in on a Sunday just before the lunch rush and were quickly seated--I'd suggest making reservations just in case though. We opted for the sets but their menu boasts a good amount of meats that you can order Ala carte. I went with the kalbi and soybean paste stew, which also comes with rice. The portion size was just right because I managed to finish everything and felt full till dinner! Friend got the fish and soybean paste stew set and let me try some of the fish--very soft and flavorful! Service was quick and they came around to refill the banchan and our waters/tea when we were running low. I hear they have a pretty good happy hour, so I'd definitely gotta go back for that soon.

    Brian H.

    Nice and clean restaurant. Food is very clean super tasty. We went for lunch and ordered lunch special. I got #2 grilled fish(mekeral) with mulnaengmyun(noodle). Noodle was okay tbh, 3 out orlf 5. But the rest were great. My wife got LA style galbi w soup. Lunch special is a great deal. I will visit if im in the area. They also have 2 private rooms, family restroom and fancy bar. Bar is small.

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    Onkee Korean Grill House Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Onkee Korean Grill House

    Is there an additional fee for using the private room, or is it just based on a minimum food and beverage spend?

    We had four people in our party. We didn't request a private room, we weren't charged an extra fee and we weren't asked to spend a certain amount. But, we bought two combos, one appetizer, two Korean beers and two sojus. Not sure what would have… Read more

    Any dress code? Or suggestions as to attire.

    Aloha! We do not have dress code. Thank you

    Vintage Books

    Vintage Books

    4.4
    (185 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$$
    Gluten-free friendly
    Romantic vibe

    Came here to celebrate a birthday with a group of 7 people. It truly is like a vintage…read morelibrary-turned -speakeasy. The ambiance is very cozy, we had a table in the back corner which made it feel like we had our own area which I appreciated. If you like vodka-based drinks with some fruitiness, I highly recommend the Meet Cute cocktail. We ordered our food family style and had our server advise on the number of orders. Standouts were the rice cakes with crab, cowboy salad, kalbi steak, and steamed clams. Service was attentive and nice. FYI - there is a $14 outside dessert fee if you're bringing a birthday cake, etc.

    My fiance loves jazz music, so I thought Vintage Books would be the perfect spot for our…read moreanniversary dinner. The entrance is behind a bookcase, which gives it a fun speakeasy feel. Inside, the lighting is dim and cozy, and they have live music playing which really adds to the atmosphere. It felt intimate and perfect for a special night out. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the wait time for our food was very reasonable. One of our favorite things we tried was the kimchee flight, which was absolutely amazing. The real standouts of the night, though, were the drinks and desserts. Everything we ordered was delicious and beautifully presented. My only small critique is that I wish there were a few more appetizer options on the menu. Other than that, we had a wonderful experience and would definitely come back for another date night.

    Photos
    Bar & lounge
    Bar & lounge
    Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako
    Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako
    Crispy Lamb Ribs

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    Crispy Lamb Ribs
    Bar Leather Apron

    Bar Leather Apron

    4.5
    (476 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    View from our seat
    View from our seat
    Matcha old fashioned
    Matcha old fashioned
    Japan

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    Japan
    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    4.5
    (48 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    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.

    Photos
    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU
    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU
    Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!
    Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!
    Bird on a Wire

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    Bird on a Wire
    RM 38

    RM 38

    4.8
    (74 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    This spot is the place to be in Waikiki! Definitely make a reservation because this place fills up…read morefast, especially later into the night. What surprised me most was how good the food was for the price. Usually spots with this kind of atmosphere rely on the drinks to carry the experience, but every dish actually delivered. The chicken karaage was crispy and packed with flavor, the beef takoyaki disappeared almost instantly, and the taro chips with mascarpone were such a unique combination. Between the cocktails, food, service, and atmosphere, everything just worked.

    We dropped by speakeasy RM 38 (Room 38) inside the Imperial Hotel on Lewers in Waikīkī. We were…read morevery glad we did. The owner is Steve Aoki, of Aoki Group, and son of daredevil and entrepreneur, Rocky Aoki. The staff were super nice. The brunette (Ellie?) working Sat, 4/25 was super friendly, and worked her ass off. The Azn fellow who also took care of us let us look at the bottles of special bourbon we drank: Four Roses & Blantons both tr the Aoki Collection. Regarding the ambiance its whimsical inside. I didn't look on the lanai, but I understand you can smoke cigars out there. The background music was jazz and the occasional Motown hit (Stylistics). My cuz who lives in Kaimukī has neva been to RM 38. I promised to add him to the res next time. Its a lot easier to get in vs another speakeasy in Chinatown, and its walking distance from where I always stay at the Moana.

    Photos
    Lounge area
    Lounge area
    Ahi
    Ahi
    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

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    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned
    Hideout

    Hideout

    4.2
    (1.4k reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    Great service and yummy food... Tucked away at the Laylow…read morehotel, is a chill restaurant with fun Hawaiian vibes. We started our vacation with dinner at the Hideout, and upon entering you could immediately hear live music. We received a warm welcome, and brought over to our booth where our server Kai was quick to greet us. We ordered cocktails (I don't remember the name of mine. It's something spritz, and my husband tried the banana bread old fashioned) and we shared the appetizer platter (brussel sprouts with pork belly, kalua pork egg rolls, poke tacos, and edamame)to share. We also ordered the garlic shrimp dumplings. Everything was super tasty. Lots of other items on the menu that I want to try during another visit to the island.

    I loved finding this spot! I looked at the coffee situation at my hotel (Hilton Garden Inn) and the…read morelack of anything but powered creamer (yuck) so immediately went on the hunt for something better. I initially tried the bakery directly across the street at the International Marketplace, but they didn't open until 7am. I began to walk towards a distant Starbucks I found on Google and noticed an active escalator and signage pointing towards the open Hideout at the Laylow. Advertising local coffee, I immediately took the ride upstairs and was greeted by two young ladies full of smiles and Aloha spirit! Being summertime and hot (even at 6am) I ordered a large iced latte and decided to drink it on their large open lanai. I'm glad I did. The breezes up there were perfect and watching the daylight get brighter with local birds chirping and fluttering about made for a very nice wake-up! This became my go-to stop every morning of my visit! I only ordered breakfast once and kept it low-carb so I had cheesy eggs and Portuguese sausage. Perfect and hit the spot. If staying at the Laylow (Marriott product) or close by, I'd recommend this as your morning wake-up as well! Enjoy!

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    Wonton Poke Tacos are great! Especially during happy hour.
    Wonton Poke Tacos are great! Especially during happy hour.
    Citrus Swell

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    Citrus Swell
    EP Bar

    EP Bar

    4.6
    (144 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    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 one this 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.

    Photos
    Sake also goes w vinyl. Hoyo Sawayaka, a Junmai from the oldest brewery in Miyagi, using a sake specific Kura No Hana varietal rice.
    Sake also goes w vinyl. Hoyo Sawayaka, a Junmai from the oldest brewery in Miyagi, using a sake specific Kura No Hana varietal rice.
    Marx making an old fashioned.
    Marx making an old fashioned.
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