Vintage Books at in Kaimukī was such a beautiful experience. Listening to live blues music while…read moreenjoying fabulous small dishes made the evening feel very special and unique. The atmosphere is cozy, warm, and inviting -- I felt like I was relaxing in someone's living room at home. The service was fast, and all of the waiters were very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend going there if you want to experience something special in Honolulu. Don't forget to make a reservation ahead of time because it can get busy. The live music is usually on Wednesdays, and it truly adds to the magic of the place.

Pau hana at Vintage Books with my friends! My friend chose this spot for us to hang out, and it…read moredefinitely felt like we were in a different era. She made reservations for us, which is recommended. You check in on the first floor and are then escorted into the speakeasy. I won't share much more, as one should experience it themselves. But the ambiance is dim, semi-private, on-theme, and cozy yet lively. There's a bar area as well as the dining area where we sat. Service was fine. We were checked on periodically, but the food did take quite some time to come out. We shared some pupus, off their happy hour menu. We got the Smashed Cucumbers, House Karaage, and Sinigang Fries. The cucumbers weren't spicy, even though they were listed as spicy. It was more oily, but still crisp and refreshing. The fries were perfect for snacking on, with a nice sour-savory flavor from the sinigang. The karaage was extremely big! Not too crispy like usual, but still meaty. We also asked for six, but only received five pieces. My friend got the Lamb Ribs as well, which fell off the bone, and she seemed to enjoy them. My other friend and I shared the Ulu Taco Flight. We chose Suadero, Pork Belly, and Seafood as our protein. I enjoyed the seafood; it was lobster. It was sweet and mild but nicely cooked. The aioli was a nice addition. The pork belly was fine; it was quite spicy, which was a bit overpowering. My friend who had the beef taco said the wagyu was great but also quite spicy. The tacos themselves were quite small for the price. Overall, if you're into speakeasies or curious, Vintage Books is worth a visit at least once. The food is creative, and the drinks are good. Glad I could come and hang out with my friends. Find them on the ground floor. Parking is validated in the building; give your ticket to the host.

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.

One of my favorite speakeasies, ever!…read more Located in a hotel with some seating indoors & the majority in their outdoor, covered patio. Island vibes. Our server was excellent! So sweet, friendly & gave us fantastic recs! I do not know if she was the only server for the entire outside because I did not see anyone else, but if she is, give the girl a raise! Cocktails were delicious & strong & they have something for everyone.

great food, GREAT drinks, great customer service, amazing atmosphere. and what other restaurant is…read moregiving free prosecco?!?! deck on TOP. local girl approved.

Great place for lunch with a nice view, tasty food, good service, island ambiance…read more Food 5/5 : We really enjoyed the French toast burger -delicious and a serving hearty enough for 2 o3 people. Sweet and savory together in a unique yummy preparation . The ricotta cheese pancake is a huge fluffy cloud and big enough to share. There are some nice mocktails also. Service: 5:5 Service was excellent thanks to our attentive, efficient, pleasant server, Patrick. Facility: 4/5 Island style. Open with ocean breezes, shaded and sunny tables, and a great view of Diamond Head . Only small poolside restrooms that also serve the pool, so be watchful of the wet floor. Parking is discounted hotel Valet parking starting at $10 -or you can park nearby on a shaded street and walk for a block or so, or park at the zoo. Location 5/5 conveniently located near the zoo and on the third floor in the hotel. This was a very positive dining experience and we would like to return soon. .

Legendary cocktail experience. My partner and I frequent a lot of top 50 bars across the world and…read moreBar Leather Apron operates at that level. The drinks are well balanced and have a lot of Japanese flavor influence (i.e shisho, matcha, yuzu). Presentation and breakdown of each drink component was exceptional; it is clear that the mixologists understand the nuances of their ingredients and the techniques they employ. Special shout out to Scotty for taking care of us tonight. Excited to come back again :)

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.

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.

I forgot to take a photo here but this place is pretty legendary and one of the cooler speakeasies…read moreI've been to. Super dope vending machine entrance and very interactive with the coin. The interior was also well designed but I wish our group was sat in a different area of the bar. We got sat in this one corner and it was dark with like translucent lights, kinda like Jinx's lair from Arcane. Idk just wished we sat somewhere else with more light and visibility of the bar. The drinks were pretty good. It's a large menu and honestly I wanted to try multiple drinks but can't be getting all drunk and stuff you know the vibes. Also I know it's unrelated to this establishment but it's next to a billiards hall and that was legendary. Great vibe, great place, highly recommend.

Super cool speakeasy in Ala Moana…read more It was a bit confusing on how to get here, but if your Lyft drops you off at 24 Hour Fitness, go up to the 2nd level, walk out into the parking garage & go across to Brian's. Brian's was an interesting vibe. There is security out front, dark, several pool tables, other sections I did not explore & then, Wild Orange. The entire area was kind of sketchy. Wild Orange, fortunately, was a cool spot. Friendly bartenders. Japanese inspired cocktails, anime & pinball machine art.

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.

The bar is very clean. the menu is not that diverse but extra point to the bartenders for…read moreadaptability *asking for drinks thats not on the menu but still making it* . The bartenders aren't too friendly/ talkative as it was busy. the bartenders were very aware and observant to all customers. gave me club vibes because of the Dj's song selection. tbh I expected a intimate cozy, low-lit ambience. total opposite but i wasn't mad.

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.

Super chill spot in Chinatown.......the ambiance, the music,…read morethe super cute and friendly bartender (Jen). And the most delicious cocktails ever. Highly recommend and should have taken some photo evidence, next time!

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.

Great Experience with Courtney!…read more Small 12 seat bar with a great vibe!! Run don't walk and make a reservation!

Stopped by this bar recently and really enjoyed the vibe. It's a nice, relaxing spot--perfect if…read moreyou're looking to unwind without a loud or crowded scene. The drinks were crafted well and tasted great. That said, it is definitely on the pricey side--two drinks came out to about $60, which might give you pause if you're planning to stay for multiple drinks. Overall, it's a good place for quality over quantity: great atmosphere and solid drinks. Service was great.