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    Pigeonhole

    5.0 (23 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 1 week ago

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    Beef pastrami pancake
    Candice L.

    10 out of 10 experience. Not sure how I did not know this place has been open for the past two months. The ambience is great with a mix of outdoor and indoor seating. The staff is super friendly and the drinks are uniquely delicious. I want to go back and try everything on the menu. The beef pastrami pancake was filling yet not overly greasy. It was very well balanced, and I highly recommend. The cocktail selection was vast and all inspired by food dishes, which actually came forward in the drinks, allowing them to still be boozy in the right ways. Don't sleep on the spot.

    Ahi Tuna infused Vodka!
    Stefanie C.

    Pigeonhole is one of the newest additions to Downtown/Chinatown Honolulu, and after weeks of exploring the neighborhood's food and bar scene, this spot kept coming up; everyone in the industry recommended it. So of course, we had to check it out. We went last Saturday night with coworkers and friends, and wow, what an incredible place to have in the neighborhood. The vibe is very low-key and minimal when it comes to decor, but that's clearly intentional because the real focus here is the drinks: and it shows. Every single cocktail on the menu comes with a story, which makes the whole experience feel even more special and intentional. The flavor profiles are thoughtful, unexpected, and seriously mind-blowing. My favorite was the Forbidden Sushi; and yes, it tastes exactly like it sounds (in the best way possible). Not fishy at all, but you get these incredible notes of seaweed and rice vinegar that somehow work perfectly in a cocktail. It's made with macchu pisco, cowboy yamahai sake, honeydew, lychee-wasabi shrub, ginger, yuzu, fish sauce, cucumber bitters, lemon, and soda... and it all comes together in a way that's just amazing. They also offer wine and beers if craft cocktails aren't your thing, plus some light snacks to go along with your drinks. And the bartenders? Not only do they clearly know exactly what they're doing, but they're also some of the friendliest souls. The best part of the night was that so many of the bartenders, servers, and industry folks who had recommended the place actually showed up after their shifts, recognized us, and came over to say hi. It truly made my night. Thank y'all for making me feel at home even when I am so far away from home! If you're into creative cocktails and unique experiences, this spot is a must.

    Leslie D.

    I recently checked out Pigeonhole, and it's easily one of the most exciting new cocktail bars in Chinatown. First off, the concept is strong and it makes sense once you find out the two owners previously worked at Fête. You can tell there's a culinary foundation behind everything here, even though it presents as a laid-back cocktail bar with small bites. The cocktail menu is one of the most creative I've seen in Honolulu. Each drink comes with its own unique flavor profile and a thoughtful description or story, which makes ordering feel like an experience. We only tried their mocktails but even those were incredibly well done. We had a matcha-forward drink that was balanced, earthy, and not overly sweet, and a michelada-style mocktail that was honestly one of the best non-alcoholic drinks I've ever had--savory, tangy, and super refreshing). The food menu is small but intentional, with a lot of Asian-inspired bites that feel elevated. The green onion pancake was a standout, crispy, flavorful, and perfect with drinks. And don't sleep on the curly fries, they come with this hoisin-ketchup situation that sounds simple but is ridiculously good. I also love that they take classic bar snacks, like popcorn, and elevate them in a way that still feels fun and new. Beyond the food and drinks, the branding and atmosphere deserve a shoutout. Their marketing is so well thought out from the maroon color palette to the neon pigeon sign, custom matchboxes, and even cool T-shirts. Everything ties back to the "P" and pigeon theme in a way that feels modern, cohesive, and honestly very aesthetic. The space itself strikes a really nice balance; it's casual enough to just drop in, but with subtle touches that give it a more elevated, almost fine-dining-adjacent feel. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great spot whether you're starting your night or just hanging out. Overall, Pigeonhole feels like a fresh, thoughtful addition to Chinatown. Even without trying the alcoholic cocktails, we were genuinely impressed and I already can't wait to go back and experience the full menu.

    Hapa Baby Bistro
    Mari D.

    A lovely new addition to Chinatown, Pidgeonhole is everything you could want in a modern bar! Theresa and Harry have done a wonderful job of turning this cute lil space into a hip and cool bar--complete with delicious drinks and yummy bites. There's indoor and outdoor seating that are both giving vibes. Service is quick and friendly--very knowledgeable about all the different drinks that they offer. Their menu is absolutely adorable, showcasing specialty drinks that tell the story of how Pigeonhole came to be! My favorite of the night was their Hapa Baby Bistro. If you're feeling nonalcoholic, their Papakolea was also very delicious. 10/10 would definitely recommend!!

    Chicken Wing $17
    Jackie W.

    Located in Chinatown on Smith Street, closer to Smith Park area. You seat yourself and the waiter/waitress will go to you. There's table and bar seating, outdoor and indoor seating. Inside there's 1 bathroom but it's shared (men/women)-I don't love that it's shared. I heard there was another bathroom outside I think. Food was decently priced. The curly fires were crisp and came with a hoisin ketchup. The ketchup was good- different! The chicken wings are must! It almost tastes like it has oyster sauce on it but it's a honey glazed soy sauce. The chicken itself were big pieces. Lots of meat, little to no fat. Drinks were all good. This is a trendy and cool spot to hangout. The decorations are to theme with the bar name. You'll definitely want to check this place out. Our waiter Chris provided good service. All the waiters were very nice.

    Ho lee phuc
    Michelle N.

    Stopped in to grab some drinks for a Friday pau hana and check out this new cocktail spot. Located in the former Tlaxcalli (miss their food) space. Greeted warmly, our server helped us push a table together so we could seat 5. Ordered the following drinks Queens pog swizzle- pretty to look at and easy to drink. A crowd favorite Hapa baby bistro - my 2nd favorite. I love beets and you can taste it in the drink. Also an easier drink to sip. Ho lee phuc- an unique drink, also picture worthy. Husband wished it had a stronger pho flavor. Tlaxcalli- the baby corn on top was sweet. I liked it but not a favorite because not a huge fan of mezcal. Forbidden sushi- this was also really good and easy to drink. Liked the subtle honeydew taste. Negreeni - must be a gin fan for this. Im not so the sip i took was just ok to me. Punch list - on the stronger side compared to the other drinks I tried. Still very tasty. Sweet one shot - delicious and enjoyed it. Kimchi olives- tasty and good with the drinks Deviled tea eggs - came with 4 halves (2 whole eggs). And they were super good, I wanted more. Definitely wanna come back to try the other foods like curly fries and wings. Also the dirty kine drink.

    Elizabeth S.

    10/10 favorite bar on Oahu for sure! All the drinks were so inventive and still grounded in incredible technique so they didn't sacrifice delicious flavor just to deliver something new and innovative. I had the hapa baby bistro and it blew me away, being sweet but balanced with the beet flavors (which were so unique and unlike anything I had before)! The food was incredible too, I loved the pastrami scallion pancake dish! The place had great ambience, too, so hip. I wish I could come back and try all the drinks. Until next time! I wish this new spot all the best, love from LA!

    They even have pisco sours!!! I was very happy to order this; it made my day :)
    Mireya M.

    Omg pigeonhole, such a good gem to come upon on! I love everything from the drinks to the ambience. The crew were so welcoming from arrival, even the service was great with my waiter. Gosh, I forgot that young man's name :/ but overall, definitely a place you have to check out.

    Here is the talented team and owners!
    Isaiah G.

    This is the coolest new bar in China Town! The staff and owners are so lovely. Please make sure you pop into this spot and support them! Great cocktail list. They did a wonderful job with the remodeling looks great inside. See you again soon!

    Pigeonhole is such a vibe. Cozy bar, great energy, and delicious cocktails !! Also a super cute outdoor area which I LOVE. Fresh, balanced, and beautifully done. We grabbed a few small plates and everything was so flavorful (clean plates all around). For drinks, we loved the Hapa Baby Bistro, queens Pog Swizzle, forbidden sushi, and tourist trap. For pupus, the tea eggs, pastrami pancake (YUM!!) and the fries. Perfect little Chinatown spot for a chill night out. Definitely coming back.

    Menu

    I've been to Pigeonhole three times since they opened and I absolutely love it. The drink menu has such a wide variety and there's honestly something for every palate. I explored a little and found my new favorite drink in town. The chicken wings and the kimchi olives should not be overlooked because they broke da mouth, so ono. And meeting the owners, literally the sweetest couple, you can truly tell they put their heart into everything they do. They're focused on creating a genuine community space with amazing food and service

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    Ask the Community - Pigeonhole

    Vintage Books - Flight of tacos (@miguelmoralesphotography on Instagram)

    Vintage Books

    4.4(178 reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $$$
    Gluten-free friendly
    Romantic vibe

    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.

    Photos
    Vintage Books - Bar & lounge

    Bar & lounge

    Vintage Books - Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako

    Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako

    Vintage Books - Crispy Lamb Ribs

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    Crispy Lamb Ribs

    Bar Leather Apron - Japan old fashioned

    Bar Leather Apron

    4.5(474 reviews)
    0.3 miDowntown
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Bar Leather Apron - View from our seat

    View from our seat

    Bar Leather Apron - Matcha old fashioned

    Matcha old fashioned

    Bar Leather Apron - Japan

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    Japan

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    4.5(48 reviews)
    1.6 miAla Moana

    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
    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - SPRING COCKTAIL MENU

    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!

    Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - Bird on a Wire

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    Bird on a Wire

    RM 38 - Snack

    RM 38

    4.8(72 reviews)
    3.1 miWaikiki
    $$

    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
    RM 38 - Lounge area

    Lounge area

    RM 38 - Ahi

    Ahi

    RM 38 - Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

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    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

    EP Bar - Mocktails (2 of the 3 available)

    EP Bar

    4.6(141 reviews)
    0.1 miDowntown
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    EP Bar - 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.

    EP Bar - Marx making an old fashioned.

    Marx making an old fashioned.

    EP Bar - Inside

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    Inside

    Pigeonhole - cocktailbars - Updated June 2026

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