Great bar to enjoy a cocktail after a long meal at La Mer - you'll need help digesting!…read more The bar is short but its at table height, so comfy chairs, no bar stools, the bar tender walks down a few steps to be at eye level. They have their collection of specialty cocktails but I asked him to make me a Sazerac, 50/50 cognac/rye. It was superb.

4.5 stars Why did I…read moregive this place 4.5 stars? Because I didn't actually get to go inside. Now you're thinking, "What??" Yup, because there's a dress code in order to get in! For guys you need a dress shirt and slacks to get in so when I walked in with my sandals and tshirt I was turned away at the door (I had been out at the beach all day and didn't have any dress shirts or slacks or anything). Now you're thinking, "If you got turned away why are you giving this place a review??" Because even though I couldn't go inside, the person at the door told me I could sit in the lounge area outside and still be served. I wasn't going to say no because I knew I wanted to go here so I took that option. Now let's get into the real stuff. This place is on the second floor of Orchids and Lewers Lounge so you'll have to take the stairs or the elevator to get there. Yes, the cocktails are pricey but you're not just paying for the drink; you're paying for an experience. Each of their $24 cocktails come with an appetizer/pairing. You can switch it out for another if you want but this is just their suggested pairing. My first pairing was the Hemingway old fashioned which comes with marinated mushroom and onion. I thought the old fashioned was good but I remember eating the appetizer and then taking a sip of the drink and saying out loud, "That just changed the flavor of the old fashioned." The appetizer was more acidic and sour and after having that coated around my mouth it made the old fashioned sweeter and not as bitter or sour. That just took me by surprise and realized just why they are the way they are. My second pairing was the halekulani cocktail which comes with vegetable brunoise with Ibérico Gelee Cream of Bacon. I feel like a lot of the juices in the cocktail overpower the taste of the whiskey even though the whiskey is what makes this cocktail special. After eating the vegetable brunoise the tropical flavors in the drink come out a lot more. My server told me that the whiskey is from Elijah Craig who makes this bourbon specifically for them and this drink. It also contains some 1950s bourbon so it really is a special drink. I love that one of the waiters came out to chat with me for a little bit. We talked about why I was visiting and where I was visiting from. We spoke about our travels and his travels to the Pacific Northwest like Seattle's Canon and Portland's Multnomah Whiskey Library (those are both some of my favorite bars ever and if you've never been, bookmark those for your next visit). It was unnecessary for him to do that but he did it anyway and I just think that speaks to the experience they want to provide their guests, regardless of whether they're inside or outside. A part of me thinks a part of the complete experience is lost because I was unable to actually have a drink inside the bar. I have no doubt that had I been allowed to go in this would be an absolutely great 5 star experience. I got that top-notch service even sitting outside and I know I would've gotten that perfect atmosphere inside. I still wish to this day I could've gotten in the door but I guess that's for another day. You bet if I'm going back to Oahu I'll be bringing a lot of t-shirts and shorts and one nice outfit just for this place.

This is the best bar I've ever been to, the Peppermint Bar, the bartender is very friendly and it's…read moregreat vibe.

AMA is Amazing! Serious mixology expertise - makes a mean Manhattan and moves with grace and speed…read more Also the setting is a perfect U shaped bar that encourages chatter and making new friends! I am back in 2 weeks and excited to end my nights here, with AMA and her amazing concoctions!

The frozen piña colada was perfect! The swings at this bar are so fun to enjoy a drink poolside and…read moreget a tan or cool off! We also got chops and salsa, the salsa was a little different than what we were expecting but still enjoyable. We wish we tried the chips and ceviche though!

Heyday is a pool Tiki bar that is part of the White Sands hotel. We were staying at the hotel, so…read morewe went to several happy hours. Heyday has a good happy hour of drinks and food options. They also have swing seats around the bar. It is a fun, chill place, it has an oasis feel in busy Waikīkī. They also have live music, a DJ, and I heard they host events. I will note that their "cocktail of the day" was the same the entire week we were there.

The venue is amazing! The service, food and drinks are on point! One of the best things about Pink…read moreRabbit is the music when @djdiz is playing. Old School, New School and everything in between. He plays for his crowd! And most weekends there's no cover. Can't beat that!

This bar is a hidden gem right behind Walmart Keeaumoku. They make great cocktails, and the best…read morepart is the private area and karaoke room. It's perfect for a fun night out.

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 his 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.

Intimate and classy jazz bar in Waikiki. Amazing live entertainment every Tuesday - Saturday. I…read morehate drinking coffee, but the espresso martini was pretty good. The drink is on a stronger side. My last visit, they gave us complimentary salted seeds and mixed honey nuts to pair with our drinks. They also have complimentary valet parking, all you have to do is tip the driver.

Lovely anniversary evening here. Came for the live jazz music and they were stellar as usual. The…read moreambiance is lovely and service excellent Why I demoted them a star was the pretty cocktails I saw in Yelp are gone. There's no: "Moonglow" (Benny Goodman) or "That was my heart" (honor to Ella Fitzgerald), so I asked for my favorite aperitif, "Dubonnet" , no. But, they came up with my other favorite, sambuca Mist. I have to agree with another reviewer that the French baguette served with the charcuterie was hard as could be and inedible. I did not enjoy the choice of cheeses as they were both of the same hard boring tastes, unimaginative, mix it up. They olives should be pitted. The tiramisu dessert was very delicious, even though very small, but expected--after all its fine dining. I have no other way to tell new manager to up their game in the food and beverage department. Just wouldn't expect Halekulani to slip in these departments. Also, manager never came around or was seen checking in his or her patrons, not very 5 star there. Just being honest. The complimentary valet parking was exceptional. Thank you for a very enjoyable evening.

We stayed in this hotel for a couple nights at the end of the trip and this bar was in the lobby…read more The bartender was fantastic, but I know she had recently lost her cool so there wasn't any food. Drinks are typical "college" bar drinks I would say, no special cocktails or mixology going on, but she did have some top shelf liquor and would make whatever you wanted. Perfect spot for a nightcap, especially if you're staying in the area.

Place is cute There is no food after management changed…read more Hours are weird, and it more of a hotel bar than a bar and grill.

Grabbed a quick drink at this bar inside Stix Foodhall. Bartender didn't seem very knowledgeable…read more Prices were ok.

Not sure if it's true that Shanghai Bar is closed or not, but if they are, it must have happened…read morepretty recently since one of my buddies was just here not too long ago. Assuming they are, though, it's a shame! While our experience here was pretty uneven, we still thought it was a pretty decent spot to grab a relaxed nightcap! Located just off the center of the Stix Asia food court (right by Matsuri and Shingen) and in the middle of one end of the food hall, Shanghai Bar was about as casual and small of a cocktail bar you'll find. Yet, despite how simple it looked, their drink menu certainly wasn't lacking in options. As their name suggests, a good portion of their cocktails, spirits, and beers had Asian influences (tons of Asian whiskeys!) and even featured a boozy boba (and non-alcoholic boba). What's more, they also had a relatively robust mix of food offerings, including a variety of appetizers, noodles, and soup (I think this is a sister eatery to Honolulu Noodle Company that's also in the food hall). -- TEQUILA P.O.G. - Tequila, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Guava Juice, Simple Syrup, Sprite, Grenadine, Lime...$18 Even though the taste of this was a little fruitier than I expected, this was still pretty solid. The POG was refreshing, the tartness of the lime helped to cut the sweetness, and the pour of tequila was just right. -- SHANGHAI MAI TAI - Rum, Agave, Guava, Pineapple. Lime, Cherry, Lemon...$18 Of everything we had, this might have been my favorite. Between the guava, pineapple, and lime, this had a fruity element to it, but unlike the P.O.G., it wasn't super fruity. The pour on this one felt more than fair too, which was nice. -- MOJITO IN SHANGHAI - Rum, Lychee, Mint, Soda...$18 This is what we ordered, but I didn't even realize until now that what we got was more like a regular mojito. Still, what we did get was pretty good. Although it tasted a little sweeter than a normal mojito, I liked the bit of tartness and minty flavor it had. -- HOKU MULE - Hakuto Japanese Gin, Fresh Shiso, Lemon, Ginger Beer...$18 This was kind of a bummer and I'm partly to blame. Since they were out of ginger beer, I took the bartender's offer to use bitters instead of changing my order. Initially, this started off fine, and the overall taste was pretty good, but the bitters got to be a bit overwhelming. Similar to how we didn't notice that our Mojito in Shanghai looked very different from the photos in the menu and on Yelp, we also realized much later that our Shanghai Mai Tai was also served differently (it was missing the toothpick with the cherry and lime). Not as significant of a change, as they were more of a garnish, but still worth noting, as it was something else about our drinks that didn't match up. As much as we thoroughly enjoyed the more casual vibe here (as opposed to some of the more congested bars nearby), it's definitely offset by our drinks. Regardless of the fact that we mostly enjoyed what we had, it's hard to overlook the fact that only one matched up to what was listed on the menu. If nothing else, I can't help but wonder how much better they could've been! Not that it seems to matter anymore if Shanghai Bar truly is gone. Oh what could've been... THREE AND A HALF STARS rounded down.