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What a great little place...and very tricky. The entrance was interesting and I thought it was so small when we entered, but behind the closed door a very different space! The hostess was so sweet! This was my first time. My Hawaii posse was already there. We had a great table for all of us. Our server was very good! She checked on us without being intrusive which is perfect for a "speakeasy." Loved my old fashion! The food was delicious too! I know we got the karaage chicken which was nice and crispy. The lamb ribs were very good. But I was not ordering the food, it just came out...LOL! There were a number of people there on a Sunday evening. We spoke to the manager and he explained the concept and what they were doing which is really good for the area. Kaimuki is really becoming a cool destination for food and drinks. Looking forward to coming back. Reservations are highly recommended. Mahalo Vintage!
I really wanted to like this place, but I was disappointed on my first visit for dinner with a group of friends. The moody speakeasy vibe was cool and our server was friendly, but the problem is nothing on the menu is very appealing or affordable. I decided to gamble on the 3 taco flight. Mexican food in Hawaii is always a gamble, but these were the worst tacos I've ever had in my life. They were comically small and, unfortunately, quite disgusting. Especially the tortilla, which was made from ulu and tasted like oily construction paper. The presentation was pretty underwhelming as well and did not include any salsa or hot sauce. When asked, the server offered Tabasco. Really?! But the real crime was the $27 price tag. We're all used to Hawaii prices, but come on. How can you charge NINE DOLLARS per tiny taco with a straight face? The drinks I had were ok, but nothing super memorable. Loved the vibe and I could see this place really popping off if they overhauled the menu. Until then, it's a pass for me.
Pau hana at Vintage Books with my friends! My friend chose this spot for us to hang out, and it definitely 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.
Incredible Speakeasy in Kaimuki. It's a great place for a girls night out or a casual going out dinner. They had live music the night we were there which added an elevated night out experience. We ordered drinks and had truffle fries as an appetizer to share. The Mushroom Rice Cake was delicious but filling. The highlight was definitely the Ulu Taco Flight (Suadero, Pork Belly, Cochinita Pibil) the flavors were amazing and so unique. Parking is easy on the building and they validate. I've been seeing a lot of different events and speciality menu items on their instagram so I will be back to try those out!
Cutest little speakeasy in a small bookshop its behind the door. The tacos were to die for sooo good. I haven't had tacos out here that remind me of my home in AZ. I will be coming back for just that. A little on the pricey side for food but thats a speakeasy for you. They have great spirit free options so if you're sober you can still enjoy the speakeasy experience.
Reservations made for a Sunday night 6:30. Pleasantly greeted at the door then the experience begins behind the book store. Clean store front and overall friendly staff members. Ordered a bunch of items with family style . The Suedero Wagyu tacos were flavorful and tender, mushroom rice cakes with shimeji and shiitake mushrooms were so yummy and a different spin to the ttoekbokki, kalbi steak was cooked to perfection for us (medium rare) and the cowboy salad was sooooo tasty with a Vietnamese spin. As for drinks, meet cute and Yuzu sour was perfectly balanced (not too sweet or sour). Can't wait to come back to try more specialty cocktails. Ambiance was a chill vibe and classy place. Will be back soon to try other dishes!
Vintage Books at in Kaimukī was such a beautiful experience. Listening to live blues music while enjoying 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.
My fiance loves jazz music, so I thought Vintage Books would be the perfect spot for our anniversary 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.
I cannot state how much I love Vintage Books and the staff here! It's always a 10/10 for me and recently they've had a bunch of new fun activities like tequila + taco Tuesdays, girl dinners with martinis, live music, and so much more. I had a chance to listen to the live band and it was so vibey and a perfect place to decompress but also have fun with friends! This time I tried new food options and THEY WERE DELICIOUS!! So listen up and take notes because these were must have bites! For drinks I got a tequila espresso martini and the legend of nearest green. I'm a sucker for well balanced old fashions and this hit the spot It was nutty, balanced, not too sweet, and dangerously drinkable. A grown-up old fashioned that you literally can't stop sipping. For food I had the following: * Tomato Salad - I don't even like tomatoes like that but decided to venture out and try something new and I did NOT think tomatoes could taste like this ! Caramelized garlic, ginger, shallots, fried curry leaves... it's sweet, savory, and spicy. I'm not joking when I say you MUST order this. * Island Farmer Salad - It looks so simple but please do not underestimate her. So fresh, so vibrant, that Burmese trail mix moment? Obsessed. * Tacos + Flights - this time around I got 1 kalua pig + 2 shrimp specials. The ulu tortillas NEVER miss. Soft, chewy (in the best way), warm, unique, and dense. Portions felt slightly smaller than last time but flavor is elite. * Sinigang Fries - once you start, you cannot stop. I literally dare you to try these fries because I guarantee you haven't tried them like this before. Go now, I'm serious! Also huge shoutout to Rick for always making my experience literally one of a kind, and also Tasha for being the best server. I'd honestly just come for the service, it's that good!
Located in the old 3660 restaurant. Looks like a "bookstore" until you go past the front "door" into another world in the back. Parking is in the building underground. The menu had unique flavor combinations like bacon curry, or the grits was interesting too, i loved it but if you're not adventurous you can just order the bacon and eggs breakfast plate. Service was good, it wasn't very busy for a Sunday morning. I can't wait to come back for dinner, this is such a cute place.
Attended a Read to Me International book reading event here. It was our first time. It is a speak easy with cozy seating and a bar. The ambience is chill and moody. Our server was great! She was very attentive and helpful with explaining the menu. We got the chicken karaage as our starter. It was a good portion size and tasted good with the fresh lemon and dipping sauce. My husband ordered the prime rib it came with a side of arugula salad and thin crispy fries. He said it was one of the best steaks he's had in a while. He enjoyed the salad and fries as well. I ordered the farmers market salad with mozzarella cheese. It is a shareable portion as many of their items are meant to be shared but I ate it all. It was very filling, fresh, and nicely seasoned with exotic spices. We also ordered their orange mocktail it was delicious! They have brunch every weekend. We will try that next. This is a nice replacement to 3660 on the rise.
The food and service were two-thumbs up! Can't wait to come back again! Must Try Items: -Farmers Salad - really tasty, but be careful bc the Brazilian trail mix is extremely crunchy - Lamb Ribs!!!! - if you love lamb, you cannot miss out on this. Softest, fall-of-the-bone lamb I've ever eaten. - Kohana Rum Hot Chocolate!!!! - it tastes so wonderful at the end of a meal with a glass of red wine. Don't knock it till you try it We sat at the bar in the back which was tiny (seats about 6 people) but soooo worth it! The bartender, Gavino, was so friendly, helpful, and attentive that he really made our first time dining there amazing. He recommended the lamb ribs and hot chocolate, which we are so glad he did! Ambiance..... very pretty! It really had a classy speakeasy feel. It can be a bit dark unless you sit on the bar. Also, there are lounging/couch seating that look fun and comfy for having a few drinks with friends. However, I was told by a family member, who sat on the couches on another occasion, it was challenging to comfortably eat a full meal seated there. If going for the food, recommended to sit at the bar or regular tables. Would highly recommend to family and friends!
This brought me back to my Scholastic book fair days. Really loved the waiting area library design, I wonder where they got these vintage books. Interior was super cool, live music (I think?), and really pretty Christmas decorations. Drinks were pretty decent and the Christmas themed drinks were cool as well. Food was good, karage was super fat pieces and an interesting take on the tteokbokki. Overall vibey, kinda lowk, kinda niche, kinda performative, the perfect mix for a speakeasy.
I love finding places that feel like a hidden discovery, and the speakeasy inside Vintage Books Hawaiʻi is exactly that. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels warm, intimate, and welcoming. There's something special about enjoying a thoughtfully crafted cocktail surrounded by books, vintage décor, and a neighborhood vibe that feels completely different from the typical bar scene. Everyone from the host to the servers, treat you like you are a VIP... What I appreciated most was how relaxed everything felt. It wasn't overly crowded or loud, making it easy to have a conversation and actually enjoy the experience. The cocktails were well-balanced, creative, and clearly made with care. This is the kind of place that's perfect for a date night, catching up with friends, or simply unwinding after a long week. It feels like one of those hidden gems that locals hope stays under the radar, but is too good not to share. If you're looking for something unique and a little different from the usual nightlife options, I highly recommend checking it out. I'll definitely be back. read more
3 days ago
I decided to pop in and try their brunch menu. There is validated parking in the building it's located or you can do street parking. I was a little surprised when I entered, it's very cute and it looks like a book shop. The hostess walked us through into the hidden bar and then into the hidden restaurant. The ambiance is very vintage LOL. We ordered a bunch of items off the menu because we observed the food coming out for other tables and the portions looked small. And honestly, they are small for the price you pay. They all tasted amazing, but it didn't blow me away enough for me to say I'd go back for the brunch. The service was also subpar because they barely checked in on us and we had to wait the longest time to get a water refill. I may go back to try the dinner and maybe the drinks and hopefully it will be better. read more
20 days ago
What a great little place...and very tricky. The entrance was interesting and I thought it was so small when we entered, but behind the closed door a very different space! The hostess was so sweet! This was my first time. My Hawaii posse was already there. We had a great table for all of us. Our server was very good! She checked on us without being intrusive which is perfect for a "speakeasy." Loved my old fashion! The food was delicious too! I know we got the karaage chicken which was nice and crispy. The lamb ribs were very good. But I was not ordering the food, it just came out...LOL! There were a number of people there on a Sunday evening. We spoke to the manager and he explained the concept and what they were doing which is really good for the area. Kaimuki is really becoming a cool destination for food and drinks. Looking forward to coming back. Reservations are highly recommended. Mahalo Vintage! read more
I really wanted to like this place, but I was disappointed on my first visit for dinner with a group of friends. The moody speakeasy vibe was cool and our server was friendly, but the problem is nothing on the menu is very appealing or affordable. I decided to gamble on the 3 taco flight. Mexican food in Hawaii is always a gamble, but these were the worst tacos I've ever had in my life. They were comically small and, unfortunately, quite disgusting. Especially the tortilla, which was made from ulu and tasted like oily construction paper. The presentation was pretty underwhelming as well and did not include any salsa or hot sauce. When asked, the server offered Tabasco. Really?! But the real crime was the $27 price tag. We're all used to Hawaii prices, but come on. How can you charge NINE DOLLARS per tiny taco with a straight face? The drinks I had were ok, but nothing super memorable. Loved the vibe and I could see this place really popping off if they overhauled the menu. Until then, it's a pass for me. read more
Pau hana at Vintage Books with my friends! My friend chose this spot for us to hang out, and it definitely 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. read more
Incredible Speakeasy in Kaimuki. It's a great place for a girls night out or a casual going out dinner. They had live music the night we were there which added an elevated night out experience. We ordered drinks and had truffle fries as an appetizer to share. The Mushroom Rice Cake was delicious but filling. The highlight was definitely the Ulu Taco Flight (Suadero, Pork Belly, Cochinita Pibil) the flavors were amazing and so unique. Parking is easy on the building and they validate. I've been seeing a lot of different events and speciality menu items on their instagram so I will be back to try those out! read more
Cutest little speakeasy in a small bookshop its behind the door. The tacos were to die for sooo good. I haven't had tacos out here that remind me of my home in AZ. I will be coming back for just that. A little on the pricey side for food but thats a speakeasy for you. They have great spirit free options so if you're sober you can still enjoy the speakeasy experience. read more
Reservations made for a Sunday night 6:30. Pleasantly greeted at the door then the experience begins behind the book store. Clean store front and overall friendly staff members. Ordered a bunch of items with family style . The Suedero Wagyu tacos were flavorful and tender, mushroom rice cakes with shimeji and shiitake mushrooms were so yummy and a different spin to the ttoekbokki, kalbi steak was cooked to perfection for us (medium rare) and the cowboy salad was sooooo tasty with a Vietnamese spin. As for drinks, meet cute and Yuzu sour was perfectly balanced (not too sweet or sour). Can't wait to come back to try more specialty cocktails. Ambiance was a chill vibe and classy place. Will be back soon to try other dishes! read more
2 months ago
Vintage Books at in Kaimukī was such a beautiful experience. Listening to live blues music while enjoying 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. read more
29 days ago
My fiance loves jazz music, so I thought Vintage Books would be the perfect spot for our anniversary 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. read more
I cannot state how much I love Vintage Books and the staff here! It's always a 10/10 for me and recently they've had a bunch of new fun activities like tequila + taco Tuesdays, girl dinners with martinis, live music, and so much more. I had a chance to listen to the live band and it was so vibey and a perfect place to decompress but also have fun with friends! This time I tried new food options and THEY WERE DELICIOUS!! So listen up and take notes because these were must have bites! For drinks I got a tequila espresso martini and the legend of nearest green. I'm a sucker for well balanced old fashions and this hit the spot It was nutty, balanced, not too sweet, and dangerously drinkable. A grown-up old fashioned that you literally can't stop sipping. For food I had the following: * Tomato Salad - I don't even like tomatoes like that but decided to venture out and try something new and I did NOT think tomatoes could taste like this ! Caramelized garlic, ginger, shallots, fried curry leaves... it's sweet, savory, and spicy. I'm not joking when I say you MUST order this. * Island Farmer Salad - It looks so simple but please do not underestimate her. So fresh, so vibrant, that Burmese trail mix moment? Obsessed. * Tacos + Flights - this time around I got 1 kalua pig + 2 shrimp specials. The ulu tortillas NEVER miss. Soft, chewy (in the best way), warm, unique, and dense. Portions felt slightly smaller than last time but flavor is elite. * Sinigang Fries - once you start, you cannot stop. I literally dare you to try these fries because I guarantee you haven't tried them like this before. Go now, I'm serious! Also huge shoutout to Rick for always making my experience literally one of a kind, and also Tasha for being the best server. I'd honestly just come for the service, it's that good! read more
Business owner information
Bill T.
Aloha, Diana! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience…
Located in the old 3660 restaurant. Looks like a "bookstore" until you go past the front "door" into another world in the back. Parking is in the building underground. The menu had unique flavor combinations like bacon curry, or the grits was interesting too, i loved it but if you're not adventurous you can just order the bacon and eggs breakfast plate. Service was good, it wasn't very busy for a Sunday morning. I can't wait to come back for dinner, this is such a cute place. read more
Attended a Read to Me International book reading event here. It was our first time. It is a speak easy with cozy seating and a bar. The ambience is chill and moody. Our server was great! She was very attentive and helpful with explaining the menu. We got the chicken karaage as our starter. It was a good portion size and tasted good with the fresh lemon and dipping sauce. My husband ordered the prime rib it came with a side of arugula salad and thin crispy fries. He said it was one of the best steaks he's had in a while. He enjoyed the salad and fries as well. I ordered the farmers market salad with mozzarella cheese. It is a shareable portion as many of their items are meant to be shared but I ate it all. It was very filling, fresh, and nicely seasoned with exotic spices. We also ordered their orange mocktail it was delicious! They have brunch every weekend. We will try that next. This is a nice replacement to 3660 on the rise. read more
The food and service were two-thumbs up! Can't wait to come back again! Must Try Items: -Farmers Salad - really tasty, but be careful bc the Brazilian trail mix is extremely crunchy - Lamb Ribs!!!! - if you love lamb, you cannot miss out on this. Softest, fall-of-the-bone lamb I've ever eaten. - Kohana Rum Hot Chocolate!!!! - it tastes so wonderful at the end of a meal with a glass of red wine. Don't knock it till you try it We sat at the bar in the back which was tiny (seats about 6 people) but soooo worth it! The bartender, Gavino, was so friendly, helpful, and attentive that he really made our first time dining there amazing. He recommended the lamb ribs and hot chocolate, which we are so glad he did! Ambiance..... very pretty! It really had a classy speakeasy feel. It can be a bit dark unless you sit on the bar. Also, there are lounging/couch seating that look fun and comfy for having a few drinks with friends. However, I was told by a family member, who sat on the couches on another occasion, it was challenging to comfortably eat a full meal seated there. If going for the food, recommended to sit at the bar or regular tables. Would highly recommend to family and friends! read more
6 months ago
This brought me back to my Scholastic book fair days. Really loved the waiting area library design, I wonder where they got these vintage books. Interior was super cool, live music (I think?), and really pretty Christmas decorations. Drinks were pretty decent and the Christmas themed drinks were cool as well. Food was good, karage was super fat pieces and an interesting take on the tteokbokki. Overall vibey, kinda lowk, kinda niche, kinda performative, the perfect mix for a speakeasy. read more
3 months ago
Wow! What a beautiful hidden Speak Easy restaurant! The decor is beautiful, restaurant is spacious, service is excellent and they don't skimp on the alcohol ! My daughter brought me in just so I could see what it looked like. We ordered cocktails and sat to enjoy the ambiance for a bit. I plan to come back and bring my girlfriends so we can enjoy a night out on this side of the island (Kaimuki). We all live on the west side and had not heard of this beautiful gem of a place. The bookstore front is so unassuming and small. But then you inform them you are there for the speak easy and they lead you in the back hall and behind one of the doors, it opens to a beautiful private restaurant. Although I have yet to dine, I could tell by the customers faces, they were all enjoying their meal. I can't wait to get back on island soon. read more
The cutest little speakeasy with delicious drinks and good desserts. This place is a bit pricey, but you're paying for the ambiance and we had fun going as for evening drinks and desserts. We shared a tiramisu, chocolate creme brûlée, and their matcha dessert special. The matcha one was by far our favorite, and we ended up getting 2 of them. It was also very easy to pay and split - they have a QR code system where you can assign items to specific people and split the bill without inconveniencing the servers. Plus, there's free validated parking for the building. I would come back here for drinks and snacks with friends again. read more
Located in the former 3660 on the Rise, validated parking downstairs. Went for brunch Sun Dec 27 and enjoyed the entrance filled with books - some very old - some from small kid time. Walk through door into a bar area, then through another door to the restaurant part with yet another bar. It was beautifully decorated for the holidays and tables are nicely spaced, some with clusters of chairs/table for easy conversation. We were lucky to get TASHA as our server! She was good fun, efficient, checked back as necessary but didn't intrude on our concession, and timed evening perfectly. We started with the flight of mimosas. They had run out of mango juice so she suggested regular mimosa with OJ and it was freshly squeezed so that was nice! Everything from the cocktails to food we ordered was delicious and didn't disappoint. Prices were reasonable for the food / serving and the cocktail prices were what one would expect and in keeping with other places of this genre. Vintage Books is a special place for special occasions or just a cool place to chill. We shall definitely return! read more
This quaint little step back in time is wonderful place to spend a relaxing meal with your family or a good friend the ambience is authentic speakeasy and is currently decorated for Christmas and is quite cozy. The chef is amazing. His food is fantastic! And he came to my table personally to ask about my particular food allergy. One particular plate in our order wasn't prepared quite to our specifications and they fixed it immediately. They also have some lovely specialty drinks both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. But be prepared to spend a pretty penny. As the high quality of ingredients and cooking talent comes with a price tag. But totally worth it!! read more
A fun concept. You go from the bookstore facade to the "private collection." Their holiday decorations made it look like we were at Hogwarts! They have a well stocked bar and some fun craft cocktails (especially if you like rum...which I don't). Service was very attentive and the servers were knowledgeable and helpful. All of the dishes were well executed. The Korean rice cake (mochi) dish was one of our favorites. read more
Vintage Bookstore ***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ***** Food: ***** Value: **** Menu: *** Ambiance: ***** Service: **** Parking: **** validated under building After watching Corina's #fiveftfoodies IG reel on this speakeasy, I decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised with the very delicious dishes that we had. After one visit, this place has just risen to my first-place bar/restaurant in the Kaimuki-Kapahulu-Kahala area. The Crispy Lamb Ribs was so delicious! In my opinion, VB is so much better than the very popular P&L next door. The atmosphere is very cool & hip with a romantic vibe. We had good and prompt service the two times we have been there. I highly recommend Vintage Books. RATINGS & RECOMMENDED ORDER: Crispy Lamb Ribs = A+ House Karaage = A Taco Flight = A Kim Chee Flight = C Crab Rice Cakes = C Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/vintage-books-honolulu Website: https://www.vintagebookshawaii.com/ YELP: Milton K Sorry! They allow only one 30 second video & the remaining to 7 seconds. The full video and pictures of the entire menu can be found on other platforms/apps: MiltonIn808 RATINGS KEY: A = Really Good - one of the best B = Good - would order again C = ok - similar, nothing special D = Not very good - wouldn't order F = Terrible - avoid read more
I love a speakeasy and decided to check this place out when I was feeling festive. Vintage books is a bar and restaurant where you can make a reservation for the "private collection." Staff will guide you from the entrance, adorned in book shelves, and through the bar to your table. The space is dimly lit and decorated during the winter holiday. Ordering was standard table service and their menu had a decent variety of cocktails and share plate options. We ordered the lamb ribs, which were fall off the bone tender and brushed in a sweet sticky glaze; , cowboy salad which was uniquely dressed in nuoc cham with pipikaula and topped with crisp radish, spicy pepper, and crumbly roasted kukui; and the steamed clams with mochi swimming in the light, bright curry sauce. The only dish we may skip in the future is the ribeye which was a bit tough and quite salty. For drinks, we ordered their holiday cocktails, Notorious NOG and three wise liquors. We really appreciated their strong eggnog and pear flavors, but they were a bit small and pricey. Staff was friendly and guided us through paying for our bill via a QR code at the table. Validated parking is conveniently located in the 3660 Waialae garage. read more
9 months ago
Wanted to take my partner somewhere special and found this spot I thought he might like. So I asked him out on a date and made reservations at this place! First and foremost, I love the name of this speakeasy. It takes me back to the days when people actually read books instead of being on their phones 24/7. When you walk in...it really feels like a bookstore. Taylor was our server and she made the experience that much better. She made us feel very welcome and gave great recommendations. My favorite dishes were the venison tartar and coconut flan dessert. I got the "more than friends" drink and it paired very well with every dish. The rice cake dish was probably my least favorite. The texture was interesting for sure! Overall, I would come back. Great experience :) read more
A properly hidden speakeasy. The storefront looks like an actual bookstore. I think the overall experience went well. I can find a few things that could improve. But I would definitely return. The food items were mostly good, but struggled to find a through line of the concept. My friends joked that what if a speakeasy did serve prohibition era food? Actually not a bad idea. Just would need to nix the casseroles. Karaage chicken- tasty and properly seasoned and marinated. I think as a shareable tapa, it's served better if cut into smaller bite sized pieces. This will crisp up the smaller pieces more. Venison tartar was ok. Stand out was the tacos, mushroom and coconut flan. Only thing that will improve the experience is pair McCallan 12 neat with the coconut flan. The carmel pairs well. To me it did. Take a sip. Then eat a piece of flan for a nice carmel finish. My comment with drinks was for servers to stop by and ask if we needed more. It's a mixed crowd here and lots of people are there to eat. But I was there for both and I only had 2 drinks while sitting there for 3 hours. I'm saying this to explain that this place can make more profit by asking more frequently to tables that appear to be socializing more than eating. Not really a negative, I could drive home sober, so no complaints. Service was attentive enough, but the bar did lag in time. So I only tried 1 cocktail. The payment is by QR code and you can split the bill on the website. Pretty cool site. The parking is 5 hours validated in the building with a security guard in the lobby. read more
Me and my friend had been wanting to try this vintage book themed speakeasy for a long time, and we finally made it and it was absolutely worth the wait. We weren't even that hungry but we still ordered two dishes my friend chose the ribeye, and I went with the clams. Both plates were delicious, flavorful and surprisingly generous in portion. I also loved how they craft their cocktails. Mine, "More Than Just a Friend," was strong in the best way and tasted amazing. My friend kept it classic with a whiskey and Coke and even that was perfectly balanced. The service was wonderful from the moment we arrived. We showed up about 30 minutes early and they kindly seated us at the bar while our table was being prepared. Everyone who assisted us was friendly, attentive and made us feel taken care of. And the ambience wow!!!! From the outside you'd never expect what's hidden inside. It's cozy, warm and feels like stepping into an old bookstore blended with a bustling speakeasy. Even though the place was busy, it never felt crowded or uncomfortable. Just a perfect, inviting vibe all around. We're so glad we finally visited. Already looking forward to coming back. Tip: Don't forget to get your parking ticket validated otherwise you'll end up paying over $10 for just two hours. read more
5 months ago
5 months ago
I came here on a Wednesday night, exploring the speakeasies on Oahu. To preface I just arrived here from the Hawaiian Brian's speakeasy called Wild Orange. I also went to one yesterday called the Surfing Pig. Speak easy vibe: 1/10 I thought there would have more of a speakeasy feel by walking through a hidden passageway, but it's just a simple door at the front. Ambiance: 6/10 It felt fancy, but not too fancy. It felt intimate. I am deducting a point because it was extremely loud with the live music. I basically had to yell for anybody sitting across to hear me. It was definitely overstimulating for everybody. The drums of the live music were smashing in our ears. Service: 3/10 It was quick for us to be seated. We were given menus and they were swiped out of our hands when we were still looking at them. We felt like just a number. Not much care taken. Food: 6/10 Suadero Taco Flight: 4/10 Portion was small. Superrrrr oily. My tacos were dripping oil. Quality of meat was average. Too expensive for what it was. Kalbi Steak: 2/10 Small slices. Small portion. Overpriced. The quality of the meat was average. Mushroom rice cakes: 4/10 The rice cake, was ok. The seasoning on it was very flavorful, shiitake mushrooms were very soft and flavorful. However, the rice cake itself was a bit hard. I don't think it was worth $22 Drinks: 7/10 Drinks were good. White sand spritz was alright. Tasted like spiked fruity water. Meet cute was great. Sweet and a little heavy. Modelo can was served in the glass cup. Overall I wouldn't come back here again or recommend to anyone. Try Gaslamp instead for an expensive intimate dining experience. Go to Surfing Pig for business meeting vibe/ more intimate group setting. Try Wild Orange for laid back speak easy vibes with a group. read more
Babe took me here for our anniversary yesterday. The food and drinks were mostly good. Out of the batch I enjoyed the tacos the most, and the least favorite is the lamb chops. The lambs were heavy with their sauce and sour cream and every bite was full of fat. Too expensive for the amount of fat on those racks. The service was excellent, there were all smiling. Maybe it was still early dinner time lol I like the ambiance and their attempt at speak easy. The only thing was the place smells a little from the poor ventilation they have from the kitchen. read more
I love everything about this place! The fact that it's in an old bookshop, the speakeasy vibes, the decor, the terrific bartender and the absolutely fantastic food. Came in for dinner with a few friends and had a wonderful experience. Loved the salad with Burmese crunchy lentils. My husband flipped over the venison tartare and I also loved the fried chicken. It really is terrific knowing this new place is in town and apparently they're serving brunch now so we'll be back soon!! read more
"It's strange what desire will make foolish people do. I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you. And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you..." - Wicked Game (1989) I've been to speakeasy's around the world. From wandering the cobble stone streets in Old Europe to the neon-lit back alleys in Asia I've been to a few. Honolulu might surprise many time-travelers with the fun prohibition inspired bars they offer. I especially enjoyed my time at behind the hardware store in Mōʻiliʻili (now closed); the mysterious Green Lady hidden behind a bamboo fence in Waikiki; and tonight, the one neatly tucked away behind two doors in a Kaimukī bookstore. Here's my story... I've been overseas traveling quite a bit lately, so I missed my lovely best friend's birthday. My bad, but if you know me, I always makeup big. So while in Korea I picked up a few things for BFF, the only thing that didn't fit was Nini Kim, 'cause Jealousy ain't good, ol' sport lol. I also told her get ready I'll treat you anywhere just choose fun! We agreed on a speakeasy and found Vintage Books as our choice for the night. Located in Kaimukī on Wilhelmina Rise is where you'll be transported back into time. I reserved a spot via Open Table, which made it easy peasy. Upon entering we were greeted at the "book store" by an elegant blonde. To enter the speakeasy use code words "..here to see the private collection". We were led through first door with a brightly lit and casual vibe, but that was just the reading area. Scarlet then opened the next door which revealed the vintage decor, dimly-lit parlor filled with gents and ladies having a grand ol' time. We chose bar seats and met the bartender Joe. Joe, a charismatic gentleman with tattoos and pomade made us feel welcome from the start. Especially when he found out we both lived in the Bay Area for a chunk of our lives. Before even the start of our drinks we talked Bay Area sports, the Sunset district, Mission Tacos, and Tony Bennett! First round of drinks: LYCHEE MAR-TUNI ($16) *Ford's London Gin, Manzanilla Sherry, lychee. MEET CUTE ($16) *Ketel One Dutch Vodka, cucumber, elderflower, mint, mango & lemon, absinthe, orange bitters. I really enjoyed the vintage and sophisticated, yet smart casual vibe. Filled with eclectic lounge chairs, sofas, booths. Tables of various sizes. Faux antique wall and standing lamps. The walls decorated from a bygone era. A mysterious ambiance with a mixture of ages and diversity. The shared food ordered: CRISPY LAMB RIBS ($24) *Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb ribs braised and glazed with a rich caramel sauce, then finished with fresh mint for a touch of brightness. VENISON TARTARE ($20) *Maui venison tenderloin prepared à la Korean-inspired style with pickled five-flavor berries, pine nuts, Asian pear, aioli, drizzled with a spicy soy-based sauce, served on top of grilled rice paper. COLD MUSHROOM TOFU0: ($17) *Chilled marinated smoked tofu combines with fresh scallions and earthy shimeji mushrooms for a refreshing take on a Sichuan classic. Second Round of Drinks: *Handsome Joe was given full creative reign on our second round. A Dapper Gentleman's Drink, Cocktail for the Elegant Lady. ($16-$18-ish per) Third Round of Drinks: I politely nudged Birthday lady to choose a nightcap for us and of course her eyes went straight to the top shelf + 12-years aged = ($$$$) The shared dessert: HOUSE-MADE HOT DARK CHOCOLATE served in Cutest cat mug and black Hemingway plate. ($$) Validated Parking: Park in Wilhelmina Rise Building. 3-hours Free! In the end, I chose the bar seating for diverse convo, and trust me, bartenders tend to have the best life stories! I had no idea Joe lived just blocks away from me in the foggy part of San Francisco. We reminisced of championship sports teams and... when I shared my party days stories with Chris Isaak and Bai Ling suddenly all eyes & ears were on... the dapper gent, me lol, pfft, I don't know what all the fuss is about. Ahh guess I lived a pretty colorful life too. And so the story goes... Pls follow my IG adventures: @eric_travel_guru read more
4 months ago
Vintage Books is definitely an O'ahu hidden gem! The ambiance is beautiful, the drinks are well crafted and delicious and their staff is TOP KNOTCH! This really sets them apart from other speakeasy's and restaurants! Our little "girl gang" meets there for themed events and they are always happy to oblige! Dinner last night was delicious and Nikki took amazing care of us. She is kind, courteous and so personable! Matthew: we are forever grateful for the wonderful cocktails and the photographs you were able to sneak in for us before you had a full bar! 10 stars, my friends!!! read more
Everything was super savory and stellar! I enjoyed the flight of tacos the most! The meat was super tender with everything. I also enjoyed the s'mores, and the chicken karaage. Would recommend as a nice cozy date spot for those looking for a spot in Kaimuki - Miguel Morales Photography read more
11 months ago
Charming restaurant with a speakeasy theme. Enter through the small bookshop and find yourself in a well appointed lounge. Just past the lounge the room opens up to a clubby style restaurant with cushy banquettes, sofas and soft lighting. We went in for brunch and really enjoyed the food. Shrimp and grits for me. Super creamy polenta with perfectly cooked shrimp. Hubby had the Japanese Curry Egg Salad sando. Oh my. That was amazing. Service was very friendly and right on point. read more
Dinner in Kaimuki, Honolulu, Hawaii... Both Irene and I had never been to Vintage Books, so we decided to go there. We didn't even have a reservation! We didn't know where to park... LOL! We were just curious! Located on the corner of Waialae Avenue and Wilhelmina Rise, Vintage Books looks like a simple, cozy bookstore from the outside, but we were led through a secret door, a hallway, a bar, and then arrived at a living room. It was kind of dark and mysterious in a fun way. The furniture was antique and added to our adventure! Service could improve. Our waiter was on the elusive side. He did show me the restroom code and the long hallway to get to the destination, but he didn't return to fill our glasses with water or check on us. We had to flag him down to get a takeout box. I ordered the Tacos + Flight. Customers can have one of each taco, or any combination of the three choices. I got one of each: Fish Taco, Kalua Pig Taco, and Suadero Taco (it has a combination of ingredients including brisket). I asked for no habaneros/no chili's on the Suadero Taco. It still was a bit spicy for me. The fish and kalua pig were yummy! All three tacos came with a house-made ulu tortilla that was nice and chewy. It held the ingredients together well because of its flexibility! We were able to pay online by QR code on our table. It was a rather awkward departure... like a silent exit... no "thank you" nor "see you again ". read more
There's no secret... Vintage Books is a cool place where it's like you're taken to a speakeasy as the vibe here is unique as we were taken back behind a couple of doors to our table though they do have quite a bit of mirrors was strange for me personally. Located in the famous 3660 Waialae Ave it's right beside the Goodwill shop and with parking provided getting there is easy and what a cool spot to relax and disconnect from the usual. As we arrived during dinner service the menu seemed to be all Ala carte and not a plated meal which is nice as you're able to order a variety and share is quite fun so more the merrier but since it was just myself and Nadine and our first time I wasn't sure what to order. After much decision I decided on the Cowboy Beef Salad which was a base of arugula which I do love and is tossed with chucks of brisket and topped with slices of Serrano chili and radish not sure what the nuoc cham dressing is but very very lightly tossed and I didn't realized enjoy it very much. What I didn't though the lack of service from our server as he came to check on us once (very briefly) after we received our order and never came back to refill our water or a take out container as I couldn't finish my salad...I paid using the QR code on our table that connected to the platform...which you have to pay a fee and if you didn't want to you just have to pay though a staff which is even stranger...!? Nevertheless we never saw him and I got my container from another maybe manager and was quite disappointed. Lovely spot that felt very relaxing and nice just didn't feel like I was take care of but will be back again. Thank you! read more
I would definitely return. Their drinks are awesome- great tasting and presented well. The food was delicious. Minor complaint about the steak was that it was a little dry. Ambience is beautiful. Service was pleasant. The restrooms are located outside of the space and down the hallway. So it's a short walk away. I really appreciated their bill payment system. You scan the QR and have the option to pay all together or easily split. read more
My first experience at Vintage Books. Tho the entry was rather underwhelming, the service and deliciousness more than made up for it. Our server was so gracious and made great recommendations on the menu. The menu is rather small but what they do they do well. Started out with a few cocktails. My "Legend of Nearest Green" was like a modified old fashioned. Was hesitant on the cardamom bitters but it complemented drink well. Some may think this drink light; for a lightweight drinker like me it was just right and easy going down. Shared a few dishes and enjoyed them all. My favorite being the cowboy salad. Flavors nicely light and refreshing over a nice bed of arugula. Continued sharing the crispy lamb ribs. Loved the pairing with caramelized sauce and creme fresh. Also shared the cochinita pibil (3 pieces) over masa cakes. Finished the meal with a few bites of the smores dessert. Perfect end. Can't wait to return to sample other items. Parking is free in the building with validation. Take the elevator to street level to access restaurant. read more
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More info about Vintage Books
3660 Waialae Ave
Ste 101
Honolulu, HI 96816
Directions
(808) 736-4917
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http://vintagebookshawaii.com
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NA. Not a restaurant. Shave ice only
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Vintage Books - speakeasies - Updated July 2026
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