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    53 By The Sea

    4.0 (1.5k reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSeafood, New American, Cocktail Bars
    Open 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    53 By The Sea Photos

    Business Info

    53 BY THE SEA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - 53 By The Sea

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    Kylie S.

    Came here with a friend and we had a great experience! I haven't been here in years, but besides the food, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the ambience, view and service is wonderful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I believe it's only complimentary valet parking, unless you want to find parking in the area and walk. We opted for one of the preset meals instead of à la carte and everything was cooked and plated perfectly. Some of the dishes were interesting but still tasted amazing. I was hungry but I definitely left full! I can't tell you exactly what we ate but I can tell you I enjoyed all of it. Our service from Tony was great and he graciously put up with us and our antics. Will hope to be back soon :)

    Grand staircase
    Karlo G.

    This restaurant will always be in our list of "must return" when visiting Honolulu. [[HIGHLIGHT]]53 by the Sea is an oceanfront fine dining known for their multi-course meals and sweeping views of Diamond Head and Waikiki.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I've been here twice and both times the service and food were phenomenal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This restaurant is located on the waterfront right at the entrance of the Kewalo Boat Basin harbor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This restaurant is in the Ka'ako neighborhood and I recommend either rideshare or driving. If you're driving, they do offer complimentary valet service which I absolutely took advantage of. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The building has a European design with a mix of Hawaiian textures. Driving up to the front entrance exudes palatial mediterranean vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The front doors are massive and provides a dramatic entrance into foyer. Guests are greeted with a view of the opulent marble dual grand staircase and crystal chandelier. [[HIGHLIGHT]]And just behind the staircase is the dining room which offers a magnificent view of the waterfront, Waikiki, and Diamond Head.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Their menu offers regional cuisine made with local ingredients. They have an a la carte option and a couple tasting menus to choose from. I was able try both their Naupaka Menu (4-course) and Kaui Menu (6-course) during my visits. The tasting menus also offers a caviar upgrade and wine pairing option. The stand outs were the crispy snapper, filet mignon, kikikoi ispahan, seared scallop & foie gras, grilled striploin, and olen-citrus tart. The wine pairings were a mix of french and italian wines. Pricing is splurge level and worth the experience. Service was equally impressive. The server consistently checked-in, took notes on preferences, and ensured all of our tasting note questions were answered. There's one major recommendation to fully maximize the views and experience. Come as soon as they open. Both times I booked for 5:00 PM allotted around 2-3 hours to complete the meal experience. Serving portions are decent and the 6-course Kaui menu was definitely a stretch to finish.

    Julys wine pairing menu
    Amber G.

    We went to the July wine pairing dinner. It was beyond fantastic. Jeremy was our wine event coordinator. He picked the wines and worked with the chef for each course. Ysabelle assisted us and did amazing. Between their impeccable service and the amazing food, it was a great night. There were three courses each paired with their own wine. The pours weee normal sized and perfectly paired with each course. The fried avocado was delicious and my favorite. We will return for another wine pairing at 53 by the sea.

    Ni'ihau Lamb
    Xin L.

    I've seen this spot a few times but always thought it was just a very nice home from the outside. Who knew it was actually a restaurant! Upon arrival, you are greeted by a valet whos service will be validated after your meal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Per all of the pictures of the inside and outside, this would be a good place for a quick photo op.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were seated by the booths that were side by side, they're called window seated on the booking site. HOWEVER, they were actually more in the wall, facing the window but with other tables in front fully blocking the view. I would honestly recommend just getting a regular table to avoid basically staring at random ppl your entire meal. They really shouldn't call these seats window seats though![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We got one tasting menu for us to share and then we added the pan seared ribeye and added the Atlantic lobster tail on top as well. * Free Focaccia: pretty good, not super oily (I hate that), good start to the meal * Miso Cured Kahala (tasting menu): 9/10 amazing first bite to the meal. Tastes like an elevated grilled Chinese with the miso fish on top. * Uala Agnolotti (tasting menu): 7.5/10 wasn't crazy about this but it wasn't bad, kind of reminds me of mashed potatoes but less creamy. It was still pretty flavorful though. * Ravioli: 7.2/10 I think the ravioli was a bit under cooked. The wrapped wasn't yet al dente. Not terrible just wouldn't get it again * Walu Croquettes: 7.8/10 I like crab cakes and this was basically crab cakes, no notes, it was good. * Stuffed Ta'ape (tasting menu): 7.8/10 pretty good! It had a pretty good "stuffin" within. The fish was flakey and had a nice sear on top. * Seared Ribeye & Lobster Tail:7.5/10. I didn't realize the kalo gratin was going to be little a stick of kalo (I'm so used to gratin being like a creamy dish), so that was a huge let down. The ribeye was good and so was the lobster tail but nothing that blew me away. * Ni'ihau Lamb (tasting menu): 7.4/10 it was good, flavorful. * Kiawe Bean Dudino (tasting menu): 8.3/10 I LOVE kulolo so this dessert would've been hard to fumble. It was pretty good, various textures (crunchy light wafer, harder crunches from the streusels, slight chew/bounce from kulolo, and creamy/smoothness from whipped cream and mousse). Overall, I'm not 100% sure If I'd care to come back, but if I do, I'd make sure I get a better seat LOL.

    Gnocchi with lobster
    Hailley O.

    My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and it was such a wonderful experience! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Both the interior and exterior of the restaurant are beautiful, and you can't miss the iconic staircase everyone takes photos at haha.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had a pre-fixe menu, so we got to choose an appetizer, pasta, entree and dessert. I ordered the burrata salad to start, it was refreshing and I loved the creaminess of the burrata. For my pasta, I got the lobster gnocchi, and the texture of the gnocchi was so soft and paired nicely with the flavor of the lobster and sauce. I also tried my boyfriend's crab ravioli and that was tasty. For our entrees, we both got the short ribs and really enjoyed how tender they were. The vegetables were cooked perfectly as well and complemented the dish nicely. For dessert, we shared a chocolate cake and an apple dessert, and they gave me another birthday dessert cake that was fruity. They were all so yummy and a great way to end the meal! We were pretty full but still managed to finish dessert because it was just that good. Our server was friendly and attentive. Overall, I think 53 by the Sea lives up to the hype and delivers a fantastic dining experience!

    Ash N.

    I've been to 53 by the Sea many times, and although the restaurant is beautiful, something they lack is consistency. What I mean by this, is that it's either a hit or miss with the menu, at least for me. I don't know how often they change their menu, but everytime I go they seem to have new items, which makes it hard to get your favorite dishes. And don't get me wrong, I love an updated menu, but they always seem to get rid of the food items that are loved and they replace them with items that aren't as tasty. Another thing I noticed is that their raw seafood is also a hit or miss. Sometimes it's super fresh, and other times it's meh at best. This is a bummer since they have this beautiful seafood platter, but you never know if it's going to be amazing or not. I find that if you want an enjoyable experience, to skip any raw seafood, and just go for their cooked dishes, since they seem pretty standard across the board, but nothing spectacular. Something I love about my favorite restaurants is that I can consistently go back and have an amazing (if not, a MORE amazing) time there with delicious foods, but for some reason 53 by the Sea has never made me feel that way. It's either an amazing dinner, or mediocre. I do want to preface and say that their staff is super nice, and that they are always friendly and very accommodating. Unfortunately, for me, a big part of what makes a restaurant a 5/5 is their menu. I hate to say it but I probably won't be back here for a while, maybe not until they bring back some of the items I really enjoyed.

    Blueberry cheesecake
    April L.

    Food was excellent! Building is beautiful. Service was just okay. Paradise affair cocktail - so delicious. Had a sugar rim that I legit licked Caesar salad - not worth it Seafood pasta - absolutely delicious! Get this if it's on the menu when you visit Desserts - beautiful presentation but nothing was absolutely amazing.

    Beautiful entry
    Keeba O.

    We were looking for a restaurant by the water as we killed time before our red eye flight home... we needed something close ti the airport, was on the water, and had seafood: the in-the-moment criteria for 2 hangry people! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Didn't know what to expect and when we pulled up we did not expect such a beautiful venue![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Even though we didn't have reservations or were quite underdressed, the hosts were gracious and let us eat. Ordered the Fresh Catch, Cavatelli, Caesar Salad, Mashed Potatoes and a Sazerac. Perfect last meal before we left! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Recommended for a special date night because it is that kind of place... special.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was excellent.

    Carpaccio from Tasting menu
    Michelle W.

    It was a heavenly experience. The atmosphere is very light and bright. Such a peaceful view of the waves and Lē'ahi (Diamond Head), then once the sun goes down, you can see the Waikīkī skyline. Our server, Cade, was very knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. And the food was perfect. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. I made reservations for 5:30pm on a Wednesday night, and ordered the Tasting menu with wine pairing. After sunset, it did get busier.

    Leah H.

    Romantic and yummy. Service was 5 !! Our cocktails were perfect! The food was also 5 !! My crab stuffed lobster was more then what I could hope for. Lobster tail was perfectly prepared and the crab was full of flavor. The scallop appetizer was creamy fresh and delicious. We celebrated our anniversary here and I feel it was the perfect spot for a romantic dinner

    Donahue J.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Had an amazing dining experience at 53 By The Sea--this place delivers on both views and food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The setting is absolutely stunning, with panoramic ocean views and a perfect backdrop of Waikiki.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's one of those spots where the ambiance alone already makes the night feel special.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the roast beef with lobster tail, and it did not disappoint. The roast beef was tender, flavorful, and cooked just right, while the lobster tail added that rich, buttery finish that elevated the whole dish. You can tell the kitchen pays attention to quality and presentation. Service was attentive without being overbearing, and everything flowed smoothly from start to finish. [[HIGHLIGHT]]If you're looking for a place that combines upscale dining with one of the best views in Honolulu, 53 By The Sea is definitely worth it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great for a date night or celebrating something special.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Duck
    Rob B.

    Aloha, another great specialty wine dinner at 53 by the sea. Guest chef isabella from from Venice with chef Dave outdid themselves. With MS Chuck pairing wines. So happy to be part of this sold out dinner. Mahalo

    Kauai Tasting, Salmon
    Knock N.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ordered the Kauai Tasting for $160 per, eh food, you're really paying for the views and how beautiful the interior and exterior is.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] solid cocktails with surprisingly good prices, not pictured is the foie gras and hand cut noodles. shoutout Tony, our server, who was great and attentive and showed us places to take pictures and even took our pictures. old fashion was lovely and strong so it gained an extra star.

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    Page 1 of 38

    53 By The Sea Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - 53 By The Sea

    Can I bring my toddler to the Sunday brunch?

    Yes. We noticed small children there at the next table over.

    Is charging a kitchen fee legal?

    yes it is legal since the ninth court of appeals ruled on traditionally tipped employees vs. cooks, dishwashers, etc. "Because of a Ninth Circuit Court decision that says… 

    I noticed dress code, but are sandals allowed?

    You could do a elevated sandal. No slippers.

    Do you guys still have fireworks. If so @ what time?

    Do you guys still over bottomless mimosas?

    We no longer offer bottomless mimosas; however, we do have brunch beverage specials, $5 mimosas and $8 specialty cocktails.

    How much is corkage fee?

    $25 for bottles not on our wine list, $50 for bottles on our wine list, $50 for magnum size, $50 + ($25 for each size higher)… 

    Will you be bringing back happy hour?

    Not at this time. Stay up to date with our us on our Instagram @53bythesea_hawaii

    What days and time is happy hour?

    We're not offering happy hour at this time, and have no current plans on bringing it back.

    With the bottomless mimosas option for brunch, for a party of 2, do we both have to get the bottomless package or can 1 individual order it?

    We no longer offer bottomless mimosas; however, we do have brunch beverage specials, $5 mimosas and $8 specialty cocktails.

    Will you be bringing in copper river salmon this year?

    There are currently no plans to, however, we are currently serving King Salmon from New Zealand.

    Is the tasting menu still available?

    We have a new five course tasting menu with additional wine pairing available.

    How much is their 7 course meal? Do you have to request it before hand? TY!

    No need for requests in advance.

    Is the valet parking back or is it still self parking?

    Valet Parking is now available.

    What is the dress code? Pants and close toed shoes for men?

    resort casual. most are dressed up but did see more than a few families in therewearing shorts and slippers but with collars. resort casual should be a safe option.

    Do i need to let the restaurant know ahead of time if we want to try the 7 course meal ? We have reservation at 8pm will we have enough time for 7 course meal ? Thank you

    Considering that your reservation is at 2000 and that they close at 2100 maybe you should call and ask. I've been there a few times (with a group ranging from 6-10 people) and spent over 1 hour in the restaurant each time. Just a heads up, the… 

    Do you take reservations for a spot with the best view?

    Probably best to call with this question, but most every seat has a good view.

    Do you currently have vegan entrees available?

    Aloha Sarah, We do have a vegetarian entree, Maitake Mushroom, which can be altered slightly to accommodate vegan requests

    Can you see the water front in the private dining room? What are the requirements for the private…

    Hi Trace, Thank you very much for your question. Yes, you can see the water front from the… 

    I was planning on reserving for a party of 9 but due to the whole covid situation will my guests be split up into different tables?

    Hi Michelle, Thank you very much for your question. Yes, due to the limited amount tables and the… 

    Do they have high chairs for toddlers?

    Hi Michelle, Thank you for your question. Yes, we do have high chairs for toddlers.

    View All 45 Questions

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    I love finding places that feel like a hidden discovery, and the speakeasy inside Vintage Books…read moreHawaiʻi 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.

    I decided to pop in and try their brunch menu. There is validated parking in the building it's…read morelocated 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.

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    Bar Leather Apron

    4.5
    (476 reviews)
    1.2 mi
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    Date night? Hanging with friends? Pau hana with colleagues? Just want your own moment but you also…read moreenjoy history and well made drinks and pupus? This is your stop. Plan for reservations well in advance because you're going to want to sit at the bar. That's where the storytelling is center stage. From the outside, you'd easily miss it. But once you step inside, you realize you're stepping into an experience. Every drink comes with a unique story and the bartender is not simply a storyteller but an artist as well.

    Months before my trip to Oahu, I tried to book a reservation to Bar Leather Apron but was unable to…read moredo so because the reservations were immediately scooped up right as they were released. To my surprise, on a Sunday evening after having dinner nearby at Maze, my wife and I walked over to Bar Leather Apron and we were able to get seated right away! In fact, around 7:30 p.m. when we stopped by, there was actually a ton of seating available in the bar. Who would've guessed. If you're in the same boat as me and are unable to find a reservation for your upcoming visit, I would encourage you to stop by and try a walk-in. The first page of the menu lists a wide variety of whiskey based cocktails. Most -- if not all, of the cocktails are pre-fixed with BLA (Bar Leather Apron), and represent a collaboration with the named distillery. If you're fan of whiskey, you'll definitely have a difficult time picking only one. I ultimately ordered their "Take Warning" -- 2021 BLA Knob Creek BLA Single Barrel, Cynar, Carpano Antica, Mezcal, Bergamot Salt. Drinks here are not cheap -- averaging $20 to $25 per drink. Although my drink was very spirit forward, it still felt very well balanced. I appreciated the hint of smokiness from the mezcal that rounded out the end of a sip. Service here quick and friendly. When we received the check, a cute small chocolate snack was brought over as well, borrowed from the menu at Maze. Overall, I can see why Bar Leather Apron has earned so many accolades in its field. Definitely worth a stop by if you enjoy the art of mixology.

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    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    4.5
    (49 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    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.

    430 Pkwy hits all the points of a solid cocktail lounge: relaxed, cool, comfortable, laid-back with…read morea dark, intimate atmosphere, friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff, and a unique, curated menu. Located on the 2nd floor of the 430 Piikoi Parkway building (hence the name) at the corner of Piikoi and Waimanu St., across from Ala Moana Shopping Center. Look for the "430" sign, and take the stairs up. To be sure, you'll see a menu for this place on the left before you head up. They have a shared, pay by QR code, parking lot around the corner. Entrance is on Waimanu St. Street parking also available. Once upstairs, there's a small sign next to the door. Feels like you're going to the doctor's office. Inside is dark, small and intimate, full bar with counter seats, and hits all the points of a lounge with coffee tables, couches, and cushioned chairs all around made for conversation. Their menu has a nice selection of liquor and cocktails. The Barreled Old Man was a little too sweet for my taste. Little bit heavy on the Averna and Black Walnut liqueur. I prefer the whiskey to shine and the sweetness to be more subtle. Their regular Old Fashioned is much better, and exactly how it should be. Smooth, rich, strong whiskey with a subtle sweetness. They can make a Pina Colada, fyi. Just not with a blender. Decent drink. Slightly heavy on the pineapple juice and light on the rum (Why is the rum always gone? - Captain Jack Sparrow). The Wiseman - light, nice rye spice kick, subtly sweet, earthy, and oaky. Rowan's Creek was a special recommendation by our server. After a sample, we had to try one. Smooth, earthy, spicy with a slight sweet- and fruitiness. Overall, a very nice experience with solid drinks, comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, and an excellent staff. The servers were very friendly, warm, hospitable, knowledgeable, and attentive. I'll definitely come back the next time for drinks!

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    RM 38

    RM 38

    4.8
    (76 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    What we thought was a pawn shop turned out to be... a speakeasy?!…read more What a lovely surprise. A gem of a find! I will never forget this experience. I was just skipping around town exploring wanting to check-in to as many places as I could like the responsible Yelp elite that I am and then I find this amazing hole on the wall speakeasy. The lovely gentleman in the front welcomed us in to take a look around and I asked him if I could take photos for yelp and he told me that if I was going to write a review, I had to join them. So of course, I took the invite and decided to stay for a little while. We sat at a nice area. A perfect little place. I just want to take a snapshot and keep it in my memory so I can emulate it and turn it into my home study. I could stay here forever. The vibes were on point. The server recommended drinks that he thought we would like, and we loved both of them. I don't remember what the drinks were called, but mine had a blueberry taste to it, and my friend had a mock tail, but some sort of Yuzu to it. We also shared a $15 charcuterie graze. 10 out of 10 would recommend being curious and opening doors to finding out that there's a speakeasy randomly in an area you never thought would be there. What an amazing experience.

    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.

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    Hideout

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    4.2
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    2.4 mi
    $$

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

    Stressful from the start…read more I called to inquire about parking a week prior to my rsv and was told they were sold out for the night. I mentioned that it was just a general question and i wasn't coming that night. They informed me that it's validated for two hours and it's first come first serve. After the 2 hours its $14 an hour. Getting into the valet area was stressful enough as there was a car parked right before you turn and pedestrians that walk back and forth from their main driveway entrance. I also had to wait for valet for a bit too as there was 2 other cars in front of me and probably only 2 valet on duty trying to move cars forward. Reservations can be made on open table, but there was really no point to doing that since it's open seating during happy hour times. We ended up just picking a table that was in the shade, and noticed they only have their menu by QR code which is kinda annoying. The server was pretty nice tho and he brought my dog some water mid way. Their happy hour runs from 2-6 and the menu is slightly less expensive. The food was kind of standard hotel type of food and nothing really stood out. Otherwise the vibes at the restaurant was nice and i do like that they allow dogs to join you. it seems like they have live music after a certain time. I was even more annoyed and stressed with the valet when i went to pick up my car. They literally just handed me my keys. My car was parked along the wall probably 20 steps away, but they could have at least taken out my car cause it was so hard to get out, but i guess it's nice they trust that i wont bang the car in front of back of me i guess even tho im a pretty terrible parker. at the time they didn't look as busy as when i first arrived, so i dont know why they couldn't have just done the bare minimum with just pulling out my car from the stall.

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

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    Citrus Swell
    EP Bar

    EP Bar

    4.6
    (147 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Drinks. That's what…read moreyou're here for isn't it? It is why you've searched for EP bar, looked over various reviews, and randomly found yourself reading thru the first few lines of this review. Well, welcome Dear Reader, and I hope what I'm about to share peaks your interest to visit EP Bar. I had my 2nd visit to EP Bar earlier this month with friends for some after dinner drinks. We did make a res, but there were some walk-ins while we there, so it's probably recommended but not necessary. We perused the menu, and our 1st round consisted of: Ringo Star Strawberry Fields Forever Pho Us By Us Hail Mary Any guesses on the drink I chose? It's related to the Beatles. If you guessed Ringo Star.....take another guess. The Strawberry Fields Forever was very refreshing. Recommended. My partner ordered the Hail Mary, which (sadly) wasn't to his liking, and he happily "helped" me finish my drink before ordering 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.

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

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    Decor.

    53 By The Sea - seafood - Updated August 2026

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