One of the best bars in Honolulu! It's a must go whenever I'm here visiting. It can be challenging getting in as it's pretty small, so try to make reservations ahead of time. All the cocktails here are carefully crafted and of great quality. I really enjoyed the Imperial (a different version of old fashioned). The Matcha vicissitudes is also great. If you like smoky and piety, the In The Soul and Tavern Keeps Treasure are excellent choices. The Sagano Smoke and Yuzo Sour are refreshing drinks that involve egg/egg whites. Overall, the staff here are friendly and knowledgeable about the spirits and cocktails. read more

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This establishment is located in a business tower so parking is straightforward, parking validated. Located on the 2nd floor right past security, it's an intimate bar experience. Highly recommend bar seating as you get the full experience of the cocktail being made right in front of you with ingredient explanation. Went with my wife and the cocktails are top-notch. Service is excellent, I have a pretty low threshold for service in general so if someone is filling my water glass without me asking, I'm happy, but it was above and beyond that. Justin was an excellent host and highly personable, would highly recommend! read more

Bar Leather Apron - Japan cocktail, hakushu infused with shiitake mushroom flavor, bitters, sugar. Dehydrated salted mushroom on side. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Came here last time we visited Honolulu and loved it, and we had another fantastic experience this time around! We were able to walk in on a Friday night without a reservation and were seated at the bar. Jason was super friendly and gave us a show + explanation with each cocktail we ordered. Their drinks are great, high quality, fantastic presentation, and reasonably priced for what you're getting + location + aesthetic. The bar itself is a cozy, intimate space and would be great for a date or friend's night out. Not too loud so you can actually have decent conversation and purposefully not too crowded either. Will definitely be back again next time! read more

It's unfortunate that yelp doesn't allow you to go above 5 stars. This is the best cocktail bar in the state, possibly in the country. Every drink that I have experienced here was top notch. The staff is always friendly and willing to educate you on their creations all the while putting on a show for various drinks (e.g. their mai tai). Prepare to make a reservation as walk ins are nearly impossible. It is worth the wait, so make the resy sooner than later. Get their mai tai, and their matcha old fashioned -- you won't be disappointed. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Perfection in a glass. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I am FLOORED by this experience. Let me clarify some things from the get go. Make reservations. If you walk in, there's a high chance you'll be turned away because they're fully booked, even if it looks like there's lots of open seating. They value the time of their patrons and save adequate time for them to enjoy before the next seating. They won't "squeeze people in" out of respect for the people with reservations. But let's talk about the drinks now. Yes, the drinks themselves were amazing but I also appreciated the way the bartender explained and demonstrated each step. It was a mesmerizing show, watching him craft each drink. I've never seen such beautiful hand movements lol. I stuck with mostly whiskey cocktails and honestly can't even pick a favorite. This experience will cost you a pretty penny but I think it's absolutely worth it! read more

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I love this place and always love taking friend here. You can talk and hear people without yelling, the food is good, the drink are on point, and it always feels super intimate here. The staff is fantastic as well. read more

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This review is for drinks only. We had some specialty cocktails at the 'Io society dinner and they were so delicious! Perfectly balanced with a few special twists to a reliable classics as well as new creative concoctions. We will definitely be making a stop by on our next date night! read more

Now a must whenever I'm in Oahu, a visit to Bar Leather Apron. They open reservations in the beginning of the month so make sure you book your spot before your trip. They also do first come first serve walk-ins at their lounge sometimes, so make sure you follow their Instagram for updates. I originally booked for 4 at the bar since that was the max but we had a fifth person (my Mom who doesn't drink), and they were nice enough to accommodate, so much appreciated there. We were able to witness Scott's magic this night. While you think tasting the drinks might be the best part, I think watching them making it is the best part to me. We tried the famous Mai Tai, Sagano Smoke, Oaxaca Sour(?) And Yuzu Sour. From the moment we sat down to when we left was an amazing experience. We also got to chat and meet other patrons which was so fun. BLA definitely lives up to its name. Thank you Scott and team for the hospitality! read more

Bar Leather Apron - Sagano Smoke - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We got three cocktails each here (had a girls night). Our server Justin was phenomenal. I learned he actually owns/founded this spot as well as Bar Maze. We dined at Bar Maze first and finally found a reservation for Bar Leather Apron. Drinks were fantastic and service was exceptional. The bites were also pretty solid. Would definitely recommend coming back here. We had an incredible time. read more

By far the best speakeasy/bar I have ever been to. Service was top notch. And the drinks were absolutely amazing. The food is simple yet sophisticated. I love the attention to detail in each drink. It was great that each drink that came to the table was explained. It's a small and intimate space. Make reservations. While walk-ins are welcomed you have to have patience. I was so happy that they were able to squeeze us in. I will be back for sure. read more

Everything from food, service and ambiance was amazing! Wanted to give a huge shoutout to Jason. We forgot our credit card and idk how he did it but he tracked us down 2 blocks away to return our card. read more

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Fantastic drinks. Best Mai Tai we had on our trip, no question. They have a pretty sizable spirits list, but we were interested in the cocktails. Each one sounded really interesting so it was tough to choose. We ended up really liking everything we got, but Leather Soul and the Mai Tai were the stand outs for me. Highly recommend those two. Wish we were able to secure bar seats to experience the elaborate 'show' that come with bar seat cocktails, but I couldn't secure those coveted reservations for the day we were in this area. We just walked in and hoped for the best! Luckily they had seats in the lounge area, but hopefully next time! Honestly we wanted to try every drink, if we didn't have to drive back to our hotel we would've had a few more! We felt really at ease, relaxed, and just had a great time overall. Shout out to our super friendly bartender/server, thanks Scotty! read more

This is one of those go-to places for intimate cocktails with good friends, especially those visiting Hawaii (think of choosing Mai tai or Japanese themes). Service is always excellent from the knowledgeable but humble bartenders. Getting a reservation can be a challenge, I usually look for last minute openings which usually end up being 10pm or later on weeknights. read more

I really really wanted to like this bar. But unfortunately there was nothing memorable about it for me. The cocktails were nice. But you are in Hawaii, why would you want to be holed up in a stale office building?! Though if you like whiskey and your home town doesn't have a lot of good whiskey bars, sure, this could be an interesting experience. Or if you are from Oahu and have seen enough of the ocean this could also work I suppose. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Probably one of the best bars I've ever been to. Definitely the best bar in the US that I've ever been to. Each drink is handcrafted and absolutely delicious. The owners/bartenders take the time to craft the drinks in front of you and explain why they chose each element of the drink. Great ambiance too. It was such an intimate location. 10/10 would recommend and definitely will be back! read more

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This bar is hidden inside of a conference building where every door is locked besides one. So you have to play charades trying to figure out which door to get in. Walked around the building twice trying to figure that out. Called the number listed with no answer. Even when you get inside the building you have to active your spider senses to find your way. Yelp says they close at 12. It's 11:20 when we arrive, the host says they do last call at 11:30. And adds that the last "seating" is at 10:30. ?? So can we order a drink or not lol. She said we already did last call LOL how long does it take to make a drink? Im not ordering a well done tomahawk with a twice baked potato. If Places that need to come with a treasure map to find it are your thing then this is the spot for you. If confusing guest is apart of the experience, they aced that. Wasted time and petty pocket change with a uber back and forth. Lesson learned. Do with that information what you will. read more

This is one of mine and my husband's favorite bar and we make sure to snag a reservation each time we visit Oahu. Reservations can be hard to come by and probably even harder for large groups. We came the first time as a group of 4 and was given one of their rooms. We've had bar seatings every time after that, since it is just us two. Bar seatings are preferred because you can able to see and hear every steps of the cocktail process. My favorite, which I get every time, is their "In the Soul". I think they had a different name and a slightly different iteration of it, but ultimately, it's a penicillin. BLA introduced me to the penicillin and they are still the #1 place to get it. The ginger, lemon, and honey is perfectly balanced (much like every one of their drinks) and the added wood smoke gives it a delicious aroma/scent, as well as a beautiful presentation. I love the smell of the wood smoke as it lingers in the air as you're enjoying the perfectly crafted cocktail. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any drinks here. We stick to whiskey based drinks and our other favorites are the "Red Shiso Smash", "Sagano Smoke", and their whiskey sour. They have an extensive collection of various harder to find whiskey and bourbons, some aren't available for tasting, but most are. Reservations are opened one month out online. read more

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Didn't actually go in and have a drink. Arrived and it's located on the ground level of a commercial office building. Went inside and checked out the handful of other customers and wasn't feeling the vibe at all. The fact they have a 2 drink minimum should have been the warning sign. If the drinks are all that, no need for the minimum. Also was told by others who had been there that it takes forever for a drink to be prepared. So it's like 1 drink per hour.....I wish I knew before making a res. Cost us $20 per person cancellation fee (so paid $40 for me and gf, but no regrets at all, our time be worth more than that). To be fair, I have no idea if their drinks are any good. I'm just huge on vibes and there wasn't any at this spot. My recommendation is to swing by and check it out BEFORE making a res! read more

THE BEST BAR I HAVE BEEN IN MY LIFE, and this is coming from a former bartender. Make a reservation next time you are in Oahu, and you will be in for a treat. I tried everything on their cocktail menu, and everything is perfect. In-house ice to bitters and they smoke your cocktails? They really set a bar on how speakeasies should be; they pay great attention to every recipe and makes them special. For instance, their garden negroni; they put a great twist to a very traditional recipe by treating each liquor and liqueur in a special way before they are used. And that is one of many. And they have an amazing selection of scotch! Go check it out if you appreciate good drinks. read more

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Incredible experience! It isn't easy to get a reservation here, so when you can, do it. Wonderful cocktails with beautiful, unique presentations and really great service. They don't have much on their menu for food, but the few items they do offer are delicious! The smoked duck bao buns were really yummy! read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This place is so unique! Very small and intimate setting, not a place to party. If you have a big duo go should definitely reserve ahead of time. I was with a party of 4 and luckily got seated but only had an hour limit. While here I saw at least 4 different parties get denied. I really respect the bartenders and servers of Bar Leather. They know their ish and the reason for them declining parties is that they keep their standards high and it takes time to make the cocktails. I got the Matcha old fashioned - very strong and got a slight taste of matcha with every sip. Don't remember the name but my boyfriend got the cocktail with the smoke.. I had a taste and it was amazing.. so many layers of flavor it's truly indescribable! If you want a unique experience and love cool cocktails this is the place to try. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Matcha old fashion - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I've been fortunate to visit Bar Leather Apron a few times since they've opened. This is the bar I recommend to folks when I'm traveling and they ask about Hawaii. This is a high end cocktail bar. So drinks will cost a bit more and having a minimum isn't uncommon in these places. But what you'll get in return is high quality, thoughtful and tasteful cocktails. It's an experience. It's been a while since I've visited but the last time I did they did have at least three variations for an old fashioned so that will be a hit for you whiskey lovers. I'm not a mai tai person but for those from out of town, they also have an inventive and fun Mai Tai. The venue is small and intimate but welcoming. If you're visiting from out of town or even if you're local and haven't been, I highly recommend BLA. Keep up the great work! read more

I had high expectations for Bar Leather Apron after having the pleasure of dining at Bar Maze on my previous trip to Hawaii. Expectations were absolutely blown out of the water. It's more than just a bar, it's an experience. The cozy ambiance is just icing on the cake for how amazing these drinks are. I could have a Red Shiso Smash everyday for the rest of my life. Justin is so passionate about what he does and it shows. The way he explains how he makes your drinks as he does it, it elevates your understanding of why these flavors make a damn good drink. That James Beard award is so well deserved. Thank you for an awesome time! read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We were excited to try the place after we scored two seats walking in at 10pm on a Friday night. But we had to remind the host 20 minutes later we were still waiting after she said it would only be a few minutes for her to clear us a table. Once seated we were able to order pretty quickly but we still didn't have drinks 15 minutes later. There were only five guests in the place. Yes there was only one bartender but there should be some urgency to provide guests their cocktails while putting on hold discussions on the history of bourbon with patrons at the bar (who all had empty glasses in front of them). We ended up leaving 20 minutes later, no cocktail, and no check in from the server. I've been to several craft cocktail bars across the country and never experienced such neglect where I had to leave the establishment. I understand craft cocktails take time to make but I would recommend the bar have their spirits distilled beforehand rather than distilling them to order. We read the cocktails are great but also read others experienced similar wait times and slow/no service. read more

Kudos to bringing a crafted cocktail concept (say that 10 times fast) to the south side of Downtown Honolulu! There were definitely things I liked about the experience and things that could have been improved, but bottom line, the drinks I got were good, not mind blowing amazing, but really really good with a lot of showmanship and thought that went into each drink. I personally ordered the Japan (more subtle Old Fashion which I enjoyed a lot) and the Yuzu Highball (provided a light refreshing break from the heavier cocktails) while I was able to sample the BLA Old Fashion (bit sweet for my tastes), In the Soul (Good balance but pepper stands out a bit much), and Sagano Smoke (the matcha was pretty overpowering IMO). Also got the Duck Bao which was the low point of the experience which I definitely don't recommend. Not sure what the thought process was on the cranberry which overwhelmed the dish with its tartness and the real kicker was the rubbery duck skin which really should have either been cut off entirely or been treated such that it was crispy and flavorful. Although this could be my love of Peking Duck and accompanying expectations talking. So things I liked: -good atmosphere -creative drink menu -great ingredients (on the drinks) -attentive staff Things I didn't like: -difficulty getting a res given it's tiny footprint -not every cocktail a winner -DUCK BAO... I'd go back (if I can get res), but would probably order wider range of drinks (gotta mix in some beer to cut the sweet cocktails) and definitely order different food. read more

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March 2021- What a treat to come here after their dine-in hiatus! My friend made a reservation right away once he saw they were open. We luckily got in, I heard they were booked almost a month out right away! I tried the mock tails this time and they did not disappoint! Absolutely delish! I liked the Smoked Mandarin best, it was smooth with subtle but with articulated flavors. They have some newer cocktails my group tried to which had awesome presentation. They still have the food menu if you want a bite to eat! read more

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What a fantastic place to come for drinks in downtown Oahu. We made reservations months in advance prior to a trip and yes reservations is a must if you're planning to come here. Bar Leather Apron mixologists team are absolutely outstanding. These guys really know how to create strong delicious cocktails. The drinks will run you from $12 - $20 but it's worth it. They also have an excellent selections of whiskey if you prefer that. COCKTAILS: Sagano Smoke Leather Soul Matcha Old Fashioned In The Soul As for parking. Just Uber or Lyft that will be the best way. I'll definitely be hitting this place up again when I come back. Love to sit at the bar next time around and watch these mixologists do their thing. read more

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Hidden inside an unassuming and dated commerical building, this speakeasy is and experience from the get go. As you walk up to the bar entrance, you will immediately smell the unique fragrance of whiskey, burning wood, and miso. The bar itself is elegant and intimate without being ornate nor loud. The service was across the board great, from end to end. But here's what we really came here to do. Drink lol. Each drink was clearly made with quality and care. Everything was made with high quality ingredients and were incredibly well balanced, with deep flavors, each one enhancing the experience of the drink. So if you asked me if I'll come again, my answer is hell ya. In fact I think I'll be back next week. read more

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I like pretending I'm an alcohol snob when in reality I just drank fireball and three buck chuck in college. During my college-funded summer abroad in Japan, I did develop a taste for Japanese whisky though, and after a coworker suggested this spot and we spent two months waiting for a spot--at 5:30 PM the Tuesday after a long weekend, I finally made it. It took me a while to find this place--TOPA towers is a bit of a maze, but looking for a secluded bar nestled on top of a burger restaurant was near impossible for someone directionally challenged. There was a short line when I got there (around 5:20) yet I was immediately seated and, by some lucky turn of circumstances, got the private room. The interior is beautiful, dark and a bit romantic with wooden casks and plentiful outlets. The servers (who, as far as I could tell, did wear leather aprons), were amazingly accommodating and fabulous at explaining the drinks and turning my vague questions about alcohol into recommendations. The food was alright--definitely tasty but maybe a tad overpriced. I ended up getting the BLA old fashioned and, after asking for something lighter and refreshing, got the yuzu sour as well. I also tried some of the maitai, which is brought out in a cloud of kiawe smoke and absinthe. Without going into details, I'm on two medications I'm not supposed to drink on, but despite the pounding headaches and nausea after I came here, I fantasized about the old fashioned and the sour every day that week. Well worth the wait, the pain, and the price. read more

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My matcha old fashioned cocktail was perfection. Excellent service. The cold chocolate treat at the end was a sweet burst of flavor in my mouth. My only issue is that the bar is located in an office building. The atmosphere and vibe was not very interesting and I had to wait almost an hour to get in bc there are so few seats. read more

Bar Leather Apron was a great quaint beautiful lounge. Make reservations in advance - I don't think walk-Ina would have much luck. Definitely recommend for any bourbon/whiskey lovers or just anyone who would like a nice drink. Bartender was very attentive and kind. They make the beverage right in front of you, tell you what they are putting in it, and explain it in a wonderful way. It's amazing watching them basically handcraft your drink. They are flexible too. Found out one of my good friends was pregnant - right before we went in and he kindly made her a mock tail even though there aren't any on the menu. Great drinks and wonderful service. One of the best cocktail lounges on Oahu I believe. It was a great experience. read more

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First I will say that this place is intimate! Perfect for a date night or to take some out of town guests to for before or after dinner drinks. It is difficult to get a reservation however it's definitely worth it. We were seated at the bar and had an amazing bartender. I'm sorry I forgot his name. He was a local guy that has always lived on island. He was awesome and made our first experience fantastic. We will be making another reservation soon! Can't wait to try more of the tasty drinks and appetizers! read more

Bar Leather Apron - Delicious - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I have been wanting to try this place out for years, but never found the right opportunity too. With the idea in the back of my head for months, I was able to snag a reservation about a month in advanced for my boyfriend's birthday. It was well worth the wait. We are in the industry and can always appreciate craft, service, and ambiance. Bar leather apron blew us away from the impressive selections to articulate service in explanations, small talk and education. You can truly tell the difference when true passion is involved. If I could give 10 stars, I would! Bonus points: food menu is was lovely for a couple snacks. We had the crab dip and some spicy peanuts! read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Nice work! So far the best craft cocktails I've had on the island, besides my wedding of course! These guys really pay attention to detail and offer very complex takes on true classics. My favorite drink of the night was the matcha old fashioned. The servers here really know the menu and can easily guide you to the perfect cocktail match. I advise making reservations in advanced as this is a very popular place. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Wow wow wow. We found this listed as one of the best cocktail bars in the country and it absolutely did not disappoint, nor did it meet expectations, but in the best way. The bar is hidden in an office space, far off the beaten tourist path of Honolulu. Inside is nothing grand or pretentious. Bar Leather Apron is intimate and the staff is so easy to connect with. The drinks were absolutely superb. We ended up trying a cocktail from each spirit category and were blown away by each of them. The mixologists explain what's going into each drink and what flavor profile it adds. This visit was truly one of the highlights of my Hawaii trip. It was so unique and memorable! read more

Bar Leather Apron - The bar is hidden away in an office space - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Came here to celebrate my mommy's birthday. We like to have cocktails together, it kinda our thing The location is interesting. Inside like... a financial building or something? Pretty cool- feels like a secret spot and gives you that exclusive VIP type feeling. My mom got a matcha old fashioned which was super cute. I got something called the Leather Soul and it like tasted like a cigar??? It was wild. Loved it. Then e we both got Mai Tais for the theatrical smoke pouring effect. This place is very flashy mixology and that's what e were there for! Got the charcuterie too. Yummy. Across the bar we saw someone get a cocktail that was served under like a giant glass cloche filled with smoke. Looked like a magic trick. You def have to make reservations way ahead of time. The place is tiny and from what I gather, popular! read more

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Meh. If you're expecting a classic speakeasy experience you're bound to be disappointed. Ambience: this bar is on the second floor of a commercial building. If you sit next to the window all you see are some empty shops and the hallway. Also, lighting is too bright - you get none of that dim-lit, relaxing vibe. I just felt weird sitting in this place. Drink quality: disappointing. While the presentation is acceptable the taste isn't. Every drink is OVERLY sweet. Too sweet even for people who like their drinks on the sweet side. How do I trust a cocktail bar that can't make a balanced cocktail? Reservation: so hard to get. Books out a couple of week in advance. There was only one slot left when I looked 3 weeks before the date. It's harder to book than cocktail bars that are wayyy better elsewhere. Not coming back. read more

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This was the best bar I have ever visited. The Mai Tai was extraordinary! When I return to Oahu in June, I'm visiting this place again!!! read more

Bar Leather Apron - Mai Tai - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The service provided here is always top-notch, especially when sitting at the bar top. The bartender will explain each ingredient to you and go over what each does to enhance the drink. They use fresh and local ingredients, which adds to the drink and I thoroughly enjoyed everything I had. read more

Bar Leather Apron - Espresso Martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Bar Leather Apron lives up to its hype! Drinks are unique and watching the mixologist creating each drink is a true form of an art! Although Jason didn't remember us, we were happy to see him again and hear his explanation of the cocktails. BLA uses high quality alcohols so I never had a hang over even after getting four drinks last time. Ambiance is nice like a jazzy dimmed bar. Staff is so friendly and accommodating. I really don't understand some of the bad reviews here. Yes, it is hard to make a reservation and it is for a good reason. If you want cheap happy hour drinks in a touristy place to get drunk then don't even bother to come. Prices are reasonable compared to other high end bars/restaurants. Don't be bitter and enjoy tasty high quality unique cocktails with fun and down to earth staff here! My favorite drink was In the Soul from last night. read more

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