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    EP Bar

    4.6 (146 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    EP Bar Photos

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    EP BAR ATMOSPHERE

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    Hipster
    Casual
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    Recommended Reviews - EP Bar

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    Karai Vida, Pop Lock & Drop
    Tatiana A.

    I love coming here, the cocktails are amazing and I love the vibe. Dimly lit and they're playing vinyls from their huge collection all night long. All of the staff is super cool as well. I'm a mezcal girlyyy so I loved their Karai Vida, it was right up my alley. Smoky, spicy, and it comes with a lil snack, chef's kiss. If you like sweet, I definitely recommend the Strawberry Fields Forever (not pictured). I got to try my friend's and it was sooo good, not too sweet either but what you'd expect from a strawberry cocktail. Nice spot for a date night drink after getting dinner somewhere in Chinatown, if you want to sit at the bar I highly recommend making a reservation!

    Strawberry fields
    Angela L.

    This is my favorite bar!! The menu is super reliable and everything is good. My favorites are the Sticky Fingaz and the Thai Me Down. They both have a very nice fragrance and with multiple layers of notes that make for a drink that evolves as you drink it. Service is always awesome and the vibes are always right. Sometimes they have a record dj (not sure about their schedule) and they spin some cool stuff. Does get a little loud in there (not a negative, just something to keep in mind) and there's no food menu.

    Ringo star, Thai me down
    Linda T.

    My friend insisted we come to this bar in Chinatown and I am blown away by the drinks! The Thai Me Down and Sticky Fingaz were very good, perfect balance of flavor even as the ice melted. We also got the kurogoma manhattan which had a mochi ball inside so that was a fun detail. Loved the interior decor too. Only downside is the uncomfortable hard stools and price but definitely would come again!

    Menu
    Kasey D.

    A rad Japanese listening bar in China Town with an unassuming looking storefront. You walk in and it doesn't seem like much, but you are guided to the back room where all the magic happens. A beautiful bar with vinyl galore. A DJ spinning records at the far end and a couple bartenders ready to curate anything on or off the menu. The drinks were superb. The ambiance was just what I was searching for. Loved that the DJ was doing a mix of 90s-early 00s hip-hop. Loved every second and sip here. Will absolutely be back next time we're on the island.

    Menu
    Roya J.

    It's a full bar so they can make most things. I found the drink menu on the smaller side, but everything we ordered was balanced and well made. It's quant with a record store vibes, making it intimate and nice for smaller groups.

    Birthday Cheers :)
    Jolene L.

    After a lovely evening of dinner and cake, Birthday Boy decided on one more stop before calling it a night. With much Birthday Luck, our group of eight was able to get seated at two tables situated together. Great ambience...not too noisy, fun all around! They have an excellent cocktail menu. There's a refreshing beverage for everyone's palate. My personal favorite was the umai Highball, made with vodka, ume, lemon, and soda poured over a long Highball cube...rimmed with a nice balance of pucker LOL DJ read the audience and to our pleasant surprise, he was spinning old school R&B and classic hip hop music. He certainly knew how to keep us celebrating there longer :) Tipped our server and the DJ well, we all exited safely. Using a ride share app, our Birthday Boy's entire crew got home responsibly :) Cheers!

    hail mary, umai highball, ringo
    Kira C.

    Shocked I haven't written a review about EP Bar yet. I would like to proudly say I used to come once every other week. EP Bar is located in Downtown near the Hawaii Theater with craft specialty cocktails that are creative, tasty, and overall so fun! Definitely inspired by the vinyl highball bars in Japan. This is a great place to either end your night after dinner or your first place for a night of fun. They don't offer food here, so plan to have dinner elsewhere. Here and there they would host a few food popups such as Tsukimaki with handrolls and Menya with ramen. Services is always friend and welcoming and are part of the reason why I always come back. A few of my favorite cocktails are the umai highball and the spicy senpai. The pho cocktail is something I also definitely recommend because its so different, but delicious. Immaculate vibes, amazing music, tasty cocktails. What more could a girl ask for??

    Jenna R.

    This bar is a hidden gem located in Chinatown. I found parking at a lot nearby and used the QR code to pay for parking. On first glance, I thought it was extremely dark but I actually liked the intimate feel to it. My friend and I tried several different drinks: the Strawberry Fields Forever, HighBall, Basa Boyz Paloma, and Pho Us By Us. I'd say the pho cocktail was the main attraction for us. We would shockingly recommend it! Our bartender initially recommended it and we're glad he did. It tasted exactly like pho but cold. It's so hard to explain but it was good! The other notable favorite was the Strawberry Fields Forever. My friend and I like our cocktails on the sweeter side and this one was good and up to our standards. My friend made reservations, which I would highly recommend doing before showing up. I would definitely come here again after a night out to dinner as this place does not serve food strictly cocktails and alcoholic beverages. We were told they have occasional chef pop ups where food is served and to check their IG for these updates!

    Michelle D.

    My friends and I were looking for a chill spot with good drinks and solid vibes, so we decided to give EP Bar a try--and it did not disappoint. The cocktails were beautifully crafted, and I absolutely loved the dark, moody atmosphere. It has this sultry, intimate feel that makes it perfect for unwinding after a long day at work. Inside, the vibe was super laid-back--no overwhelming crowd, just good energy. Outside, the area can feel a little sketchy at night, so just be aware of your surroundings. That said, once you're inside, it's a vibe. Would definitely come back for another "drinky drink drink" moment !

    Left: sticky fingaz  Right: Basa Boyz Paloma
    Kim T.

    Some friends suggested this place to us so we knew we had to check it out! I suggest making a reservation because the place isn't big and it definitely gets packed! I loved the music they were playing. The seating was mostly at the bar or high top tables so I wouldn't suggest big groups. We didn't end up staying that long because there was a private party about to start. I ordered the sticky fingaz and my boyfriend got the basa boys Paloma. I tend to like sweeter drinks and loved this one! The Paloma was refreshing as well. Would love to come back here and hangout longer next time we are in town.

    Amber S.

    Love the vibes here! Dark & moody... right up my alley. It feels like a speakeasy because of the unsuspecting front entrance. We were able to snag a table on a Friday at 6pm without a reservation. The guys working were so friendly and welcoming, and there was a DJ spinning too. Ordered a Thai Me Down and Hail Mary, both were perfectly crafted and delicious. Will definitely return again next time.

    Kyoho Grape Highball (pho us is still my favorite)
    Krista E.

    If you want to know what the best bar in Oahu is, it's definitely EP bar. It's a vinyl bar that plays classic R&B and showa era pop. I remember last time I was visiting, Pho Us by Us was the drink that impressed me the most - well-balanced, like a clean tasting pho sans the beef bone flavor. Skip bar leather apron, (trust me I I've been) this is the best. Innovative cocktails, great ambience and chill service.

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    8 days ago

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    5 months ago

    Best bar, great vibes and amazing drinks. The records are nostalgic and great space for a classy party

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    7 months ago

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    7 months ago

    The music and the vibes are impeccable and the cocktails even better. Keep them coming, please.

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    Page 1 of 4

    EP Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - EP Bar

    Are reservations required?

    Aloha Brittany, Reservations aren’t required, but highly recommended. We are a small establishment and would hate to turn you away if we are full at the moment. Thank you… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Bar Leather Apron

    4.5
    (476 reviews)
    0.3 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.

    Photos
    View from our seat
    View from our seat
    Matcha old fashioned
    Matcha old fashioned
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    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    4.5
    (48 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    Some places you find, others you have to earn, and 430 Parkway is one you'd miss if you weren't…read morelooking for it. Tucked on the second floor of a Piikoi Parkway building, it feels like stepping back in time, a true bespoke bar with vintage art, moody lighting, and comfy couches that make it perfect for couples or a night out with friends. We sat at the bar, which was a highlight, Michael and Tony were welcoming, easy to talk story with, and clearly know their craft. I went with the Barreled Old Man, a smooth, layered mix of bourbon, rye, and brandy that just worked, while my wife's Sesame Veil brought a nutty, balanced flavor that stood out. For round two, the Espressing My Love was a great take on an espresso martini, and Michael built my wife a custom drink off her favorite flavors and nailed it again. We paired it with the smoked mozzarella and salami grilled cheese and Ho Farms tomato soup, and this is where it really hit. The sandwich came out hot and crisp, and when you took a bite the cheese pulled away just right, that perfect melt, with the salami adding a savory kick. The tomato soup was fresh, bright, and made for dipping you didn't want to stop. We were welcomed with a table that had our name on it, a small touch that goes a long way. Prices are on point for the quality and experience you're getting. It's a bit of a hidden, hip spot, not for a quick drink but for when you want to sit, relax, and enjoy it. Parking is tight, but you can park at Ala Moana and walk over, and it's worth it. Next time we're coming back for Grandma's Old Fashioned and the pork belly bao buns. This isn't a bar you stumble into, it's one you come back to.

    I went here for my birthday and didn't realize I should've made a reservation for a larger group,…read moreespecially since it was my first time. Thankfully, Michael and his team were able to accommodate us, which I really appreciated. From the moment we walked in, the place had a great vibe, the interior is beautiful. Throughout the night, the staff and Michael (the owner) were incredibly welcoming, funny and attentive. The cocktails were amazing. I had the expressing my love all night and even though the place was busy and there was a bit of a wait for food, it was honestly worth it. We had the crab dynamite, the ahi brioche, and the prosciutto and burrata. SO GOOD! My friends and I had such a great time and will definitely be back.

    Photos
    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU
    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU
    Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!
    Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!
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    RM 38

    RM 38

    4.8
    (74 reviews)
    3.0 mi
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    This spot is the place to be in Waikiki! Definitely make a reservation because this place fills up…read morefast, especially later into the night. What surprised me most was how good the food was for the price. Usually spots with this kind of atmosphere rely on the drinks to carry the experience, but every dish actually delivered. The chicken karaage was crispy and packed with flavor, the beef takoyaki disappeared almost instantly, and the taro chips with mascarpone were such a unique combination. Between the cocktails, food, service, and atmosphere, everything just worked.

    We dropped by speakeasy RM 38 (Room 38) inside the Imperial Hotel on Lewers in Waikīkī. We were…read morevery glad we did. The owner is Steve Aoki, of Aoki Group, and son of daredevil and entrepreneur, Rocky Aoki. The staff were super nice. The brunette (Ellie?) working Sat, 4/25 was super friendly, and worked her ass off. The Azn fellow who also took care of us let us look at the bottles of special bourbon we drank: Four Roses & Blantons both tr the Aoki Collection. Regarding the ambiance its whimsical inside. I didn't look on the lanai, but I understand you can smoke cigars out there. The background music was jazz and the occasional Motown hit (Stylistics). My cuz who lives in Kaimukī has neva been to RM 38. I promised to add him to the res next time. Its a lot easier to get in vs another speakeasy in Chinatown, and its walking distance from where I always stay at the Moana.

    Photos
    Lounge area
    Lounge area
    Ahi
    Ahi
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    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned
    Hideout

    Hideout

    4.2
    (1.4k reviews)
    3.2 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.

    I loved finding this spot! I looked at the coffee situation at my hotel (Hilton Garden Inn) and the…read morelack of anything but powered creamer (yuck) so immediately went on the hunt for something better. I initially tried the bakery directly across the street at the International Marketplace, but they didn't open until 7am. I began to walk towards a distant Starbucks I found on Google and noticed an active escalator and signage pointing towards the open Hideout at the Laylow. Advertising local coffee, I immediately took the ride upstairs and was greeted by two young ladies full of smiles and Aloha spirit! Being summertime and hot (even at 6am) I ordered a large iced latte and decided to drink it on their large open lanai. I'm glad I did. The breezes up there were perfect and watching the daylight get brighter with local birds chirping and fluttering about made for a very nice wake-up! This became my go-to stop every morning of my visit! I only ordered breakfast once and kept it low-carb so I had cheesy eggs and Portuguese sausage. Perfect and hit the spot. If staying at the Laylow (Marriott product) or close by, I'd recommend this as your morning wake-up as well! Enjoy!

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

    Chao

    4.4
    (397 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Chao is a great little gem in nu'uanu with a cozy but slightly elevated ambiance. My entire family…read morewent for Mother's Day and shared a variety of delicious Thai fusion dishes that were presented beautifully and tasted amazing. The service was great and with our reservation, we were seated in a timely manner despite it being a busy evening. Highlights for us included the duck fat fried rice and whole steamed moi. The entire restaurant is pretty accessible and the shopping plaza in which it's located has plenty of parking especially in the evening hours. Great spot to take friends to share a bite, have a cocktail or celebrate a date night!!

    Very charming and cozy restaurant that's great for both small gatherings and larger parties. Best…read moreto call ahead and make a reservation. The menu is simple yet elegant, with plenty of tempting options. Started off with the hamachi crudo. My friend doesn't really eat fish but she said it was worth the try. She took off the skin from the hamachi. She pointed out that it was the first she had hamachi with skin on it! Tried the soft-shell crab pasta, and it did not disappoint--it was absolutely delicious! We also shared the duck salad, which was fresh and flavorful. My friends both ordered the chicken pho, with one adding an egg. They agreed the soup was really good. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food. Our server was outstanding--attentive, friendly, and happy to explain the menu and answer our questions. We all ordered the Vietnamese iced coffee, and it was a favorite at the table. It was perfectly blended and the perfect way to finish the meal. The only downsides are that parking can be a bit difficult, and the restaurant gets quite loud when it's full. Overall, it's a wonderful spot with delicious food, excellent service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. I'd definitely come back!

    Photos
    Interior dining room with bamboo-like lighting
    Interior dining room with bamboo-like lighting
    Fried Spring Rolls - Ch Gi
    Fried Spring Rolls - Ch Gi
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    Ube Dream

    EP Bar - whiskeybars - Updated July 2026

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