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    Favorite Son

    3.8 (85 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Favorite Son Photos

    FAVORITE SON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Touristy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Favorite Son

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    Reviews With Photos

    Jillian T.

    Went here on a Friday night, made reservations beforehand via Open Table, though when I got there, it took a moment for someone to help me at the host stand. Didn't seem as if he checked any books for reservations and told me to sit anywhere I wanted. So I grabbed a seat at one of booths inside. It took quite a bit for a server to come around to ask if I've been helped, though by that time, I've already looked over the menu and knew exactly what I wanted. When we received the food, some items were a hit and some a miss for me. Such as the hummus with the pita, the hummus was way too salty for my liking. As for the Diavola pinsa (flatbread pizza), they ran out of Italian sausage and replaced that with pepperoni. I appreciated the gesture, though now I have to go back to see what it tastes like with the Italian sausage instead. The tiramisu was a healthy serving, super tasty. Overall, this place was such a vibe. Live music outside, along with a full bar/countertop seating indoors, with various 4-tops and booth seating spread throughout. Lots of space for small or large party gatherings.

    Menu
    Michelle J.

    Hotel restaurant. I only came here because I had a meal credit. Little bit noisy and I sunk deep into the seat. Usually I'm okay with that but today I was really low riding. Took me a long time to go over the menu. No, it is not extensive, I just could not find something I wanted. I finally decided on the All Day Duo (half soup/salad). Got the turkey club and the kale salad. I did see kale but the description said baby gem lettuce. So I thought it was a mix of lettuce and kale. Nope! All kale. The sandwich wasn't that great either. Not sure if I'd visit again.

    Lily D.

    finally got to try out favorite son - but did i bring my favorite son with me to lunch (that is still yet to be determined). They are located in Ambassador Waikiki - on the corner of the hotel. Not sure if they validate parking for the restaurant tho. I actually called in the morning to check to see if they allowed dogs on the patio and they said yes! yay! I had this spot bookmarked forever and wanted to try out their restaurant week menu. Checking in took awhile - i did not want to bring the dogs inside to wait with me so we kinda stuck out by the door for a bit until someone came over to the host stand. We had a female server at first - i had to ask her for the RW menu since it wasn't originally offered to us, but she also said we can sit anywhere we wanted outside. The most shady spot was already taken, so we got the next best thing that was a little near the street since none of the umbrellas were open. I originally wanted the meatballs as our starter but she said they were all out (but i litterally came an hour after opening). I opted for the Hummus instead. It was ok - little bit on the tangy side. the entree i chose was the pizza which was decent, and i took the tiramisu to go which i enjoyed. it wasn't bitter and was perfectly balanced. towards the end i had a male server who i think probably picked up my call earlier. He was really nice. Only downside is service is really slow. i must have been there for over 2 hours just for lunch. I actually wanted to get going already since the amount of birds outside kept lingering and it was making one of my son's pretty crazy. Otherwise - its a nice spot and the RW menu was a great way to see what they offered.

    Cheryl D.

    Conveniently connected to The Ambassador Hotel this restaurant and bar has quick drinks and bites for guests and those in Waikiki walking past. Dining is not limited only to hotel patrons. The breakfast options are an array of decent sandwiches, fruits and yogurts, with lunch and dinner options also being comparable for the area; poke, seafood, etc. The servers and staff are friendly.

    Kula greens
    lauren n.

    Amazing breakfast burritto so yummy and the new menu is amazing the loco moco is sooo good along with the garlic noodles a place that has something for everybody

    half of each
    Oracle 8.

    Be prepared to wait a long time for expensive, disappointing food. The service was highly uncoordinated; half our table got their food in 20 minutes, while the rest of us waited 45 minutes for basic items. The food itself was "meh" across the board. The $20 avocado toast was a ripoff--just a thin smear of avocado and overly citrusy. The salmon lox came on a soft, warm croissant, creating a very weird, mushy texture compared to a classic bagel. Two people got the breakfast burritos and noted they were completely bland and lacking spice, and the coffee was just strong and bitter. I wouldn't recommend it.

    Poke Bowl

    Second time to visit. Loco Moco was amazing and the wife had the poke bowl. This is local food!!!! Will be back for Prime Rib night!

    Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
    Lori S.

    We enjoyed many meals at Favorite Son during our stay at The Ambassador in Waikiki. The service and ambiance are amazing! We loved the avocado toast and BEC sandwich for breakfast. Dinners were full of flavors and local music on the patio provided the perfect ending to our days. My favorite meal wast the Chicken Teriyaki bowl, Dukes Sunset mocktail and the artichoke dip- fabulous meal! I also recommend the strawberry guava gelato for dessert!

    Courtney F.

    We were looking for some quick food on our way back from the main strip, and this spot looked interesting enough. It was late as well, we were still adjusting to the time, and they were one of the only spots with a kitchen still open, so it was perfect. The bartender was fantastic and super helpful the whole nice. The cocktails were amazing. Pizza was okay, but the spinach dip was super delicious. It was a perfect meal for my husband and I. I honestly could have sat and drank here all night if the drinks weren't insanely priced, because they were some of the best cocktails we had in the area. I'm not sure if they have happy hour, but if they do, I highly suggest stopping in for some great drinks!

    Kona Kanpachi Crudo
    Greg G.

    Favorite Son revamped their menu. This is the Kona Kanpachi Crudo - a fruit dish that surprisingly offers a fish feel. This is an example how the new menu offers hidden surprises. It doesn't stop there. Highly recommend!

    Pog star martini
    Naima C.

    This restaurant was located right by my hotel and when we checked in it was recommended we try it because they had just opened. One our first day we stopped by and had a slice of pizza and a pog star martini! Both were extremely delicious and we ended up coming here almost every day for a slice of pizza before we hit the beach. On my last day before I went to the airport I decided to try the vodka penne pasta to eat before I boarded my flight. Not sure if it was because they had just opened but the dish was very salty and the sauce was thick and created this unpleasant texture. I was disappointed since the hotel staff recommended this dish and I just expected more since it was almost 30 dollars for the pasta. Nonetheless I had great experiences besides the pasta and would still go back for the pizza and drinks. Hopefully within time I am able to go back and I would love to try the vodka penne again! Staff and ambiance wise everyone was really nice and I loved how there was outdoor and indoor seating! If you're in the area give this spot a try :)

    Cute atmosphere
    Darlene T.

    As Hilton Diamond members, we were very disappointed. The good: Our server was an absolute gentleman--patient, attentive, and the best part of the meal. The bad: * The bartender was incredibly rude. When I asked about changing an order, she gave me an awful look. I then overheard her complaining about other guests, which is highly unprofessional. If the service for ordering drinks is this poor, I won't be ordering any. * The menu was extremely limited, and they were out of several items, including pasta sauce. * The food took an unacceptable amount of time to arrive, especially when clearly in my video no one was there. Overall, I would not return. This is an embarrassing representation of customer service and quality for a brand like Hilton, and it requires major management attention.

    Loco Moco

    We had lunch at this friendly place The staff here are great and welcoming. I had beef short rib Loco Moco and it was the bomb. The beef was very soft and tender. I can't wait to go back again.

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    1 month ago

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    1 month ago

    The food was excellent. I had the poke bowl and the portion was substantial. I saved half for the next day. The service was friendly.

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    3 months ago

    Excellent food excellent service Great bar and there is a hotel connected if you get bombed and can't get your car hahaha

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    4 months ago

    Great food with a variety,friendly service, clean dining area. Great choice when in the area for sure!

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    3 months ago

    Poor quality food at Waikiki prices. Your dollars are better spent literally anywhere else.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Favorite Son

    Vintage Books - Flight of tacos (@miguelmoralesphotography on Instagram)

    Vintage Books

    4.4(175 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$$
    Gluten-free friendly
    Romantic vibe

    What a great little place...and very tricky. The entrance was interesting and I thought it was so…read moresmall 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…read moregroup 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.

    Photos
    Vintage Books - Bar & lounge

    Bar & lounge

    Vintage Books - Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako

    Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako

    Vintage Books - Crispy Lamb Ribs

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    Crispy Lamb Ribs

    Bar Leather Apron - Japan old fashioned

    Bar Leather Apron

    4.5(474 reviews)
    2.7 miDowntown
    $$

    Legendary cocktail experience. My partner and I frequent a lot of top 50 bars across the world and…read moreBar Leather Apron operates at that level. The drinks are well balanced and have a lot of Japanese flavor influence (i.e shisho, matcha, yuzu). Presentation and breakdown of each drink component was exceptional; it is clear that the mixologists understand the nuances of their ingredients and the techniques they employ. Special shout out to Scotty for taking care of us tonight. Excited to come back again :)

    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
    Bar Leather Apron - View from our seat

    View from our seat

    Bar Leather Apron - Matcha old fashioned

    Matcha old fashioned

    Bar Leather Apron - Japan

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    Japan

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    4.5(48 reviews)
    1.2 miAla Moana

    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.

    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.

    Photos
    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - SPRING COCKTAIL MENU

    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!

    Crab Dynamite - Our Fave!

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge - Bird on a Wire

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    Bird on a Wire

    RM 38 - Snack

    RM 38

    4.8(71 reviews)
    0.4 miWaikiki
    $$

    those places where you walk in and immediately feel cooler than you actually are. The atmosphere is…read moresuch a good mix of intimate, trendy, and lowkey dramatic in the best way. Dim lighting, great music, strong drinks, and the kind of vibe that makes you want to stay way longer than you planned. Definitely make a reservation because this place fills up fast, especially later into the night when everyone suddenly decides they need a speakeasy cocktail moment. 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 everything, but every dish actually delivered. The chicken karaage was crispy and packed with flavor, the beef takoyaki disappeared embarrassingly fast, and the taro chips with mascarpone somehow felt both chaotic and genius at the same time. Weirdly addictive and perfect with the drinks. 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
    RM 38 - Lounge area

    Lounge area

    RM 38 - Ahi

    Ahi

    RM 38 - Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

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    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

    Favorite Son - hawaiian - Updated May 2026

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