Exactly perfect for what we were looking for. First and foremost on the list for our search, was we hoped to find a place that had televised sports (both Monday Night Football and the World Series were on--but remember, this is Hawaii--way-out in the Pacific, so live-games come on in the afternoon or even earlier). Multiple screens make it so there is not a bad seat in the house.
We also hoped to find a place with more of a "neighborhood/locals" energy to chill and relax our tired dogs (feet) in...and also, if it wasn't asking too much, hoped that it would have a fun vibe. (*Check those criteria off).
"Icing on the cake", for us would be if the location had decent food. (Check that one off and put an exclamation point behind it--as the nachos we had were, "Fire".)
As fate would have it, a lucky break was to be had as we walked in to the very-full bar. There, before us, were two stools at the bar (*the last remaining spots in the place) and they happened to be open. Side note: The bar has a speak-easy attached to it, and one day, we are gonna try it. Going there has been mentioned a few times when we have chatted with locals and tourists regarding memorable and unique things to do.
Our servers were pleasant and accommodating despite the fact that the place was "choke widd plenty-kine cust-a'mah" (local pidgin for, full of customers). It's a hard balancing act to make patrons feel welcomed, but also not leave other thirsty tables waiting for too long. The two pretty blondes working that afternoon did a fantastic job at this.
My seasonal sour beer hit all the right notes, and my wife seemed to enjoy her less exotic tap beer (Blue moon with an orange slice--served ice cold). There is a ton of beers to choose from here.
Lighting in the Kailua Tavern is kinda darkish (not a problem, as I like me a dark bar sometimes). The locals were very-welcoming. One guy offered his table to us when he noticed our food had arrived and our plates were a bit pinned in. Also, anyone who happened to be sitting near us immediately engaged in friendly banter about the games.
One guy of Tongan decent, who was probably 6'5" and had muscles piled-on to his massive frame came over and leaned in very close to ask, "Hey DEN, Bradah, YOU MIND FOR IF I GO DANCE WICH YOU DATE?" (*That didn't happen, I thought channeling a classic moment from the bar-scene in, Animal House, would be funny...but like the Toronto Blue Jays in the late innings of last night's game, "Swing and a miss". )
The Kailua Town Tavern was the opposite of a swing and a miss for us. It was fun and a good place to "chill"; the vibe was what we had hoped for; and of special note were the steak strips on the nachos, as they were superb. read more