The Alter Ego of Eateries: Up Roll Cafe by Day, Pub Maniwa Kakuuchi by Night
This spot is the ultimate Clark Kent and Superman of the Honolulu food scene. By day, it's Up Roll Cafe--your go-to for sushi burritos and poke bowls. But when night falls, it transforms into Pub Maniwa Kakuuchi. True to the superhero theme, you enter right through Up Roll Cafe's front doors and look to your right for the heavy drapes (aka the "cape") to step into a hidden, magical pub.
In Japan, a kakuuchi is a hidden gem inside another retail shop known for excellent sake, small bites, and great company--and this place nails that vibe perfectly.
What to Order: The Standouts & Deals -
* Special Sake Discovery Set: We caught this deal during their Early Bird Happy Hour (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Thursday-Saturday). For a limited time, it's only $10 (normally $15) and comes with three distinct sakes and one "Umami Bite."
* The Bites: We paired our drinks with the House Pickles and the Fresh Scooped Tofu. While the pickles were crisp and refreshing, the Fresh Scooped Tofu was the absolute winner of the night.
* The Main Spread: We also sampled the Crispy Garlic Tofu Salad, Snow Crab Roll, Jalapeno Salmon, Scallop and Whelk, Kauai Shrimp, and their Top Grade Sashimi. Every single dish was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.
The Vibe & Insider Tips -
* Cozy Setting: The space is intimate and welcoming, offering standard tables alongside counter seating if you like watching the action.
* Book the Secret Spot: If you are planning a date night or want some privacy, call ahead to reserve the private table in the back. It features a partition screen that blocks you from the view of the rest of the room.
* Standard Happy Hour (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): They offer $4 select drinks (including Coors Light, Heineken, Asahi Super Dry, and Kizakura Ochioko Sake) and $4 Umami Bites (like Soy-Marinated Quail Eggs, Shiokara, Wasabi Okra, and that must-try Fresh Scooped Tofu).
The Verdict: If you are looking for massive portions or cheap eats, the small plates and premium pricing mean this might not be your jam. However, if you appreciate exceptional flavor, curated sake pairings, and an exclusive, speakeasy atmosphere, it is worth every penny.
The better half and I look forward to coming back and hopefully get that back table. read more