Super cool speakeasy in Ala Moana…read more It was a bit confusing on how to get here, but if your Lyft drops you off at 24 Hour Fitness, go up to the 2nd level, walk out into the parking garage & go across to Brian's. Brian's was an interesting vibe. There is security out front, dark, several pool tables, other sections I did not explore & then, Wild Orange. The entire area was kind of sketchy. Wild Orange, fortunately, was a cool spot. Friendly bartenders. Japanese inspired cocktails, anime & pinball machine art.

I forgot to take a photo here but this place is pretty legendary and one of the cooler speakeasies…read moreI've been to. Super dope vending machine entrance and very interactive with the coin. The interior was also well designed but I wish our group was sat in a different area of the bar. We got sat in this one corner and it was dark with like translucent lights, kinda like Jinx's lair from Arcane. Idk just wished we sat somewhere else with more light and visibility of the bar. The drinks were pretty good. It's a large menu and honestly I wanted to try multiple drinks but can't be getting all drunk and stuff you know the vibes. Also I know it's unrelated to this establishment but it's next to a billiards hall and that was legendary. Great vibe, great place, highly recommend.

Everything was perfect except for the smell. Not sure what had happened but it smelled musty…read more The service and the food were great!

Okay, the concept of Yours Truly is everything. So many cool little details that make it a great…read moreexperience. First off, it's just right below the AC Hotel Honolulu, which already gives it that hidden gem feel. There are two areas: the main bar and a speakeasy. Both have access to the full drink menu. My favorite part? The cocktails served in animal shaped glasses, so freaking cute. The turtle one was my favorite The main bar has more of a classy, elegant vibe, while the speakeasy leans tropical, almost tiki-style. Also, no bartenders or servers in that back area but you actually order by marking your drink on a letter and putting it on a mailbox that goes directly to the bartenders... How cool is that? Big shoutout to the bartenders, you guys were amazing!! Definitely a spot worth checking out if you're in Honolulu

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.

Came here multiple times and each time service was fantastic. It's located in the white sands hotel…read moreand push the door that has the dark 8 next to it. Fun speakeasy with fantastic drinks. Also if you like bourbon, fantastic fair prices per pour. A good variety of cocktails, mocktails, and absinthe drinks and cocktails.

I visited this speak easy a couple years ago, and recently went back for the first time…read more Definitely a lot more options than I remember and I loved the spirit free cocktails. Wish there was maybe two more pupu options but thats just because I am picky. That toffee was delicious! Drink were light and to to sugar/syrupy.

Drinks. That's what…read moreyou're here for isn't it? It is why you've searched for EP bar, looked over various reviews, and randomly found yourself reading thru the first few lines of this review. Well, welcome Dear Reader, and I hope what I'm about to share peaks your interest to visit EP Bar. I had my 2nd visit to EP Bar earlier this month with friends for some after dinner drinks. We did make a res, but there were some walk-ins while we there, so it's probably recommended but not necessary. We perused the menu, and our 1st round consisted of: Ringo Star Strawberry Fields Forever Pho Us By Us Hail Mary Any guesses on the drink I chose? It's related to the Beatles. If you guessed Ringo Star.....take another guess. The Strawberry Fields Forever was very refreshing. Recommended. My partner ordered the Hail Mary, which (sadly) wasn't to his liking, and he happily "helped" me finish my drink before ordering his own in the next round. I chose the Ringo Star as my next drink, and I'd say if you're a fan of Mr. Star and/or apples, this drink is right up your orchard. Recommended. SERVICE The service is friendly, mixed with a splash of polite, and served with patience and knowledge. BOTTOM LINE A great place for drinks. Casual ambiance/vibe and relaxed atmosphere. Recommended.

Fifteen minutes west of Waikiki, you'll find yourself in a completely different Hawaii…read more Honolulu's Chinatown feels worlds away from the beachfront resorts and postcard-perfect sunsets. The neighborhood is vibrant, gritty, and alive--a mix of Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Native Hawaiian influences layered over historic buildings, glowing neon signs, art galleries, and hidden cocktail dens. It reminded me a bit of New Orleans: worn facades with stories to tell, creative energy around every corner, and the sense that the best experiences are often tucked behind an unassuming door. Which makes it the perfect home for EP Bar. "EP" stands for Extend Play, a fitting name for a place built around music. Long before listening bars became fashionable in Los Angeles, New York, and London, there were the jazz kissa of Japan--small cafés where people gathered not to drink or dance, but to listen. Records spun through carefully tuned sound systems while patrons sat immersed in the music. The music wasn't background noise. It was the main event. Walking into EP Bar, you can feel traces of that tradition. The room is intimate and inviting. Reservations are highly recommended because the place fills up quickly on weekend nights. Once inside, the atmosphere hits a sweet spot. The music is loud enough to create a mood and provide privacy for conversation, yet never so overpowering that it dominates the room. Loud enough to muffle the secrets being shared between old friends. Loud enough to drown out the office gossip that somehow followed everyone from the coffee machine into happy hour. The soundtrack isn't just playing--it's setting the tone. As an Old Fashioned guy, my choice was easy. I ordered a Oaxaca OF, which swaps traditional whiskey for mezcal. Smoky, balanced, and memorable, it felt like the kind of drink that rewards slow sipping between tracks. Another member of our group went with the Pho Us By Us. To nobody's surprise except perhaps her own, it tasted a little salty. Considering the ingredients--Green Chile Vodka, Sake, Pho Spice, Lemon, and Soda--it was probably the most honest cocktail description I've ever seen. The drink tasted exactly like its name suggested. That's part of the fun here. The menu doesn't hide behind clever marketing. Drinks like Thai Me Down and Candy Rain practically dare you to order them. Not every note landed perfectly. Service was a little off-beat during our visit. But like any live performance, sometimes the rhythm isn't flawless. Thankfully, the vibes, decor, music, and overall experience more than carried the set. What I appreciated most was that EP Bar doesn't feel like a gimmick. It feels like a genuine continuation of a tradition that began decades ago in Japan's listening cafés, traveled across oceans, and found a home in Honolulu's Chinatown. It's a place where music matters, conversation flows, and the pace of the evening slows down just enough to appreciate both. The place slaps for what it is--and for what it isn't. In a world increasingly filled with distractions, EP Bar invites you to do something refreshingly simple: sit down, have a great drink, listen to great music, and be present. I'll definitely be back. After all, every good record deserves another spin, and I'm curious to see how the needle lands next time.

Not sure why this joint isn't on Yelp, but happy I get to introduce it. It's a speakeasy above the…read morekaka'ako Aloha Beer that's open only Fridays and Saturdays. They serve a selection of the popular beers from downstairs as well as craft cocktails. The cocktails are mostly classics such as painkiller, old fashioned, paper plane, with some of their own like the aloha. What sets this place apart is how well each drink is made. It's order at the bar and find your own seating type of place so don't be shy and make friends in the lounge seating enclaves. Be friendly with an aloha spirit like the bar staff so no worries sista/brah. Love the dark and gothic ambiance, but not sure what to think of the fairy tail looking reindeer over the stage/fire except that I found it funny once told it wasn't real. There's valet or self parking next to the place and the fee is reduced with validation. If you're really overzealous you can visit Aloha Beer until 11 pm and come up here til midnight. Only recommendation I'd have is to improve the ice. They use regular ice versus large cubes or balls. Regular ice melts too fast, especially on the island.

This space is both a private room above Aloha Beer and is also used as a "speakeasy" on Friday and…read moreSaturday nights. Great service, unique cocktails and a fun atmosphere.

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.

This review is for the recently opened speakeasy,Hush, which is located upstairs. I made…read morereservations through IG and if you go on their site you have to click on hush on Open Table. I made reservations for 5:45 PM however when I checked in at Pint and Jigger, I was notified that the reservations were for P&J and not the speakeasy which opens at 6 PM. Therefore I believe that there are still kinks to be made with their reservation system. We waited at the bar until it was sorted out. You walk through a whiskey wall and walk upstairs to the speakeasy. They used a lot of the decor from the former location known as Harry's Emporium. We were the only ones for about an hour so we were able to maximize the bartender's time. Max is an excellent bartender and informed us that they are only open on the weekends for now. He's the only bartender and they are still working out staffing issues. No food at the moment. The theme is New Orleans/French. The drinks and music all have that vibe. The room is dim but not too dark. We left around 7:30 PM when two other couples showed up. We will definitely be returning.

Best to make reservations, especially later in the night. Got lucky and sat at the bar…read more Food was good. I got the burger and mushrooms appetizer. Drinks were tasty. Well made. There's a speakeasy inside the restaurant. Hostess said it's by reservation only and these no food.

This place was amazing, a true hidden gem! the food was absolutely amazing. we did the eight course…read moretasting menu and for what we paid it was a steal. the chef was great at explaining all the dishes and service was top notch. i didn't expect much when i walked into the restaurant but after the first course, my opinion changed quickly! loved it, thank you!

i thought XO restaurant was interesting lol one of the…read moreservers was lit the other mumbled and couldn't quite hear what they were saying, me n wifey treated this like a michelin rated spot and chatted about every dish. our favorite was the beets. I think that for the price and everything its a solid deal, some good wine too... just on some real picky constructive critique shit i think they can keep evolving as chefs, the presentation is pretty much there, flavors r good, but something about it felt like certain dishes were a bit overcooked or elements could have been more perfected, it was close to super impressive , it kinda felt like you went to your big back friends house and they tried making fancy snacks for everyone in the kitchen, which isn't a bad thing, it was homey, haha but yea ,,, yall will figure it out , and we would come back again for sure, keep perfecting the craft , it was a good time !!!