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    Senia

    4.5 (768 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndCocktail Bars, New American
    Closed 5:30 pm - 9:30 PM

    By appointment only

    Senia Photos

    Business Info

    SENIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Classy
    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - Senia

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    Reviews With Photos

    Pineapple Bread Pudding
    Michelle D.

    My partner made reservations at Senia yesterday since neither of us had been there in quite a while. I believe they recently renovated the space, and I absolutely love the new look. It used to have an all-white interior, but now it features warm wood tones and earthy brown accents that create such a cozy, inviting ambiance. The whole restaurant feels much warmer and more intimate. The cocktail menu has changed as well, and I ordered the Night Shift. As someone who loves a good Old Fashioned, this was probably the best cocktail I've had all year. It had a wonderful smoky flavor balanced by just the right amount of sweetness from the cacao. I'm officially hooked. For appetizers, we shared the ahi cigars and venison tartare on brioche, and both were incredibly delicious. For our mains, we ordered the lamb lasagna and duck breast. My partner wanted to order even more, but I insisted we save room for dessert and tea...and I'm so glad we did. The bread pudding was absolutely phenomenal. Paired with tea, it was the perfect ending to the meal. Overall, I genuinely enjoyed everything we ordered and would definitely come back. Senia delivered a fantastic dining experience from start to finish. Highly recommend! For anyone visiting Senia, don't skip the Night Shift cocktail or the bread pudding! :)

    After meal drink menu
    Rebecca T.

    Went there for a double date for their À la carte dinner, not the prix fixe. It's been on my list for a while, and so glad it's one of the nicer meals to kick off the new year. The evening was enjoyable with great service, delicious food and relaxed yet modern and chic ambiance. Love the chandeliers! Since there were 4 of us, we got to sample a lot of food! My favorite dish was the cigar ahi rolls and the bone marrow with the delicious buttery bread. I also enjoyed their kampachi crudo and seared scallops. Their cocktails were quite creative and tasty too. I found myself wanting more of their maple ice cream. Can't go wrong with anything that has maple syrup! Only open for dinner. It's a great spot for a date night. It's not very kid friendly but we did see a family with a well-behaved kid (maybe that's why the parents were fine with this choice, I'm not so sure about mine at home lol)

    Ahi smoked cigars
    Sarah K.

    I got in due to a last minute cancellation and I'm so glad I got to try out this restaurant. It's a hidden gem in the middle of Chinatown. The service is amazing and the food came out with perfect timing. My favorite dishes were the ahi smoked cigars and the triple smoked salmon. The ahi was buttery smooth and had a hint of smokiness just like a real cigar. The salmon was so soft and flakey and paired really well with the waffles and condiments.

    Seared scallops
    Jonathan X.

    We went Senia on a Friday night with reservation. It was full, so plan ahead. We parked at some garage at Chinatown, only 0.3 miles walk but a lot of spotty people, so probably should ask the restaurant for recommendations. Anyway, we ordered couple appetizers, three small plates and 1 desert. It's more than enough for 2 adults and 1 kid. Each one of the dishes are great and all the servers are polite and attentive, introducing each dish in details.

    The Septagon
    Ash N.

    Wow, wow, WOW. Senia was serving wow's all night! My girlfriend and I dined in this past weekend for their tasting menu. First off, the restaurant itself is so cute, the inside is super trendy and I loved the lighting as it made the whole place feel really romantic and intimate. Keep in mind that the tasting menu is only served at the Chef's counter and has only one seating at 6:30pm- but it's totally worth it because the Chef himself comes to greet you and also helps serve and describe the dishes he worked on! Super engaging and makes the entire dinner feel almost like a mini show. Now onto the food. The tasting menu is absolutely AMAZING. If you have read my reviews before, you know I love restaurants like Mugen, Nature, etc., and when I tell you Senia is up there amongst my favorites- I mean it. Every single bite was DIVINE. Literally had my girlfriend and I saying WOW after every course. Oh and did I mention it is 10 courses?! For the price it is so worth it and the wine pairing was also absolutely amazing. Every sip matched the course so well. My taste buds were dancing. The menu as of 3/28 was: Spicy Tuna Taco - SO DELICIOUS. What an amazing way to start off the menu. Premier White Sturgeon Caviar with a truffle custard - Truffle and caviar? Say less. So light but so tasty. White Guy "Sushi" - This was a play on fish and chips, and was so good. It's almost like a crispy rice with hamachi! Foie Gras - Okay I am not a huge fan of foie gras, but holy crap this was divine. Like the honey, lychee, and cranberry made it taste sweet and was soooo beautiful to look at. Hamachi - Delicious. Seriously, all of the fish was SO fresh. Cappelletti - Okay by this course I was honestly getting so full and this was much more rich than the other courses, but still super yummy. I just wish I wasn't so full so I could have enjoyed it more! Guinea Fowl - What's cool about this course, is the Chef shows it to you before he's cooked it and explains the whole process of how he makes it- also it's a little different everytime! This was sooo good and also came with an amazing jus sauce. I must say I really enjoyed that Senia did something different for it's main course and didn't serve wagyu/lamb/pork etc. It was nice to have a different type of meat that I don't usually get to eat! "Cheese Course" - A cute little cheese tart that was the perfect bite for myself as I am an avid cheese lover. Raspberry Mille-Feuille - So light and sweet- literally the perfect dessert. The Septagon - I absolutely LOVED this. They bring it out in front of you and let you open it up all together to view beautiful truffles! I mean seriously how much more amazing can Senia get? All in all, this restaurant was a 10/10 for me. Amazing service, delicious food (which is also presented beautifully), and great wine pairings. What more can you ask for?

    Derek W.

    Was shocked that we never knew Senia existed prior to this last trip out to HNL. I can't even count how many times we've dined at The Pig and the Lady. Never have been a huge fan of Chinatown due to the amount of transients in the area but was pleasantly surprised this last visit. It was as if everyone left and moved to Waikiki. Our server was fantastic and recommend a few dishes that were awesome. Started off the meal with the Kaiyo Sutra (their version of an Old Fashioned) which was pretty tasty. First snack that we ordered was the cheese and mushroom tartlets which had an amazing flavor. Next snack was the smoked ahi cigars which again was tasty. Really enjoyed to yuzu kosho aioli dip that was served with the cigars. Next out was the roasted bone marrow which was served with a delicious oxtail marmalade. Everything was seasoned perfectly but wished we had a few more slices of the toasted Hawaiian rolls. The one next dish that we ordered was the chestnut agnolotti which the wife enjoyed but thought it was a tad too sweet for my liking. Also, thought the agnolotti was a tad bit undercooked as there were a few bites where i had a crunch. Fried brussel sprouts were also just ok as I thought there was too much miso dressing which took away from the taste of the brussel sprouts. I forgot what 2 desserts we ordered but only really enjoyed the upside down pineapple cake one. Would definitely head back to try other dishes.

    Bone marrow
    Amy L.

    This was my favorite meal in all of Honolulu -and I love eating! It's near the Chinatown and the food and service were amazing. They had lots of Hawaiian sourced produce and meat ex Maui Nui Venison and Kona Kampachi. There was also delicious chubby scalllops . It felt Michelin one star level and so tasty. We ordered the following: 1 Hana Koa 'Rice Breaker' Pilsner 1 Ahi Cigars 1 Venison Brioche 1 Kampachi Crudo 1 Hamachi Tataki 1 Scallops 1 Bone Marrow 1 Brussels Sprouts 1 London Fog Vibes were immaculate and classy. It's a strong 5/5 for all the dishes for me. I would go back to try the salmon since I was super full. I heard that's king!! My faves were deff the scallops and venison ahi cigar (Smokey) and kampachi crudo (perfection)

    Kevin K.

    We had Senia during our second night of our babymoon and it was one of the highlights of our trip. It's also on the CSR dining list so you can use your dining credit here, which is a nice bonus for an already great meal. We ordered the roasted bone marrow, seared scallops, chestnut agnolotti, and fried Brussel sprouts, and everything tasted wonderful. The scallops were perfectly cooked (we asked it to be thoroughly cooked as my wife was pregnant), the agnolotti was a great balanced dish, and the bone marrow was a nice touch. Service was attentive and polished (shoutout to our server) and the restaurant felt intimate without being stuffy (bonus points for the Christmas decor too). Easily a must-visit if you're looking for something a bit more special in Honolulu

    smoked ahi cigars
    Tammy D.

    We celebrated my birthday at Senia in Hawai'i, and overall the experience was amazing. From the food to the service, everything felt thoughtful and elevated. Every dish was well executed -- some stood out more than others -- but we had such a great time and left extremely happy. We started with the smoked ahi cigars, which we knew were very popular going in. While we totally understand the hype, this one was just okay for us compared to what followed. We're still glad we tried it. The truffle chicken was easily one of the highlights of the night. Completely boneless, incredibly tender and juicy, and paired beautifully with the truffle mousse and roasted bone jus. Honestly, life-changing and something I would order again without hesitation. The zucchini with basil, feta, and parsley was simple but perfectly executed. Clean flavors, nothing overdone, and a great balance on the table. The tagliatelle with Kaua'i shrimp was excellent -- the shrimp tasted extremely fresh and the flavors were spot on. Another standout dish for us. We also had the Kona kampachi with dashi, yuzu, and jalapeño, which was bright, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Definitely something I'd get again. The fish and chips with caviar was a personal favorite and one of the most memorable dishes of the meal. It felt like a reimagined, elevated take on a classic, and I loved the entire experience of eating it. For dessert, we ended with the lilikoi bavarois with compressed fruits and raspberry gel. Light, refreshing, and a great way to finish the meal. Service was outstanding throughout the night. Our server was attentive and made the experience seamless, and a wine sommelier even came by to help my fiancé track down a wine he had once during Christmas and had never been able to find again. They found the exact bottle -- and another from the same producer -- which made the night feel extra special. Celebrating my birthday at Senia was truly memorable. Amazing food, incredible service, and a dining experience we'll be talking about for a long time. We would absolutely come back.

    Marie R.

    My husband and I have dined at Senia twice before and we remember it being amazing! My fave item was the bleu cheese beignets. We came back recently with some friends and sadly they didn't have the beignets anymore. We ended up ordering the Ahi cigars and Parker House Rolls for starters, the Lamb Tagine as the large dish with Brussels sprouts and parsnips as sides, and the roasted bone marrow and cavatelli as shared plates. My fave dish is the tagine. Everything else was good but felt like it was missing that oomph! The service was good. Our servers were friendly and attentive. The place is beautiful as always. I'm not sure why it didn't taste as amazing as last time or maybe they were just off that one night. Either way, it's still a good enough place for dinner: I don't think you'd regret going here.

    Spirit list
    Vince I.

    Senia is a solid neighborhood fine‑dining spot, but my latest visit was a bit uneven. The gnocchi wasn't impressive--on the mushy side with little texture contrast, and the asparagus accompanying it also came out a bit overcooked and lifeless. On the brighter side, the kampachi was excellent: clean, well‑seasoned, and very memorable. The Parker rolls were tasty and fun, but they felt more like a nice extra than anything essential to the meal. The scallops were just "good": nicely cooked, but nothing that stood out compared to other dishes on the menu. For drinks, the Wild Turkey Beacon cocktail was a highlight--great balance and a great way to start the evening. Overall a decent experience, but not quite at the level I've had here before.

    Smoked Ahi Cigars
    Emma F.

    Came here for a more upscale dinner during our time in Hawaii and had a great experience! The food was great, in particular we liked the moroccan cigars and crudo. Also had the avocado toast drink which reminded me of a sour margarita. Service was fantastic and ambiance was nice as well!

    Bone marrow
    Rand E.

    Came to celebrate a few milestones so the setting was beautiful. But maybe it was an off night as the dishes and service was a bit hit or miss. Our waitress was a bit abrasive in demanding that we make a complete selection of dishes before we could place our order...what if we decided we wanted more? We started with the cheese & mushroom tarte, a foam creation on a too crisp lavash tart. Beautiful looking but contrast of crispness too stark. Then the ahi cigars, a less crisp but still firm crisp cigar roll of bric over tender ahi with a delicious yuzu aoli. The venison brioche was a clear winner! Delicious marinated venison on a buttery brioche toasted to perfection. The Cheshire cheddar was a delicious delight to all senses, beautifully presented, savory, crunchy, soft and flavorful. The bone marrow was disappointing...the bone marrow was re "imagined" or repositioned into a ceramic bone over carmelized onions. Now this was tasty but not flavorful bone marrow. The toasted brioche slices were so good and oxtail garnish and relish were good too but quite overwhelmed the bone marrow. Next the scallops. Again beautifully presented but inconsistent sear. Three perfectly seared scallops out of 5. The agnolotti was a standout as well for the wonderful tasty treat. The lamb tagine was a disappointment as well. The fruit, apricot, was not stewed and infused in the lamb but placed fresh on top. The couscous tasted of cardboard. So unlike any Moroccan tagines I've ever tasted. The mont blanc dessert should have been passed...dry pieces of chestnut cake scattered on a plate. So contrary to many previous reviews, I must take a pass on this restaurant for both the food and service.

    Kanpachi crudo

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    Page 1 of 20

    Senia Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Senia

    What is the wine corkage fee?

    Are there to go boxes to take home leftovers?

    yep!!

    How much does the tasting menu cost?

    $225/person and you pay in advance when you book on resy. you can add the beverage pairing for another $110/person

    Do they take walk ins?

    The day I went. I heard them turn away a pair of walk ins. reservations are super recommended especially with covid.

    Are they back open for lunch?

    I don't think so. They're only doing dinner take aways right now, you have to reserve via their website and it's only served Friday and Saturday evenings. The reservations don't go passed this weekend (they've been doing it for about 3-4 weeks) so… Read more

    Is there by any chance, a kids menu?

    No. But, I’m pretty confident the staff can create delicious food a kid would eat. Because the staff is genuinely eager to please customers.

    Do they allow kids?

    yes

    If we have dietary restrictions (ie no red meat, allergies) do they allow modifications to the tasting menu?

    Of course. They're very cognizant of requests at the tasting menu. My partner can't have offal, shellfish, or duck and our tasting menu we had a scallop and he had a lovely piece of sea bass. We had duck and he had a crispy rendered piece of pork… Read more

    Is a wine pairing included as part of the $195 Tasting Menu or do you have to add that on separately?

    The wine pairing is separate in which you can add on when you're there. Also that $195 price doesn't include tax and tip which moves it closer to $250 before wine. But totally worth it.

    Where did you park?

    Marin Tower, 60 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817

    Is there a dress code?

    No dress code. It's between business casual to casual. However I did not see anyone in flip flops.

    Is lunch at counter the chefs tasting? Is lunch similar to dinner menu?

    Lunch at counter was fixed price menu, i think the chef's tasting menu is different.

    Do they accept walk-ins?

    Yes but call ahead.

    Should we do tasting menu or a la carte?

    Tasting menu if u are not particular. I enjoyed it More than ala Cart.

    How about vegan options?

    Yes. One of their featured dishes is Charred Cabbage topped with herbs and served with a Green Goddess Sauce. If you call a few days ahead of time, they may be able to utilize components to offer you an exclusive vegetarian menu.

    View All 19 Questions

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    Bar Leather Apron

    Bar Leather Apron

    4.5
    (476 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    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
    Japan

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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!
    Bird on a Wire

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    Bird on a Wire
    RM 38

    RM 38

    4.8
    (74 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    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
    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned

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    Dragon Lady and 38 Old Fashioned
    Hideout

    Hideout

    4.2
    (1.4k reviews)
    3.3 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!

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    Wonton Poke Tacos are great! Especially during happy hour.
    Wonton Poke Tacos are great! Especially during happy hour.
    Citrus Swell

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    Citrus Swell
    EP Bar

    EP Bar

    4.6
    (146 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Sake also goes w vinyl. Hoyo Sawayaka, a Junmai from the oldest brewery in Miyagi, using a sake specific Kura No Hana varietal rice.
    Sake also goes w vinyl. Hoyo Sawayaka, a Junmai from the oldest brewery in Miyagi, using a sake specific Kura No Hana varietal rice.
    Marx making an old fashioned.
    Marx making an old fashioned.
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    Senia - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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