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    Smith & Kings

    4.1 (665 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

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    SMITH & KINGS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Smith & Kings

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    Reviews With Photos

    BLT Benny
    Lia A.

    Come early, parking in Chinatown can be challenging. I Found a small parking lot $13.77 for 3 hours. Was excited for their R&B brunch (1st Sunday of the month) we were celebrating a birthday. But the DJ was a no-show, they were playing music but that was disappointing. Moving on, service was good even though it was busy, I got the mimosa pitcher with your choice of 2 juices for $20. Others in my party said their drinks were pretty weak, but one did enjoy their breakfast shot and a blueberry lavender margarita. FYI go to the bathroom at the far back as it's bigger & nicer. The front bathroom was very dirty. Food was good, vibe was nice, just disappointing there was no dj.

    Cajun Fish N' Grits
    Robert K.

    The Food Is Top Notch! I'd come here again.. But, keep in mind, the french toast is only served on weekends during brunch! The menu changes during weekday lunch and dinners... The Mac & Cheese with the chicken strips?! So Good! The French Toast with berry compote? To-Die-for! They don't mess around with cocktails either! don't be afraid... go ahead and order some yummy drinks.

    Chad K.

    Came here for a few bites and drinks during their happy hour. All in all it was a great experience and for sure would comeback. Service was great, they offer great tasting food and the atmosphere here is quite calm & relaxing.

    Cajun Fried Fish and Grits and Biscuit with Bacon Jam
    Debbie K.

    After following Google Maps incorrect directions, we finally found this place, signage is on Smith Street Makai of King St., entrance is on King St., but door says SK....anyways, we found it! Glad we did! We parked about half a block away in a parking lot and paid $10 for 4 hours of parking. If you can find street parking it would be cheaper. Trendy, welcoming vibe, staff was friendly and we were seated right away with no wait. We went for brunch on a Saturday. They had a well stocked bar, with bar seating, high top tables and chairs and regular tables and chairs. My husband ordered a cocktail, Tin Cup Whiskey neat and I ordered a pretty purple drink, Butterfly Pea Lemonade. I was interested in several items on the menu but decided on the Mac Daddy, macaroni with creamy Béchamel cheese sauce and fried buttermilk chicken and buffalo sauce, generous portion, ended up taking most of it home. It was delicious! My husband had the Cajun Fried Fish and Grits, biscuit and bacon jam, he really enjoyed it! For dessert we decided to share the Creme Brûlée French Toast, with the sugar crusted toast, sweet custard filling between two brioche French toast served with a side of syrup and fresh raspberries. We will definitely be going back so we can try the other items on the menu!

    Sausage gravy, homemade biscuits, crispy savory chicken, diced potatoes.
    Erica H.

    I love Smith & Kings! I was there for brunch yesterday, and realized I had never complimented their food and service before, so here I am. This visit, I ordered the biscuits and gravy, which comes with delicious crispy chicken and an option of grits or potatoes, and you can add eggs if you'd like. I also ordered a signature cocktail, the banana walnut old fashioned. They serve brunch until 3pm on weekends so I made it in time! The other items I have ordered and loved for brunch include: the breakfast sandwich... this has a sweet bun and all the fixins for brekky but is the size of a burger / all of the benedicts and they are all amazing... I think I have done the lobster bennie two or three times / traditional brekky / chicken and waffles / and a couple of times I have just ordered lunch because their sandwiches are great and I have been there for golf or the 9er games. Always get the wings, wet or dry. Beverages: the breakfast shot. Hands down, when you are with friends... or I don't know, order one by yourself it is amazing / the mimosas come with three side juice options / beer / wine options here are pretty nice / the bloody Mary's are great and you can always ask to swap for Mezcal because they always have it in stock (ok now keeping the supply chain in check, sorry Sam, maybe I have just been lucky) / Kings Iced Coffee is great, a staple / all of the drinks they make with their homemade juices or fresh lemonade / all of the old fashioneds! Service is always friendly and attentive. They have seating at high tops, regular tables, and a big booth for groups. They have a ton of games you can play with friends. There is a large bar area in the center that brings people together but still private for meet-ups, dates or if you want to hang out alone. TVs always play BOB ROSS and something else patrons may request. It's clean and the restrooms are nice and clean. It's family friendly. You can make reservations or order to go and I believe they are still available on the delivery apps. Parking nearby with meters, or along Smith there are paid lot options, an open air lot near Black Shamrock, or a garage at Marin Tower, both in the same block. Evening has themes for food and music nights or trivia. Days are more casual whereas you can dress up for dinner or still get away with a casual look. See... love it! Check it out for yourself!!

    Buffalo Chicken and Mac & Cheese
    Kris G.

    Came in for Father's Day with a reservation at 11am. Just missed the rush. Food was ok but better than average. It's very comfort/southern style. We ordered a variety like Kalbi, Scramble, Loco Moco, Biscuits & Gravy, and Chicken Mac & Cheese. Chicken overall tasted a little dry and a tad overcooked but the gravy was delicious and the mac and cheese was perfectly cooked so it made up for it. Kalbi and loco moco would order again. I think the AC was not working that day and the servers apologized for the heat but it honestly wasn't that bad. If it wasn't so hot, I probably would've ordered more drinks. I only ordered one mimosa and had to ask for it twice because I never received it after everyone else got their drinks (iced teas and a bloody mary) and it arrived right before our food came. No big deal, but weird a glass of champagne and juice took so long. Overall, maybe this place is a 3.5? Place is good but nothing that was "wow". There's still a lot of cocktails and food that I want try so I'll most likely be back and update.

    Mango Sunrise
    Rachael K.

    My boyfriend and I have been meaning to visit Smith & Kings for some time now. We finally experienced brunch at S&K and had the best time! Will definitely check out Happy Hour! [Location] Smith & Kings is located in Chinatown, by Pig & the Lady. The Chinatown Municipal Parking on Smith costs $3 maximum on Saturdays. Credit card payment only. This restaurant has two single-room restrooms. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, and I'm not sure the doors lock--but I was grateful for the toilets. The ambiance is lively for weekend brunch. Bar seating and high top seating. [Food and Drink] The drinks are dangerously good. I enjoyed my tiramisu espresso martini and lychee refresher. My boyfriend loved the mango sunrise so much, he got another one! The chicken and waffles brunch dish was delicious. The waffle was fluffy and accompanied by a vial of maple syrup. The menu describes the butter as whipped, though it wasn't as whipped as I suspected it would be. Tasty nonetheless. My boyfriend had a Benedict with potatoes. The potatoes were presented as tiny diced morsels and weren't very seasoned. Simple yet good. The Benedict he chose had ham. Portion was smaller than that of other brunch spots, but my boyfriend loved his dish and said it was filling. [Service] The hostess was thankful that my boyfriend and I were okay with bar seating, as we indicated a preference for high top seating in our online reservation. I asked if she could wipe down the bar countertop, and she was quick to do so. The bartenders and other staff were hardworking and incredible! Mike stood out to me because of his bartending skills, high energy and impeccable customer service. I noticed they hold trivia night on Monday evenings. I will be back!

    Bar area
    Vince I.

    Stopped in for brunch at Smith & Kings and went with the classic two-egg breakfast -- simple, satisfying, and just what a lazy weekend morning calls for. The eggs were cooked exactly how I ordered, with a nice balance between hearty and light. The crispy bacon (or sausage, if you prefer) and well-seasoned breakfast potatoes rounded it out perfectly. What really stood out, though, was the vibe -- relaxed but lively, with just the right amount of bustle for a weekend brunch spot. Servers were friendly and on top of things without rushing anyone. It's a great stop whether you're easing into the day or refueling before heading into town. Overall, a solid go-to in downtown Honolulu for a no-fuss, tasty brunch and good energy.

    Fried pickles
    Tigger H.

    Not my first time here, but apparently first time leaving a review. Great elevated bar food with games and a good vibe. The staff are always a hoot to be around. It can get pretty busy on weekends and in the evenings so I recommend trying to make a reservation or call ahead. They have a good selection of cocktails and drinks. My only note would be that a lot of the food is on the heavier side. They do have a couple of salad options, but it would be nice to have a little bit more diversity on the menu, especially for our gluten-free friends.

    Lobster deviled egg
    Edith S.

    Looking for a different place to go, so sister and I hit up Chinatown a few weeks ago for brunch. Made reservations online via OpenDoor but only pub table seating or bar seating was available. I went with the pub tables. I lived in Chinatown several years ago and things have changed a lot. And as the name of the restaurant indicates , Smith and King is at the corner of Smith and King, so I knew exactly where it was as it was on the backside of my old apartment building. Although I wasn't able to find any street parking, I parked in my old building, Marin Tower. We were there just for 2-hours and our parking was just under $3. Pretty good for downtown Honolulu. On the outside of the restaurant, I love the classic arched windows. And love the exposed brick inside the restaurant even more. We got to the restaurant early and waited a few minutes to be seated. We started off with the lobster deviled eggs, which includes one egg cut into two, so we ordered two. For drinks, I got a mint ginger lemonade. But I totally missed the butterfly pea tea lemonade. Usually, butterfly pea tea is blue, almost like sapphire. However, the lemonade, I learned, can change the color of the tea to either red or purple. So imma get this next time. For brunch, I ordered the lobster cake Benedict. It was pretty good. My sister enjoyed her tres leche French toast. It was just the right amount of sweet and not over done. The servers were friendly and very helpful. I look forward to a future visit here with family.

    Chicken sliders with a side of fries
    Brian M.

    Service was great and the best part of the experience. I ordered the Poutine and that was a mistake, anyone familiar with Poutine expects the melted Cheese Curd and what they serve is chopped up mozzarella (with no taste) and expect no one to notice. With adding the bacon it was $12 - not worth it. I know they have other specials so I would recommend something else. Nice corner bar to meet friends.

    Jennifer T.

    We celebrated our very dear friend's birthday here and they handled our party of 8 so well! We had many rounds of drinks and shared their $20 mimosa which came with half a champagne and two types of fruit juices. This is definitely the place to be for a boozy brunch. I got to try an array of their Sunday brunch dishes. I ordered the Chicken & Waffles--the chicken tenders were nice and crispy, but other than that, they're pretty standard. The standout dish has to be their Mac Daddy. I don't know what blend of cheese they've got going, but it's definitely a MASTERPIECE. It's the perfect amount of gooeyness and it coated the macaroni noodles very well--it made it into every crevice. Some other dishes my friends got were their brunch burger, which we thought was a little too sweet, and the Two Eggs Deluxe Breakfast, which was a standard. Highly recommend if you want some nice drinks and a fun but chill atmosphere. They have some board games you can play as well!

    Mac n Cheese

    Walked in at about 6:45-7. Not crowded. Waitress was great. Our food came out quick and hot. Likes how they had some games you can play, we played checkers. Food was delish!

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    Page 1 of 17

    Smith & Kings Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Smith & Kings

    Are kids allowed for brunch?

    Definitely! I bring my daughter all the time. She loves the keiki waffle and the burger sliders

    Is there parking?

    Only Street Parking, there is an unaffiliated paid parking lot one block away.

    Someone told me they are open again, has anyone been their recently?

    Yes. They reopened on November 15, 2021 after renovations!

    Is this restaurant closed? I see recent reviews.

    Yes. I went back June 5 2021 and it's all chained up. Doesn't look like a remodel. Not sure why as they were always busy and had great food.

    What time is last call for food?

    During the week, last call for food is at 10:30 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it's 1:00 am. Sundays, 9:30 pm.

    The happy hour menus has a Build Your Own Burger $9, does that include fries?

    No it doesn't include fries

    What are the Parking options?

    Metered street parking or parking garage. The municipal parking garages are the most affordable non-street parking options. Also, little tip, they yellow loading zone spots become free parking after a certain time, it's either 5pm or 6pm.

    Is the brown gravy beef or vegetarian for the poutin?

    Beef gravy.

    Bottomless mimosa if so, how much?

    Bottomless Mimosas is not offered by Smith & Kings. We offer $13 Mimosa Pitchers that is served with two choices of Fresh Squeezed Juice (Orange, POG, Mango Nectar, Guava Nectar, Lychee Punch)

    Can you bring people under 21 here?

    Under 21 years old is not permitted after 10:00pm. We allow all ages prior to 10:00pm.

    Where can I watch (sports bar) Canelo vs GGG in Honolulu HI?

    Smith and kings is a good place . The Food is delicious. But SK is a smaller venue, you might have to arrive a few hours early to reserve your seats.!

    How often are the food and drink menus changed?

    Don't know. I would guess it pretty much stays the same as the menu is part of the art in the wall.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    4.2
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    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.

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    $$

    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.
    Decor.

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    Smith & Kings - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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