Food & Drink The…read morebetter half of the world food tour duo had other plans, so I invited my sister-in-law to see Stanley Jordan. We chose a table on the upper level on the right side of the center section. This gave us good views of the stage and no one in front of us blocked our views. We ordered double Hendricks gin & tonics, a Caesar Salad, Portobello Arrabbiata, and the Jidori Coconut Basil Chicken. Interestingly, the pasta dish didn't have any portobello mushrooms; it featured pieces of Maitake mushrooms. Like before, the pasta was somewhat overcooked, but the spicy marinara sauce was fine. The chicken half came with what tasted like plain rice sitting in a coconut cream sauce. The rice was described as crispy cilantro lime rice ... I don't think so. Our biggest complaint about the chicken was that it was slightly overdone ... My leg was fine, but the breast meat was dry. We passed on dessert and I had a cup of black coffee. Food rating: 3+. The Concert I've followed Stanley Jordan for a long time and have many of his albums, starting with Magic Touch in 1985. That CD opened my ears to a different style of guitar playing. I thought I was a guitarist .... No, I'm a hack. Stanley, now 66, played his Vigier (a French guitar), another one whose name I couldn't see, and a grand piano during his 1.5-hour set. I wasn't able to check out his pedal setup. If you haven't heard him play, you are missing out on a virtuoso of improvisational jazz. Trained as a pianist, he plays with both hands, on one guitar or two. He played two songs seated at the piano and switched hands during each ... All while singing. His set included Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby, My Funny Valentine, and a couple of songs from his forthcoming album, Feather in the Wind. The Blue Note is perfectly suited for small scale / solo performances by artists like Stanley Jordan. Highly recommended! Concert rating: 5+.

Blue Note Hawaii was on fire for Mindy Smokestack's 10th Annual Amy Winehouse Tribute. The second…read moreyou walked in, you could feel that "this is gonna be a good one" energy -- and the performers delivered all night long Mindy Smokestack set the tone with a lineup that was stacked with talent. Kristina Bair came in with vocals that hit you right in the chest, Cardamom brought that warm, smoky vibe, and The Elevations kept the groove tight and clean. Every performer -- Kessa Armstrong, Kevin Brown, Ayano A McPeek‑Bailey, Tazra Gomes, Belen León -- added their own flavor, making the show feel like a full‑on celebration instead of a copycat tribute The crowd was locked in, the band was dialed, and the whole night felt like one of those "only in Hawaiʻi" experiences where the music, the room, and the people all sync up perfectly. And of course the food was fire

Drinks are expensive, I think that goes for all bars…read more It's pretty packed, especially first Saturdays so prepare yourself lol. The music is (sometimes) repetitive but it just depends on the DJ. Don't recommend parking or driving there unless you know a good parking spot. And never park at Ala Moana, they will tow after 1am:)

If you're looking for a real nightlife experience in Honolulu, The District Nightclub is easily one…read moreof the best spots to go out. The energy is unmatched. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you've stepped into a mainland-style club, something you don't always get in Hawai'i. The space is huge, with multiple rooms and bars, so it never feels too cramped even when it's packed. What really stands out is the music. The DJs do a great job blending hip-hop, Top 40, and dance tracks, and the vibe naturally builds as the night goes on, starting chill and turning into a full-on party by late night.

My friends and I adore HB!…read more It's a great place for concerts and shows. Their crew really puts their heart into their work and you can tell. There really is something for everyone. We love the options at Wild Orange. I've been sober from alcohol for the better part of 3 years and normally speakeasies don't have much to offer me. It's fun to still get to cry some craft drinks without the booze. Their vegan and veg bites are creative and delicious. I've had many a great night dancing, eating, and jamming out with people I love. They also host different pool and darts events that I've spectated at. Always fun just to play casual pick up, but some of my friends play more seriously in some of the tournaments and it's nice that their venue is large enough for the crowd. Parking can be tight but if you go to the top level there is normally something open. As long as you remember to get your parking validation (they even have a sign reminding you) it's very reasonable and cheaper than ride sharing if you have someone who's able to drive.

"Well, listen, if you bring 'em by, maybe we could interest you in a game of pool.. Yeah, Frank…read morehere - he's got his own billiard room." - Cosmo Kramer, Seinfeld da Scene: Revisiting old haunts and took my daughter here to play some pool and tell stories from my old (and her recent) youth. It's a far cry from the original spot on Ke'eaumoku I used to go; right across from Like Like Drive-Inn... it was more like a old school "Color of Money" pool hall back then. There is ALOT going on in this spot now. Event space for concerts/club, 2 pool rooms, full bar, darts, and a hidden speakeasy (see review of Wild Orange). da Play: Came in early afternoon/evening and was already busy, tables were a little worn, but true and spaced nicely, there were mostly regulation-size tables and a few smaller bar-size ones by the darts. Good cues were a little sparce and for some reason a lot of "keiki-sized" ones... then I realized why when some kiddos walked by. I think it's great that you can bring your kids, now I get why the "21 band" gets issued at security. There was a lecture/event w/ Hawaiian music in the event space when we got there, turned into a club with music thumping through the walls later on. Played almost two hours, with three rounds of drinks, very reasonable. da Service: Park, check in, parking validated, hit the bar, drop your name for a table and wait for the pager to vibrate while sipping on cold drinks... Bartenders were nice as was the very diverse crowd. 20 somethings groups chatting it up, date night couples, bros drinking more than playing, families w/ kids, and a few semi-serious guys "in session". GREAT PEOPLE WATCHING. Security is visible and on top of things; couple of times a rowdy group got rambunctious and got a firm talking to... you don't wanna get a scolding by any of the bulls in yellow security shirts!!

This past weekend, I went out with my co-workers to your neighboring club. After a few drinks and…read morestepping away a couple of times for restroom and smoke breaks, I unfortunately misplaced my phone. At the end of the night, while I was clearly distressed searching for it, a gentleman introduced himself as the janitor and kindly offered to help by arranging an Uber for us to get home safely. Thankfully, my phone was found by the time the ride arrived, but his kindness and willingness to help left a lasting impression on me. If anyone knows who this kind person is, I would truly appreciate the chance to personally thank him. His thoughtful gesture spoke volumes about the care your staff shows toward your patrons. Because of this experience, my company would be honored to consider using your facility for an upcoming event. Thank you again for fostering such a caring and professional environment

Great music and had a great time dancing at Latin night with classic reggaeton, a bit of salsa,…read morebachata and merengue, there were some splash of hip hop and pop as well. The venue is definitely small and unfortunately the a/c was nonexistent. My friends and I had to step out couple of times to take a refresher outside. The bartender was great, the girl that made the drinks for me was super nice and enjoyed my drinks! The rest of the staffs were a little rude and not too friendly. Also the area is in Chinatown and didn't feel too safe. Make sure you have Uber ready to go cause they were kicking people out from the streets.

I was lucky enough to attend a Lei Day event at Waikiki Shell featuring live music and hula, and…read morethe setting could not have felt more perfect for it. The venue immediately reminded me a little of the Hollywood Bowl, but on a much smaller and somehow even more charming scale. With Diamond Head rising in the background, the views are absolutely spectacular and give the whole experience a distinctly Hawaiian sense of place. I was also impressed by how good the acoustics were, especially in an outdoor venue. It's very easy to access from the main Waikiki hotel area, which makes getting there surprisingly convenient. Between the music, the atmosphere, and the scenery, it ended up being one of those memorable Honolulu evenings that really sticks with you.

Shelling out for an event…read more.. Honestly the last time that I've been back to the Waikiki Shell is my graduation o_O woah....though I could be wrong but sadly I don't get out very much but thanks to Nadine who asked if I was interested in a concert which I really was made me so happy to return and experience it all under the stars. Parking is always an issue but luckily we got there early...early enough to find one right away as it fills up quickly which you'll have to park at the next lot which can be a distance that we didn't want. What I wasn't prepared for was the wait as the time to enter was delayed by 30 minutes I did wished that I knew you could bring your own water just as long it's in a plastic bottle though there was lots of food options there it was spread out so far I wished there was just a single place to order but I was already exhausted from waiting that all I wanted to do was find our seats. Nadine selected great seats right in the center and close enough that we're able to see the concert well, bathrooms are at the front gate and I noticed there was another one on the opposite side as well, it's nice to have an open air atmosphere gave it a nice relaxing vibe. Thank you!

Great place to hang out, eat and drink with current friends and meet new friends. The vibes are…read morealways amazing. The food and drinks and good. The drinks are expensive and the service depends on how packed the event is or not. There is street parking available. You can also reserve tables or sections when you call ahead. Checkout upcoming events on Eventbrite or their IG page.

I really wanted to check this place out tonight, but it looked closed. I parked in the lot and…read morewalked over to the address. It was dark and the gate was locked. It was across a climbing gym? Both Yelp and Google said it was open. I called and got an AI answering service that insisted they were open, which was probably the most irraz thing about the experience. I got a lot of "Describe the situation.. that's odd," and then proceeded to tell me the hours again. I hope all is ok. Maybe next time! Your AI answering machine needs improvements.

I was blessed enough to experience various shows at the Hawaii Theatre Center, the most recent…read morebeing a showing of Nosferatu (2024) for Halloween, which was a special experience with some friends who are also into horror flicks. The theater supports both movies as well as live shows, which makes it a unique cultural space. You're not supposed to eat in the theater itself, and if you want to drink you would need to buy a sippy cup-like container from the bar. I suppose it is meant to protect the theater from decay, all these protective measures. The bartender who served us wine was friendly enough. I loved seeing the art around the theater.

Walking into the Hawai'i Theatre, you're instantly transported into another era. An era of soft…read moreelegance and timeless artistry. From the moment you pass through the doors, you're surrounded by a blend of old-world elegance and Hawaiian warmth. Built in 1922, the theatre has hosted everything from silent films and Broadway plays to concerts and Hula performances. Today it seats about 1,400 guests, offering an intimate experience where every seat feels close to the stage. The acoustics are excellent, the seats are comfortable, and the staff and volunteers are friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. There's also a small bar and lounge with high-tops, perfect for enjoying a drink and conversation before the show. Inside the theater, you see tall, fluted Corinthian-style columns that are richly detailed. The curved arch overhead is decorated with mosaic-style tiles in warm tones,and I absolutely LOVE the lush deep red velvet curtains that frame the stage. They add so much warmth and elegance. Having attended many shows throughout the years, I've always been mesmerized by the mural above the stage and decided to do some Googling while waiting for the show to begin. I learned it's Lionel Walden's Glorification of the Drama. The painting depicts a grand procession of mythic figures -- a golden-robed muse in her chariot, attendants, musicians, a lion handler -- all celebrating the power of theater. The central figure, often interpreted as the Personification of Drama, leads the way. Knowing that part of the mural was once lost to water damage and later painstakingly restored makes it even more meaningful. Parking is easy at the municipal garage on Bethel Street, just a block away. The short walk is now well-lit, a welcome improvement from years past when it was dark and sketchy. Entertaining audiences for over 100 years, the Hawaii Theater is a recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Attending a show here, you're not just watching a performance, you're also living and breathing a beautiful piece of Hawaii's historic culture.

Secret Spot is a place worth knowing about! In the heart of Waikiki, it caters to a mixed local…read morecrowd and visitors alike. It's part art gallery, part bar, and live music venue. Depending on the time of day you come, it can be relaxing with sofa seating, bar seating, and cafe tables. They have a great happy hour menu, fun foods, and tons of drink options. I've been now also during concert nights and the place can get packed. If you really want to see a band, be sure to buy tickets early for entry as at-the-door entry may not be available. Prices are reasonable for drinks and tickets. Bartender Kama was super attentive and friendly all evening on a recent visit, mahalo! If you like pop culture art, local music, and contemporary Hawaii culture, this is a great place to come and have fun.

Went in for the convenience of being next door to where I am staying and for the $12 breakfast…read morespecial. To my surprise it's a hook to over charge you. 5 x specials came out to $118.48 and that was after I checked my receipt and notice that had added the charge for 3 additional drinks. They had already up charged $3 for cranberry juice which was not notified. They took my order after about 30 minutes after we were served our drinks, 30 minutes to serve our food. And they weren't even busy... looked like they took the order, served and then took next... etc. Not greeted, not thanked. Ridiculously overpriced for eggs, bacon, 1/2 toast and 2 slices or orange juice.. $6 juice. Regret leaving a tip at all.