20 Best Cocktail Bars in Honolulu

“We have been to Senia before and it is always a great experience. The four of us pick several snacks from the top of the menu and fill in with various sides. We have never been disappointed and this time we tried the Roasted Bone Marrow, what a treat! Josh, our waiter said we would pick this every time we come back and he is right! We also loved the mushroom and cheese tarts with the gruyere foam and mushroom powder. There was a discussion about another order but, we had several more dishes coming. Kabocha Squash Agnolotti is a must for the many flavors. Yikes everything was great!“

“Bar Leather Apron is easily one of Honolulu's most exceptional cocktail experiences—a place where precision, creativity, and genuine hospitality all come together seamlessly. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the care and craft behind every detail, and that feeling only deepens as the night goes on. The cocktails alone are worth planning an evening around. In the Soul is a standout—balanced, expressive, and layered in a way that unfolds sip after sip. The Japan is elegant and refined, a beautiful reflection of the bar's deep respect for Japanese technique. The Matcha is both comforting and complex, with its velvety texture and earthy aroma, while the Sagano Smoke adds a dramatic flair, weaving smokiness and subtle sweetness into something unforgettable. And if you prefer something more delicate, the Fruity & Floral is bright, aromatic, and wonderfully refreshing. But the surprises don't end with the drinks. The Brioche with pizza butter is an absolute revelation—warm, soft, and perfectly indulgent. It's the kind of bite that makes you stop mid-conversation just to appreciate how unexpectedly incredible something so simple can be. What elevates the entire experience, though, is the service. Scotty is phenomenal—attentive, personable, and clearly passionate about the craft. And co-owner Jason sets the tone with his expertise and warm, welcoming presence. Together, they create a space that feels refined yet relaxed, where every guest is treated with genuine care. Bar Leather Apron isn't just a bar—it's a world-class cocktail destination. Whether you're a dedicated spirits enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable night out in Honolulu, this is the place that will exceed every expectation. This is easily a must on my list for all future trips to Oahu.“

“This place is small but stylish and beautifully decorated, from the star of a bar design to each and every cozy nook throughout. Now home of the best craft cocktails on Oahu and complimented with well thought out, mouth watering bites. I went with a friend for the grand opening evening and I would never have guessed it was a grand opening. The staff was friendly, seemed very at ease the whole night and the bartender was knowledgeable about the menu. We tried 5 or so different small bites and a couple various cocktails each from the menu and EVERY SINGLE item was delicious and crafted so beautifully we almost didn't want to eat or drink them (almost! 😋) Well done, Podmore!!“

“Very good food.“

“We loved both the food and the wine and the service. The place is gorgeous too. We had a wonderful time.“

“Brunch was very good as we had the Prime Rib dip sandwich. Service was friendly but, with only one server and one cook- it was slow service. The biggest issue with the ambiance is that they need to have better upkeep. Bathrooms were pretty filthy and disgusting- they need to be refurbished. I think it could be a great neighborhood restaurant with a spruce up and more help.“

“Dropped in on this random bar I walked by in Waikiki and was greeted by a very nice young lady. I think her name was Katie. She was very welcoming and smiley. Javi and Clay behind the bar were some cool guys and made me feel like I was kicking it with the bros. Great vibes, great service, and a great time 🤙🏾“

“🍸 The best cocktail bar I visited in Hawaii! 🍸
The drinks here were ridiculously good — easily the best cocktails I had during my time in Hawaii. You can tell the bartenders know their craft. On top of that, the location and ambiance were spot on — cozy, stylish, and perfect for a night out. If you appreciate a proper cocktail, this place is a must.“

“Great seafood, to s f choices amazing service and listening to John Akapo by the pool is amazing“

“This was our first visit. Our service was exceptional. Food was very good. Music was soothing. We will return soon“

“Excellent Mai Tai right on Waikiki beach.“

“Chef Wong blew our minds with the various shrimp dishes, eggplant bruschetta, smoked marlin toast, beet salad, etc. Our bartender Jose mixed some delicious drinks and played upbeat rhythms which all combined to an elevated experience. Mahalo to all“

“Beautiful meal, very helpful staff , they were very keen to find a table for us without a reservation. Nothing was a problem and the ambiance is very special.“

“Great speakeasy hidden bar in Honolulu. During this visit wanted to find a couple of hidden bars. This one was fun and fit the bill as hard to find! Other reviewers have said where it is. I found finding the phone number to make a reservation a challenge! Once connected they texted the reservation link. Once confirmed they texted the instructions. For us we entered through a vending machine. (Based on other reviews I assume they change the “front” of the door occasionally. Cocktails were excellent!“

“Friendly folks, cheap drinks, great music at a cool bar. One of my favorite watering holes in Honolulu!“

“Good food, I've only been once. You can't go wrong with the catfish sandwich. The fish piece was so big, it hung off both ends of the roll and you could've taken it off and created an entire new sandwich. All for a great price.“

“6/2025
Been frequenting this nice,cozy find quite a bit, especially on Wine down Wednesdays. You cannot beat the 50% off most all wine bottle special. It's also not like the carry bad labels either. Their list is simple but elegant as is the atmosphere. Located on the 2nd floor in the middle of Nordstroms, this little secret is a pleasant way to kill some time, watch a quick game on TV, heck out the foot traffic while contemplating that to do list, or enjoy random conversations with regulars and newbies alike. Everyone knows the friendly staff by name and the cocktails are pretty dang good too. It's not the cheapest place in the world to get a cocktail but what place is nowadays and the ambiance provides that added value. Hence, Wednesdays. Give them a try when you're near Foodland or shopping in the area and pamper yourself with an unexpected pleasant break. 😉🤙✌️“

“Outside table for one at lunch time. Korean barbecue chicken sandwich. Excellent, delicious and messie to eat. I would order again.“