41 Best Cocktail Bars in Honolulu

“The food was all delicious from the coconut shrimp, the chef's special Shrimp and Scallops Doria, the Ahi Poke and the Chocolate dessert. The Mai Tai was the best we have had on this trip. The service was good. They made sure we were finished in time for the fireworks.”

“Our dining experience was truly exceptional! To begin with, our server was outstanding; lacking familiarity with the menu, we entrusted her to make our selections, and each dish she chose was a delightful 10/10. The portion sizes were spot-on, providing a perfect balance. The ambiance of the restaurant contributed significantly to our enjoyment, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The attention to detail in both the culinary offerings and the overall setting made our evening memorable. The standout was undoubtedly the lamb, an absolute masterpiece of flavor and tenderness, ranking as the best I've ever had. Needless to say, we are eagerly anticipating our next visit to this remarkable establishment!”

“Almost left. Those at podium were discussing something and ignored us. Restaurants, businesses...do not understand how important that first impression is. Carissa provided her top notch service as always. All items arrived very quickly and were delicious. (Check your cameras and you will see that groups gather at the podium and talk story. Realize they are there to escort diners to their tables, but certainly the diner/customer comes first. Not company talk?)”

“Recommend! I heard a lot of great things about this place and now I know why. Staff is knowledgeable and welcoming. Ambiance is chill and relaxed. Food is creative and unique. Drinks are packed with flavors. Drinks: I ordered the Maii Tai. It was delicious and refreshing. My friends ordered the Spicy Kitty, which it comes in a really cute kitty glass. Food: There was around 6 specials the waiter shared with us. All of the specials sounded so good. I recommend everything we ordered. For appetizers, we ordered the grilled carrot, so good!!! You might wonder what's special about grilled carrots, we thought the same, but it was packed with flavor and had a delicious aioli sauce with it. We also ordered the appetizer special, it was a Ulu mash with fried okra on top. Totally Recommend! They do some sort of magic with the delicious fried okra on top of the mash. The appetizers was more unique than the entree. Entrees: -Market Korean: steak dish with fried rice, over easy egg on the rice, and a side of slaw. The slaw was refreshing with this meal. But beef was tough. Waiter recommended beef cooked at medium "per chef recommendation."-Beef Pot Pie: they do not skimp on the beef pieces! You get big chunky beef and veggie pieces in the pot pie.-Lamb Special: delicious charred edges and the veggies that accompanied the dish. But meat was tough, so get ready for a arm workout when you cut the meat. Waiter recommended lamb to be cooked medium "per chef recommendation."- Fish special: white fish wrapped in prosciutto, making the outside crispy. Came with fried potatoes on the side. Was tasty but fish was a little dry. Reservations: recommend making a reservation. This can be done on their website. Parking: if you have time, taking a lap around the block if you are eating during dinner time because parking is free after a certain time (read the street signs to be sure). Another great option is parking in a manciple parking lot.”

“Fresh, locally-sourced food. Unique combinations of ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, and served with care, resulted in a delicious dining experience. Prices were moderate. The restaurant is located in a homey Honolulu neighborhood. The only minor problem of the evening was finding a place to park near the venue. Searching out a parking place on the street, was, like in any large metropolitan area, a bit time consuming—but, on this evening, it was well worth the effort!”

“We went to enjoy some drinks and eat some quick eats. The Drinks were good. Service was good. There was a couple of beers not available to try. Burger was very taste. My wife had the fish sandwich and it was good. Good overall. Parking is a challenge. Really didn't see any area designated to park for restaurant. Staff overall not very engaging or just super friendly.”

“I ordered sweetened ice tea and they brought additional sweetener in a separate glass (that little consideration reflects the outstanding service provided)!!! The potion of my fish entree was generous! My favorite dessert lilikoi creamsicle is so delicious I order it every time I've been there!”

“Celebrating and early birthday my friend made reservations for a small quiet dinner celebration. ATMOSPHERE Located at the Waikiki Marriott Hotel this small corner restaurant seems to attract slot of tourists that are vacationing here on the island. Street parking along with hotel parking as well. The hotel validates your parking up to 3 hours! They offer indoor and outdoor seating. SERVICE Love that you're able to make reservations in advance. Our wait time was minimum about five minutes. We had an amazing host. I believe her name was Aki. Very Friendly! We shared with her that it was her first time at the restaurant, and she took the time to share a few of the popular dishes. Wait time for our food was very fast.FOODThere was a wide range of dishes to choose from so it was very hard to select. They do offer a complementary bread along with balsamic vinegar on the side. I ordered the. Pappardelle All Bolognese! The portion was a good size. It was good tasting, and very filling.OVERALLthis was a great venue. Enjoyed the ambience and was provided great service.”

“Wow, wow and wow..our server knew the menu, made recommendations and was just pleasant. Everything we ordered was amazing. The flavors are so complex. The smoke ahi as a snack to start was sheer bliss in your mouth. Then the venison tartare, scallops melts in your mouth. The bone marrow to round out our meals along with the mushrooms. This has been the best I've ever had! Everyone was very attentive to your needs! The peach dessert to end the evening with a bang, not too sweet, just perfect!”

“This was our second time eating here and I have to say it's now one of my favorite restaurants. Our server, Joy, was incredible! She was very knowledgeable about the menu items and pointed us in the right direction on several things, provided great service and was overall just wonderful. My husband and I agreed the old fashioneds , risotto, and bread pudding were some of the best we've ever had. We highly recommend this charming downtown restaurant, it's going to be one of our go-to's from now on!”

“Impeccable. It's clear why this bar won the James Beard award. Make sure you have reservations or come when it's not busy. It's located inside the financial building so it might be a little hard to find but once you're there it's a total 1970s madmen vibe. All the whiskey and bourbon cocktails are next ”

“The drinks and the food was delicious! My husband and I shared the caesar salad, Hamachi and the lamb lollipops. I wish i could have eaten more because the shrimp looked amazing. We will be back the next time we are in Waikiki. A hidden gem!”

“Dylan, the new manager, went above and beyond to ensure our honeymoon was an unforgettable experience. His exceptional attention to detail and personalized care made our stay remarkable. From catering to our needs to curating a wonderful environment, Dylan's efforts were truly commendable. His dedication and commitment to creating a special ambiance for my wife during our stay were greatly appreciated. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and Dylan's outstanding service made our honeymoon truly magical. Thank you, Dylan, for making our stay a memorable and delightful one!”

“The food was sensational. My husband ordered the Kalbi burger and proclaimed it was out of this world. I got one bite and agreed wholeheartedly. I loved the farm fresh. The mango soft serve was mouth watering & the perfect ending. Add to it great service and you would understand why we gave it 5 stars. I would give it 10 if I could.”

“Very friendly staff. Cool memorabilia. Food was delicious, fast and well priced. Will be back! Only thing is finding parking nearby then walking the gauntlet of homeless people and druggies tweaking out. But that's everywhere nowadays, so just gotta be vigilant.”

“Ordered the Loco Moco containing ingredients like green beans, lentil beans, broccolini, carrot - not what I expected but was pretty good. My fiance ordered the rainbow sandwich - guava bread, basil paste, avocado, chicken. I do wish the fresh orange juice was larger considering the price. Overall, good spot for something healthy.”

“Fantastic brunch at a beautiful restaurant. The Christmas breakfast was the best brunch dish I’ve had in my entire life and I’m a huge foodie, so that’s high praise. The $30 pimms cup was well worth it - it was beautiful and clear that staff spent a considerable amount of time making it. Can’t wait to return next time we visit Oahu, maybe for both brunch and dinner next time. Bravo chef!”

“We really enjoyed this local spot. There’s free parking! Make sure you park in the right stalls (the numbered ones alongside restaurant, there’s a posting on their door)HH 5-7p. We went on a Sunday at 5pm and got seated right away. There’s indoor/outdoor seating. We got many of the HH menu and one tataki steak off regular menu. My fav was the fish cake tempura and yaki negitoro don! Omurice was so yummy too. We wanna try the rest of menu next time! Will definitely come back! Oh, and the staff is super friendly!”

“Enjoyed Fall Features: Bourbon Spice & Everything Nice, Ginger Snap Sipper, Duck Empanada, and the American Artisan Cheese Plate. I had my first Bourbon Spice & Everything Nice in December 2022 and was super excited to see that Eleven featured it this Fall 2023. I was a bit worried when we got seated this past Saturday that it wasn't available to my surprise when I inquired with our server she shared the Fall Features menu with us and all drink specials and food was available. Lucky us!”

“Nice Hawaiian island vibe ambiance but the music is too loud! It's a bit puzzling because the atmosphere is supposed to be relaxing, but the music is loud, like music played in a club rather than Island style music. It's unclear what the theme of the place really is. However, the waitress pays good attention to our order, and the food and drinks are reasonably priced ($15-$20). They even offer a menu with inexpensive drinks if you want a cheaper cocktail.”

“Service was awesome! Best dry aged steak I've had in hawaii. Just can't put my finger on it something was off as far as the atmosphere. Bar looked great maybe it was the more modern feeling, from the high ceilings, cement floors not at all a bad thing just different. We will definitely be back.”

“Hands down the best meal I've ever had. Me and my husband spent our 10 yr anniversary here tonight and the food and service was beyond our expectations. The staff was so nice! The hostess even offered to take our photo before we sat down to eat and suggested where to take the picture etc. I must've thanked the staff a million times tonight. They also gave us a free adorable dessert for our anniversary. The prices reflect the quality of the food and service. I can't get over how amazing it was, I'll be daydreaming about this experience probably for forever ? absolutely amazing. They really made our anniversary special!”

“Came to celebrate my birthday with my mother, came on a Sunday night and had a reservation at 7:30, we showed up early and got seated quickly. Staff were extremely nice and explained each dish we had questions about. Food was amazing and I definitely loved the soup dumplings, and every dish on the menu. Definitely would come back and recommended to anybody that gisits the area.”

“I’m always down for a nightcap! We were staying at Halekulani and popped in before heading back to our room.ATMOSPHERE:The cozy lounge is the hotel’s lobby bar but is located in a separate building just off of the pool deck. Live jazz music is featured Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Decor is very warm with dark woods and ambient lighting. It’s a bit squishy inside as it isn’t a large space. Choose from bar and low top seating.EXPERIENCE:We had a short five minute wait on this particular Saturday night around 10pm as they were fairly busy.I’ve always been drawn to jazz bars and Lewers Lounge did not disappoint. Ambiance, check. Drinks, check. Soothing, live singer, check.The spouse and I enjoyed a glass of bubbly before calling it a night. Prices weren’t too eye popping.The disappointment of the night? Me. I was so full and tired from our dinner prior to coming here, I was falling asleep! Ugh, still so mad about that.Host & wait service were good.OVERALL:One of the few jazz lounges in the 808.”

“Our meal was well prepared. The staff was highly professional and very attentive to our needs. The restaurant and the hotel were noticeably quiet. Normally I would have expected more people in a heavy tourist area. In a perfect situation, the menu itself would have been more robust. We found the menu selection limited at best.”

“Very friendly staff always makes me feel welcome coming here! Great menu, not just poke - the macaron ice cream sandwiches are a must-try! Honey Walnut Shrimp is encased in thin crispy noodles and served with crispy ramen noodles - different presentation than what you usually see in many Chinese restaurants.”

“I've been following this place for awhile but we're not from here so I had to take the chance and take my fiancé here. Service was good and drinks took a little while but they're worth the wait. I wasn't too fond of my second drink, didn't think it matched my palatte. But def worth a try. Ambiance is just sick. Just go in an vibe out.”

“This is such a cute western style bar! Had cute lights surrounding the spot with a saddle too. Located upstairs and before you enter the Equus Hotel. Female bartender was really friendly and made great cocktails. Small, hidden little gem located in West Waikiki. You'd probably get discounts if you were staying at the hotel too. Looks to be a cafe during the day time. Would recommend if you're looking for a more calm bar with good drinks.”

“I personally want to thank all the staff of Noi Thai. Not only did they provide us a private room, they turned down the music and provided us with excellent service. Being this accommodating has definitely made my trip to the island one of the best in a long time.”

“Amazing dinner here! We had been recommended this place by friends. It was very intimate and quite. The service was excellent, the food was superb ? Our cocktails were great quality as well. For tapas, we got the mushrooms, bone marrow, tofu, waygu, lobster roll, quail egg. All were amazing! For dessert we got the Affogato, and Crème Brûlée. My husband said the Brûlée was too salty but I'm sure that's just a personal preference. I would highly recommend this place!”

“The Gallery Waikiki is bumping from the moment you stepped inside. I was captivated by the vibrant and diverse collection of artwork on display.The gallery showcases a wide range of artistic styles, from traditional Hawaiian paintings to contemporary sculptures. Each piece is thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The staff at The Gallery Waikiki are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about art, making them excellent guides as you explore the exhibits.One aspect that truly impressed me was the gallery's commitment to supporting local artists. Many of the works on display were created by talented individuals from Hawaii, providing a platform for them to showcase their talent and gain recognition. This dedication to promoting local art adds a unique touch to The Gallery Waikiki's collection. In addition to its impressive array of artwork, The Gallery Waikiki also hosts regular events and exhibitions.The Gallery Waikiki was nothing short of exceptional. Whether you are an art aficionado or simply appreciate beauty in all its forms, this gallery is a must-visit destination in Honolulu. Its commitment to showcasing diverse artwork and supporting local artists sets it apart from other galleries in the area.”

“Had a long layover, so I zipped over to Dukes for some breakfast and their breakfast buffet did not disappoint. The buffet comes with free omelettes you can order from them too.The view of the ocean from their patio is gorgeous.Definitely will be going back the next time I'm around.”

“8/2023Despite post Covid challenges, so far, so good. They've persevered with consistency and Aloha. In the new McCully location, the food is as good as ever. I like the much roomier space for them to spread even more. Aloha. The prices are right, they've added a good happy hour, and yes, the food still onolicious. We just had a reunion here, and so did another group. Parking can be challenging when busy, but so are all places that are busy. There's a pay parking lot across the street that's convenient. They've recently added entertainment as well on certain nights. May be my new go-to. ??✌️”

“Excellent, freshly crafted drinks. It is located inside the Al Moana Mall Food Courts. Agave & Vine is just a bar, but you can get food from the food court and take it into the bar. The bartender was really nice and good at her job. I had a spicy margarita with cucumber. Delicious.Kid-friendliness: It's a bar. Not kid friendly.”

“We ordered 2 family feasts and a couple of cocktails. I didn't think the Family Feast was worth $37 + $54. It was a shock that the market fish cost that much. The sides for the family feast were brined and had a great acidic flavor as well as the shoyu/vinegary dip. Would I come again? maybe... just to try other things on the menu. I wouldn't recommend the Family Feast though.”

“We do like coming here. Great little bar area by Waikiki Beach....on the beach. Can be difficult to get into, as it is very popular. It's a very busy area, but the bartenders work their butts off. We came for the Vic's 44 Mai Tai today. As we have that specific recipe and have had made them ourselves, their Mai Tais really come up short. I am sure they premake a portion and that reflects poorly in their drink. Keep in mind, we go across the country and internationally to try Mai Tai drinks. We were disappointed here. They do have lots of other drinks, but everything is in mass quantities and made quickly. Although this fell short, we still enjoy coming here. Note: the bartender did try to fix the drink, although I just couldn't drink it. He was very nice and accommodating and ultimately I switched it out for a gin and tonic. My husband switched his out for the Royal Mai Tai, which was so much better.”

“Wanted to try a more local restaurant. Started with the smoking pig whiskey cocktail. Presentation was really nice. My entree was the OBB burger. 1lb/double patty, bacon, egg and cheese burger. Come hungry. The egg was over easy. Cooked really well. I had to deconstruct the burger a bit to eat but managed to polish off one patty. My date had the scallops with risotto. Scallops were sea scallops so also a substantial amount. Really smooth and tasty. Great place. Service was super friendly. Support your local restaurants. This should be a regular spot.”

“Dropped by Waikiki Brewing in Kakaako last night and it's a solid four-star hangout in my books. The mission? To quench my thirst with a flight of beer and tackle their much-raved-about smash burger.Let's talk about the burger first - it's a home run! We opted for the double patty (thanks to the extra $4 splurge) and it paid off. The patties were the perfect blend of crispy edges and juicy center, hugged by a bun that was soft yet sturdy enough to stand up to the beefy challenge. Condiments? Just the right amount to elevate, not overwhelm. It's the kind of burger that doesn't just fill you up, it fulfills you.Moving on to the beers - they were good, but didn't steal the show like the burger did. Each brew in the flight was a decent sip, but none hit the "write home about it" level.As for vibes, it's as laid back as they come, even if the heavy rock soundtrack played a little hard to get. But hey, it didn't deter from the overall chill factor.Service was a standout. It's always refreshing when the staff is eager to share what they love - makes the decision process a whole lot easier and the experience more personal.”

“The Barefoot Bar is right next to Dukes. It's right on the beach with a nice, casual vibe. The service was efficient, but our server was completely anti social. She never smiled. She took our order, some one else delivered our food, and told us her shift was over, and asked if we could pay. I got the tacos and my husband got the fish and chips. Our food was just meh, but my husband really enjoyed his mai tais and the hula pie was fabulous as always.”

“I recently dined at Smith and Kings and indulged in their offerings. The deluxe burger I ordered was not only delicious but also came in a huge portion that left me fully satisfied. The lobster poutine was a delightful surprise with its generous serving of lobster and flavorful combination of ingredients. Both dishes had a nice, rich flavor that made the meal truly enjoyable. If you're looking for substantial portions and great taste, Smith and Kings is definitely worth a visit!”

“One of my favorite spots in Waikiki for craft cocktails! The location is central to Seaside Ave. and Lewers St., A great area for Waikiki bar hopping. I've had the cocktails be hit or miss, but I love me some fancy concoctions and nice glassware. I had a spicy margarita and one of their specialty drinks. The spicy margarita was with the well tequila, who knows what it is but all I cared is it wasn't Jose cuervo. I wish the server had come by before it was drinks last call so I knew it was food last call. Definitely wanna come back and the chocolate chip at the end of the night. My favorite spot used to have that as a closing time treat to patrons and my sweet tooth can never say no to sweets at the end of the night. Will definitely be back here for another cocktail night”