Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Oahu

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Oahu? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Off the Wall Craft Beer & Wine

4.8

4.8 (72)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Honolulu

About the restaurant

Indulge in a unique fusion of local craft beer, wine, and delectable cuisine at Off The Wall Hawaii. Located in the heart of Kaka’ako, our tap house offers an unforgettable experience of local flavors, artfully crafted beverages, and mouth watering dishes.

Complementing our beverage selection is our restaurant menu, crafted with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and latin flavors. Join us for live music events and weekly specials, immersing yourself in the dynamic local culture.

If you're interested in hosting a private event, visit our homepage and watch the video under the private events tab. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate function, graduation party, birthday celebration, or any other special event, choose us to host your event for an evening packed with artisanal brews and lasting memories.

Top review

Jared

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

It was a great pau hana night with coworkers. We’ll definitely be back.

Robata JINYA - Honolulu

4.8

4.8 (179)

$30 and under

Sushi

Kaka'ako

About the restaurant

Opened in 2010, Robata JINYA reflects cooking techniques and traditions passed down from Tomo’s father combined with his personal deep appreciation for the City of Angels. Now expanding to Honolulu, Hawaii, Robata JINYA plays to traditional robatayaki service of slow charcoal-grilled skewered meats and vegetables as well as exotic sushi and sashimi plates. Tomo aims to provide a lively space where sharing of small plates, as well as conversation, is encouraged. Further supporting the mission of comradery, Tomo chose the name “JINYA” in reference to the historical estates of samurai that later served as community meeting points. Welcome to Robata JINYA.

Top review

kaipo

Dined 7 days ago

Awesome service with great food. Our server was very helpful in explaining the menu and flavors.

Yours Truly

4.8

4.8 (72)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown / Chinatown

About the restaurant

**Note: We are currently only accepting reservations for the Speakeasy Tiki Bar. The Main Lounge & Bar seating will be accepting walk-ins only**

Welcome to the must visit cocktail bar and speakeasy in the Downtown and Chinatown neighborhoods serving locals and travelers alike. Yours Truly features a menu of adventurous craft cocktails, beer, & wine poured in a dramatic, stylish space with a lively vibe and welcoming atmosphere. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and never pretentious. In our cocktail bar, immerse yourself in an environment of rich velvet green fabrics, plush leather seating, and vintage post boxes, all reimagined to become Honolulu's best bar.

The Yours Truly experience in our Speakeasy Tiki Bar comes to life with karaoke and an interactive A.I. photo booth, all affording guests an evening of truly unique and memorable wonderment in tribute to the Hawaiiana exotica era. Enjoy an evening of laughter, drinks, entertainment, and intrigue at Yours Truly cocktail bar.

Top review

Joe

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Great location and solid vibe. Yours Truly is tucked away in a cool spot with a nice atmosphere that’s perfect for kicking off the night. The space itself is intimate and stylish, definitely fits the speakeasy theme. As for the drinks — they were good, but not exactly earth-shattering. Creative presentation, but the flavors didn’t blow me away compared to other spots around town. Still, worth checking out for the ambiance alone. Solid 4/5 experience!

Mahina and Sun's - Surfjack Hotel

4.7

4.7 (1333)

$31 to $50

Home cooking

Waikiki

About the restaurant

WALK INS WELCOME & OPEN EVERYDAY from 12pm to 10pm! Elevated home cooking that you will enjoy located in the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. Happy Hour 12pm - 5:30pm; Lanai menu 12pm - 5:30pm; Dinner 5:30pm to 10pm. Whether you’re indulging in a filling dinner before heading up to your room or stopping in for a refreshing beverage after spending the day in the sun, Mahina & Sun’s is ready to serve you! Executive Chef Erik Leong’s menu features favorites such as Naked Pig Pizza starters, Clams, Fresh Catch & Off the Hook entrees, in addition to the popular Mahina Family Feast, which offers a delicious whole fried fish with five sides. Ask for outdoor seating and dine under the stars and enjoy local, live music line up every night! Checkout Executive Bar Czar, Chris Taibi for the very best in cocktails & libations! $8.00 4 hour validated off site Parking at Hyatt Centric Garage. Pull ticket and Mahina & Sun's server will give you validation stamp.

Top review

ErikVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We had the whole fried fish and it was really good! The drinks are a special treat and so is the service. The ambiance is fresh and soothing. The pizza had a little too much cheese on it and I’d like to order it crispy next time… nothing to tell anyone about just a suggestion. Overall a very nice experience and I would definitely recommend and return!

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4.7

4.7 (1526)

$31 to $50

Pacific Rim

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Hidden in plain sight, and nestled above vibrant Kuhio Avenue is Hideout at The Laylow Autograph Collection Hotel. The Lush greenery, mid-century inspired woodwork, and vibrant vibe instantly sets the tone for this progressive Modern Hapa Hawaiian cuisine and beverage venue. All that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer take center stage morning and night for hotel guest and locals to enjoy for any occasion. The moment you ascend from street level the Hideout and it’s relaxed vibe, allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and enjoy small plates, curated cocktails, great live music, and a perfect place to catch your breath any time of day.

Top review

William

Dined 2 days ago

Live music was amazing. Food was very good and paired well with well crafted drinks. Definitely a great spot for open air dinning in the middle of Waikiki.

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4.7

4.7 (45)

$31 to $50

Creative Japanese

Waikiki

About the restaurant

In the heart of Waikīkī lies a reimagined Izakaya and Bar where energetic Japanese hospitality meets the eclectic and diversified cultures of Hawaii. Rooted in a sense of nostalgia from a time when things moved a little slower, Izakaya 855-ALOHA welcomes visitors and locals alike to gather, stay a little longer, and bond over a meal and drinks in a dynamic social environment. With playful interpretations of traditional small plate Izakaya fare and a buzzy cocktail program, the menu highlights the precision and techniques found in Japanese cuisine along with the local ingredients of Hawaii.

Enjoy 3 hrs validated valet parking.

Stay. Drink. Eat.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

Excellent restaurant, fantastic service. Our new favorite restaurant in Waikiki.

Pint and Jigger

4.7

4.7 (20)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Ala Moana

About the restaurant

Award winning craft cocktail bar located inside the Ala Moana Hotel! Helmed by legendary owner Dave Thor Newman, recently nominated for a James Beard Award. With amazing food from executive chef Spencer Yamanaka, including multiple time award winning "Best Burger in Hawaii" Pint + Jigger has been a landmark for craft cocktails, craft beer and outstanding food since opening to much acclaim in 2012. The new location houses Hawaii's largest whiskey collection, an amazing 21 taps of craft and local beers and an amazing ambiance that transports guests. Known for outstanding service and hospitality and the best cocktails in Hawaii! This can't miss destination bar and restaurant is a must visit for anyone coming to Hawaii that enjoys great food, cocktails or whiskey lovers looking to find some gems on their famous "Wall of Whiskey"

Harry's Hardware Emporium is as stunning as the old location and is definitely one of those speakeasy's that if you know you know!

Top review

Kyle

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Favorite restaurant around! Can’t wait for the speakeasy

Hana Koa Brewing Co.

4.6

4.6 (1015)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Honolulu

About the restaurant

Hana Koa is a full production brewery in the heart of Kaka’ako. We have a full kitchen with daily and monthly specials. Featuring two full bars including beer, wine, spirits and cocktails.

We ask all our guests to abide by time limits so we can accommodate as many guests as possible each evening.
1-4 guests = 90 minutes
5 or more = 120 minutes

RESERVATION POLICIES:
-All parties larger than 15 will be asked to place a deposit. Please contact the host stand or email events@hanakoabrewing.com for more information.
-Deposits will be forfeited if party does not show up, is incomplete, or cancels less than 24 hours before reservation time.
-Majority of the party must be present before being sat.
-Guests have a 15 minute grace period. After 15 minutes your table will be surrendered to other guests.
-Auto Gratuity of 20% will be added to large parties of 6 or more.
-Due to the fast level of service we provide, we may not split checks more than 2 ways.

Top review

Lauren

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Great service and vibes! The beer was on point and the food was tasty. The highlight was the garlic shrimp - amazing! Definitely a fun place to grab a casual dinner.

Aloha Beer

4.6

4.6 (79)

$30 and under

American

Kaka'ako

About the restaurant

Locally owned local craft brewery with 13 rotating beers on tap. Great for large groups, families, and parties with dogs. Enjoy a delicious selection of beer, cocktails, and local pub food with Happy Hour Daily from 2pm - 6pm. Brewery Tours and Tastings now available under Experiences!

Located at 700 Queen Street in Kaka'ako. Parking is available for $5 up the ramp w/ validation from the brewery.

Top review

IanVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great place to bring your dog! They have dog meals on the menu and bring a water bowl

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4.5

4.5 (514)

$31 to $50

Hawaiian

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Come grab a cool Hawaiian beer, fresh seafood, unique Hawaiian-Japanese fusion food on the rooftop lanai, and enjoy an "Aloha" experience with our friendly staff!

Genius Lounge is established in 2009, is a full service bar restaurant serving Japanese inspired Hawaiian dishes. We were selected 2022, 2023, and 2024 OpenTable Diners' Choice Restaurant.

Our menus are created by Japanese experienced chef, using Hawaiian ingredients throughout our dishes.

We have some famous Hawaiian items; Tempura Sushi, Fresh seafoods, Steaks, Salads, Pizzas, and Original homemade noodle dishes!!!

You can pair those items with our extensive drink menu such as Local Beers, Sakes, Wines, and a lot of original cocktails!

It is perfect a place to enjoy a low key night with friends or a romantic date in the heart of Waikiki.

We also accomodate private parties. We have a quaint private lanai space and 3 party courses for your private party. It is also a perfect place to enjoy your wedding party in Waikiki.

Top review

Sarah

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Awesome food and good value, especially during happy hour. We really enjoyed the Kalua pork nachos and the ahi and salmon carpaccio. They squeezed in a high chair for our toddler too.

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Experience

Steak & Seafood Lovers Special (Tax&Tip Included)

Experience

Everyday Happy Hour 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

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