EP bar

Bar · Financial District

EP bar

Bar · Financial District

2

1150 Nuuanu Ave Unit A, Honolulu, HI 96817

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EP bar by null
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EP bar by null
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Highlights

Exceptional cocktails, DJ music, and friendly staff  

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1150 Nuuanu Ave Unit A, Honolulu, HI 96817 Get directions

epbar.co
@ep.bar

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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1150 Nuuanu Ave Unit A, Honolulu, HI 96817 Get directions

+1 808 753 9720
epbar.co
@ep.bar

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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reservations

Last updated

Sep 2, 2025

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@infatuation

The 15 Best Bars In Honolulu - Oahu - The Infatuation

"EP may be modeled after Japanese listening bars, but it’s uniquely Hawai‘i, with black lava rock walls that make you feel like you’re in a very hip cave that just happens to be lined with thousands of records. And the drinks take inspiration from nearby restaurants—there are highballs with phở spices and a clarified cocktail that’s a play on mango sticky rice. It’s an intimate space, so it’s best to keep your group small and make reservations." - martha cheng

https://www.theinfatuation.com/oahu/guides/best-bars-honolulu
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@infatuation

EP Bar - Review - Chinatown - Oahu - The Infatuation

"EP may be modeled after Japanese listening bars, but it’s uniquely Hawai‘i, with black lava rock walls that make you feel like you’re in a very hip cave that just happens to be lined with thousands of records. And the drinks take inspiration from nearby restaurants—there are highballs with phở spices and a clarified cocktail that’s a play on mango sticky rice. It’s an intimate space, so it’s best to keep your group small and make reservations." - Martha Cheng

https://www.theinfatuation.com/oahu/reviews/ep-bar
View Postcard for EP bar

Meagan

Google
My first time at this cocktail bar was spot on. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by Jenn, who was incredibly sweet and welcoming. I asked for her recommendations on the most spirit-forward cocktails, and she truly delivered. I was a little hesitant at first when she suggested their twists on the classic Old Fashioned and Manhattan, as you can get those almost anywhere. But I am so glad I trusted her. The drinks were expertly crafted and absolutely delicious. Jenn and I got to talking, and she told me all about the bar's inspiration from a place in Japan and the whole atmosphere felt so warm and homey. You could tell the staff genuinely enjoyed working together, which made the experience even better. It’s rare to find a place that feels this welcoming, and I’m so happy I found this hidden gem. I’ll definitely be back.

Ludmila Santos

Google
This cocktail bar has amazing drinks, with flavors that will blow your mind. I had the pho cocktail and the mango sticky rice cocktail, both were amazing. Highly recommend paying them a visit if you like original drinks.

Derrick Hartanto

Google
Fio and Markus took excellent care of me. The drinks were superb and the atmosphere is excellent. Definitely the best bar I’ve had the pleasure of visiting on the island.

Brian Hasegawa

Google
No food, but some snacks. Cocktails were amazing. Favorite was the butter bourbon. Great staff, all very inviting, nice and great customer service. It's so nice to go out somewhere where the staff provides a great experience whereas most times now days, it seems like everywhere you go, you wish you hadn't.

Angela Salazar

Google
Got the Hail Mary (Espresso Martini) and enjoyed every sip. Great RnB and Hip hop music cozy date night spot with friendly service. Worth a visit!

Vincent Mañara

Google
Fantastic bar located in Chinatown with an excellent array of cocktails. The friendly bartenders enhance the experience, and the music playing that night added to the ambiance. Due to its intimate size, seating is limited, but you have the option to call and secure a reservation.

Charlie Te

Google
Cool place to get some cocktails while having a DJ spinning some tunes. The staff here are friendly and quick to make some delicious cocktails. I enjoyed the EP Old Fashioned, Luminescent Dreams, and Ocha Highball. Definitely worth Cheviot out if you are in the Chinatown area.

Evan H

Google
Met some friends here for a drink on a quick 72 hr trip to Honolulu. The bar itself is in a non descript area but that is far from the establishment itself. They have a wall of vinyl where they play a wonderful assortment of music on McIntosh players. An impressive assortment of whisky and other drinks are also on display but the best part is picking which one you would like to drink. Reservations are a must. The place is intimate and laid back. If you don't book ahead of time you likely won't get a seat. Fortunately parking there was no problem. The EP's speakeasy vibe was overall great. I would highly recommend making a stop here if you want a grab a drink and chill in town.
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Michelle D.

Yelp
My friends and I were looking for a chill spot with good drinks and solid vibes, so we decided to give EP Bar a try--and it did not disappoint. The cocktails were beautifully crafted, and I absolutely loved the dark, moody atmosphere. It has this sultry, intimate feel that makes it perfect for unwinding after a long day at work. Inside, the vibe was super laid-back--no overwhelming crowd, just good energy. Outside, the area can feel a little sketchy at night, so just be aware of your surroundings. That said, once you're inside, it's a vibe. Would definitely come back for another "drinky drink drink" moment !
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Kim T.

Yelp
Some friends suggested this place to us so we knew we had to check it out! I suggest making a reservation because the place isn't big and it definitely gets packed! I loved the music they were playing. The seating was mostly at the bar or high top tables so I wouldn't suggest big groups. We didn't end up staying that long because there was a private party about to start. I ordered the sticky fingaz and my boyfriend got the basa boys Paloma. I tend to like sweeter drinks and loved this one! The Paloma was refreshing as well. Would love to come back here and hangout longer next time we are in town.
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Amber S.

Yelp
Love the vibes here! Dark & moody... right up my alley. It feels like a speakeasy because of the unsuspecting front entrance. We were able to snag a table on a Friday at 6pm without a reservation. The guys working were so friendly and welcoming, and there was a DJ spinning too. Ordered a Thai Me Down and Hail Mary, both were perfectly crafted and delicious. Will definitely return again next time.
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Megan K.

Yelp
I'm a little upset. Last time I went to EP Bar was a year ago, this time I went with a friend during busy hours so we didn't get to sit in the back area where the bar was. A girl told us we could sit up front and then when a table opened up, she would move us back there. However, as more men seem to arrive, she promptly sat them at any available table and never came back to get us or acknowledge us after she had gotten our drink order. My friend made a point to say that she never came back around and it was the worst service we've ever had. Very disappointing and I don't think I'd come again. Even for how busy it was, it wasn't overly loud, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Just a bummer we got ignored because we weren't as interesting as the males it seemed.
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Jalissa T.

Yelp
Great vibes and love the atmosphere here. Walked in and was able to get seating. Drink menu is decent wished they offered bar bites. But if you're just looking for a bar to sit, sip and chat with peers this is one of them.
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Larene U.

Yelp
Great vibes and great music. Make a reservation in advance because this place fills up. I'm not much of a drinker, but I did enjoy my time here. I opted for their EP drink and I had a great time. This is definitely a good place to hang out with the dim lighting and superb playlist, I saw myself staying for a long time LOL
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Adam F.

Yelp
We came to EP Bar on a Wednesday night for some post birthday dinner cocktails. I always enjoy EP Bar's interior layout and decor, a very laid back setting with moody lighting and a live DJ. As far as drinks, I ordered the Ringo Star and Big Body Buttery. Would definitely recommend both, the Ringo Star had a wonderful spice to it and the Big Body Buttery was amazing. It was my first time trying a brown butter fat washed bourbon, which I am now a fan of. We also ordered the Beef Jerky to snack on, which I would also highly recommend. Overall the staff were very engaging and friendly. Personally this is one of my favorite speakeasy bars in Honolulu and I will definitely be returning in the near future.
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Thomas N.

Yelp
Located in Chinatown in Honolulu. My step-son took me here for drinks. The name didn't click until we entered the place. Had to be a 1000 albums on the shelves behind the bar. They had a guy spinning records on 2 turntables. The drink menu was the bomb. Nothing standard here. Big selection of specialty cocktails featuring many Japanese brands. No standard ice cubes. You get 1 gigantic ice cube in your cocktail. The vibe was sensational, the bartenders were awesome. One of the coolest bars I have ever been in.
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Lukas P.

Yelp
If Batman had a secret speakeasy in Gotham, it would probably look like EP Bar--moody lighting, stone walls, and an absurdly cool collection of vinyl that makes you feel 10% more sophisticated just by existing near it. The DJ? Certified vibe curator. One moment, I'm nodding my head to some deep cuts; the next, I'm reconsidering all my life choices because the music is that good. Even Yoda on the shelf looked impressed. Now, let's talk about their House Old Fashioned. First off, clear ice. You know a place means business when the ice in your drink is so pristine you can see your reflection in it--probably rethinking all the choices that led you here (which, for the record, were all great). Smooth, balanced, just the right amount of bite--this Old Fashioned didn't just slap, it delivered a full-on roundhouse kick to my taste buds. Bartenders? Pros. The kind that don't just pour drinks, but make you feel like a regular even if it's your first time. Bottom line--EP Bar is where you go when you want to feel effortlessly cool while sipping something dangerously delicious. Just don't be surprised if you leave with an expensive new vinyl habit and an unrealistic confidence boost. Five stars, no notes.
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Hannah H.

Yelp
Describing itself in two words, 'highballs' and 'vinyl', EP Bar offers an extensive drink list that includes highballs, cocktails, wine, sake, and beer, as well as beef jerky chips to munch on. We came here post-dinner, making reservations in advance - for drinks, we tried: +the Kyoho Highball - prepared with Glenmorangie - X, green grapes, elderflower, and soda +the Umai Highball - prepared with haku vodka, ume shrub, lemon, and soda +the Basa Boyz Paloma - prepared with tequila, lime, grapefruit, Hawaiian chili agave, and a pink peppercorn foam +Stinky Fingaz - prepared with kuleana rum, lilet blanc, hayden mango, lemons, and clarified with coconut milk +and, the Big Body Buttery - with brown butter fat washed bourbon, toasted almonds, aquafaba, and lemon The set-up of the bar was really nice, with the shelving for the vinyls and a few turntables - the vibe was very laid back and casual, and the place was dimly lit with limited seating. Reservations is a must, and larger parties (more than 4) cannot be accommodated - so, plan accordingly! The bar staff were friendly and lively. +reservations required +parties of 4+ prohibited +friendly service
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Tony B.

Yelp
The bar's ambiance was unique, with shelves brimming with vinyl records and a few turntables adding to the relaxed and casual vibe. The dim lighting and limited seating created an intimate atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended, as larger parties (exceeding four guests) are not accommodated. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment. The bar staff were friendly and engaging, contributing to the positive experience. Every cocktail we sampled was exceptional. The Paloma was a clear favorite. Service was efficient and attentive. Overall, we enjoyed a fantastic evening at EP Bar."
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Kelly N.

Yelp
Sexy atmosphere with vinyl spinning. Service was sweet, drinks on point and the jerky chips a delight (must have, try and see for yourself)
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Safari C.

Yelp
I had a great time at EP bar last night. I always have a great time at EP bar. My first visit was summer of 2022 on my last day of work for a beautiful nonprofit here in Hawaii. We wrapped up at Native Bookstore around the corner and my boss wanted to hit the hot new spot on the block for a cocktail. She loves a good old fashioned and they did not disappoint her on the classic nor their black sesame rendition. For such a mind expanding cozy corner this bar can seem quite unassuming to a passerby. That is until you cross the second threshold. You'll walk into something extremely cozy yet elevated, and it's not just the high bar stools. Your palette will soar between brick walls, musical explorations and cool conversation. You'll get to know your company and develop your musical fortitude, too. The DJ spinning that day, now my dear friend, played a song that took me over the moon. I had to know what the track was and just had to ask. It was 17 Days by Prince on his acoustic piano album. Hitter! I wasn't a Prince fan until that moment. And now I rock with Prince and this quite regal establishment. With a wall lined with records to behold, rotating DJs play the records available but mostly bring records of their own. Fun fact, they only play records here! If you hear a track you like and don't know what it is you could ask shazam or ask your DJ! May be nice to tip them, too! Grateful for all the music this space and these people have put me onto. You'll get the chance to be exposed to artists worldwide while sipping on that sizzer. You'll love coming here. Your service providers will feel like more than friends, they become your friends. They take care of you so be sure to take care of them, too. And if you have been coming here for a while now, I just got some inside scoop! They're coming out with a fresh menu with flavors special to Chinatown! See you at EP bar real soon
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Aika O.

Yelp
I came here with my family and fiance on a Monday evening and we had a really good time! We were a group of 5 so I had to contact them to make a reservation as opposed to making a reservation online. The staff were so friendly and attentive! There was a guy who was in charge of the music and his picks were so good! Such a chill vibe. The space is intimate so I see why they try to limit their group sizes to 4 on the online reservation. I just loved the vibes of this bar (I kind of wish I just left the family at home and had a nice evening with the fiance lol) The cocktails were really good! My brother had the basa boyz paloma which I felt was nice and balanced. I had the hail mary (their take on an espresso martini) which I am craving as I write this. They have a good selection of Japanese whiskey if that's something you're interested in. Don't be fooled by the cocktails; they didn't TASTE strong but they were strong enough to get a good buzz going!
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Mel Y.

Yelp
Massive fan of this place. We came without reservations but it was still early in the evening so we got a seat at the bar. The drink options were amazing. I had the best tasting beverage (oolong passion) I've had in a while. They are extremely creative in their concoctions. The atmosphere is chill relaxing but also hip. They have alot of things to look at on the walls including all the vinyls. Saw many people on dates and others with a friend group. This bar definitely is elevated, the staff are nice, and the drinks are fantastic.
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Ann N.

Yelp
Make sure you make reservations. Small establishment, records played, whisky drinks poured. Good for a small gathering of 4-ish.
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Celise N.

Yelp
I've been here twice. And I love this place! The drinks are very different. I'm in love with this drink called the Pho Us By Us. The vibe here is so cool and all the bartenders and staff are so friendly. I loved the 80s music and the entire vibe of this place. Try to make reservations if you really want the full experience. I accidentally left my credit card there and the bartender found me at a restaurant across the street to return it to me. Talk about fabulous service. I can't wait to go back again.
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Reid A.

Yelp
Ambiance and drinks are top notch. I've come here two times making reservations online. They take your cc information and it notes a charge if you cancel last minute. It also mentions vaccination ID, but that's not checked. First off, this bar's aesthetic is great. The type of drinks and look of this bar is consistent. Feels like an underground intimate bar. More of a mature crowd that appreciates drinks, rather than shoots it. I think everyone took a picture of the bar or at least stared at it for a long time. You got a guy spinning records on the side. The bathrooms are like a maze, but there are signage and rooms are clean. The tables are small for 4, but keeps conversations close. Nobody is yelling from a distance. If only 2 people, I'd rather sit at the bar and see the drinks being made. Kyoho highball - Smooth and it's scary smooth. Cause I could drink that and fall over if I drank it fast enough. Second time was more whiskey forward, definitely depends who makes the drink, both were good though. Old Fashioned - Damn smooth again with a slight smooth coffee finish. Ringo Star - A stellar drink. Another deceptively smooth and tasty drink of apple. Luminescent Dream - A sweet drink that is very tasty. Only for those that like sweeter stuff. *cough* girly drinks, which I admit, love... The Vietnamese Coffee drink is strong. The coffee flavor is smooth, but strong. No bitterness. I drink coffee, but I think for me liquor inside it is just not for me. The matcha IPA and pu**y grabs back. Interesting stuff I'd try, but the Orion and Chu-Hi is normal stuff I can buy at the store. Matcha IPA was an IPA for sure if you like that sort of thing. I don't like IPA's. Why is there only beef jerky as a food option? I understand this is a cocktail bar. But have at least 2 food items at least. I don't care if you serve stale popcorn, I'm still ordering it to eat something with the drinks. I hope they offer something else because that's basically what stopped us from ordering more. We all wanted to grab food after drink #2! Anyways, that might just be the intention here, so I don't knock stars for that. If they want to keep people rotating out, then that makes sense. Overall a stellar experience.
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Ariel C.

Yelp
Chill af vibes with lit cocktails! Came on a Wednesday at opening and was happy to have found street parking. I love how this spot is doing a more upscale cocktail bar, as the Mai Tai and overdone tropical tiki drinks can get a bit too sweet/overdone in the Waikiki area. Good whiskey selection. Super chill music vibes. They were also able to make me a mocktail! And it was an amazing mocktail! Not just a POG juice, but like a strawberry balsamic drink that blew my mind! 1000% recommend for locals and tourists alike.
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Jamie L.

Yelp
Ended up coming here twice on my most recent trip to Oahu because we loved it so much. I've tried a bunch of their drinks and I loved every single one of them - especially their paloma one in the high ball section (you won't regret trying it! It was the best paloma I've ever had in my life) The only drink out of the many I've tried that I didn't love was the espresso one because it has a bitter in there that makes the drink taste like Korean medicine. the vibes are chill and when I went , they were spinning old school hip hop and r&b. All the bartenders/servers are fun to converse with and provide great service as well. Will be one of my go to places every time I come visit!
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Justin Y.

Yelp
Inventive drinks, great staff, fantastic music, and beautiful interior. Hidden gem of a bar in Chinatown. Seating is limited so be sure to reserve ahead of time.
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Jonathan C.

Yelp
Maybe the best bar in china town for cocktails and music. Feo was our bartender for the night and it was great hanging out with him. He explained our drinks and answered all of the questions we had about the area and cocktails in general. Will definitely be back for the rare occasions we get a date night away from the kiddos.
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Stephanie L.

Yelp
I had a fantastic time at EP Bar! This was the second stop after going to The Lei Stand, and I wish we came here first. The vibes were immaculate here and the service was amazing. I also appreciated how well lit the bar was. So many of these Chinatown bars are so dimly lit that I can barely see the menu in front of me. I came to EP Bar with 2 friends and we had a shot and a beverage (or 2). Personally, I adored my drink which was the Luminescent Dream. It was vodka, it was cute, it had stars, and it was sweet without being overly sweet. It was perfection! My friends enjoyed some different Toki high balls which I had a sip of. The Umai high ball is perfect for those who love tart plum flavor and the EP high ball was also refreshing with its lemongrass scent. I highly recommend EP Bar for anyone looking for a fantastic bar in Chinatown! I only wish they had some food or snacks for people like me who get the munchies when drinking~
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Kristina C.

Yelp
Finally came back after awhile, and I still love the vibes of EP bar. It's really intimate at times, but it's nice! ***What we ordered **Ringo (11/10) FALL VIBES!!!! I always wanted to try this drink, however it would always be sold out. But today I got to try it! Amazing flavors, you can taste cinnamon, apple, and other fall spices. Personally, I'm a huge fan of fall flavors so this really hit home. One of the bartenders (Tyler) made it and hands down I'd say is my favorite drink there! If you have the chance, give it try especially if you love fall flavors. Overall, EP Bar will forever be my favorite vinyl & booze place. The staff here are super friendly! :) and they make drinks FAAAST. I hope you get the chance to swing by :)! Also I highly recommend you making reservations before coming!
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Rebecca W.

Yelp
Beautiful bar. Alll the vibes. V intimate setting with vinyl records bumpin in the background. I love it here. Billy kills it every time. Really cool owner. Great drinks. What more could you ask for?
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Mel D.

Yelp
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.

Danny P.

Yelp
This is a great place for signature cocktails and exactly what ChinaTown needs. It has a great vibe to it and the service was excellent. You can tell that these guys are passionate about making this a great lounge. They do not offer food except for one line item so definitely stop by The Black Shamrock and have a great pizza before or after coming to this bar. You know that this will be a huge hit for people stopping in for a drink before going to the Hawaii Theater.
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Alex S.

Yelp
So, my wife and I are in town on vacation and got to meet up with some local friends. We decided to get bar hopping and ended up at a place that my friend knows the owner. We get inside and I instantly love the vibe. The music is just chill music being played by a DJ in the other room with VINYL! Yup, you read that right. Now we order drinks, I'm a rum person so my eyes instantly go to the Planatation Girl. Very tasty drink, then we get a table in the actual club part and decide to try the food. They had a set of tacos that we really liked and then decided to try the food tour. Wow, I've never had any bit of sushi so good. I lost track of everything and forgot to take my pics, lol. Gotta make reservations but it's definitely worthwhile!

L M.

Yelp
Great Character in a small venue. There were a lot of cutomers enjoying a mid week outing. They could use a few more light fare options, as the night i stopped in they were out of Beef Jerky at 630pm.
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Kaitlin L.

Yelp
i love coming to EP Bar. Reservations highly recommended and you should probably plan on eating before and/or after. They don't have food food here just some bar snacks. The drinks are also pretty strong but soo delicious! They used to have a sesame washed old fashioned but stopped making it :( so i got the kurogoma manhattan but the sesame tasted was lighter compared to the old fashioned one that used to. but still good! They have a variety of drinks that are on the more forward side or on the lighter side like some highballs. If you're feeling adventurous i recommend going with whatever the bartenders choice is :)!
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Harrison H.

Yelp
Came here on a Monday for mele Monday for some drinks with the boys. The staff was 5/5 and the dj was also great. Bunch of drinks and pupus were ordered. One spot I am coming back to for sure. They also take reservations so make sure to use that to your advantage!
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Rachelle T.

Yelp
I've been wanting to try to this place for awhile and so glad we finally got the chance. Great vibe with a great collection of records. Since we made it over the holidays we tried the holiday cocktails. Feliz Navidad, Last Christmas, and Fire & Ice. All of them were different yet delicious. Great drinks, cool vibe, and the bartenders are awesome. Already recommending this place to all my friends.
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Francesca D.

Yelp
Such a great vibe! The music playing transitioned so seamlessly we were shocked when we realized there was a live vinyl DJ, and the song selection was . Drinks were delicious and the staff was so friendly and accommodating. Can't wait to come back!

Jeffrey B.

Yelp
Great environment fantastic music, we will return to this spot if we can get back in!
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Diandra S.

Yelp
Super chill! Good music! I swear even if the food or drinks suck if the vibes are good, we're staying!! But we loved our drinks! Our first round was delicious but the second round was not that great. I totally forgot what the name of the drinks were. We had reservations but we came here on a weekday so we got seated right away. Looking on yelp there are not that many bars that looked appealing to us so we were happy to find this spot. I can't wait to back to this place when we're back in town!
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leimomi k.

Yelp
Great ambiance but slow service when its a full house. Great DJ playing vinyls. Love the old school decor in a brick and motar. Be aware that if you order the umai sour highball, CHECK YOUR TEETH! This is a third date drink for sure! Came here for a gathering Birthday Drink celebration. It was quite crowded and drinks were slow but the atmosphere was a new york chill.
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Jacob L.

Yelp
Dope spot for conversation & cocktails. Their highballs are on point. Nice soundtrack to the night being spun by the house DJ Definitely going back for another drink.
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Jasmine C.

Yelp
Nice little hole in the wall. Really love the vibe of this place. I love the type of music they play in this bar. They specialize in highballs, and sometimes they would have specials for the day. The staff was amazing and made sure we always had our drinks. Will go here again soon!

Michael V.

Yelp
Great spot if you're in the area. Every cocktail we tried was fantastic. Everybody's favorite was the Paloma but their holiday sweet potato drink was a close second! Service was good. Overall good vibes while we were here.
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Laura R.

Yelp
If I could rate zero stars, I absolutely would!! Let me begin by stating my girlfriends and I were looking forward to checking out this bar, upon arrival- the host told us there were unfortunately no seats available and we would have to stand by a lamp all the way in the back. We understood and were still very excited- while we stood, no one came by to greet us for about fifteen minutes. Then we look around and notice three stools opened up in the bar and confused as to how to order, I went up to the counter to ask the neighboring patrons if the stools were empty, at which the initial host immediately snaps, "you can't just take seats!" and storms off to speak to the other bartender. I return to our initial standing spot, embarrassed and still confused as to how to order, when we notice the host and bartender looking over at our group and laughing. Then the bartender walks over in a fake customer service voice asking if we needed anything. At this point I feel upset, uncomfortable and the butt of a joke- after awkward silence she says, "I'll give you more time" and leaves; my girlfriends and I decided the vibe was completely ruined for us. The cherry on top, the three empty stools were offered to new patrons who came after us and we weren't even asked if we'd like to sit. I also work in the service industry and I've never been treated so rudely. Please retrain your staff to be more friendly and respectful because a business is only as good as its staff.
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Davy K.

Yelp
Such a fun vibe with great cocktails, music, and ambiance. Friendly and welcoming staff.
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Radiospank D.

Yelp
Great drinks, loved the ambiance. The pho drink was impressive tasting like pho. It's not as weird as it sounds. Service was on point, they kept the drinks flowing. Worth a try!
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Rob M.

Yelp
ended up here after not getting into the first bar lol, recommended by host of fete of a place to check out while waiting for table. a lucky amazing find. cool vibes, check! interesting drinks, the ringo had a real apple taste, but that pho highball blew my wife and me away. like it really tastes like pho, really. and in a good way. i couldnt understand, it needs to be tried. i think the guy was cooking pho broth in the front? another guy plays records and makes it cool. i would definitely come back
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Hazuki R.

Yelp
A fun, hipster bar - especially perfect for audiophiles. Ambiance: This bar is definitely a "chill" spot. The lighting, interior, and song choices were all a 10/10. Drinks: My friends commented that the drinks were creative, delicious, and worth the wait. I would expect to spend around $30-50 per person if you were to order a few drinks and snacks. Parking: Since this spot is located in Chinatown/Downtown, parking is a little tricky. If street parking is not an option, the municipal lot is nearby with parking being a a few dollars. There is also a lot next to the restaurant, but parking prices I believe, are just under $10.
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Christy H.

Yelp
Fantastic service--didn't have reservations, but they were kind enough to present us with the option of sitting in the front section of the establishment, which we gladly accepted! Crowded, especially on the weekends and seating is limited, so I would highly recommend booking a reservation in advance if you'd rather not take your chances. Delicious and innovative cocktails--tried the Kurogoma Manhattan, the Ringo, the EP Bar Old Fashioned, and the Hail Mary. Will def be back! If you're seeking a laid back place to wind down over a drink, EP Bar is worth checking out!
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Anna B.

Yelp
I've been hearing everyone raving about EP Bar so I am so glad I finally had the chance to go and check it out last night! Upon walking in, it is a little cafe where in the morning they serve coffee and pastries. The hostess will lead you behind the bar counter which leads to a hidden bar area. There are brick walls, dark flooring, soft mood lighting and an impressive bar. A DJ is playing more laid-back music as opposed to party/bar music and yet it was still so good. The whole atmosphere was perfect-exactly the kind of bar that I am interested in visiting. Towards the end of our time there (about 6:30pm) it started to get more crowded and a little louder. I thought the volume of the music was perfect but I think the loudness could be solved by just having less reservations/people in the bar at one time. The drinks were awesome; I had a hard time deciding between options but ended up settling on The Lottery to start which was a vodka highball with matcha and genmaicha. I was so relieved it wasn't too sweet and I absolutely loved the matcha flavor and the toasty, nutty flavor of the genmiacha. Combined with the light lemon flavor and soda, it was perfect. The second drink I had was the EP Bar Old Fashioned, it was bourbon with black sesame and the flavor was so unique yet so perfect for an old fashioned. When I come back, I will probably get the old fashioned again because the flavor was so rich and paired perfectly with sipping and enjoying the music however, The Lottery was so perfectly refreshing without being just a sweet and sugary drink that I can see myself craving it again. The bartenders were awesome-so friendly and the service was amazing. Thank you for a wonderful evening!
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Katherine L.

Yelp
A new and unique concept in Hawaii, EP stands for Extended Play in reference to the DJ spinning vinyl records. About a month ago, our server/bartender was very friendly and helpful, and she made a mean mezcal old fashioned at my bf's request. I also had the By Your Side cocktail which was complex, tasty and potent (though would have been better as my first rather than my last drink). We came back again and particularly recommend getting any one of their highballs as every single one is refreshing and beautifully balanced. It is that chill vibe and music that particularly appeals to and relaxes you. Check it out!
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Brenton U.

Yelp
Ever since Covid hit I hadn't really gotten out. But man was I missing out! My friends and I went to EP bar for some drinks and they were awesome! I had the matcha IPA which packed a punch, I should've paced myself haha. My friend said they all enjoyed their drinks as well. Although a rather small bar, it was an awesome atmosphere felling very homey. The staff there were excellent and service was the best I've had in a while. I parked at Marks garage but this spot is in walking distance from majority of the municipal lots downtown. Highly recommend checking out EP bar but MAKE RESERVATIONS!
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Daniel C.

Yelp
EP Bar is on Pauahi between Chinatown and Downtown. If you don't pay attention, you will easily walk past their establishment. The outside is very plain but when you enter, you walk into a nice but dim bar. They have bar seating and tables in the back. There is also a restroom toward the back on the right corner. Decor is vinyl records and vintage sound system equipment. It was quite retro. They have a nice display of their liquor but the place is rather dim as previously mentioned. My friend hit the corner of the bar a few times and he wasn't drunk. You can park in paid garages/lots or look for street parking around the area. My friend and I arrived shortly after 5pm. The place was pretty full in the back but we got the last two bar seats. Since it was busy, it did take awhile to place our order and to actually get our drinks. We tried 3 drinks each so we had a good tasting of their menu. Everything was good! Their cocktails were crafted well and were so easy to drink. One has to watch out though because one can get drunk quickly with how easy the drinks go down. They have a DJ in the back which was nice. Customer service was friendly and prompt once our bartender caught up on all her drink orders. Superb cocktail bar and a nice hidden gem.