Agnes O.
Yelp
Walking in to Skull & Crown Trading Co. is like running through Platform 9 3/4 in Harry Potter but instead of being transported to the Hogwart's Express, you are whisked away to the dark, kinda spooky, yet kinda cool abandoned restaurant in The Goonies, which is pretty freaking cool! You are greeted with eerie yellow lights as you walk in, a moose head, a boar's head, and skulls add to the ambience of Skull & Crown. Above the bar, there lies a mysteriously beautiful mermaid.
Reservations are easy through Resy. If you aren't particularly tech savvy, you can most definitely call to make a reservation. They tend to be busier closer to 7PM so visit earlier if you prefer to avoid the rush.
Their menu has changed since my very first visit, but that's not a bad thing! Their chef has many years of experience under his belt and has a hankering for elevating dishes to match the S&C vibe! My current favorites are:
SHRIMP CEVICHE
Tahitian-inspired. Marinated with Citrus, Herbs and Shallots. Tossed with Coconut Cream and House-made Hot Sauce.
BEEF SKEWERS
Mauka Meats Veal Sirloin, Marinated in Smoked Onion Shio Koji and Grilled over Binchotan. Served with Chimichurri.
MISOYAKI EGGPLANT (V)
Criss-cross Eggplant Smothered with Corn Miso and Torched with Passion.
KALBI RIBS
Braised Pork Ribs Glazed in Kalbi Sauce. Served with a Side of White Kimchi Slaw.
PINEAPPLE RIGHT-SIDE-UP CAKE
Lilikoi, Guava and Maraschino Cherries atop a Brown Butter-seared White Cake with Double Fat Ice Cream Haupia Sorbet.
I am not much of a drinker (yes, I totally go there for the food!) but they do a pretty impressive line-up of S&C Signature Cocktails, Trader's Choice drinks, Classic Tiki drinks, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages as well. I once drank 2 Ube-Bae mocktails (Ube, Pineapple, Coconut, Lime) at dinner...they're really good AND you can ask them to make it with alcohol if you prefer!
The service given to all who visit Skull & Crown is pretty epic. The bartenders and servers are always friendly, attentive, and social. Their GM ensures their service continues to be stellar and often jumps in to make sure service continues without a hitch, even if they are short-handed.
I highly recommend visiting Skull & Crown Trading Co. It is located in Chinatown in Honolulu. There are a few parking lots close by that you can park at if you aren't lucky enough to find street parking.