Joey M.
Yelp
"Oh yeah, I've been known to drink a beer or two. But then again, I've been known to do a lot of things."
- Cosmo Kramer, Seinfeld
In true speakeasy style, entrance is via a door disguised as an Aloha Maid vending machine; nestled down a dark hallway, in Hawaiian Brian's pool hall.
You must face the dragon guarding magic coins that allow the door to open...
da Scene: Tried out a couple spots for post-dinner drinks while back home on Oahu, Lewers Lounge, Vintage Bookstore, Veranda, Green Lady, and now Wild Orange. Cool vibes walking in 9pm on a Sat. nite, crowd was a good mix of locals and visitors. Looked like 5-6 4 tops and we took up 4 of about 10 seats at the bar. A great wall of vintage pinball machines helps set the stage; but 1st thing that hits me is the scent of the place, it smelled somehow like a speakeasy should... smoldering & sultry, yet had a distinctive welcoming island vibe. I was immediately transported to a comfortable space in my head, ready for what the nite had in store.
da Libations: We just came from a great dinner @ Merrimans, so didn't do food this trip, but menu is interesting enough that I'd sample for sure next time. Drink menu is fairly deep, something for every palate; sweet, savory, fruit, bitter, wine, top shelf bottles, sake, beers... but speakeasy visit demands cocktails!! I'm a whiskey guy so go in for Miller Time and Santa's (sumptin, I forget) both executed well, pretty "boozey" - sip slow and drink lots of water! The girls all enjoyed theirs, oh they even had 4 "zero alcohol" options! Much appreciated by my wife, who loved the experience with a real, complex cocktail, sans alcohol. Usually she ends up with a juice or soda, so this was a treat. Really well thought out and I'm sure taste tested; well balanced flavor combos.
da Service: All service staff were really nice. Attentive (but not intrusive), friendly (but authentic and genuine), plus FUN! Only got the name of our bartender, "Sam" if I heard right; she was on point all nite and made sitting at bar "performance art". It was plain she's seasoned behind the bar; at one point I think she had like 6 drinks going but STILL put on a show with short and long pour displays and shaking things up 2 at a time. Efficiency, meets skill, meets fun. Great to watch someone so good at their craft. Thanks Sam!
We would've stayed for a 3rd round if didn't have to be in Waipio for my nephews soccer match @ 9am. Must visit spot, glad we peeked in, hope my sister starts girls nights here soon.