A Waikiki Bar That's Genius

Genius Lounge Sake Bar & Grill is what Waikiki needed. While other Waikiki bars are either filled to the rim with tourists, or reek of sweat and alcohol, this bar exudes charm and romance with a perfect first date-appeal. The bar is hidden away on the third floor of what used to be an apartment building on Lewers Street, and would remain invisible to a passer-by if not for the signage out front.

The building is Spanish influenced with wrought iron everywhere, a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and tiled tabletops. You can sit on one of the two candle-lit lanai overlooking the street below or, inside at the bar watching one of the flat screen TVs. There is also a separate room for larger parties. I loved the attention to detail from the hand-painted water pitchers right down to the terry cotton towelettes. What also impressed me was the menu—it had a very large and tasty selection to choose from.

The food is Japanese. Start with edamame ($4.50) or poke ($8). Pick a beef ($8), pork ($12) or fish ($10) katsu. There are also various noodles, soups and salads. Or, order a mini filet mignon ($15), citrus pepper chicken ($9) or pork and veggie skewers ($8). And, I couldn’t help but order the banana cake ($6) with vanilla bean gelato for dessert. The drink menu is even more robust with cocktails, wines, a number of different sake and three sake samplers with three 2-ounce shots ($10-$11).

346 Lewers Street, Waikiki. Open 6 to 2 a.m. every day, happy hour from 6 to 8 p.m. (808) 626-5362.