New in the City

Last Saturday night, I decided to step away from the conventional bar scene to go explore other new nightlife offerings around the city.  Here are some that I fit into my night:

F&M started the Supper Club at Aria a few months ago.  And Aria looks as sophisticated as it sounds with dark wood paneling, black leather seating and a stone fireplace centered in the room.  I was half expecting the Rat Pack to show up and lead us into a back room where there would be poker tables, lots of cigars and prohibited whiskey. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but I did find a comfortable lounge to sit down around a giant pool table to take in this ultra-swank environment while listening to the DJ play Top 40 and some House. The Supper Club at Aria takes place 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 3rd Floor Century Center, very stylish attire, 21+. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Free before 9 p.m., $15 before 10 p.m., $7 guest list till 11:30 p.m. Email guestlist@flashandmattyboy.com  Free valet.
(now Apartment3 – edited 9/8/10)

Thai Sweet Basil is promoting a Saturday night event at the Manoa Marketplace called Buddah Bar. Being near UH, the crowd is no doubt college—and many UH football players do turn up, as I had already met two in my short visit. A Thai restaurant by day, the space still holds the Italian charm of previous tenant, Donato’s Restaurant, with hanging vines and fresco-like art still visible on some walls. The high ceilings draw your attention to the upstairs loft where 21-and-over can mingle and also where you see the DJ spinning for the people on the makeshift dance floor below. Not bad for a college bar and a good alternative to nearby Varsity and Red Lion’s, for those people that are looking for a club environment without having to fight your way through the masses. 2756 Woodlawn Dr., Manoa Marketplace, behind Safeway, 2nd Floor. Saturday’s 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 21+ $5 cover, 18+ $10 cover.
 

If Disney married Hawaii and Thor was their wedding planner, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville is where their honeymoon would be.  Vibrant colors, palm trees, volcanoes and red lava flowing through the see-through fake waterfalls and glass floors.  Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but a very large one, indeed!  I counted three bars, a stage with live bands—playing country music the night I visited—tables for eating, and muchos margaritas for ordering.  It reminded me of Senor Frogs, but this is a bar you wouldn’t mind taking your parents to.  I met Australians, British and a man outfitted with large Mickey Mouse ears and tail—give him another drink, please!  Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, 2300 Kalakaua Ave. Waikiki. All ages welcome, open till 12 a.m., 1 a.m. on weekends, no cover. 791-1200.
 
 

Hush Boutique Nightclub Lounge’s newest event is Fashion Martini every First Saturday of the month.  The night I visited, Harajuku Fashion was the focus.  Models with heavily teased hair wore mismatched attire with many accessories.  Harajuku style (for those that don’t know) originated from the Harajuku district of Japan when teens started mixing traditional Japanese attire with everyday wear, looking like fussily dressed dolls.  Expect a new theme every month. Hawaiian Monarch Hotel, 444 Niu St., Waikiki. 21+ welcome, validated parking available. 955-7200
 (Promotion no longer happening – edited 9/8/10)

UP AND COMING:

• F&M is launching its newest Friday night event called HOME at the old W, starting this Friday, May 15.
• SoHo, a mixed media bar in downtown Honolulu is set to open June 5.