Raw and Order

You fall for it every time.

The moment overnight temperatures dip below 70 your cool summer styles get the boot. Now you’re sweatering like crazy, dreaming of a cocktail while you run around town to meet your fired-up boss’s daily demands.

You need some downtime in a place that’s totally chill.

Rakuen Lounge opens this afternoon on Bethel Street. The former physical therapy office is now an urban hangout with a wrap-around bar, bar-height tables, and a completely raw-and-sushi menu.

Here are the eatails. Former Chai’s Island Bistro Chef Stephen Hamada has cooked up (figuratively) dishes to make you melt: Wagyu beef sashimi with uni foam, shrimp, scallop and hamachi ceviche with homemade taro chips along with island favorites like spicy ahi and caterpillar rolls.

Things get twice as ice with Sapporo and Kirin on draft, sake, and signature cocktails created by Rakuen staff and  bar manager Vincent Carl with help from master mixologist Joey Gottesman. Try the Blooming Sake featuring Ginjo and elderflower liqueur or the refreshing Dancing Superfruit cocktail with fresh mint for less than 150 calories.

Co-owner Anita Clemente, also a co-owner of neighboring Fashionista’s Market, added female-friendly details such as purse hangers along the walls and bars, and a seating area to banish the standing-room-only wait for the restroom.

So you’ll always have a spot to regain your cool – without losing your Rakuen and roll attitude.

Rakuen Lounge is on 1153 Bethel St. Hours are 3 p.m. – 2 a.m., last call for food is 1:30 a.m., Monday through Saturday. Call 808.524.0920 or check its facebook page for more information.