Bars and Cafes in Ala Moana (Honolulu)

Brew Moon Restaurant & Microbrewery

Modern decor, an upbeat atmosphere and great microbrews are the highlights of this restaurant-brewery. The spacious bar area is much larger than the dining room. Between 4:30p and 8:30p, the place gets packed with businesspeople from the surrounding area. While there's no telling which beers might be on tap on any given night, you can always expect to have a choice of seven or more. On the diverse food menu, the signature item is the jambalaya. Pizzas are another popular item from the kitchen.

Hawaii's Best Desserts

Inexpensive and delicious, the confections here are a perfect afternoon snack. The shop features Roselani ice creams, made in Maui. Thirty flavors, many of them made with local produce, are available. Try Macadamia Nut Brickle, Pohaberry or Mango-n-Cream. The pastries are luscious and surprisingly inexpensive. You'll find enormous banana tarts, blueberry cheesecake slices, and lilikoi mousse. Coconut mochi and poi bread are two uniquely local delicacies.

Ocean Club

Ocean is the place for Honolulu's beautiful people to meet and greet one another. The decor is ultra chic. The dance floor is the biggest in town, with a comfortable seating area around the perimeter. Things don't really get going till 8pm when the DJ starts spinning dance music, and then it seems that the in crowd arrives all at once. Ocean has a minimum age of 23 (21+ on Thursdays), and proper attire" is required. Men should dress in collared shirts, long pants and close-toed shoes; women cannot wear beach attire.

Quintero's Cuisine

If you like lively 'South of the Border' atmosphere and large portions of Mexican food, then this is the place for you. It's been around for years, and has gained some renown for the excellent Mexican musical acts it presents regularly. It is family-owned and very casual. The lunch menu is a lot cheaper than the dinner menu, but it's only served on weekdays. Take advantage of the Pacific's proximity and order a dish that features shrimp or other seafood. Vegetarian dishes are also available

Ryan's Grill

It is located in Ward Center, a favorite for young urban professionals from Honolulu and other states. The atmosphere is lively and fun, especially around 6p, when crowds of businesspeople come in for an after work drink and nibble. This place has won the local award for, 'Best Pau Hana Drinks and Pupus,' or in mainland-speak, 'Best Happy Hour,' four years in a row. Signature items include the crab dip and the calamari. Steaks, salads and sandwiches are also served. The place offers two dozen beers on tap and live music is featured regularly.

Dixie Grill

Southern-style barbecue and crab is the theme of this establishment. Whether you choose the BBQ chicken, baby back ribs or the "Mess O' Crabs," you'll walk away satisfied by a meal at this eatery. Enjoy a generous portion of old-fashioned meat loaf, or dive into the daily fresh fish special. The fried chicken is authentic and priced right at $6.95. The late-night menu is served right up until the 2a closing time.

Honolulu Coffee

Worn out from hours of exploring the vast, busy Ala Moana Shopping Center? This breezy indoor/outdoor cafe is the perfect place to relax and sip an iced mocha or Italian soda. Espresso drinks and pastries are served. Deliciously authentic gelato is available by the scoop. The long lines and crowded tables are a testament to the tasty fare. The atmosphere is casual; Hawaiian breezes drift through the indoor and outdoor dining areas.

La Gelateria

This little factory makes authentic Italian Gelato with a tropical twist. (To anyone who doesn't know, gelato is the upper-class cousin of ice cream). The flavors are inventive, often featuring local Hawaiian fruits and vegetables. Depending on how creative you are, you can munch on Campari, Coconut or Irish Cream Gelato. Although this gelato is sold at various points throughout the island, the least expensive way to get it is direct from the factory. Order it by the pint or the gallon.

Lobby Bar

This bar is situated at the Hawaiian Regent Hotel. If you are in the mood for a hardcore party, this place is not the answer. However, it is the ideal for those who wish some peace and quiet. Or who want to relax after a long flight, a hectic day of shopping or sightseeing.

Scoozee's

There are four parts to Scoozee's kitchen; the bakery, the pizzeria, the deli and the restaurant/lounge. The first three are for the quick-bite crowd, who just want to nibble something in between work shifts or shopping sprees. The formal restaurant is a popular hangout with a great Sunday brunch menu and a faithful Happy Hour following. Over-the-counter fare ranges from box lunches to pastries to pizza slices. The restaurant serves sandwiches, Hawaiian favorites and burgers. The bustling indoor dining area and cheery outdoor patio are usually both busy.

Thirst Aid Station

Instead of offering a menu of different smoothie combinations, this concessionaire invites each customer to create their own smoothie. A couple dozen fruits are available: passion fruit, coconut, blueberry and mango are heaped into metal holders behind glass. Just point to what you want and it goes in the blender. Slushes, floats, frozen yogurt, croissants, popcorn, muffins and other snacks are also sold.

Panya Bistro

This wonderful little eatery in the Ala Moana Center has stood the test of time and popularity by keeping their menu fresh and innovative, their service fun and light-hearted, and the setting modern and upscale. The menu reflects a sophisticated twist on standard American Fare and Asian fare that alone would not stand a second look, but the sleek setting and ambiance draws in the young and hip. You'll find gaggles of girlfriends lunching on weekends, urban Asians gathering for fresh pastries and more than one single sipping on mixed drinks and releasing the stress of an otherwise hectic day. Menu selections include Grilled Portabello Mushroom Burgers, Thai Pad Sik Yew and even Japanese Miso Ramen. - Lottie Tagupa