Hawaii's Happening Hot Spots

“The hotels still cater to the old ways and haven’t embraced craft, but those in the know or those willing to venture outside of Waikiki can find some incredible bars, amazing bartenders, and some of the best cocktails in the world,” he states.

Pint + Jigger has been open for more than six years now, and was at the forefront of the movement toward crafty booze offerings in Honolulu. Combining craft beers with a creative offering of cocktails has helped the bar get to where it is today. “Having roughly 30% of our guests drinking craft beer allowed our staff much more time to spend pumping out craft cocktails,” explains Newman. Offerings include bottled cocktails, cocktails on tap, sous vide Old Fashioneds, cheater bottles, punches, and meticulous mise en place. “In the time since we first opened, our guests have become much more educated on what they drink. They are seeking out better spirits and looking more for an experience than a drink,” he continues.

Bartenders take advantage of the abundance of fresh island fruits, such as lilikoi (passion fruit), lychee, mango, and fresh guava, with many putting local spins on the typical classics that make them truly Hawaiian. A Collins becomes a Lilikoi Collins, and a Daiquiri becomes a Hibiscus Daiquiri. The bar has also become somewhat of an industry hangout, something Newman had interest in creating from the initial start-up. “I ran an industry night at Nobu for five years prior to opening Pint. Making this an industry bar was something that we wanted from the getgo,” he says. The atmosphere is conducive, whether saddling up to the bar for a drink or hitting the bustling beer garden for a game of shuffleboard.

Adjacent to Pint + Jigger is Harry’s Hardware Emporium, a newer addition that offers a more intimate, speakeasy vibe. The only entrance is through a door inside Pint + Jigger labeled, “Closed for Renovations.” The hallway has been purposely decorated to be a transition between the two bars. “When that door opens and you step inside Harry’s, you feel transported to a place far from Hawaii,” Newman claims.

Harry’s is incredibly intimate, with only 38 seats, and no standing allowed. Inviting and comfy couches, relaxing chairs, and spacious bar stools are interspersed beneath the dim lighting, while low music discreetly streams jazz, the Rat Pack, or blues. “We hid all the electronics as best we could. The air conditioners are boxed out to look like vintage speakers, the POS is housed inside reused Booker’s Bourbon boxes, the speakers are hidden, and the stereo unseen,” Newman reveals. Not hidden is the bar’s wall full of 30 liter barrels that showcase its barrel-aged cocktail program.

Discover the craftier side of Hawaii’s bar scene. Kealoha!

By Bryen Dunn

Photos courtesy of Pint + Jigger