My favorite place in Chinatown. You think you’re in a dive bar with all of the old timers and then if you know you go upstairs to this underground turntable centric party spot with top shelf, juice, bar drinks and some affordable drinks too. It’s definitely my go to.
This place has a vibrant atmosphere. The wall decor is bold and interesting. The staff is very friendly and polite. At night they have live music performed by local artists. However, they should work on their accoustics as it gets very loud an indistinguishable at some point. So be prepared for that.
Thoroughly enjoyed open mic on Thursday, here. Amazing ambience, chill crowd, close-to-perfect long island iced tea, with live music afterwards. Definitely a place for relaxed grown ups to lounge. Be sure to peep tbe Dragon Upstairs, and Enjoy!!
Christian “Câìrō” kurch
+4
This bar has a jazz New Orleans feel to it and the location makes you feel like you're in an exclusive bar upstairs away from the street. If you come at the right time you can see the live band play some great music while you relax with your friends. When there is a band make sure to bring something for them. The bar has a cover charge when a live band is playing. Its not a lot and its supporting the local talent.
A few negatives though. The bar is upstairs so that hinders handy capable people or people not very good with stairs. The bathrooms are small and only meant for one person at a time. Male and female bathrooms. If you want or care about beer on tap, they don't have any. But they do have bottles and an good assortment of liquors.
Both a negative and a positive, there is a good amount of parking down the street. but it is paid parking. So keep that in your budget or get a ride.
But I would definitely recommend this bar. But I like the grunge New Orleans look.
Mr. Carlyle
Truly a jazzy little gem of Honolulu. I visited for the first time for a group of artists from Philadelphia (friends were playing) and I was swept away with the whole vibe of the place. It really attracts those people who enjoy an authentic and cultured experience. I think they do a weekly hip hop night too which I got to catch a glimpse of some freestyling, which was beautiful watching each artist flow together with the music. Highly recommend. Smaller liquor selection and it is an intimate venue but it's surely worth the compromise.
Jake the magician is the best bartender on this side of the Ala wai
I small little spot up the stairs. They have a variety of live music. Drinks are reasonably priced and the crowd ranges of all ages over 21. Great service and just a great little spot to get away from the crowed usual places. Right in the middle of down town.
I've been performing here frequently. If I don't see street parking the first few times around, I look for a paid lot. The bartending staff is always welcoming and friendly. It's a unique atmosphere. There are different events depending on what night, but live music seems to be a constant. It's a nice place if you want to enjoy a drink away from what may be going on outside (e.g first Fridays)
Pretty dope place! They play different edm music almost every other night. Recommend on Sundays if you like dub.
Cool interior and cool vibes. I went to Techno Night - super fun music and crowd. The music was a bit loud for the small space, definitely bring ear plugs.
Always has wonderful Jazz bands on Friday evenings. Wonderful bartenders. A small dance floor when it is not too crowded. A very lovely atmosphere that keeps people coming back. Love this place.
We just happened upon this while in Chinatown and walked upstairs into a whole different world. Came on a Saturday about 6pm. This is one of the coolest venues I've ever been to. The decor is amazing (sort of a vintage Chinese-Japanese I think) and the live music (piano and singing and a guest trumpet player from Japan) was so fabulous. I ordered a wine and assumed the wine would be bad but it was actually very good. Most highly recommend this awesome place!
Great little Jazz joint, but we went on a Friday night. Around 10pm, it turns into a regular Chinatown bar: loud with generic dance music. I'll go earlier next time.
Special event is worth visiting.
Such a cute, small space! The minimum for using a card at the bar was pretty high but the drinks were strong and the music was great!
DJ, bartenders, patrons all wonderful. can't wait to come back <3
Update: went for the 3rd time and it was lit on a Wednesday night. This place has a special place in my heart
When you go to the Dragon Upstairs expect to hear great musicians playing an array of music. Every Wednesday and first Saturday of the month is when it goes down.The band "Astatine Collective" is very good. R&B and Neo-Soul at its best. They play from 10pm-1:30am usually. Go check them out and I promise you won't be disappointed.
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