Surf Bar Waikiki — Restaurant in Honolulu

Ambiance: Decor: Wood tables, plenty of plants around, sofa style seating, wall surfing paintings. Noise Level: Live DJ with a mix of great classics songs. The peoples conversations are not really heard from table to table. Comfort: While this establishment is relatively small, its size complements the intimate atmosphere. It offers approximately six to seven tables, each accommodating three to five patrons, in addition to bar seating.

Service: Staff Friendliness: We were greeted by a very kind young woman named Kaitlyn, and shortly afterward, the manager, Javier, introduced himself. They both provided excellent drink recommendations. We enjoyed further pleasant conversation with them throughout the evening, and Javier even created some new drinks tailored to our preferences. All the drinks were delightful. Wait Time: We were seated immediately upon arrival at approximately 8:00 PM and stayed until about 10:30 PM. By then, the bar was becoming noticeably busier.

Food: Does not apply, we did not order any food. However, very limited selection.

Drinks: Variety: Their menu boasts a satisfying selection of signature cocktails, many of which were crafted by Javier. We ordered the Old Fashioned, the Golden Highland, the Maunakea Mai Tai, and a variation of an espresso martini (as they lacked the ingredients for our requested Black Russian). All the drinks were delightful, though the Golden Highland and the espresso martini variation were our favorites. Value for the Money: Satisfactory but not outstanding. Quality: 4.5 out of 5. The only thing that I think could be better would just be the drink presentation.

Hygiene: Cleanliness of the Venue: Great. The bathrooms are outside the bar and part of the hotel. Overall good maintenance of tthem. Staff Hygiene: Great.

Overall Experience: Best Part: The service and the personal experience given by the staff. Area of Opportunity: Food options, very limited food option selections. Recommendations: Our group believes it would enhance the customer experience if drink service incorporated more interactive elements, allowing for greater engagement with the initial presentation. For example, with a Mai Tai, perhaps customers could open the presentation box themselves, rather than having a staff member do so.

Final Rating : 4.5 out of 5 but in Google terms I'll...

Javi is a passionate mixologist who clearly loves what he does….was so great to witness! :) Clay was great to chat with making us feel very welcome & relaxed and shared some good local knowledge. Staff are very attentive. I really enjoyed the chilled funky music selection on our Thursday night visit. After sampling several cocktails on the menu we returned on Monday night and lovely Javi invented a cocktail to my taste which was really special, then we had fun trying to name it. They do a great take on Mai Tai and espresso martini but the standout for me was Matchvibe 😍….full of flavor and less on the sweet side. Golden Highland was (to me) almost like drinking a lemon meringue pie for dessert, yum. My husband enjoyed the Volcanic Rush but unfortunately I don’t like chili. Great late night bar and my favorite cocktails in Waikiki, reminded me of being home at a top notch city cocktail bar. Just a shame they don’t open early enough for pre-dinner drinks & nibbles ;) Didn’t try the food so can’t comment. Located within the Waikiki Resort Hotel where we stayed, the staff didn’t make us aware of the bar so it unfortunately took us some time to figure out what the venue was because on first glance the digital advertising board at the entrance made the place look like a slot machine/pokies venue. Could do with clear name signage and for the hotel to assist with promoting them because Surf Bar is well worth tourists...

Found this bar while browsing google reviews and glad we came looking for it. On the walk over we were surprised there was no signage or anything alerting others to their presence, and even had to be directed from hotel employees to the doorway near the lobby. None the less, bar has an amazing aura of a high class cocktail vibe with a friendly and skilled bar tender named Sam - probably short for Samantha. I had the “basil breeze” at the suggestion of Sam and my bf had their house old fashioned. My drink was what I was looking for - fresh, fruity, tangy, flavorful, and not too sweet. My picky bf loved his drink too - also not too sweet and all the signatures of a phenomenal craft cocktail. My bf also had a local IPA he also loved. Bar is quaint, dim lighting, great decorations and seating area, and an absolutely perfect pre or post dinner place to enjoy company and a good cocktail or local beer. They also have live music and themed nights throughout the week. Highly recommend you go on the hunt for this gem and have a great start or end...