I’m not a huge beer drinker, but when it comes to deals and specials on food, I’m there. Which brings me to the point of this roundup — sometimes, happy hour is the best time to visit a restaurant because of the discounts you’ll find.
That could mean eating dinner a little earlier than usual, but I promise, the savings are worth it. We’re talking about $10 pizzas, a burger under $11, and, of course, options to wash them down with.
Basalt Waikiki
This happy hour is from 3 to 5 p.m. every day in the bar and patio, and it’s definitely worth going early for.
Enjoy $5 well drinks, $6 beers on tap, and $5 featured red, white and sparkling wines by the glass. For pupu, you can’t go wrong with duck empanadas ($12) with aged goat cheese, brandied cherry, pickled jalapeños and avocado lime crema, or the pork belly buns ($11) stuffed with hoisin Sriracha sauce and pickled veggies.
The bar burger ($7) is probably the greatest find, featuring a 4-ounce wagyu beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato and more in a brioche bun. You’ll also want to get the addictive togarashi fries ($5) topped with flecks of the red Japanese chile.
Basalt
2255 Kuhio Ave.
808-923-5689
basaltwaikiki.com
Instagram: @basaltwaikiki
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
The Royal Hawaiian Center-based steakhouse recently changed its daily happy hour times to 11 am.-6 p.m. in the bar area only, but if you’re going for an early dinner, Wolfgang’s highly recommends the Taste of New York for $49.95.
The complete meal features a 12-ounce New York sirloin, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and New York-style cheesecake.
The happy hour food menu features $8 shareable pupu like steak sliders with fries, lobster crostinis, mini loco moco, burger sliders with fries, tenderloin kabobs with rice and more.
Drink specials include $8 martinis and select red and white wines by the glass.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
Royal Hawaiian Center
2301 Kalakaua Ave.
808-922-3600
wolfgangssteakhouse.net
Instagram: @Wolfgangswaikiki
Little Joe’s Steakhouse
Happy hour at Little Joe’s Steakhouse is every day in the lounge from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (drink specials until 7 p.m.) served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Enjoy discounts on a variety of appetizers, ranging from steak tartare and fried mushrooms to salmon bites, meatballs with lobster peppercorn sauce and scallops dynamite.
Popular happy hour dishes include the 12-ounce happy hour rib-eye steak ($17.95), garlic fries ($7.50), and bacon mac and cheese ($10.95).
The cheeseburger with arugula ($10.50, regular $17.95) is one of the best deals on the menu. It features a 10-ounce burger with lettuce, tomatoes, American cheese, arugula and remoulade, and it’s the same portion as the burger featured on the regular menu — but at a lower price point.
Drink specials include discounts on red, white and sparkling wines by the glass, $4.75 beers and $8.95 specialty cocktails.
Little Joe’s Steakhouse
580 N. Nimitz Hwy.
808-524-0088
littlejoessteakhouse.com
Instagram: @littlejoessteakhouse
Moku Kitchen
I’m convinced that the best time to dine at Moku Kitchen is between 2 and 5:30 p.m. because of the restaurant’s $10 pizza specials.
The Kakaako restaurant recently extended its happy hour to start at 2 instead of 3:30 p.m.
During the daily happy hour, you can enjoy 50% off all small plates (excluding poke) and discounts on pizzas, which typically cost $14-$19.
The most popular pizza, and one of the most frequently ordered menu items, is the wild mushroom pizza made with roasted Hamakua mushrooms, truffle oil and fresh thyme.
Fun fact: Moku’s pizza specials are usually built around a product from neighboring business Butcher & Bird.
Drink specials include $2 off all wines by the glass, draft beers and Moku libations.
Moku Kitchen
Salt at Our Kakaako
660 Ala Moana Blvd.
808-591-6658
mokukitchen.com
Instagram: @mokukitchen
