Hanks Cafe Honolulu

A year late writing this review oops but had to come back to it because this bar was hands down one of my favorite memories from my Honolulu trip in Nov 2023! My friend and I had actually meant to go to The Dragon Upstairs which is the bar upstairs (yeah we missed that in the name... LOL) but we walked into Hanks instead. This place is THE definition of a local dive bar. There was a lovely entertainer singing some hilarious songs on the guitar, the most random, interesting, and hilarious group of locals seated at the bar, someone's dog sleeping in the corner, and of course a fantastic hot bartender that keeps you there and keeps everyone drinking!! We met so many interesting people that night and had a blast. Stayed there way longer than expected and definitely stayed through many more rounds of drinks than expected. But in true dive bar fashion, it didn't break our bank which we loved!! Accidentally stumbling upon Hanks was the best mistake we could have ever made and I can't wait to go back if I'm in Honolulu again! Truly a gem!

One of the day bartenders at hanks. It is a little cal dive bar relaxing where you can come in and have a drink. Emma is pleasant and courteous to customers

Where else can you walk in as.a tourist and walk out a local? Or at least dressed as tourists and finally, 5 hours later, everyone believes you're locals? We went from paying tourist prices for our drinks to having drink tokens piling up like we were in Vegas. A couple of pizzas from our favorite joint down the street and we were in like Flynn. Such a good time with such good people.

Dive, dive, dive. This is the epitome of a dive bar in one of the oldest drinking locations in Hawaii. Don't miss Smith Union Bar around the corner which is where the USS Arizona hung out.

Aloha vibes! Talk story and laugh! Share favorite recipes, art contest and many more connections!!

This place is an amazing bar and I love the small cozy vibe. Jake was more than amazing with being on top of things and keeping up with All the customers. P.S. this place is more than just one little bar it's a revolving door though out the morning and night then the late night LOVE IT HERE! 10 out of 10 recommend

Great dive bar with AC. The bartender Jake graced us with some free magic tricks. Uncle Kimo is the man

The owner and bar staff are so incredibly friendly and you can tell this bar cares about the local clientele

This past Friday night I was very forcefully told that I had to pay 10.00 cover charge to walk in a ask a friend of mine a question. I was pretty much denied my request for a few minutes to talk to Jeffrey. Now, the place was empty maybe four random people and my friend. I explained to the goon at the door my intentions however he blatantly refused to let me stand by the doorway. He proceeded to get off his stool and forcefully remove me from the public sidewalk. I reminded him that I worked at Hanks as a entertainer for 20 plus years and he knew me, to no avail. He was determined from my view point to pick a fight. A few people I knew showed up to go have a drink and tried to verify my years of service at my hometown establishment, to no avail. I was stifled only because I had brought two of my buddies visiting from Texas with me to show off my beloved Hanks Cafe. My dear friend and number one fan The Librarian a name given to her by a group of regulars that cane to see me perform in the recent past were in disbelief. Needless to say I was humiliated to say the least and none of my friends decided not to patronize our beloved Hanks Cafe.

Friendly bar that feels larger than it is. I love Hank's artistic adornments for sale. I stopped in for a quick drink during a Kuma Kahua play intermission and was dismayed by the paultry whiskey pour. $10 for a tiny splash of Jamesons in a "dive bar." I'm sure you can do better than that.