The Dragon Upstairs

I've always been a bit skeptical about going to this place, and my recent experience here pretty much confirmed my hesitation. I bought two vodka tonics and was charged $36. Yes, for non-top shelf vodka, which barely had vodka in it to begin with. I hate leaving bad reviews, but I also hate getting ripped off.

This is definitely a hole in the wall bar. It is located in the heart of Chinatown above another bar. I can only speak about the First Thursday Live Band Karaoke event they hosted. They have live band karaoke here the first Thursday of every month featuring the Aloha Karaoke Band. The band, the MC, the patrons, and fellow singers all rocked. Everyone was so friendly and supportive. The band jammed all night. The MC, Matt, has an awesome personality and is welcoming of singers of all abilities. He had me thinking that I could almost sing. You do not need to know the words to the songs. They have them on an iPad in front of you. Live band karaoke is a dying art that we need to keep alive.The bar is moderate to small and has a small dance floor and stage. The decorations are cool Chinese themed decorations, hence the name of the bar. The drinks are reasonably priced and strong. There is metered street parking in front of the bar. The bar seems like a cool hole in the wall and I will definitely try to make if there the first Thursday of every month.

Tl;dr I enjoyed the place (I don't give 5 star reviews)The location is hidden above a bar, but from the one time I went, I didn't witness any overly-drunk people (I went for an EDM set, so drunken non-ravers usually upset the vibe if they're just trying to club). The space was good for a small crowd (~30 or less), and the bartender that was upstairs was present enough and helpful. The sound system for the music was near exceptional. Parking at the venue was decent, but street parking. I arrived sometime between 9-11 PM.I could see the venue becoming much less savory if there's more than 50 people there, and with only one bar tender for the little bar, one could see long wait times for drinks. The street parking could be easily overwhelmed, so if one would be expecting a busy evening, I would recommend finding an Uber or Lyft to the venue, and being ready to walk, as it is in Chinatown. At this time I do not know if they serve food upstairs or downstairs.Based on my one experience: Venue: 3.5Size: 4Sound: 4.5Refreshments: 3.5Staff: 4Overall: 4.

Looked up and down Hotel street for live music on a Friday night and was told this place was the best. Jazz band playing when we arrived at 9pm. Spunky band with all-around great players that played to the crowd. Crowd consisted of a few older couples (late 70s), a few young couples and a group of wild 40 somethings that livened the place up. Meagan the bartender was attentive to all the tables, social and friendly. We didn't have to wait long before being asked for a refill. The bands playing definitely had s few groupies in the crowd, which just added to the locally supported vibe. Definitely a place to visit again. Note: at about 1100 a group of 6 people came up, and immediately started dancing and cheering elevating the vibe. I must say, having the first band stay to support the second band was awesome. ONLY NEGATIVE: no drafts on tap.

Was invited to a small poetry reading here, the dragons upstairs host one monthly. Gathers a great crowd! This bar was very cute.... artsy! Has a chill lounge vibe. I did not notice a specialty cocktail menu, however they do have a full bar. The bartender was friendly and she honored the 4 dollar yelp checkin shots as well. They have a daily happy hour! For being such a small nook bar, drink prices were a little higher then expected. However they do match the going price for a downtown Honolulu bar.

Bartenders super chill, definitely recommend if you want a chill environment. Space in s a little tight but over experience has been good

Amazing atmosphere! With great music and entertainment. Jake was a great host and manager coming up with great ideas

Great place to go in m if you enjoy music. The remixes and transitions of songs were great

The 5th Saturday of the month is a great time!!! Really good house and tech music! Staff was great. The DJ was on point!

Amazing drinks and service by Jake!! Definitely recommend. Make sure to ask for a magic trick.