Sushi and rock combined at Hyatt.

The decor is literally "a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll." Vintage album covers and movie posters are juxtaposed with cacti, faux cattle skulls and neon signs touting beverages like Lone Star Beer.

Music videos by various post-alternative rock acts add to the potpourri; the quotient of country music increases at the night goes on. Country music scene veteran Charlie Garrett presides over the late-night programming.

On some nights the club offers karaoke or live music along with the videos, barbecue and sushi (for food details, see next week's Weekly Eater column). Call ahead if you have strong feelings about karaoke.

Vocalist Dita Holifield proved her drawing power in three late-night Friday night one-nighters the first three weekends of the restaurant/nightclub's opening; she returns next month.

(Holifield plus the right musicians could be the biggest local country attraction here since Don Shane & the Countryaires featuring Sheila Tilton headlined the Aquarium Lounge 21 years ago.)

The dance floor is far smaller than dancehall size but still larger than many Waikiki lounges.

The room can get too loud for conversation, although that's part of the honky-tonk attitude. Playing more music videos and less stock car footage is another suggestion.

Overall the concept works well. Texas R 'N R Sushi is certainly far more inviting than former occupant Kento's - a second-rate imitation of Studebaker's with a lame live band.

Whether a new Waikiki club with an eclectic concept can carve out a secure niche in a shaky economy is the question. Here's hoping!

Note: Minimum age for admission is 21 from 10 p.m.