Pub Kagami
Open until 2 a.m. daily
3435 Waialae Ave.
738-5524
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STAR-BULLETIN.COM
A mural-sized painting of a fish joins this lone dart player this past Monday.
EVER been in an unfamiliar part of town and wanted to grab a beer? Sick of hitting the same nightclubs week after week and paying out the nose for cover before knocking back a single drink? Welcome to Barfly, a new Weekend feature in the Star-Bulletin that focuses on neighborhood watering holes. Barfly will travel to different bars around the island from Waikiki to Waialua in search of the cheapest beer, the most ono-kine grinds and the friendliest staff. This week it's off to Palolo. Pub Kagami sings
By Jason Genegabus
jason@starbulletin.comDrive too fast up Waialae Ave. and you might miss Pub Kagami, not to mention you'll probably get a speeding ticket from one of the many cops that hang out in the neighborhood. Parking? There are spaces available in the lot behind the bar - just ignore the sign that says "De Freshe Caffe." You can park there.
Just like Cheers, Pub Kagami is a place where husband and wife owners Dean and Lauren Kishimoto know most if not all of their customers. When I visited on Sunday night Lauren instantly greeted my friend by name as we walked in the door, and even flashed a welcoming smile at me as well. The bar's layout is simple, but efficient; a half-dozen tables form an "L" around the bar, which seats another 10 customers or so. Be careful walking in the front door if people are playing darts; Pub Kagami's single machine is located immediately to your left as you enter the establishment. Try not to get an eye poked out!
And speaking of darts -- watch out for Lauren when she ventures out from behind the bar. Not only will she bring you a beer, but she'll kick your butt in darts as well if given the chance. Karaoke is also available for $1 per song. If you're a rock fan, Pub Kagami is for you. What other karaoke joint can you visit that offers selections by the Deftones, Tool and Sum 41? The Kishimotos are unabashed rock fans, even printing in "Lauren & Dean's Song Book" that "we didn't put (the book) together with the masses in mind," and "if there's a song you don't see on our list, we probably don't have it." One perk for those brave enough to attempt a Def Leppard song: sing it well and everyone in the bar is rewarded with a shot special.
While the food is standard bar fare, Pub Kagami's relaxed hanapa'a-themed decor and $4 bottles of Newcastle Brown Ale were enough to satisfy this writer. And while walking back to the car, we discovered another hole in the wall for Barfly to visit: The Aloha Lounge. Just another reason to come back and drink in Palolo sometime.
How much for a Bud Light?
$3 a bottle; imports run $4 each, and mixed drinks range from $4.25 to $6. Happy hour prices in effect before 9 p.m.
Get things to do?
Karaoke, darts and Megatouch game machines are all available.
What about the grinds?
Food is typical for a bar: musubi, gyoza and tofu are available along with the standard chicken wings, french fries, steak and sandwiches. Prices range from $2 to $10.75. Specials the night we went were oysters on the half shell and crab karaage.
And the help?
Bartender/co-owner Lauren Kishimoto made us feel like we were hanging out at her house -- she'd bring us beers in between her turns throwing darts.
Barfly appears every Friday in the Star-Bulletin.
E-mail Jason Genegabus at jason@starbulletin.com with suggestions of neighborhood bars to visit.
