No blues at
this ‘Moon’
BREW MOON
RESTAURANT AND
MICROBREWERY
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Location: Ward Centre,
1200 Ala Moana Blvd.
Phone: 593-0088
I'VE SAID IT before and I'll say it again -- Hawaii is Bud Light territory, through and through. Sure, you have a group of people out there who like Coors Light or Miller Lite. And there will always be a few people who insist on only drinking out of a green bottle.
But after a few pitchers of Red Hook IPA at Magoo's a couple of weeks ago, the Barfly was reminded yet again that you get what you pay for when it comes to cold barley soda. Sure, $2 bottles of Bud Light are great for someone who's on a budget and is just looking to take the edge off, but what about those of us who want to actually taste the beer we're drinking (or can actually afford to spend more money on liquor)?
Whenever the Barfly begins to feel symptoms of "Bud Light Fatigue," it usually means I need to make a stop at one of Oahu's three microbreweries. Why drink something out of a keg or bottle that's been shipped from the mainland when there are places here at home that brew things fresh on a continuous basis? Besides, I had just gotten paid a few days earlier, so off the Barfly went with his Drinking Buddy to visit Brew Moon Restaurant and Microbrewery in Ward Centre.
Don't be intimidated by the attractive hostesses at Brew Moon when you walk into the restaurant -- after you pick your jaw up off the floor, just let her know you'll be spending a little bit of time at the bar. Once you take a seat on one of the dozen or so barstools, it's now time for the hardest decision of the night: Which beer to order?
DENNIS ODA / DODA@ STARBULLETIN.COM
Eddie Trongkamsataya, the bar manager at Brew Moon shows their beer sampler (they also have a porter in the sampler which is not shown).
All of Brew Moon's handcrafted beers are brewed on the premises and are available in either a 12-ounce, 16-ounce or 20-ounce glass. Five different styles are always on tap at the bar, so you're almost guaranteed to find something tasty during your visit. Stay close to your Bud Light roots and order the Moonlight Lager, a "refreshingly crisp American-style" beer that actually has some taste! Other regular choices include Mayberry Wheat Ale, Munich Gold Lager, Pacific Pale Ale and Hawaii "5" Ale. Brew Moon also offers the "Brew Master's Special," a seasonal beer that's usually offered for limited periods of time. Right now Brew Moon offers the award-winning Black Hole Lager, a must-try for fans of darker beers.
Of course, if you're drinking, then pupus can't be far behind. Brew Moon's pupu menu is extensive, and a little expensive, but well worth every dime you spend. Trust the Barfly and order the Smoked Salmon with Jody Maroni's Grilled Gourmet Sausage Platter ($9.75) to go with your beer. The salmon melts in your mouth, and the Jody Maroni grilled sausage with flatbread and white Vermont cheddar cheese will put a smile on your face. The barbecue pulled pork ($6) is also worth a taste -- the heaping serving of pork comes with manapua-style buns that are perfect for double-fisting with a pint of Hawaii "5" Ale.
While Brew Moon is a restaurant first and foremost, don't be shy about stopping by the bar for a drink or two the next time you're itching for a quality brew. Live entertainment is also offered most nights; Sunday evening's "Dark Side of the Moon" with DJ G-Dog is a perennial favorite, and Augie Tulba will spend Wednesday nights on stage with Andy Bumatai at the Moon starting March 5. Visit www.brewmoonhi.com for a full entertainment listing.
How much for a Bud Light?
Forget about mass-produced beer when you visit Brew Moon; it's all about the microbrew here. 12-ounce glasses are on tap for $3, 16-ounce glasses for $4 and 20-ounce glasses for $4.75. Can't decide which of the five beers to try first? Order the Lunar Sampler ($6) and you'll get a 4-ounce serving of each beer that Brew Moon serves.
Get things to do?
Other than drinking really good beer and eating pupus, there isn't much to do while you're at the Moon. Two televisions provide some distraction at the bar itself and you can usually hear the nightly entertainment as they play on stage in the main dining room behind the bar.
What about the grinds?
Pupu prices are not for the faint of heart at this place -- it's easy to spend a lot when items like Spiked Poke ($9.50), Heavy Metal Nachos ($7.75) and Fire-Roasted Ribs ($10.50) are on the menu and calling your name. The South Shore Sampler ($12.75) with ribs, dill-fried calamari and almond chicken tenders is also worth a try. And if you're really hungry, ask for Brew Moon's full dinner menu.
And the help?
Bar manager Eddie Trongkamsataya has been on duty the last few times the Barfly stopped in for beers, and I've never been disappointed with his service at the bar. Even with a trio of pretty ladies knocking back martinis a few barstools over from us during our visit, Trongkamsataya wasn't distracted (not too much, anyway) and continued to check up on the two of us while we stuffed our faces. His attentiveness and easygoing attitude helped make our stop at Brew Moon an enjoyable one.
Barfly appears every Friday in Star-Bulletin Weekend.
E-mail Jason Genegabus at jason@starbulletin.com with suggestions of neighborhood bars to visit.
