Cove toasts to shopping

Besides the initial fight to find a parking space, you have to deal with the masses who are also trying to find that perfect Christmas present and aggressive salespeople whose only goal is to maximize the amount of money you spend on it.

Unless you're incredibly patient (or just on the wagon), all the drama that comes with shopping at this time of year is enough to make you want to drink.

Pay a visit to Ala Moana Center, and you'll find a number of choices upstairs on the third floor. But your best bet during the holiday rush is the Cove Bar in Makai Market.

Located near the food court's Diamond Head entrance, the Cove Bar is an interesting cross between a hotel lobby bar and a coffee shop. With about 18 barstools and another 20 tables surrounding the bar itself, there's plenty of room to sit down and relax with a drink.

A short wall separates patrons from other diners, with thatched overhangs and flower-covered lattices above the bar giving off a backyard-type vibe. Its central location also allows for customers to sit and people watch as they enjoy a cocktail.

And breakfast is served before 10:30 a.m. here, in the form of breakfast sandwiches ($3.95) and coffee. Or just skip the coffee and have a Bloody Mary if you need an extra kick to get into the shopping mood.

Cove Bar Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Location: Ala Moana Center (Makai Market) Phone: 946-6245

SITTING AT the bar earlier this week, there were two things that stood out in my mind.

The first, and more noteworthy, is the variety of customers that belly up to the bar. Since the Cove Bar is located in the food court of one of the biggest malls in the United States, you see people from all walks of life pass by.

The other thing you should keep in mind is that it's possible to bring outside food here. You're allowed to grab a bite to eat anywhere in the food court and sit near the bar, since alcohol isn't allowed in the general dining area.

On the evening I visited, a group of middle-aged locals sat at the bar, while a pair of Japanese tourists and a young 20-something couple relaxed at nearby tables.

At the opposite end of the room, a Tracy Morgan look-alike shared a drink with his significant other, as another tourist walked in and ordered a glass of wine to go with the dinner she had bought at a different restaurant.

And if you've been trying to spot Frank B. Shaner around town, look no further -- he was at the Cove Bar earlier this week, having a beer and talking story with the staff!

How much for a Bud Light?

The Barfly drank a $3 Bud Light draft during his visit to the Cove Bar. Try one of the "Tasty Island Classics" if you want something a little more fruity -- the Strawberry Shortcake ($6.25) is worth every penny. More than 20 types of vodka, nine types of scotch and 12 types of rum are also available.

Get things to do?

Four televisions hang over the bar here and provide the only source of entertainment if watching the masses walk through the food court isn't your idea of a good time.

What about the grinds?

Try a turkey, club, chicken walnut salad, or tuna sandwich for $5.95 each. Salads cost between $5.50 and $6.50, and non-alcoholic smoothies are also available for $3.75 each.

And the help?

Unlike some of the other employees working in the food court, the crew behind the bar at the Cove Bar were all very friendly and attentive to their customers' needs. Everything runs smoothly, and we had no problems with drink service.