Lisa’s House has relaxing
comforts of a residence

YOU'VE GOT to love bars with names that play on ordinary phrases.

In this town, it's possible to grab a beer at Amy's Place, Leslie's Place or Paul and Terry's Place. You could visit Bobby G's Spot in Waikiki, or just take a trip next door -- to Next Door Bar and Grill on Ward Avenue.

Lisa's House Location: 3250 Ualena St. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays Call: 836-7668 Rating:

Tell someone you're paying a visit to Lisa's House, and they probably won't realize you're talking about an out-of-the-way establishment near the airport.

While the bar's innocuous name helps some to keep their extracurricular activities under wraps, it also offers a glimpse into the type of vibe one can expect when stopping by.

MOST OF the bar was occupied when the Barfly landed at Lisa's last week.

Each of the 11 barstools have a good view of two televisions that hang over the bar itself, with another four built into the wall above. Two more big screens along opposite walls provide even more viewing options for customers sitting at one of 10 tables in the room.

Furniture here is a hodgepodge of different tables and chairs; it reminds me of a mom-and-pop plate lunch joint, except that a full bar takes up one side of the room. The cafeteria-style setup near the front entrance doesn't score this place style points, that's for sure.

But just like a residence that's been home to three generations of family and a frequent location for social activity, Lisa's feels like a comfortable spot that welcomes you to kick back and relax.

As "Sportscenter" and "American Idol" flashed on the televisions, groups of co-workers from area businesses sat laughing at different tables. Over near the restrooms, an older couple sat at a booth and talked story with people passing by.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Patrons at Lisa's House on Ualena Street near the airport have a little bit of everything -- pool, darts, video games, TVs and, of course, food and drinks.

IF THERE'S no live entertainment scheduled, a couple of pool tables are the center of attention here. Six dart machines line the Ewa wall, with another pair in a corner near the bar.

All the other usual distractions help to keep folks occupied -- four Megatouch machines and a jukebox sit off to the side together, and karaoke is a regular fixture at the bar. I was mighty impressed by one woman from Texas, who bellowed the chorus to 50 Cent's "Candy Shop" into a microphone without any backup music whatsoever.

WITH A slightly older crowd that seemed to consist of employees from businesses in the surrounding area, Lisa's strikes me as a clubhouse for the working stiffs who need to take the edge off after a hard day at the office.

On the weekends, the bar jazzes things up a bit with live entertainment from 9 p.m. to midnight. Alden Levi and Kimo Opiana are the Friday night regulars here; Jeff Rasmussen will perform Feb. 19, followed by Pride Rhythm on Feb. 26.

Other weekly events include an open pool tournament on Tuesdays starting at 7 p.m. and free karaoke on Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Although Lisa's House hasn't changed much from its days as Big D's (a sign outside still has the bar's old name on it), that's not necessarily a bad thing.

With a steady stream of regulars in the bar almost every night of the week, this place scores as a neighborhood bar that's comfortable enough to make you feel like you're at home.

How much for a Bud Light?

Beer drinkers have lots of options at Lisa's House. A 22-ounce bottle of Bud Light will only set you back $5, and full pitchers are available for $9 each. Get there during happy hour (2 to 4:30 p.m.), and 16-ounce domestic drafts are just $1.75.

Get things to do?

Dart fanatics will love the half-dozen machines lined up against a wall; pool sharks will gravitate towards the pair of tables in the center of the room. Four Megatouch game machines, a jukebox and karaoke round out the list of choices.

What about the grinds?

The Monterey butter steak ($9.50) we ordered was flavorful enough, but be sure to order some rice to go with it. The poke tempura ($8) is another must-try, or go for the deep-fried moi ($13) or ahi belly ($7.75) if you're into fish.

And the hired help?

There was only one server on duty the night we visited Lisa's House, but she did a good job of keeping more than 20 customers happy with drink and pupu orders.

Been there,
done that