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Scores is right on target
for darts and beverages

One of the skills I've been able to sharpen since starting this column is my ability to throw darts.

For the longest time, I couldn't explain the difference between a game of Cricket and 901, or why it's better to hit the triple ring instead of throwing a "flat tire."

Scores Bar and Grill Location: 661 Auahi St. (corner of Auahi and Keawe streets) Hours: 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily Call: 526-4161

Now, along with being able to hold my own using house darts, I'm much more aware of what constitutes a quality spot when it comes to the dart-throwing community. And after paying a visit to Scores Bar and Grill, I can understand why it's such a popular place among that particular crowd.

TUCKED AWAY on Auahi Street, a block away from Ala Moana Boulevard, it's easy to pass by Scores without paying it much attention. Take the time to go inside, however, and you'll discover a watering hole that's more spacious than it initially appears.

Walk through the front door here, and you're immediately met by a row of dart machines. Five booths and a couple of tables provide seating for customers, although it can get kind of uncomfortable sitting on the torn vinyl, and you don't really want to know what some of the stains on the chairs are from.

Hang a right, and you'll see the Z-shaped bar along with another pair of dart machines bookended by seven Megatouch game machines. There's also a small nook along the makai wall with three more booths, all with their own personal Megatouch machines. I got a kick out of one booth in this area that not only had a Megatouch, but its own television hanging overhead.

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FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Darts is the main attraction at Scores Bar and Grill. Trina Ishiki, center, is a member of the Scores champion women's dart team.

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AN EARLY evening visit to the bar last week turned up a variety of customers, from a trio of women in their 20s dressed up for a night at the Ocean Club, to older guys in shorts and T-shirts who were sipping their beer from ice-filled glasses.

The vibe here is comfortable, the type that attracts regular patrons who show up for a drink and some conversation with the employees (who are almost all young and female) wandering around the bar. Things were so laid-back, in fact, that one of the servers managed to squeeze in a game of darts between passes to ask if anyone needed a refill.

And unlike some other bars that try to hide the fact that their furniture is old and ratty, Scores is well lit by a number of neon signs that ring the room. Sure, the disposable Coors Light promotional banners that plaster the walls make you wonder what's being hidden underneath, but give this place props for not being another dark and dingy joint.

I was also impressed by the number of air purifiers in use here -- even though a number of people were smoking, I didn't notice the haziness and stench usually associated with lighting up.

ALTHOUGH SCORES is open daily, dart fanatics will want to visit on either a Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Tournaments are offered on those evenings, and I'm told there are bigger events held that feature bigger payouts to the winners as well as trips to Las Vegas and other prizes.

While there are other bars that might be better when looking to grab some food to go with your drinks, sing karaoke or listen to live music, keep Scores in mind when you want a place to throw darts while enjoying a cocktail.

How much for a Bud Light?

Since I'm always concerned with having the biggest bottle in the room, I opted to drink 22-ounce bottles of Bud Light for $4.75 during my visit to Scores. Size matters!

Get things to do?

Besides the numerous dart machines and Megatouch game machines scattered throughout the bar, a single pool table is also available for customers. Nine televisions provide a number of spots to chill and watch the game.

What about the grinds?

Despite the microwave and condiments that sit on a table in the Diamond Head corner of the bar and a few printed pupu menus on top of a cigarette vending machine, I was informed that there is no food available. Be sure to eat before you pay Scores a visit.

And the help?

Even though we were playing darts during much of our visit, there was no problem getting another drink from the two servers on duty. They were very proactive, offering to bring another round before I had finished my previous drink -- a nice touch for those who don't ever like to be empty-handed in a bar.

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