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Revamped Skybox
succeeds as sports bar

The last time this column featured the watering hole above Blue Tropix on Kapiolani Boulevard, I described it as a "real sleeper" in the neighborhood.

Skybox Sports Bar & Lounge Location: 1700 Kapiolani Blvd. (above Blue Tropix) Hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily Call: 956-1600

My biggest gripe, however, was the poor execution of a sports bar concept with what was known at the time as Bikini's Sports Bar and Grill. It was only open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. four days a week, seating was limited to folding tables and chairs, and I didn't witness a female sporting a bikini even once during numerous visits in early 2003.

Fast-forward to November 2004, when promoters Jace Medeiros, Justin Henson and Keoni Chan (better known as DFX Entertainment) took over management duties and renamed the place Skybox Sports Bar and Lounge. The bar has been a favorite of Honolulu 20-somethings ever since.

MUCH OF what I liked about Bikini's remains at Skybox. A small sign is the only indication to passers-by that something is going on at the top of a graffiti-covered stairway, but don't be afraid of venturing inside.

The first thing you'll notice is the amount of room that customers have to sit back and relax. Tables and chairs aren't packed together, as is the case with other bars that only care about maximizing profit. Even when all the seating is taken, there's still enough space to navigate without stepping on other people's toes or worrying about someone knocking over your beer.

Besides the regular tables, comfy leather couches are also set up for customers to lounge on. Two of them provide respite near four pool tables along the bar's Ewa wall, while a few others are set up in a circle on the other side of the room.

And in a nod to its possible past as an adult-themed establishment, Skybox retains a number of private karaoke rooms and booths with seats that face what would be the perfect spot for an elevated stage. Are the metal plates screwed into strategic places along the ceiling covering up holes that used to hold poles in place?

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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM Bartender Brandi Lelepali toasts with friend Steve Quin as manager Shane Tsubaki looks on at the Skybox Sports Bar and Lounge, upstairs from Blue Tropix at the edge of Waikiki.

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NINE DART machines, a digital jukebox and an extensive food menu add to Skybox's appeal as a drinking destination during football season.

Like any good sports bar, a number of televisions are strategically located to maximize viewing options, with a big screen near the bar itself. Another nice touch is the inclusion of XBox game consoles -- give the bartender your ID, and in return you get a couple of wireless controllers and the freedom to challenge that trash-talker at the next table over to a game of Madden or NBA Live.

For the next few months, Skybox opens at 6 a.m. on Saturdays and 7 a.m. on Sundays to accommodate hard-core football fans or those who want to keep the weekend going straight on through to Monday. And what goes better with a Bloody Mary than Spam and eggs for $1.99, pancakes for $2.50 or French toast for $3?

At the same time, don't sleep on the regular pupu menu - you can keep it simple with a grilled cheese sandwich ($5) and spam musubi ($2), or go all out and grind items like a sizzling 12-ounce ribeye platter ($12) and sauteed mushrooms stuffed with Brie cheese ($6).

WITH FREE parking in the connected garage (except for nights when Blue Tropix turns it into a valet lot), a convenient location in town and word-of-mouth support from Hawaii's club scene, it appears things are running on all cylinders as the bar approaches one year in business. Keep Skybox in mind if you're looking for a new place to watch a game this weekend.

How much for a Bud Light?
There seems to be a little bias against the King of Beers -- or maybe it's just the fact that more customers drink Coors Light here. You can get a $5 pitcher of the Rocky Mountain brew, but Bud Light only comes in bottles. We went with $7 pitchers of Sam Adams instead.

Get things to do?
When there isn't a game to watch, get your game on with darts, pool, video games or Megatouch. A digital jukebox also gives you something to browse through.

What about the grinds?
Bring your appetite to Skybox -- crab mondoo ($6) and boneless garlic chicken wings ($10) are good starters, with heartier goodies like kim chee-stuffed chicken ($11), loco moco ($7) and fried pork chops ($12) also available.

And the help?
Other than an embarrassing mix-up by one server early on (sorry, it doesn't matter if it's your first day -- never take away a pitcher while there's still beer inside of it!), we had no problems ordering food or drinks.