The setting at Stage is intimate and creative, with a unique, yet appealing, atmosphere. Located on the second floor of the Honolulu Design Center, it successfully mimics the intriguing design of the high-end furniture showroom outside its doors.

The restaurant is dark, filled with unique lamps, tables and contemporary art accentuated with palettes of reds, blacks and whites. The decor at Stage makes it an excellent venue for a romantic date or a quiet evening with friends.

Happy hour offers a list of signature premium cocktails at half off; while Stage does not discount their food, appetizers are extremely delicious, reasonably priced and well-portioned. My favorite, the Spinach Caesar Salad, is large enough to serve two and comes with fresh ingredients like homemade croutons, baked parmesan and signature Anchovy Vinaigrette.

Stage's cocktail menu includes drinks with intriguingly comic names like “;Hey, Get In Lime,”; “;Rub My Navel”; and “;Campari Over Here.”; I particularly enjoyed the “;Me So Happy,”; made with vodka, pomegranate liqueur, sweet and sour and cranberry juice with a lemon twist. They also offer a small selection of draft beers for $2.

The service here is excellent, the food is delicious and the ambiance is surreal. Stage is worth the occasional visit when your eclectic side comes out. I've never left feeling displeased and will never hesitate to return.

Happy hour:
» 5 to 7 p.m. daily (except Sundays)
» $2 draft beers
» Happy hour for two: Four cocktails and two pupus for $38 (not including tax and tip)

Parking:
» Free parking available in Honolulu Design Center parking lot

Pupu picks:
» Vegetarian Quesadilla ($8)
» Stage Spinach Caesar Salad ($10)
» Fish and Chips ($12)
» Crispy Fried Calamari ($12)

What needs help:
» More happy-hour deals are needed to attract new customers

Pau Hana Patrol is a weekly look at Honolulu bar and restaurant happy hours. To read more about this week's featured bar, visit hilife.starbulletin.com. E-mail happy hour tips to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).