We came her for my boyfriends birthday and had a wonderful time. Â The owner was there doing a photo shoot of their AMAZING cocktails and we were able to sample and enjoy most of them. Â The cocktails are delicious, creative, and unique. Â Plus you can sit out side in the nice atmosphere. Â The new menu has great appetizers to share and enjoy. Â A great place for happy hour or anytime, we will be back!
Review Source:I came here to meet up some friends for some drinks during the Chinese new year festival. Â There was a lot of commotion in all of Chinatown while the dragons were blessing the shops. Â
The door to thirtyninehotel is quite small and you can easily miss the spot. Â It's a tiny door that leads to stairs, which come up to the lounge area of the bar. Â I thought I was in the wrong place because there was literally no one inside the bar! Â The bartender said to go out to the patio and lo and behold.. EVERYONE was out on the patio!!! Â The patio is a bit small, but it feels cozy to hang out with your friends. Â There are I believe 5 lounging areas and a giant table in the middle, which is where we sat. Â We had about 10 people with us and all of us had a seat.
We were all just talking and chatting and having drinks. Â I ordered the bellini cocktail, which was pretty good. Â The dragon from the new years festival decided to come inside the bar and do a little dance around us, which was fun!
Overall, it's a cool place to hang out with some friends and have some drinks. Â You're actually able to hear each other! No loud music to bother you guys.
Parking: I parked on the garage located on Smith street. Â It's only $3 to park there all night. and its only a block away from thirtyninehotel or for any other outing in Chinatown ;) a little local secret.. shhhh
Anytime I find myself in Chitown this is the first place my friends and I go to. The vibe here is just so chill and classy. The inside is pretty modern looking with white walls and comfy couches. As you go further in towards the back is the cutest outside chill area. Pretty string lights, wooden furniture, and a fully equipped bar, need I say more?
The drinks here are a little on the pricey side, but that's because your paying for quality. These aren't cheap drinks they use different ingredients like lavender to give their cocktails a twist. You can taste the difference and I love that.
My favorite bartender is Ryan! He is the best! I always ask him to make me something different and he never fails to impress me. The bouncer Vinnie is always there too making sure that were all having a good time. 39hotel is my spot
Cool place to celebrate. Located on the 2nd floor off Hotel Street. Steep stairs lead you up stairs to a beautiful space. Indoors is club like with house music and limited seating. Outdoors is a cute patio space with big umbrellas and a few wooden benches for seating. The appetizer menu only has a few items. Plates are served tapas style with 3-5 pieces. Prices per plate range from $6-$15. We tried the bruschetta, crab cakes, toasted Brie, meat skewers. Everything tasted average, nothing to write home about. Service was average as well. I would return again to this place.
Review Source:Mixed feelings about this place. Great music. Great drinks (bartender does some legit mixology). Pupu's are delicious. Outdoor rooftop patio is unique in Honolulu and reminds me of the rooftop bars in East Coast cities. Sometimes the crowd-music-atmosphere feels awkward.
On FF: Often less crowded (and less annoying) than the other places. Regular events bring a good music-oriented and ready-to-dance crowd. Â If you're worried that it's dead upstairs, ask the door to let you recon before paying for your whole group to go in.
Non-FF: This place is actually super chill on weekday evenings. Great place for a date. More personal service from the competition-level mixologist. Ambiance allows for those long intimate conversations. Good combo: twilight + white christmas lighting + open deck.
First time here. Â My bud and I decided after working in Downtown for years to check out First Fridays. Â We tore it up...After bar hopping we ended up here and I like the vibe. Â Super friendly wait staff and great appetizers. Â Thank you Chef (from lucky belly)! Â And especially you, girl from Vancouver whose friend is married to the chef. Â Sorry I didnt say goodbye.
Review Source:I haven't written a review in a while so here we go. Â A friend once asked me why do I only give good reviews, well everywhere I go I only go to the best and get the best! So what posed me to write a review in a while? It is the service that I received at thirtyninehotel!
When I went there is it was a nice and cozy place, I then opened the menu and almost had a heart attack looking at the prices. Trust me I am the 3rd cheapest guy I know.. The first guy needs to think about something even if it's free and the 2nd will contemplate on everything. Me if you want a good deal with top of the line or name brand for cheap that's me. So I had to figure out why!
Stopping this guy who works there he introduced himself, Christian who is the manager and from England. I found his knowledge about everything on that menu superb and his explanation about everything, Christian was on it. When I was asked what type of alcohol do they have he read them off and I was surprised that it was all top shelf! And it clicked that is why! I had to sample one and tried this strawberry drink and Christian made it himself. It was far beyond what I imagined. The way it was made is something you see in the movies and at ritzy places. The taste was great!
In all, my experience was a 5 star, the atmosphere last night 5 star, the drinks matched the prices and I am not just going to give Christian all the credit the female bartender OMG she is just as good and knowledgeable and created what I am calling a creation because anything less is how to explain it, but it was far superb for me. So if you find yourself in China Town and wanting a nice experience with friends and great drinks stop at thirtyninehotel. I was not disappointed and if you see Christian tell him I said hi.
This place deserved a review from me!
I went here one evening for a friend of a friend's birthday. Â This is not the typical establishment that I would frequent but it wasn't bad. Â I was take aback a bit when I first entered the room because they were projecting The Polar Express on one wall, a fireplace on another wall, with a live "band" playing. Â Kind of an odd combination if you ask me. Â I didn't stay in the main room very much, we spent most of our time on the outdoor patio. Â I must admit it was quite relaxing, a great atmosphere, nice and laid-back. Â The owner's dogs were even around to add to the mix!
The servers were great! Â I accidentally spilled my friend's almost-empty drink and one of the nice young men cleaned it up for me and got her a brand new drink! Â We tried to tip him at the end of the night but he refused :) Â The food was also surprisingly good. Â Since we were celebrating a birthday, we asked if they had cake or something to put candles in. Â Unfortunately, they didn't really have anything but had a piece of a chocolate cake and the cook said he would "whip something up" for us. Â His creation was amazing! Â Chocolate, spiced apples, chocolate...yum!
I am more of the go out dancing type of person so I probably wouldn't come here very often. Â But if you're looking for a relaxing evening at a place to just sit, have some drinks, and talk, this place is for you!
I always get this place mixed up with Nextdoor, which is actually next door to Bar 35. Which can be confusing, if you know what I mean. However, it's hard to forget that one must ascend a staircase to reach the bar proper. It's worth the climb though, as you're greeted by an expansive dance floor, while your thighs thank you for the much needed work out. The stairs aren't actually that step, I'm just out of shape.
There's a DJ area to the left as you enter, with an assortment of sofas and cushions to rest your posterior, while the more rhythmic of your friends get their groove on. Never fear, those of you with two left feet. There is bar next to the door, along with a bar on the outside lanai-like area. I say lanai-like, since it's outdoors, but not really overlooking anything or leading anywhere. It's just outside. Like a prison yard. But with a bar. And cool wooden benches for hipsters to look cool on.
What makes this bar stand out is the presence of Christian, master mixologist. According to some friends that are in the know, Christian has won many awards for mixology and is quite the font of knowledge when it comes to finding ways to blow your mind away. I had the good fortune for Christian to actually create a concoction of his own making, which included liquor, liquor, and I believe liquor. Also some coconut shavings for fun. I never got the name of the drink, but I'll call it the Eazy E, in honor of me.
I hear rumors that food is served here as well, since every time I go, I smell something in the air that makes me want to go all animal and carnivore out. I have yet to discover the validity of this rumor, however.
thirthyninehotel, a required stop on your Chinatown pub crawl. Just do some stretches before climbing the stairs.
I love this place, and have loved it since I moved to Honolulu over 4 years ago. I love the space, I love the vibe of the people--somewhat trendy, somewhat hip, twenty-to-thirty-something professionals out to have drinks and socialize. Well, mostly. I remember coming here once and entering the ladies room and finding a 6'5" mahu past her prime, with a large Adam's apple, primping him/herself in the mirror--she probably wasn't fooling anyone, but she seemed to be having a good time anyway.
The music is good, it's dance-able and varied, and is mostly NOT top 40s, which is great. There's a sizable dance floor on the inside portion of the bar, in front of the DJ podium. It's usually not packed, and sometimes can be quite empty. But I don't care, I just drag my friends up. The rooftop outside has a few tables with umbrellas, exposed brick, twinkling lights, and another bar. It gets really packed out there. Â I like the rooftop, it's beautiful, but one time a gigantic cockroach tried flying onto me, which I dodged, and it landed on a friend. Luckily he didn't think it was a big deal. But then again, he's a native. And even though I've been here over 4 years, I will never get used to roaches. Ewe.
So yeah, two thumbs up overall for thirtyninehotel!
With Apartm3nt closing, I was pleased to find thirtyninehotel this weekend. My roommate and I went to check out the band Sean's Bandana as they played their set against a backdrop of Tim Burton movies (we're big Tim Burton fans). Very interesting show to say the least.
The space is pretty cool. It reminds me of that cool loft apartment you thought you'd live in by your mid to late 20s, turned into a slick club-like space (aka JUST enough hipster vibe, but not too much).
The outside deck area is very cool, from the layout, to seating and lighting, very chill vibe. thirtyninehotel is also a semi art space, as there was a tank art installation all around the walls, and the bartenders were very cool. There was also plenty of seating, which as of late has become an important thing for me, lol.
Really cool spot, can't wait to come on a night with a DJ.
This is my favorite bar in Hawaii.
I love the indie music, the inside/outside bar area, and the unique drinks for good prices. This bar definitely reminds me of something I find in LA, but on a smaller scale.
It's incredibly trendy and the bartenders are very nice and accommodating. Plus, they use fresh fruit ingredients for their martinis! Mmm.
Must. Return. Here.
If you aren't impressed by the crazily cool artist space on the inside or the stylishly urban rooftop patio that seriously competes with NYC and SF, then you will be impressed with the indoor bar, nay, Mixologists' Stage. Â For this is where the true performance art exists (raw sugar cane sticks? Fresh basil fronds? Rope? Oh, the imagination!). Â The crew at thirtyninehotel give creativity a new name and lo, can they flex some pretty mean muddling skills. Â At last, drinks that integrate all of the wonderfully flavorful parts instead of just floating them alongside the glass. Â They aren't inexpensive, however. Â Yes, the rant from January 29 is correct about that. Â But, if what you want is a quality alcoholic experience that's going to have some fun with your taste buds, then it's definitely worth the price.
It's disheartening to hear that others have not had the fantastic experience I've had here each time I go. Â If you haven't been, give it a whirl and don't give up if you can't find seating right away. Â Those benches (outside and in) are bigger than they look and you might meet some interesting people as you politely squeeze in next to them.
We ventured over to thirtyninehotel to check out the second venue hosting 808 Speakerbox. Â As we were climbing the stairs I was wondering why there were so many, but upon seeing the different murals on the wall, I immediately liked this place. Â And then we got to the patio-I fell in love with thirtyninehotel!
Being out in the warm night, and seeing the mixture of buildings from downtown and stars in the sky-I thought to myself, it really doesn't get any better than this. With its slightly hipster and very romantic vibe-I pretended that I was one of the girls from Sex in the City out on a first date :p  As my bf and I chilled on one of the three benches (which are perfectly sized for intimate conversations)-I thought to myself, this is where I need to take my friends when they come to visit Oahu.
The back area also houses three small tables (4 ppl each) and a longer table which seats about 8. Â The drinks aren't cheap (about $11 for mixed drinks), but they sure sound good (not your typical cheesy Hawaiian tourist trap drinks)! Â The inside has a few couches and a lot of open space.
I'd gladly come here again!
Yes, this venue is not exactly large or ideal for live bands, but that's not why i go here anyway. I love it as a lounge, for the ambiance, the people, the interior decor, and most of all, THE OUTDOOR PATIO!
i remember when i went to 39hotel for the first time....i pretty much thought, "must not get plastered. lots of steep stairs!" ....and believe it or not, i have been incredibly intoxicated here a couple times, and voila, i HAVE NOT fallen down the stairs! and i wish to keep it that way.
however, the outdoor area won my heart and keeps me wanting to go back for more!! i love the modern urban setting, kind of reminding me of being back in NYC. i usually get a drink and go straight to the outdoor area to find a seat on the wooden lounge furniture under the umbrellas. surrounded by brick wall, candle light at night, and the wonderful open air...i want more of you! also...you can smoke. =) besides, as i may have mentioned in previous reviews, anyplace with an outdoor area automatically exceeds 3 stars.
and btw: this is where i had the lovely green fairy (absinthe) for the first time. good times, indeed!
now...i have to try their food! one day! soon!
Shut up and listen.
Forget that thirtyninehotel only opens on Friday and Saturday. And not even at 5.
Forget the Koko Crater-esque hike up the stairs that become much worse when you're going down them a little buzzed or drunk.
Forget that there are not many seats and tables proper.
Just shut up and forget about all of it because you're going to order the Smoked Pork and Cheese Pita Sandwich.
Upon arrival of this sandwich, you will immediately unravel its foil cocoon and take a bite. This will be the best bite of sandwich you will ever take. The second bite is just as delicious, and so is the third.
Then, like me, you begin to weep at how damn frickin' delicious this sandwich really is. From the thick slices of slightly sweet smoked pork (ham) to the oozing cheese and special sauce dripping all over, held together by pita. I proclaim this the best sandwich in the world.
Reality settles back in and you cry once more, because you realize the greatest sandwich that ever existed now has three less bites in it. Oh the travesty of the loss of sandwich! I cannot bare to see thee.
As a starter, order the Eggplant Parmesan Crepe with Salad and you will again fail to be disappointed.
I came here for the "Over the Pali. 2:00 AM. No Pork" book premier. Omer has some really great stuff. So much movement. So much character. And of course, so much lomo!!
Ironically, I definitely would not leave here without getting the pork...sandwich that is.
Dying...dead.
We walked over after dinner at Brasserie Du Vin, and what a cool place it is! Everyone was hangin outside because it was hella hot inside.
The place had a Bay Area style bar feel to it, and again it made me feel like I wasn't in Hawaii. It was kinda packed, and we did'nt feel like being the only ones indoors, so we checked out another nearby bar...ALOHA!!!
YELP 365 CHALLENGE(48/365) "Bar Hoppin"
First off, I can't speak for First Fridays here since the first time I came here was on the Thursday right before the last First Friday.
:P
This was the afterparty to a bachelorette dinner we had at Brasserie Du Vin, and it was basically dead that weeknight. But the bartenders were super nice. Not only did they mix us shots of "Something Special" on the house (I still have no idea what they had in them, but they were yummy), but per our request they went out of their way to find Weezer on somebody's iPod so we could rock out to El Scorcho on the dance floor of the near-empty bar (the bride-to-be was a huge fan in high school).
I returned about a week later on a Saturday night. There was live music (rock of some sort) and somewhat of a crowd, albeit not a huge one, but that was fine by me. We hung out in the outdoor seating which felt very comfortable and intimate. I definitely dig the vibe here, both inside (dim lighting, cool murals on the walls) and out. As for the drinks, they are a bit pricey, but I suppose this is on the nicer end of the spectrum as far as Hawaii bars go, so it's expected. They also seem to be mixed very well. Their special cocktails come with a sugarcane stirrer!
This is definitely a cool place (without trying too hard) to chill in Honolulu. If it weren't situated in Chinatown, I'd probably frequent pretty often.
This review is based on their First Friday...So First Friday is pretty much packed wherever you go, however, when I got to Thirty Nine Hotel around nine there was no line to get in. The bar was crowded, but it wasn't insufferable how Bar 35 can get on a First Friday. One of the reasons why it might have been this way is the fact that there is a $5 cover. Thirty Nine Hotel is quite nice and pretty trendy for Hawaii. There are a few couches and chairs to hang out at and an outside bar which was quite nice to escape from the heat and the music. Drinks were "average" for an event like this, but nothing special. The average age of the crowd seemed to be more in their 30s while the music was a mix of house and hip hop.
If you're able to get to Chinatown early enough on a First Friday, I recommend going to Bar 35 as even though it is a lot more crowded, the bartenders aren't as friendly, and it is much hotter, I believe a younger crowd goes there and the place is always packed. If you're going to Chinatown on First Friday I assume its "to be seen" and Bar 35 is "the" place to go to. However, if you arrive later on in the night or want to actually enjoy the bar surroundings, I would personally just pay the cover, skip the lines, and go to Thirty Nine Hotel.
I can't give it 5 stars because I don't know what I'm comparing it to here...but I really liked it.
First, there is a small white door next to Bar 35 on Hotel street between Nuuanu and Smith on the makai/ocean-side. Â There is a small sign so if you miss it, you'll be lost. Â But go in the small white door and up the stairs and voila, you're here.
There was a drink special, but I can't remember what it was, but I think it was before 7pm the fancy drinks were cheaper. Â In any case it's all fairly reasonable. Â The mojito was tasty and the caipirinha looked good too. They use real cachaca so I may have to try it out sometime. Â (I'm not a fan of using vodka, even though it seems to be the trendy thing). Â The food was, well, interesting looking. I didn't partake but there was some interesting stuff--shrimp, brown rice/quinoa with some spam looking thing, something that looked like falafel, but it was a deep fried hush puppy or something. Anyway, i'm curious so I'd definitely want to come back to try the food, but it's not your typical wings and beer place.
Great rooftop patio (but that's coming from someone who used to live in places that this was a once a year thing) with chairs and tables. Â It wasn't too crowded on the early side for happy hour but i think it picks up as the evening goes along. Â
Cool vibe with neat artsy decor. Â Not too dark or loud.
I don't know where you park; probably try to find street parking nearby.
I'd go back!
the thirtyninehotel breakdown
Music - this venue is great for DJs and okay for live music because the floor is the on the same level for those dancing and the band so things can get a little nuts, mics nocked down etc. Â but that should not dissuade you from venturing to this place. Â You must know that the music and crowd level is directly affected by the night of the week and who is performing so if you haven't been here very often you might want to do so on several different nights so you have a good idea of what you are in store for if trying to entertain someone here
Food - because the food is fantastic and the dishes are from a revolving menu its hard to leave unsatisfied. Â The lamb was one of my favorites but has now been replaced by plenty of other delicious items. If you have any questions about the menu the chef is quick to explain or provide options based on what you like and the prices are all within reason
Drinks - The drink prices are fair for the standard well and special order drinks alike. Â If you have something special off the well though out menu rest assured it is within the capable hands of the bar staff here
Atmosphere - The inside is a nice intimate settings with comfortable seating though it is somewhat minimal but the frequently changing murals are great to view and talk about. Â Outside in the open air with the reduced volume levels has a nice feel and can be a great place to hold conversation at a bar while still being able to see the person your talking to unlike other downtown venues. Â The one problem some may have is that smoking is allowed in the outside area so if you hate that and its a major deal breaker maybe you best stay inside. Â
Overall this should get something just a little better then 4.5 stars but with no middle ground 5 stars it is!
Thirty nine gold stars for you!
The drinks, the ambiance, the food... this place reeks of dark, swank 'n drank. In fact, this cozy gem has continued to move up the ranks to be one of my all time favorite night spots.
Sooooo... what's thirtyninehotel got that others don't?
1. Hot bartenders. Period. Sorry Bar 35, you may mix a mean gingertini, but thirtyninehotel has a smattering of hotties in various shapes and sizes. And all of them mix fantastic drinks delivered with humor.
2. Cool and unusual drinks. Try the elderflower sour (floral essence with bite and a frothy egg white consistency). YUMMMMM! All the special drinks I've had have been delicious, but that's my favorite. Last time I was there I got a special strawberry, balsamic and mint martini. Too good to last :)
3. Ambiance to swoon an alley cat. I love the dichotomy of this joint. It's downtown, but it's upstairs... It's indoor loft and outdoor upscale patio... the city scape in the distance and the rough walled interior. I wish this was my apartment.
4. Food to fall in love with. Jamal is the man. His flavor combinations are out of this world and deserve to be in an upscale dining establishment. That being said, the menu here just "fits". It's edgy, it's creative, it's DELICIOUS! Seared ahi served with curry sauce and house pickled red cabbage. Sounds weird but the flavors work wonders. Bacon gnocchi with house pickled onions. Oh my eff'n gawd. My mouth needed to eat this, but just didn't know it yet. Basil shrimp (great portion) and hush puppies with smoked tomato sauce. I could go on.
I think I just convinced my self that I need to go out tonight ; ) Maybe I'll see ya there???
Notice how many bars in Hawaii have numbers in or as their names? I think they do it to intentionally confuse the already drunk ragers in town. It's like..huh..where do I meet you? Thirty nine hotel? Apartm3nt? What? They both have "3"'s in them. WHERE.DO.I.MEET.U?
Good times!
After a quick ascent up the staircase, I arrive in a bright airy little space. Stark white walls. Cool looking outside patio w/ sparkly lights overhead. A film projected on the walls. Crowd was thin (it was a slow weekday). Mostly a few hipsters wallflowering it out and watching the show being put on by my friends that I will now affectionately refer to as "bonerfaces" to protect the innocent.
They were double-digit deep in shots by the time I was able to join them. Two of the guys were drenched...I'm talking soaking wet. No, it wasn't raining outside. They were giving each other vodka showers and pouring drinks on each others heads. I know this because later that night, one of them tried to pour a drink on my head. Fucking bonerfaces. lol.
Anyway, so I was there all but 5 minutes, and I hug the girls, then the not so drunk ones, then on to the really rage face ones who were soaking wet with alcohol, and my outfit gets kinda ruined. Good thing it was vodka and didn't stain.
Then they ordered another round of shots, more splashing of drinks between bonerface #1 & bonerface #2..and the bartender was so freakin' chill, collected and all like "hang loose, brah" cool about it. The other people in the room were probably a little disturbed by the fiasco. The rest of us just laughed and had a great time watching the antics.
So about 15 minutes later, we left to go to V Lounge. After they helped wipe off the bar and floor, that is.
Bonerfaces rule. Hawaii rules. Go drink here. Shaka.
"Can I get a Maker's Mark Manhattan?" I asked.
"FUCK yeah!" enthused the bartender.
I assumed (rightly) that he hadn't made such a drink for anyone in quite some time. Honolulu is notorious for boring drinkers. MUH. Over it. Oh wellz.
Jesse and Ryan are two of the most fun and generous bartenders in the city, and they really do love their alcohol. I asked for a splash of orange bitters or perhaps Peychaud's in my Manhattan, and Jesse lamented that they had neither, likely becos they're not as in demand as the rote Angostura. I mean, no worries.
Meanwhile a guy behind me dropped his Tanqueray-and-tonic and Ryan refilled it at no charge. A regular customer approached the bar for another SoCo-Coke and Jesse said, "Is this your last one, bro? You're looking pretty smashed. Lemme give you some water too." Another drunken soul came forth and had no idea what to order, except "anything with whiskey." What would appear but a perfectly concocted Jack Daniel's sour, and before the guy stumbled away, "HoHO, tell me, tell me, make sure you love it!!"
This kind of attention ensures repeat clientele, which is a good-looking, heavy tipping crowd that likes to get sloshed.
Since the space is on the second floor I can look around and not see the gnarlies that pervade the late-night Chinatown streets, which only stokes my fiery love for this place that makes me forget where I am.
Frick am I glad I found this place.
Things i love:
1. Kittens
2. Lucky Charms marshmallows
3. Thirtynine Hotel
The best drinks on Oahu, hands down!
I've been coming here for years. Yes, Christian is the best bartender ever, but the rest of the staff can make a mean drink too. They are all super cool to talk with too, so grab a seat at the bar if it's too hot outside.
Go for happy hour, for an extensive $5 cocktail menu. My personal fave is the Papa Dobles. It really doesn't matter though, pick any cocktail. They are all magical. Fresh ingredients =fresher cocktails. If you have don't mind off happy hour prices ($10 or so), ask Christian to whip up a surprise for you. Â This is his craft, so let him paint you a masterpiece.
If you like the Pearl type of crowd and listen to top 40 hits, then this place is probably not for you (except of course on First Fridays, when all the good little trendy soldiers follow each other into Chinatown). Â It's typically not packed for happy hour. Catch some of their live music nights, when there's more of a crowd.
Outdoor patio is the best little spot in Chinatown. Great for all you smokers out there too!
They have some traveling art exhibits on constant rotation, so it's always interesting to see what's hanging on the stark white walls. Â
Oh, a few months ago, they added a new chef. He's whipping up some pretty decent stuff, so check out the grub.
Happy anniversary to 39. They celebrate 6 years tonight. Â Congrats!
Went to Thirtynine Hotel with my BF for a Saturday night birthday get together for our lovely friend Krista. It was her 30th birthday so she requested no gifts and that everyone wear black. She's much nicer than I am and would never have requested that no one bring gifts. You're getting older, gravity is starting to take hold and make everything sag, the least you should get is a bunch of presents. That's just my two cents
Her party was on the outdoor patio, which I think is a wonderful little spot to gather with friends. It was a beautiful night and groups mingled over delicious cocktails. You could smell the food coming from their small kitchen and I was bummed we had already eaten because the smell was more intoxicating than hot coffee and malasadas. Okay, so I take that back because hot coffee and malasadas is pretty freakin' hard to beat and I'd hate to let you down with false promises. I told my BF that we really need to come here more often but it's just one of those places you sort of forget about unless a friend is throwing a party there. The last time we were here was for our friend Vicky's "Tokyo Drift Party." Fairly epic and I will use any excuse to dress up as a Harajuku girl. Some girls like Barbie, I'm much more Gwen Stefani meets Hello Kitty.
Krista's birthday party just happened to be on the same evening as Thirtynine Hotel's "Veggie Party," where you get in free when dressed as a vegetable. Not exactly the best themed party idea I've ever come across but I guess everyone is at least pretending to be healthy. There were a few staff members dressed up as broccoli, tomatoes, and celery but it was hard for me to imagine that they'd have a great costume turn out. When was the last time you dressed as a healthy green veggie packed with fiber? Prostitute, transvestite, America's best dance crew maybe. But veggie? That's just crazy. : )
Maybe we came on the wrong night last night? Â I was grateful that one of our friends were able to get all 8 of us for a nominal fee. Â I have no idea how much it cost, but I would never come back here for first Friday to pay for this.
The bar is tiny, the outdoor patio is all filled with nothing but smokers. Â The place is super dark, but I guess when you're drunk it's all good. Â
My husband and I were able to grab a couple of seats near the dance floor on some chaise looking seats. Â I hear the drinks were not too shabby for about $7 per drink. Â
They were bumpin' trance music and it was getting louder by the second. Â I'm regretting every moment of it, because as I'm writing this review, my ears are still ringing... Aww, this sucks! Â Needless to say, we were in and out within 30 minutes. Â We should have just stayed at The Venue.
I don't remember when I discovered 39 Hotel (or Upstairs as I sometimes call it); it just feels like I have always been there. I love this place! Set above the din of Hotel St. and above Bar 35, its outdoor patio is a slice of heaven. This is even more evident when Christian, an internationally acclaimed mixologist (he is so much more than a bartender) is working, because the man is a cocktail god.
The cocktail list is extensive and "fancy", but if you go during Happy "Hour" (4-8pm and the happiest around, in my opinion) all cocktails are half price. Even at full price, they are worth it; every drink I have ever had there has been amazing - except for the Dark & Stormy. But that's just me. As my good friend Nicole B said, "Guys, don't be scared to be fruity," and she is exactly right. In fact, one time we even provided our own grapes for a cocktail, but that is just one of the many fun stories spawned in this tucked away hamlet for discerning booze hounds.
My absolute favorite drink - and the reason I will always keep coming back - is the Mai Tai. Â This is not your fruit-laced, touristy beach Mai Tai (not that there's anything wrong with that!). This is what Mai Tai's were supposed to be. Smooth and strong dark rum (these bad boys are potent!), fresh lime, sugar... they are amazing. Get one!
I used to love the pupu menu (also discounted during Happy Hour), but they have brought in a new Chef (purportedly from Town) with a new menu. His offerings are good - and I hear they have since been changed yet again even more recently - but I miss my old favorites. Â Still, I suspect I will find some new ones.
39 Hotel is a great spot for pau hana cocktails, live mellow music on Fridays, rotating art on the walls and a wide array of activities throughout the week. Check it out!
Night of debauchery continues..
Great bar with an open floor with couches, Im glad Thirtynine realizes floor space is hard to come by with DT bars. The outside patio is also spacious and provides more seating areas.
They could use a few more bartenders but the waitresses come by soon enough. Men's restroom isnt the best but Ive never been in there when my vision wasnt blurred so I cant be too harsh.
My only word of caution are the steep steps at the entrance/exit, its tricky maneuvering down when you've had more drinks than you can count. There is a handrail (I was leaning on) that guides you safely down the steps but be warned it unfaithfully stops about three or four steps shy of the end of the stairwell, I nearly did a face plant had it not been for my ninja reflexes. still got it!
Had some friends in town this week, so we decided to check out first fridays. First stop of the night was 39hotel.
I've been here one other time, and I vaguely remember as all of us were pretty faded that night haha.
We rolled up at around 10. Line was relatively short. There was a $5 cover charge. I don't think i paid cover last time though? Oh well. Pretty cheap.
Walk up the staircase, to find a metric ton of people. This place was packed!!
They were playing 80's music which is awesome to dance to when you're drunk! And a lot of dancing is what we did! Although it's a bit difficult to dance salsa to 80's :) Walked around to the outdoor patio area. Too much people, but I really like the way everything was set up.
This place might be a lot more enjoyable when it's not so crowded. TONS of girls! and some guys too if you're interested in those. I'll stick to the girls thank you very much.
Bartenders were on it like a fat kid on cake. I was seriously impressed. Drinks were reasonably priced and strong. I can't seem to remember how much exactly, as we hopped around to a bunch of places that night, but I remember that this place was one of the cheaper ones.
Overall, this place rocks. Awesome drinks, awesome people, awesome music, awesome time!!!
First visit and wouldn't you know that  it was just a few days after a new chef came on board. My friend and I are foodies from the mainland and I'll say that the dude nailed it! All very satisfying. Shared a moroccan eggplant dish, a delicious grilled fish on fennel and some very tender pork in a tangy sauce - not quite BBQ, not quite Cuban.
Loved the outdoor patio atmosphere and the funky Chinatown vibe. As for the drinks, it was Peruvian Independence day so I went with Pisco Sour. Muy delicioso!
This is, hands down, my absolute favorite place for cocktails in Chinatown.
Here's what I recommend: Head up the narrow staircase, bypass the indoor lounge and head straight for the open-air bar to the back. Pick a spot. Ask for Christian. Pray to whoever you usually pray to that he's there. In case you're wondering, Christian (the head mixologist) is a god. Seriously - this man makes the best drinks I've ever had. Order yourself one of the many cocktails - and men - don't be afraid of a little fruit. At thirtynine hotel it's totally okay, I promise. My usual standby is the Late Night, which has blackberries, lime and fresh mint muddled in with vanilla vodka. Sooooo good. If you're feeling peckish, the appetizer menu is pretty decent. The fries are excellent, the mini pizza is pretty good, and the cheese plate is fun to share. You have your drink? Good...now take a sip and relax...deep breath in. Enjoy! Repeat as necessary. ;o)
A word to the wise: this place gets insanely packed on First Friday, but during the week it's the most mellow spot for pau hana drinks and snacks. Great value during happy hour, too, when drinks are half price! The other Friday nights of the month there's live music - chill stuff - guitar and vocals only, totally not overpowering, so you can still have a conversation. Have fun!
I love a good bar, and this is definately on the list. It does deserve a 5 star, but the 4 because I somehow do not feel too attached to this place. I like a slightly more darker place. Less crowded. BUT... don't go by me. EVen I think this place is awesome and its not even totally my style. Perfect for an early drinking date. The coconut explision was YUM! Oh and smokers... Youre allowed to smoke outside (I quit smoking... thats probably why I don't feel totally at HOME there).
BUT.. its a must visit.
LOCATION
On N. Hotel Street between Smith and Nuuanu
I highly advise you to look on Google Maps if you are unfamiliar with the Chinatown area. I don't usually venture into Chinatown but I know it's confusing and Google Maps helped me find it like this *SNAP*!
1. Type Google Maps in <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2FGoogle.com&s=4322f8dc06a941c6ed536635e642b9e8b3da0a5f12355b2e38c19145fc20844b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://Google.com</a>
2. In the search bar, type in the address
3. On the left column, you will see "At this address" and it will show you "ThiryNine Hotel LLC" - click on it.
4. A pop up box  will show up. It'll have link options - click on STREET VIEW (a new interactive, close up view). Move your mouse around, and you will notice circles will pop up - this is the zoom feature. Double click and it will zoom in. You can also click and drag to look around the area. Â
PARKING
There is no parking on N. Hotel St. You'll need to find street parking on cross streets or park at municipal lots. My friend parked at Mark's Garage, but I parked on the municipal lot on Maunakea. Â Drive slow and keep a lookout.
Parking rate was $3.00 at the Maunakea lot for 4.5 hours - not bad at all.
SCENE
Came here on Thursday night. Empty. I love empty bars.
The interior design is very classy. Low lights. Candles. Very clean look, simplistic. If it's not packed, it'd be a great romantic lounge. Love that too.
There's an outside area as well, so you can look at the stars. I want an apartment like this place.
PUPUS
Spanish tapas. I didn't buy any but they sounded good.
OVERALL
I'll be back on a not crowded night with an appetite. :D
I love you thirtynine let me count the ways.
You could fall in love with the bartenders they are so sweet and make the BEST drinks eva!!! I said COULD fall in love, could, remember that now.
Yums: The Rose Collins, Thai Mi Up, Rasberry Cooler, Strawberry Fields, and they serve Prosecco! They got beers for the menses too of course. Hear the spanish tapas are delicious but have yet to try them.
They feature different artists with installation pieces galore. It's an artist's haven.
BUT BUT BUT you gotsta play some music we can dance to damn it! The dance floor is pretty sizeable but ain't no one ever dancin! Minus a couple events I went to where everyone was super D and running around in black underwear and crazy hats. I appreciate a Passion Pit mix as much as the next but play some vintage Madonna to get the crowd goin'!
The lanai area is the crowd winner and it's not unusual to walk in and have the "Whoa where did everyone go?" moment before realizing half the chicks are standing in line for the bathroom and everyone else is chillaxin outside. It's the perfect people watching spot and the only tourists you see here thankfully have tour guides.
It's hard to breathe during First Friday here, like all the other bars. But who needs to breathe anyways?
This review is based on an event we had at thirtynine hotel
*Booking the event: Needs Improvement
The coordinator was friendly, however she double-booked us with a wedding which caused us to reprint our invitations and lots of unnecessary stress (She ended up compensating us for the reprinting of the invites and booked us for the next night). We were a bit frustrated that she could not provide simple measurements or photos of the space which caused some confusion in terms of renting furniture and planning our layout.
*Communication: Needs Improvement
Between email and phone it was hard to get a hold of the coordinator. They seem to work on "Hawaiian Time" because she was late to open the doors the day of our event and the day after our event which caused our rental companies to have to wait or come back later. They really need to work on being prompt and more professional if they expect customers to consider them a true event space.
*Drinks: Excellent
Our guests enjoyed the mixed drinks and the friendly bar staff
*Ambiance: Excellent
This was probably one of the saving graces about thirtynine hotel and the only reason they got 3 stars. Guests appreciated the fact they could chill outside and smoke or sit inside and enjoy the live music. The patio is gorgeous at night with the lowlit candlelight and string lighting.
If you plan to have an event here be sure to consider that you have to haul everything up a narrow set of stairs. Â Get ready to tip your delivery crews...big time!
Overall our guests were very happy with the event and we had a great time but I feel our experience would have been more pleasant if the coordinator were more organized and proffessional.
Dontcha love it when places name themselves their address? Â Don't let the lack of creative naming keep you from this otherwise creative space. Â Plus, it's actually really easy to figure out where it is.
Case in point:
1 Market in San Francisco.
It's a great multimedia space, it houses some awesome monthly events like Showdown in Chinatown and is a blast to go on First Fridays. Â
I fell in love with the chill atmosphere here. Â You can either get a drink and chill inside or just choose to get sloshed outdoors. Â The lights and ambiance are great, although it may depend on what is playing on the projection wall. Â
Sometimes there's live music here and it can range from jazz (On tuesdays i believe) to rock. Â
Definitely worth a check out, and most nights it's free. Â 21 and over only on most nights though, so leave your minor friends at home. Â
Plus, if it's not what you're looking for that night, all you gotta do is literally go Next Door. (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/owB60DgZx7BHBinUbTAuKg?hrid=pqjTL-BTgvhoNoEyCx0Yxw">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a>)
It's a neat combination, Thirty-Nine Hotel and Next Door.
The only bad thing about this place is if you have someone with you who is handicapped, you can't really bring them here because the only way in is a huge staircase. Â How they get around laws I'm not sure...
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