Honolulu, HI

Honolulu Eats: Tommy Bahama for Pineapple Creme Brulee and Frozen Mai Tais

Vee Eats

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I never realized Tommy Bahama was also a restaurant until I saw it on Yelp. Originally I thought it was only a clothing shop for tropical shirts and shorts for the island lifestyle. On the first floor is the standard clothing store but on the second floor, you can dine in and make reservations with the hostess. Head up to the third floor and you’ll reach the outdoor dining area. Known as having one of the best happy hours in Waikiki, Tommy Bahama has a rooftop bar with a nice view of downtown Waikiki and the start of Luxury Row. They have a full bar and even a sandpit with lounge chairs and couches. They currently have a happy hour from 2-5 pm every day at the bar where it is first come first serve but make a reservation ahead of time to guarantee a table. Around 5 pm, they have a live singer to perform which creates the perfect vibes to grab a drink and enjoy the ambiance with friends.

Their happy hour menu is:

  • wines for $7, $8, or $9 (3 tiers to choose from)
  • cocktails for $8 (mai tai, margarita, mojito, sangria, dark & stormy)
  • martinis for $10 (pineapple paradisio, lemon drop, grapefruit basil, coconut cloud)
  • snacks for $10 (fish tacos, coconut shrimp, cheeseburger sliders, island wings)
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Tommy Bahama's menu is quite small but they are highlighting their popular items so it is great to give their food and drinks a try without paying the full price. For cocktails, go for their mai tai or frozen mai tai since they are one of the best on the island. There are many places where the alcohol content to juice content is too strong but at Tommy Bahama, the drink was very enjoyable and I prefer the frozen one the most! I also tried their blackened mahi-mahi tacos and world-famous coconut shrimp and have to say those are one of the best tacos I've had. During happy hour, it comes with two tacos and the shrimp comes with 5. If you're a huge fan of coconut shrimp, go for this one since they have a delicious chili sauce to pair with it and the batter is very crispy. While the pineapple creme brulee is not on their happy hour menu, you must order it if you are a fan of dessert. Made inside a pineapple slide, you'll get the smooth and rich texture of the creme brulee with chunks of pineapple for every bite. Torched perfectly on top, crack through the sugar, and dive into this decadent dessert. I would come back to Tommy Bahama for this dessert alone. If you have time, definitely make sure to check them out for a happy hour and try their drinks and snacks.

Did you know Tommy Bahama was also a restaurant and bar before this article? I was honestly shocked and was glad I checked them out since their happy hour is definitely one of the best on the island! I ended up coming back two more times and also gave this as a recommendation to many friends and family. Let me know your thoughts on Tommy Bahama in the comments below.

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Follow me as I share my passion and opinions about food and travel as a native in the Bay Area. Follow my food Instagram for daily posts: eatswithvinni

San Francisco, CA
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