Bar Leather Apron

Courtney M

Edited a year ago

You can make reservations online via the Resy app. On the 1st of the month at 0700, reservations are released for the next month. The reservations get filled up very, very quickly. Made reservations online pretty far in advance. Small bar with great ambiance. Lots of good whiskey options. Every drink we ordered was explained to us in detail. Definitely worth it!

Jay Maldonado

a year ago

An Unforgettable Cocktail Experience at Bar Leather Apron From the moment my wife and I stepped into Bar Leather Apron, we knew we were in for something special. Finding the entrance was a bit of an adventure, as the bar is tucked inside an office building, but the security staff was incredibly helpful in pointing us in the right direction. Once inside, we were warmly welcomed and seated by the hostess, setting the tone for an exceptional evening. Justin, one of the owners, was behind the bar crafting some of the best cocktails we’ve ever had. Watching him work was an experience in itself—his precision, passion, and knowledge of mixology made every drink a story worth savoring. The awards lining the walls make perfect sense the moment you take your first sip. We knew Bar Leather Apron focused on cocktails rather than full entrees, but the appetizers alone were enough to satisfy. The pizza butter and charcuterie board were not only delicious but surprisingly filling. As for the drinks, every single one was a masterpiece. I had the El Umami and a Suntory whiskey flight, while Amanda enjoyed Flowers for You and The Rocking Chair—each offering flavors unlike anything we’ve ever tasted. Beyond the drinks, what made the night truly special was the atmosphere and service. Justin’s enthusiasm and expertise shone through in every cocktail he crafted, and it was clear that he takes immense pride in his work. The entire experience was flawless—intimate, engaging, and unforgettable. If you’re in Oahu and love expertly crafted cocktails, Bar Leather Apron is an absolute must. We’ll definitely be back. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hal Davis

a year ago

Bar Leather Apron is a special place. A truly superlative bar experience with a knowledgeable staff. It is the crown jewel in the Hawaii bar scene, and one of the best bars in the country. Sadly, the reservation system they currently use just doesn't work. Looked every day for 2 months and showed every seat booked. Showed up and fortunately they save some seats for walk-ins. However the way it's currently presented i would not have even stopped in if I had not been very close by. I very much wish they would change this and be responsive to email / calls to sort out the walk in situation. I feel like as it currently exists the bar is losing a lot of business and many potential devoted customers are missing out.

Kara Scanlon

a year ago

We struggled to get into the bar because we didn’t realize we had to go inside the building and walk a bit. The security guard helped us get to the right place. I highly recommend making a reservation because then you can sit at the bar and talk to the knowledgeable bartenders. We were able to sit in the lounge which was beautiful with solid wood tables and leather couches. Everything was mind-blowingly delicious with complex flavors. Any of the cocktails are a good choice. I loved all the new flavor profiles I got to try!

Kristi Redd

4 months ago

What an unforgettable experience. The best curated cocktails, service, and even the food are all top notch. A hidden gem you should not miss!

Kaiyu Zhang

5 months ago

The best lounge in Honolulu. The atmosphere is super great. All drink serving with tobacco is unique and tasty. The most amazing part is the final dessert.

Dhaval Dixit

5 months ago

Amazing drinks and hospitality. We had the espresso martini (their unique take on it), el umami, and yuzu sour. Wife loved the espresso martini and I enjoyed both of mine. Yuzu sour was really refreshing and really nice flavor or hojicha with the yuzu. Lots of cocktails to choose from. Our server explained the drinks really well and made us feel extremely welcome and comfortable.

Robert E

Edited 3 months ago

An absolutely amazing experience from beginning to end. The service is impeccable and the ambience was cozy and intimate. The servers and bartenders were personable enough that nothing came across as pretentious. All of the cocktails had a high degree of execution and had complex, satisfying tastes. Justin was thorough in his explanations of each cocktail and his showmanship was refined. I can’t wait to come back, even if it means fighting for a reservation again. The low reviews are a combination of baffling and funny. None of their smoked cocktails came across as overwhelming, and if these cocktails are what you consider gimmicky then you’re better off sticking with plain old fashioneds and Moscow mules at your favorite corner bar. I’m confused as to how so many people saw a classy cocktail bar and thought that it would be an appropriate place to swing by for a quick pregame. There is one bartender making all of the cocktails, and each cocktail is a show unto itself. This place is about relaxing and enjoying the experience. It took 30 minutes for us to get our first cocktails…you ain’t finishing a drink in 20 minutes lol @Jessica Janish, or I should say Karen Kanish, your whole review was just whining because you felt slighted. Platforms like OpenTable, TableCheck, etc. include a field in all reservations by default to note if you’re celebrating a special occasion, but it’s up to the individual restaurants to do anything special for it. If it matters that much to you, this should have been checked with the bar beforehand. But really…who even cares about this aside from people trying to get free food? It takes a serious case of main character syndrome to get bent over not having your birthday recognized by complete strangers.

Diana Kim

6 months ago

ok… YOU 👏🏽 HAVE 👏🏽 TO 👏🏽 GO 👏🏽 IF 👏🏽 YOU 👏🏽 CAN! Bar Leather Apron is a James Beard Award–winning cocktail bar in Honolulu that 100% lives up to the hype! Every drink here is an experience. They’re balanced, creative, and always delicious 🍸They have a 2 cocktail minimum, but trust me, you’ll want more. The bartenders are not only friendly but also super knowledgeable. They display the elements of your drink in front of you and then walk you through the flavors, so it feels both fun and educational. The space is cozy and intimate, but know that reservations are tough to get! (they recently switched from Resy to OpenTable, so keep an eye out or you might get lucky with a walk-in). I’ve never had a bad cocktail here. Definitely worth it! 🥃

Ron A

4 months ago

Bar Leather Apron is easily one of Honolulu’s most exceptional cocktail experiences—a place where precision, creativity, and genuine hospitality all come together seamlessly. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the care and craft behind every detail, and that feeling only deepens as the night goes on. The cocktails alone are worth planning an evening around. In the Soul is a standout—balanced, expressive, and layered in a way that unfolds sip after sip. The Japan is elegant and refined, a beautiful reflection of the bar’s deep respect for Japanese technique. The Matcha is both comforting and complex, with its velvety texture and earthy aroma, while the Sagano Smoke adds a dramatic flair, weaving smokiness and subtle sweetness into something unforgettable. And if you prefer something more delicate, the Fruity & Floral is bright, aromatic, and wonderfully refreshing. But the surprises don’t end with the drinks. The Brioche with pizza butter is an absolute revelation—warm, soft, and perfectly indulgent. It’s the kind of bite that makes you stop mid-conversation just to appreciate how unexpectedly incredible something so simple can be. What elevates the entire experience, though, is the service. Scotty is phenomenal—attentive, personable, and clearly passionate about the craft. And co-owner Jason sets the tone with his expertise and warm, welcoming presence. Together, they create a space that feels refined yet relaxed, where every guest is treated with genuine care. Bar Leather Apron isn’t just a bar—it’s a world-class cocktail destination. Whether you’re a dedicated spirits enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable night out in Honolulu, this is the place that will exceed every expectation. This is easily a must on my list for all future trips to Oahu.