Honolulu has no shortage of buzzy hotspots, but locals whisper a little more excitedly when the conversation turns to Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill. 🌺
This unassuming spot on South King Street has built a cult following thanks to its late-night hours, wallet‑friendly happy hour deals, and a wild Italian‑meets‑Japanese menu that somehow makes perfect sense after a couple of cocktails. 🍹
A Large Drink Menu And Amazing Food Make This An Instant Hit With Everyone
What began as a neighborhood bar dedicated to local people has grown into one of Honolulu’s favorite after‑work and late‑night hangouts, helped along by easy access from Downtown, Waikīkī, and Ala Moana plus plenty of free parking. 🚗
Locals rave about the way Chez Kenzo mixes izakaya comfort, playful pastas, and inventive bar bites, all in a place that feels like your friend’s favorite secret rather than a polished tourist trap.
The menu is huge—over 100 different dishes on the official Chez Kenzo menu, including more than 20 types of pasta and plenty of Japanese‑inspired small plates. 🍜
That oversized menu quickly became part of the legend: you come in for a drink and end up sharing sizzling omurice, deep‑fried rock shrimp, and creamy mentaiko pasta you absolutely did not plan on ordering, but now cannot imagine leaving behind.
It is the kind of place where “let’s grab one drink” easily turns into a table covered in tapas plates, empty beer glasses, and a promise to come back with more friends next time.
Fans shout out the Sizzling Omurice, Kenzo Steak, and that creamy mentaiko mayo pasta that migrated over from the chef’s Genius Lounge days—big, shareable plates that make it an instant must‑visit for groups.
Food Highlights
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Sizzling Omurice: Classic Japanese omurice delivered on a hot platter, with soft scrambled egg and savory sauce creating that tableside sizzle regulars talk about as their go‑to comfort dish alongside drinks. 🍳
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Hane Cheese Gyoza: Spinach‑wrapped pork dumplings fused together in a lacy mozzarella crust, giving you crispy edges, gooey cheese, and juicy filling in every bite—often mentioned as one of the most popular appetizers at the bar. 🥟
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Pork Kakuni: Slow‑braised pork belly with deep, sweet‑savory flavor, served izakaya‑style so it is perfect for sharing; many diners call it a must‑order when exploring the more traditional Japanese side of the menu. 🥢
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Deep Fried Rock Shrimp: Bite‑sized shrimp fried to a light crunch, ideal as a snack with beer or sake and frequently praised in happy hour reviews for being both satisfying and easy to share. 🍤
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Agedashi Tofu: Silky tofu lightly fried and served in a flavorful broth, offering a more delicate, classic izakaya dish that balances the heavier fried options on the table and keeps tofu fans very happy.
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Creamy Mentaiko Mayo Pasta: A Joy of Sake favorite that followed the chef from Waikīkī’s Genius Lounge, this spaghetti tossed with spicy cod roe and creamy sauce shows up again and again in write‑ups as a craveable, umami‑packed signature plate. 🍝
Atmosphere
The vibe at Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill leans loud, lively, and unapologetically fun, with music, chatter, and clinking glasses filling the room late into the night.
Inside, you get a relaxed, friendly neighborhood‑bar energy with candlelit tables, a welcoming bar counter, and a private dining area that can host up to 30 for parties or celebrations. 🎉
Outdoor seating, garage parking, and a casual dress code make it an easy meet‑up spot, and the crowd tends to be a mix of locals winding down after work and groups grazing through the massive menu over long conversations.
Servers get praise for being fast, efficient, and consistently friendly, checking on tables often even when the place is packed and everyone seems to be ordering another round.
Big fusion flavors, cheap strong drinks, late‑night hours, and a huge menu make Chez Kenzo perfect for groups, happy hour, or a fun casual date in Honolulu. 🌺
Address:
1451 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96814
📞 (808) 941-2439
🕔 Open daily, Mon–Sun, 5 PM–1 AM