It’s always really, really busy, and kind of loud—it’s popping. The food comes out really quickly. The drinks come in ridiculous tiki vessels or bowls. And it definitely feels like a party. It’s a very celebratory atmosphere. On nights when I want to be around a lot of energy, it’s really fun to go there.
Everything about Hale Pele makes me happy. The atmosphere is really unique, with tons of vintage tiki touches—even a sunken bar. The drinks are a great mix of classic tiki cocktails, like mai tais and piña coladas, and modern creations original to the bar, like the Tico Tico (cachaça, pineapple, lime, curaçao, and ginger). Lots of the drinks come flaming, and they throw cinnamon on the flames, so the room always has an aroma of toasty cinnamon.
Best Brunch
Start your day with dim sum, classic French, or Mediterranean meze. Sardine Head used to be a pop-up, but now it resides in a neighborhood café called Sweedeedee. At night, it’s a wine bar with light bites and actual table service, but during the day, it’s just a pastry case and a counter with breakfast-y food, and very casual.
