L’Aperitif

Went here after dinner down the road at sansei. We were at orchids the night before, and before dinner didn’t see a bar inside, so based on the guidance from the hostess at orchids were not 100% sure we could get in to la apéritif based on the fact that I wasn’t wearing a jacket and tie. However, on a whim, we ventured up the staircase the next night to see what the deal with this place was. We were checking out the la mer menu when the hostess from the restaurant asked if she could help us. We asked where L apéritif was, and she told us to follow her.
I was wearing jeans, a button down shirt, and decent closed toe shoes, but certainly not a jacket and tie. I notice her glance at my shoes as she walked us in, I’m sure to check that they were not flip flops, and she seated us right at the bar at L apéritif. We were the only ones there on a Saturday night from the time we sat at 10 to the time we left at 11. It was a cool experience, the cocktails are really special here. They are pricy at $ 20 a piece, but the ingredients and preparation are top notch. I had an old fashioned, which was very good, and the signature smoked Manhattan. It’s really cool to watch them make the Manhattan, as they smoke it and add a few different types of booze from different individual barrels. My wife had a great Cosmo, and then when she said she didn’t want another drink, the bar tender gave her a glass of the house vermouth for free. He also gave us a nice plate of warm nuts on the house.
This place was dead quiet though, we only saw 2 – 3 couples dining in the restaurant, and as I said, we were the only ones at the bar. The bar tender explained that he had been working there for 15 years, and that for 11 of them no one had even come into the bar, as they didn’t even know it existed. That’s why they gave it it’s own distinct name, separate from la mer. He seemed happy just to see and talk to anyone, as he regaled us with many stories ranging from ancient Hawaiian history to the story behind how they concocted the famous Manhattan recipe. He was great to talk to.
Now, why one star off. They need to make it clear that the dress is more relaxed than having to wear a suit. They will get a ton of more customers, we almost didn’t go because I thought I couldn’t get in the way I was dressed. I guarantee if they relaxed the dress code that they don’t even enforce, more people will venture up the stairs for drinks and dinner. I know it’s the only five diamond restaurant in Hawaii, but people are on vacation and want to dress accordingly. Other than that, this place is awesome.

This place is absolutely gorgeous; a lovely lounge with the decadence of a 1920’s supper club. Beware that it IS expensive with cocktails at $ 20 a pop. BUT you’re not just paying for the drinks, you’re paying for the white-​glove service, the elegant atmosphere, the little amuse bouche that accompanies your well-​executed drink, the thoughtful rose in every ladies’ glass; essentially, you’re paying for the experience, and believe me, it is well worth it.
We came here on our last night in Oahu to start my gal’s birthday celebrating in style, and it was the perfect way to toast her special day. It’s name is absolutely apropos as it’s the perfect way to begin any evening.
We will return as L’Apéritif has secured return customers in our little group.

Love Jenna bartender mixologist supreme at lapertif in the halekulani hotel. An upscale bar with live piano music does not disappoint with friendly knowledgable service. I ordered a delicious drink off of the menu but it was too sweet so she made me her own creation based on what I like and it was one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. She even let us taste test two different gins we haven’t had before. There is a dress code buts Hawaii dressy Aloha shirts and pants ok! My favorite bar bartender and cocktail so far here. Loved manifest but this was just one step higher and now I have to go to pint and jogger to compare on Jenna’s recommendation

Amazing cocktails but a little pricey but comes with a little bit size appetizer and rose for girls

Beautiful ambiance, elegant setting, romantic and classical upscale bar. Handcrafted cocktails, great selection of wines. Great for dinner!

Unique and cool concept! Go there for apéritif before heading to one of the other venues on the property for drinks or dinner.

A stunning bar nestled within La Mer, polished hardwood, the hint of sea air, it exudes Hawaiian elegance.
The bar is unique; focusing on contemporary reinventions of classic French cocktails. Simply put, these are sexy cocktails, unique in flavor, gentle on the palate. A sip. A nod to acknowledge their quality then they fade to become a pleasant background note enlivening the evening’s conversation.
Rather than explain:
La Rose d’Henri (Noilly Prat vermouth, gin and Marasquin cherry liquor), blush in color, gentle sweetness, complex botanical finish with the hint fruit.
Verlaine (Champagne and Absinthe), subdued fruit with and hints of yeast becoming herbaceous and floral on the finish. Acidity and bitterness balance the drink.
Need to feel more like a man? Try the Hemingway Old Fashioned (Fresh lemon and orange juice, bourbon and bitters from Trinidad). Stirred, not shaken. A classic. The Mach 2 (Laphroaig and Green Chartreuse), sweet, smoky, incredibly complex.
Priced at $ 20 (don’t balk, the price per shot for bottle service at a cheap Vegas club exceeds $ 20), each is paired with an amuse. No fries and chicken wings; instead an outstanding foie crème brulee whose mineral notes pair with the flavors of absinthe, a parmesan phyllo crisp with balsamic syrup whose natural salinity enhances the background note of bitters, a salmon cornet that is a natural pairing to the smoke and iodine of Laphroaig.
The accompaniments are also available as «bar snacks». Wine and other libations also offered but not promoted on their menu.
Note: Jackets or a long sleeve shirt for the guys. Don’t go on a warm, humid night.
A destination in its own right.