We were strolling down Lewers Street in the heart of Waikiki when we saw a sign advertising $2 Mai Tais. Well, we'd had a couple awful Mai Tais at $7 or up, so we figured what could we lose?

The Mai Tai uses one shot of Hana Bay dark rum mixed with a green-yellow base (out of a tap), plus ice in a plastic old-fashioned glass. It was a bit tart, like Mountain Dew, but you know what? It actually tasted pretty good! Considering this price, this was certainly the best value in Waikiki. The rating reflects the taste as well as the price.

This bar is located at the basement level of the Outrigger Village, with an entrance on the street. The place a bit seedy, but only because it hasn't had the care and feeding it deserves. There are two bars (only one open when we visited), along with darts, pool tables, a small dance floor, along with the requisite sports programming on the televisions. The low ceiling was covered with one dollar bills people had left here. The nicest part was that there was a window behind the bar which looked out into depths of the hotel pool!

Don't get us wrong. You should not come here if you've missed the Halekulani or Royal Hawaiian or the many other better overall Mai Tai locales. But, if you're looking for a quick, cheap Mai Tai with a good taste, Red Lion worked for us and we think it will for you too.

Taste:
Atmosphere:
Date Visited: October 28, 1999
Reviewed By: Kevin Crossman