When was the last time you held a CD or VHS tape?
You’ll see this — and more — and Cosmic Records, a limited-time ’90s-themed pop-up bar now open in Central Oʻahu.
Cosmic Records just opened in the former space of Chili’s Grill & Bar at Pearlridge Center. The pop-up is open from 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays to Sundays until Aug. 31. No reservations are accepted — walk-ins only — and individuals must be 21 years or older to enter.
Cosmic Records is the latest creation by 17A Productions, the company behind other pop-ups like Halloween-themed Nightmare Honolulu (at Ala Moana Center), ’80s-themed Alpha Video Honolulu (in downtown Honolulu) and The Christmas Lodge, which debuted in the same Pearlridge Center space last holiday season.
For someone growing up in the ’90s, the whole pop-up is a trip down memory lane. For starters, the interior is inspired by Tower Records, which had a location in Pearl Kai Shopping Center across the street.
As soon as you enter the pop-up, you’ll see a wall of hanging headphones — you can wear them for a fun photo opp — and a VHS display with popular movies of the era like “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie,” “Pokemon: The First Movie,” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”
Speaking of movies — you can also easily spot the pop-up from the outside by the movie posters hanging in the window. You’ll see everything from “The Goonies” to “Labyrinth.” Inside the pop-up, if you look closely, you’ll also see VHS tapes that line the walls.
When you enter the pop-up, to the left is the majority of the seating area (if you remember the Chili’s restaurant layout, it’s similar). There’s also an arcade game where customers can play “Mortal Kombat.”
When you enter the pop-up, the bar area is to the right, next to a dance floor with a live DJ who’s playing ’90s hits, of course. The bar menu features mostly drinks with fun names, though one snack is included — the Fanny Pack ($15) contains assorted candies and Pringles, and guests can take the keepsake home.
Popular drinks include Orange Bangarang ($15) — Tito’s and Orange Bang topped with whipped cream — and Neon Spritz ($15). The latter features Tito’s and Harders Hawaiʻi tropical sparkling water with Blue Vanilla or Green River. Saturday Morning Toons ($15) — a mix of RumChata, Tanduay Silver and Cinnamon Toast Crunch milk — is an especially fun option.
If you’re there with a group, getting the Rum Punch Cooler ($45) makes for a fun, photogenic opportunity. The drink comes in an iconic Igloo cooler — remember those? — and features a mix of passionfruit, orange and guava puree, and Koloa Kaua‘i white rum. It’s complete with huge straws to use for drinking.
Stay tuned — we’re told after this pop-up ends, a 2000s-themed one will take its place.
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CONTACT
Cosmic Records
Pearlridge Center
98-130 Pali Momi St., ‘Aiea
cosmicrecordshawaii.com
Instagram: @cosmicrecordshawaii
Open from 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays to Sundays until Aug. 31
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
