Lanterns Restaurant and Tavern is known for its live entertainment and local-style food, including loco mocos, kalua pork nachos and smoked meat brussels sprouts.
The Waiʻanae-based business launched its Halloween pop-up bar at the beginning of the month. It’s open from 6 p.m. to closing on Thursdays to Sundays until Oct. 31.
The eatery featured a Valentine's-themed pop-up in the same space earlier this year.
The pop-up is located in the space adjacent to the restaurant. It’s festively decorated, and is open from 6 p.m. to closing so attendees can enjoy the spooky vibe once the sun sets.
There are numerous photo opportunities within the pop-up. Halloween movies will be playing on the screens, and don’t forget to take photos by the twinkling lights and sign.
Take your pick from seven spooky themed cocktails. They all feature fun names like scream juice ($14) — an alcoholic strawberry punch that’s served in a blood bag — witch’s brew ($14), toxic-tini ($14) and blood bath ($14).
Bite me ($14) comprises Jose Cuervo, ginger liqueur, jalapenos, lime and orange, and is served in a rattlesnake glass.
Meanwhile, the Jack-Pog-Lantern ($40) is designed to share among two or more people. It’s a combination of passion orange guava and rum, and is delivered in a candy bucket with flashing lights.
The restaurant’s full cocktail list, which includes its signature boozy bag drinks ($40 for two or more people to share), is also available at the pop-up.
You can still order from the restaurant’s full food menu while you’re at the pop-up. We’re told the food menu will be changing in the upcoming months.
The Mauka to Makai nachos ($30) — half poke nachos and half kalua pork nachos—is one of the eatery’s most popular dishes. Once the menu changes, it’ll still be available, but only as a “secret menu” item.
The crispy wonton chips topped with fresh ‘ahi poke, unagi sauce, kewpie mayo, tobiko and shredded kalua pork never disappoints.
The crab artichoke dip ($20) is one of my favorite dishes on the menu. Blue crab and artichoke hearts are folded into creamy fontina cheese, resulting in a gooey, cheesy concoction. The dip is served with crostinis, and features a generous portion of crab.
The Rockefeller oysters ($5 each) feature cooked Taylor Farms oysters. Choose from local-style (mayo, cheddar cheese and bacon) or classic style preparations. The latter features spinach cream sauce and bacon.
Get the half-and-half order to try both options.
We’re told the pūpū steak ($25) is another customer favorite. The grilled, sliced steak is topped with sauteed mushrooms and onions, and served with housemade finadene sauce.
The garlic truffle fries ($10) are another popular pūpū. The fries are tossed in truffle oil and garlic, and served with housemade truffle aioli.
The restaurant’s classic prime rib plate ($48) is a must-have, as it’s only available from Thursdays to Sundays. The 14-ounce prime rib is served with your choice of two side dishes, like grilled broccolini, garlic mashed potatoes and a seasonal vegetable medley. You can also upgrade to premium sides like truffle mac and cheese, smoked meat fried rice and a mushroom medley.
The eatery is also hosting a Lanterns After Dark Halloween event from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Tickets ($10) are available online at Eventbrite.com or at the door for $15. Attendees must be 21 years or older to attend. Individuals who come in costume (there will also be a costume contest) will get free Jell-O shots.
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CONTACT
Lanterns Restaurant and Tavern
87-064 Farrington Hwy. second floor, Wai'anae
808-762-0264
lanternshawaii.com
Instagram: @lanternshawaii
Halloween pop-up is open 6 p.m. to closing Thursdays-Sundays
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
