WE'RE CRAVING: SOMETHING COLD TO DRINK

Coffee Day

From the outside, Coffee Day doesn't seem like anything more than a uninspired coffee stand. But step inside, and suddenly you're transported to a colorful, cozy cafe with lots of comfy couches and an amazing selection of fresh fruit juices, smoothies, bubble teas and coffee. It's like stepping into a scene from a K-drama.

Coffee Day, 661 Ke'eaumoku St., 941-6225

Hank's Haute Dogs

In addition to its menu of great franks, like the traditional Chicago-style and the Polish dogs, Hank's makes it own amazing liliko'i lime soda and pineapple slush. Sometimes we go to Hank's just for the drinks.

Hank's Haute Dogs, two locations: 324 Coral St., 532-4265; 2330 Kalakaua Ave., 295-6660

Hau Tree Lanai

Sure, it's a picturesque place to take in a good meal, but it's the signature fruit punch — made with real fruit juice, not syrup — that makes us love the Hau Tree Lanai.

Hau Tree Lanai, 2863 Kalakaua Ave., 921-7066

Rainbow Drive-In

The Ifuku family has been operating Rainbow Drive-In since 1961, and surfers, police officers and students crowd outside the pick-up counter for dripping barbecue pork sandwiches, loco mocos, chili rice and the best strawberry slush floats ever.

Rainbow Drive-In, 3308 Kana'ina Ave., 737-0177

Summer Frappe

The owner here does smoothies the Vietnamese way, which means she only uses fresh fruit, ice and sometimes a little sweetener. There are lots of local fruit choices, including pineapple, mango, papaya and pineapple. Summer Frappe also does bubble teas, but stay with the fresh-fruit smoothies. If you haven't been here or to Vietnam, you haven't tasted anything like this.

Summer Frappe, 82 N. Pauahi St., 772-9291

FOOD NEWS

Lewers Lounge at the Halekulani Hotel (2199 Kalia Road) welcomes its director of mixology, Francesco Lafranconi, back to the Islands with a cocktail reception 7:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday. Lafranconi will be mixing the cocktails, which means they'll be good and strong and extra-refined.

Starting today, the beer and food pairing series of events Hops & Grinds is moving to Don Ho's Bar & Grill in the Aloha Tower Marketplace. The monthly event has been held at The Willows for the past few years. This evening's event is titled "Reds, Whites and Blues" and features hand-crafted American beers. It takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door.

This is the last week to take advantage of Top of Waikiki's (2270 Kalakaua Ave.) buy-one-get-one-half-off dinner specials. The offer expires next Friday, July 31. Call 923-3877 for reservations.

Kochi (1936 S. King St.) now offers a sushi bar in addition to its regular menu, plus kids ages 2 to 7 eat free every Monday and Tuesday. Call 941-2835 for more information or to make reservations.

Side Street Inn is now open early on the weekends. Duck in at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and beat the evening and late-night crowds.

JUICY FRUIT

This brightly painted juice bar and sandwich shop, which opened earlier this month, is reminiscent of a side-of-the-road cafe you'd stumble upon in Southeast Asia or South America. Owner Du Dang makes all his bubble teas ($2.75) with fresh fruits that he chops and blends in front of you. Flavors include honeydew, cantaloupe, lychee, avocado and jackfruit. Dang also sells $3.50-$4 Vietnamese-style sandwiches (meatball, pork patty, chicken, sardine), made on toasted French bread, and topped with cucumber, jalapeno, pickled carrots and fresh parsley. With two tables (one inside, one outside), it's a cozy, cheerful spot to stop for a light lunch or cool, fruity beverage.

SUNRISE CAFE

2115 Young St.

389-0333

Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; noon-7 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays

SMALL BITES

FINGER-LICKING GOOD

We found some of the best Southern-style fried chicken on the island ($1.60/piece). And at the most unlikely of places. The Pastele Shop in Kalihi (2101 N. School St.) doesn't only make super 'ono pastele, it also fries up extra-crispy chicken that's flavored just right. We've always ignored the chicken, but now we'll never leave the shop without it.