Officials were trying to determine what started a fire that caused an estimated $150,000 in damage to Chiko's Tavern at 930 McCully St. early yesterday morning.

About 40 firefighters responded to the 2:24 a.m. alram and had the fire extinguished by 2:55 a.m. The tavern was unoccupied at the time.

Firefighters confined the fire to a portion of the lounge area. Very light smoke was found in the adjoining Camellia Buffet restaurant.

It was third substantial fire at a Honolulu restaurant or bar in as many days.

On Tuesday, the I Love Country Cafe near Ala Moana Center sustained an estimated $200,000 in damage in a 2 a.m. fire that started in the kitchen when food was left on a lit burner.

On Monday, the Denny's restaurant at 2345 Kuhio Ave. in Waikiki sustained $30,000 in damage in a grease fire.