Hawai'i's Best Restaurants

	2006 'ILIMA AWARD WINNER - BEST FOR COCKTAILS: CRITICS' CHOICE
	Every year, Advertiser readers are asked to vote for their favorite restaurants in the 'Ilima Awards poll. Meanwhile, our in-house food experts debate to select the critics' choice 'Ilimas, primarily focused on restaurants recently reviewed or revisited. With a few exceptions, categories change each year to keep readers interested and keep the winner list fresh.

BEST FOR COCKTAILS: CRITICS' CHOICE
Lewers Lounge, Halekulani hotel

Jazz lovers appreciate the live music with the duo of Bruce Hamada and Jim Howard, pianist Noly Pa'a or partners Rocky Holmes and Lenny Keyes. Afficionados of the classic cocktail savor the sophisticated drinks service overseen by the "King of Cocktails" Dale DeGroff, who has been conducting training with Halekulani staff for the past couple of years, and drops in periodically to host special events and classes. This pleasantly dim room with its deep, comfy chairs is the perfect spot to lose the stress of a workday, to sit and dreamily digest after a great dinner at La Mer or Orchids, or to take your sweetie for a little tripping of the light fantastic.

Halekulani hotel, 2199 Kalia Road. 923-2311. 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. daily. No reservation. Vs, MC, AX, DC, JCB. Checks accepted. $$.

Web site: www.halekulani.com

Legend:

VS: Visa
MC: Mastercard
AX: American Express
DC: Diners Club
DS: Discover Card
JCB: JCB Card
Olioli: Olioli Card

$$$: Pricey; entrées mostly more than $17
$$: Moderate; entrées $10-$16
$: Budget-friendly; entrées mostly less than $10

Checks: Local checks and travelers’ checks only

Past 'Ilima Award winner

"Cheap eats" restaurant

"Local classic" eatery