2008 Woodie Awards
Chinese-themed jazz lounge adds to Chinatown
Club Review: The Dragon Upstairs
Vanessa Sim
Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: Mixed Plate
The Dragon Upstairs
1038 Nu‘uanu Ave.
Phone: 526-1411
Visit http://www.thedragonupstairs.com/ for a live music calendar.
From Nu‘uanu Avenue to Maunakea Street, Chinatown's array of dim sum and pho restaurants, open-air vegetable stands and meat and fish markets have long been dominant as the place to be. However, with the opening of new social hangouts and boutiques, and the upward-spiraling popularity of First Fridays, Chinatown is making itself known as the place to be not only in the day, but also at night.
One such place adding to Chinatown's nighttime lure is a second-floor jazz lounge on Nu‘uanu Avenue, right above Hanks Café Honolulu.
The Dragon Upstairs is an easy miss without the red awning and outside signboard. Still, it's usually curiosity or word of mouth that attracts a lot of the Dragon's customers. Formerly Sharky's Tattoo, attention is first commanded with the large stairwell painting of a dragon. Once inside, one's focus is immediately drawn to the lighted, oversized Chinese theater masks hanging on the walls. The décor follows this Asian theme throughout the lounge, giving off a classy, intimate vibe.
Full of regulars and newbies alike, the crowd generally ranges from people in their early 20s to late 60s, all with an enthusiastic attitude for a relaxed ambiance, smooth drinks and great jazz music. If you're looking for dance fever and Jäger bombs, you won't find them here. Instead you'll find a nice $7 cabernet and a "no cheap liquor" policy in substitute of well drinks.
With an easygoing crowd and non-stuffy atmosphere, collegiates will fit right into the menu featuring various beers, wines, champagnes and espressos. Dress neatly and classy - Nirvana-inspired outfits will stand out. Go after a long day of classes or work, unwind with a beer or a glass of wine and enjoy some great live jazz.
1038 Nu‘uanu Ave.
Phone: 526-1411
Visit http://www.thedragonupstairs.com/ for a live music calendar.
From Nu‘uanu Avenue to Maunakea Street, Chinatown's array of dim sum and pho restaurants, open-air vegetable stands and meat and fish markets have long been dominant as the place to be. However, with the opening of new social hangouts and boutiques, and the upward-spiraling popularity of First Fridays, Chinatown is making itself known as the place to be not only in the day, but also at night.
One such place adding to Chinatown's nighttime lure is a second-floor jazz lounge on Nu‘uanu Avenue, right above Hanks Café Honolulu.
The Dragon Upstairs is an easy miss without the red awning and outside signboard. Still, it's usually curiosity or word of mouth that attracts a lot of the Dragon's customers. Formerly Sharky's Tattoo, attention is first commanded with the large stairwell painting of a dragon. Once inside, one's focus is immediately drawn to the lighted, oversized Chinese theater masks hanging on the walls. The décor follows this Asian theme throughout the lounge, giving off a classy, intimate vibe.
Full of regulars and newbies alike, the crowd generally ranges from people in their early 20s to late 60s, all with an enthusiastic attitude for a relaxed ambiance, smooth drinks and great jazz music. If you're looking for dance fever and Jäger bombs, you won't find them here. Instead you'll find a nice $7 cabernet and a "no cheap liquor" policy in substitute of well drinks.
With an easygoing crowd and non-stuffy atmosphere, collegiates will fit right into the menu featuring various beers, wines, champagnes and espressos. Dress neatly and classy - Nirvana-inspired outfits will stand out. Go after a long day of classes or work, unwind with a beer or a glass of wine and enjoy some great live jazz.
***NOTE: Log in before posting a comment. Anonymous comments will not be posted.***
Be the first to comment on this story