New Cocktail Lounge Offers A Culinary Getaway in Honolulu

Eleven Cocktail Bar makes its debut at Foodland Farms Ala Moana this fall.

Eleven Cocktail Bar’s elevated interior aesthetic by The Vanguard Theory

After over a year of limited gatherings, we’re more than ready to safely reunite—and what better way than over drinks? Coming to Foodland Farms Ala Moana this fall, Eleven Cocktail Bar promises a culinary getaway designed for winding down and shutting out the noise of the world. “We wanted to open a nice, intimate cocktail lounge that’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the mall,” says Eleven’s Keoni Chang. With the spacious feel thanks to high ceilings, combined with cozy tables and hushed lighting, this cocktail-fueled respite is a welcome sanctuary.

An Islay to London Martini, Welcome Aperitif, Horse’s Neck and Old- Fashioned.

The menu here has a variety of inventive small bites that expertly pair with the bar’s extensive beverages. From mouthwatering shareables, like bacon Parmesan popcorn and creative tartines, to a vast selection of housemade desserts, the dishes have all the tools to entice taste buds— and it doesn’t end with the food.

Whiskey on the rocks

With a focus on craft and an innovative approach, the drink selection spotlights original housecrafted cocktails and timeless, well-made classics. “We love how cocktail culture is taking shape in Hawai‘i and saw an opportunity to create a lounge that takes its food and drinks seriously but still feels relaxed,” notes Chang. While Eleven was originally set to swing open its doors in March 2020, he says that come fall, it will all be worth the wait. 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, elevenhnl.com

The Original 195 Martini

TAKE A SIP

For a refreshing cocktail, sample Keoni Chang’s Eleven Cocktail Bar drink of choice, The Vieux Carre. Here’s how to make it yourself.

Ingredients

1 oz. bourbon

1 oz. cognac

1 oz. sweet vermouth

¼ oz. Benedictine

3 dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters

3 dashes of angostura bitters

Orange twist

Directions

Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir the chilled mixture. Strain into a well-chilled coupe or over a large-format ice cube. Top with an orange twist.