Wet your whistle on the North Shore

It hasn't been a mind-blowing start to Oahu's annual big surf season, if the surf contests are any measure. The HIC Pro at Sunset Beach a month ago shot off a few fireworks with overhead sets, but Haleiwa had barely enough chest-high surf to power through the Reef Hawaiian Pro, first contest in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

Fortunately, we've got swells. Potential overhead coming this Sunday as we move into the Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach; if another Pacific storm holds up, a bigger swell hitting next Wednesday or Thursday. Stay optimistic.

Meantime, if you've come to the North Shore to see the big surf and find you're cooling your heels instead, fear not. There are plenty of to-dos and great places to eat in the area. Expanding upon those, here's a list of best bars where you can wet your whistle after a day at the beach — assuming you don't have a cooler of beer and a beachfront home at Pupukea, that is.

Surfer The Bar

The newest bar along the Seven Mile Miracle (as the stretch of North Shore surf breaks is known) is sleek, engaging and the first to wear the Surfer Magazine moniker. Surfer the Bar opened at the Turtle Bay Resort last week with a goal to be something of a high-end community center for surfers and North Shore lovers. The performance space at front will host "Talkstory" sessions every Wednesday, with surf luminaries such as Clyde Aikau, Mark Healy and Simon Anderson. There's a $5 cover for these events, with proceeds going to North Shore charities.

The Talkstory stage, with multimedia screen. Photos: 3D Travel, Inc.


It's intimate and fun as a concert and event space. Local musicians John Cruz and Ernie Cruz Jr. kicked off the grand opening party (see video, above). Jack Johnson also performed at a pre-launch gathering, and troubadour Matt Costa takes the stage on Dec. 5 (Tickets, $25). The giant wave "hero of the moment," Garrett McNamara, who charged a 90-footer off Portugal last month, will stop by on Dec. 10 for a free party, open to the public. Obviously there's a lot to see and do there, but you can also stop in for a casual beer and enjoy the classic Surfer covers that adorn the walls.

Ernie Cruz Jr. during the opening set on the Talkstory stage.

Haleiwa Joe's

The combination of a full bar with an array of specialty cocktails, matched with an outdoor lanai with views of quaint Haleiwa Harbor and those killer North Shore sunsets, makes Haleiwa Joe's a happy-hour must. (Theirs is the "Aloha Hour," daily from 4:30-6:30 p.m.) Joe's is often packed by the end of the day, so a lunch break from the beach may be the way to go. Dinner-wise, they're known for their seafood — and for being a little pricey. But try the coconut shrimp. Ono! (Delicious.)

Cholo's Homestyle Mexican

Cholo's has one of the best margarita bars on island. The standard maggies are great, but if you love the Cadillac Margarita, they make one with Patron Silver for $10. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Li Hing Mui — it's a tart plum powder popular in the islands, adds a nice zing. They're paired perfectly with the free and fresh chips and salsa, but they've got a killer plate of nachos if you want to boost the grease. (Who doesn't?)

Jameson's by the Sea

Mai Tai specialists with their own slice of ocean horizon, Jameson's is right on the outskirts of Haleiwa. They're known for their seafood and a popular weekend brunch if you want to plan your imbibing around a meal. Which, of course, is a good idea.

Luibueno's Mexican & Seafood Restaurant

The cocktail list rivals Haleiwa Joe's for variety. Luibueno's has a robust margarita list which you can order in regular or "mega" size, along wtih Latin classics, specialty martinis and a smart array of blanco, reposado and anejo tequilas. Through relatively new in Haleiwa, owner Luis Silva has already made a name for making really good food. "Bueno hours" are 3-5 p.m. and 9:30-10:30 p.m. — and as you can hear in the video from Nonstop Honolulu, happy hour here is popular. Watch local foodie Melissa Chang go through the cocktail-and-grinds line-up.

Pizza Bob's

Beer. Pizza. 'Nuff said. This casual, family-friendly restaurant is the place to go if you have kids but reserve your right to enjoy a brew at the end of a day at the beach. It's just across the driveway from Luibueno's, at 66-145 Kamehameha Hwy.