Beer Lab Opens a Fun Bar and Lounge with Food at Puck’s Alley

Photo: Alexander Gates

It’s been eight years since Beer Lab Hawai‘i debuted on University Avenue, eight years that have seen the local brand open more locations than it’s closed. The latest: The original brewery and taproom recently shuttered to make way for redevelopment, the Waipio brewing facility closed and brewing has moved to the Beretania brewpub—and on Monday, across the street from where it was born, Beer Lab opened a bar, lounge and restaurant at Puck’s Alley.

Co-owner Nick Wong. Photo: Alexander Gates

I got an early look at the new Bamboo Tiger Shop by Beer Lab HI with owners Nicolas and Kailey Wong. “We looked at this spot and thought about all the weird and interesting things we’ve already done. We want to make this a fun spot to drink and don’t want to take it seriously,” Nick says. Adds Kailey, “We saw things we liked over the years that didn’t fit the other locations and wanted to do them all!”

Photo: Alexander Gates

That explains a space that marks a departure for Beer Lab. Unlike the spare, craft-beer-geeky vibe of its Pearlridge and Beretania locations, Bamboo Tiger is eclectic and fun. Where dividing walls once stood is an open space with different seating areas: Half-booths and tables in the main area, a lounge of fluffy furniture and high top tables, and bar seating at the back. Some of the bar tops were salvaged from the original University space; the Wongs say fans of the Waipio bar will also find homages in the décor.

Photo: Courtesy of Kaelyn Okuhata

Dark walls showcase brightly colored lanterns hung from the ceiling and murals and paintings by local artist Kaelyn Okuhata (@artbysachiko). “This mural incorporates the daruma figure, but in the form of tigers to represent the Bamboo Tiger Shop name,” Okuhata says. “Darumas signify good fortune for those who make a wish on them by filling in one eye when the wish is made, and the other when it comes true. ‘Drink beer, my friend’ is a play on Bruce Lee’s ‘Be water, my friend.’”

Photo: Alexander Gates

As the name implies, Bamboo Tiger by Beer Lab is mostly about beer, but there are more options. Soju selections, simple cocktails and wine complement the food menu, plus there’s soda. There are plans to brew kombucha on site. Beer Lab’s full selection of rotating and new beers will be on tap, including hazy IPAs and sours.

SEE ALSO: Beer Lab Just Opened a Beer Garden and Poke Counter on Beretania

The Wongs’ idea of casual fun shows in the menu, with offerings such as Garlic Korean Rexy with Magic ($12, it’s a chicken dish), Thaiger Power Thai Curry with Fire ($12), truffle parmesan wings ($14), Chinese Salt Pep Wings ($14), Beer Lab’s famous smoked ‘ahi dip with chips ($15), salads ($14) and plenty to munch on while drinking with daikon or cucumber pickles ($5), seasoned fries ($8) or a rice bowl ($3). Chicken also comes in sando form ($14) with options of spicy, taco, plain or omakase (rotating). Another playful touch: All the dishware is mismatched, giving a feel of decades past. Here, you order and pay through QR codes on the tables or order at the bar.

Photo: Alexander Gates

Merchandise, including growlers, glassware, T-shirts, stickers and dog toys, is sold here. A private room at the back can be rented out when it’s completed, and Beer Lab validates for parking at Puck’s Alley.

Open Monday to Thursday 2 to 10 p.m., Friday 2 p.m. to midnight, Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 2600 S. King St., beerlabhi.com, @beerlabhi