Keeping things fresh out West

Baja Style Fish Tacos ($14)

At Kalapawai Cafe & Deli, it is exactly the kind of neighborhood gathering place in which friendly familiarity seems to come naturally, thanks to bar manager Christine McGrail.

“Chris and her team have done an outstanding job building relationships with our guests,” says operations manager Kat Moon. “Our list of regulars continues to grow!”

Just three years old, Kalapawai Cafe’s indoor/outdoor bar is unique to Kapolei.

Mini Skinnys ($12)

And Kalapawai’s Pau Hana time, daily from 3 to 6 p.m., features $1 off all draft beers, house cocktails and wine by the glass, and $2 off items on the Bar Menu. Eight local draft beers by Aloha Beer Co., Honolulu Beer-Works, Waikiki Brewing, Maui Brewing Co. and Kona Brewing are available on tap.

With executive chef Jason Iwane at the helm, the cafe offers Pau Hana treats like the Baja Style Fish Tacos ($14), available blackened, battered or grilled, made with white corn tortillas, shredded cabbage, cottage cheese, pickled red onions, cilantro and chipotle crema. The classic Buffalo Chicken Wings ($12) are tossed with garlic, butter and Frank’s Hot Sauce, and served with Gorgonzola dipping sauce.

Panzanella Salad $14

Kalapawai’s Mini Skinnys ($12) consist of a trio of BBQ pork sliders topped with housemade coleslaw and pickles. The elegant Panzanella Salad ($14), with arugula, grape tomatoes, cucumber, capers, Kalamata olives, golden raisins, red onion, avocado and red wine vinaigrette, is also available on the dinner menu.