Come on, get happy with new bar, pupus

Shishito Peppers ($7 during happy hour)

Regular and first-time customers at Japengo are in for a treat, as the restaurant recently incorporated some changes. For instance, Japengo recently launched a new menu that’s more focused on seafood and steak. Customers can enjoy specialties like Scallops Truffleyaki ($16) and Pier 38 Fresh Fish ($35), complete with tatsoi (Chinese flat cabbage), tomato and shishito pepper relish, yuzu-miso butter and steamed rice.

But this new menu isn’t the only recent change at Japengo — the Waikiki restaurant also started a new happy hour. During happy hour, all draft beers and house wines are $5. Certain House Cocktails are available for $6, and select pupus — including Japengo Signature Chicken — are $7.

Crispy Pork Chicharrones ($7 during happy hour)

Chef de cuisine Joseph Rose encourages customers to join Japengo during happy hour, whether it’s for drinks, appetizers or the relaxed atmosphere.

“Our new happy hour is Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m., with live music in the lounge,” confirms Rose. “We also have a brand-new bar that is a great place for pupus or a pre-dinner cocktail.”

As far as popular menu items, Rose specifically calls attention to Shishito Peppers and Crispy Chicharrones, both of which are $7 during happy hour.

“The Shishito Peppers are wok fried with sweet soy topped with sesame seeds, bonito flakes and a lemon,” Rose explains. “The Chicharrones are flash fried and tossed with Togarashi spice and ponzu sauce.

“These (items) are both new on the menu and have been very popular so far,” he adds.

Japengo

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa
2424 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki
237-6180
Daily, 6-10 p.m.; lounge opens at 5 p.m. daily; happy hour Friday-Sunday, 5-7 p.m.; live music in the lounge
Japengowaikiki.com