Much Ado About Lulu’sm

To take a break from our studies, especially during midterm season, my friends and I find any excuse to go out and have a good time. This week, I decided to embark on a late-night adventure down Kapahulu Avenue to visit Lulu’s Waikiki.

Despite the buzz I’d been hearing about this bar, I had never been there before. I was glad to find that this bar knows how to throw a fun Monday night party.

Monday nights are industry nights, and cover is free with a pay stub for industry workers. Plus, drinks are half-priced. Even if you don’t work in the industry, it’s a great place to drown those Monday blues and pretend it’s still the weekend.

Here’s how to optimize your time when you go:

STEP 1: ARRIVE EARLY, BUT NOT TOO EARLY

You want to beat the crowd that comes around 10:30 p.m. but you don’t want to be the first person at the bar — that’s awkward. By 10, people start to trickle in as the DJ goes on — and if you’re lucky, you’ll only have to stand in line for five minutes.

STEP 2: GET TO THE BAR ASAP AND ORDER A ROUND OF SHOTS, THEN A BEER OR MIXED DRINK

Now that you’re in a little early, brace yourself for the crowd that will follow. If you find yourself with a clear path to the bar, get there and secure a spot for you and your friends. If you wait too long to order, you’ll have a hard time getting past the masses — and an even harder time getting the bartender’s attention.

STEP 3: DANCE! OR NOT.

DJ Delve’s beats will have you dancing until the lights come on — which totally happened to us. He spins an eclectic mix ranging from hip-hop to oldies like The Cha-Cha Slide. If you’re not much of a dancer, there is seating around the perimeter of the bar and high-top tables near the bar. By the entrance, shuffleboard is a popular option — so if you’re feeling like a winner, sign up to play.

STEP 4: CLOSE OUT YOUR TAB

Sometimes, we can have a little too much fun and leave the bar without closing out. I’m not saying this happened to me, but if it did, I would have gone back the next day, embarrassed, asking for my debit card. But this didn’t happen, of course, so don’t let it happen to you either.

DRINK TO TRY:

Lulu’s Lemonade for its ability to mask the taste of 808 Pineapple Vodka. Refreshing — and strong enough to get the night rolling!

BAMSAMMI@GMAIL.COM