Tequila Territory

By Kait Hanson

The old adage “never judge a book by its cover” could not be truer when it comes to Buho Cocina y Cantina. A chic hotspot nestled amid the Honolulu skyline, Buho is taking Mexican food and drinks to the next level.

But don’t be alarmed when you arrive at what appears to be an industrial office space at 2250 Kalakaua Ave. Go to suite 525. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you walk past a welcoming chalkboard — and a wall of tequila. Through the doors, there’s a rooftop bar with intimate booths, space heaters for chillier nights and a bar that runs the length of the patio. Inside, Buho offers a smaller bar and some seating, but the rooftop patio is where you want to be.

My first experience at Buho involved appetizers and dinner, and while the food is a palate pleaser, it was the drinks that left me begging for more. So I headed back last week to survey a wider selection.

The drink options range from margaritas, specialty cocktails, wine and draft, as well as bottled beers — just choosing my first beverage took 10 minutes. I finally determined that the specialty cocktails were presented so beautifully that I couldn’t order a glass of wine when master mixologists were at play. When in Rome, eh?

First up, the Smoking Ca-dillac ($12, pictured below, left) — an infusion of chili de arbol with Cabo Wabo Resposado (tequila), Grand Marnier, guava puree, fresh lime sour and Sombra Mexcal. I’m picky when it comes to tequila (which I chalk up to a couple of bad experiences in college), but here, the flavor was excellent. If you’re not a tequila drinker, you may find it too strong, but I appreciated the spicy kick and pop of citrus against the smoky Sombra Mexcal.

Next, I chose the Spiced Strawberry ($12, pictured, right), featuring Milagros Blanco (tequila), fresh lime sour, fresh oranges and strawberries and a Tajin rim. Like my first drink, the spice popped against the citrus undertones. It was refreshing, and not as strong as the Cadillac. I would recommend this for someone who likes tequila, but is not in love with it.

Creating a blend of great food, drinks and atmosphere is a tricky balance, but one that Buho Cocina y Cantina pulls off beautifully, making this trendy rooftop oasis an all-around delicious destination for your next happy hour.