Pau Hana Patrol: Food and fun at Johnny Rockets Kapolei

Rock ‘n Fun, the bar at Johnny Rockets, is a place where you can take a break by yourself, meet friends or even have a drink while your kids are occupied at the arcade nearby. It’s a bit too loud and chaotic for my taste, but it does have something for everyone, from drinks and food to games and an outlet for kids to be kids.

THE EXPERIENCE

Johnny Rockets Rock ‘n Fun is Chuck E. Cheese’s meets Dave & Buster’s. It’s a restaurant, sports bar and arcade all in one.

Televisions can be viewed from all parts of the bar and an individual television is housed on the wall of each booth. It’s quite small inside, but nobody seems to mind. It’s near Olino by Consolidated Theatres, making it a good spot to wait for a movie showing.

The arcade features lots of video and claw games, including some adult games like “The Walking Dead” and “Space Invaders,” and prizes can be claimed at a redemption center.

It’s colorful and enticing, but not the type of place that you’d come to unwind and relax.

On my visit, the bar was primarily frequented by guys taking advantage of the happy-hour deals while watching sports on TV, but a few women were also present.

THE FOOD

The happy-hour menu comprises three items — chili-cheese nachos ($5); flatbread pepperoni pizza ($5, $1 for each additional topping) and chicken wings ($6 for eight pieces) – available from 3 to 6 p.m.

We liked the chili-cheese nachos, which were more flavorful than we expected, topped with chili, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream and green onion.

The pizza, with a thin and crispy crust, was good but typical.

We tried all three wing sauces — buffalo, teriyaki and barbecue — and they were pretty basic. The buffalo had the right amount of heat. Ask for a side of ranch or blue cheese.

If the simple fare is unappealing, you can order off the regular menu, which includes an array of burgers and sandwiches, fries and potato tots.

Daily specials are also offered. For example, the Thirsty Thursday all-day special features a pitcher of Coors Light and a full-size pepperoni pizza for $22.95. The Taco Tuesday special, 5 to 7 p.m., includes $3 tacos, $4 Coronas and $5.99 margaritas.

THE DRINKS

The drink specials are good here, with $3 beer selections, $4 wine and $4.50 well drinks.

There’s a full bar, although specialty cocktails aren’t discounted. A Moscow mule ($9.39) Long Island iced tea ($9) and a Rock ‘n Mary, a bloody mary topped with a Johnny Rockets’ burger slider ($11.49) are among the choices.

THE VERDICT

Personally, I’d rather not go to happy hour where kids are running rampant, mixed with the loud games. But if Dad wants to watch a game, Mom wants to relax with a glass of wine and the kids want to play in the arcade, it’s an option.

This is also a good spot to catch up with friends while the kids are otherwise engaged.