The new LuiBuenos in Kapolei is off to a good start

The new mall in Kapolei, Ka Makana Ali‘i, is going gangbusters, with several new stores and eateries opening up this year. If you want to go for a shopping visit or a movie — the luxury ‘Olino by Consolidated Theatres is located there — you might want to check out a happy hour while you’re at it.

One choice is LuiBuenos, an offshoot of the popular Latin restaurant in Haleiwa.

The experience

LuiBuenos is located at the mouth of the mall’s food court, so you can’t miss it. A sign that says “Your UFC Headquarters” hangs outside, suggesting a sports bar orientation, but in fact the only flat-screen TVs are located above the bar.

Happy hour specials are offered at the bar, at some nearby seating and outside on the patio. An additional dining area inside is partitioned off from the bar.

The decor is elegant and chic, with black leather seating and dark-wood trim, and an interesting minigarden consisting of air plants and succulents hanging in bulbs from the ceiling in one spot. There are some beach scenes along the wall, but I wouldn’t expect to see many people in board shorts inside. The outside seating is casual.

As is often the case with new eating establishments, LuiBuenos is making some changes after about six months in business, after testing new menu items with West Oahu patrons. Chef Frank Alvarez, who came to Kapolei after cooking at the Haleiwa location, said the Kapolei restaurant had been offering a broad range of Pacific Latin-fusion dishes, originating from throughout South America, but diners preferred the contemporary versions of Mexican fare offered on the North Shore, which have drawn crowds to the Haleiwa location. So, with perhaps an occasional daily special or so, the menu at the Ka Makana Ali‘i restaurant will dovetail with Haleiwa’s.

The food

There are three offerings on the happy-hour menu: street tacos, nachos and calamari. The street tacos come with a choice of traditional fillings: carne asada, carnitas, chicken and salted ahi. They are served open on soft corn tortillas, with the traditional slice of lime and a salsa garnish. At $2 per taco, they were a good deal and perfect for a solo diner sneaking a snack.

On the other hand, bring some friends or a big appetite for the nachos ($5). These came on a large plate, the taco chips in layers and piled with cheese, salsa, olives and beans. All those garnishes made for a tasty treat, while the thin, delicate chips, with their crisp, light texture, made the dish something special.

Alvarez suggested a side order of fire-roasted corn ($5). It’s an item on the fusion menu that is staying, and I can see why. Aside from the fun of eating roasted corn, the cobs were garnished with a house-made crema fresca, a thick Mexican dairy sauce, along with a touch of sweet paprika. All these flavors and textures blended so well that it was almost like eating tender barbecue ribs rather than corn off the cob.

The drink

Happy-hour drinks are a good deal. Beer ranges from $2 for Pabst Blue Ribbon and $3 for Primo to $4 for Heineken. Tequila shots and regular margaritas are $5. For the thirsty, there’s a $15 Massive Margarita. It lives up to its name and then some. It comes out with two straws, but could easily satisfy four people.

At Alvarez’s suggestion, I tried the horchata, a drink that wasn’t yet on the menu, but will make it there soon. It’s highly recommended, especially on a warm day, when its blend of rice water, cinnamon and a sprig of mint would be particularly refreshing.

The verdict

While LuiBuenos at Ka Makana Ali‘i is still a work in progress, it has a lot going for it. The happy-hour menu certainly offers tasty items for snacking on, and the drinks are affordable. And the fire-roasted corn is unbeatable.

Everything hits the palate just right, and once the full menu from the North Shore location is implemented, more good times should be on the way.

LuiBuenos is also the only place at the mall that’s currently offering live entertainment on a regular basis. It’s well after happy hour, but if you’re coming out of a movie late on a Friday or Saturday night, you might want to check it out for drinks, food and fun.