I finally got down to Uncle Bo's last night for a sniff and a few small plates. This place is run by a bunch of 20-somethings with good taste and they make the place fun. The chef is Laotian and he puts a spicy Southeast Asian spin into almost all of his dishes. My brief impressions. Decor is nice. Polished cement floors, recessed pink lighting behind a spacious bar, dark ceiling beams, modish off-white low slung chairs and couches, a conservatively stylish back dining room in black, flat-panel's with surf videos rolling at the bar, stainless steel bar stools. The crowd after 10 pm is young, hip, and a urban-chic -- lotsa black clothes. The food was tasty. My shrimp wraps had a nice spicy Thai flavor, although they were pretty sloppy eating. The clams Thai style had a light tomato-based broth but Asian flavorings. The poke was yummy, fresh and well-spiced. I did have a problem with the drinks. My vodka tonic made with Maui Ocean vodka was extremely watered-down so I'd reccomend sticking to wine or beer. Small failings aside, Uncle Bo's fills a much needed gap for hip night-spots in East Honolulu, where the pickings outside of Waikiki are pretty lame. I'd definitely go back to Uncle Bo's again to eat and drink. I might even go earlier to try dinner, as the the prices are definitely right, with all pupu plates in the $5-$8 range and entrees in the $15-$25 range. The crowd is fun to watch and the vibe is very easy.

Uncle Bo's / 559 Kapahulu Ave / (808) 739-242
Map

—Alex, 12/01/06