North Shore Bars and Restaurants!
Where To Ride The Party Wave

Bonzai Sushi is the place to have a great meal, sake and bond with locals.

Pipeline isn't the only bonzai in the North Shore.

After dark it's Bonzai Sushi in the Norh Shore Market Place. There's no pounding waves, but pounding down sake and sushi on the outdoor patio, especially during the 4-7 Happy Hour.

This is the hot and happening – North Shore happening style –  restaurant/bar.

Some sit on cushions on the deck and Wednesday is unofficial local's night. It's usually going until 10 or 11, not rocking like a nightclub, just hanging and telling stories. It's the closest thing a visitor can get to sitting around a campfire with North Shore surfers.

But maybe you're in the mood for margaritas. Well, just over the shoulder from Bonzai in the same small shopping center there's Cholo's.

If this seems out of place in Hawaii, just have one of its margaritas, the best in the North Shore. They are made with fresh lime juice, not a pre-made mix. The food is pretty authentic, too. The salsa sells this fact right from the start.

The North Shore Market Place also has a third restaurant, a small surf museum, a clothing store, a surf and bike shop and an ATM that doesn't work. The latter brings up an interesting point: bring enough cash for the visit and a couple of credit cards in case an establishment doesn't take, say, American Express. (Been there, done that at Bonzai!)

Also in the market place is The Coffee Gallery with Java so strong it's amazing it doesn't burn a hole in the cup. It's good for that morning jolt.

These places are pretty mellow – it's a far cry from Duke's in Waikiki – but hey, that's part of the North Shore's charm.

It's a reall cool atmosphere at Banzai Sushi.

You can find margaritas (and fun) at Cholo's in the Market Place.

The more happing – the most happening, in fact – place in the North Shore is in Turtle Bay Resort. It's called Surfer (THE BAR). Located right off the lobby, it's partnership between Turtle bay and Surfer Magazine. It is obviously the prime party place during the Triple Crown of Surfing in November and December.

The only sit-down bar-restaurnat with an ocean view in the North Shore is not actually on the water but across from it, Halewa Joe's. It features fish, shrimp, meat, chicken and soups and salads.

Shrimp Trucks, Ted's Bakery And Shaved Ice

When you're eating in the North Shore, you have to be there for lunch and hit the shrimp trucks. These are just like the food trucks that are becoming popular in cities across America, and you sit at a picnic table to eat. It's not fancy but it's good. If you get the garlic shrimp – and you should – be sure and have lots of Altoits or breath mints handy.

The shrimp trucks are open from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

For dessert, or if you want to have a very good sandwich or an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch, head to Ted's Bakery. You'll be on its small patio enjoying lunch and those four scoops of rice with surfers who were just surfing Pipeline. Ted's is known throughout the island for its pies, especially the chocolate haupia cream. Ted's is open 'til 6 but the kitchen closes at 3, so only sandwiches and pies are then available.

Ted's is just past Sunset Beach across the highway from the surf.

Many tourists also stop for the famed shaved ice in Halewa.