Lahaina Grill Bar

Our series, Cool Bars, Hot Bartenders, focuses on a unique aspect of the Maui dining scene – fine dining at a bar. A far cry from hot wings and beer, Cool Bar dining more likely includes a martini before dinner, followed by further socializing while scoffing foie gras, ahi towers or mac-crusted opakapaka, washed down with a bottle of fine wine, finished with a molten lava cake or trio of tropical sorbets. In many of Maui’s most elegant establishments a seat at the bar is the most coveted table.

Maria and Tony Garcia have reserved specific bar stools every Friday night at Lahaina Grill for years. Asked what keeps them coming back again and again, Maria explains, “Unlike most other restaurants, there are over a dozen items on the menu at Lahaina Grill that we really love, even after all this time. The very friendly and personal atmosphere combined with attention to detail has not been matched in any other restaurant we’ve visited, anywhere in the world, including Europe.”

Maui's Bar Scene Sizzles

It’s a Maui thing… people are drawn to good vibes more than anything. Few can match the vibe created by Jurg Munch and his team at Lahaina Grill, our first Cool Bar spotlight. According to Mary Swiger, Bar Manager at Lahaina Grill and the first in our series of Hot Bartenders, dining at the bar is so popular simply because it’s fun, engaging, and guests are ensured a veritable party every visit. And, we might add, consistently stellar food!

In this week’s featured interview, learn more about Mary Swiger and why she was chosen to kick off our series. Who will we spotlight next? Weigh in via email: info@whatscookingmaui.com