🚧 Budget Bites: Tango Contemporary Café’s happy hour

With the start of the new year (and New Year’s resolutions), everyone’s looking to save money and get the most bang for their buck. This series will show you where you can save while still savoring a good meal.

Who knew that I would leave this weekday happy hour craving more crispy Brussels sprouts?

Tango Contemporary Cafe — Tango Contemporary Café’s happy hour is Monday to Friday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

Kakaako-based Tango Contemporary Café is known for Scandinavian-Asian inspired cuisine and bistro-like setting. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, nice night out, check out the café’s happy hour menu, which is available weekdays only from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The eatery’s happy hour started last May, according to restaurant manager Kevin Shi. It’s available for dine-in only and features dishes not available on the regular lunch or dinner menus.

Drink discounts include $4-$5 select beers, $6 Tango select wines by the glass, 20% off select wines by the bottle and $8 cocktails.

happy hour spread — Happy hour spread. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

“The smashed burger is definitely the most popular item for happy hour,” Shi says. “People usually prefer the single ($10); the double ($16) tends to be a lot of meat.”

The smashed burger features caramelized onions, lettuce, a tomato and cheddar cheese in a brioche bun. The smashed patty boasts a delectable crisp, and the fries’ barbecue seasoning makes them irresistible.

The charcuterie board ($14) is another customer favorite, especially for sharing. It includes a chef’s choice of two meats and two cheeses, pickled vegetables, walnuts and lavosh. During my visit, the board included Island sausage salami, prosciutto, gouda and brie.

The crab cakes — a mix of blue crab and shrimp, served with spicy tobiko mayo — are a steal for the price. They contain 4 ounces of crab, so 2 ounces per crab cake.

The spicy ahi (market price) is like an elevated poke bowl, featuring white rice, avocado and crispy wontons. The dish typically costs $12 to $13, according to Shi, who says the dish features sashimi-grade, fresh ahi.

Remember those Brussels sprouts I mentioned earlier? They’re delicate, ultra crispy, and umami bombs, thanks to the generous salt and vinegar seasoning.

Plus, they’re a delicious way to get your veggie intake.

CONTACT
Tango Contemporary Café
1288 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste. 120, Honolulu
Phone: 808-593-7288
Website: tangocafehawaii.com
Happy hour: Monday-Friday, 4-5:30 p.m.

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.