Taking my first trip to Kaua'i--staying in Poipu Beach. Any suggestions for notable restaurants? Looking for two types of places--higher-end atmosphere(not kid-friendly) and those with local charm (not necessarily in a hotel or tourist area). How about nightlife spots? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Beach House in the Poipu area, Roy's Poipu, Pacific Cafe in Kapaa

Hi KJ,

My husband and I were on Kauai in October. Please see my web site (http://www.luvtotravel.homestead.com/Hawaiirest.html) with my restaurant information. We enjoyed these places.

Poipu beach was a great area to stay. We were at the Kiahuna Plantation.

Have a great time!

Most people will tell you there isn't much in the way of nightlife on kauai.

Agree with Sarah's choices for more upscale restaurants. Might also add Casa d'Amici.
For a quick meal in the bar and tropical atmosphere, try Keoki's, next to Roy's. Their bar menu is pretty good, but I wouldn't bother with the full dining menu. Also have to recommend Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo, about 15 minutes from Poipu. Some of the best pizza I have ever had, and a favorite of many returning visitors.
Night life is pretty slow on Kauai, but we have always enjoyed a cocktail at Stevenson's Bar in the Hyatt. Has a old world library feel, lots of woodwork and comfy couches, and has a great outside porch/lanai where you can have your drinks and look out over the grounds. Often has someone playing Jazz etc, mostly weekends I think. Not too many other places in Poipu for later night cocktails. You could check to see if the nightclub at the Hyatt is open, I have no idea as I have never been.

Believe it's "A Pacific Cafe." The food, atmosphere, service are first rate. The exterior somewhat surprising.

For information on nightlife in Kauai check this web site:

http://www.geocities.com/coconutpalace/nightlife.html

I can recommend two places -
Higher-end atmosphere: Beach House - reserve a few days in advance and get a window table at sunset.

Local charm - try Pomodoro's in Kalaheo. Great Italian food, fantastic service. It's on the second floor of a small shopping mall on the left side of the main road through Kalaheo (driving east to west). Not too far from Poipu beach, about 20-25 minutes drive.

I agree with The Beach House Ca D'amici
(on the eastern shore-not hotel or tourist area). I have not eaten at the Princeville (also eastern shore but in hotel) however folks seem to like that. Pacific Cafe is supposed to be great and is in a shopping center along with Safeway(!). For a good local and really casual try "Haemura's Saimen" on Kress and Rice(?). This is a noodle house that serves up great stuff and is friendly to all. You will find kids at Brenekke's Beach Broiler(Poipu) but it's so casual it won't be an issue. The food is good and reasonably priced. I don't know about nightlife as we stayed on the northeastern part of the island which is very quiet but I think Poipu is where you'll find it.

I agree with Sarah's restaurant recommendations. The nightclub at the Hyatt Regency is called "Kuhio's" - we liked it. Have fun !!

Not much in the way of nightlife on Kauai. But Kuhio's night club is very popular with locals, it can be jam packed. Open Fridays only at the Aloha Beach Resort in Wailua (eastside.)

A Pacific Cafe is excellent (at least it was a few years ago). It is in a nondescript shopping center though.

Tidepools at the Hyatt is good for a romantic and intimate dinner. Ask if you could be seated along the edge of the pond.

Beach House at sunset. Roys has great food but no view or any real atmosphere. Bennecke's is good for ono and ahi.

Nightlife is hard to find but frequently Keoki's Paradise has live Hawaiian music and good drinks. Not so good for dinner. Pretty average food. We had a great time listening to music there.

If you don't mind the drive, the Living Room Bar at the Princeville Resort has one of the best sunset views on the Island. It's at least 45 minutes (maybe more) from Poipu.

In terms of local spots, if you don't mind going a bit "downscale", Bubba's Burger's isn't bad for a quick lunch or very casual dinner.

We had nice meals at Roy's and A Pacific Cafe.