Friday. The word itself is magic. In a place as enchanting as Hiriketiya, it’s a promise. The sun-kissed, salty-skinned, blissed-out vibe of the day doesn't just end when the sun goes down; it transforms. The relaxed, horizontal energy of the beach begins to build, to buzz, to turn vertical. The air grows thick with possibility. The only question on everyone’s lips is, "Where are we going tonight?"

 

You’re not just looking for food. You're looking for the spot. The one with the right music, the right people, and that electric, intangible "vibe" that makes a good night legendary.

 

In Hiriketiya, all roads lead to one answer: The Hangout.

 

Forget the idea of a quiet, sleepy dinner. This is Friday night, and The Hangout understands the assignment. It’s the bay's vibrant, beating heart, a place that masterfully bridges the gap between a world-class beachside dinner and the start of an unforgettable party. This isn't just a meal; it’s the main event. If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of fantastic food, flowing cocktails, and pure, unadulterated fun, your search is over. Here’s your plan.

 

The Vibe: Welcome to the Cathedral of Chill

 

Before you even see the menu, you feel it. The energy at The Hangout on a Friday night is a tangible thing. You step off the sandy path and into a soaring, open-air sanctuary, famously protected by its massive, iconic thatched roof. The entire space glows with the warm, golden light of countless wicker and rattan lamps, making the whole room feel like an intimate, magical treehouse.

 

This is the "fun" part, and it starts with the sound. The music here isn't an afterthought; it’s the heartbeat of the night. You'll find a live DJ spinning a masterful set that builds with the evening, moving seamlessly from sunset-chill house to infectious funk and disco beats that make it impossible to sit still. The bass is just right, loud enough to feel in your chest but never so loud that you can't laugh with your friends.

 

You look around and the place is alive. It’s a vibrant mix of sun-kissed surfers still buzzing from their last wave, global travelers sharing stories over laughter, and stylish locals all mingling together. The atmosphere isn't cliquey or pretentious; it's communal, celebratory, and incredibly welcoming. Everyone is here for the same reason: to let go of the week and have a really, really good time.

 

The Liquid Launchpad: Cocktails That Start the Party

 

A proper Friday night begins with a proper cocktail. This is your first and most important decision. The bar at The Hangout is a well-oiled machine, churning out vibrant, perfectly crafted drinks that serve as liquid sunshine.

 

What's your mood?

• For the Classic Vibe: The Mojito You can't go wrong. This is the quintessential beach town cocktail, and it's done right here. A blast of fresh, muddled mint and zesty lime, perfectly balanced with white rum and a hint of brown sugar. It’s crisp, it’s refreshing, and it’s the perfect way to wash away the day's heat and slide into the evening.

 

• For the "We're on Holiday" Vibe: The Pina Colada Embrace the cliché, because it’s a classic for a reason. This is a creamy, dreamy, tropical escape in a glass. The luscious blend of white rum, coconut milk, and sweet pineapple juice is pure, unadulterated bliss. It’s a drink that demands you slow down, smile, and soak in the good vibes.

 

• For the "Let's Go!" Vibe: The Margarita This is the party-starter. A sharp, zesty, and perfectly balanced trifecta of tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. It’s a jolt of liquid energy, a declaration that the night is about to get interesting. This is the drink you order when you’re ready to have some fun.

 

• For the Sunset Vibe: The Aperol Spritz If you've arrived for golden hour, this is your drink. That brilliant orange glow, the bubbly, bittersweet taste of white wine, soda, and Aperol—it's the most sophisticated way to toast the end of the day and the start of the night.

 

• For the Bold Vibe: The Bloody Mary Who says it's just for brunch? A savory, spicy Bloody Mary is a bold and genius move for dinner. It's a liquid appetizer, a complex, warming, and totally satisfying drink that pairs surprisingly well with the vibrant food to come.

 

The Fuel: Vibrant Bowls That Won't Weigh You Down

Now for the food. Friday night dinner needs to be substantial, but it can't be heavy. You need energy. You need fuel for dancing, for talking, for living. This is why The Hangout's Poke Bowls are the perfect answer. They aren't just "salads"; they are meticulously constructed, flavor-packed meals in a bowl, designed to be as vibrant and exciting as the atmosphere around you.

 

• The Plant-Based Powerhouse: The Vegan Bowl For a clean, nourishing, and unbelievably tasty option, this is it. It’s a beautiful canvas of fluffy white rice, creamy avocado, earthy grilled mushrooms, and a rainbow of fresh greens, cabbage, and carrots. The secret weapon? The homemade tahini sauce. It’s rich, nutty, and savory, and it ties the entire bowl together into a deeply satisfying, guilt-free feast.

 

• The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: The Crispy Chicken Bowl This is the bowl you'll see on everyone's table, and for good reason. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and freshness. It starts with a base of fragrant garlic rice, then gets layered with avocado, bright corn salsa, greens, and tangy pickled onions. But the star, of course, is the crispy chicken—golden, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned. The whole masterpiece is drizzled with a homemade sweet chilli mayo that is, in a word, addictive.

 

• The Taste of the Coast: The Hangout Sea Salt Bowl This is Hiriketiya in a bowl. It starts with savory soy rice, creamy avocado, sweet-and-juicy mango, fresh local greens, and a spicy kick of jalapeno. Then, you make the call: will it be the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth soy ginger fresh tuna, or the sweet, smoky honey lime grilled prawns? You can’t go wrong. The entire creation is finished with a hot honey peanut mayo that is complex, spicy, and absolutely unforgettable.

 

Your Friday is Here

 

This is the Hangout experience. You're sitting under a canopy of stars and a glowing thatched roof, the beat of the music is syncing with your pulse, a zesty Margarita is in your hand, and a bowl of vibrant, delicious food is in front of you.

 

You take a bite of your Crispy Chicken Bowl—the crunch, the flavor, the heat—and follow it with a sip of your drink. The music swells, you catch the eye of your friend across the table, and you both break into a smile. This is it. This is the moment you were looking for.

 

This Friday, and every Friday, the plan is simple. Don't just go out for dinner. Go out for an experience. Go for the music, the cocktails, the fun, and the food. Go to The Hangout.

 

We'll see you there.