2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, and the F&B industry has been dealt with several heavy blows too. Despite the difficulties, Hong Kong bars remain resilient and have developed a new sense of community while adapting creative ways to provide us with our favourite drinks. From takeaway cocktails to offering food in order to stay open, there are glimmers of hope everywhere, including a slew of fascinating new watering holes around the city. Now more than ever, it is vital to shine a light on our local establishments. We present to you Time Out Hong Kong’s 2021 bar guide, from speakeasy-style bars to pubs, wine bars to sake joints, these are the best Hong Kong bars to visit right now.
Whisky bars
Cocktail bars
Gin bars
Wine bars
Beer bars
Sake bars
Rum bars
Speakeasy-style and hidden bars
Rooftop bars
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BAR GUIDE
2021
From speakeasy-style bars, pubs to wine bars and sake joints, these are the best Hong Kong bars to visit right now
Bar awards 2020 bartender SPOTLIGHT Bar guide 2021 shop directory
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Photograph: Facebook/121BCHongKong
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LG/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Rd, Central; 2672 8255; 121bc.hk
This osteria and enoteca originally opened on Peel Street as a sister restaurant to the now-closed 121BC Cantina & Enoteca in Sydney. Now relocated in their brand-new wine-cellar-style underground Hollywood Road location, the spot offers an intimate space for gourmand and oenophiles. Savour seasonal Italian dishes prepared by Australian-born chef Fabio Nicotra and pair it with wines from the restaurant’s extensive wine list highlighting natural, organic, and biodynamic wines. If you need help with your orders, the friendly staff will always recommend the best wine pairing to go with your meal.
A wine bar and restaurant offering a comprehensive list of biodynamic wines
Central
121BC
Photograph: Courtesy Q88
Lobby, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; 2810 8366; marriott.com
If you worry that tackling an entire bottle is going to make people question your life decisions, Bar Q88 has more than 40 options you can try by the glass. And if you’re concerned about hotel bar prices, just stop by during the regular happy hour (5pm-9pm) – every day except Sunday – for a neat buy-one-get-one-free deal on certain labels.
An intimate classic hotel bar at JW Marriott Hotel
Admiralty
Bar Q88
Photograph: Nicholas Wong
Shop C, G/F, 1 Second St, Sai Ying Pun; 3460 5863; brut.com.hk
Run by Camille Glass and George Kwok, the bar highlights a modest natural wine menu that is mostly served by the glass. It’s a place where you can relax, and discover interesting new wines without being intimidated by a vast list of labels. Their wine selections are written on the wall and change regularly. Pair their wines with their creative sharing plates which go especially well with the biodynamic wines on offer.
A tapas bar serving up natural and biodynamic wines
Sai Ying Pun
Brut!
Photograph: Courtesy James Suckling Wine Central
2/F, 22 Staunton St, Central; 2539 7999; jamessucklingwinecentral.com
Founded by world-famous wine critic James Suckling, this bar stands out amongst the wine bars in Hong Kong. Here oenophiles can indulge in a wine list covering James’ 100-point rated wines during his decades-long career as a wine critic. Taste over 400 wines by the glass with an emphasis on Italian wines from Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto regions, as well as Bordeaux wines, and Port. Catch their happy hour – which offers $60 per glass every Monday to Saturday, 3pm to 5.30pm – to try some labels that would typically be available at $600 to $950 per bottle.
Get access to over 400 quality wines by the glass
James Suckling Wine Central
Photograph: Calvin Sit
62 Hollywood Rd, Central; 2776 6070; lacabane.hk
La Cabane is a great place for anyone seeking an extensive natural wine list. You can find 350 different wines from France, Italy, Spain, and Greece sourced directly from individual winemakers. Drink wine by the glass between $70 to $140 from their monthly updated wine list and pair it with French dishes, along with platters of charcuterie and artisan cheeses.
One of Central’s cosiest spots for a good glass of wine and decent French food
La Cabane Wine Bistro
Photograph: Courtesy Le Bistro Winebeast
G/F, Newman House, 35-45 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai; 2782 6689; lebistrowinebeast.com
Le Bistro Winebeast offers a superb selection of French and organic wines which you can pair with modern French dishes. The wine pairing menu changes regularly so the experience is different every time. Learn about certain bottlings through their seasonal wine dinners showcasing various international winemakers.
A modern French bistro offering a great selection of French terroir and organic wines
Wan Chai
Le Bistro Winebeast
Photograph: Courtesy Le Quinze Vins/Harold de Puymorin
9 Swatow St, Wan Chai; 2673 7636; lqv-group.com
This cosy Parisian wine bar is a perfect haven for discerning drinkers of fine French wine. Their cellar boasts an impressive selection of 1,000 French bottles with a menu that offers wine maps and information from the wine regions – a handy-guide for anyone ordering from the extensive list. The bar’s location in Wan Chai is just opposite its sister fromagerie La Cremerie which stocks a wide selection of farmhouse cheeses from France, simply nip across the street and bring some back to pair with your wine.
A cosy Parisian wine specialist
Le Quinze Vins
Photograph: Courtesy Premier Cru
15 High St, Sai Ying Pun; 9522 5267
If you’re gathering friends or family for a special occasion or a catch-up, plan a takeover at Premier Cru. It’s a cosy space ideal for groups of about 15 to 20. The place offers over 1,000 labels of wines highlighting French wines from the Rhone Valley and Burgundy region. There’s even a small terrace where you can grab some fresh air if you need a break from all the socialising.
A French wine library specialising in the Rhone Valley and Burgundy regions
Premier Cru
Photograph: Courtesy The Fine Wine Experience
Shop A, G/F, 165-166 Connaught Rd W, Sai Ying Pun; 2803 0753; finewineexperience.com
The venue houses an event’s space, a wine shop, and a hidden restaurant called Bâtard. Buy any of the wines from the store and enjoy the bottle within the shop while learning about wine nuances from their expert sommeliers and wine stewards. If you step inside past the cellar, you can book a seat at Bâtard, a partnership between Bistro du Vin and The Fine Wine Experience, offering standout dishes paired with reasonably priced quality wines.
Perfect for wine enthusiasts and collectors who are looking for a great range of unique wines
The Fine Wine Experience
Photograph: Courtesy ThinkWine
2/F, LL Tower, 2-4 Shelley St, Central; 2886 3121; thinkwinehk.com
The bar has a collection of 600 wines from across the globe, highlighting at least 250 varieties from France. Wines are offered here by the bottle and by the glass, with prices ranging from as low as $60 per glass to as high as $15,000 per bottle. Enjoy sipping your vino from the bar’s private room for intimate gatherings, or get a drink by the al fresco balcony for an open-air setting; you can even enjoy wines inside their cellar which makes for a memorable backdrop.
Soho wine bar offering a taste of wines from around the world with excellent food pairings
ThinkWine
Wine bars Beer bars Gin bars Sake bars Whisky bars Rum bars Cocktail bars Speakeasy-style & hidden bars Rooftop bars
G/F, 65 Peel St, Central; 2342 2224; fb.com/65peel
65 Peel is all about showcasing the local craft beer scene, especially harder-to-find brews from Citibrew, Moonzen, and more. In fact, you have to turn numerous pages through the menu before seeing anything brewed outside of the SAR. The interior is just as important here. ‘Industrial chic’ is taken to the next level in a cavernous room where exposed concrete and beams set the tone for features like a bright neon sign and colourful murals.
A beer bar championing Hong Kong’s independent craft brewers
65 Peel
59A Peel St, Soho, Central; 9772 3053; fb.com/99bottleshk
When night falls, after-work crowds head to this Peel Street institution, for the remarkably cheap beer and no-holds-barred vibe. There are a handful of affordable pours from the taps, with price points that tend to attract a younger crowd, but it’s a great spot for beer geeks of all ages who are content to drink on the street. Stay long enough, and you might find yourself belting out Bon Jovi lyrics with the rest of the gang too.
A bar and bottle shop with a buzzing party vibe
99 Bottles
Photograph: Courtesy Food Panda
Photograph: Courtesy 99 Bottles
Photograph: Courtesy Blue Supreme
G/F, 21 Tung St, Sheung Wan; 5998 3088; bluesupreme.live
This beautifully decorated craft beer bar specialises in funky, sour, spontaneously fermented Belgian-style beers that you won’t find anywhere else in Hong Kong. The menu has everything from Berliner Weisse and fruited ales to farmhouse ales, most of which are procured from up-and-coming European breweries like Alvinne and Fantôme, as well as stalwarts like Hill Farmstead and Cantillon. If live beers are not your thing, the bar also serves a range of local brews.
A tasteful beer bar nestled among the antique stores of Upper Lascar Row
Sheung Wan
Blue Supreme
Photograph: Courtesy The Globe
45-53 Graham St, Garley Bldg, Central; 2543 1941; theglobe.com.hk
A venerable institution with some 20 years’ history and a surprisingly spacious location – at least for Central – The Globe is one of the best places in Hong Kong to settle in with a pint. A member of the Craft Beer Association of Hong Kong and home to more beers than you can shake a stick at, The Globe is a must-visit for any hop head. If the many various brews aren’t enough for you, be sure to snare one of their unmissable homemade pies.
Traditional English gastropub with a wide beer selection
The Globe
Photograph: Courtesy Kowloon Taproom
G/F, 17-19 Ashley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2861 0355; fb.com/kowloontaproom
Kowloon Taproom has been flying the flag for Hong Kong craft beer for years. The choice of a fairly unassuming spot appears to be deliberate – but the relaxed atmosphere enables the knowledgeable staff to freely chat with customers about anything beer-related. Thoroughly unpretentious, this is a great starting point for anyone wishing to get acquainted with Hong Kong’s growing selection of craft beers – Yardley Brothers, Black Kite, Kowloon Bay Brewery, and more.
A laidback spot in Tsim Sha Tsui serving local craft beer on tap
Tsim SHa Tsui
Kowloon Taproom
Shop 1, G/F, New Fortune House, 2-5A New Praya, Kennedy Town; 2833 5611; littlecreatures.hk
Little Creatures is a craft microbrewery that’s been churning out some incredible hoppy beers for many years. Its first foray into Hong Kong has attracted some serious hype, thanks to its spacious Kennedy Town microbrewery. Behind the bar stand the brew kettles, churning out a selection of beers made for the local market. You can also get some of the brand’s other beers on draft and in bottles.
A beer bar born out of a former crocodile farm in Australia
Little Creatures
kennedy town
G/F, 88 Shantung St, Mong Kok; 2911 4662; fb.com/moonkok.hk
Local craft brewery Moonzen has pulled out all the stops for this extremely photogenic bar on Shantung Street. Designed by HEED Studio, the interior is decked in vermillion and emerald green to resemble a temple, and the bar serves an impressive 12 beers on tap – nine Moonzen brews and three guest additions. We thoroughly enjoy escaping the bustle of the city and perching at the bar to get a cold one poured, accompanied by some of the tasty snacks on offer.
Stylish craft beer bar inspired by Chinese mythology and Hong Kong culture
Mong Kok
Moonkok by Moonzen
Photograph: Courtesy Second Draft
G/F, 98 Tung Lo Wan Rd, Tai Hang; 2656 0232; fb.com/seconddrafthk
One of Tai Hang’s best bar haunts, Second Draft serves 20 beers on draft, including all the freshest pours from local breweries like Young Master and Heroes. For a Hong Kong bar, it’s surprisingly spacious inside, with plenty of room to maneuver beneath the vaulted ceiling. The food here features plenty of local influences, with a menu developed by chef May Chow of Little Bao and Happy Paradise fame.
Neighbourhood gastropub with a friendly atmosphere
Second Draft
Tai Hang
Photograph: CH
Unit 302, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par St, Tsuen Wan; 2331 2621; thealeproject.com
Located at The Mills, The Ale Project (TAP) offers beers from local stalwarts like Young Master, as well as a range of beers from some of the wildest and most notable breweries across the world. In addition to beer, TAP has collaborated with local roaster Cotton Mutton to offer some next-level coffee, including nitro coffee on tap, single origin hand pours, and espresso-based drinks.
An unconventional taproom serving craft beers from Hong Kong and overseas
Tsuen Wan
The Ale Project (TAP)
Photograph: Courtesy Tipsy Tap
G/F, 5 Austin Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui; 6882 9840; tipsytap.hk
Kowloon is killing it when it comes to craft beer. There are tons of small bars and shops selling some of the freshest, rarest, and most interesting beers in Hong Kong. Tipsy Tap stands at the vanguard of that movement. Offering 20 craft beers on tap from all around the world and a menu with page after page of bottled beers, the bar puts the spotlight on beers and breweries that might otherwise go underrepresented in the city.
A regular stomping ground for beer enthusiasts
Tipsy Tap
Tsim Sha Tsui
Photograph: Courtesy Artesian
L/F, The Langham Hong Kong, 8 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2132 7898; langhamhotels.com
From London to Hong Kong, this world-famous bar concept landed at The Langham with a romantic Art Deco interior and a setting as sophisticated as their cocktails. Offering elegant signature cocktails and gin and tonic specialities, guests at Artesian can enjoy homemade infusions shaken and stirred with some interesting gins from around the world, including Copperhead The Alchemist’s Gin from Belgium, Williams Chase Elegant Crisp Gin from England, and more.
An elegant bar to drink sophisticated G&Ts
Artesian
Shop B31A, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Rd C, Central; 2111 9449; mingfathouse.com/dr-ferns
Tucked away inside the Landmark, Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour is a speakeasy-like venue that houses over 250 gins showcasing premium bottles from around the world. You can enjoy them straight up, as a gin and tonic, or as a cocktail. Choose your prefered flavour profile or taste through a few, from citrusy or sweet to spicy and savoury, or fruity and floral, there is something for everyone. Dr Fern’s also offers an array of bar bites including charcuterie or mixed cheeseboards.
A hidden bar with over 250 bottles of gin and a wide range of gin cocktails to sample
Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour
Photograph: Courtesy Origin
G/F, 48 Wyndham St, Central; 2668 5583; originbar.hk
When this attractive bar space opened in Central in mid-2016, it really accented Hong Kong’s increasingly serious approach to gin, demonstrating that there was real intent from the city’s mixologists to shine a spotlight on this spirit. With infused gins prepared in-house complimenting its first-rate selection of artisanal gins and an expertly curated cocktail menu with both creative and classic gin cocktails to choose from, this is high-level stuff worth sipping.
One of the first gin-focused bars in Hong Kong to spotlight gin for modern times
Origin
Photograph: Courtesy Ping Pong 129 Gintoneria
L/G, Nam Cheong House, 129 Second St, Sai Ying Pun; 9835 5061; pingpong129.com
Turning an old ping pong hall on the unassuming and remote streets of Sai Ying Pun into a stylish Spanish gin bar has proven to be a stroke of genius. There’s nothing more appealing to a crowd of hipsters and creatives than a reprocessed space that still features touches of the original, and adequately combines grit with taste. The bar does a decent job of giving a stage to Spain’s excellent gin scene by featuring some of the country’s best variations of the spirit and cocktails that appropriately complement the unique characteristics of each gin.
Ping pong parlour turned urban chic bar offering a unique Spanish gin experience
Ping Pong 129 Gintoneria
Photograph: Courtesy The Optimist
239 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai; 2433 3324; theoptimist.hk
Bedecked with lush greenery and teal-coloured walls lined with botanical illustrations, the decor at The Optimist pays obvious homage to gin. The gin selection puts a heavy onus on Spanish-style gin and tonics and serves up some exciting versions. Flavour profiles of cocktails range from the floral in The Windmill which uses Beefeater gin, to the refreshing Black Forest with Monkey 47, and the spicy with Gin on Ginger which uses Plymouth.
Perfect for Spanish-style gin cocktails in a relaxed but classy space
The Optimist
G/F, 182 Wellington St (entrance on Kau U Fong), Central; godenya.com
For a one-of-a-kind sake pairing experience, Godenya is the perfect place to book a seat. The venue is popular for its authentic charm but what people come back for is the owner’s gracious hospitality. Shiya Goshima, or more affectionately known as Goshi-san, is a passionate chef and sake expert that talks about sake with a twinkle in his eye. The restaurant’s menu features dishes explicitly designed for sake pairing, with each drink, carefully chilled or warmed to optimum temperature.
A sake pairing restaurant
Godenya
Unit 4C, Ho Lee Commercial Bldg, 38-44 D’Aguilar St, Central; 2536 4355; sakebarginn.com
Lan Kwai Fong may have a reputation for being Hong Kong’s party central but there’s more to the neighbourhood than loud club nights and jelly shots. Take Sake Bar Ginn, for example. Located four floors above the throngs of D‘Aguilar Street, the homey, terraced bar stocks more than 70 bottles of sake, almost 40 of which are available in single-glass tasting pours. Ginn’s founder, Ayuchi Momose, has gone to extra lengths to source lesser-known sakes from small, boutique breweries around Japan – so you’re getting only the best ‘nihonshu’ here.
Homey, terraced bar offering a range of sake in single-glass tasting pours
Sake Bar Ginn
2 Sun St, Wan Chai; 2525 2355; sakebeyamasu.com
Looking like something straight out of Kyoto, Sake Beya Masu is a picturesque sake bar hidden within Wan Chai’s Star Street precinct. With its simple, black-toned, wooden tables and sparse Japanese design, this is a cosy space to hunker down, sip your sake and enjoy some excellent small plates. The staff are incredibly helpful in suggesting the optimal sake pairing for whatever food you order and the results are never less than impressive. A small space, the bar only sits 14, but that merely heightens the intimacy of your visit.
A picturesque sake bar hidden in Star Street precinct
Sake Beya Masu
Photograph: Courtesy Sake Central
S109-S113, 1/F, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St, Central; 2656 6552; sake-central.com
Located inside PMQ, Sake Central is home to the broadest range of sake in Hong Kong. An incredibly cool space and one of the city’s trendiest restaurants, there are hundreds of different types of sake to choose from here, whether you want regular brews or something more special like a bottle from Taikoku Shuzo, Okinawa’s one and only sake brewery. A tip: sitting at the bar will restrict you to a specific menu of sake. Drink in the retail area if you want access to Sake Central’s extensive range.
Outstanding Japanese sake bar and shop in PMQ
Sake Central
Photograph: Courtesy Saketen
G/F, Shop 4, Lower Blk, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central; 6704 2570; saketenhk.com
Nestled behind the ramen restaurant Nojo in an alley off Pottinger Street, Saketen showcases an incredibly diverse range of sake from 10 specially-chosen producers from Japan. The bar staff are very welcoming and go above and beyond to make sure you are attended to. The sake bottles are kept cold – stored between -5 and 0 degrees Celsius – in a custom fridge, but try the sake on draft. This is one of few places anywhere in the world serving it.
A quaint bar that showcases an incredible range of sake
Saketen
Photograph: Facebook/buonaserahk
7/F Mody House, 30 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2111 4444; barbuonasera.com
Located just above Butler, Japanese-style Bar Buonasera is the Hong Kong branch of the famous Osaka bar by the same name. Managed by Nick Tse and Ayako Miyake, the bar offers classic handcrafted cocktails and a great selection of whisky. Expect Japanese style mixology where every serving is done to perfection. Catch occasionally opened bottles of rare Japanese whiskies and independent whisky bottlings.
A cozy Japanese whisky bar in TST
Bar Buonasera
Photograph: Terence Lam
5/F, Mody House, 30 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2724 3828; butler-gr.com
Housed just shy of Minden Avenue’s rowdier strip of bars, this quiet, 20-seat den is one of the original whisky bars in Hong Kong. It is the first independent venture by master mixologist Masayuki Uchida, a man who used to shake and stir at some of the finest cocktail bars in Ginza, Japan. Aside from slinging perfectly balanced mixed drinks, Uchida also stocks an impressive arsenal of single malts and blended whiskies which he serves over crystal clear orbs of hand-chipped ice.
A taste of Ginza in the heart of Kowloon
Butler
Photograph: Terrence Lam
10/F, Cosmos Bldg, 8-11 Lan Kwai Fong, Central; 9379 7628; clubqing.com
Located on the tenth floor of LKF’s Cosmos Building, this slice of zen is a cosy bolthole housing an impressive variety of whiskies, making it a go-to spot for whisky aficionados. Here you will find past and present Japanese whiskies from the likes of Yamazaki to Eigashima, and get to choose from over 30 tasting flights if you’re looking to explore various drams. They also have an impressive Scotch collection that boasts of rare and old expressions like Bowmore 1957, Macallan from the 30s, and closed distilleries like Port Ellen and Brora, just to name a few.
A cozy bar in LKF housing an extensive variety of over 150 whiskies
Club Qing
Photograph: Courtesy House Welley Bar
Unit A, 2/F, 97 Wellington St, Central; fb.com/housewelley
The bar opened in early 2020 housing an excellent collection of whiskies from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and other world whiskies. Veering away from the usual gentleman’s leather den, House Welley Bar exudes a modern vibe that appeals to both whisky noobs and enthusiasts. Expect to find single cask, limited edition, hard to find independent bottlings (IB), and distillery exclusive original bottlings (OB) from the likes of Yamazaki, Macallan, and vintage expressions from Bunnahabhain, Clynelish, and Bowmore.
A contemporary setting to enjoy quality whiskies
House Welley Bar
35 Peel St, Central; 2884 9566; nocturnehk.com
Nocturne is located on the quieter end of Peel Street, hidden away by its nondescript door. Glam and ambience marry with fine spirits in this candle-lit, jazz punctuated bar. Relax, be seated at the cement-topped bar, and witness a show of precision by the skilled bartenders. The bar specialises in whisky as well as wine, so if you like these two liquids, then it’s the best place to visit. With over 150 whiskies and more than 250 wines to choose from, the tasting possibilities are endless.
An intimate wine and whisky bar on Peel Street
Nocturne
Shop 2, 1/F, Manhattan Avenue, 255 Queen’s Rd C, Central; 2505 9988; fb.com/safebubblesandmalt
A modern style whisky bar located behind its own shop. It has an entirely unassuming, monotone façade that looks like the exterior of a bank vault, which doesn’t look like your usual whisky gentleman’s den. The bar used to be the official SMWS distributor in Hong Kong so you’ll find some drams here that are not available anywhere else in the city. They hold over 700 different kinds of whisky, which includes some of the rarest and most expensive whiskies from Scotland and Japan. Their bottle display of whiskies alone will make any whisky geek drool! The bar holds occasional tastings so if you’re keen to learn about whisky, it’s best to catch the scheduled masterclasses.
Expect an extensive collection of over 700 malt whiskies
Safe Bubbles & Malt
Photograph: Courtesy The Chinnery
1/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Rd, Central; 2825 4009; mandarinoriental.com
Located on the first floor of the Mandarin Oriental, The Chinnery – named after the famous English painter George Chinnery – is an old school whisky den clad in upholstered armchairs, leather, and warm wood interiors. The bar serves traditional British cuisine so you can chow down on food before, during, or after a few drams from their stellar collection of single malt whiskies. They change their whisky menu monthly, so make sure to catch these different drams.
A classic gentlemen’s club-style bar
The Chinnery
Photograph: Courtesy Tiffany’s New York Bar
G/F, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, 70 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2585 2545; hongkong.intercontinental.com
One of the most swish whisky bars in town, this 1920s-style hotel bar houses more than 300 whiskies. The bar didn’t start off as a whisky-focused bar, but over the years, their continually expanding collection has been attracting whisky enthusiasts looking for more whisky varieties, especially when InterContinental began hosting the annual Hong Kong Whisky Festival which brings together whisky experts from around the world. The bar’s whisky collection includes bottles from Scottish, Japanese, and American distilleries. For cocktails, the menu features a number of well-made classics and seasonal offerings.
A 1920s-style hotel bar located in the InterContinental Grand Stanford
Tiffany’s New York Bar
G/F, 7 Shin Hing St, Sheung Wan; 9889 8590; whisky-and-words.com
Located at the steps of Shing Hing Street, you’ll find the bar’s narrow wooden door with Whisky & Words bold brass lettering on the front entrance. The area is intimate, and the interior is decked out in muted greys and faux wood decals. An option of 300 whiskies (from $130 to $340/dram) from Scotland, Japan, and Ireland are available on the menu. Aside from whisky, the bar also offers a selection of cocktails that use gin and vodka as the base.
A fresh alternative to the city’s overly serious whisky bar scene
Whisky & Words
4/F, Kiu Yin Commercial Bldg, 361-363 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai; 3571 9797; mizunarathelibrary.com
Hidden on the fourth floor of a nondescript commercial building in Wan Chai, Mizunara is not the easiest bar to spot. But if you do, you’ll find over 800 bottles of whiskies from Japanese, Scottish, American, and Irish distilleries, and can enjoy various whisky cocktails on the menu. Headed by award-winning bartender Masahiko Endo, the bar offers excellent cocktails that include the Maker’s Mark-based Smoky Manhattan ($250) using sweet vermouth Antica Formula, rinsed with Laphroaig 10-year-old Islay Single Malt. Though the drinks aren’t on the wallet-friendly end of the scale, they’re crafted with care, and you’re unlikely to find similar drinks elsewhere in town.
Excellent Japanese cocktail and whisky bar hidden above Lockhart Road
Mizunara: The Library
4/F, The Plaza, 21 D’Aguilar St, Central; 2851 4880; havanabar.com.hk
This cosy venue’s rum list is broken down by country with choice exports from 20 countries to make up a dizzying collection of over 50 different kinds of rum. Havana’s cocktail menu pays due diligence to the hallowed rum cocktail with a staggering variety of mojitos and daiquiris by the jug, as well as other rum-based cocktails, both short and long, made to a very high standard.
A welcoming bar with a wide range of rum from around the world
Havana
3/F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington St, Central; 2353 0885; honihonibar.com
This Polynesian-themed tiki bar has over 150 different rums on their menu. That includes rare types such as St Nicholas Abbey 15 Year Old, Doorly’s XO Rum from Barbados, and Pyrat Rum 1623 for those serious about all things rum. Honi Honi’s cocktail list is also formidably committed to the tiki vibe, so expect a few umbrellas, fruit, and floral garnishes.
A fun tropical bar made for serious rum lovers
Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge
Photograph: Courtesy Ohana
29/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai; 2648 0900; ohanahk.com
Serving colourful rum cocktails in a tiki-inspired lounge, Ohana is a little ray of sunshine on the 29th floor of QRE Plaza in Wan Chai. Try the classic Ohana Colada, made with dark rum, pineapple, banana, coconut and lime, or opt for something more punchy with the Pirate’s Rage cocktail, made with butter fat-washed Appleton Signature Blend rum, spice chocolate bitter, Angostura bitter, and maple syrup. Their semi-open terrace area makes catching the sunset all the more tropical in these balmy environs.
A tiki bar that offers a slice of rum paradise in Wan Chai
Ohana
Shop E, LG/F, Felicity Bldg, 58 Hollywood Rd, Central; 2366 6836; thedailytot.com
A Caribbean-inspired bar named after the centuries-old ritual of handing out a daily ration of rum to royal navy sailors, The Daily Tot focuses on, you guessed it, rum! They hold a range of niche rum bottles from Barbados and Trinidad, and showcase the true flavours of this versatile spirit through signature cocktails that vary from the classic to creative.
A new addition to Hong Kong’s bar scene with Caribbean rum at its heart
The Daily Tot
Photograph: Courtesy Quinary
56-58 Hollywood Rd, Central; 2851 3223; quinary.hk
Quinary appreciates a good rum, and it’s one of the few places in Hong Kong that treat the spirit with such reverence. We love their intense and warm version of Dark ‘n’ Stormy or the more smoky and spicy Blackbeard cocktail made with Diplomático rum, vintage port, stout, and cardamom treacle. If you’re looking for quality rum-cocktails, Quinary is on our list and it should be on yours too.
A modern bar where quality rums meet multisensory cocktails
Quinary
Photograph: Facebook/HavanaLKF
Shop 202, 2/F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Rd, Central; 2537 8859; ottoemezzobombana.com
Long overlooked as a drinking destination – not a surprise when your bar is part of the only Italian restaurant outside of Italy to have three Michelin stars – 8½ is finally getting credit for its drinks as well as its food. In large part that’s thanks to the excellent Devender Kumar, bar manager and a Barcardi Legacy winner, whose signatures, The Optimist and Pocket Square, threaten to overshadow the food.
Come here for the food and stay for the drinks
8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana
Photograph: Courtesy Caprice
6/F, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance St, Central; 3196 8882; fourseasons.com
Award-winning French fine dining kingpin Caprice, housed in the suave Four Seasons hotel, has transformed the small private waiting area, adjacent to the dining room, into Caprice Bar – a tasteful, intimate and comfortable fine wine and cheese room perfect for winding down in after a busy day at the office. We suggest those who want the ultimate Caprice Bar experience to order the wine and cheese pairings and those in the mood for cocktails to enjoy the seasonal serves crafted by the bar’s talented bartenders headed by beverage manager Lorenzo Antinori. Our favourite is the Truffle Negroni ($220), made with gin infused with fresh Australian black winter truffle, which elevates this classic aperitif to sophisticated heights.
An intimate drinking den adjacent to the Michelin-starred restaurant Caprice
Caprice Bar
Shop A, LG/F, Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing St, Sheung Wan; 2813 5787; coa.com.hk
Mezcal is certainly a big thing in Hong Kong these days, and Coa is the agave spirit’s best evangelist. The extensive mezcal, tequila, and raicilla menu here is the best of its kind in the city. Owner and founder Jay Khan is hugely affable and incredibly knowledgeable about mixology and agave spirits, he can help you choose the perfect drink, even if you’re not familiar with Mexico’s native liquors.
Excellent Oaxaca-inspired cocktail bar
Coa
Photograph: Courtesy DarkSide
2/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 3891 8732; darkside.hk
DarkSide is the flagship bar of Rosewood Hong Kong that pays tribute to this neighbourhood’s history. Kowloon is often called ‘the dark side’ for simply not being Hong Kong Island. The food and drink menus are filled to the brim with options, including port or cognac from the barrel, a wide selection of premium spirits such as whisky and Armagnac, cocktail classics with twists and its own Rosewood-branded pilsner and IPA.
Rosewood’s intimate Jazz Age-inspired bar
DarkSide
1/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Rd, Central; 9225 6639; doubleshot.hk
Doubleshot is a cafe and cocktail bar created by the team behind specialty coffee roastery, Cupping Room. Located on Hollywood Road, the place makes specialty brews, serves alcoholic beverages, and offers a full dining service at any time of the day. Their signature cocktails are designed by consultant Chanel Adams (formerly of PDT) and maintained by head bartender Jade Lau. Drop by for some breakfast and coffee in the morning or come with your friends for cocktails at night.
Cafe by day and bar by night
Doubleshot by Cupping Room
Photograph: Courtesy Duddell’s
3/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell St, Central; 2525 9191; duddells.co
Better known for its Cantonese cuisine worthy of stars, Duddell’s ‘Salon’ bar serves drinks well worth taking a break from your cha siu bao for. Duddell’s cocktail programme recently got an overhaul as the bar introduces their new head mixologist and salon manager, Mario Calderone (formerly of Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge). Duddell’s new menu includes reimagined classics in Mario’s signature pre-Prohibition style recipes designed to complement Duddell’s dim sum.
Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant serving classic cocktails with a twist
Duddell’s
18 Ice House St, Central; 2116 8949; foxglovehk.com
The bar’s concept is based on the travels of fictional Englishman Frank Minza. Entering the bar will transport you back to the fabulous 50s with an interior reminiscent of the luxurious first-class aeroplane cabins of that era. The drink menu offers classic cocktails with house signature twists and a selection of rare cognac and spirits – some bottled in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. This spot hosts live events that run a gamut of genres, including Latino and world music, but it’s the jazz nights that they’re renowned for which are always top quality.
A 1950s-style bar disguised as an umbrella shop
Foxglove
Photograph: Courtesy The St Regis Bar
2/F, 1 Harbour Dr, Wan Chai; 2138 6810; marriott.com
The St Regis Hong Kong opened its doors in the early part of 2019, and St Regis Bar has since become a go-to hangout for people looking for an after-work drink in intimate surroundings. Expect a carefully crafted cocktail menu inspired by New York’s subway and Hong Kong’s tramline. Our favourite sip is the cocktail inspired by the God of the Sea, Hung Shing Ye ($148), a coconut-milk washed cocktail featuring Beluga caviar-infused vodka, St Regis Vetiver Essence, oyster leaf, and spices. And since The St Regis is said to be the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, do not leave the bar without trying their Bloody Mary flight which includes the local rendition, Canto Mary, made with dried tangerine peel, spices, and soy sauce.
An intimate bar tucked inside The St Regis hotel
The St Regis Bar
Photograph: Courtesy Tell Camellia
LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central; 6038 4020; tellcamellia.com
The brainchild of accolade-heavy bar team Sandeep Hathiramani and Gagan Gurung, Tell Camellia’s mission is to fuse tea and cocktail culture. The cocktail menu is split between signature Teatails – all of which are infused with exotic teas and local spices from particular world regions – and house gins that have been lovingly redistilled with different flavoured, you guessed it, tea. A must-try on the menu is one of our favourite tea Negronis in town, the Darjeeling Negroni which is also available for takeaway in 200ml ($250) and 500ml ($500) bottles.
Tea-focused cocktail bar in H Code
Tell Camellia
Photograph: Courtesy The Envoy
3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Rd C, Central; 2169 3311; theenvoy.hk
The Envoy is another one of Antonio Lai’s bars tucked away in The Pottinger hotel. The drinks are decidedly futuristic-retro, offering avant-garde millilitres of meticulously measured, shaken and stirred concoctions. There’s a separate full menu for food, offering bites and heartier game-heavy dishes, but we find the drinks alone provide adequate sustenance. Although regular imbibers wouldn’t choose this place for a standard tipple, guests would definitely return for its charming surprises.
A colonial-inspired bar inside The Pottinger hotel
The Envoy
Photograph: Courtesy The Pontiac
13 Old Bailey St, Central; 2521 3855; fb.com/thepontiac
With its grunge aesthetic and free-wheeling ethos, The Pontiac is unique within Hong Kong’s upscale cocktail scene. But it’s not just the dive bar vibes and rock heavy playlist that make this spot on Old Bailey Street such a popular destination. The drinks are spot on, especially the classics, and the staff are among the most fun and engaging in the city.
A grungy American-style bar on Old Bailey Street
The Pontiac
Photograph: Courtesy The Shady Acres
G/F, 46 Peel St, Central; 9176 7500; linktr.ee/shadyacres
Two happy hours (including a very welcome 11pm-1am late-night deal), killer cocktails, crushable beers at affordable prices, and a range of wines from across the world – including biodynamic and natural wines – give Shady Acres an edge over some of the other players on the scene. It doesn’t hurt that Hong Kong nightlife veterans Ryan Nightingale (Back Bar, Aberdeen Street Social) and Mike Watt (208 Duecento Otto) are involved in the project.
A free-spirited bar shaking things up on Peel Street
The Shady Acres
Photograph: Courtesy VEA
29-30/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington St, Central; 2711 8639; vea.hk
VEA stands for Vicky Et Antonio – Vicky and Antonio in French. Vicky is Vicky Cheng, the visionary chef formerly of Liberty Private Works, and Antonio is Antonio Lai, the legendary bartender behind Origin, The Envoy and Quinary. With a tour de force such as Lai behind the drinks menu, expect well-executed classics and house signatures using playful flavours.
One Michelin-starred restaurant serving up playful libations
VEA
Photograph: Courtesy Zuma
5-6/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Rd C, Central; 3657 6388; zumarestaurant.com
This buzzing, two-floor bar and Japanese restaurant has outposts in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the US. There’s a well-stocked bar of Japanese sakes and whiskies. But it’s Zuma’s knack for visually appealing cocktails that’s landed it in the upper echelons of Hong Kong’s bar scene.
Zuma
Photograph: Courtesy Arkadia
Room 1A, 1/F, Winner Bldg, 27-39 D’Aguilar St, Lan Kwai Fong, Central; 6271 5406
Arkadia offers a more private nightlife experience, away from the crowds. This futuristic-themed bar has a drinks menu to match. An outdoor balcony overlooks the hustle and bustle of Lan Kwai Fong, while inside, the use of steel and subtle neon make for a clean, cutting edge aesthetic.
Inventive cocktails in a modern and relaxed setting
Arkadia
Photograph: Courtesy Babylon
7/F, Ho Lee Commercial Bldg, 38-44 D’Aguilar St, Central; 62715406; babylonhk.com
Since opening in late 2017, Babylon has become one of Lan Kwai Fong’s most popular nightlife destinations. The space was created to connect vibrant and diverse individuals together. The close-knit bar team makes all who enter feel at home.
Quirky Shisha lounge with craft cocktails
Babylon
Photograph: Courtesy Gunpowder Indian RestoBar
G/F, J Senses, 18 Ship St, Wan Chai; 2827 7777; mayfare.com.hk
Located on Wan Chai’s Ship Street, Gunpowder Indian RestoBar offers Indian classics with a modern flair, complemented by a list of classic and contemporary cocktails infused with aromatic spices. Must-try cocktails include the Gunpowder Negroni – made with housemade Gunpowder Gin – and the Paan Rose – a vodka-based drink with betel leaves and rose petals.
Indian delicacies alongside signature cocktails in a restobar concept
Gunpowder Indian RestoBar
Photograph: Courtesy K Bar
Shop 412-413, 4/F, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2545 328; elite-concepts.com/ restaurants/k-bar/kowloon/en/
K Bar takes its name from the Chinese word for unique and unconventional. Adjoined to modern Sichuan restaurant Shu K, K Bar draws inspiration from ancient Sichuan culture, offering a selection of signature cocktails that combine Western tradition and the use of Chinese Baijiu. Along with a stunning harbour view, K BAR also provides a wide selection of wine and exotic snacks.
Sichuan fusion bar serving Baijiu cocktails
K Bar
Photograph: Courtesy La Piola Italian Restaurant & Bar
G/F, J Senses, 60A-66 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai; 2806 1028; lapiola.com.hk
La Piola – now in its new home in a restored heritage building – is reminiscent of a laidback eatery and bar from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. With authentic ingredients and simple preparation, this is a top spot to experience the region’s cuisine, and to enjoy the Italian tradition of aperitivo with light bites and signature Aperol Spritz.
A rustic and charming Italian bar
La Piola Italian Restaurant & Bar
Photograph: Courtesy The Old Man
LG/F, 37 Aberdeen St, Central; 2703 1899; fb.com/theoldmanhk
The Old Man is the most talked about bar in the city. In early 2019, it was crowned best bar at the Asia’s 50 Best awards, a title it certainly earned during its two-and-a-half-year existence. The drinks are always innovative – the distillation machine gets heavy use – but it’s the appreciably attentive service that keeps us all coming back.
Award-winning Ernest Hemingway-themed bar
The Old Man
Contemporary Japanese-style restaurant serving up creative craft cocktails
Photograph: Courtesy Lobster Bar and Grill
6/F, Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Rd, Admiralty; 2820 8560; shangri-la.com/hongkong/ islandshangrila
Lobster Bar and Grill offers a convivial atmosphere to unwind while savouring innovative cocktails crafted by their bartenders. The team behind the bar delved through the history books to create a unique cocktail menu, The Archivist. Inspired by classic cocktails from history and around the world, the series reinterprets the cocktails from six significant eras, taking guests on a journey into the past.
A visit to this hotel bar is a must for any cocktail lover
Lobster Bar and Grill
Photograph: Courtesy Red Sugar
7/F, Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Rd, Hung Hom; 2252 5279; shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry
Enjoying a tipple with a great view is always an excellent formula for a night out. Located on the 7th floor of Kerry Hotel, Red Sugar offers an outdoor terrace with a 270-degree view of Victoria Harbour.
A trendy Hung Hom gem with a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and Hong Kong-inspired cocktails
Hung Hom
Red Sugar
Photograph: Courtesy Shuffle
19 Lan Kwai Fong, Central; 6016 8965; shufflehk.com
Shuffle has taken inspiration from some of the best clubs in London and New York. Tailor-made design and advised by world-renowned DJs Hugo Cantarra, Emmanuel Diaz, and Henry Wang, Shuffle aims to spark new energy in the Hong Kong nightlife experience. The bar area serves as a high-end cocktail lounge during non-clubbing hours with an inventive selection of drinks on offer.
A globally-influenced and new nightlife experience in Hong Kong
Shuffle
Photograph: Courtesy The Dispensary
Blk 01, Police Headquarters, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central; 2848 3000; statement.com.hk
The Dispensary is part of Aqua Restaurant Group and is nestled between two restaurants: The Chinese Library and Statement. The stylish bar is a nod to Hong Kong’s colourful, colonial past featuring experiential cocktails that blend Western ingredients with traditional Chinese teas and herbs. The Dispensary stands today in the old police officers’ mess where the force was rumoured to have their off-duty bar.
Elegant bar that mixes East and West
The Dispensary
Photograph: Courtesy The Pawn Botanicals Bar
J Senses, 62 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai; 2866 3444; thepawn.com.hk
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century heritage building, The Pawn Botanicals Bar is a relaxed space for happy hour and late night drinks. Guests are greeted by lush potted plants, while a selection of local artwork adorns the walls. A crowd favourite is the outdoor terrace that overlooks the bustling streets of Wan Chai.
Heritage spot with its own botanical garden
The Pawn Botanicals Bar
Photograph: Courtesy Yè Shanghai, K11 MUSEA
702, 7/F, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2376 3322; elite-concepts.com/restaurants/ ye-shanghai/kowloon/en
The name Yè Shanghai – meaning ‘Shanghai nights’ – is imbued in its architecture, ambience, artwork, music, and the smell and taste of the food and drinks. Along with a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour, Yè Shanghai offers themed cocktails, and an intimate setting inspired by the era of Old Shanghai.
A salute to the past and a celebration of the new
Yè Shanghai, K11 MUSEA
2/F, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, s/n, Cotai, Macau; 2882 8898; thestregisbarmacao.com
The St Regis Bar Macao brings New York heritage to Macao’s Cotai Strip. Guests are spoiled with an extensive list of specially crafted cocktails, and a sumptuous menu of culinary fare, in an elegant setting inspired by The House of Astor.
A slice of New York in the Cotai Strip
Macao
The St Regis Bar Macao
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Speakeasy-style hidden bars
LG/F, Welley Bldg, 97 Wellington St, Central; 2810 6969; at001.xxx
001 hides inside a recessed black door behind the market stalls on Graham Street, where a dim spotlight and doorbell are the only signs that show you’re in the right place. The bar doesn’t rely on its gimmick as a hidden bar to pull in punters as the cocktails here are excellent, and there’s a good selection of spirits too. At times you can even find the elusive Pappy Van Winkle bourbon in stock, provided you’re willing to pay the high price, of course.
One of Hong Kong’s original hidden cocktail bars
001
Photograph: Courtesy Frank’s Library/Krzysztof Gora
Inside Foxglove, 18 Ice House St, Central; 2116 2449; foxglovehk.com
Like a Russian matryoshka doll, Frank’s Library is a bar hidden within another bar, which in this case is Foxglove, a 1950s-style bar disguised as an umbrella shop on Ice House Street. The bar’s concept is based on the travels of fictional Englishman Frank Minza serving a cocktail menu inspired by his globe-trotting adventures. Expect premium cocktails a cut above Foxglove’s usual offerings and potent barrel-aged tipples.
Secret cocktail bar hidden inside speakeasy-style bar Foxglove
Frank’s Library
Photograph: Courtesy The Wise King
B/F, 25 Staunton St, Central; thewiseking.com
This cosy, burgundy-and-gold-hued lounge was inspired by Alfonso X of Castile, a.k.a. the King who ‘invented’ tapas. Ergo, expect some small bites as well as Iberian-leaning drinks. The claypot aged Olla De Barro Dos made with vermouth bianco, Rinomato Americano, brandy, and dill pickles is a winner, but you can’t go wrong with any of the bold choices on the menu. Drop by and settle in for a long night over good conversation and great drinks.
Cosy cocktail bar hidden off the Central Escalator
The Wise King
Photograph: Courtesy PDT (Please Don’t Tell)
Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Rd C, Central; 2132 0110; mandarinoriental.com
Hidden at the back of MO Bar in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, accessed through a mock phone booth, PDT has established itself as one of the best bars in the city – let alone one of the best ‘hidden’ bars. The cocktail menu is well-thought-out and serves a wonderful marriage of classics from PDT’s original home in New York and new creations that are sensitive to local tastes and ingredients here in Asia.
The world famous New York cocktail bar’s second branch does the original proud
PDT (Please Don’t Tell)
Photograph: Courtesy Room 309
3/F, The Pottinger, 74 Queen’s Rd C, Central; room309.hk
Another of Antonio Lai’s bars, presented as an imaginary space within The Pottinger – every floor in the hotel has a maximum of six rooms, so 309 shouldn’t exist – right next to Lai’s other establishment, The Envoy. Once you’re inside, expect a menu of classic cocktails that are given new spins – quite literally, in a centrifuge – to produce a range of transparent cocktails. Try their Deep Sea Martini, a savoury treat made with re-distilled Oolong tea blended Scotch whisky, Cinzano Bianco, and homemade kombu tincture, served with Japanese soy sauce, rice crackers, and seaweed. The bar occasionally collaborate with various spirit brands to create seasonal drinks, so make sure to ask for these menus when you drop by.
A creative cocktail bar hidden within The Pottinger hotel
Room 309
Photograph: Courtesy Stockton
32 Wyndham St, Central; 2565 5268; stockton.com.hk
Found at the top of a dark passage near the end of Wyndham Street, Stockton is decorated like an Edwardian gentlemen’s club with leather sofas and stuffed dodo birds. One of the bar’s best attributes is its experimental streak, as demonstrated in the introduction of three entirely new cocktail menus since opening in 2014. Their Evolution of the Species menu has been pleasing crowds with the standout Sin Tax (Time Out Hong Kong Bar Awards 2019 Best Cocktail winner), a gem of a cocktail made with young coconut, kaffir lime liquor, citric solution, and pandan-infused Tanqueray Gin.
One of the OG secret bars in the city hidden on Wyndham Street
Stockton
Photograph: Courtesy The Diplomat
LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central; 3619 0302; thediplomat.hk
The Diplomat is a watering hole for people hankering for after-work drinks. Though its location is not so hidden, the bar does hide a pink VIP room that you can only enter through a referral from regular patrons. The brainchild of award-winning mixologist John Nugent, the bar offers relatively affordable drinks while the gastropub’s burger is to die for. A must-try is the Tuxedo #852, a riff on the classic Tuxedo made with gin, dry vermouth, pear brandy, and maraschino liqueur, served with a tiny pear.
An American-style cocktail bar that serves reimagined classic cocktails
The Diplomat
Photograph: Courtesy The Poet
G/F, 13 Staunton St, Central; 9880 1550; fb.com/thepoetbar
The opening of this place, in 2020, was almost as mysterious as the venue itself with news of it only spreading predominantly via word of mouth, and making an appointment by phone or the bar’s Facebook page was the only way to get in. Now, accepting walk-ins, patrons can freely enter the curious-looking door on Staunton Street. The menu is extensive, with selections of whiskies and gins, and wines by the bottle. Most of the bar staff came from 001, so you can expect quality classic cocktails and interesting house twists.
A speakeasy-style bar hiding behind a curious-looking door on Staunton Street
The Poet
Inside 11 Westside, 1/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis St, Kennedy Town; 9300 8068; 11westside.com
Located at the back of Mexican restaurant, 11 Westside, is a rare example of an American bar done right in Hong Kong. The surroundings are plush and comfortable, with a pool table slap in the middle of the action, and the menu is compact and straightforward. The cocktail menu offers classic flavours with refreshing twists that change every couple of months. The bartenders behind the bar can also whip up any classic cocktails so guests can request based on their drink preference. Regular guests who are fond of the cocktails from the defunct menu can always ask the bartenders to shake it up for them. A popular drink that people always come back for is the XYZ ($140) made with rum, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
Hidden bar in Kennedy Town offering a top-notch, no-nonsense cocktail experience
kennedy Town
The Wilshire
Photograph: Courtesy Piqniq
27/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Rd C, Central; 5200 1683; lecomptoir.hk/piqniq
This charming rooftop eatery is one of the coolest al fresco spaces in town. Sitting on the top floor of H Queen’s, Piqniq is fully decked out in beanbags, fairy lights, vibrant artworks – including Yayoi Kasuma’s polka-dot pumpkin sculpture – complete with sweeping views of Central. Head up to enjoy a variety of ‘piqniq’ baskets filled with international fare, as well as a curated selection of wines, champagnes, and classic cocktails.
It doesn’t stand for ‘very enticing alcohol’ but it should
Piqniq
Photograph: Courtesy Pong IFC
Shop 4011, 4/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St, Central; 2779 7328; ponghk.com
Pong IFC has two PongConnect tables available and welcomes guests to engage in a competitive round of beer pong or two, before taking their pick from an extensive selection of premium and classic cognacs. The venue’s floor to ceiling glass windows and outdoor terrace seating also give way to a panoramic view of the Victoria Harbour, making it ideal for any special occasion.
Lively rooftop bar perfect for after-work tipples and beer pong
Pong IFC
Photograph: Courtesy Popinjays
26/F, The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Dr, Central; 3141 8888; niccolohotels.com
Accessible by a private elevator, Popinjays is an impressive restaurant and bar that is definitely worth the trudge up Cotton Tree Drive to reach The Murray. It’s a real stunner, encased in floor-to-ceiling windows with a wraparound terrace that looks out in all directions to surrounding high-rises like the HSBC Building and Bank of China Tower. While most of the cocktails here do not come cheap, you’ll quickly find that the prices are surprisingly reasonable for a five-star hotel.
A sophisticated rooftop bar and restaurant serving cocktails with a stunning view
Popinjays
Photograph: Courtesy Sevva
Sevva is an incredible space with a 360-degree balcony that offers sweeping views of the skyscrapers in Central and Admiralty, the harbour, and the opposing Kowloon skyline. Enjoy a sundowner and take your pick from the bar’s list of fine wines and classic cocktails. The furnishings, meanwhile, look as though they came straight out of a magazine and demand appreciation for its chic style and effortless elegance.
Stylish bar with a spacious terrace and an incredible backdrop of Victoria Harbour
Sevva
Photograph: Courtesy Sugar
32/F, East Hong Kong, 29 Taikoo Sing Rd, Tai Koo; 3968 3738; easthotels.com
Enjoying sweeping vistas with a drink in hand is hardly a new thing to our spoilt eyes in Hong Kong, but Sugar’s panoramas provide a new, eastern take on our urban jungle. Grab one of their signature cocktails and soak in the view which dominates from every corner of the bar thanks to the bar’s vast open spaces.
A bar, deck, and lounge space with utterly breathtaking views of the harbour
Sugar
Photograph: Courtesy Terrible Baby
4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Rd, Jordan; 2710 1866; terriblebaby.com
Terrible Baby shakes up a cool selection of cocktails and boasts a superb collection of rosés and gins. The bar also has a spacious outdoor terrace with beautiful views of the Jordan neighbourhood and is covered in an abundance of greenery that plays in contrast to the rigid surroundings. Head here if you’re looking for that sweet escape above ground, and don’t miss out on the bar’s regular music events either, trust us, they’re legendary.
An effortlessly hip venue with regular music nights
Terrible Baby
Photograph: Courtesy Wooloomooloo
31/F and rooftop, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai; 2893 6960; woo-steakhouse.com
Wooloomooloo knows how to cook up a mean steak, but the real winner here is its rooftop bar. The jaw-dropping views which take in all of the Wan Chai neighbourhood, the harbour, and Happy Valley, are what keeps patrons coming back time and again. While you’re up there, make it a point to rifle through the impressive wine list, the choices are vast and worldly.
A popular steakhouse with a cosy rooftop bar looking over Wan Chai
Wooloomooloo
Photograph: Courtesy Skye
27/F, The Park Lane Hong Kong, 310 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay; 2293 8888; parklane.com.hk
Sitting at the top of The Park Lane Hotel in Causeway Bay, Skye is perhaps one of the most underrated terrace spaces in the area. With an unobstructed view that stretches all the way to North Point, along with an excellent drinks menu featuring well-made cocktails that won’t break the bank, Skye never fails to deliver a great night out.
A rooftop bar offering a lesser-known harbour view in Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay
Skye
Photograph: Courtesy Eyebar
30/F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2487 3988; elite-concepts.com/restaurants/ eyebar/hong-kong/en/
Located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Eyebar offers guests spectacular views of the Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour, coupled with an array of signature cocktails and bar bites. The name refers to the ‘eye’ painted on the prow of old Chinese ships to protect the sailors from evil on their voyage. Like the ship decks of yore, a telescope is installed along with an index board that highlights Hong Kong’s landmarks.
TST bar offering one of the best views in town
Eyebar
Photograph: Courtesy Ozone
118/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Ctr, 1 Austin Rd W, West Kowloon; 2263 2270; ritzcarlton.com/hongkong
The highest bar in the world takes your expectations to even greater heights with seductive cocktails designed by bar manager Oscar Mena and international delights from the Ozone kitchen. Perched on the 118th floor of the ICC, Ozone promises the ultimate experience with an alfresco bar offering fantastic views of the city and the iconic Victoria Harbour.
Sky-high bar offering classy drinks and an incredible view
West Kowloon
Ozone
25/F, Prince’s Bldg, 10 Chater Rd, Central; 2537 1388; sevva.hk
