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.
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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From cocktail bars to sake joints, beer bars and beyond, these are the best bars to visit in Hong Kong.
Cocktail bars
Rooftop bars
Speakeasy-style & hidden bars
Cafe bars
Wine bars
Beer bars
Gin bars
Sake bars
Whisky bars
Bar Awards 2021
Photograph: Courtesy Apothecary
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Shop 3A, Carfield Commercial Bldg, 75-77 Wyndham St, Central; 2893 8233; apothecaryhk.co
Apothecary is, well, an apothecary-themed bar aimed at curing whatever ails you with their botanical-inspired concoctions. The menu, called The Herbalist’s Notebook, offers 12 cocktails focused on using herbs and spices. But contrary to what the theme suggests, the cocktails use a lot of infusion and clarification methods to create cocktails that are well-balanced, delicate, smooth, and easy to drink, which can sneak up on you as it packs more of a punch than you’d think.
One of the latest openings on Wyndham Street
Central
Apothecary
Photograph: Courtesy Argo
G/F, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance St, Central; 3196 8882; fourseasons.com/hongkong
Argo takes its name from the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts who sailed on the ship called Argo in search of the Golden Fleece. Designed to emulate a conservatory with small terrariums and mirrors reflecting natural light, Argo aims to serve as a vessel for progress and exploration, highlighting innovative spirits and quirky liquors that break away from traditions. The cocktail menu Here Today, Gone Tomorrow celebrates six staple ingredients – coffee, honey, rice, cacao, vanilla, and apples – facing an uncertain future because of its cultivation and climate change.
An innovative bar that aims to challenge the way we think about drinks
Argo
42&44 Peel St, Central; awaawahk.com
This Okinawan-inspired joint is the first awamori-focused bar in the city. The bar aims to feature at least one expression from all of Okinawa’s 47 awamori distilleries in its bar stock, and so far, they have around 50 bottles in their selection. So, if you want to discover Japan’s oldest distilled spirit in a young and fun way, this is the best place to hit up. If a cocktail is more your speed, try various awamori highballs and signature cocktails with Okinawan twists.
A Peel Street resto-bar offering a taste of Okinawa in Japan
Awa Awa
Photograph: Courtesy Awa Awa
7/F Mody House, 30 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2111 4444; barbuonasera.com
Japanese-style Bar Buonasera is the Hong Kong branch of the famous Osaka bar of 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. Be sure to ask the bartenders about the latest rare Japanese whiskies and independent whisky bottlings available to order per dram.
A cosy Japanese cocktail and whisky bar in TST
Bar Buonasera
Photograph: Facebook/buonaserahk
Tsim Sha Tsui
Shop G5 & UG 15, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2765 0800; sandshospitality.com
Boticario transports cocktail lovers to 1920s Buenos Aires, a time when Argentina was one of the wealthiest countries in the world. This drinking den features a two-storey bar and grill with both indoor and al fresco seating. The bar’s cocktail menu combines the herbal healing traditions of South America’s pharmacies with the timeless heritage of spirit botanicals, while the food on offer showcases Mediterranean and Latin dishes. Expect a menu of craft spirits and drinks made with homemade sodas, phosphates (citrus substitute), tonics, tinctures, and infusions.
A cocktail bar and grill in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui East’s waterfront
Boticario
Photograph: Courtesy Boticario
6/F, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance St, Central; 31968860; fourseasons.com/hongkong
Time Out’s Bar of the Year for 2020, Caprice Bar is a tasteful, intimate, and comforting fine wine and cheese room perfect for winding down after a busy day. If you want the ultimate Caprice Bar experience, order the wine and cheese pairings, and those in the mood for cocktails can sip on the seasonal serves crafted by the talented bartenders led by beverage manager Lorenzo Antinori. Our favourite is the Truffle Negroni, made with gin and infused with Australian black winter truffle, an elevated riff on the classic aperitif.
An intimate drinking den adjacent to the Michelin-starred restaurant Caprice
Caprice Bar
Photograph: Courtesy Caprice
Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing St, Central; 2813 5787; coa.com.hk
Mezcal is certainly a big thing in Hong Kong these days, and Coa is agave spirit’s number one evangelist – not only in the city but also in the region – especially after nabbing the top spot in Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2021. The extensive mezcal, tequila, and raicilla menu here is the best of its kind. Owner and founder Jay Khan is hugely affable and incredibly knowledgeable about mixology and agave spirits, and 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 Coa
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. The food and drink menus are filled to the brim with options, including port, cognac from the barrel, and a wide selection of premium spirits such as whisky and Armagnac. Try DarkSide’s forgotten classics cocktail menu, including Martini vs Vesper and Secret Cocktail (their version of Clover Club), or their new conceptual moon-inspired menu with tropical sipper Waxing Gibbous or the boozy Waxing Crescent.
Rosewood’s intimate Jazz Age-inspired bar
DarkSide
Photograph: Courtesy DarkSide
L/G, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Rd, Central; 9880 7995; penicillinbar.com
Taking up 1,520sq ft of the former Buddha Lounge on Hollywood Road is the latest concept from The Old Man Hong Kong’s founders Agung Prabowo and Roman Ghale. Named after the modern classic cocktail, Penicillin (made with a strong dose of Scotch, honey, lemon, ginger, and a splash of smoky Islay whisky), and the antibiotic in which the cocktail got its name, the bar creates drinks with an eco-friendly twist that not only cures any cocktail craving but hopefully the bar industry’s quandaries on sustainability.
The first eco-conscious bar in Hong Kong
Penicillin
Photograph: Courtesy Penicillin
2/F, The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Dr, Wan Chai; 2138 6800; marriott.com
The St. Regis Bar Hong Kong is a go-to hangout for people looking for intimate after-work drinks in Wan Chai. 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, 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.
The St. Regis Hong Kong’s flagship bar
The St. Regis Bar Hong Kong
Photograph: Courtesy The St. Regis Bar Hong Kong
Wan Chai
56-58 Hollywood Rd, Central; 2851 3223; quinary.hk
The finest of Antonio Lai’s various cocktail bars and ground zero of molecular mixology in Hong Kong, Quinary provides a multisensory experience that is unmatched anywhere else in the city. Not just about excellent taste, Quinary pays attention to detail in aesthetics, feel, and smell – all the senses are stimulated. These days you’ll find Quinary hosting regular collaborations with brands and showcasing different experiences that can whisk you away in mind and spirit.
A modern bar where quality spirits meet multisensory cocktails
Quinary
Photograph: Courtesy Quinary
LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central; 6038 4020; tellcamellia.com
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 region-specific spices – and house gins that have been lovingly redistilled with different tea flavours. A must-try on the menu is one of our favourite tea Negronis in town, the Darjeeling Negroni. If you want to learn how to make tea-tails, catch the bar’s regular workshops where you can explore everything about tea, spirits, and mixology.
Tea-focused cocktail bar in H Code
Tell Camellia
Photograph: Courtesy Tell Camellia
Shop E, LG/F, Felicity Bldg, 58 Hollywood Rd, Central; 2366 6836; thedailytot.com
The Daily Tot is a Caribbean-inspired bar named after the centuries-old ritual of handing out a daily rum ration to Royal Navy sailors from 1850 to the 1970s. The bar focuses on niche rum bottles from Barbados and Trinidad which showcase the true flavours of this versatile spirit. Expect signature cocktails that highlight rum’s versatility in the classics with twists and light flavours.
A bustling Central bar with Caribbean rum at its heart
The Daily Tot
Photograph: Courtesy The Daily Tot
LG/F, High Block, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central; 3619 0302; thediplomat.hk
The Diplomat, helmed by award-winning mixologist John Nugent, is the perfect watering hole for people hankering for after-work drinks. Though its location is not so hidden, the bar does have a secret pink VIP room that you can only enter through a referral from regular patrons. The drinks are relatively affordable, while the cosy gastropub’s burgers, fries, and truffled mac and cheese are some of the best in the city. For drinks, try their mini-sized cocktails or order any of the signatures inspired by the classics.
An American-style cocktail bar that serves reimagined classics
The Diplomat
Photograph: Courtesy The Diplomat
LG/F, 37 Aberdeen St, Central; 2703 1899; theoldmanhongkong.com
The Old Man Hong Kong has become an essential part of Asia’s cocktail scene since it opened in 2017. Just one year after its opening, it earned a spot in The World’s 50 Best Bars and took the top spot at Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2019. Now managed by mixologist Nikita Matveev, expect new takes on the bar’s Ernest Hemingway-themed menu.
Award-winning Ernest Hemingway-themed bar
The Old Man Hong Kong
Photograph: Courtesy The Old Man Hong Kong
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. Try the bar’s new libations featuring simple and straightforward cocktails that include a pink drink called The Starting Gun.
A grungy American-style bar on Old Bailey Street
The Pontiac
Photograph: Courtesy The Pontiac
5&6/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Rd C, Central; 3657 6388; zumarestaurant.com
This buzzing bar and Japanese restaurant have 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. Behind the stick is Zuma’s bar manager Lorenzo Coppola who adds his signature spin to the bar’s growing cocktail programme.
Japanese izakaya-style restaurant serving up creative craft cocktails
Zuma Hong Kong
Photograph: Courtesy Zuma Hong kong
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1/F, Ho Lee Commercial Bldg, 38-44 D’Aguilar St, 17-19 Lan Kwai Fong, Central; 5394 3696; ponghk.com
The place to be for nightcrawlers, PONG sets LKF abuzz with its state-of-the-art beer pong and custom fitted slap-cup tables, late night karaoke, and electrifying live DJ performances. The high-end bar and nightclub sparks new energy in the Central drinking district with inventive cocktails and premium bottle service. For its discerning clientele who value intimacy and discretion, PONG is fitted with three luxurious VIP rooms to party the night away in private.
A nightclub all about fun and games
Pong LKF
Photograph: Courtesy Pong LKF
25/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd C, Central; 2825 4001; mandarinoriental.com
The Aubrey features three different bar experiences in which guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine, craft cocktails, and spirits. Heading The Aubrey’s bar programme is Mandarin Oriental’s hotel beverage manager Devender Sehgal, formerly the bar manager at 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana. Expect a core selection of highballs and chuhai cocktails at The Main Bar, or elevate your drinking experience at the four-person Omakase Cocktail Bar, where the talented bar team will take you on a unique sensorial journey using Japanese spirits and flavours. And if you have a penchant for Champagne or sake, head over to the third bar serving exactly that, plus oysters on the side.
The newest addition to Mandarin Oriental’s F&B offering
The Aubrey
Photograph: Courtesy The Aubrey
2/F, The Hari Hong Kong, 330 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai; 2129 0338; thehari.com
Located in Wan Chai, The Hari Hong Kong hotel’s Japanese establishment Zoku offers a refreshing take on Japanese flavours. With a bar programme that highlights ingredients from the land of the rising sun, soft furnishings of understated elegance, as well as a breezy, lush al fresco spot, The Terrace, Zoku is fast becoming the spot to lounge and unwind with a drink in hand. From thematic cocktails and classics with a twist to rare bottles of sake and shochu, Zoku sets the stage for those in the know to meet and indulge.
A tasteful tribute to the drinking culture of Japan
Zoku and The Terrace
Photograph: Courtesy The Hari Hong Kong
2/F, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, s/n, Cotai, Macao; +853 8113 1300; thestregisbarmacao.com
The St. Regis Bar Macao is one of Macao’s finest bar destinations. The venue exudes a unique jazz vibe, complete with live music and St. Regis’ signature service and hospitality. Expect a sumptuous menu of chef-crafted culinary fare and an extensive selection of classic and contemporary cocktails by expert mixologists. Highlights from the cocktail programme include the Bloody Mary ‘World Collection’, happy hour punches of various flavours, and unique cocktails inspired by New York City.
A slice of New York on the Cotai Strip
The St. Regis Bar Macao
Photograph: Calvin Sit
MACAO
30/F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2487 3988; elite-concepts.com
Eyebar is a strong contender when it comes to bars with the best vantage points in Hong Kong. Perched high above Nathan Road, the bar’s terrace is a perfect spot to catch unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Visit in the afternoons, sip on cold beers or any of the bar’s signature cocktails, and catch the beautiful sunset as Hong Kong turns from day into night.
A cosy rooftop bar to observe the city’s glistening skyline
Eyebar
Photograph: Courtesy Eyebar
25-26/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar St, Central; 3619 4282; fb.com/faye.hkg
Taking over the previous spot of Cé La Vi, Faye features inflatable spaceships, galaxy-inspired accents, and showcases live beats to workout those happy feet. But one of the best parts about the place is its sky deck overlooking sweeping views of Central’s concrete jungle. Enjoy afternoon drinks at the bar and stay until sundown for a night of revelry with a trendy crowd that keeps the vibe high until past midnight.
A stylish drinking spot in the heart of the city
Faye
Photograph: Facebook/faye.hkg
118/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, ICC, 1 Austin Rd W, West Kowloon; 2263 2270; ritzcarlton.com
A narrow, leathered elevator will take you up to the 118th floor of The Ritz-Carlton where the bar is located. Once inside, you’re immediately greeted by moody lighting, avant-garde seating, and walls of refracted swirling glass. What seals the deal for any guest, however, is the completely unobstructed view of Western Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon. And, with one of the finest wine lists in town and a great cocktail programme, the drinks here are as impressive as the view.
The world’s highest bar with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour
Ozone
Photograph: Courtesy Ozone
26/F, The Murray, 22 Cotton Tree Dr, Central; 3141 8888; niccolohotels.com
Accessible by a private elevator, Popinjays is a stunning restaurant and bar that is definitely worth the trudge up Cotton Tree Drive to 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 bar and restaurant serving cocktails with a stunning view
Popinjays
Photograph: Courtesy Popinjays
25/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Rd, Central; 2537 1388; sevva.hk
Sevva is an incredible space with a wrap-around terrace 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 astounding backdrop of the cit
Sevva
Photograph: Courtesy Sevva
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, this restaurant is easily one of our best picks among the best rooftop bars in town. With an unobstructed view that stretches all the way to North Point, along with an extensive drinks menu featuring craft 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
Skye
Photograph: Courtesy Skye
32/F, East Hong Kong, 29 Taikoo Shing Rd, Taikoo Shing; 3968 3738; easthotels.com
Encompassing the entire 32nd floor of the swanky business hotel East in Tai Koo, Sugar is a soaring establishment that sells itself as a ‘bar + deck + lounge’. It’s a tag that succinctly sums up the highlights of this ultra-cool space, except that it omits Sugar’s finest feature: the utterly breathtaking views. Enjoying sweeping vistas with a drink in hand is hardly a new thing to our spoiled eyes in Hong Kong, but Sugar’s panoramas provide a fresh perspective of the eastern side of the island. 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 breathtaking views of the eastern area
Sugar
Photograph: Courtesy Sugar
4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Rd, Kowloon; 2710 1866; terriblebaby.com
Terrible Baby shakes up a variety of fun, creative cocktails and a diverse selection of spirits. Aside from their drink offering, the bar also boasts a spacious outdoor terrace covered in greenery that plays in contrast to the urban surroundings of the Jordan neighbourhood. Head here if you’re looking for that sweet escape above ground.
An effortlessly hip venue in Jordan
Terrible Baby
Photograph: Courtesy Terrible Baby
23/F, West Tower, 1 North Point Estate Ln, North Point; 3896 9898; hyattcentrichongkong.com
From lunch to afternoon sundowners, dinner to late night drinks, Cruise is a hidden rooftop oasis to enjoy social connection, modern Asian fare, and cocktails while overlooking a spectacular view of Victoria Harbour. The food and drink menus draw inspiration from South East and North East Asian cuisine – approaching traditional items in an unorthodox and reimagined way. The food is meant to be a shared experience. Enjoy the view along with discounted prices on select drinks during Cruise’s Sunset Sessions from 3pm to 7pm and Midnight Sessions from 10pm to 12am daily.
A rooftop oasis overlooking the North Point’s harbour
Cruise
Photograph: Courtesy Cruise
North Point
West Kowloon
Causeway Bay
Taikoo Shing
Jordan
LG/F, Welley Building, 97 Wellington St, Central; 2810 6969; at001.xxx
001 is easy to miss unless you know it’s there. A recessed black door set behind the market stalls on Graham Street, a dim spotlight, and a doorbell are the only signs that you’re at the right place. Fortunately, 001 doesn’t rely on its gimmick as a hidden bar to pull in punters. The cocktails here are excellent, and there’s a substantial selection of spirits too. At times you may 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
M/F 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 celebrate Asian ingredients and local flavours.
The world-famous New York cocktail bar’s second branch does the original proud
PDT (Please Don’t Tell)
Photograph: Courtesy PDT (Please Don’t Tell)
3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Rd C, Central; room309.hk
Presented as an imaginary space within The Pottinger – every floor in the hotel has a maximum of six rooms, so 309 shouldn’t exist – Room 309 sits next to another of Lai’s establishments, The Envoy. Expect a menu of classic cocktails with 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. They occasionally hold mixology pop-ups in collaboration with various spirit brands, so make sure to ask about these seasonal menus when you drop by.
Mixologist Antonio Lai’s creative cocktail bar hidden within The Pottinger hotel
Room 309
Photograph: Courtesy Room 309
32 Wyndham St, Central; 2565 5268; stockton.com.hk
With Stockton having been around for a while now, it may seem a little redundant to claim that the bar is ‘hidden’, but for some, it’s still easy to miss. Found at the top of a dark passage near the end of Wyndham Street, Stockton is decorated like an Edwardian gentlemen’s club furnished with leather sofas. One of the bar’s best attributes is its experimental streak, as demonstrated in the introduction of various new cocktail menus since opening back in 2014. Enjoy well thought out cocktails or sip on drams of whisky from their extensive collection and pair them with Stockton’s selection of Cuban cigars.
Wyndham Street’s OG hidden bar
Stockton
Photograph: Courtesy Stockton
G/F, 13 Staunton St, Central; 9880 1550; fb.com/thepoetbar
Flick the silver switch next to the golden door on Staunton Street and you’ll gain entry into The Poet – a hidden cocktail haven that is serious about its tipples. Inside, the interior has the look and feel of a classic cocktail bar with backlit mirrors on cerulean walls, marble tables, gold finishes and cosy corners. Along with signature cocktails inspired by the classics, the drink menu is extensive, with selections of whiskies, gins, and wines by the bottle. If you’re feeling experimental, ask the bartenders for an off-menu gin-based Chinese Ginger Fizz, which is made with spicy, savoury ingredients, pickled ginger, and garnished with a century egg.
A speakeasy-style bar hiding behind a curious-looking door on Staunton Street
The Poet
Photograph: Courtesy The Poet
B/F, 25 Staunton St, Tsun Wing Ln, Central; thewiseking.com
This intimate, burgundy-and-gold-hued lounge was inspired by Alfonso X of Castile, aka the man who ‘invented’ tapas. This is the kind of place where you can settle in for a long night over good conversation and great drinks. The Wise King’s co-founder Sandeep Kumar crafted the bar’s menu with refreshing riffs and spirit-forward drinks. One of our favourite cocktails is a unique rendition of the Bloody Maria called Anger, made with porcini mushroom-infused tequila and served in a red pepper rimmed glass.
A cosy award-winning cocktail bar
The Wise King
Photograph: Courtesy The Wise King
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, The Wilshire is a rare example of an American bar done right in this part of town. Expect a cocktail programme featuring classic flavours and modest but refreshing twists that change every couple of months. The bartenders can also whip up any classic cocktail, so guests can request based on their drink preference.
Hidden bar in Kennedy Town offering a top-notch, no-nonsense cocktail experience
The Wilshire
2/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Rd, Central; 2639 9155; zzura.hk
Located on the second floor of Amber Lodge on Hollywood Road is a hidden oasis called Zzura. Inspired by the Sahara desert, the bar’s design features clean, minimal, and polished earthy hues with contrasting pops of green and orange on the furnishings – a far cry from the intimate and dimly lit speakeasy-style bars in the city. Familiar faces behind the bar include Tell Camellia co-owner Gagan Gurung and Princebir Singh, former head bartender of Zuma. The bar serves spice-infused cocktails highlighting Middle-Eastern flavours, including an easy-to-drink low ABV cocktail called Kafyar and cumin-infused Around The Globe.
A hidden oasis on Hollywood Road
Zzura
Photograph: Courtesy Zzura
Speakeasy-style and hidden bars
Cocktail bars Rooftop bars Speakeasy-style & hidden bars Cafe bars Wine bars Beer bars Gin bars Sake bars Whisky bars
Kennedy Town
G/F, Glenealy Tower, 1 Glenealy, Central; 6661 3161; fb.com/barcoffeedessert
Barcode (short for bar, coffee, and dessert) serves up cafe bites and hand drip coffee in the morning, but once the clock strikes six, a hidden room welcomes imbibers for after work drinks. The brains behind the bar is tea-cocktail connoisseur and Tell Camellia’s co-founder Gagan Gurung. Expect a menu of classics along with signature cocktails designed to be paired with the desserts.
Pair your desserts with classic cocktails
Barcode
169 Sai Yeung Choi St North, Prince Edward; 6711 5971; coffeeanaloghk.com
This place is a must-visit for whisky buffs. Visitors can enjoy hand drip coffee brews or a double ristretto – highly concentrated espresso coffee – in the morning, before sipping on whisky once the bar opens at night. The whisky bar is run by online liquor retailer Malt Cask, so expect over a hundred bottles of independently bottled whiskies, limited-edition releases, and brands that will tickle any whisky enthusiast. The cafe-slash-bar doesn’t provide much food on the menu aside from a rotating selection of pastries, cakes, and desserts.
A cosy cafe and bar for whisky enthusiasts
Coffee Analog
Shop A, G/F, 8 Aberdeen St, Central; 9199 3596; dio.com.hk
Named after Dionysus, the god of wine in Greek mythology, Dio serves artisan coffee by day and curated wines and cocktails by night. Located at the intersection of Aberdeen Street and Gough Street, the bar offers affordable cocktails and a selection of liquor, sake, and wine, including back vintage wines ranging from the 60s to 90s which customers can buy for consumption on the premises or to takeaway. Drop by for a coffee or grab any of the back vintage bottles while they last.
Sip on quality coffee and vintage wines
Dio
Photograph: Courtesy Dio
1/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Rd, Central; 9225 6639; doubleshot.hk
Doubleshot is a cafe and cocktail bar created by the team of specialty coffee roastery, Cupping Room. Located along Hollywood Road, the venue makes specialty brews, serves alcoholic beverages, and offers all-day dining service. Their signature cocktail, the Spent Martini, is a variation of the classic espresso martini made using sustainable bar practices. This includes taking used coffee grounds and sweeteners from unsold almond croissants. The result? A unique martini with a delicate smooth foam which brings the fruitiness of coffee to the fore, before an earthy finish.
A spot to relax amidst the hustle and bustle of Central
Doubleshot by Cupping Room
7 Wing Hing St, Tin Hau; 2861 3808; fb.com/eschongkong
Drop by Esc Coffee for hot or cold brews in the morning and come back in the afternoon for drams of whisky at the back of the shop, where hidden whisky bar A.P.E (A Perfect Escape) is located. The cafe offers a range of single origin beans originating from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica, while the bar serves a great selection of whiskies from independent bottlers Douglas Laing, Thompson Bros, Elixir Distillers, and Asta Morris.
A hidden whisky bar within Tin Hau
Esc Coffee
Shop GF-04, G/F, Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2697 8938; fb.com/rest.coffee.gin
Where coffee meets gin
Rest Coffee Gin
G/F, 16 Tsing Fung St, Tin Hau; 9181 1193; instagram.com/superhoomanhk
Enjoy coffee by day and cocktails by night at Tin Hau’s pet-friendly cafe and bar Superhooman. Located next to boutique hotel Tuve, this new hangout spot features a pan-Asian food menu and craft cocktails created by consulting bartender Shelley Tai (bar manager of Singapore bar Nutmeg & Clove). The cocktail programme offers eight signature drinks, three of which are served on draft. Cocktails include a riff on a classic espresso martini, Superhooman Espressotini, a herbal sour Wake-Up-Call, and a fruity take on the classic aperitif, Rhubarb Negroni.
A pet-friendly hangout with craft cocktails
Superhooman
Photograph: Courtesy Superhooman
Shop 301, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par St, Tsuen Wan; 3460 2239; fb.com/TankyuDistillery
Located at The Mills in Tsuen Wan, Tankyu Distillery first opened as a tasting room where guests can sample and learn more about the local craft gin. The venue also serves a range of cocktails featuring creative uses of Perfume Trees gin, coffee, and tea. Those who have a penchant for CBD can also try the venue’s CBD-infused coffees and alcoholic mixes. The tasting room also serves omakase cocktails, so you can drop by and tell the bartenders your drink preferences, and they’ll whip it up for you right away.
A cafe and bar concept by local gin brand Perfume Trees
Tankyu Distillery
Photograph: Facebook/TankyuDistillery
Tsuen Wan
Prince Edward
Tin Hau
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 and pair them with wines from the restaurant’s extensive list highlighting natural, organic, and biodynamic wines sourced directly from the producers in Italy. If you need help with your orders, the friendly staff will always recommend the best wine pairing to go with your meal.
An intimate spot serving up quality Italian food and wine
121BC
Photograph: Courtesy 121BC
Lobby, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; 2810 8366; marriott.com
If you worry that tackling an entire bottle is going to make people question your life decisions, JW Marriott Hong Kong’s Bar Q88 offers a great wine selection that you can try by the glass. Sip on glasses of vino from Australia, the US, Italy, France, New Zealand, Chile, and Spain. And if you’re concerned about hotel bar prices, just stop by during the regular happy hour – every day except Sunday – for a neat buy-one-get-one-free deal on select labels.
JW Marriott’s hotel bar offering an extensive wine by the glass menu
Bar Q88
Photograph: Courtesy Bar Q88
Admiralty
Shop C, G/F, 1 Second St, Sai Ying Pun; 3460 5863; brut.com.hk
Run by Camille Glass and George Kwok, this intimate wine bar in Sai Ying Pun highlights a natural wine list sourced from organic and biodynamic farmers around the world. 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 change regularly and are mostly served by the glass. Order their creative sharing plates, which go especially well with the biodynamic wines on offer.
A tapas bar serving up natural and biodynamic wines
Brut!
Photograph: Nicholas Wong
Sai Ying Pun
2/F, 22 Staunton St, Central; 2539 7999; jamessucklingwinecentral.com
Founded by world-famous wine critic James Suckling, the 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 – most are available by the glass – with an emphasis on Italian wines from Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto regions, as well as Bordeaux wines, and Port. Those interested to learn more about wine can take advantage of the Great Wines of the World series featuring exclusive masterclasses and open tasting sessions hosted personally by James Suckling.
Access a stellar selection of 100-point rated wines
James Suckling Wine Central
Photograph: Courtesy James Suckling Wine Central
62 Hollywood Rd, Central; 2776 6070; lacabane.hk
La Cabane is a great place for anyone seeking an extensive natural wine list. Here you can find hundreds of different wines from around the world sourced directly from individual winemakers and small artisanal growers. Drink wine by the glass from their monthly updated wine list, and if you’re feeling hungry, the kitchen serves a rotating menu of 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
G/F, Newman House, 35-45 Johnston Rd, Wan Cha; 2782 6689; lebistrowinebeast.com
Le Bistro Winebeast offers a superb selection of French and organic wines from their retail shop, which you can pair with their modern French dishes. The wine pairing menu frequently changes, so you can expect a different experience every time you visit. You may also catch occasionally scheduled wine dinners showcasing various winemakers from different parts of the world, and learn about different bottlings while enjoying a specially curated meal.
A modern French bistro offering a great selection of French terroir and organic wines
Le Bistro Winebeast
Photograph: Courtesy Le Bistro Winebeast
9 Swatow St, Wan Chai; 2673 7636; lqv-group.com
This cosy Parisian bar in Wan Chai is the global brand Le Quinze Vins’ first wine bar in Asia, and it’s the perfect haven for discerning drinkers of fine French wine. Their cellar boasts an impressive selection of 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. Based on our experience, a glass of Burgundy’s full-bodied Gevrey-Chambertin is always a great start. 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 walk across the street and bring some cheese to pair with your vino.
A cosy Parisian wine specialist
LQV Wan Chai - Le Bar & La Cave
Photograph: Courtesy Le Quinze Vins/Harold de Puymorin
35 Peel St, Central; 6464 1598; nocturnehk.com
Nocturne specialises in whisky and wine, so if you like these two liquids, then it’s the best place to visit. Located on the quieter end of Peel Street, the bar is hidden behind a nondescript door, which you can easily miss if you’re not looking for it. With over 100 whiskies and more than 250 wines to choose from, the tasting possibilities are endless. The wine menu is focused on the best labels that the Old World has to offer, and most of the bottles can be sampled because the bar uses Coravin. Nocturne’s ‘by the glass’ offering is regularly updated, so you can try different varietals every time you visit.
An intimate wine and whisky bar on Peel Street
Nocturne
15 High St, Sai Ying Pun; 9847 3050; premiercruhk.com
Premier Cru is a retail shop, but you can also buy bottles and drink it within the premises or pair them with various cheeses available on the menu. There’s even a small terrace perfect for a casual afternoon with friends. The shop offers hundreds of bottles highlighting French wines from the Rhone Valley and Burgundy region sourced from emerging producers, well-known winemakers, and biodynamic wineries. Make sure to catch their occasionally scheduled wine tastings and workshops to discover new bottles and learn about various wineries.
A French wine library specialising in wines from Rhone Valley and Burgundy regions
Premier Cru
Shop A, 165-166 Connaught Rd W, Sai Ying Pun; 2803 0753; finewineexperience.com
The venue houses an event 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 go past the cellar, you can visit Bâtard, a partnership between Piccolo Concepts and The Fine Wine Experience, which offers standout dishes to pair with quality wine. But be sure to book in advance.
Perfect for wine enthusiasts and collectors who are looking for a great range of unique wines
The Fine Wine Experience
Photograph: Courtesy The Fine Wine Experience
G/F, 21 Tung St, Sheung Wan; 5998 3088; bluesupreme.live
This beautifully decorated craft beer bar often draws crowds that spill out onto Cat Street, and for good reason. Blue Supreme specialises in funky, wild, and live brews born out of Belgian traditions – think farmhouse ales, saisons, spontaneously fermented lambics, sour brown ales, and more. Live beers not your thing? The bar also serves beers from local breweries that are a little more accessible.
A tasteful beer bar nestled among the antique stores of Upper Lascar Row
Blue Supreme
Sheung Wan
Shop D, G/F, 22-24 Tai Ping Shan St, Sheung Wa; 6012 6845; craftissimo.hk
This bar-slash-bottle shop in residential Poho is a real winner. Scan around and take your pick from the shop’s well-stocked fridges. IPAs, stouts, sours, wheat beers, ciders, CBD-infused beers – everything you could ever want is represented here. Plus, Craftissimo’s beer selection is always expanding with new imports and local releases, so there’s always something new to try. There are also beers on tap available from local breweries like Young Master, Carbon Brews, and Black Kite.
A bar and bottle shop with a vast selection of brews
Craftissimo
Photograph: Joshua Lin
Shop 1, New Fortune House, 3-5 New Praya, Kennedy Town; 3500 5870; grain.com.hk
Grain, in partnership with one of Hong Kong’s top craft brewers Gweilo, offers a total of 24 taps with a rotating selection of craft beers by Gweilo and other breweries. Grain also houses a research and development brewing facility called Gweilo Brewlab, which allows beer lovers to try out newly developed brews before they’re released, as well as an area to host beer workshops and tastings to learn more about brewing beer. If you’re not in the mood for some hoppy action, Grain also has cocktails on tap.
More than just an average beer bar
Grain
Photograph: Courtesy Grain
2/F, 29 Wyndham St, Central; 2342 2224; fb.com/HoLanJeng
Ho Lan Jeng, a play on the common Canto phrase used to describe something as ‘so fucking good’, is all about showcasing the local craft beer scene. Here, you’ll find everything from brews by Citibrew, Moonzen, Yardley Brothers, Mak’s Brewery, and more. The interior takes industrial chic to the next level in a room where exposed concrete and beams set the tone for features like a bright neon sign and colourful murals.
A truly local experience with Hong Kong-brewed craft beer
Ho Lan Jeng
Photograph: Courtesy Ho Lan Jeng
88 Shantung St, Mong Kok; 2911 4662; fb.com/moonkok.hk
Moonkok, an extremely photogenic bar located on Shantung Street. Expect an interior full of vermillion and emerald green resembling a temple. The bar serves an impressive 12 beers on tap, including local brews and guest additions. We thoroughly enjoy escaping the bustle of the city to perch at the bar and 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
Moonkok
Mong Kok
24 Pok Man St, Tai Kok Tsui; 6407 0063; fb.com/onceyougocraft
This small, independent bar brings great craft beer to Tai Kok Tsui by offering brews from some of Hong Kong’s most interesting craft breweries like Young Master, Yardley Brothers, and H.K. Lovecraft. From sour ales and house-brewed IPA to Doppelbocks and Gose – there’s an impressive range of styles on the tap list. Considering the space is barely big enough for you to order your beer from the bar, expect the action to spill out onto the street quite frequently.
Neighbourhood beer bar with a friendly atmosphere
Once You Go Craft
Photograph: Facebook/Once You Go Craft
Tai Kok Tsui
98 Tung Lo Wan Rd, Tai Hang; 2656 0232; seconddraft.hk
One of our favourite haunts in Tai Hang, Second Draft serves a vast selection of beers on draft, including all the freshest pours from local breweries like Young Master and Carbon Brews. Apart from serving some cracking locally brewed beers on tap, the gastropub is also heavily influenced by local flavours when it comes to the grub with dishes like spicy Mala nuts, as well as squid ink and dried oyster croquettes.
A gastropub with local flair
Second Draft
Photograph: Courtesy Second Draft
Tai Hang
19 Hak Po St, Mong Kok; 2468 2010; thealeproject.com
TAP: The Ale Project has a relaxed vibe that will make anyone feel welcome. With a well thought out selection of locally brewed beers, esoteric brews fermented from wild yeast, and an impressive collection of beer by international breweries from places like Australia and the UK, there’s bound to be something hoppy to suit your taste.
An unconventional taproom serving craft beers from Hong Kong and overseas
TAP: The Ale Project
Photograph: Courtesy TAP: The Ale Project
Garley Bldg, 45-53 Graham St, 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 down 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 all the many various brews aren’t enough for you, be sure to snare one of the unmissable homemade pies.
Traditional English gastropub with a wide beer selection
The Globe
Photograph: Courtesy The Globe
G/F, 5 Austin Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui; 6882 9840 • fb.com/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. With a 20-strong line-up of 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. It’s an ideal spot to hang out and enjoy freshly poured brews over hearty snacks with other beer enthusiasts.
A regular stomping ground for beer enthusiasts
Tipsy Tap
Photograph: Facebook/Tipsytap.hk
Lobby, The Langham Hong Kong, 8 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2132 7898; langhamhotels.com
From London to Hong Kong, this world-famous bar concept at The Langham features a romantic Art Deco interior and a setting as sophisticated as their cocktails. The bar houses one of the largest gin collections in all of Hong Kong, with a curated list of almost 450 interesting gins from around the world. Along with gin and tonic specialties, Artesian whips up elegant signature gin cocktails. Be sure to catch their daily happy hour from 3pm to 10pm and order from their select cocktails to get your next glass at 50 percent off with free-flow French fries.
A contemporary Art Deco-inspired bar with elegant G&Ts
Artesian
Photograph: Courtesy Artesian
Shop B31A, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Rd C, Central; 2111 9449; mingfathouse.com
Created by the team behind Foxglove, Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour is a bar tucked away inside Landmark. The speakeasy-like venue houses over 250 gins and showcases premium bottles from around the world. You can enjoy them straight up or in an array of creative cocktails. Choose your prefered flavour profile or taste your way through a few, there’s something for everyone. Dr. Fern’s also offers a variety of bar bites, including charcuterie or mixed cheese boards.
This hidden bar has fun cocktails infused with gins from around the globe
Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour
Shop 6, G/F The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Rd C, Central; 2133 1137; kyleandbain.com
As one of the big bar openings of 2021, Kyle & Bain is mixologist John Nugent’s nod to the history of Ice House Street. The name stems from Scottish engineers William Kyle and John Bain, who set up the city’s first ice plant in the 1870s on the exact location where the bar is now located. Kyle & Bain is a martini-centric bar located on the mezzanine floor of European brasserie Margo. Those with a penchant for boozy gin drinks will love this intimate bar as all cocktails here are prepared stirred, not shaken. Expect a rotating list of creative martinis and renditions of classic gin cocktails including Negronis and gimlets. Along with gin serves, the bar also offers a list of spirits, including vodka, agave, whisky, and brandy.
Kyle & Bain
Photograph: Courtesy Kyle & Bain
L/G, Nam Cheong House, 129 Second St, Sai Ying Pun; 9835 5061 • pingpong129.com
Turning an old ping pong hall on the unassuming 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.
An urban chic bar to enjoy a Spanish gin experience
Ping Pong 129 Gintoneria
Photograph: Courtesy Nicholas Wong
G/F, 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. From 3pm to 7.30pm, guests can enjoy happy hour servings of G&T (from $48 to $68) from a selection of nine gins, including Martin Miller, London Nº1, and Dancing Sands Barrel Aged Gin. They also whip up signature gin cocktails like the spirited White Negroni, fizzy Black Forest, and refreshing Gin on Ginger.
Northern Spanish cuisine and cocktails in the heart of Wan Chai
The Optimist
Photograph: Courtesy The Optimist
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. This incredibly cool space and trendy restaurant offers hundreds of different sake so you can get everything from regular brews to something more special like a bottle from Taikoku Shuzo which is Okinawa’s one and only sake brewery. Bottles are also available for purchase in the retail area. Don’t forget to catch their seasonal sales to get good deals on quality bottles.
Excellent sake bar and shop with plenty of choice
Sake Central
Photograph: Courtesy Sake Central
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 Japanese 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.
A top sake-pairing Japanese restaurant
Godenya
Flat A, 4/F, Winner Commercial Bldg, 401-403 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai; 3188 9201; nomihk.co
Hidden bar Heya, which refers to a ‘room’ in Japanese, is a cosy little nook tucked on Lockhart Road in Wan Chai. This intimate drinking den serves over 30 labels of sake which you can order per glass or bottle, for dine-in or takeaway. The sake is sourced from lesser-known breweries in Japan, along with shochu, whisky, fruit liquor, and Suntory beers on draft. Light bites are also available and you can even bring your own food in at no extra cost.
Relaxed sake experience with lesser-known labels
Heya ( )
Photograph: Courtesy Heya
G/F, 2 Glenealy, Central; 2388 7717; toritama.hk
A yakitori joint imported from Tokyo, Toritama has plenty of fans both here and in Japan. Although the delicious grilled skewers are the primary draw, the drinks menu is equally impressive and there are more than 80 different types of sake available here, with bottles costing from just a few hundred dollars and all the way up to many thousands. If you’re not looking for a big night on the sake, don’t worry, they have a fine selection of sake by the glass too.
Where sake and skewers are meant to be together
Toritama Hong Kong
Photograph: Courtesy Toritama Hong Kong
2/F, South Pacific Hotel, 23 Morrison Hill Rd, Causeway Bay; 3619 5358; fb.com/wakosakebar
Hit up Wako Sake Bar if you’re looking for an all-you-can-drink nihonshu deal. It offers free-flow sake with options of Japanese fruit wine, and shochu in the mix. You can drink as much sake as you want from over 100 different kinds of bottles, or opt for the food and sake pairing to enjoy select dishes and free flow sake for two hours. The team is always ready to educate customers about sake origins and its tasting notes, so don’t be afraid to ask if you need some guidance.
All-you-can-drink sake with a side of education
Wako Sake Bar
Photograph: Courtesy Wako Sake Bar
G/F, 182 Wellington St (entrance on Kau U Fong), Central; godenya.com
へや
6/F, Mody House, 30 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2723 4318; butler-gr.com
Near Minden Avenue’s rowdier strip of bars, this quiet drinking 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: Terence Lam
10/F, Cosmos Bldg, 8-11 Lan Kwai Fong, Central; 9379 7628; clubqing.com
Located on the 10th 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’ll find past and present Japanese whiskies from the likes of Yamazaki to Eigashima, and you’ll get to choose from a number of tasting flights if you’re looking to explore various drams. They also have an impressive Scotch collection that boasts rare and old expressions like Bowmore 1957, Macallan from the 30s, and closed distilleries including Port Ellen and Brora, to name a few.
A cosy bar in LKF housing a variety of whisky
Club Qing
Unit A, 2/F, 97 Wellington St, Central; 2424 3231; fb.com/housewelley
House Welley has an excellent collection of whiskies from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and other world whiskies. Veering away from the usual gentleman’s club style, this bar exudes a more 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, Bowmore, and more.
Enjoy quality whiskies in a contemporary setting
House Welley Bar
Photograph: Courtesy House Welley Bar/Eric Ho
4/F, Kiu Yin Commercial Bldg, 361-363 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai; 3571 9797; mizunarathelibrary.com
Tucked away inside 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 you can enjoy various whisky cocktails on the menu too. Headed by award-winning Masahiko Endo, the bar can create a custom cocktail for you with your preferred whisky. The drinks here aren’t exactly on the wallet-friendly end of the scale, but they are crafted with care and you’re unlikely to find similar drinks elsewhere in town.
Hidden bar offering excellent Japanese cocktails and whiskies
Mizunara: The Library
Shop 2, 1/F, Manhattan Avenue, 255 Queen’s Rd Central, Central; 2505 9988; fb.com/safebubblesandmalt
This modern style whisky bar is located behind its own shop and has an entirely unassuming, monotone façade that looks like the exterior of a bank vault. 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 also hold over 700 malt whiskies which include some of the rarest and most expensive from Scotland and Japan. Their bottle display will make any whisky geek drool and if you want to learn more about whiskies, don’t miss their scheduled tastings and masterclasses.
Unlock an extensive collection of malt whiskies here
Safe Bubbles & Malt
G/F, InterContinental Grand Stanford, 70 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2585 2545; hongkong.intercontinental.com
As one of the most swish whisky bars in town, this hotel bar houses a collection of over 250 whiskies. The bar didn’t start off as a whisky-focused bar, but over the years, they have continually expanded their collection which in turn, attracted whisky enthusiasts looking for more varieties, especially since the InterContinental began hosting the annual Hong Kong Whisky Festival, and brought whisky experts from around the world together. The bar’s whisky collection includes bottles from Scottish, Japanese, and American distilleries and their cocktail menu offers a number of well-made classics and seasonal offerings.
A 1920s-style hotel bar where whisky lovers frequent
Tiffany’s New York Bar
Photograph: Courtesy Tiffany’s New York Bar
G/F, 7-9 Shin Hing St, Central; 9889 8590; whisky-and-words.com
Located at the steps of Shin Hing Street, you’ll find the bar’s narrow wooden door with bold brass lettering that marks the bar’s name at the front entrance. The Whisky & Words space is intimate, and the interior is decked out in muted greys and faux wood decals. Their bottle collection includes rare and hard to find whiskies from Scotland, Japan, and Ireland. Aside from whisky, the bar also offers a selection of other spirits and cocktails that use gin and vodka as the base.
A fresh alternative to the city’s overly serious whisky bar scene
Whisky & Words
Shop 302, 3/F, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Rd, Central; 3185 8396; ami-woodear.hk
This sleek bar is located on the third floor of Landmark and shares a space with Parisian restaurant Ami. Wood Ear’s whisky collection spans over 400 labels sourced from auctions and private collectors all over the world. The menu offers whisky-based craft cocktails, a range of rare whiskies – including Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt The Colored Joker, Glen Grant 1955 60 YO La Maison Du Whisky, Martin’s 12 YO Circa 1960s, and Langs 1940’s Extra Special Old Liqueur Scotch - as well as an extensive list of delicious non-alcoholic drinks.
Sip on rare whiskies at this sleek and stylish bar
Wood Ear
Photograph: Courtesy Ami
