Hong Kong Bars & Nightlife

Sommelier and born-and-raised New Yorker Alison Christ took her love of wine, art, and music to Hong Kong and opened MyHouse in Wan Chai’s QRE Plaza (following the debut of the popular Maholo Tiki Bar there). MyHouse is part restaurant (open for lunch and dinner), part wine bar, and also a music venue with a roster of resident DJs and a library of vinyl. Another space might run the risk of trying too hard but MyHouse feels sophisticated and warm as opposed to a trend chaser.

A little less sparkly than some of the other bars in Hong Kong, Neo has a cool '60s vibe, with retro furniture, a foosball table, and a pinball machine. The menu, too, is a bit more cocktail bar than full-on club, with a selection of vintage-inspired craft cocktails. This is still Hong Kong, though, so expect a lineup of DJs after the dinner hour.

The Ritz here is located on the Kowloon side (which is across the way from Hong Kong Island), and its claim to fame is that it houses the world's tallest bar. On a clear night, here, on the 118th floor of the International Commerce Center, you can see all of Hong Kong. If you're visiting for the first time—unless you're heights-adverse—you have to go for the experience (and obligatory Instagram).

This Hong Kong take on the speakeasy is on the fourth floor of the Kiu Yin Commercial Building. Designed to be reminiscent of a library, the vibe here is upscale gentleman's club, sans the buzz that pervades much of Hong Kong's club scene. It's the kind of place you go for a serious cocktail (the whiskey selection is legit) and quiet conversation.

An offshoot of the popular beachside Bali spot, Potato Head opened a Hong Kong location in 2016, but perhaps not where most people would have expected: Rather than moving into a spot along the water, the Hong Kong iteration settled inland in an old school plot in Sai Ying Pun. Potato Head is sort of a small village unto itself—in addition to its bar, which is likely to be the first reason you go, there's an Indonesian restaurant called Kaum, a coffee shop, and a retail space. So, while you can just do drinks, you can also make a fun outing of it.

If you don't want to spend all your time in the city center of Hong Kong, head to Repulse Bay on the south side of the island. If you really want to feel like you're in a different place entirely, spend an indulgent afternoon at this lounge space at the top of The Pulse shopping center: Japanese baths, private cabanas (you can reserve online), champagne bottles, DJ'd events. Yes, it's a scene, and Miami-esque—and very fun.

Feather Boa is the kind of "secret bar" that you're likely to hear about: Their specialty is fresh strawberry daiquiris made to order, and they have become somewhat legendary for it. Like a classic speakeasy, the exterior is unremarkable, but the décor inside is fitting of this former antiques shop. They have an occasionally enforced members-only rule—not surprisingly, it's less likely to be enforced earlier in the evening.

Opened in 1967, Dragon-i is somewhat of a Hong Kong institution at this point—since it's a favorite for expats and tourists, it's an easy place to ease into Hong Kong's club scene. The interior (designed by India Mahdavi, who was also behind the stunning pink gallery at Sketch in London) has a stereotypically Chinese aesthetic, with red lanterns hanging above the always-packed dance floor. The music program is handled by Chris Samba, a former Arsenal soccer player who both DJs himself and packs the schedule with some of the best acts in Hong Kong.

The KEE Club is another worthwhile members-only club to visit. Try to go with a friend who is a member, or twist a concierge’s arm. The space is set up like an elegant old house with a lounge, game room, library, dining room, and salon.

This is the kind of teeny club you end up stumbling into late at night and end up having a great time. The vibe is great and the list of cocktails long and fun, and the dance floor is always packed.