Hong Kong Bars & Nightlife
Establishment
neighborhood
Socio
17 Staunton St., Central
This vibrant cocktail bar uses ingredients from Hong Kong’s neighbors across southeast Asia and the Pacific. You might get a cumin-cucumber drink inspired by India, for example, or try Australian whiskey and wattleseed. Or, of course, ask for something distinctly Hong Kong, with black sesame, salted plum, and jasmine tea.
Orchard
28 Gage St., Central
The cocktail program here is focused on fruit spirits, and the signature cocktails make good use of strawberry eau de vie, plum brandy, and coconut pisco. Drinks are balanced and refreshing (and creatively presented), service is warm, and the bar itself is warm and modern—all herringbone floors, contemporary seating, and geometric architecture.
Penicillin
23 Hollywood Rd., Central
If you aren’t looking for Penicillin, you’ll miss it, but this teensy cocktail bar is one of Hong Kong’s best. The bartenders focus on innovation (which they’ve translated into the space; notice the scientific, lab-like surroundings), and they’ve designed a closed-loop model that eliminates food waste and minimizes their carbon footprint. People love the pisco sour, which tastes like White Rabbit candy. Ask the bartenders about their fermentation masterclass, which runs most weekdays.
The Diplomat
45 Pottinger St., Central
Designed to evoke American speakeasies, the Diplomat feels cozy and warm, serving vintage whiskeys and vodka cold brews in a dimly-lit space. There are only a few tables in the main bar, but if you press a button on the back wall, a door opens, revealing a secret room with banquette seating and a DJ booth. The Diplomat is more bar than restaurant, but they’re known for hearty pub food, including an especially good bacon cheeseburger.
COA
6-10 Shin Hing St., Central
You might not expect Hong Kong’s thrice-crowned best bar to focus on artisanal tequila and mezcal, but here it is. COA’s signature menu fuses flavors from Mexico (mole, ancho chile) with those of Hong Kong (bitter melon, Sichuan pepper, Chinese pickled cabbage), and every drink is fantastic. A line starts forming here about half an hour before opening, so if you don’t plan to arrive early, come prepared for a wait. Which, all things considered, is not that bad: You scan a QR code, and your phone shows where you are in the queue in real time, so you can explore Sheung Wan or drink elsewhere until it’s your turn.
Argo
8 Finance St., Central
Argo, on the ground floor of the Four Seasons, is regularly named one of Asia’s best bars. The bar itself is inspired by conservatories and terrariums, and it's very cool—but it’s the cocktail menu that really shines. The bartenders’ narrative focus changes regularly: They’ve centered Asian botanicals threatened by climate change (like honey, cacao, and coffee), classic Hong Kong flavors (XO sauce and pu-erh), and ingredients that work symbiotically in circular agriculture (ginger lily, granite, sweet potato, and bamboo). The menu is so intentional it reads like poetry, and the drinks are well-balanced. The bar snacks are great, too: spicy olives, ruffle chips, and egg waffles with dipping chocolate.
Ozone
1 Austin Rd. W, Tsim Sha Tsui
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 highest rooftop 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.
Mizunara: The Library
361-363 Lockhart Rd., Wan Chai
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.
Feather Boa
38 Staunton St., Central
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.
Dragon-i
The Centrium, 60 Wyndham St., Central
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 red lanterns hanging above the always-packed dance floor.