When it comes to bars in Hong Kong, you’ll soon see that the standards are high – like, seriously high. This is one city that doesn’t mess around with anything that’s not mind blowing. It’s impossible to narrow it down to just seven spots, yet here we are.
From rooftop cocktail bars to sultry whiskey dens, sake joints and casual pubs, the bar scene here is outstanding.
Here’s our seven essential bars in HK to pay a visit to…
Best bars in Hong Kong
How do these rankings work?
1. Quinary
With Diageo World Class 2015 Hong Kong & Macau Champion Antonio Lai at the helm, you can rest assured that the drinks here are topnotch. It’s a “multi-sensual” experience (better than it sounds, promise) with a lab where they create their own flavoured spirits.
Be sure to order the signature Earl Grey Caviar Martini, or the pistachio and buttermilk creation with cachaca.
2. The Old Man
This intimate speakeasy serves top-notch hospitality and innovative cocktails, while tucked away in the heart of Hong Kong’s buzzing SoHo. The Old Man honours author Ernest Hemingway by taking inspiration from his novels, history, and folklore to create a unique drinks menu and vibe.
3. Terrible Baby
Head up to the 4th floor of Eaton HK by Eaton Workshop for good tunes and even better drinks. Terrible Baby has won many an award as Hong Kong’s best newcomer bar, and for good reason.
It has a classical speakeasy-style atmosphere, with an outdoor terrace and music room where you can even mix your own beats.
4. Tai Lung Fung
Tai Lung Fung is a laid-back bar with neon lights, beers on tap and any cocktail you feel like. While the drinks aren’t exactly top notch, the atmosphere more than makes up for it.
It’s a popular place for locals and creatives, with old school Hong Kong posters lining the walls, newspapers in the bathrooms and an anything-goes feel.
5. Back Bar
Back Bar is the cool bar in a ‘hidden’ location in the vibrant area of Wanchaim, you’ll find this bar, through a side door located in an alleyway next to Ham and Sherry.
Try the cocktails inspired by Cha Chaan Tengs. Think: ‘He’s So Lucky’, with Aperol, watermelon, Prosecco, shiso foam and super sprinkles.
6. Sake Central
Working with Hong Kong’s existing sake community, this place offers an extensive variety of sake bottles from small and large breweries both in and outside of Japan. You can buy a bottle from the retail section and drink it at one of the tables, but we suggest holding out: there’s a 16-seater tasting bar behind a thick curtain.
7. Iron Fairies
Come for the decor, stay for the drinks. With 10,000 butterflies on thin copper rods swinging from the ceiling and thousands of small iron fairies scattered around the tables, Iron Fairies brings a touch of magic to Hong Kong’s entertainment and night scene.