Coa was revealed as Asia’s Best Bar for 2023, during a live ceremony held at the Rosewood on Tuesday night. The Mexican-inspired bar topped the rankings for the third year in a row, making it only the only venue to achieve this feat.
Seven other bars in the SAR also found places on the eighth edition of the list: Argo (No. 8), DarkSide (No. 9), The Aubrey (No. 17), Penicillin (No. 26), Quinary (No. 31), new entry Mostly Harmless (No. 33), and The Old Man (No. 47).
Singapore had the largest representation in the rankings, with 11 bars, followed by Hong Kong (8), Seoul (6), Tokyo (5), and Bangkok (4).
Here’s the lowdown on the Hong Kong bars that made this year’s Top 50:
Coa, No. 1 (No. 1 in 2022)
This bar founded by Jay Khan pays tribute to mezcal and tequila with its 200 bottles of both spirits. Their signature cocktails include La Paloma de Oaxaca, a grapefruit-spiked mezcal and tequila blend that is the sole remnant from Coa’s OG menu, and the Ancho Highball, a blend of tequila, salted plum, ancho chile, and guava soda.
6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central | + 852 2813 5787
Argo, No. 8 (No. 3 in 2022)
Each drink served at Argo explores its ingredients’ origins and evolution, as well as potential alternatives, to give patrons a sense of what their experience will be like when certain ingredients become scarce due to climate change.
8 Finance Street, Central | +852 3196 8882
DarkSide, No. 9 (No. 13 in 2022)
Darkside takes its name from the nickname for the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. This is evident in the theme, which features all things dark — from its spirits and cigars to its chocolate. Its new ‘The Art of Mahjong’ menu takes inspiration from the famous tile game with its cocktails centred around their associated Confucian plant.
Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 3891 8732
The Aubrey, No. 17 (No. 38 in 2022)
This izakaya with stunning views of Victoria Harbour serves up libations made with Japanese whiskey, awamori, and shochu to create its signature drinks. If you want the full Aubrey experience, book a private room where bar legend Devender Seghal will curate cocktails tailored to each guest’s tastes.
5 Connaught Road, Central | +852 2825 4001
Penicillin, No. 26 (No. 22 in 2022)
This bar is the gold standard in sustainability, having received the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award in 2021. It features local and upcycled ingredients, and a variety of organic ferments from the bar’s in-house climate-controlled fermentation room.
L/G, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central | +852 9880 7995
Quinary, No. 31 (No. 16 in 2022)
This hotspot headed by Antonio Lai uses technology like rotovap distillation and centrifuges to create drinks to stimulate the senses. Some of its top tipples include its signature Earl Grey Caviar Martini and The Ruby Rouge.
56-58 Hollywood Road, Central | +852 2851 3223
Mostly Harmless, No. 33 (New Entry)
If you’re a Douglas Adams fan, chances are you’ll recognise the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy reference in this Sai Ying Pun bar’s name. The menu changes daily, in keeping with the team’s frequent visits to local markets and farms, which results in quirky cocktails.
2/F, 110 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun
The Old Man, No. 47 (No. 81 in 2022)
If you’re looking for creative drinks, this former Asia’s Best Bar is the place to be. There are several Ernest Hemingway influences in this venue — from the name of the bar and the mural dedicated to the author to the cocktails on the menu named after his works. The Old Man boasts other innovative touches, such as the freezing strip to keep patrons’ drinks cold and the I-shaped bar that allows them to sit or stand wherever they choose.
Lower G/F, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Soho, Central
Last week, Asia’s Best Bars 51-100 for 2023 were unveiled, and five Hong Kong bars found places on this list: The Pontiac (No. 53), Mizunara: The Library (No. 86). The Wise King (No. 34), Tell Camellia (No. 97), and Honky Tonks Tavern (No. 98).
The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2023 will be revealed in Singapore on October 17. Last year, two Hong Kong bars made the Top 50: Coa (No. 17) and Argo No. 28).
For the full rankings of Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2023, click here.
Header image credits: Coa via Facebook
