Hong Kong is a city that takes its nightlife seriously, with a thriving bar scene that caters to every taste and mood. To celebrate its vibrant bar culture, we’ve curated a list of the 30 best bars in the city, with some venues listed in Asia’s 50 Best Bars for fancy cocktails, speakeasy bars for secret beverages, rooftop bars to enjoy amazing views, LGBT-friendly hangouts and our own list of favourite bars. Bars are listed by alphabetical order.
This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of bars that are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a perfect spot to sip on a craft cocktail or take in stunning city views, this guide will help you explore the best of Hong Kong’s bar world.
Aqua — Central
This Tsim Sha Tsui hotspot offers an unforgettable rooftop experience at its brand-new location at H Zentre. As the flagship restaurant of the Aqua group, it features a spacious interior dining room with panoramic windows, two outdoor terraces, and a cocktail bar, all with stunning views of Victoria Harbour. The ever-changing menu offers perfectly crafted cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits. Enjoy pre- or post-dinner drinks on the terrace or sundowners at the bar, with DJs spinning late into the night.
Location: 17/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | +852 3427 2288
Argo — Central
Argo, listed as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, prides itself on innovation and features a collection of the world’s most unique spirits, including AI-produced gin Monker’s Garkel and lab-made whisky Glypha. Under the leadership of new beverage manager Federico Balzarini, this luxurious bar, located within the Four Seasons Hotel in Central, features a glamorous design with stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. Guests are greeted with a glass of champagne with a gummy bear, and can indulge in signature cocktails such as the Argo Martini and XO Negroni, while the egg waffle with Sichuan peppercorn chocolate spread on the bar bites menu is a must-try.
Location: G/F, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central
Contact: Website | +852 3196 8882
Behind Bars — Central
Nestled within the trendy Tai Kwun compound, Behind Bars is a unique drinking spot repurposed from the former prison cells of the Central Police Station. Its concise cocktail selection is curated by JIA Group’s award-winning Bar Manager, James Barker, and served up in funky bottled designs. The bar’s narrow space features former cells transformed into cosy alcoves, with neon lighting adding to its cool vibe. It’s not just a bar but also an events space, so follow their social media for upcoming happenings.
Location: Shop 15, G/F, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central
Contact: Website | ask@behindbars.hk
COA — Central
The widely recognized COA was opened in 2017 by founder Jay Khan, a pioneer in bringing agave spirits to Asia’s cocktail scene. This cosy bar provides a diverse beverage menu from traditional mezcal, tequila, and Mexican-inspired cocktails. The signature cocktails including La Paloma de Oaxaca and Ancho Highball, feature sophisticated and minimal garnish, letting the bright flavours speak for themselves. Its rustic minimalist interior exudes a laid-back style of hospitality, with Jay often behind the bar or interacting with patrons. COA made history in 2022 as the second bar ever to claim the top spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list two years in a row.
Location: Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central
Contact: Website | +852 2813 5787
Darkside — Tsim Sha Tsui
Darkside is an award-winning jazz bar located in the Rosewood Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui, named as a homage to Kowloon’s moniker. Inspired by all things dark, the bar focuses on dark spirits, cigars, and chocolate, creating an elegant experience enhanced by the high-end art and fantastic view of Victoria Harbour. Classic cocktails like the Martini VS Vesper are worth returning for, but don’t miss the new cocktail menu inspired by Mahjong, introduced by Director of Bars, Simone Rossi. Live jazz performances add to the lingering atmosphere, making Darkside the perfect spot for a night out.
Location: 2/F, Rosewood Hong Kong Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | +852 3891 8732
Dragonfly — Central
Designed by Ashley Sutton, the mastermind behind Iron Fairies, Dragonfly is another design masterpiece tucked away in the historic Tai Kwun complex. This eye-catching cocktail lounge transports guests back to the Art Nouveau era of the late 19th century. The eclectic drink menu features imaginative cocktail creations passionately prepared by a team of international mixologists, alongside delicious snack bites. With live performances in the garden and DJ tunes inside, Dragonfly is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy quality cocktails and food with friends and family.
Location: Shop 10 – G1, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central
Contact: Website | +852 9359 0999
Faye — Central
Faye is the newest place to be for party-goers located on the 25th and 26th floors of California Tower, which was previously occupied by Ce La Vi. Enjoy smashing city views and unique touches like a Carousel horse and outer-space gimmicks, from the sleek interior lounge to the spacious outdoor deck. This buzzing and energetic rooftop club is the perfect evening hot-spot, where you can mix drinks, views, and live beats in a sky-high atmosphere. Take a breather on the sky deck and marvel at the breathtaking views of Central’s iconic buildings.
Location: 25-26/f, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar St, Central
Contact: Website | +852 3619 4282
FLM — Sheung Wan
FLM is one of Hong Kong’s hottest gay bars located on bustling Jervois Street in Sheung Wan. With fun themed nights, live performances, and activities like karaoke and bingo, this iconic venue attracts a mixed crowd of locals, expats, and tourists of all ages. Enjoy their two-for-one happy hour every Monday to Saturday from 7pm to 9pm or catch nights when they give out free-flow drinks for an hour to newcomers. Drag bar and gay nightclub in one, FLM is known for its great happy hours, drag performances, and events like Secret Show Saturdays.
Location: 62 Jervois St, Sheung Wan
Contact: Website | +852 2799 2883
Honky Tonks Tavern — Central
Honky Tonks Tavern is a lively gastropub tucked away in a street in Central, known for its captivating vibe and the motto “Love, Peace & Chicken Grease.” Inspired by Nashville’s honky-tonk bars, it offers a delectable menu of classic dishes and signature “Honky Tipples,” which pair perfectly with elevated bar foods such as Creole-style devilled eggs and their famous hot chicken. The u-shaped bar is a great place to chill and converse with the friendly and knowledgeable staff while enjoying playful cocktails, a decent selection of natural wines, and a daily-changing slushie cocktail. Honky Tonks Tavern is a great spot to unwind after work, and it’s not uncommon for the fun to continue late into the night.
Location: Honky Tonks Tavern, Man Hing Lane, Central
Contact: Website | hi@honkytonkstavern.com
Mizunara: The Library — Wan Chai
Nestled in a quiet commercial building in Wan Chai, Mizunara is an award-winning Japanese-style whiskey and cocktail bar that has earned numerous accolades for its exceptional offerings. The bar’s sophisticated decor, including a stylish wooden bar and plush leather seats, is complemented by a zen Japanese garden. Headed by chief bartender Masahiko Endo, Mizunara boasts an impressive whiskey collection of over 700 bottles from Japan, Scotland, Taiwan, and India. Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or a bespoke concoction, the bartenders, often dressed in impeccable white jacket and bow tie, are masters of their craft, using hand-cut ice and meticulous mixology techniques to create excellent drinks every time.
Location: 4/F, Kiu Yin Commercial Building, 361-363 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai
Contact: Website | +852 3571 9797
Mostly Harmless — Sai Ying Pun
Led by the talented Ezra Star from The Pontiac, Mostly Harmless is a cosy omakase-style cocktail bar located in Sai Ying Pun. The bar’s white tiled walls are adorned with guest names and seasonal menus, setting an informal and welcoming atmosphere. Mostly Harmless supports local Hong Kong farms and features seasonal ingredients, such as snow pea, bitter melon, and mangosteen shells, in their well-crafted cocktails, which are constantly changing based on Ezra’s latest market haul. While the menu is limited to four drinks that rotate regularly, the bar team is happy to prepare classic cocktails or an off-the-menu order based on your preference.
Location: 42/F, 110 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun
Contact: Website | info@mostlyharmlessbar.com
Ozone — West Kowloon
Ozone, the highest rooftop bar in the world, perched on the 118th floor of Hong Kong’s prestigious Ritz Carlton in West Kowloon. Satisfy your cravings with delicious burgers and lobster rolls from their current collaboration with Burger & Lobster from London, paired with inventive cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. Try the signature Hong Kong Skyline cocktail or the new ‘Five Elements’ cocktail inspired by the forces of nature. Take in the breathtaking view of Hong Kong’s skyline from the top while relaxing on the outdoor terrace. While prices are high, the unique experience is worth every penny.
Location: 118/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, 1 Austin Rd W, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | +852 2263 2270
Penicillin — Central
Hong Kong’s first sustainable cocktail bar, Penicillin, is making waves in the industry with its ‘closed-loop’ mixology approach, which has landed it a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. Named after Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, the bar is the brainchild of Agung Prabowo and Roman Ghale, the masterminds behind The Old Man Hong Kong. Penicillin is changing the waste-heavy food and beverage industry with its minimal-waste cocktail list, made with locally sourced and upcycled ingredients. The bar’s eco-friendly approach extends to its decor, with tabletops made from trees felled by typhoons and lighting repurposed from nearby businesses. Don’t miss their signature cocktail, the One Penicillin One Tree, a climate-positive way to enjoy a drink, with a tree planted for every cocktail purchased.
Location: Amber Lodge, L/G, 23 Hollywood Rd, Central
Contact: Website | +852 9880 7995
Petticoat Lane — Central
Petticoat Lane is one of the hottest gay clubs in the city, and it has relocated to the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, the city’s vibrant nightlife hub. The bar is renowned for its fabulous drag performances featuring the city’s fiercest queens, making it an inclusive space that attracts open-minded club hoppers and late-night revelers. The bar’s sexy DJs keep the party going until 4 or 5am, and their #WednesGAY events offer a snack platter and one hour of free-flow Absolut Vodka for just HK$100. What’s more, the club also works with different LGBT organizations to build a close-knit community that embraces diversity.
Location: 8F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar St, Central
Contact: Website | +852 2808 2893
Ping Pong 129 Gintonería — Sai Ying Pun
Nestled in the hip neighborhood of Sai Ying Pun, Ping Pong Gintonería is hidden below ground in an old ping pong hall. This chic bar is no secret among local sipsmiths and casual cocktail lovers alike, offering a Spanish-style ‘gin-tonic’ experience with an extensive selection of gins and tonics to choose from, including the famed local gin Perfume Trees and classic Spanish brand Gin Xoriguer, and if you’re looking for something else, they also offer wines and beers. A selection of tapas, such as cold cuts, cheese, and grilled cheese toast goes perfect with the refreshing drinks. Don’t miss this cool and thoughtfully curated space, with its modern-industrial chic decor, high ceilings, neon signs, and edgy contemporary art.
Location: 129 Second Street L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun
Contact: Website | +852 9835 5061
Popinjay — Central
Popinjays is a contemporary rooftop restaurant and stylish bar that offers a sophisticated and fantastic Hong Kong rooftop experience atop The Murray hotel on Cotton Tree Drive. The European gastronomy menu is a highlight, complemented by a world-class selection of classic cocktails, specialty spirits, and bar snacks. The bright and stylish indoor restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows that connect to a spacious wraparound terrace, perfect for mingling with the fashionable crowd and appreciating the Instagram-worthy views. Popinjays offers lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on weekdays, as well as free-flow brunch on weekends.
Location: Rooftop, The Murray Hong Kong, 22 Cotton Tree Dr, Central
Contact: Website | +852 3141 8888
Quality Good Club — Central
Quality Goods Club is an underground restaurant and bar that combines different types of entertainment into one, making it a great spot for a night out in Central. While their dinner menu is delicious, offering from fresh oysters to hanger steaks, the real show starts after dinner, so stick around after your meal to enjoy craft cocktails, live music from local musicians, and DJs who play an eclectic range of music. Quality Goods Club also has a good selection of wine, beer, and cocktails to choose from. Despite opening during a tough year for bars and live venues, this place has become popular, and eventually earned a spot on the Asia’s 50 Bars list, because of its great atmosphere, food, and drinks.
Location: Basement, On Lok House, 39-43 Hollywood Rd, Central
Contact: Website | +852 6029 1530
Quinary — Central
Quinary, launched by decorated “King of Cocktails” Antonio Lai in 2012, is a hyper-modern bar that has become a mainstay of the industry. The industrial-designed space features a long, glowing bar and uses advanced technology like evaporators, centrifuges, sous vide, and foam to create drinks that tantalize the senses. The latest menu draws inspiration from food markets in Hong Kong and beyond, offering house signatures, classic cocktails with a twist, and seasonal themed cocktails that require a laboratory’s worth of equipment to produce, all served in playful and instagrammable containers. Be sure to try the signature Earl Grey Caviar Martini on your next visit.
Location: 56, 58 Hollywood Rd, Central
Contact: Website | +852 2851 3223
Room 309 — Central
Tucked within the charming The Pottinger Hotel, Room 309 is the latest brainchild of Antonio Lai, the mastermind behind Quinary. To enter, you must first visit the adjacent The Envoy restaurant and request a key card from ‘The Reception’. The intimate bar featured a long, stone-tiled counter that can provides only 20 seats, and offers a signature ‘Invisible’ cocktail menu with eight clear and colourless drinks that pack a flavourful punch. Try the Vanishing Watermelon Martini and the Gone Gimlet to experience their expertly balanced creations. The Victorian-era, den-inspired interiors of Room 309, with their suppressed lighting and candles, create a cosy and intimate atmosphere that transports you to another era.
Location: 3/F The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Contact: Website | info@room309.hk
SEVVA — Central
SEVVA is a one-of-a-kind rooftop bar that took the top floor of the Prince’s Building in Central. This ultra-chic and posh venue boasts a terrace that wraps around the building, providing stunning views of the city’s skyscrapers and Victoria Harbor. The stylish indoor lounges and dining rooms are decorated with luxurious furniture and carefully-curated art pieces. SEVVA serves creative cocktails, modern Western and Asian cuisine, and classic Afternoon Tea. With its luxurious setting and unique rooftop location, no wonder that it is bustling with social elites, locals and tourists alike, including international figures like Jennifer Lopez, Pharrell Williams, and Robert DeNiro.
Location: 25/F, Landmark Prince’s, 10 Chater Rd, Central
Contact: Website | +852 2537 1388
SKYE — Causeway Bay
SKYE is a vibrant rooftop bar and restaurant in Causeway Bay. Overlooking the Victoria Harbour and Victoria Park, the 27th-floor spot boasts a stunning backdrop for enjoying comtemporary dishes and drinks, from bespoke cocktails inspired by zodiac signs, to an extensive collection of wine. With a complete facelift in 2022, SKYE now has a sleek, futuristic design, complete with a larger al fresco area for an unobstructed view of the harbour. The new food menu features robata-grilled skewers and a wide variety of sharing plates. With a stylish interior and outdoor terrace, SKYE is the perfect spot for both daytime and nighttime visits. Reservations are recommended for the indoor restaurant, but the rooftop terrace operates on a walk-in policy.
Location: 27/F, The Park Lane Hong Kong A Pullman Hotel, 310 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay
Contact: Website | +852 2839 3327
Tell Camellia — Central
Tell Camellia is a hidden cocktail bar in Central that offers a one-of-a-kind experience blending tea and cocktails. Renowned veterans in the industry, co-founders Sandeep Hathiramani and Gagan Gurung oversee a menu that captures the tea-drinking traditions of different countries. The menu is split into two sections: Teatails and T& Tonic. Teatails offer original tea-infused cocktails themed around a specific tea’s country of origin, like the photogenic floating cocktail Japan, made with re-distilled and evaporated matcha tea blended with shochu. The T& Tonic section features completely original flavor combinations, like Italian Almonds & Truffle. The team at Tell Camellia created a farm-to-table cocktail menu with botanical-heavy recipes. The buzzing atmosphere, airy windows, sleek wooden interior, and welcoming floor staff make it a lovely dating spot. Their signature Teaspresso Martini, a reimagining of the classic Espresso Martin, is also a must-try.
Location: LG/Floor, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central
Contact: Website | +852 9821 5501
Terrible Baby — Jordan
Taken its name from the French phrase ‘L’Enfant Terrible’, Terrible Baby is a cool rooftop bar in Jordan with music at the heart of the experience. The bar boasts a retro-chic interior lounge and a lush outdoor terrace that overlooks the bustling street view. The menu features an assortment of fun and creative signature cocktails like Freak Show and Kyoho, as well as highballs and a selection of wine and spirits. Enjoy shisha and snack bites alongside the drinks. Terrible Baby not only offers a music room but also provides access to Eaton House, a co-working space. With live performances from both local and international musicians on a weekly basis, soak up in the energetic and vibrant atmosphere of this multi-award-winning bar.
Location: 4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Rd, Jordan
Contact: Website | +852 2710 1866
The Aubrey — Central
Located atop the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, The Aubrey offers a luxurious and eccentric Japanese izakaya experience. Recognized as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, this all-day dining venue provides sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and three distinctive bar experiences, including a champagne and oyster counter. The main bar boasts a carefully curated selection of rare Japanese tipples and brewed rice wines, with shochu taking center stage. Adjacent to the buzzing izakaya, a four-seat bar is dedicated to the Omakase Cocktail experience led by Hotel Beverage Manager Devender Sehgal. Here, guests can indulge in the expansive flavors and spirit craftsmanship of Japan, accompanied by light snacks. The culinary team serves up casual bites, robata dishes, and highlight dishes like oysters with Hokkaido uni and salmon roe, using the highest quality Japanese ingredients.
Location: 25/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central
Contact: Website | +852 2825 4001
The Cloakroom — Causeway Bay
The Cloakroom, an LGBT-friendly speakeasy, is a hidden gem in Causeway Bay. This lounge is perfect for those seeking skillfully crafted and Instagram-worthy cocktails, such as the pride’s special “I Kissed A Girl”. With an elegant 1920s flapper vibe, its equally impressive cocktail menu is constantly changing, ensures there’s always something new to try. Here, it is about the community that The Cloakroom builds through their events. From monthly tarot reading sessions to live music and Pride parties, they prioritize genuine connections and building up girls. Entry is by appointment, check their social media for more info.
Location: 15/F, L’ Hart, 487-489 Lockhart Rd, Causeway Bay
Contact: Website | +852 6514 7626
The Diplomat — Central
Nestled in a moody Central alley, The Diplomat is a speakeasy that caters to hip cocktail enthusiasts. It gained recognized soon after its launch in 2020, including a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. With high stools and tables in the main front bar and low banquettes, contemporary art, and a booming sound system in the VIP room, The Diplomat offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Head barman John Nugent draws inspiration from classic recipes and influential political and diplomatic figures in his cocktail creations, such as Gibsons and Tuxedos. Loyal fans keep returning for their mouthwatering Wagyu burger and Cubano sandwich, and be sure to stay until closing for their complimentary freshly baked chocolate chip cookies treat, which pairs well with an Irish coffee.
Location: Shop 1, LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central
Contact: Website | +852 3619 0302
The Iron Fairies — Central
The Iron Fairies, stunningly designed by Ashley Sutton, is a fairy tale come to life. The atmosphere is truly magical, with soft lighting, raw iron, and hand-hewn timber furnishings. The most incredible feature is the 10,000 preserved butterflies that delicately hang from the ceiling. The creative cocktail menu, developed with master mixologist Joseph Boroski, features unique drinks such as Smoke In A Bottle and the Underground Martini. To accompany your drinks, the bar offers delicious shareable bites and hand-crafted burgers. The intimate space is perfect for small group gatherings, with six individually designed private rooms behind 2-inch thick iron doors.
Location: LG, 1 Hollywood Rd, Central
Contact: Website | +852 6202 0000
The Old Man — Central
The Old Man in Soho has established itself as one of Asia’s top cocktail bars since its debut in 2017. Named after the legendary author Ernest Hemingway, its cocktail menu is inspired by his globe-trotting life and works. Creative cocktail offerings like Doomsday and Fisherman feature unique ingredients such as clarified banana ghee, uni gin, and snail tequila. Tucked away in a small alley, the intimate space is shaped like a capital I, with a gold cooling strip running down the center of the bar top to keep your drinks chilled. Hemingway’s legacy is also reflected in the decor, with wood-paneled walls, botanical motifs, and an abstract portrait of the author himself made from scrap material. Explore the world of the symbolic author at The Old Man with a distinctly Asian touch.
Location: Lower G/F, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Soho, Central
Contact: Website | +852 2703 1899
The Pontiac — Central
The Pontiac is not your average dive bar. This Central hotspot is inclusive, progressive, and all about rock and roll. The all-female team, led by bar manager Jen Queen and co-founder Beckaly Franks, creates a safe and welcoming space for everyone. While the bar’s early days were reminiscent of Coyote Ugly, The Pontiac has since evolved to showcase real cocktail expertise and female talent in the industry. The diverse drink menu ranged from cocktails made with local ingredients to beers and innovative slushies. From the bras hanging from the ceiling to the eclectic drink menu, The Pontiac is a place to let loose and have fun.
Location: 13 Old Bailey St, Central
Contact: Website | +852 2521 3855
The Wise King — Central
The Wise King may be small in size, but it’s big on flavor. This boutique lounge in Soho is inspired by 13th-century Spanish king Alfonso X, who created the tradition of tapas. The cocktail menu features ten unique creations, with the signature El Sabio or The Wise being a must-try. The intimate and opulent space is decorated with plush velvet seats and golden Damask-style wallpaper, providing a luxurious atmosphere for sipping and savoring. Head bartender Sandeep Kumar’s creative cocktails are not to be missed, and the patatas bravas are the perfect accompaniment to your drink.
Location: 25 Staunton Street, Basement, Tsung Wing Ln, Central
Contact: Website | +852 6258 1344
Header image credits: The Iron Fairies
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