Hong Kong’s Mexican-inspired bar Coa topped Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for the second year in a row, making it only the second establishment to achieve this feat. The first place ranking was announced in a ceremony held at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok last week. Seven other bars from Hong Kong also found spots in the top 50.
Singapore had the largest representation on the list with 11 bars, followed by Hong Kong at eight. Canadian restaurant/bar Honky Tonks Tavern bagged the Campari One To Watch Award 2022.
This year is the 7th edition of the annual ranking, which is based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising experts from the bar industry, drinks media, and mixology field from across Asia.
Meet the 8 Hong Kong bars in the top 50
Coa, No. 1 (No. 1 in 2021): This bar with Oaxacan influence specializes in tequila and mezcal, with 200 bottles of these agave-based spirits. 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central | +852 2813 5787
Argo, No. 3 (New entry): 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. 13 (No. 40 in 2021): As the name suggests, this bar focuses on dark spirits, as well as cigars and chocolate. Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 3891 8732
Quinary, No.16 (No. 25 in 2021): This hotspot uses technology like rotovap distillation and centrifuges to create drinks to stimulate the senses. 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central | +852 2851 3223
Penicillin, No. 22 (No. 30 in 2021): This bar 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
The Pontiac, No. 33 (No. 26 in 2021): The all-female team here is known for giving patrons craft cocktails and a curated playlist that ends with The Pontiac’s legendary midnight special. 13 Old Bailey Street, Central | +852 2521 3855
The Wise King, No. 34 (No. 28 in 2021): This Hong Kong favourite is known for its massive Iberian influences. Basement, 25 Staunton Street, Soho, Central | +852 2326 5822
The Aubrey, No. 38 (New entry): An izakaya that serves up libations made with Japanese whisky, awamori, and shochu to create its signature drinks. 5 Connaught Road, Central | +852 2825 4001
The awards ceremony in Bangkok, which was also streamed live, was preceded by the unveiling of bars ranked from 51-100 on April 21, which features five more Hong Kong-based bars: Honky Tonks Tavern, Tell Camellia, Quality Goods Club, Mizunara: The Library, and The Old Man.
Header image credits: Coa
