Can't stand bad service or weirdly loud music at a lounge bar? These are our favourite bars in Hong Kong to be merry at
Hong Kong is known for its fine dining restaurants and rooftop bars, but there are so many locations that just don’t live up to expectations. We like to drink at bars that make us happy, even when it’s not inside designated happy hours, so if you’re looking for good music, good service and good pours – we think these are the best bars in Hong Kong (in no particular order). Cheers!
Best bars in Hong Kong that you need to check out
Foxglove
In a town where so many bars try so hard to get it right and fail miserably, Foxglove keeps it classy with live jazz, phenomenal cocktails and interior design that will make you go: Ohhhhh. Definitely one of the best bars in Hong Kong if you’re also on the lookout for some nighttime jazz.
Foxglove, 2nd Floor Printing House, 18 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2116 8949, 中環雪廠街18號印刷行2樓
Aberdeen Street Social
Fancy sitting outside in Hong Kong and pretending you’re in Europe? Aberdeen Street Social (or ASS, as it’s called by some) is the perfect spot for a little people watching thanks to its position in PMQ, but is strategically tucked away so that there’s only a select amount of foot traffic breaking up the green surrounds. Add in the consistently great service, generous pours and fun background music and you get a bar that really deserves to be on this list.
Aberdeen Street Social, G/F, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2866 0300, 中環鴨巴甸街35號PMQ元創方地下
Terrible Baby
Hanging in Jordan or Yau Ma Tei and want to find a cool bar that serves mean drinks and appreciates good music? Terrible Baby has your name written all over it. Head up to the 4th floor of Eaton HK by Eaton Workshop and relax into the vintage feels, spend some time on the terrace or catch some of the live music. This newcomer is without-a-doubt one of the best bars in Hong Kong.
Terrible Baby, 4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 2710 1866, 佐敦彌敦道380號香港逸東酒店4樓
Lobster Bar & Grill
There’s a reason why the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills spent their first night in the big smoke at Lobster Bar & Grill, actually there’s three:
- Housed inside Island Shangri-La, this gorgeous location is consistently named one of the best bars in Asia by numerous publications because of its exceptional cocktails, selection of spirits and world class service.
- If you’re actually staying at the hotel, it’s an easy commute (or stumble) back to your room.
- There are aquariums in the walls.
Lobster Bar & Grill, Island Shangri-La, Level 6, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2820 8560 , 金鐘金鐘道88號太古廣場二座港島香格里拉酒店6樓
Ping Pong 129
If you fancy big giant glasses filled with gin from across the globe in a repurposed ping pong hall with high ceilings and Contemporary Chinese art, then this is your place.
Ping Pong 129, Nam Cheong Lau, 129 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, Western District, Hong Kong, p. 9158 1584, 西環西營盤第二街129號南昌樓
Back Bar
Good tunes? Check. Good drinks? Check. Good staff? Check. This is probably the most like a dive bar of any bar in HK and we praise JIA for its existence. Try the cocktails inspired by Cha Chaan Tengs and be happy.
Back Bar, 7 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2555 0628, 灣仔船街7號
208 Duecento Otto
In the heart of Sheung Wan, the service here is always on point, and these guys know how to make you feel special. Their happy hour is super good, and the selection of booze means you can always try something new. Add in the music and the badass design, and this is one of our favourite places to throw some back in the city.
208 Duecento Otto, 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p 2549 0208, 上環荷李活道208號地舖
Tai Lung Fung
These guys are decked out in funky Cantonese design, and there’s occasionally a parrot wandering around. It’s always a good time without the pretense at TLF.
Tai Lung Fung, 5 Hing Wan Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2572 0055, 灣仔慶雲街5號
Bobby’s Rabble (Wyndham Street)
When it comes to finding the best bars in Hong Kong, we love Bobby’s Rabble! Casual, chill, cocktails, beers, wines, Motown, Hip Hop – what more can we ask for? Oh, yes… free shots, stitch and bitch sessions and cheap drinks for non drinkers.
Bobby’s Rabble Wyndham Street, 46 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 9160 6207, 中環雲咸街46號
The Old Man
Hidden away from the busy streets of the city but still in Central, The Old Man is the place to unwind. Serving a small selection of perfectly-crafted cocktails in an interior that pays homage to Ernest Hemingway with its vintage finishes and colourways, expect impeccable service and good tunes.
The Old Man, G/F, 37 Aberdeen Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2703 1899, 中環蘇豪鴨巴甸街37號地下
Geronimo Shot Bar
Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots… Everyone has a Geronimo’s story, and that’s why we love this shot bar in the heart of LKF. The Long Island Iced Teas are strong, the music loud and you never know what’s going to happen in the wee small hours when they bang the gong. If you don’t agree that this is one of the best bars in Hong Kong, then you’re probably lying to yourself.
Geronimo Shot Bar, 2/F, Winner Building, 27-39 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2833 9951, 中環蘭桂坊德己立街27-39號榮華大廈2樓
Le Boudoir
French owner Benoit and his team deliver some of the best service in Hong Kong at Boudoir. The bar regularly hosts parties and DJ nights and its relaxed atmosphere is only beaten by its new glow-in-the-dark art installation. Vintage European vibes with a modern cocktail selection.
Le Boudoir, B/F, 65 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2530 3870, 中環雲咸街65號地庫
The Pontiac
If you are looking for great music, a fun crowd and occasional dancing on the bar, The Pontiac is where you need to be. LGBTQ-friendly, it’s a tiny venue with a whole lot of heart.
Find out more about the best gay bars in Hong Kong here
The Pontiac, 13 Old Bailey Street, SoHo, Hong Kong, p. 2521 3855, 中環蘇豪奧卑利街13號地下
Want to get a detox after hitting up all the best bars in Hong Kong? Go hiking on these beautiful hiking trails, check out these affordable massages or grab a hearty meal at the best vegetarians restaurants in town.