Hong Kong has a thriving nightlife scene, if you know where to look. Never one to shy away from a good party or cocktail, Adam Bires gives the low down on the best gay bars and LGBTQ+ clubs in the city
The LGBTQ scene has undergone dramatic changes over the years, whether it’s having more queer representation on screen such as these LGBTQ+ movies or organisations like Pink Season to help promote equality in the city. For those who are simply looking for a proper neon dance floor in the city to have a good time, these are the spots to hit on your nighttime tour of gay bars in Hong Kong. Do you.
Gay bars in Hong Kong
1. FLM
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One of the longstanding icons of Jervois Street, this is a dancefloor to unleash the best of your dark self on. For many years, through name changes and floor expansions, the boys en masse have continued to make the walk down the colourful steps to this venue. Definitely one of the gay bars in Hong Kong that can’t be missed.
FLM, 62 Jervois St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2799 2883
2. Petticoat Lane
This one is just the right mix of vibes to make a riotous night. An ample bar, a well-chilled dance floor, and a terrace for outdoor congregations all make for a good time at Petticoat Lane. With a regular roster of drag performers, the bar is always a welcoming and boisterous area. When it comes to gay bars in Hong Kong, Petticoat Lane is certainly one of our faves.
Petticoat Lane, 8F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2808 2738
3. Zoo
If you’re looking for gay bars in Hong Kong, you can not go past Zoo. The scenes on the street outside Zoo provided vivid entertainment in years past, but now the crowd has moved inside, for better or worse. It’ll be a fight to the bar, but Zoo is a must stop on a gay bar tour of the island.
Zoo, G/F, 33 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 3583 1200
4. Bing Bing
Speaking of creative gay bars with good food and drinks, Bing Bing has to be on the list. This bar with flavourful skewers, udon and affordable cocktails is located on the twenty-second floor of a building, allowing you to gaze at the entire Causeway Bay for the whole night.
Bing Bing, 22/F, Oliv, 15 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 7071 40485
5. The Pontiac
Another bar not to be labeled, if you’ve ever been to a side of the road, middle America dive bar, this place makes that scene cool in every aspect. Sitting right in the heart of SoHo, you can trust the bartenders with a good cocktail, and enjoy throwback music and gritty vibes – all done right. Go here to indulge on more drinks than you should before trolling somewhere for a dancefloor.
Find out why The Pontiac also makes it to our list of best bars in Hong Kong.
The Pontiac, 13 Old Bailey Street, SoHo, Hong Kong, p. 2521 3855, 中環蘇豪奧卑利街13號地下
6. Wink
If you’re looking for a low-key bar with the mod vibes of friendly venues around the world, this bar is a go-to. In the heart of a newly forming gaybourhood in Sheung Wan, Wink is the place to be to drink and dance the night away. You might find us here ordering a drink with the friendly staff during the late hours..
Wink, 79 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
7. Linq
Linq is the old classic (and recently had a facelift!) Don’t let unfriendly lighting deter you, as this bar has been standing strong on the creeky steps of Pottinger Street for many years. With a crowd of expats and locals alike, come for a classic drink or one too many shots. Beware the step into the bar – for those of us haunting this venue for years, we’ve watched many a novice take a tumble down Pottinger Street, but that’s kind of why it’s one of our fave gay bars in Hong Kong.
Linq, G/F, 35 Pottinger Street Central, Hong Kong, p. 6607 0884
8. Boo Bar
A famous gay karaoke bar in Hong Kong, Boo Bar has a massive DJ dance party at the end of each month as well as a cool transparent wall inside the washroom. Enjoy the splendid city views as you sip on some cocktails and release your inner Ed Sheeran.
Boo Bar, 5/F, Pearl Oriental Tower, 225 Nathan Road, Jordan, Hong Kong, p. 2736 6138
9. T:me Bar
T:me Bar hides itself inside an alley in Central, making it a perfect oasis for post-work tipples. Sip on a delicious glass of Earl Grey Martini as you sit back on a comfy sofa, or head to the outdoor garden for a cool breeze. Looking for good deals? Join T:me Bar for their amazing daily happy hour from 6pm to 9pm.
T:me Bar, 65 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2332 6565
10. Vibranium
One of the liveliest LGBTQ+ bar in Hong Kong, Vibranium serves special cocktails inspired by the flavours and ingredients of Asia. Let the bartender make you a drink as you enjoy the energetic atmosphere. Thanks to the huge dance floor, you can show off all your wild dance moves without bumping into others.
Vibranium, 5/F, Oliv, 15 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 7071 4048
11. Backyard Bar
Backyard Bar is the kind of cosy karaoke bar where you can meet lots of cool dudes. Showcase your fave songs, play games with other guests, or enjoy special mixes at the bar table. If you are looking for a gay karaoke bar in Tsim Sha Tsui, this is the place to be.
Backyard Bar, 2/F, Rich Towers, Blenheim Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2868 2229
12. L’Paradis Lesbian Bar
Yes, lesbian bars are as scarce as hen’s teeth in Hong Kong. Lucky for us, L’Paradis is the exception that breaks the rule. It’s always a good spot for some fun with the gals (and guys, too!), especially if you go before 9pm for buy-two-get-one-free drinks!
L’Paradis Lesbian Bar, 5/F, Cameron Centre, 57-59 Chatham Road S, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 6726 2028
13. Virus
Another one of the few lesbian bars in Hong Kong is Virus, which has been around for decades. Although the place has become more gender-inclusive across the years, this remains a safe space for the lady lovers of the city. With a table-and-couch area, you can enjoy grilled dishes to soak up the drinks on your night out – and maybe work up the courage to do some karaoke.
Virus, 21/F, Chung Wai Commercial Building, 447-449 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 6180 6255
14. The Cloakroom
With the scarcity of lesbian bars in Hong Kong, here’s one that likes to stay a little hidden. The Cloakroom is a speakeasy-style bar that ups the class factor. Self-described as a “mystical girls cocktail lounge,” here’s where you’ll find like-minded, lady-loving people. With Insta-worthy cocktails and a wonderful ambience, The Cloakroom is a place that’s worth the extra effort to track down.
The Cloakroom, 15/F, L’Hart, 487-489 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 6514 7626
Wally Matt Bar (permanently closed)
This bar is the place to relax after work. Happy hour is every day from 5-7pm with a whole separate menu, and you can rock on to some karaoke while you sip on your drinks. Plus, you can redeem special deals on drinks during your birthday and anniversary month. Sip sip hooray!
Wally Matt Bar, 152 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 2956 1668
Staunton’s (permanently closed)
As with many bars in Hong Kong, classifying it one way or another is a blurred line. Staunton’s is a classic example of this, but it functions fine without it. You’ve got a mix of professionals enjoying the weekend here (particularly on Sunday afternoon) on the infamous steps next to the escalator. Sun up or sundown, the people watching is prime.
Staunton’s, 10 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2973 6611
