The Best Bars in Hong Kong

Hidden beneath busy Wyndham Street, Stockton is Hong Kong’s answer to a stylish speakeasy and the perfect spot for an intimate date. The design features vintage champagne glasses, hefty leather couches and dim lighting. Not only do they serve up an original cocktail selection, they also offer an amazing food menu that is miles better than your bog-standard bar snack. Try the satisfying scotch eggs or the cod and chips to fortify yourself before sampling their lethal cocktails.

View one of Hong Kong’s most iconic harbour views at Aqua, one of the best bars in Tsim Sha Tsui. The luxurious atmosphere and decor are always sure to impress. Book a table by the window to make the most of the alluring views of Victoria Harbour’s glittering waterfront while sampling their delicious mix of Italian and Japanese fare. If you’re looking for a unique experience, book the Aqua Luna and sail across from Central to Kowloon – a great choice for celebrations or special occasions.

The Woods brings the art of the cocktail to a whole new level in this extraordinary concept bar. It’s separated into two spaces: at The Lounge Area, guests can enjoy classic cocktails with signature twists, while at the Prix-Fixe Bar, you can enjoy a four-course tasting menu. Each cocktail is inspired by the food; imagine pairing your decadently rich bone marrow with a smoky bacon bourbon. They only use market-fresh ingredients and small-batch distilleries, making this bar a great spot for cocktail connoisseurs looking for something different.

Sai Ying Pun has thrown up a number of new eateries and bars in recent years; Ping Pong 129 was among the first, and is still the most-loved venue in the area. It’s set between a number of old walk-ups and shops, and you’ll find it designed with old Hong Kong in mind, albeit with a far trendier twist. The Gintoneria has an impressive list of gins, both rare and popular, as well as a mouthwatering Spanish-inspired tapas menu. The goblet-sized gin cocktails will please any connoisseur, and the lively ambiance makes for a fun HK night out.

Located beneath a chic umbrella shop, Foxglove is for the glamorous jet set crowd. Moody, vintage-inspired interiors, private VIP rooms and nostalgic live jazz music give the feel of stepping back in time to a Great Gatsby party. A delicious menu aims to please all palates. Their cocktail menu is a mix of tried and tested classics and creative new concoctions. Highlights of the drinks menu are The Bitter Truth and the Aged Martinez.

Tucked in Hong Kong’s chic Upper House, Café Grey Deluxe is perfect for those seeking luxe cocktails, harbour views and decadent dining. Sit at their famous long stone bar and enjoy the amazing selection of drinks, which includes over 300 wines, an amazing collection of Champagnes and house-infused gins from which the sophisticated Earl Grey Martini is made. The bartenders are always friendly and put on a great show, making it a great spot for solo travellers or anyone looking to impress.

If you’re from Hong Kong, you’ve probably taken every visitor to see the iconic view from Sevva. Located on the 25th floor and set against the city’s sparkling skyscrapers, this rooftop bar offers a lively and luxurious atmosphere. Book early if you want a table on the terrace and head inside for dinner if you want to try their delicious dining menu. Sevva is also a great spot for afternoon tea in the daytime, when you can enjoy the view.

Featuring world-class bartender Antonio Lai and winner of The World’s 50 Best Bars several years in a row, Quinary is steadfastly considered one of Hong Kong’s top drinking spots. This dimly lit, ambient bar serves some of the most innovative cocktails in the city. They feature many classics, but with a signature twist, and are happy to hear what you love to drink and make something personalised to your liking. The Earl Grey Martini paired with Earl Grey caviar and the wasabi-infused house Bloody Mary are unforgettable and well worth the higher than usual price tag. It’s definitely among the more upscale bars in Lan Kwai Fong.

Located in SoHo, PMQ is a design hub, home to a number of art galleries, cool cafés and unique markets. Within this space is Aberdeen Street Social, opened by England’s Jason Atherton and a firm favourite among the creative crowd. Sit outside on their terrace and enjoy the busy ambience with a cocktail or a glass of wine.

The staff at this Hawaiian Tiki-themed bar based in Central know everything there is to know about rum. Honi Honi serves up an extensive range of tropical-tasting cocktails made with over 200 varieties of the drink. They’re not sickly sweet, but are strong and rather fun, and even come in sharing bowls. The plant-filled outdoor terrace is the perfect place to escape the crowds and heat of the city.

Located within IFC Mall and the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel, Blue Bar is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of shopping or sightseeing. We love the luxurious lounge ambiance and the pleasingly strong martinis. Come at happy hour for a mouthwatering buffet of appetisers or visit at the weekend for live jazz music. It’s busy, so book ahead or arrive early to avoid the pre-dinner rush of HK’s finance crowd.

This bar is loud, fun and very casual. Peanut shells litter the floor and the beers come large and cold. The prices are unbeatable and you can watch your sports match of choice while indulging in a juicy burger. Inn Side Out is a great spot if you’re looking for somewhere unpretentious; it’s definitely one of the best casual bar options in Causeway Bay.

Ned Kelly’s Last Stand is one of the oldest bars in Hong Kong, and the first place to head to find some of the best live music in the city. The house band changes the set every night, adding fun little skits to their performances; you can come to this venue every night of the week and never hear the same song twice. The Aussie-grunge decor creates a nostalgic atmosphere and the communal seating makes it a great place to spark up a conversation with a stranger. The bar serves up a wide range of beers and an intriguing mix of house cocktails.

Enjoy a casual atmosphere and an extensive list of craft beers and ciders at the Madhouse Taproom. With over 20 draught taps and an impressive bottle selection, this relaxed bar has something to satisfy every craving. The decor is industrial and minimal with plenty of seating, perfect for a party. Beer connoisseurs will love chatting to the bar staff, who are passionate and knowledgeable about the different brews on offer. For a quintessentially Hong Kong bar snack, pair your beer with some positively addictive spam fries, which are a house speciality. This is one of the best bars in Kowloon, particularly for craft beer.