57 Best Bars in Hong Kong, China

Aqua Spirit

Tsim Sha Tsui Fodor's choice

Inside an impressive curvaceous skyscraper, this very cool bar sits on the mezzanine level of the top floor. The high ceilings and glass walls offer up unrivaled views of Hong Kong and the surrounding harbor filled with ferries and ships. Tables are placed in front of the windows so you never have to crane your neck to see the skyline.

dragon-i

Central Fodor's choice

Around for more than a decade, dragon-i has lost none of its popularity, which is rare for a nightclub in Hong Kong. Have a drink on the deck, or step inside the vivid red playroom, which doubles as a Chinese restaurant earlier in the day. It's the domain of the city's young, rich, and beautiful (if not necessarily classy) crowd, and attracts a busy roster of international acts and DJs.

Felix

Tsim Sha Tsui Fodor's choice

High up in the Peninsula Hong Kong, this bar is immensely popular with visitors. It not only has a brilliant view of the island, but the dramatic interiors are by the visionary designer Philippe Starck. Another memorable feature: tthe women’s bathroom overlooks the harbor, while the men’s has great city views.

Recommended Fodor's Video

IFC Rooftop

Central Fodor's choice
On the roof of IFC Mall, the outdoor terrace is an ideal place to watch the sun set. The entire rooftop seating area is public space—a rarity in Hong Kong—so do what the locals do: buy your drinks from the CitySuper downstairs, and enjoy one of the city's best views on the cheap.

Ping Pong 129 Gintonería

Western Fodor's choice

Hidden behind an unmarked red door is one of the coolest bars in up-and-coming Sai Ying Pun. Converted from an old table-tennis parlor, the basement space serves gin and tonics in authentic Spanish G&T balloon glasses and features works by local artists on the walls. It also offers an array of Spanish-inspired snacks.

The Globe

Central Fodor's choice

In a trendy SoHo space, this British-expat hangout evokes the feel of southwest London. The owner is a beer fanatic, and the place has one of Hong Kong's best selections of local and international craft brews. It's a fun and convivial spot, with a mix of ages and a pretty even split between expats and locals. You can book the sectioned-off "Lounge" to watch broadcasts of the World Series, Super Bowl, Rubgy Sevens, World Cup soccer, or other sporting events with a group of friends.

The Pontiac

Central Fodor's choice
Styled as a retro rock 'n’ roll Americana dive bar, The Pontiac is constantly abuzz. Award-winning bartender Beckaly Franks designs the excellent cocktail menu and sets the tone for the predominantly female staff. Stick around 'til midnight when bartenders hop atop the bar and pour shots of Becherovka herbal liqueur into customers' mouths.
13 Old Bailey St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2521–3855

208

Western

One of Hong Kong's favorite after-work watering hole, 208 sits in the middle of trendy Sheung Wan, The place serves up spot-on classic cocktails alongside authentic antipasti. Sit outside and enjoy a cocktail or three with a mostly local crowd.

208 Hollywood Rd., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2549–0208

All Night Long

Tsim Sha Tsui

This Knutsford Terrace staple hosts a talented Filipino cover band that mainly works hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Drinks are a little overpriced, but there's an impressive sound system that prompts a loud sing-along from the crowd. Spanish-style artwork adorns the red-and-yellow walls.

9 Knutsford Terr., Kowloon, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2367–9487

Armani Privé

Central

The Armani brand has made its mark on Chater House, bringing a taste of Milan to Hong Kong. The big draw here is a wide, gorgeous deck with skyscraper views, chic outdoor seating, and an impressive—if pricey—list of cocktails. Go into the bar and turn right up the stairs.

Back Bar

Wan Chai

On Wan Chai's trendy Ship Street, the dimly lit Back Bar is the place for top-of-the-line cocktails and delicious Spanish-influenced bar snacks. It gets very crowded, so come early.

1–7 Ship St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2555–0628
nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Wan Chai

Bar De Luxe

Central
Japanophiles will want to make a beeline for this sleek bar and lounge, which shares a space with Attire House—a high-end menswear store that also houses a tailor and barber shop. As the first international outpost from legendary bartender Hidetsugu Ueno—the brains behind Ginza’s famous Bar High Five—Bar De Luxe offers a luxurious drinking experience, complete with hand-crafted cocktails, premium Japanese whiskies, delicious bar snacks, and views of Hong Kong’s famous skyline. Sundowners here will set you back a few hundred Hong Kong dollars, so skip this lofty spot if you’re strapped for cash.
8 Wyndham St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
3706–5716
nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Club 71

Western

This bohemian diamond-in-the-rough was named in tribute to July 1, 2003, when half a million Hong Kongers successfully rallied against looming threats to their freedom of speech. Tucked away on a terrace down a side street, the quirky, unpretentious bar is a mainstay of artists, journalists, and left-wing politicians. The outdoor area closes around midnight.

67 Hollywood Rd., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2858–7071

Club 97

Central

A local institution, Club 97 offers extremely generous pours and some of the best service in the city. Very loud and open late, this is not the place for an early evening.

9 Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2816–1897

Dada

Tsim Sha Tsui

This bar in the eccentric Luxe Manor hotel is a tribute to surrealism: a side gallery boasts two original etchings by Salvador Dalí. References to that artist and other greats like Magritte abound. A dark and spacious bar area is anchored by a central counter, from which bottles of absinthe glimmer.

Delaney's

Tsim Sha Tsui

This Irish pub has interiors that were shipped here from the Emerald Isle, and the mood is as authentic as the furnishings. Guinness and Delaney's ale (a specialty microbrew) are on tap, and there's a traditional Irish menu. The crowd includes some Irish regulars, so get ready for spontaneous outbursts of fiddling and other Celtic traditions.

Djiboutii

Wan Chai
Confusingly, the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean menu doesn’t have much to do with the African country of Djibouti, but no matter. This gem hidden along a quiet alleyway is a favorite among young professionals looking for a relaxed night out and well-priced drinks. Like an open-air living room, the bar comes dressed up with beautiful artwork, botanical wallpaper, stylish lounge furniture, and a glowing purple-hued bar. The tea-focused cocktails are refreshing, too, particularly during Hong Kong's steamy summer nights.
Alleyway off 2 Landale St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Drop

Central

This pint-size gem is the after-hours party spot in Central. Hidden down an alley beside a late-night food stand, its obscure location only adds to the speakeasy feel. Drop gets crowded on weekends, and it can be hard to get inside, so arrive early and wait for the party to pop off.

39–43 Hollywood Rd., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2543–8856
nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Dusk Till Dawn

Wan Chai

Loud, energetic cover bands get the dance floor jumping on Wednesday to Saturday nights. Popular with expats, it can get crowded, but patrons are usually having too much fun to care.

76–84 Jaffe Rd., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2528–4689

FLM

Western

A friendly, mixed crowd of gays, lesbians, and their friends enjoys this club's free admission and open-door policy. Thursday "game nights" are a staple of the scene, luring visitors and locals alike with alternating themes such as drag bingo, trivia, or karaoke. Weekends are reliably hyper, with dance anthems filling the floor until the wee hours.

62 Jervois St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2799–2883

Fly

Central

This club attracts a younger crowd, making it one of Central's rowdier nightlife spots. The music tends to be more varied than the commercial fare at other clubs, encouraging visits from a lively mix of local and international talent. Get here early for a perch on the low-slung black sofas.

Fu Lu Shou

Central

An amazing rooftop terrace has turned this bar and restaurant in a nondescript commercial building on Hollywood Road into one of the hippest spots in town. The boldly colored mural urging patrons to "Eat, Drink, and Be Prosperous" and the bar covered with mah-jongg tiles add just the right amount of retro cool. The menu boasts cocktails based on traditional local flavors, but the bartenders are also adept at turning out the classics. If the front door is locked, just call and ask for the code.

31 Hollywood Rd., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2336–8812

Grappa's Cellar

Central

This cavernous basement restaurant clears its tables regularly for some of the best live-music gigs in town. Whether the performers are visiting indie bands or homegrown jazz performers, the huge dance floor and rowdy second-level bar make it difficult not to have fun. The swinging Stray Katz Big Band plays on the first Saturday of each month.

1 Connaught Pl., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2521–2322

Hay Hay Kitchen

Wan Chai

A brightly lit oasis on Lockhart Road, Hay Hay is best known for its Hong Kong–style noodles and rice plates. The char siu hor fun (barbecue pork noodles in soup) is a popular late-night dish. Pay the cashier on your way out.

72–86 Lockhart Rd., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2143–6183

Honi Honi

Central

Tongue-in-cheek Honi Honi is a sleeker, more sophisticated take on the classic tiki bar, with fruit-filled cocktails and a DJ spinning island rhythms. Aside from the over-the-top South Pacific decor, the main draw is the plam-fringed outdoor terrace. Tables fill up fast, so get here early.

52 Wellington St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2353–0885

Ivan The Kozak

Central

This is one of Hong Kong's best-kept secrets, serving authentic Russian food in a charmingly kitschy setting. The real draw is the "ice bar," a collection of vodkas in a walk-in refrigerator that has been painted with scenes from the old country. To get in the Dr. Zhivago mood, don one of the complimentary fur coats. The drinks are cheap and very good, and the experience is unlike anything else in Hong Kong.

46–48 Cochrane St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2851–1193

Joe Bananas

Wan Chai

Considered a Hong Kong landmark—at least, on the nightlife circuit—Joe Bananas is known for its live bands and handsome interiors. It tends to draw an after-hours crowd, since the doors stay open until 5:30 am almost every day of the week. During the day, this is also a popular spot to watch sports games and enjoy comfort foods with a cold beer.

La Cabane

Central

The beating heart of Hong Kong's French community, La Cabane specializes in organic and biodynamic wines. On weekends the crowds spill into the street, with patrons enjoying glasses of affordable but hard-to-find wines and dining on French-influenced fare.

Le Jardin

Central

The leafy setting belies the down-and-dirty vibe at this casual bar with a terrace overlooking the colorful dining strip known locally as "Rat Alley." This refreshingly low-key bar is a little tricky to find: walk through the dining area and up a flight of steps. The place is packed on weekends.

10 Wing Wah La., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2526–2717

Le Tambour

Central

You'll feel like you've stepped into a Parisian wine bar. Le Tambour offers great vintages and excellent casual French fare—all of it at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is laid-back, and French is the language of choice. This place is a guaranteed good time, especially when there's live music.

52A Peel St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
3114–6320
nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Central