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Hong Kong Bars & Cocktail LoungesThe old cliché ‘the city that never sleeps' couldn't be truer of Hong Kong. Whether you're on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon, there's a warren of bars, restaurants and clubs of all shapes and sizes. But don't think topless bars a là James Bond, although you should have a fair wedge of dollars around if you're going out at weekends. You can end up paying as much as $200HK to get into the flashiest of clubs but a good many start at around the $50HK mark. A good place to start is the Lang Kwai Fong or Wanchai areas of the island and, if you still don't find what you're looking for, Tsimshatsui also has a few watering holes without going mad. |
Felix
This is a Hong Kong must do. I walked up in jeans and trainers and wasn't questioned, but due to the kind of people the bar attracts I did wish I looked a touch smarter. Anyway, the drinks are expensive, but the view is priceless. You look out over the harbour and the lights of the skyscrapers on the Hong Kong Island side of the harbour. That view should be enough for anybody, but gentlemen get a little extra. I'm not going to say exactly what it is, as the surprise is half the fun, but make sure that you pop into the restroom before you leave. I bet you'll laugh, and I guarantee you'll tell your friends |
MO Barat the
Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hong Kong
MO Bar is dominated by a huge red light circle the height of one wall, the Big ‘O’ is a Chinese symbol for shared experience. Whether you are the scene or are enjoying the scene, MO Bar is an event. Buffet and light breakfast is served at 8am. Organic dining is served from 11 am. The Chef de Cuisine has prepared distinctive dishes like Poached Lobster with Daikon Shavings, Sweet & Sour Dressing, Chilli Oil and Prawn Tempura. |
Antidote
Surreal retro-futuristic bar in which a bizarre fiber-optic lighting system turns the whole interior into a kaleidoscope of bright red, blue and yellow color. That interior happens to be all-white: from the long white leather sofas curving along the wall, to the 70s-style modular tables and walls. Regulars are cool clubbers and cocktail lovers drawn to the potent drinks and DJ sessions – everything from techno to rap to jazz and house - not to mention special guest sessions for willing patrons. A slick, sexy and original Antidote to most bars in the neighborhood, we think you will agree. |
Bocas Tapas and Wine Bar
Ultra-hip Soho spot, recently-opened and serving up a storm both culinary and cocktail. Boca means mouth in Spanish and you get enough taste sensations here to last a lifetime. The food is an exotic mix of tapas and dim sum, so you eat chorizo and calamari one minute, spring rolls and satay the next. Music runs from funky flamenco to lively acid jazz, and the sheer glamour of the design will make you think you’re in a movie. The curvy bar and banquettes add a sleek, sophisticated feel while shiny silver, dark woods and bright painterly colors liven up the decor. We particularly like the glassy front looking out onto Peel Street. But at the end of the day it’s the drinks that blow you away: an 80-bottle wine list includes everything from Australian whites to Argentine reds; cocktail are of the fine fresh juice variety, and the exquisite white sangria special made with five fruits should come with a warning: something this tasty can’t be good for you. Put your money where you Boca is. |
Carnegies
The Carnegies is the place to go for a lot of great times and loud music. This is the place where people dance on the bar and have a rip roaring time. There is a free vodka night on Tuesdays from 10pm-11pm and Ladies' nights on Wednesday from 9pm. Happy hours are from 11am-10pm Mon-Sat. One of the first Irish bars, or so we thought until a reader kindly pointed out that it is not actually an Irish bar and is owned by Scotts! Either way it was one of the first bars in Hong Kong to import draught Guinness into Hong Kong. It is a very nice bar with a split level, mezzanine style. Frequented by expats and locals alike it is a good place to meet, if not a little cramped when busy times. Carnegies often features live football and other sporting events. |
La Dolce Vita
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Jah
Definitely one for the fabulously wealthy bankers that work in the area. This ultra-stylish bar offers internet connection and even conference rooms for those who can’t stop working…and there is a DJ most nights too. |
One of the swankiest bars in the world in one of the swankiest hotels on
the planet, (a fleet of Rolls Royce’s are available for VIP guests) Felix
seems straight out of a Bond film. Or is it Austin Powers? Designed by the
ubiquitous Philippe Starck (if Bond’s creators are looking for someone bent
on world domination, check this guy out) it comprises a restaurant serving
Pacific Rim cuisine, a balcony, a wine bar, an American Bar and, as the
centerpiece, a weird and wonderful Perspex box that’s a dance floor known as
the Crazy Box. Groovy baby! Most spectacular of all though is the view.
Felix is located on the top two floors of The Peninsula and you get a
panorama of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon in the neon
jungle below. It’s pricey of course and regulars like to show off with
champagne, but cocktails of all variations can be had at the various bars.
And boys, you’ll want to open your eyes when you visit the little men’s
room: you relieve yourself in a glass urinal with a view of the city below.
Oh behave! 
Just
one step from the city’s haute couture and with a thrilling design this is a
cosmopolitan catwalk of a bar. Fahionistas shop and drop, party goers meet
for a sip of effervescence, night birds mellow with the last vibes, others
simply watch Hong Kong’s colourful glamour. 
Who
knows what the Romans would make of this open-plan Italian café bar in the
heart of bustling Lan Kawi Fong but we love it for its drink, food, friendly
staff and street-front locale. A top spot for people watching, grab a
pavement table at breakfast, sip on a coffee and watch the city come alive
in front of you. At lunch the kitchen does salads and seafood and at night
the whole place buzzes with beautiful people - although they’re often a too-posey
cross section of yuppies, bankers and Prada-clad babes. Staff offer a
variety of beers, cocktails and champagnes from behind the beautiful curved
wood bar, and we highly recommend you toasting them with a glass of Krug for
coping with the crush. La Dolce Vita indeed.