If you asked me, “which of the seven sins are you?”, I would probably have to say gluttony (and probably sloth as well). Although yoga inspires me to be conscious of how I treat my body and mind, sometimes it’s just really hard to say no to a good cocktail or pale ale, especially when you call Hong Kong, “home”.
Hong Kong is, in my mind, the land of indulgence: five-star restaurants, food galore, and a plethora of bars, speakeasies and cocktail lounges. Everything in moderation, right? There are literally hundreds of places you can go to for your poison of choice. Here are some of my favorite Hong Kong happy hour joints!
Looking for more recommendations for places to eat and things to do in Hong Kong? Click here!
1. Blue Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel
Blue Bar is the embodiment of cool, but somehow also cosy AF at the same time?! Sure, it’s in a five-star hotel, but it is the opposite of pretentious.
The service is amazing, the drinks are delicious (get a martini! They give you the shaker so really you get two for the price of one!) and there are complimentary snacks from 5:30-7:30 PM – think fancy smoked black forest ham, mini slices of toasted garlic baguette, freshly made pesto. Oh, and there’s an outdoor terrace. No big deal.
Update October 2020: Blue Bar is temporarily closed for renovations.
2. Fini’s
This place made it on my list of the best restaurants to check out in Hong Kong and made it on this list for two reasons: 1) the staff are outrageously lovely, and 2) the bar is effortlessly cool and conveniently has a state-of-the-art pizza oven for when you’re craving a slice of margherita to go with your margarita.
3. Tai Lung Fung
Tai Lung Fung is a quirky neighbourhood bar in Wan Chai. They have a killer buy-one-get-one happy hour deal, and the decor is inspired by Old Hong Kong. It’s one of my favorite local bars for a quiet drink or two.
Want more insider recommendations for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Hong Kong? Read this article for unique and offbeat things to do in Hong Kong!
4. Origin and Quinary
These two bars are run by the same group and are within a stone’s throw of each other. Origin largely focuses on, you guessed it, gin-based cocktails, and Quinary has a creative and playful menu (check out the marshmallow mini bottle shots!). Both places are amazing and have a limited number of seats so you can enjoy your cocktail and conversation simultaneously; believe me, this is pretty rare in Hong Kong!
Try the chrysanthemum-infused gin or the signature grape-flavored bath tub cocktail at Origin, and the earl grey caviar martini at Quinary. If you’re heading here before dinner, don’t spoil it by making the same mistake as me and devouring the free endless refills of sour cream and onion chips! The cocktail selection makes it one of the best bars in Soho with happy hour deals.
5. Wooloomooloo, Wan Chai
This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places to grab a drink and appreciate the Hong Kong skyline. The rooftop bar is spacious and offers up an amazing view, but Wooloomooloo Wan Chai isn’t as expensive or crowded as some of the other places in Hong Kong that people visit for the views (*cough* *cough* Ozone).
Just look at this gorgeous terrace area – need I say more? Take in the city below as you enjoy your Wan Chai happy hour.
Wooloomooloo Wan Chai is one of my favorite rooftop bars in Hong Kong. Click here for more places to get a drink with a view in Hong Kong!
6. Ted’s Lookout
Ted’s Lookout is my go-to place when I feel like stuffing my face on fish tacos and sliders. Their drinks are pretty good and they have a decent beer selection too. And guess what? Happy hour starts at 3 PM!
Update December 2020: Unfortunately Ted’s Lookout has shut down permanently, with a Japanese hand roll and sake bar due to take its place in February 2021.
7. Oola Petite
Just around the corner from Ted’s Lookout is Oola Petite, a laid-back cafe/restaurant with an amazing drinks deal throughout the week. On the weekend this happening Wan Chai happy hour runs from 5-8 PM and you can grab yourself a glass of prosecco for just HK$30 – around US$4! To sop up some of the alcohol make sure you order a serving of thick cut french fries from the kitchen.
8. Ping Pong Gintoneria
Ping Pong Gintoneria is a fun speakeasy in Hong Kong that looks like an old school ping pong equipment shop from the outside, but once you follow the stairs down the space opens up into a massive bar-slash-restaurant.
Try their padron peppers and of course, any gin-based cocktail! Personally, I’m partial to the Two Moons & Tonic – a mix made from locally-distilled gin.
9. Ham & Sherry Back Bar
Ham & Sherry serves up some of the most tasty tapas in Hong Kong, and in the back you will find a slick cocktail lounge for pre or post-dinner drinks.
Update: Ham & Sherry has closed down – head to 22 Ships (its sister restaurant) down the street instead.
10. The Pawn (now Woo Cheong Tea House)
The Pawn is one of my favorite places to go when I feel like chilling on a covered terrace and watch the world go by. Plus, it’s only steps away from my house! They have some really delicious nibbles if you’re feeling peckish – try the fish and chips!
Update: The Pawn has rebranded and is now a modern Chinese restaurant, but the terrace is still there and cocktails are still being served!
11. Ruam
Ruam is the new kid on the block in Wan Chai: a self-proclaimed “casual Thai eatery” with a lush, tropical outdoor space for those balmy evenings. Not to mention they offer a killer happy hour deal from Monday to Friday from 4-8 PM!
12. Foxglove
For those craving a more “upscale” happy hour in Hong Kong, I recommend heading to Foxglove for their “Mad Men Hour”. The slick Hong Kong speakeasy serves up some seriously tasty cocktails, or you can keep it simple with house wine, craft beer, vodka, gin, rum or scotch. The deal is available Mondays through Saturdays from 5-8 PM.
Looking for more Hong Kong tips and recommendations?
- Do you want a view to go with that drink of yours? Say no more – click here for the top rooftop bars in Hong Kong
- Or head on over to some of these hidden secret bars in the city
- Try not to drool all over your keyboard – these are some of the best restaurants in Hong Kong
- Click here for all of my insider Hong Kong guides and travel tips
Do you have any other suggestions? Share them below in the comments section!
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Wow… the foam on that cocktail is epic! What was in that cocktail? Great post. I always love your pins by the way — so beautiful! Looking forward to reading some of your yoga posts too, as I’m just now getting into yoga 🙂