Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal experiences and opinions at the time of visiting in 2024 October. Prices, menus, and availability may change, so I recommend checking directly with the bars before planning your visit.
When most people think of Hong Kong, skyscrapers, finance, and fast-paced city life comes to mind. But Hong Kong is also a nightlife capital of Asia. 🍸✨
Living in Singapore, there is a difference in Hong Kong’s nightlife and a bartender told me – the night doesn’t end because the bar is closing but your body is closing.
In 2025, six Hong Kong cocktail bars made it into Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, making the city one of the region’s top cocktail destinations.
As a cocktail enthusiast who has explored Hong Kong’s buzzing nightlife scene, I’ve visited 11 incredible bars — and after much sipping and savoring, I’ve narrowed it down to my top 8. (And yes, I’m saving the one to party at / my favourite for last 😉).
8. Bar Leone
Bar Leone is one of Hong Kong’s buzziest new cocktail destinations — an Italian-inspired bar that’s been drawing serious crowds since it opened. Known for its aperitivo-style drinks and focus on refined simplicity, it’s quickly gained a reputation as a go-to spot for after-work drinks. And its is also the number one in top 50 Best Bar in the world in 2024, clinching number 2 in 2025.
Vibe : Stylish, polished, and clearly popular with both locals and expats, Bar Leone feels like a slice of Italy tucked into Hong Kong. Think spritzes, Negronis, and martinis served with flair.
My experience: When I visited, there was already a long queue at 6:30 pm on a weekday — so expect to wait if you go during peak hours. I decided to try one of their martinis, but here’s the thing: I’m not a martini person, and honestly, I didn’t love it. That said, the bar’s atmosphere was lively, and I could see why it’s such a hotspot for the after-work crowd.
If you’re not into the Martini, then its best to skip this place and here are other few places I think its worth spending that dime on.
7. Savory Project
It is a little bit of walk up hill and nestled in a quiet spot. It was packed and I was ushered to the standing bar instead.
Vibe : it is a modern very cozy bar and can get packed easily! The waiters are friendly and are nice to accommodate 1 or 2 pax at the standing bar. I made sure to leave in 45 minutes as there was a snaking long queue and it was raining. It is a chatty bar with mix crowds – locals, expats GenZ and Millenials.
My Experience : I had two drinks and only liked one drink – Mala Punch. The other was Miso Coffee Boulevardier. The latter was just not my type – it had hints of miso that gelled well with the coffee notes but overall did not sit well with my palate given that it was strong as well (I faintly recall their drinks are ordered in their menu based on alcohol strength – this was the last). The Mala Punch was much more refreshing and surprisingly easy to drink although I presumably thought it would have been extremely spicy.
6. Penicillin
I first discovered Penicillin through a recommendation at Maggie Choo – I had a hard time finding this place. All thanks to the door that I didn’t suspect was the entrance. This is considered HK’s eco-conscious cocktail bar, built on the philosophy of “closed-loop” drinking — reusing, recycling, and reducing waste wherever possible. Every cocktail supports sustainability, and they even plant a tree for every “One Penicillin, One Tree” ordered.
Vibe: Industrial speakeasy, experimental, with a touch of mystery.
My experience: Walking through the hidden door felt like stepping into a modern speakeasy. The space has an industrial-meets-lab vibe, and the attention to detail is unreal. I ordered the One Penicillin, One Tree, a whisky-based drink that came out creamy, exactly what I was looking for that evening
5. Tell Camellia
Hong Kong has no shortage of unique bars, but Tell Camellia stands out with its bold concept: every cocktail is inspired by tea from around the world. Each cocktail on the menu is named after the region its tea comes from, turning your drink into a journey.
Vibe: On first looks with the open concept, it felt like a matcha cafe rather than a bar and I was skeptical. But it seems to be a popular place with the younger generations!
My experience: I ordered the Fat Fat High – its a crowd favorite, a clarified cocktail that completely caught me off guard. A fusion of Fat Goose essence and green tea, it was an explosion of flavors — rich, layered, and yet refreshingly smooth. It was one of those drinks that makes you stop mid-sip just to smile at how unimaginable it tastes. It did not taste like fat goose but it tasted refreshing with aromatic notes of the jasmine green tea. Probably the fat goose added to the richness of it.
4. Quinary
This again was a recommendation from the Penicillin bar and was an interesting experience. It has a buzzing after-work crowd and my ex-colleagues too told me they loved visiting this bar (now you know where to go to network!)
Its another experimental bar. They serve up quirky drinks in fact I had a Mystique Drink which tasted like Pizza Margherita! When I mentioned this to my friends they went ‘Eww’, this bar is definitely for those who want to have a extraordinary story to tell.
Vibe : Its chic, modern with dim lighting, sleek interiors and as a solo drinker I didn’t feel out of place!
My Experience : Talking about my Pizza cocktail – this drink tasted exactly like a margherita pizza. Imagine notes of tomato, basil, umami, and subtle smokiness all layered into a cocktail glass. It sounds bizarre, but it was strangely addictive. My first drink was Gold – with Apple Jack it was a woody base with notes of chocolate, coffee. Didn’t really fancy it but the Pizza topped expectations.
3. Argo
Argo has stunning architecture but drinks are on the steep prices. I had two drinks here because the evening was just a flashy vibe (although I wasn’t dressed up at all!)
Vibe :Think of a high end date vibe. I sat at the counter because I love to be close up to watch the bartenders serve up the drinks but also the architecture was amazing with the backdrop of Hong Kong.
My Experience : Feeling like wanting a Whiskey Sour I had their Nectar of God. Usually they serve olives and caramel popcorn which was a touch of delight for me. The whiskey sour had a little bit of floral twist to it with some chocolate bitters instead of the usual orange bitters. I liked it and had a creamy drink next. All I could say was – I almost went for a third but stopped myself so I could try out other bars. The classy vibe was probably very inviting and the bartenders were friendly and attentive.
2. DarkSide
I went here twice – it is nestled inside Rosewood Hotel and I got lost easily.
It has a notorious queue that the bouncer won’t let you in (I think they base it on the way you are dressed too – don’t show up in sneakers casually). I was turned down the first evening as I was dressed up like I just got back from a hike, on the second night I still didn’t get a seat with my friend, but after 30 minutes we got in (standing at the bar).
Vibe :There is live jazz band, dim lights all blue. The menu is like a performance – and you can spin a wheel to choose your drink.
My Experience : I enjoyed it although I didn’t get a seat. The interior design, view of the sea, the performance, the drink. I opted for something light – whiskey sour twist called the Heaven. In short, it was a Yin Yang Menu. I did see in 2025 they have a Mahjong menu and have 8 cocktails on their list. Overall I would love to go back although getting in is a tough one and the fact that there are not many bars on this side, leave it on the dark side if you don’t get in.
1. Iron Fairies
They have outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Bali and I visited the one in Hong Kong. It is considered to be a whimsical, magical. To be honest when it is a dancing bar – I didn’t feel that way. The crowds were lively and people were dancing, there was a long queue at 12AM even in pouring rain! There is a entry fee on Saturday that can set you back by a bit (~250HKD) and you get a free drink. But still .. expensive for the fee.
Vibe : It turns into a dancing bar on weekends ; Enjoyed myself here with the live band and lively crowds. Their drinks were easy to drink – I had two in fact one topped with a lychee and Smoke in a bottle.
My take : This is a great place to bring your friends on a weekend to dance (not to go on a date / catchup). Surprise them with a bar setting then bring them out for a late night here as the crowds become manageable. I was told there is another bar that is similar next to it as well that is popular.
Bonus Mentions 🍹
If you have extra time, also check out Dragonfly, Maggie Choo, Lockdown. These bars might not be in my top 8, but they’re legendary in their own right — each offering unique atmospheres and unforgettable nights out. I have some on my wishlist, such as the COA, Mostly Harmless.
Final Sip
Hong Kong isn’t just a financial hub — it’s one of the most exciting cocktail cities in Asia. From sustainable mixology to luxury hotel lounges and boundary-pushing innovators, the city’s bar scene has something for every kind of drinker.
Whether you’re planning a bar-hopping night or want to savor a world-class cocktail in style, these 8 spots should be at the top of your list.
So… which one would you try first? 🍸