Top Newest Bars in Central Hong Kong to Explore This Summer
Thinking of catching up with some friends, having a post-work drink, or just seeing what’s new in the neighborhood but wondering where to go lately? Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it. We’ve highlighted the newest and hottest bars this summer for you to drop in.
Montana
Main highlight: Be ready to be transported back to the 1970s of Miami’s golden age, a destination filled with authentic latin soul, innovative latin-inspired cocktails, and a vibrant mix of latin disco and throwback tunes
Signature experience: Live latin music every Wednesdays (upstairs) to be hosted soon
Menu: A snack menu offering Cuban/Miami inspired bites and reimagined latin classics
Standout dishes: Spicy corn ribs, Chips with prosciutto and smoked olives, BBQ Pineapple Helado
Must-try drinks: Café Havana, Montana Daiquiri, El Presidente, Pina Colada Slushy (and don’t forget the monthly specials)
Service: Knowledgeable and energetic service from the team dressed in short sleeve-white
shirts and big bow ties
Vibe: A captivating, bustling, warm atmosphere with cuban/miami energy
Decor: Vintage miami dive bar aesthetic with deep greens, rusty sienna, playful neon lights, walls decorated with the faces of Cuban icons
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm-1am
Location: 108 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Price: $100-150 per drink
Reservation policy: No reservation, walk-in basis
Accessibility: A two-story venue, on street level and easy to find
Perfect for: Date nights, girls nights, group gatherings, cocktail connoisseurs, latin music lovers
Dress code: Casual chic or, post-work attire, depending on where the night takes you
Insider tip: Head to the second floor for a more upscale and cozy atmosphere offering lounge seating, and the first floor for those looking for a little more rowdiness and ‘’Ritmo’’’.
Things to note: Expect busy queues from the latest project of award winning bartenders. Be sure to arrive on time to secure a spot as work crowds fill up or arrive later in the evening (post 11pm), and stay updated on special event nights
The Doctor’s Residence by Dr. Fern
Main highlight: The playful, theatrical experience with over 400 types of gin and breezy terrace vibes
Vibe: A speakeasy-style bar, intimate setting, with a dj booth, and a lush outdoor terrace
Decor: Designed like a retro-chic dream featuring velvet seating, lava lamps, a fern filled patterned wall
Signature experience: Each drink is presented as a satirical medical prescription, complete with faux diagnoses, tasting notes, and side effects.
Menu: Experimental gin-based creations using rare spirits and local botanicals paired with umami-rich bites
Must-try drinks: Shroom Service, Sultan Serum, Jellyfish Martini
Standout dishes: Whipped Green, Fish Burger or Double Smashed Buns
Service: Cocktails are crafted with care. You can ask the the bartenders to tailor the drinks to your liking or for recommendations based on your preferences
Perfect for: Cocktail and gin lovers, pre/post dinner drinks, cozy and quiet catch-ups
Dress code: Smart casual
Insider tip: When ordering your drink, ask for the bespoke floral-infused ice blocks
Things to note: Live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays at 9pm; Happy Hour from 5pm-7pm
the terrace is perfect for those sunset cocktail
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 5pm-1am; Friday to Saturday: 5pm-3am; Sunday: 5pm-12am
Location: 3/F, The Pottinger Hotel 74 Queens Road Central, 21 Stanley St, Central
Price: $130-160 per drink and bar bites from $50-200
Reservation policy: Walk-ins welcome, reservations are encouraged just to be safe
Accessibility: Easy to find and accessible via The Pottinger hotel; elevator access
AER (Aesthetic Radio)
Main highlight: Live resident DJ sets and local artist collabs
Vibe: Laid-back with focus on music-led experiences and connecting with others
Decor: Minimal color schemes, a listening room vibe inspired by a blend of classic and modern radio aesthetics
Signature experience: Immersive cross-genre music, curated listening delivered through a quadraphonic sound system
Menu: Casual grub, ideal for sharing
Must-try drinks: Beers/cocktails on tap, creative mocktails
Standout dishes: Smokey Wings, Chicken Sandwich, Roasted Squash
Service: Lively and friendly
Perfect for: House/techno/hip hip lovers, friend outings, after work gatherings, buzzing chats
Dress code: Stylish casual or streetwear chic, no formalwear needed here
Insider tip: Weekend brunch sessions often have disco-house vibes
Things to note: Stay up to date on events and DJ lineups via their IG
Price: $120-150 per drink and $80-200 per dish
Opening hours: Wednesday to Thursday: 5pm-12am; Friday: 5pm-1am; Saturday: 12pm-1am; Sunday: 12pm-12am
Location: UG/F, Ming Hing House, 52-56 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong
Reservation policy: Walk-ins welcome, reservations suggested on busy nights/on nights with special DJ
Accessibility: Access on a slope, and a short staircase to entrance
Gossip
Main highlight: Lounge/nightclub hybrid, with R&B and hip-hop nights
Vibe: Designed for both casual lounging and hitting the dancefloor
Decor: Modern and playful with bold mood lighting
Signature experience: The night evolves from energetic cocktail lounge to a high-energy dance club as the night unfolds
Menu: Asian inspired cocktails, using flavors and ingredients various Asian cultures
Must-try drinks: Thotsokan, Hannya, Himalayan Tiger
Standout dishes: No food menu here
Service: Welcoming and lively, the servers are happy to help with drink recommendations
Perfect for: Girls nights, group hangs, R&B lovers and those looking to relive the 2000s nightlife vibe
Dress code: Dress to impress, or arrive in your hip-hop/R&B inspired fits to match the playlist
Insider tip: Arrive earlier on live performance nights (usually Tuesday and Wednesday), as well as on busy weekends.
Things to note: Club atmosphere kicks in from midnight onwards. For the latest on nightly music genres, live-music performances, DJ nights, check their IG for updates
Price: Cocktails average around HK$140, while beers typically $HK70 each
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 6pm-2am; Friday-Saturday: 6pm-3am
Location: 3/F, FOCO, 48 Cochrane St, Central
Reservation policy: Walk-ins available but booking ahead is suggested to secure a table
Accessibility: Elevator access, but first-time visitors may find the entrance a bit tucked away
Grapevine
Main highlight & Signature experience: Sipping playful cocktails in the heart of a lively Soho setting
Vibe: Relaxed and casual
Decor: Decked out with purple accents, this cute spot is IG-worthy wine bar
Menu: Classic and natural wines, grape themed cocktails, unique spirits derived and inspired by grapes
Must-try drinks: Try any of the creative wine inspired cocktails
Standout dishes: Light bites such as cheese plates and cold cuts offered rather than full meals
Service: Knowledgeable, especially for wine newbies or amateurs
Perfect for: Wine lovers, casual drinks
Dress code: Casual
Insider tip: Ask for seasonal grape cocktails, there might be some surprises on the menu
Things to note: Can get busy during peak hours, try and snag a spot early
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 5pm-1:30am
Location: 67 Staunton St, Central
Price: $100-150 per drink
Reservation policy: Walk-ins only
Accessibility: Easily accessible on the ground floor
