If you enjoy a good beverage like I do, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the coffee & cocktail culture at your fingertips in Hong Kong. Because Hong Kong is an international tapestry of culture and influence, this city certainly knows how to bring the best of the East & West to life with all its libations.
Between coffee & cocktails, I had mornings and evenings well managed for the week I was in Hong Kong. Below are just some of the favorites discovered in the city!
COFFEE
The Cupping Room (Hong Kong Island, Sheung Wan) – Three Words: Nitro Cold Brew. Seriously. This stuff is magical. If you’re having a rough day, a tall glass of this will get you sorted QUICK. (Oh yeah, food is good here too). Great environment to meet up for a chat over a cup of coffee or if you need some time to get settled on your own in the morning, sit at the bar.
Elephant Grounds (Hong Kong Island) – Really great Flat Whites here and fun seasonal lattes. This café is located in a very funky, hipster design shop but offers a good place to rest while shopping Gough Street. Expect WELL crafted espresso drinks and enjoy them on their open air patio overlooking a small neighborhood park while listening to funky beats.
N1 Coffee Co – (TST, Kowloon) – This was my favorite coffee shop to frequent when I stayed on the Kowloon side. Very affordable and I would say that the flat whites here were the best. Also, they are famous for their banana toffee pie (which is too good to NOT try). This cute quirky and cozy (unicorns included) cafe is cash only so come prepared.
Coffee Academics* – Really wanted to go here! Came highly recommended especially if you like cafes that look like science labs.
CRAFT COCKTAILS
Quinary (Hong Kong Island) – If you had ONE NIGHT to get drinks, this is the bar you should be going to. Watching the bartenders here make the cocktails is just as enjoyable as consuming the cocktail itself, so find a spot at the bar to witness the magic. Here, you’ll find HK takes on classic cocktails and the artistry and detail put into each drink rivals the skill of the best food chefs. Come here with an open minded palate and try some of the bar favorites such as the Ooglong Tea Collins and Smoked Manhattan. This place truly is mixology at its best.
Ozone Bar at the Top of the Ritz Carlton (TST, Kowloon) – If you’re in the mood to indulge and feel fancy and sexy, come to this bar. The views here are INCREDIBLE and the ambiance is sultry yet energizing. Whether you’re having a romantic night out or getting out with the girls, this is a great place to elevate your evening. Note, the DJ’s show up into the latter part of the night so come to this bar based upon the type of experience you want. I came here with two lovely ladies to celebrate my birthday and it was one of the best evenings EVER.
Duddell’s – I know, I know, I just recommended this place for dinner. BUT. Their cocktails here are GREAT too. So just go twice! (I’ll let the pics speak for themselves).
Lily & Bloom (Hong Kong Island)– This place is a speakeasy style bar and has a restaurant below. They have one of the best Happy Hours on HK island and many local professionals frequent here for drinks. I struck up a conversation with the bar manager and he walked me through the bar’s vision behind its creative cocktails and unique creations. Here you’ll find well made cocktails and if you’re nice to the bartender, he may sample you on some of their experiments, infusions and creations.
BEERS, A BAR & TWO BUDS
The Globe (Hong Kong Island) – We happened to be here during Rugby playoffs and AUS was battling NZ in the final match. Thus, we felt it was only appropriate to frequent a bar here and there to catch up on the action. This Aussie Bar located in the central district and will have you frothing for its large selection of beers from Oz. This also a very laid back and casual to chat up and meet other expats as it seems this place is a favorite watering hole.
Feeling thirsty yet? What are some of your favorite bars & watering holes in HK?
After all this food & drink talk, I’ll have to share all the fun play things to do in HK to work off your eating itinerary.
With Joy,
J
Joy, Love & Wanders 