Lurking down alleyways, behind thick curtains, or up spiral staircases are Hong Kong’s speakeasies and hidden bars, here’s where to find them…
Just because we love people-watching at alfresco restaurants or taking in the views from rooftop terraces, doesn’t mean we don’t seek a little mystery or an out-of-the-ordinary experience. Expect to head down alleyways, look behind thick curtains or venture up spiral staircases to get to these Hong Kong speakeasies and hidden bars. Finding a speakeasy is an adventure in itself, so we’ve rounded up the very best.
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The Green Door – An underground speakeasy that’s well hidden
Hidden in the alleys of Graham Street, search for a green door (yes, literally a green door) and enter an underground oasis flowing with creative cocktails, wines and plenty of good eats. The Green Door is a great option for getting together with friends or colleagues, and also for date nights. The place is usually already lively and buzzing by early evening, and as the night progresses, it sure gets packed!
The Green Door, LG/F, Welley Building, 97 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, Instagram: @thegreendoor.bar
Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour – Hidden bar inside The Landmark
A hidden gem within The Landmark, Dr.Fern’s is an absolute must-visit for gin lovers. Using organic and locally-sourced ingredients and botanicals, and only premium gin, Dr. Fern’s cocktails are sure to cure any ailment of the soul. Tucked away in a corner, you’ll find two tiny office doors – one full-sized and one Alice in Wonderland-style –all that hint at the doctor’s office behind.
Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour, Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2111 9449, www.mingfathouse.com
Read More: The Best Gin Bars In Hong Kong
Foxglove – A classic Hong Kong speakeasy with live music
Foxglove oozes old-school luxury and charm – vintage inspired, expect live jazz nights, a decadent menu based on traditional Cantonese favourites and a refined atmosphere. Drinks buffs will love the menu which features a rare selection of cognacs and spirits, along with fine whiskies and expertly crafted cocktails.
Foxglove, 2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2116 8949, www.mingfathouse.com
Stockton – Old-school speakeasy with a low-key entrance on Wyndham Street
Concealed down a dark alleyway off Wyndham Street, Maximal Concepts’ Stockton is a dark, broody and sophisticated whiskey and cocktail bar. Not only does this Hong Kong speakeasy offer specially-crafted cocktails, plus a selection of high quality whiskey and cigars, it has a regular roster of live music acts and bartender guest shifts.
Sassy Tip: When walking down Wyndham, look out for the hanging lightbulb – a sign that found the alleyway to Stockton!
Stockton, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2565 5268, www.stockton.com.hk
Ping Pong 129 – A surprising find in Sai Ying Pun!
This old ping pong supply store has been transformed and updated into an incredible Spanish gin and tonic bar. Down the concrete steps, you’ll find the “living room”, where the concrete walls, low lighting and homely atmosphere are both hip and welcoming. We also think the combination of Mediterranean influence and Hong Kong nostalgia works beautifully.
Ping Pong 129, 129 Second Street, Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 9835 5061, www.pingpong129.com
Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Sai Ying Pun
Dirty Laundry HK – A creative and happening speakeasy in Wan Chai
We’re sure you’ve passed by this speakeasy thinking it’s just another neighbourhood laundromat. Open a door disguised as a row of washing machines to enter one of the coolest hidden bars you’ve seen in Hong Kong. Dirty Laundry serves creative cocktails to suit every palate and every mood, and we’re a sucker for its presentation skills (IG drinks first!). It has killer shisha too – definitely a bar you’ll be coming back to!
Dirty Laundry,G/F, 100 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 5501 1756, www.instagram.com/dirtylaundryhk
Red Room – One of the newer additions to Kowloon’s bar scene
Some dare say Kowloon is lacking in the bar scene but one of the newest additions include this hidden speakeasy tucked in K11 MUSEA. What looks like a wall of lockers is your portal to a bar set in a bygone era where it’s all about plush velvet sofas, sultry jazz tunes, red-tinted opulence and vintage whiskeys, wines and handcrafted cocktails.
Red Room, Shop 606, 6/F, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2638 3382, lubuds.com/red-room
001 – A must-go and must-know speakeasy in Hong Kong
An honorary mention for one of Hong Kong’s first ever hidden speakeasies! 001’s new nook now lies in Tai Kwun and its former location is where The Green Door now sits (perhaps, more of a clue for you to find it?). The door to 001 looks exactly like any other prison door at Tai Kwun, the only hint being a distinctive vintage doorbell that was also present at its Graham Street location. The hidden speakeasy has a rotating cocktail menu to fit the different seasons, all the more reason to be back on the regular!
001, Block 10 & 13, Superintendent’s House and C Hall Shop 10 & 13-101, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/001.hk
Artifact Bar – Hidden bar in BaseHall 2
Sure you may have grabbed a quick bite at BaseHall 2 but did you know there’s a sleek cocktail bar quietly garnering a loyal following? Nestled behind K.A.Y.A, Artifact Bar’s unique, futuristic booths are intimate and inviting, and its rotating cocktail menu focuses on the journey of time, the ocean and earth. Now you know where to go next time you’re at Jardine House!
Artifact Bar, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central Hong Kong, 6468 8762, artifactbar.com
Mizunara The Library – Speakeasy for the whisky aficionados
One of the few hidden bars with an outdoor terrace, Mizunara is a celebration of all things Japanese; from the peaceful terrace garden and the use of natural, minimalist materials. Its bar boasts over 700 different types of whiskey, making it an absolute haven for the whiskey connoisseur. The talented barmen here are known for creating refined cocktails that showcase distinctive Japanese flavours and qualities.
Mizunara The Library, 4/F, Kiu Yin Commercial Building, 361-363 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 3571 9797, www.mizunarathelibrary.com
Read More: The Best Whisky Bars In Hong Kong
PDT (Please Don’t Tell) – Hidden bar serving classic and creative cocktails
Above MO Bar at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental sits a telephone box that you might find in 1940s New York. With sides lined with green felt, you’ll find an old-school payphone inside. At the push of a button (or specifically, the “1” key), a petite, exquisitely-decorated bar is revealed. Staying true to its New York’s sister venture, MO’s PDT serves up both classic and creative cocktails as well as gourmet hot dogs and bar snacks.
PDT, Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2132 0110, www.mandarinoriental.com
Dragonfly – A whimsical speakeasy tucked in Tai Kwun
Designed by masterful artist Ashley Sutton, Dragonfly is a stunning treat to the senses at Tai Kwun. Reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dragonfly offers an eclectic selection of creative cocktail creations and soft-mood lounge music. Be sure to grab a seat inside, its mystic interior never goes out of fashion (on your IG feed)!
Dragonfly, Shop 10 – G1, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 9359 0999, www.taikwun.hk/dragonfly
The Mixing Room – The pre-game before The Iron Fairies
Another one helmed by Ashley Sutton, Mixing Room invites guests to enter a portal deep into the underground iron ore beneath the ground (inspired by The Iron Fairies bar). The over 22,000 hanging glass bottles, dimly lit ambiance and a menu that doubles as a storyteller has one feeling like they’ve landed in a fantasy film – the equally eclectic selection of cocktails help too!
The Mixing Room, 1-13 Ezra’s Lane, Central, Hong Kong, 6100 9111, mixingroom.com.hk
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The Diplomat – Find the speakeasy within a speakeasy!
Hidden in plain sight on Scavenging Lane, The Diplomat was the first speakeasy concept by John Nugent, offering reimagined cocktails and a whimsical ambiance. Expect everything from Irish Coffee (one of the most popular drinks here) to mini negronis, whiskey sour and more. Plus, join the Diplomat Social Club which is an exclusive speakeasy within a speakeasy!
The Diplomat, Shop 1, LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3619 0302, thediplomat.hk
Editor’s Note: “Hong Kong’s Best Hidden Bars And Speakeasies” was originally published by Simone Schultz and most recently updated in January 2024 by Fashila Kanakka.
Main image courtesy of Dragonfly, image 1 courtesy of @thegreendoor.bar via Instagram, image 2 courtesy of @drfernshk via Instagram, image 3 courtesy of Arch Daily, image 4 courtesy of @handsupforfood via Instagram, image 5 courtesy of @pingpong129 via Instagram, image 6 courtesy of @mrchillhk via Instagram, image 7 courtesy of @manda.olivia via Instagram, image 8 courtesy of @dirtylaundryhk via Instagram, image 9 courtesy of Dragonfly, image 10 courtesy of @themixingroomhk via Instagram, image 11 courtesy of @thediplomathk via Instagram.