There is nothing quite like holding the stem of a martini glass between your fingers at the close of a warm and humid day in Hong Kong. The hustle and bustle of city life dissipates as you savor that initial sip on a Friday evening, complemented by a breathtaking skyline view.
Consequently, we present to you the finest offerings that Hong Kong’s Happy Hour has to offer! Seven bars! Seven happy hours! Such a joyous Hong Kong evening awaits you every night of the week!
Have a seat at the bar, summon the bartender, and indulge in your preferred cocktail with the assistance of this comprehensive Hong Kong Happy Hour Guide:
LILY & BLOOM, CENTRAL
Address: 5/F, 33 Wyndham Street, Central
Contact: +852 2810 6166
Instagram: @lilyandbloom
Nestled just above LKF, American restaurant Lily & Bloom has gained acclaim for its culinary excellence; however, their exquisite beverages are equally commendable. The speakeasy atmosphere and sleek decor create an intimate setting for an enjoyable evening with friends.
Recommended Beverage: Your first cocktail is priced at a mere HK$5, with subsequent drinks costing an additional HK$45. Their ‘Prohibition Hour’ revives the era when a single coin secured a drink. Choose from their cocktail menu while savoring complimentary fries that accompany your beverage.
CÉ LA VI, CENTRAL
Address: 25/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday 3pm to 7pm
Contact: reservation-hk@celavi.com
Instagram: @celavihongkong
If you have an appreciation for sunsets and can withstand the humidity of Hong Kong, visit the elegant CÉ LA VI. Experience luxurious surroundings with breathtaking views of the skyline. Be cautious of the exquisite candle lights that dangle above the bar.
Recommended Beverage: During happy hour, enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free offer on champagne, cocktails, wine, and beer. We suggest their invigorating gin cocktails, available for just HK$48, accompanied by a view of the glittering skyscrapers.
CICADA, CENTRAL
Address: 47A Elgin Street, Soho, Central
Happy Hour: Every day 3pm to 7:30pm
Contact: cicada@enotecagroup.com
Facebook: Cicada
One of my personal favorites, this haven for cocktail enthusiasts has relocated from its original spot next to the midlevels escalator on Shelley Street to a vibrant new location on Elgin Street, maintaining its attractive pricing. The bar features an international tapas concept, characterized by a vivid Latin theme throughout the interior.
Recommended Beverage: During Happy Hour, enjoy buy-one-get-one-free cocktails, while other drink offerings commence at HK$30. Their Singapore Slings and Moscow Mules are highly recommended!
THE OPTIMIST, WAN CHAI
Address: G/F – 2/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
Happy Hour: Every day from 3pm to 7pm
Contact: info@theoptimist.hk
Instagram: @theoptimisthk
If you prefer your glass filled to the brim, The Optimist on Hennessy Road is the ideal destination. Cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer commence from HK$48, along with a selection of small plates.
Recommended Beverage: Enjoy prosecco while nibbling on aubergine fries or pair an Old Fashioned with fresh oysters; the choice is entirely yours.
SUGAR, QUARRY BAY
Address: 32/F EAST, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Quarry Bay
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday 5pm to 7pm
Contact: info@sugar-hongkong.com
Downtown does not capture all the excitement! If you are located on the east side of the island yet desire a cocktail moment with a harbor view, then Sugar is your destination. Relax on the beach-style decking and socialize with a professional clientele while reveling in the stunning panoramic vista.
Recommended Beverage: Happy Hour ‘Sundowners’ begin at HK$60, featuring original cocktails and selected wines. One of our favorites is the Bubbly Floral: a delightful blend of Edinburgh Gin’s Elderflower, prosecco, mango, cucumber, and lemon.
THE PONTIAC, CENTRAL
Address: 13 Old Bailey Street, Central
Happy Hour: Monday to Saturday 5pm to 8pm
Contact: +852 2521 3855
Emulate the trendsetters and visit the neo-dive bar, The Pontiac, where you can sample some of the signature cocktails crafted by renowned mixologist Beckaly Franks. The environment is awash with magazine cut-out designs and slogans adorning the walls, creating a unique ambiance.
Recommended Beverage: Cocktails commence at HK$50, wines and spirits at HK$40, and beers at only HK$15.
STONE NULLAH TAVERN, WAN CHAI
Address: 69 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday 5pm to 7pm
Contact: info@stonenullahtavern.com
Instagram: @stonenullahtavernhk
Stone Nullah Tavern seeks to embody the essence of a classic American tavern — a beloved neighborhood spot. It’s a favored gathering place for the expatriate community in Wan Chai on Friday evenings. Prepare for a lively atmosphere as you navigate this vibrant venue, and keep an eye out for the bartender’s bell hanging from a bull’s skull!
Recommended Beverage: Stone Nullah Tavern gained recognition for its ‘Beat the clock’ promotion, where drinks commenced at a remarkable HK$1 and increased in price every 20 minutes. Presently, they have adopted a more straightforward approach: for HK$99, you can revel in unlimited beer, wine, and house spirits, along with all-you-can-eat fried chicken and bacon.
Of course, no Hong Kong Happy Hour Guide would be complete without acknowledging the city’s renowned Ladies Nights (Wednesdays in Wan Chai and Thursdays in Lan Kwai Fong). If your budget is a bit tight, you can enjoy specific beverages such as vodka mixers for complimentary at many bars in these districts on those nights.
Alternatively, should you prefer to avoid the crowd, consider purchasing a couple of beers from 7-Eleven and choose one of the 8 BEST VIEWS IN HONG KONG. Enjoy the majestic sights from the comfort of your very own continuous Hong Kong happy hour!
This travel guide has been contributed by Amy Poulton @amy_pagetraveller of Page Traveller blog.
