Best hidden bars and speakeasies in Hong Kong

A big night out at LKF is Hong Kong’s favourite way to let loose, but some may prefer somewhere a little quieter. With the city’s love for exclusive drinking experiences and sleek lounges, our speakeasies scene has boomed in recent years. Although these hidden gems are not so much of a secret anymore, you’ll still have to figure out which door in the dark alley leads you to the classy watering hole. Here are some of the most mysterious and intriguing hidden bars for an intimate night with your best buds.

Read more: Best rooftop bars in Hong Kong

J. Boroski

J. Boroski offers a cocktail concierge experience for its patrons. This means that its drinks are entirely customised to suit the guest’s preferences and curated by the mixologist on the spot. Whether you’re a classy mate who likes a good martini or a cocktail connoisseur who is looking for a playful treat, you won’t be disappointed by this hidden nook off Hollywood Road.

J. Boroski, LG/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central, 2603 6020

 

Ping Pong Gintoneria

Down a quiet lane in Sai Ying Pun, Ping Pong Gintoneria is an underground gin parlour in disguise. The bar may look like a shop selling ping pong equipment from the outside, but don’t be fooled by its masqueraded storefront. Down the stairway, you’ll be greeted by a neon-lit basement with a plethora of Spanish gins waiting for you to explore.

Ping Pong Gintoneria, Second Street 129, L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun, 9835 5061

 

PDT (Please Don’t Tell)

This little phone booth above MO Bar is no ordinary telephone box. Dial ‘1’ to open up the curtains and step into the hotel’s hidden cocktail bar, where both classic and innovative mixologies are served. Behind the green velvet curtains, the cosy watering hole is reminiscant of New York-style speakeasies in the 40s. Led by renowned mixologist Jim Meehan, PDT is the place to go for specially crafted cocktails and comforting bar bites.

PDT, Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2132 0110

 

Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour

Dr. Fern is probably the only doctor we don’t want to keep away from us. Get your dose of prescribed G&T to cure all your worries. Sourcing its herbs and botanicals locally, the physicians at Dr. Fern will treat you with organic ingredients and healthy mixes of premium gin from around the world. Brace yourself as you experience the multi-dimensional flavours encapsulated in one tall glass – its cocktails are a treat for the eyes as well.

Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour, Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2111 9449

 

Room 309

When it comes to speakeasies and hidden bars, this secret hideout is as private as it gets. Once you’ve arrived at the ‘reception’, check in to pick up your keycard and head up to Room 309 to enjoy a cocktail or two with your loved one. The speakeasy offers a series of clear-coloured cocktails from its ‘invisible’ menu, designed to take away the visual element and allows your palate and senses to fully take in the complex flavours without distraction. For those looking for something more luxurious, you can upgrade your stay to the presidential suite to indulge in premium spirits and a surprise for your tastebuds.

Room 309, 3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central

 

Stockton

In an unassuming alleyway in Central, you’ll find a lightbulb hanging off the wall. Follow the stairway and step into a dimly-lit space filled with antiques, skulls and vintage furniture. Resembling a colonial country manor, the bar offers sophisticated whiskeys as well as original cocktails – like the Shunga Blossom, which combines Kombu-infused Johnnie Walker and Ponzu, with a hint of citrus and orange flower tones.

Stockton, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, 2565 5268

The Wise King

The reason why this hidden gem snagged a place on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars is obvious. The Spanish-themed cocktail bar offers specially curated cocktails by its award-winning mixologists Joe Villanueva and Sandeep Kumar, alongside lip-smacking tapas to keep your belly satisfied. Decked out in warm and golden tones, the opulent interior will make you feel like royalty. Sit back and relax in the cosy couches while sipping on your jamón old fashioned made with walnut bitters and jamón iberico.

The Wise King, 25 Staunton Street, Basement in Tsung Wing Lane, Soho, Central, 2326 5822

 

Frank’s Library

Inspired by fictional character Frank Minza’s globe-trotting adventures, Frank’s Library boasts an alcove of premium liqueur and barrel-aged spirits. Its more well-known twin, Foxglove, is a charming gather spot disguised as an old-school umbrella shop on Duddell Street, and the elevator buttons to the entrance of Frank’s Library is concealed behind the bright and glamorous space of Foxglove. Careful which button you push, as only the right answer can take you to this hidden bar hidden within a hidden bar.

Frank’s Library, 18 Ice House Street, 6 Duddell Street, Central, 2116 2449

 

The Iron Fairies

Take a plunge back in time to the medievals at this lavishly decorated drinking den. As its name suggests, Iron Fairies is furnished with raw iron and enchanted by ten thousand dangling fairies. Serving authentic cocktails and signature shots, the bar also offers juicy burgers and comfort bites. Enjoy an addictive concoction of The Smoke in a Bottle, blending blueberry vodka with elderflower liqueur and homemade sage cordial, created by the mastermind behind J. Boroski.

The Iron Fairies,  LG/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central, 2147 9000