It seems silly to be thankful for a 7-Eleven, but it was a life saver in this crazier part of TST. When the conventional hours for most grocery spots, convenience stores came to an end, it was essentially 7-11 or nothing. In some circles, this may as well be the best spot to be in. There really was more than meets the eye.
-- It's a grocery store. Sort of: Not feeling the hot food from cross the street Wah Kee (https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E8%8F%AF%E8%A8%98%E5%B0%8F%E9%A3%9F-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF) or the mediocre wonton noodle shops down Prat? Come down for their signature bento boxes, slim sammies, and Asian snacks galore.
-- It's a sobering stand: Bottled water is a god send in hot spots around Asia. More people were either slinging the cold tea or guzzling bottles of water. I was buying the latter in bulk and taking them back with me.
-- It's a cheap bar: Sure, the TST bar scene gets pricey for what its worth. So why not take in a few beers, chat it up, and people watch? That's what all the youngins are doing. (HK's legal alcohol age is 18)
-- It's a library: See all the creepy old guys peeping the nudie mags? We see you. See the comic heads scouring for the newest anime publication? Oh yes.
-- It's a people watching spot. It is a fine spot for witnessing some debauchery and also doubles as an easy meet up spot for folks in the area. It is way too hard to miss this spot given its bright exterior and favorable corner spot.
Coming from a land where bodegas (24 hour "local" convenience store in NYC) rule the local scene, it still seems odd to patronage a 7-Eleven instead. But the 7-Eleven corporate has chosen wisely, as it's been doing wonders for the late night gouls and I for quite some time. Octopus card, cash, and credit are accepted. read more