Back in the day when I used to work in Wanchai- Joe Bananas was a home away from home for many…read moredifferent reasons. We went to it for lunch- they used to serve a 98 HKD buffet which considering you are actually in Wanchai makes it incredibly cheap. You may start think that the food will reflect the price and......you would be half way there. I would say that they do serve some surprising items (such as roast beef in thin slices) but some of the other items do seem a little bit tacky such as spring rolls and sausages. However, given you always get a table, its near to the office and you get a full three course meal with a drink- you can't really complain. They never pushed you to return the table by a certain time and I believe they also do this deal over the weekend with a lot more alcohol involved- please check the store for details. We went to it for drinks- Joe Bananas is pretty much an institution in the Wanchai area along with Delaneys , Meis Amis, Dusk till Dawn and a number of others. Its an expat orientated environment though locals could also thoroughly enjoy themselves over a few drinks and with the usual gaggle of girls standing just a bit too close to you for comfort. The band and everything else completes the Wanchai experience and of course if you are really keen they also have t-shirts available. Why would I rate it 5 star? As far as its foibles went I still went there everyday- my house is messed up but I still love it. Same theory.

After the hype that I've heard of this place from the older generation, this place is a bit of the…read morelet down. Drink prices are at par of other Wan Chai bars, Joe Bananas is well located, and still really well decorated, but it seems to have forgotten what it means to be a pub. While the drinks list is comprehensive, I feel that the drinks lack the flair that I'd expect from a bar that has such as resonating reputation among the locals. While I'm used to the classic gin and tonic with a slice of lemon floating in the glass, it is by no means an aesthetic that I expect to see in one of the fancier bars (I mean at least stick a lemon WEDGE on the rim of the glass). While I understand that it is unreasonable to expect 5-star hotel bar aesthetics in a Wan Chai bar, they could do better... and maybe put more gin or just cut down on the tonic in my G&T. I was surprised by the limited selection of bar snacks (paid and otherwise), considering how nachos seemed to be the only option there that wasn't an entree or appetizer. Offering peanuts (even if they charged for them) would've been nice. Service was on par with other bars in the area, i.e. reasonably responsive, and friendly enough.

A must for music lovers in Hong Kong…read more I was able to secure a same-day reservation by shooting them a quick email for my flight from Thailand to Hong Kong took off. By the time I landed, I received a confirmation from the venue as well as a few important details and instructions. At my request, they even sent the information via WhatsApp since I was having a hard time getting it via SMS. The venue was also really responsive on WhatsApp, answering all of my questions very quickly. The place was a little hard to find. My cab dropped me off nearby and a passerby was able to help me find the exact building. The venue is absolutely gorgeous. It's classy, sexy, shrouded in a bit of mystery... something like a speakeasy. The evening's performances were fantastic! The musicians played a range of hits that appealed to a broad audience (which was great because there was a little of everyone in the room that evening). The servers were attentive and kind, and their service had a personalized touch which I really appreciated, especially since I had just landed in the country barely 2 hours prior and didn't know a soul there. The staff really made me feel welcome and helped set the tone for the rest of my visit to Hong Kong. I saw lots of gorgeous cocktails adorning tables around me, but I was there for the prosecco. Glass after glass of ice cold bubbles... And the staff made sure I never had an empty glass. I had an absolutely wonderful time here. I highly recommend this place to any music lovers or cocktail enthusiasts that happen to find themselves in Hong Kong. You will not be disappointed.

This place might be in HK, but I think it could compete with some LA Speakeasies! The vibe is so…read morecool and relaxes, but you still have a nice classy feel as well. Prices are pretty standard if you're comparing it to LA--but definitely on the expensive side for HK. They have a live band, so you'll be thoroughly entertained. Not to mention that their drinks are also fun and delicious! The - The Northside - Pretty sweet, masks the alcohol if you like fruity cocktails. - New York Sour - Very cool light up presentation. If you're looking for a night out (or even a great way to spend your last night in the city), this is a must-see spot!

At the Captain's Bar on the ground floor of the Mandarin Oriental you will find people doing work,…read morejust finishing work or dodging work all in one place. The Captain's Bar feels like a real throwback: dark leather, wood paneling, and smartly dress waiters serving up carefully crafted drinks with impeccable service. I am partial to the Old Fashioned here -- my pick for the best Old Fashioned in the city -- which is served in a no-nonsense manner with a simple twist and without any oranges or cherries to distract from the bourbon. There is a full bar that I would imagine can whip up any cocktail you can think of, and a pretty solid beer selection to boot. Draft beers are famously served in metal tankards, which seems to keep them colder and give them a bit of a (pleasant) metallic tang. A popular happy hour spot with the business set, it can get crowded, so arrive by 6 or 6:30 to secure the comfortable couch seating along the perimeter. Although probably not surprising because it is housed in the Mandarin Oriental, I have been surprised at how good the food is here. You have access to a fairly large menu, from bar snacks for sharing to meals fit for a full lunch or dinner. I tried the satay recently and it was well grilled, juicy and the peanut sauce was a nice compliment. Because it is easy to run up a hefty bill here, the Captain's Bar is best enjoyed for a good cocktail or two and a snack before moving on. There also is live jazz music played at times from a small stage in the corner, which may be a draw for some, but I actually find a bit too loud for my taste. It could be that's because the stage is right next to my favorite table, but I tend to filter out as the band filters in.

I came here because the Chinnery was full and I was told that I could order the same curry at the…read moreCaptain's room. I ordered the triple tier lamb curry, which means that it comes with naan and rice. It is called triple tier because it comes in a stack of pots with the aforementioned food. The curry was good but not out of this world. I've had many curries that I thought were just as good. My thinking is that if I come to HK to get Indian curry, it should be phenomenal. If your goal is to meet your curry fix, then this is good. I also ordered a mango lassi. It was quite light, compared to many of the heavier lassi's I've had at other restaurants. It was very refreshing. Nonetheless, the environment is quite nice and the service is good.

Having been to the Kee Club in Shanghai (which I love!), I couldn't pass up the chance on checking…read moreout the Hong Kong location in Central. Taking advantage of a membership that was gifted to me, I had a chance to really soak in the amenities and scope out the venue while enjoying a night out. Like most venue spots in Hong Kong, this is considerably smaller than some membership based clubs I've been to. At two stories high, Kee Club HK is has a trifecta of bar space, a food / restaurant area, and a reception spot (i.e. dance hall). The place is exceptionally clean and is often catered to private events. There is less of a lounge vibe, which means I'd only be coming here for special occasions. For some newcomers to the club, the place might feel somewhat stuffy compared to the other VIP clubs around the hood. The staff is fiercely protected on keeping the riff raff out, even so much as to deny actual members from coming in if they're not dressed (no shorts, opened toed shoes, etc.). A membership isn't cheap of course, but it might be something to look into if the around the corner LKF scene isn't your cup of tea.

LKF used to be my stomping grounds when I was in HS - I learned my bad habit of clubbing at 97 and…read moreCalifornia. I went here on a Friday night for a special event and had a reasonably good time. Maybe I'm getting old but I was glad that we got there early because it started fill up with people. The good thing about private clubs is that it doesn't get * too* crowded with wall to wall people and that you're able to move about and get your groove on. Once you go up the big and stylish staircase, it has some really nice artwork and we stayed up here to enjoy drinks and catch up with old friends and talk to super drunk strangers. Servers and staff were nice and it was definitely an enjoyable experience. We knew we were really old when we spilled out onto LKF and it was teeming with hipster 20 somethings, all ready to party. I felt like their Auntie, looking at them and thinking to myself " I wish I was young and full of energy again to party like a rockstar!"

If you're looking for a classy place to catch some live jazz, Salon de Ning is the spot to hit up!…read more In TST, you don't have too many other choices except for Ned Kelly's (and sometimes the Hyatt bar). Ned Kelly's isn't necessarily the type of dark, intimate environment for jazz if you're on a 1-on-1 date so Salon de Ning takes the cake in this aspect! If you've been to some old school jazz bars in Shanghai then you are familiar with the particular ambiance these type of places give off! Salon de Ning is built off of that and you can feel it the moment you walk in with their dark lighting and decor. There are plenty of seats on any given weeknight though I do suggest making reservations just in case it is booked out. I've walked in most of the time just sporadically and have always scored a good seat. Sometimes it is a nice couch off in the corner, other times we are at just right upfront at just a few feet away from the jazz band. Don't expect too much on their cocktails. Yes, the prices are very steep (it is The Peninsula after all) but you're paying more for the environment (and brownie points if you're on a date). I suggest going more for their whiskey based drinks as they do a good job on those. The other typical cocktails aren't mixed together very well. I've seen a number of great performers here and on my last visit, there was an awesome duo from LA (SoCal represent!) that had both the performance and vocals on point. Service is awesome here and they are much more attentive than usual (I am sure you're already used to the subpar service you'd typically receive in HK). And they will be happy to move you to a different part of the lounge if you ask! Grab a drink, soak in the music and relax!

Salon de Ning is an uber-cool bar in the basement of the Peninsula Hotel in TST. It is based on a…read moreShanghainese 1930s speak-easy, and it certainly does exude that style the minute you walk in. It's dark, plush, art-deco France meets Chinese chic. In fact, it's so dark in there, that I would be afraid to see it with the lights up, just in case I was sitting in something sticky. The main bar area surrounds a stage and small dance floor, and has a number of private alcoves jutting off in all directions. Depending on which table you have managed to reserve, booking is nearly always essential here, you may find yourself either sitting on the tallest spiky stool, or the most comfortable and luxurious sofa. It's a bit of a gamble, but I'm sure you can request to sit in particular areas at time of booking. All around the bar is art-work, antique furniture, and historical haute couture clothing, so if your G&T is no good, you can at least drink in the view. The bar menu is quite extensive, but also quite pricey. They are not the best made drinks in the world, but perfectly passable. I would have hoped for better given the price tag, but alas no. My impression is that one comes here for the kudos, and not to have a decent long island ice tea. There is also nightly entertainment. At the time of writing, it is a very classy Florida based jazz band. The staff are very pleasant, and have a wonderful effortless politeness about them. They are the antithesis of HK service, in that they are calm and quietly spoken. Note, there is a smart casual dress code...

Falling in love in Hong Kong will always play back in NEON RED for me. Fade in Ping Pong 129…read moreGintonería. One of my favorite bars in the world. Also locally known as Ping Pong City. It used to be a store selling ping pong stuff back in the 60s when ping pong was a big deal in Hong Kong. You will find it in the Sai Ying Pun neighborhood, beyond a red door, down a long flight of stairs, encased in exposed concrete, bathed in neon red light. I won't post a photo of the street door. It shouldn't be hard to find and you should want the adventure. We walked, but it's right at a taxi drop off. Delicious and cleverly crafted beverages, but especially or only if you enjoy gin, specifically gin & tonics. That's the menu: all G&Ts. Lots of Spanish gin. It's a Spanish influenced gin bar after all. Spanish tapas also to seal the theme. Fantastic service and music choices. This must be underground magic. Dreamy cement bunker city romance if it ever were a thing. It gets crowded and full with locals and expats alike and you might be told to come back another time. Do it, enjoy the scenes and trendy girls exemplifying HK's nightlife. Te amo!

After being around for a while, I finally made it out to trying Ping Pong. Hidden behind a single…read morered door, Ping Pong is an underground bar with high ceilings and a bright neon sign. It can feel spacious yet crowded at the same time. Although I'm not an expert on gin, I decided to go for the classic gin & tonic (Half Crown). I wish they had more seasonal flavors in their menu, maybe like a summery peach, lychee twist, or mangosteen punch, just something besides the classic citrus-flavor profiles. It was a solid G&T, but a bit pricy for HK$130. A few friends in the group ordered some food, but the verdict was just so-so. Someone in my group had accidentally knocked my half-empty glass over, causing it to spill and break into pieces on the floor. The staff were quick to react, clean up and carefully remove any glass residue on the floor.

The roof top terrace is far superior than Eye Bar: bigger, more space for regular tables & lounge…read morechairs. The view is that of Kowloon, opposite that of Eye Bar which has the HK island view. Though less stunning esp at night, its still quite impressive. The weekend brunch starts at $620/person which includes seafood platter + a main course + dessert + 1 non-EToH drink & unlimited house breads. You can not order anything a la carte during brunch hours. Any cocktails & wines will be minimal of 150-170 hkd. 2 peeps can easily share 1 set of brunch, esp with unlimited assortment of excellent house breads. Dessert was a whole plate of goodies, not just 1 piece, wow it was fantastic! Service was great

A rooftop bar located at top floor of Park Lane hotel, known for the beautiful view of the harbor…read more Unfortunately weather has been bad during our stay at the hotel and it was raining hard the night we came here. So we could barely see anything but we thought it's ok we're just gonna enjoy the drinks and foods. Well it turned out the view already was the best part of the night. We ordered 4 cocktails and only 1 was good. We didn't finish the other 3 because they just tasted horrible. My advice is just get something simple like gin and tonic or coke and rum. Their own signature cocktails were a waste of money. We also ordered fries and fried chicken which were overcooked. They were probably left in the fryer for too long. The wagyu beef slider was actually quite delicious but hey we paid $180 for 1 slider it'd better be good. Overall it was a very disappointing experience. I don't think I would come back again..

A boutique bar right by the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry entrance. We showed up late in the evening…read morewhen the area was quieter, making it a nice space to chat over drinks and small bites. The only downside is that they don't have their own restrooms, so you have to use the public ones by the ferry entrance.