Ohhhhh...so THAT'S the name of this place. We always just called it "Indian Bar". Indian Bar is where you start the night and where you end the night. You might also make a couple trips in the middle of your weekend LKF bar hopping. Why? HKD $100 for 3 shots, all night! None of that happy hour bullshit. If you can find a better deal, then I guess the next round's on me!
Maharani Mess is one of those places where you know it's there, or you don't. In between two bars at street level is a narrow, fluorescent corridor. You take the rickety elevator up to the second floor and you are greeted by two options: an open door or a closed door. The closed door beckons with bright purple lights and pumping music behind it. The open one leads to a dingy, little, dark room but is owned by a man with the brightest smile. This is Maharani Mess. (The other is Geronimo, which is also a great bar, I don't play favourites).
Maharani Mess, as a bar, is defined by 3 things: the tacky white sign on the door telling you it's HKD $100 for 3 shots, the tiny TV that you can take over for your own playlist, and the generous men who I can't name. All I know is that whenever you're done your drinks, one guy will magically appear and ask you if he can get anything else. Once in awhile, he throws in a free round. If you look like you're leaving, he'll be right next to you saying: "Tequila shots? On the house!"
Like I said before, you either know about this place or you don't. Therefore, vacancy is just as unpredictable. Sometimes, the place is empty and we get to chill out in our little corner, screaming out that one part with lyrics in an EDM song. Other times, it's completely full. I've even seen it booked out and closed up for a "private event".
Before it transforms into a watering hole, this place apparently serves real Indian food. Who knew? All I know is that once you're in, you're in good hands. You won't be leaving thirsty and when you do leave, you'll be tempted back inside with another round. You've entered boozy Nirvana.
(89/100) - 2017 read more