Sassy’s Favourite Local Bars in Hong Kong: Where Sassy Girls Go Drinking

When Sassy girls want to go out close to home, they head to their favourite local bars.

When we’re hanging out in our own neighbourhoods, we Sassy girls like to go to places where we can have a quick drink (or two, or three…). And because we like these bars so much, we thought you should know about them, too. Here’s Sassy’s list of where we like to chill out with friends.

Little Creatures, Kennedy Town

Surmayee Tetarbe, Partnerships Manager

I live in the quiet, residential area of Pok Fu Lam, which means the closest watering holes to me are in Kennedy Town. I’m a big fan of the Aussie transplant, Little Creatures Brewery. Its chilled out vibes are a great respite from the madness of Central or Causeway Bay on a Friday evening, making it perfect for a quick catch-up with friends where you can actually hear each other talk. Pick your poison from its extensive craft beer menu, or take a page from my book and get the flight of beer – you’ll get to sample six different house brews. Variety is the spice of life, right? They also have some great grub if you’re looking for a quick bite with your beverage. Two thumbs up from this Sassy girl!

Little Creatures in Kennedy Town, 5A New Praya Kennedy Town, Sai Wan, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, littlecreatures.hk

Shelter Italian Bar & Restaurant, Causeway Bay

Lexi Davey, Sassy Editor

A hidden oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Hysan Place, Shelter exudes date-night vibes with its alluring rooftop garden. I, for one, totally support everything about its food concept: encouraging sustainable and responsible consumption in Hong Kong. But, what I enjoy best of all is ordering a small barrel of beer between two friends and drinking in the city’s neon lights. Alternatively, think summer cocktails and sunshine, because here is where I can soak up some much-needed vitamin D while sipping bubbles and nibbling on Italian bites.

Shelter Italian Bar & Lounge, 7/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.shelterhk.com

TAP – The Ale Project, Mong Kok

Annie Simpson, Sassy Editorial Assistant

I live over on the Kowloon side of HK and, as the streets of Mong Kok can get a little crazy, I often find refuge in this great craft beer joint. TAP is one of the only craft beer focused bars in Kowloon, and it has an extensive selection of beers and ales to choose from (local brews and selected imports). Aside from the vast selection of brews on offer, the food here is also pretty special. A far cry from typical bar snacks, TAP’s signature sarnies are something of legend. They will definitely keep you going before a big night out, and I just can’t get enough of them!

TAP – The Ale Project, 15 Hak Po Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, www.thealeproject.com

Read more: Craft Beer in Hong Kong: The Best Brews in the City

WTF (Worth the Fuss), Causeway Bay and Stone Nullah Tavern, Wan Chai

Kat Lau, Sassy Mama Editor

I have two picks because drinks are my #mamajuice. If you’re looking for a place that serves incredible drinks and cocktails (and has an impressive selection of whiskies), look no further than WTF (Worth the Fuss) Bar. Nestled in the sleepier parts of Causeway Bay, WTF is bringing the cool back to Morrison Hill with its trendy blue and white porcelain walls, hip music and chill vibes, which is exactly why I love hanging out here. Order WTF’s Whisky Fix if you’re looking to try something different, with its house-made, cinnamon-infused smoky whisky. If G&T is your go-to, you’ll love the blossom-infused gin topped with mixed berries and edible flowers. I personally enjoy the Bamboolicious with Chinese liquor, Green Bamboo Leaves mixed with Mandarin Vodka – it’s refreshing, slightly tart and the perfect blend between East and West.

WTF, 10 Morrison Hill Rd, Wan Chai, www.facebook.com/barwtfhk

Read more: That Mama: Maggie Wong, Co-founder of Worth the Fuss

Stone Nullah Tavern, Wan Chai

My second neighbourhood fave (and a hop, skip, away from home), Stone Nullah Tavern is Wan Chai’s hipper version of Cheers. A great place to grab a bite, have a date night, and, more importantly, drink with friends. This place always has people spilling into the streets. The hubby and I love grabbing a pre-dinner drink here whilst sitting in the open bar before heading in for some new American comfort dining food (read: mac ‘n cheese, meatloaf sliders and pigs ears nachos… trust me, it’s divine!) Perfect for a casual catch up. You can choose from a selection of vino (a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon from Francis Ford Coppola’s winery, Inglenook) , beers, and my personal fave, The Southsider that consists of Farmer’s Organic Gin, lemon juice and mint. Make sure to check out its Happy Hour between 5pm and 7pm at $109 for free-flow house beer, wine and spirits, with a cheeky side of complimentary bacon and chicken. Need I say more?

Stone Nullah Tavern, G/F, 69 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, www.facebook.com/StoneNullahTavern

Tai Lung Fung, Wan Chai 

Beatrice Hug, Sassy Designer

This hard-to-find bar is perfect for any HK newbie or local. Away from hectic neon-Wan Chai, TLF takes you back to old Hong Kong with vintage decor and memorabilia from the 60s. Grab a cocktail, blow a plastic bubble, throw around some styrofoam planes and enjoy this artsy neighbourhood watering hole.

Tai Lung Fung, No.5 Hing Wan Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/TAI-LUNG-FUNG

Happy Paradise, Soho

This new, neon-lit Soho spot is an easy hang and effortlessly cool spot. It basks in the glow of 80s vibes, eclectic art & smooth music. The cocktails are artisanal and the atmosphere is electric.

Happy Paradise UG/F, 52-56 Staunton St, Central, Hong Kong, 

Second Street Comfort Food & Bar, Sai Ying Pun

Roxanne Dowell, Senior Editor

Is it wrong that my husband and I like to sneak up to this bar on weekend afternoons when we’re trying to ditch our kids for a bit? We love this place because the atmosphere here is super chill. It is set back in a tiny, little courtyard off the street and has two sections – a bar and the restaurant. The bar is completely open to the outside, which is awesome because we can check out who’s on the street (and make up weird stories about them – don’t judge). We like to hop up on the high stools at the long bar tables and are always greeted by smiling faces, no matter who’s working that night. Happy hour is a great deal, too, and they serve a damn good G&T.

Second Street Comfort Food & Bar, G/F, Shop 9-10, Island Crest, Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Portico at Spiga

The outdoor location at Spiga is so noteworthy, it got given it’s own name: Portico. Though it’s not technically in my neighbourhood, this spot has quickly become a Friday night favourite. The relaxed outdoor space, smooth service and desirable location (right by Central MTR, Exit D) offer a winning combination. The place prides itself on pairing the gorgeous alfresco event area with a selection of classic drinks. No fuss, no frills, just the way it should be. With spacious sofas and cosy hanging chairs, this high-end bar is ideal for visiting guest and locals alike. Opt for the sofas in the far left corner, pair your G&T with a hot pizza, and your night is set for success.

Portico at Spiga, LHT Tower Podium, 3/F, Central, www.diningconcepts.com/restaurants/SPIGA

Brooklyn Bar & Grill, SoHo

Katie Lavin, Sassy Managing Director

We don’t live in SoHo but find ourselves going here most weekends for a quick beer or glass of wine, and to listen to their rock ‘n roll soundtrack (Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, etc.). When the weather is nice (or at least when it isn’t sweltering) the large front windows are removed, which sets up for some great people watching. If a quick drink turns into several, you may as well get some food – the New England Clam Chowder is my favourite!

Brooklyn Bar & Grill, 29 Staunton Street, Soho, Hong Kong, www.brooklyn-bar-grill.com

BOND Restaurant & Bar, Causeway Bay

Elle Noble, Partnerships Manager

Offering a VERY happy hour (5pm to 10:30pm!), Bond is one of those places that I go to for a drink on my way home and somehow end up having four. You don’t come for the view from the second floor terrace, you come for the chilled ambience and comfy loungers. Plus with tableside spaghetti being cooked in a 24-month Parmesan Cheese Wheel, that greeting waft of cheese and truffle when you wander in is worth the trip alone!

BOND Restaurant & Bar, 2/F, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/bondhongkong

Second Draft, Tai Hang

With retro decor, quirky Chinese/English signs and a back wall full of beer handles, I love this place because it offers an extensive menu of locally and internationally crafted beers and oozes hipster cool vibes. It’s a great place to hang out at the bar for a weekend beer whilst nibbling away at its East-meets-West take on bar snacks.

Second Draft: G/F, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, www.facebook.com/SecondDraftHK