The 50 best bars in Central

The beloved speakeasy-style bar is back and better than ever. This time, they’ve ditched the underground scene and settled themselves above the historic Tai Kwun. Quite a fitting venue for such an iconic establishment. And just like its previous location, finding the entrance to the bar has always been a thrilling part of the drinking adventure. By the bar, you'll find 001's impressive collection of whiskies, including Pappy Van Winkle, one of the most elusive and sought-after bourbons, each dram will set you back between $700 and $1600 per dram. There are 10 cocktails available on the menu, and the only drink that remains from their original selection is the signature Earl Grey Marteani ($158). This refreshing gin sour has a creamy texture due to the addition of egg white, which pairs well with the tea undertones.

Tucked away above Luk Yu Tea House on Stanley Street, 25:00 (pronounced as Twenty Fifth Hour) is a speakeasy-style bar headed by the talented mixologist Kenzo Lee, who's honed his skills at some of the top bars in Hong Kong. The drinks here are inspired by the concept of time, and they serve a cocktail-tasting menu using culinary techniques to present impressive drinks. Whether you're on a romantic date or just out for a night on the town, 25:00 is the perfect hidden spot to nurse a drink in the CBD.

Artifact Bar is the latest speakeasy-style bar addition to Basehall 2. The bar's design is inspired by surreal geometry and the serene atmospheres found in underground water reservoirs, creating a transportative atmosphere that evokes dystopian sci-fi movies. Enjoy seasonal cocktails and explore different flavours with their bespoke highballs served tableside for $150 each.

Located on Wyndham Street, the bar is staffed by some familiar faces from the F&B industry. They serve easy-to-drink cocktails with creative garnishes alongside the drinks, which also act as flavorful snacks, enhancing the complexity of the overall experience. Check out their new 'Calm Before the Storm' menu. An absolute must-try is the savoury Scallion Ramos Gin Fizz.

Four Seasons Hotels’ multi-awarded bar Argo is one of the most popular bars in Central and Hong Kong. In just a short time that it opened, it quickly became one of the most visited bars in the city because of its stunning terrarium-inspired decors and innovative and conceptual cocktail programmes. Its accolades include a number three ranking on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022, the top spot at Time Out’s Coolest Bar in the World 2021, and Time Out Hong Kong’s Bar of the Year 2022. Book a table near the glass window and sip drinks from their Argo Forestry cocktail menu, spotlighting flavours inspired by the synergy between agriculture and nature found in Hong Kong’s ecosystem. 

Located on Bridges Street in Soho, Bar Leone is the first independent venture by award-winning mixologist Lorenzo Antinori, formerly the beverage manager at Four Seasons Hong Kong’s Argo. Bar Leone aims to embody the spirit of the strong, sovereign lion, the symbol of Trastevere – Lorenzo’s hometown – and draw inspiration from traditional Roman bars that are an integral part of the city’s 21 neighbourhoods. Expect burnt orange banquettes, a mahogany bar, church-style candles, beats from an eclectic soundtrack that celebrates Italian pop culture from the 70s to 80s, and a bar programme featuring revived classic cocktails using a ‘low-intervention’ approach focused on ingredients and seasonality. Apart from the beverages, what keeps patrons returning is their Mortadella Focaccia, brimming with generous slices of the delectable Italian sliced sausage meat

The bar is located inside the award-winning fine French restaurant Caprice, housed in the suave Four Seasons Hotel. It is a tasteful, intimate and comforting fine wine and cheese room, with Persian and European flair, designed by Spin Design Studio and the Alan Chan Design Company. If you want the ultimate Caprice Bar experience, order the wine and cheese pairings. Those in the mood for cocktails can enjoy the seasonal serves crafted by the bar's talented bartenders. 

Located on the busy Wyndham Street, the bar is the taproom of Hong Kong craft beer brand Carbon Brews. It stands out among the party venues and other beer pubs in the area because of its 28-beer tap system and fun contemporary interiors. Along with a vast selection of beers, they also serve delicious gastropub fare that will elevate your beer-drinking experience. 

Cardinal Point is one of the venues at the multi-experience space Forty-Five. The venue offers a bar and a stunning al fresco terrace, providing one of the best vantage points to see the city's skyline and harbour in Central. Led by The Diplomat’s John Nugent, the bar's creative drinks programme celebrates global ingredients with innovative and retro twists. Those looking for classic cocktails can also order off the menu. The venue opens at 12pm, so you can enjoy lunch or an after-work dinner featuring global cuisine crafted by culinary director Rafael Gil.

Indulge your love for whisky and music at CNY Bar, located at the new lifestyle destination FOCO. Sip drams of whisky from a selection of 150 expressions while listening to music from their bespoke Kenrick Sound system (a collector's item with a seven-digit price). Along with a good selection of whisky on the menu, you can also order glasses of their signature cocktails. Want to learn more about whisky? Follow them on social media and get updates on scheduled whisky tasting sessions.