Night outs don’t get more fun than they do in Hong Kong. The city is known for having some of the best bars and restaurants. When going out on the town, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) advises visitors to start a little earlier and get these great deals with the best happy hour offerings in the city.
Mahalo Tiki Lounge
Think upscale, elegant Polynesian. No kooky leis and giant pineapples, just tasteful bamboo, palm tree décor, vintage bronze touches with mood lighting. This is a great place to hang out if you enjoy outdoor drinking. Its top floor location boasts of a stunning cityscape view that contrasts with the bar’s resort-like vibe. Come for the ambiance and stay for the refreshing drinks. For a great deal, come at 6PM to 8PM any day to enjoy a 20 percent discount on your drinks.
29/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queens Road East, Wan Chai, (+852) 2488-8750, www.mahalotikibar.com.
Roundhouse – Taproom
On days that you want to keep things casual and relaxed, and a bottle of good ol’ beer sounds like the best thing in the world, head on to this Texan watering hole. You’re sure to find something you like among Taproom’s selection of beers. Customers can order from an iPad that lists more than 70 craft beers from all over Asia. If you’re looking for the best food to pair with your drink, the restaurant’s barbecues will definitely do the trick.
62 Peel Street, Central, (+852) 2366-4880, roundhouse.com.hk.
The Optimist
Located in one of Hong Kong’s hippest neighborhoods, the stunning three-story Spanish drinking and dining spot with elegant high-ceiling bar is decked out in teal walls, golden fixtures, and a garden theme that transports you to Barcelona the moment you enter. Offerings of delicious small dishes accompany its vast selection of cocktails including crowd favorites Gin on Ginger and the Vesper Martini. Head to The Optimist bar for “The Optimistic” happy hour every day from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for wine, aperitifs, beer, cocktails as you nibble on bar snacks — all starting from HK$48.
G/F-2/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, (+852) 2433-3324, www.theoptimist.hk.
Cé la Vi
This is the place to go if you want to feel on top of the world. The three-story establishment has bar, club, and restaurant. The rooftop SkyBar is where you can sip signature cocktails while enjoying a 360-degree view of the city, overlooking the heart of Central and Victoria Harbour. Come here to see and be seen, without breaking the bank. Catch the weekday deal of two-for-one prices on select wine, beer, cocktails, and Louis Roederer champagne.
25/F California Tower, 30 D’ Aguilar Street, Central, (+852) 3700-2300, hk.celavi.com.
The Pontiac
Inspired by American dive bars and neighborhood joints is this all-women run bar. Mixologist extraordinaire Beckaly Franks helms this spunky, sexy bar that’s bursting with character. The grungy, lived-in interiors offer a welcoming vibe to customers, who are mostly regulars. The menu offers quality over quantity, with just eight signature cocktails, all priced at HK$88 each.
13 Old Bailey Street, Central, (+852) 2521-3855,
