The Prohibition era sparked the drinking culture that was hidden within illegal establishments also known as “speakeasies”. Concealed behind passwords or unrecognisable doors lay the safety and excitement of ordering historically banned liquor. Originally home to cheap alcohol or entertainment acts, speakeasies grew in fashion and flamboyance and have made their mark in today’s society with both casual and fancy hidden bars attracting crowds from all around the world. 

MOSTLY HARMLESS

Photo: Mostly Harmless

Mostly Harmless is nestled comfortably above DAM:A Noodle Bar in the hustle and bustle of Sai Ying Pun, a small but simple watering hole that has a passionate focus on local ingredients. It promotes a farm-to-glass concept that cultivates a community with its suppliers by sharing respect for produce and how it can be used. Its local inspiration is joined with an appreciation for the history of cocktails and how they have transformed through techniques and tools, however, never fraying from their enjoyable intentions.
Mostly Harmless, 110 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun

ROOM 309 

Photo: Room 309

You’ll have to check into Room 309 at The Pottinger to find this hidden bar and its intriguing menu of invisible cocktails. Its concept aims to push boundaries and imaginations by removing the preconceived impressions of colour to transport each drinker through a gastronomic journey of flavour complexities. Seating only 20 people, this cocktail experience is unlike many others in the city.
Room 309, 3/F The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central

THE WISE KING 

Photo: The Wise King

The Wise King, ranked at number 34 of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022, is sure to impress with its 13th-century expressiveness and celebration of the golden age. The bar, helmed by Sandeep Kumar and Sandeep Hathiramani, marries unique ingredients through contemporary techniques. Don’t be alarmed as you pick your poison from a porcini mushroom or bay leaf tequila, paired alongside a range of tapas dishes that complete the lavish concept of the bar.
The Wise King, Basement, 25 Staunton Street, Central; +852 6258 1344

WHISKY AND WORDS

Photo: Whisky and Words

Bury yourself into a whiskey den that is home to an impressive array of over 350 bottles of the aged liquor. Decorated with library motifs and contemporary decor the bar hopes to interest a younger crowd to share the world of whiskey through regular masterclasses and cocktail making events. Those looking to dip their toe can order one of its tasting flights that is served in an open book. A range of classic cocktails are also available for guests who don’t fancy the potent spirit.
Whisky & Words, G/F 7 Shin Hing Street, Central; +852 9889 8590

PLEASE DON’T TELL 

Photo: Please Don't Tell

The celebrated Please Don’t Tell bar from New York has travelled around the world and made its way to The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, concealed behind its iconic phone booth entrance of course. Its menu consists of 20 cocktails, with three unique to Hong Kong, as well as American comfort food curated with finesse by Amber’s Richard Ekkebus. Its decadent hot dogs are the perfect accompaniment for a few tipples after a long day at work.
Please Don’t Tell, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central; +852 2132 0110

THE OLD MAN

Photo; The Old Man

Take one step inside The Old Man to be transported to the world of Ernest Hemingway with a touch of Asian inspiration. The speakeasy invites its guests to toast to lessons learnt and lives lived with a helpful menu that goes through the textures, fragrances and flavours of each concoction. 10 signature cocktails that pay homage to the writer are joined by old-time favourites and classics with a twist.
The Old Man, 37 Aberdeen Street, Central

FRANK’S LIBRARY 

Photo: Frank's Library

You’ll have to look for the hidden bar within another hidden bar, Foxglove, to get to Frank’s Library—a speakeasy with a menu of cocktails inspired by Japan. Order the Tokyo drift that uses Nikka from the barrel, umeshu plum whisky and bitters or the onaruto sparkle for a kick of Four Fox Sake with yellow chartreuse, apricot liqueur and homemade sparkling yuzu.
Franks’ Library, 18 Ice House Street, Central; +852 2116 2449

KYLE & BAIN

Photo: Kyle & Bain

Kyle & Bain is the bar to try if a martini is your go-to order. Its intimate seating and dark lighting add to its ambience whilst its beverage director John Nugent manoeuvres around the bar to teach guests about the history behind the cocktail. Start off with its K & B martini made from Plymouth gin, dry and blanc vermouth and cider vinegar before adventuring deeper into the creativity of the cocktail.
Kyle & Bain, Shop 6, G/F, The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2133 1137

KUROMARU 

Photo: Kuromaru

Kuromaru offers not only a secluded getaway but an interesting menu that highlights shochu, a Japanese liquor that is primarily distilled from a singular ingredient. Frequent on its menu are flavour profiles from underlying ingredients of sweet potato, brown sugar and dates. Along with its skilled bartenders are upcoming masterclasses and tasting events to encourage your discovery of Japanese liquor.
Kuromaru, 1/F Maison Meiji, 7 Mallory Street, Wan Chai; +852 6186 0889

STOCKTON

Photo: Stockton

The instructions to look for a lightbulb down a dark alley might not give you confidence before stepping foot into Stockton, a bar inspired by the ‘gonzo’ persona of American journalist Hunter Thompson. Its creativity of sins menu goes through chapters of life lessons and stepping stones, communicating historical memoirs through various alcohols and vivacious inspirations.
Stockton, 32 Wyndham Street, Central; +852 2565 5268