50 Best bars in Hong Kong

What is it? Bar Leone is a casual Italian-themed bar on Bridges Street in Soho founded by award-winning mixologist Lorenzo Antinori. 

Why we love it: It is a fun, no-fuss venue that reflects the playful character of its founder. The bar presents revived classic cocktails using a ‘low-intervention’ approach that avoids modern machinery or distillation and features less garnish and unnecessary presentation. They offer excellent and approachable cocktails perfect for your next night out.

Time Out tip: Catch New York cocktail bar Overstory's (#34 World's 50 Best Bars 2022) one-night-only bar shift at Bar Leone on October 22, from 7pm to 10pm.

What is it? The fifth annual Time Out Bar Awards' Bar of the Year winner and number eight lister on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, Argo is Four Seasons' innovative bar that aims to challenge how we think about drinks. 

Why we love it: Argo has been making waves since it opened in the city, even grabbing the top spot at Time Out's Coolest Bar in the world in 2021. Along with a great cocktail programme, Argo's atmosphere, design, and service stand out from the rest of the new kids on the block. 

Time Out tip: The bar has recently collaborated with N.I.P Gin for a new botanical spirit. Drop by and see what beverage manager Federico Balzarini has crafted for their menu.

What is it? Artifact Bar is a new speakeasy-style bar located at Basehall 2. The bar’s design draws inspiration from surreal geometry and the serene atmospheres found in underground water reservoirs, creating a transportive atmosphere reminiscent of dystopian sci-fi movies.

Why we love it: The interior of the place is unique and unlike anything you’ve seen in Hong Kong bars. Additionally, the establishment boasts an all-star F&B team, including Michael Larkin, Beckaly Franks, Ezra Star, and chef Kiyoshi Sato, so patrons can expect offerings that are nothing short of excellent.

Time Out tip: Try some of the new drinks on the menu this season and make sure to book the chef's table experience at its adjacent Japanese restaurant led by chef Kiyoshi Sato.   

What is it? Time Out Bar Awards’ Best New Bar, Mostly Harmless is an omakase cocktail bar headed by mixologist extraordinaire Ezra Star. The bar takes up the second floor of the now-closed izakaya Okra. 

Why we love it: Unlike other omakase-style cocktail bars that serve over the top or intricate concoctions with a ceremonial presentation, Mostly Harmless is informal and not intimidating. It's a relaxed bar with a fun atmosphere that serves well-crafted cocktails.  

Time Out tip: Cocktails on the menu are constantly changing depending on seasonal produce and Ezra's latest market haul, so best to try what is on the current offerings because once it's gone, it may never come back again. But an off the menu order, based on your preference, will certainly not disappoint. 

What is it? Crowned the best bar in Asia at the 2023 Asia's 50 Best Bars, Coa is an Oaxacan-inspired cocktail bar helmed by Time Out’s Trailblazer awardee, Jay Khan. 

Why we love it: The extensive mezcal, tequila, and raicilla menu here is the best of its kind in the city. Owner and founder Jay Khan is hugely affable and incredibly knowledgeable about mixology and agave spirits. 

Time Out tip: If you feel intimidated by agave spirits, you can always ask the bartenders for recommendations, and if Jay is around, he will guide you on your orders, and if he can't convince you to sip on cocktails with Mexican liquors, they have other spirits to satiate your palate. 

What is it? The Savory Project is the latest venture of Jay Khan and Ajit Gurung, the award-winning team behind Coa. This bar features food-inspired cocktails made with high-concept techniques that often include caviar, saline, mushrooms, and other kitchen ingredients.

Why we love it: Although you can find culinary cocktails in most bars in the city, The Savory Project takes this trend to a new level by offering an entire menu emphasising the savoury taste profile.

Time Out tip: Before ordering your drink, check if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed on the menu. 

What is it? Cardinal Point is one of the new venues that recently opened at multi-experience space Forty-Five. Led by The Diplomat’s John Nugent, the bar’s creative drinks programme celebrates global ingredients with innovative and retro twists.

Why we love it: The venue offers a bar and a stunning al fresco terrace, providing one of the best vantage points to see Central’s skyline and harbour.

Time Out tip: The venue opens at 12pm, allowing you to enjoy lunch or an after-work dinner featuring global cuisine crafted by Culinary Director Rafael Gil.

What is it? 001 is Hong Kong's first hidden bar, serving the city's thirsty souls since 2010 from its inconspicuous location in Graham Street market. This year, the venue relocated to the historic Tai Kwun.

Why we love it: The drinks and bar atmosphere are typical of bars inspired by the speakeasy culture of New York City. They serve well-crafted cocktails curated by one of its original bartenders, Sky Huo, who is also currently the Spirits Alchemist of Nikka Whisky Hong Kong.

Time Out tip: The bar presents an 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. They have five of them available, ranging from 10 to 20 years old.

What is it? Mandarin Oriental's Japanese izakaya with three different bar experiences in which guests can enjoy Japanese craft cocktails, Japanese whiskies, sake and Champagne. 

Why we love it: Time Out Bar Awards 2021 Bartender of the Year Devender Sehgal (formerly of 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana) has brought his expertise to the hotel's drink programme. His passion, knowledge, and execution make him the reason we keep coming back to the bar.  

Time Out tip: The Aubrey’s cocktail menu is an interesting exploration of the world of shochu. Travel through taste and explore four Japanese prefectures, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Okinawa, and Kagoshima, known for their distinct shochu offerings. Start with the light and citrus Harmony before enjoying the tropical flavours of Rokku, and finish with a stiff drink  – a martini riff called Worship.

What is it? Winner of the 2021 Time Out Bar Awards' Best Bar and ranked number nine on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, DarkSide is the flagship bar of Rosewood Hong Kong, helmed by the hotel's director of bars, Simone Rossi. 

Why we love it: If you’re looking for groovy live music together with drinks, it’s one of the best places to visit in Hong Kong. The food and drink menus are filled to the brim with options, including port or Cognac from the barrel and a wide selection of premium spirits such as whisky and Armagnac. 

Time Out tip: Try their conceptual menu series inspired by mahjong – Best Cocktail Programme winner of Time Out’s fifth annual Bar Awards – or opt for the new cocktails from their Classic from the 90s menu. 

What is it? A tea-focused cocktail bar helmed by mixologist Gagan Gurung. The cocktail menu is split between signature Teatails – all of which are infused with exotic teas and local spices from particular world regions – and house gins that have been lovingly redistilled with different flavoured, you guessed it, tea. 

Why we love it: The bar is located in the hip and happening H Code so expect to be around a trendy drinking crowd. Cocktail servings here aren't the biggest, but considering the location and quality of experience offered, the drinks are far from overpriced. 

Time Out tip: This month, try their savoury cocktail Tea Sea with salinic flavours of oysters balanced with brown rice, green tea, genmaicha tea, and clarified yuzu. In the mood for coffee cocktails instead? Swing by Gagan’s newly opened cafe-bar Barcode just a few steps away.  

What is it? The finest of Antonio Lai's various excellent cocktail bars and ground zero of molecular mixology in Hong Kong. 

Why we love it: Quinary provides a multisensory experience for its customers unmatched anywhere in the city. Not just about excellent taste, but attention to detail in aesthetics, feel, and smell – all the receptors are stimulated within stylish, usually buzzing surrounds. 

Time Out tip: Taste the cocktails from their The Timeless Imagination menu, which include The Offertory ($150) made with guava infused baijiu, pisco lime, agave, fennel, and clarified grapefruit juice.

What is it? The St. Regis Bar is the flagship bar of The St. Regis Hong Kong, and it honours the hotel's rich lineage by serving signature drinks such as the Bloody Mary, first created at the St. Regis New York in 1934.

Why we love it: Along with a well-crafted cocktail menu, The St. Regis Bar is a great hangout place for after-work drinks in intimate surroundings.   

Time Out tip: Since St. Regis is said to be the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, do not leave the bar without trying their Bloody Mary flight, which includes the local rendition, Canto Mary, made with dried tangerine peel, spices, and soy sauce.

What is it? Created by Beckaly Franks and led by bar manager Jen Queen, The Pontiac is a grungy, American-style bar that looks like it would fit in just as well in downtown NYC as it does on the steep slope of Old Bailey Street. 

Why we love it: It's not just the dive bar vibes that make this spot a popular destination in Central. The drinks are spot on, especially the classics, and the staff are among the most fun and engaging in the city. 

Time Out tip: If you want a hearty meal before hitting up The Pontiac, head to its sister venue, the Ponty Cafe next door.  

What is it? Mizunara is a Japanese-style bar hidden away on the fourth floor of a commercial building on Lockhart Road. 

Why we love it: The bar serves well-crafted tipples and more than 600 whiskies from its collection.  

Time Out tip: Award-winning 'bartender-in-chief' Masahiko Endo recently left the bar, but be sure to tune in on their Instagram account to watch out for his guest's shifts.   

What is it? A vinyl and cosy shochu cocktail lounge inside Western-Japanese restaurant, Maison Meiji, in partnership with whisky bar Mizunara: The Library. 

Why we love it: The bar presents one of the best collections of shochu and awamori in Hong Kong. You'll find shochu brands like Daiyame 40 (shochu made from sweet potato) and cask-matured The Hachi Shochu, as well as bottles from other craft distilleries in Japan. 

Time Out tip: Sip on refreshing highballs and signature cocktails, and watch out for their seasonal drinks using the freshest ingredients. If you want to learn more about shochu and awamori, catch their regular masterclasses every other Thursday from 7pm to 9pm. 

What is it? Hong Kong's first eco-conscious bar and the latest concept from The Old Man Hong Kong founders Agung Prabowo and Roman Ghale. It also made it to Time Out's list of coolest bars in the world in 2021, representing establishments that go above and beyond the call of duty and push the boundaries of today's drinking culture, one drink at a time.  

Why we love it: The bar creates drinks with an eco-friendly twist that does not only cure any cocktail fix but hopefully the bar industry's quandaries on sustainability.  

Time Out tip: The bar owners are opening a new venue called Lockdown, which is located just across Penicillin. Follow them on Instagram and watch this space to find more updates.  

What is it? Named after the famous song You Can Call Me Al by American musician Paul Simon, Call Me Al is a new cosy neighbourhood restobar from F&B industry stalwarts Beckaly Franks (The Pontiac) and Ezra Star (Mostly Harmless).

Why we love it: The venue opened in Sheung Wan in December 2022, and it's fast becoming one of the stomping grounds of locals residing in the area. The vibe and the drink menu are fun and easy-going, and the bubbly personality of Call Me Al's general manager Chloe Rose lights up the place. 

Time Out tip: Had a long day at work? Order the boozy Zombie Al and get an entertaining fire show from Chloe to jam up the heat. 

What is it? One of Antonio Lai's bars buried inside The Pottinger hotel. 

Why we love it: Almost everything from the bar's 'invisible menu' is worth ordering – and for the flavours too, not just the gimmick of their transparent appearance. 

Time Out tip: Try the umami and spirit-forward Deep Sea Martini served with a side of Japanese soy sauce, rice crackers and seaweed. 

What is it? A hidden restaurant bar located in a basement where club Drop used to be. Behind the venue are The Pontiac’s Beckaly Franks, and the proprietors of Shady Acres and Honky Tonks Tavern. 

Why we love it: One of the few places in the city that stays open past midnight. We are obsessed with their Frozen Martini made with coconut water, a blend of vodka and gin, Cocchi Americano, and lemon oil. It is so easy to drink, so you’ll definitely keep wanting more.  

Time Out tip: Follow their Facebook page to stay updated with the schedules of their live music performances. 

What is it? Lobster Bar and Grill is Island Shangri-La’s flagship bar. It used to be one of the most happening bars in Hong Kong and has consistently reigned as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. 

Why we love it: It has been quiet at Lobster Bar for some time, and its once bustling atmosphere seemed to fade into memory. But this season, the bar hosted some of the biggest names on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and introduced their new bar manager, Italian mixologist Enrico Gonzato. Hailing from the iconic Dandelyan (World’s 50 Best Bars for 2018) and The Stratford Hotel London, Gonzato possesses the alchemical prowess to breathe new life into the bar’s drink programme.

Time Out tip: Try Gonzato’s own captivating twist on beloved classics like the Garibaldi, Martini, and Negroni, which draws inspiration from Double Ducks by Florentijn Hofman.

What is it? A Champagne-centric venue within Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

Why we love it: The hotel's head mixologist, Drew Chigorimbo, and the bar's team shake up creative Champagne cocktails while showcasing their inventiveness and commitment to sustainable practices. One of their standout creations is the Sparkling Amazu Shoga Martini ($190), which features Japanese gin infused with pickled ginger and ginger brine from the hotel's sushi-focused restaurant, Kaetsu. 

Time Out tip: Enjoy an unbeatable deal at the bar: two flutes of Champagne and 30 grams of Oscietra caviar, all for just $550.

What is it? 25:00 (Twenty Fifth Hour) is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked above Luk Yu Tea House on Stanley Street. Headed by passionate mixologist Kenzo Lee (formerly of W Hotel's Woobar and East Hong Kong's Sugar), the bar serves well-thought-of cocktails inspired by the concept of time.  

Why we love it: It is a perfect place if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience or a place to bring someone for a first romantic date. The bar's unique cocktail tasting menu, which will occasionally change, is unlike anything you'll try in the city and is definitely a conversation starter.  

Time Out tip: While finishing six boozy drinks in one seating may seem daunting, most of the servings from the tasting menu will not necessarily be served in liquid form, so expect some savoury and sweet treats in between. 

What is it? Located just above Butler Bar, Japanese-style Bar Buonasera is the Hong Kong branch of the famous Osaka bar by the same name. The bar offers classic handcrafted cocktails and a great selection of whisky. 

Why we love it: The bar features precise Japanese style bartending led by Nick Tse and Ayako Miyake. The menu is filled to the brim with signature tipples and classic handcrafted cocktails and over 100 whisky bottlings from around the world, with a large selection coming from Scotland and Japan. 

Time Out tip: The bar area is the best seat in the house. Order the Yuzu Collins for a light and refreshing starter drink before moving to spirit-forward Smokey Martinez. If you're craving something savoury, try their signature rendition of Bloody Mary called Bloody Caesar.

What is it? Located in Tai Kwun, Gishiki Lounge is the cocktail bar of the Japanese restaurant Sushi Zo. 

Why we love it: The bar features no shortage of Japanese touches, from flavoured ice blocks shaped like Hannya masks and small-batch sakes to geisha-influenced performances and cocktails named after characters from traditional Noh theatre. 

Time Out tip: Try their refreshing, vegetal cocktail called Shiwajō ($138) made with aquavit showcasing flavours of shiso, yuzu, and Japanese mustard. 

What is it? An outstanding Japanese sake bar and shop in PMQ headed by Hong Kong's resident Sake Samurai Elliot Faber. 

Why we love it: The venue offers the best selection of sake in the city paired with excellent small bites. 

Time Out tip: From 2pm to 6.30pm you can take on The Saketen 10 Ochoko Challenge ($238). The package allows you to sip on 10 sake variants for 90 minutes. What's great is you can get free refills for your favourites.

What is it? Located in Eaton HK, Terrible Baby, headed by bar manager Axel Gonzalez, shakes up a selection of fun, creative cocktails and offers a varied selection of spirits. 

Why we love it: It's one of the best bars to visit in Jordan. The concept, decor, and aesthetic are hip and cool, and they even have an al fresco space which is perfect for sundowners.  

Time Out tip: Catch Terrible Baby's new cocktail menu filled with excellent drinks for the season. 

What is it? A free-spirited bar on Peel Street offering quality wines, cocktails, and tapas-style snacks.

Why we love it: The small but cosy space always draws a fun crowd that spills onto the streets, giving the area a cool, vibrant vibe. Its daily hard slushie, crushable beers at affordable prices, newly launched cocktail programme, and a range of wines from across the world – including biodynamic and natural wines – give Shady Acres an edge over some of the other players in the scene. 

Time Out tip: The venue gets really crowded during the weekend, so make sure to drop by early to secure a spot inside the bar. 

What is it? One of the latest openings on Wyndham Street. Apothecary is, well, an apothecary-themed bar aimed at curing whatever ails you with their innovative concoctions.

Why we love it: The names of their cocktails ($130 per drink) are intriguing and almost poetic. Examples include Unstoppable Entanglement, Sentient Interlude, and Never Blooming Chasm. Although they may be difficult to remember, one thing is certain: you won't forget the taste. Additionally, the creative garnishes served alongside the drinks act as flavourful snacks, enhancing the complexity of the overall experience.

Time Out tip: Don't let their easy-to-drink cocktails fool you. Most of the drinks pack quite the punch. This season, Austen Lendrum, one of the Apothecary proprietors, has opened a new bar called Blotto in Kennedy Town. 

What is it? This new bar in Central lifestyle building FOCO caters to whisky lovers and audiophiles. 

Why we love it: Offering one of the best hi-fi systems in the city, the CNY bar by Stinky Gents is the place to go when pairing quality whisky drams or craft cocktails with your favourite music. Their bespoke Kenrick Sound system, which is only available in three venues around the world, is enough to give you chills. 

Time Out tip: Follow them on Instagram and get updates for whisky tasting sessions where they open rare and limited edition bottles. 

What is it? A tiki-inspired bar in Tai Hang headed by restaurateur Maxence Traverse, the French mixologist who opened the city's first tiki cocktail lounge, Honi Honi. 

Why we love it: Maka Hiki is the contemporary cousin of Honi Honi, perfect for casual meetups with friends where you can enjoy thoughtful drinks and delicious food inspired by flavours from the Caribbean, Polynesia, Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia. 

Time Out tip: Book a seat at one of the two lush outdoor terraces, a hidden oasis that will transport you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

What is it? Wine bar by world-famous wine critic James Suckling located on Staunton Street. 

Why we love it: The bar presents a well-curated wine list covering James' 100-point rated wines during his decades-long career as a wine critic. 

Time Out tip: Those interested to learn more about wine can take advantage of their regularly scheduled open-tasting sessions. Always check their site for updates on the latest wine promotions and happy hour deals.

What is it? Honky Tonks Tavern is a restaurant, wine and cocktail bar from the group behind Shady Acres with Ryan Nightingale and Mike Watt. 

Why we love it: Honky Tonks Tavern is backed by familiar fixtures from the F&B scene. For easy-breezy, happy hours, the cocktail programme includes long drinks, spritzes, and highballs that people can enjoy at the large u-shaped bar. 

Time Out tip: The bar attracts a trendy crowd that spills onto the outdoor space. Come by on busy nights, and you'll most likely meet new people and make new friends. 

What is it? Excellent and understated whisky and cocktail bar on the steps of Shin Hing Street. 

Why we love it: The area is intimate, and the interior is decked out in muted greys and faux wood decals. Their extensive whisky bottle collection features distilleries from Scotland, Japan, and Ireland. Aside from whisky, the bar also offers a selection of cocktails that uses gin and vodka as a base. 

Time Out tip: Start your whisky exploration with the bar’s Whisky Tasting Flights and get to sample five drams from around the globe.

What is it? The new addition to The Iron Fairies’ family. Designed by Ashley Sutton, the cocktail bar features a striking decoration of thousands of vintage bottles dangling from its ceiling.

Why we love it: It's located just beside The Iron Fairies, and like its sister bar, it transports you into a fairytale world with delicious libations to match its out-of-this-world ambience. 

Time Out tip: Check out the group's new Shanghai-style cabaret bar Maggie Choo's located just around the corner from The Mixing Room. The venue is the new branch of Bangkok's famous themed bar and is currently in its soft opening phase on Hollywood Road. 

What is it? A contemporary whisky bar offering an extensive collection of whiskies from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and other world whiskies. 

Why we love it: Veering away from the usual gentleman's leather den, House Welley Bar exudes a modern vibe that appeals to whisky noobs and enthusiasts. Expect to find single cask, limited edition, and distillery exclusive original bottlings (OB) and hard to find independent bottlings (IB) from the likes of Yamazaki, The Macallan, to Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), as well as vintage expressions from Bunnahabhain, Clynelish, and Bowmore.

Time Out tip: There's no menu, so if you are new to the place, ask the servers for recommendations, and check on what's new in their collection.  

What is it? Vista's new bar on the 30th floor in collaboration with Campari.

Why we love it? Along with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, expect a truly Italian aperitivo experience, complete with craft cocktails prepared by the group’s creative bar director Lorenzo Coppola. Guests can indulge in Italian dishes from the restaurant and sip on various Negroni riffs or order drinks from their Eight Shades of Red menu.

Time Out tip: Drink highlights include the refreshing, rum-based Hemingway Hi($150), the punchy Hasta La Vista made with tequila with clarified mango and papaya ($170), a blend of savoury and sweet Peking (One) Duck ($160) made with duck fat and tamarind washed mezcal, and fun dessert-like treats like the WTF (Wild Turkey Frappe) ($150) and a delicious Nitro-Negroni Ice Cream ($220) served with vermouth caviar. 

What is it? A diamond among the tourist tat of Upper Lascar Row, Blue Supreme is Hong Kong's classiest craft beer bar. 

Why we love it: When it comes to beer, the focus is on the wide range of funky, wild and live brews born out of Belgian traditions: farmhouse ales, Saisons, spontaneously fermented lambics, sour brown ales and more. Owner Ted Lai really knows his stuff. Talk to him a bit, and he can help ease you into a style that suits your palate. 

Time Out tip: Be sure to order something to eat, too – Blue Supreme pays equal care and attention to its food menu.

What is it? Hong Kong beer brand Carbon Brews' taproom in Central. 

Why we love it: The bar features a 28 tap system and is set in a contemporary interior design – which feels like you're stepping into a club more than a regular taproom – reflecting the funky and modern look that the brand is known for. 

Time Out tip: Come hungry. They serve delicious gastropub fare that will elevate your beer-drinking experience. 

What is it? An Ernest Hemingway-themed bar in Central that earned a spot at The World's 50 Best Bars in 2018 and took the top place at Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2019.  

Why we love it: It is an essential part of Asia's cocktail scene. Now managed by Time Out Bar Awards 2021 Rising Star Art Fatkullin, who adds his signature take on the bar's Ernest Hemingway-themed menu. 

Time Out Tip: Try the cocktails from their themed menu and catch seasonal drinks that run for a limited time.

What is it? Orchard is a cocktail bar on Gage Street dedicated to showcasing fruit spirits.

Why we love it: Orchard is the only bar in the city that specialises in fruit spirits such as eau de vie, brandy, and Calvados, highlighting their unique characteristics and versatility in creating complex cocktails.

Time Out tip: Be sure to try out the bar's signature cocktails, such as Bliss ($125), which combines an aged plum brandy with a homemade purple sweet potato liqueur, or Butter Me Up ($125), a delightful blend of fruit spirits including Calvados, VSOP Cognac, and Amontillado sherry.

What is it? Rest Coffee Gin (Time Out's Best Cafe Bar in 2021) is a coffee shop that turns into a gin bar at night. 

Why we love it: In the morning, coffee is brewed from one of ten different kinds of single-origin coffee beans, and after sunset, you can sample almost a hundred different gins from their collection with an equally interesting and flavourful tonic. 

Time Out tip: Try one of the signature tea cocktails, too, as the bar offers gin that is infused with teas. 

What is it? The bar inside award-winning fine French restaurant Caprice, housed in the suave Four Seasons Hotel. 

Why we love it: Caprice Bar is a tasteful, intimate, and comforting fine wine and cheese room perfect for winding down after a busy day at the office. 

Time Out tip: 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. 

What is it? Foxglove is a 1950s-style bar disguised as an umbrella shop on Duddell Street, a concept based on the travels of fictional Englishman Frank Minza.

Why we love it: Entering the bar will transport you back to the fabulous 50s with an interior reminiscent of the luxurious first-class aeroplane cabins of that era. The drink menu offers classic cocktails with house signature twists and a selection of rare cognac and spirits – some bottled in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. 

Time Out tip: It's one of the best places to go for live music in the city. Their live events run a gamut of genres, including Latino and world music, but it's the jazz nights that they're renowned for. 

What is it? Inspired by Alfonso X of Castile, aka the dude who 'invented' tapas, The Wise King is a hidden bar in Central set up by industry veteran Sandeep Kumar (a two-time Bacardi Grand Prix National Champion). 

Why we love it: This is the kind of place where you can settle in for a long night over good conversation and great drinks. 

Time Out tip: They serve various kinds of Negronis, and Sandeep Kumar recently revamped the bar's menu with some new seasonal tipples. 

What is it? Inspired by the tiki culture but with a modern approach, The Social Den is the latest bar to open on Wellington Street in Central.

Why we love it: Behind the bar are industry veterans, Filipino mixologists, Joe Villanueva (formerly of Lobster Bar and The Wise King) and Bryson Rivera (formerly of JW Marriott's Bar Q88). With two seasoned mixologists shaking up cocktails behind the stick, expect a menu of well-made signature drinks. 

Time Out tip: Try the seasonal cocktail menu, and make sure to pair them with their filling bar bites, including their pork neck skewers and sauteed king prawns.  

What is it? Named after Dionysus, the god of wine in Greek mythology, the venue serves artisan cuppa by day and curated wines and cocktails at night.

Why we love it: The place is small but it's worth the squeeze because of the bar's well-made spirit-forward drinks. 

Time Out tip: This season, try new additions to their cocktail menu. Come here at night for pre-game before heading out to your long bar crawl. Follow their Instagram page to catch seasonal guest shifts from various mixologists and spirit ambassadors.