Where to drink at Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong

Where to drink at Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong
Source: Lan Kwai Fong Group

Leaving the house at 11 p.m. and bouncing over to Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) on a Friday night to party until sunrise has long been a Hong Kong “going out” tradition. The vibrant and free atmosphere of the bars in Lan Kwai Fong draws crowds of young people for bar hopping and clubbing well into the early hours of the morning.

Due to the pandemic – and the social distancing that came along with it – LKF was in an unstable position, and many local businesses were dying. Amid a fight for its life during mandatory closures, the vaccine has opened up options with relaxing restrictions. For staff that have had the first vaccine shot, the maximum number of customers increases to 75%, while tables can hold up to a maximum of four people. For staff that have been fully vaccinated, the maximum number of customers rebounds to total capacity and tables can hold up to eight people.

With restrictions finally relaxing, an increasing number of people have been going out in LKF once again. Read on for a sneak peek into some of the bars you can check out in Hong Kong’s famous party scene, Lan Kwai Fong.

Foxglove

Just a hop and a skip outside of the main LKF hub, this is a swanky hot spot for the discerning crowd. Embodied by the character of Frank Minza, “a death-defying adventurer with a taste for rare spirits,” Foxglove embraces the theme of a “1940s Glaster jet engine” and provides customers with an experience unlike any other. The Social Club (happy hour) is in place from 5-8 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, so you can enjoy classic highballs for just HK$100, wine and spirits for $60 and a cocktail starting at HK$80.

Foxglove’s most popular drinks are certainly their signature cocktails. Try the Foxglove Martini for something light and refreshing or the Above Board for a darker, resinous flavor. However, there are plenty of other options to suit you if you’re not quite sure what you like. Make sure to stay for the live music.

Address: 2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell St, Central

Mr. Wolf

So, it’s not exactly in Lan Kwai Fong, but it’s a few blocks away and worth a mention if you’re in the area. Both a bar and a fine-dining restaurant, Mr. Wolf lies on the outskirts of LKF, close to exit D1 of Central station. A variety of drinks are on the menu – wine, cocktails (both classics and signatures unique to Mr. Wolf), shots and even mocktails for those who just like the vibe but aren’t looking to imbibe.

With happy hours lasting from 3-9 p.m. every day, we’d recommend starting your night here in LKF with some cocktails. Despite the cheap drink price of HK$45, Mr. Wolf is well-known for serving “strong” cocktails. One insider commented that the cocktails are basically “65% of hard liquor.” Popular favorites are the Lychee Martini, Aperol Spritz and the namesake Mr. Wolf, but a full range of standard cocktails are offered by the bar by request.

Address: 5/F Crawford House, 70 Queen’s Road, Central

Geronimo Shot Bar

As you may infer from the name, you can spice your night up with shots at Geronimo Shot Bar. The bar is known for its fun ambience, especially during the 2×1 shots promotion (on Mondays and Tuesdays) and all night Happy Hour for bottled beers (Wednesdays and Thursdays). People visit Geronimo not just for drinks, but to watch football games together. Check out their Instagram for which live football matches you can catch with your friends (and, of course, drinks!)

Start out with the Caipirinha, a Brazilian cocktail consisting of a distilled spirit called cachaça, lime and sugar. Then, if you’re brave enough, try your hand at the 15-shot challenge to “get your name immortalized on the wall of fame, or bang the drum and see if you can become the chief of the month.” Shots, anyone?

Address: 2/F, 27-39 D’Aguilar St, Central

Mudita

If you’re a fan of electronic music, Mudita is the place to go. Mudita is “the pleasure that comes from delighting in other people’s well-being.” Although it’s more bar than club, Mudita serves up a chill drinking atmosphere accompanied by diverse assortments of music. Come early for live music, and stay for a DJ spinning music until the wee hours of the morning. They even have an Emo Night Halloween Special coming up on October 30.

Address: G, 24-30 Ice House St, Central