Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [149]
Tony’s Bar ( Map; 2723 2726; www.tonys-bar.com; Ground fl, 7-9 Bristol Ave; 5.30pm-4am, happy hour 5.30-10pm; MTR Tsim Sha Tsui, exit D2) This low-key, anonymous and – it has to be said – very down-at-heel gay-friendly bar just behind Mirador Mansion (see the boxed text) is a relaxed place to come for a drink, with none of that ‘last chance for romance’ tension found in some other gay venues.
Volume ( Map; 2857 7683; 83-85 Hollywood Rd, Central; 6pm-4am, happy hour 7.30-9.30pm; 26) This swanky, kitsch, mirror-lined, late-night cocktail bar pumps out a range of sounds, from cheesy ‘80s hits to cutting-edge dance genres, to a mixed crowd of gay and expat locals.
Works ( Map; 2868 6102; 1st fl, 30-32 Wyndham St, Central; 7pm-2am, happy hour 7-10.30pm Mon-Fri; MTR Central, exit D2) Sister club to Propaganda (above), Works is where most gay boyz out on the town start the evening, and sees some heavy FFFR (file-for-future-reference) cruising till it’s time to move on to the P. There’s a cover charge ($60 to $100) on the weekend.
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Causeway Bay
BRECHT’S CIRCLE Map Bar
2576 4785; www.brechts.net; Ground fl, Rita House, 123 Leighton Rd; 4pm-2am Mon-Thu, 4pm-4am Fri & Sat, happy hour 4-8pm Mon-Sat; MTR Causeway Bay (exit F)
A small and fairly unusual bar with an arty edge, Brecht’s is given more to intimate, cerebral conversation than raging. Thankfully the decor has been upgraded to this century.
DICKENS BAR Map Bar
2837 6782; Basement, Excelsior Hong Kong, 281 Gloucester Rd; 11am-1am Sun-Thu, 11am-2am Fri & Sat, happy hour 5-8pm; MTR Causeway Bay (exit D1)
This place has been popular with expats and Hong Kong Chinese for decades. In truth the atmosphere is nothing special and the real draw is the big-screen sports coverage.
EXECUTIVE BAR Map Bar
2893 2080; 7th fl, Bartlock Centre, 3 Yiu Wa St, Causeway Bay; 5pm-1am Mon-Sat; MTR Causeway Bay (exit A)
You won’t be served if you just turn up at this clubby, masculine bar high above Causeway Bay – it’s by appointment only. Odd perhaps, but worth the trip if you are serious about whisky and bourbon. Several dozen varieties are served here, in large brandy balloons with huge ice ‘cubes’ designed by the Japanese proprietor to maximise the tasting experience.
EAST END BREWERY & INN SIDE OUT Map Pub
2895 2900; Ground fl, Sunning Plaza, 10 Hysan Ave; 11.30am-1am Sun-Thu, 11.30am-1.30am Fri & Sat, happy hour 2.30-8.30pm; MTR Causeway Bay (exit F)
These two related pubs flank a central covered terrace where you can while away the hours on a warm evening, sipping beers and throwing peanut shells on the ground. East End has imported microbrews, and also has a branch at Quarry Bay (below).
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Island East & Island South
EAST END BREWERY Map Bar
2811 1907; 23-27 Tong Chong St, Quarry Bay; 11.30am-2am, happy hour 4-8pm; MTR Quarry Bay (exit B)
This place out in Quarry Bay is a beer lover’s must-visit. You can choose from more than 30 beers and lagers from around the world, including a couple of local microbrews. There’s wi-fi access, too. The branch at Causeway Bay (above) serves up much the same beer and fodder if you can’t make it this far out.
PARADISO LOUNGE Map Bar
2809 2080; Ground fl, Government Bldg, Shek O Main Beach, Shek O; noon-1am; 9
If you want to drink with the sand between your toes and a towel around your waist, this relaxed beach spot, with a marine theme including a fish tank and sea shells, will oblige. At night it gets dressier and the dance floor fills up.
SMUGGLERS INN Map Pub
2813 8852; Ground fl, 90A Stanley Main St, Stanley; 10am-2am, happy hour 6-9pm; 6, 6A, 6X or 260
This scruffy but good-natured place is arguably the most popular pub on the Stanley waterfront, offering