Exploring Hong Kong’s Hottest Bars! Are they Worth the Hype?

Summary

Embark on a journey through Hong Kong’s top cocktail bars in this adventure, showcasing four of Asia’s 50 best bars. From the Mexican-inspired COA with its intimate setting to the innovative, sustainability-focused Penicillin, and the luxurious vibe of Dark Side, each bar offers a unique experience. Barleon, ranked #1 in Asia, sets a high standard with its intentional service and memorable drinks. With hidden gems and evolving cocktail culture, this tour proves Hong Kong's vibrant bar scene is worth exploring. Where would you visit first, and what bar should be on the next adventure?

Takeaways

• 😀 Hong Kong is home to some of Asia's best bars, with each offering a unique style and vibe.
• 😀 The bars featured in the script are all ranked among Asia's Top 50, emphasizing their quality and reputation.
• 😀 Many of the top bars in Hong Kong don't take reservations, and visitors often have to wait in line.
• 😀 COA is a Mexican-inspired cocktail bar known for its smooth coconut milk punch and intimate, candle-lit atmosphere.
• 😀 Barleon, ranked number one on Asia's 50 Best Bars, stands out with its unique cocktails like the olive oil sour and King Kong Old Fashioned.
• 😀 Barleon offers more than just cocktails; the experience includes thoughtful details like the Mortadella sandwich.
• 😀 Penicillin, ranked number 24, focuses on sustainability, with zero-waste cocktails and a promise of one tree planted for every cocktail sold.
• 😀 Despite its focus on sustainability, Penicillin’s cocktails are unconventional, like the 'one penicillin one tree' served in a bowl.
• 😀 Dark Side, a more formal bar, offers a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere with live jazz music and beautiful harbor views.
• 😀 Hong Kong's cocktail scene is diverse and evolving, from hidden speakeasies to high-rise lounges, making it an exciting place for cocktail enthusiasts.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The video script focuses on exploring four of the top-ranked bars in Hong Kong, highlighting their unique experiences, cocktail offerings, and ambiance.

Why do the bars featured in the video not take reservations?

The bars in the video do not take reservations to maintain an exclusive, spontaneous vibe, with the experience being more about finding the bars and waiting in line, rather than booking in advance.

How is COA described in the script?

COA is described as a small, intimate Mexican-inspired cocktail bar with a focus on Mexican spirits, featuring dim lighting, candle-lit tables, and murals that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

What drink did the narrator order at COA, and what made it special?

The narrator ordered a coconut milk punch, which is a smooth mix of cherry and rum with tamarind, coffee, pineapple, and warm spices, finishing with a soft coconut flavor. The drink was complemented by complimentary nacho chips.

What makes Barleon unique in Hong Kong's cocktail scene?

Barleon is ranked number one on Asia's 50 Best Bars list and is recognized for its intentional and high-quality service, drinks, and food, with a notable drink being the olive oil sour.

What surprised the narrator about Barleon's food offering?

The narrator was pleasantly surprised by the Mortadella sandwich at Barleon, which was described as simple yet incredibly satisfying, adding to the overall experience.

What is special about Penicillin in terms of sustainability?

Penicillin is focused on sustainability, offering zero-waste cocktails, with their signature drink, 'One Penicillin, One Tree,' where one tree is planted for each cocktail sold.

How did the narrator feel about drinking from a bowl at Penicillin?

The narrator felt that drinking from a bowl was odd, and the flavor of the 'One Penicillin' cocktail was okay, but they felt it might not have been the best drink choice.

How is Dark Side bar characterized in the video?

Dark Side is described as having a moody vibe, with dim lights, cozy atmosphere, live jazz, and a great view of the harbor. It offers a more formal setting due to its location inside a hotel.

What does the narrator suggest about Hong Kong's cocktail scene in the conclusion?

The narrator suggests that Hong Kong's cocktail scene is larger, bolder, and constantly evolving, with plenty of hidden gems and high-rise lounges to explore beyond the featured bars.