Hybrid Café-Bars in Hong Kong to Chill At
CAFES

Cafés in Hong Kong That Moonlight as Bars

No matter where you are in the city, there’s no shortage of amazing cafés and fantastic bars in Hong Kong. Doing double duty, many cafés are choosing to keep their doors open long into the evening, venturing into the world of spirits, wines, and beers as well. Once the sun dips and the lights dim, these cafés see baristas turn into bartenders, swapping out fresh brews for spiked pours.


So Coffee & Gin

An industrial-inspired space that serves as a backdrop for hip brunches and frequent workshops of all sorts, So Coffee & Gin is a multifaceted venue that doles out gorgeously roasted arabica brews as well as fragrant gin mixes spun from locally made labels. Formerly housing the Man Hing Sewing Machine Company, the family- run business conceived by the founder’s grandfather features historical elements of the local textiles industry and sewing knick-knacks dotted all over the location.

Location: So Coffee & Gin, 221 Lai Chi Kok Road, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

Rest Coffee Gin

Boasting first-rate views of the surrounding West Kowloon Art Park, Rest Coffee Gin is home to a dazzling and diverse library of single-origin coffee beans, and gin. Instead of picking from a menu, use your senses and favourite flavours to make a selection, whereupon in-house mixologists will take the lead to pair together bespoke G&T’s using specialty botanicals, or throw together a signature tea-infused cocktail that is sure to impress.

Location: Rest Coffee Gin, Shop G/F–04, Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Dio

Two Glasses With Cocktails
Instagram/@diostore.hk

Its moniker a nod to the Greek god of wine Dionysus, Dio is a café-bar and wine stockist that occupies a modestly sized yet comfortably furbished and sleek space along one of Noho’s slopes. Once the evening comes, the store flips the switch to peddle fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails that have been co-signed by Nick Tse of Bar Buonasera fame. Time your visit for sips of either the aromatic coffees, like the 1+1 espresso-piccolo (HK$65) made from locally roasted small-batch beans, or the reinterpretations of classic cocktails made Dio-style. A favourite for its tantalising flavours is the Sicilian Rosita (HK$148) that comes with a kick from the Mezcal, along with a bit of heat.

Location: Dio Store, 8 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

Preface Coffee & Wine

A coding academy, events space, café, and bar rolled into one, Preface ties together essentials for the future of work culture and learning. Hunker down on your work for the day in their bright and airy space that’s rarely short of open plug sockets with a coffee in hand or unwind after a busy day with a glass of wine sourced from small- scale family- owned vineyards all over Europe.

Locations: Preface Coffee & Wine, G/F - 5/F, The Sharp, 11 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong / Preface Coffee & Wine, The Loop, G & UG, 33 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong

Slash

Brush past the bare-surfaced, futuristic interiors of Slash and you will find a neighbourhood hangout supplying great coffee and equally as impressive tipples. Aside from carrying a house brew from locally based Roastwork roastery, their beans are sourced directly from star producers in Africa and South America, it’s clear you’re in good hands when it comes to hand drip coffee. After hours, grab a classic cocktail that gets the job done, or opt for one of their three Slash-exclusive varieties, with the citrussy Yubari (HK$88) making for a refreshing and easily-knocked-back choice.

Location: Slash, 107 Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po

Winston’s Coffee (Kennedy Town)

A neighbourhood joint occupying a low-key and immensely chill corner of Kennedy Town, Winston’s Coffee is just the place to spend a hazy afternoon in easy conversation with your mates. Sip on an Aussie-style cup of joe made from Allpress Coffee beans in the last hours of light, before transitioning to their famous Espresso Martinis that go for only HK$50 every first Saturday of the month once the sun dips behind the horizon—or maybe even to cap off brunch, we won’t judge!

Location: Winston’s Coffee, Shop 8, G/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Western District

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