Before craft cocktails and rooftop lounges became standard fare across the 852, a few hallmarks of Hong Kong’s nightlife scene set the stage for a golden era of bar culture. A time when entering a bar didn’t just mean ordering a drink, it meant stepping into a well-crafted world, often led by bartenders who felt more like storytellers than servers. While many of the city’s greats have since shuttered their doors, their legacy continues to echo through.

Let’s take a moment to raise a glass to some dearly departed legends. Who could forget Lily & Bloom, the two-story stunner that nailed both dinner and drinks in a plush, Mad Men-style setting? Or Stockton, that hidden-away speakeasy slinging some of the finest whiskies in the city long before it was cool? And then there was Ori-Gin, the pioneering gin bar in Wyndham Street that gave us unforgettable botanical creations and a gateway into gin’s nuanced world.

Though these bars have closed their doors, their spirits (pun very much intended) live on, both in memory and in the influence they left on HK's now thriving cocktail scene. But it's not mainly about what we’ve lost, it’s about those places that withstood trends, rent hikes, and even a global pandemic. These are the OG bars still going strong, still pouring with purpose, and still giving us a reason to stay for “just one more.”

Quinary

If you ever miss Ori‑Gin or the early days of Antonio Lai’s creations, Quinary picks up that thread. Since its founding in 2012, it’s been pushing boundaries with multisensory mixology. The Earl Grey Caviar Martini remains iconic, but this is also a bar where molecular techniques, aroma diffusers, and theatrical plating form part of the ritual. Quinary is part history, part experiment, and wholly compelling.

Ready to experience Hong Kong’s most iconic cocktail? Seats are available for walk-ins only, arrive early to secure your spot.

Location: 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Varga Lounge

Varga Lounge has quietly weathered Hong Kong’s shifting night scenes for over 20 years. Far from flashy, it leans on personality, consistency, and an approachable vibe. With its retro posters, low lighting, and friendly bartenders, Varga feels like a refuge from trend-chasing, some nights you go there just because you know it’ll feel right.

Walk in or message Varga Lounge to save a spot, private event bookings are also available.

Location: 36 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong

Ozone

On top of the Ritz-Carlton in Kowloon, Ozone opened in 2011 and claimed the title as the highest bar in Hong Kong, and place among the world's loftiest. Its panoramic views and bold design caught attention immediately. Over the years, it’s evolved to stay relevant—rotating cocktail programs, sleek aesthetics—but the draw of vantage plus quality still keeps it in the conversation for rooftop moments.

Drinks with sky-high views? Ozone awaits, book your table here.

Location: 118/F, International Commerce Centre, The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Austin Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Delaney's (TST)

Though its Wan Chai branch has shut, Delaney's in Tsim Sha Tsui carries forward the name and its local legacy. With itsIrish ‑pub warmth, solid pours, and steady crowd, it acts as a link to an older era of Hong Kong bars—friendly, casual, familiar—and still valued.

Book your table at Delaney's TST for hearty food, cold pints, and that classic Irish vibe.

Location: Basement, Mary Building, 71-77 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

SKYE

Opening its doors in 2016, SKYE is younger than many on this list, but it’s earned its place. Nestled atop Park Lane hotel in Causeway Bay, it blends stylish interiors, skyline outlooks, and a well‑crafted drinks menu. SKYE shows that longevity in Hong Kong’s bar scene doesn’t just depend on nostalgia— it depends on delivering consistently elevated experience.

Looking to toast above the city lights? Reserve a spot at SKYE via their website.

Location: Level 27-28, The Park Lane, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

The Doghouse (TST)

If you want live music, open air, and no pretense, The Doghouse in Tsim Sha Tsui is your go-to. Its al fresco space and musical programming keep it grounded in local energy. In a city of spectacle, Doghouse reminds us that a bar can thrive simply by doing its part: making evenings more vibrant, one set at a time.

Live music, drinks, and a vibe that doesn’t quit, walk in or follow The Doghouse Kowloon for the latest events.

Location: 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tonic (Mong Kok)

Although the original Tonic on Wyndham Street closed, the brand lives on in Mong Kok’s Langham Place under the Café Deco Group umbrella. Though shifted in location, it still holds onto its original spirit. It’s proof that some bar identities are strong enough to be reinvented, and that legacy can, in fact, evolve.

Swing by Tonic at Langham Place for post-shopping drinks; no reservations needed, just good timing.

Location: Shop 7, L13, Langham Place, 8 Agryle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Aqua

Once in TST’s Peking Road, Aqua has relocated, but continues to deliver elevated bar + dining synergy. Its classic mix of cocktails, sashimi, stunning view of the harbor make it a hybrid destination; part fine drinks, part upscale dining lounge. The address changed, but the aspiration and execution remain.

Pair stunning views with sushi and cocktails, book your Aqua dining or drinks session today.

Location: 17/F H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

The Old Man

Bringing in a more recent icon, The Old Man (opened in 2017) has become one of Hong Kong’s most lauded cocktail bars. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, this intimate, literary‑inflected speakeasy is tucked beneath street level on Aberdeen Street in Central. Its bar is built around an I‑shaped counter with a cooling strip to keep your drink crisp, and the menu features cocktails named after Hemingway’s works and life chapters.

Though younger than some OGs, The Old Man qualifies by virtue of its rapid rise, technical ambition, and staying power in Hong Kong’s competitive cocktail scene. It’s a bar that nods to literary legacy and puts in the work behind the bar every night.

Pull up a seat at The Old Man and sip through Hemingway’s life in cocktails. Seating is limited, walk-ins only.

Location: LG/F 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

Final Thoughts

These bars map a living history of Hong Kong nightlife— some stretching back decades, others carving their own legacies in recent years.

While the city’s pace is relentless and change inevitable, these OG bars have held on by doing what they do best: serving well, adapting smart, and staying authentic. And if you're feeling nostalgic, check out our roundup of Hong Kong clubs we wish never closed.