Best Hong Kong Bars For People-Watching

Whether you want to kick back with a drink while watching the world go by or check out a glamorous crowd in a hip watering hole, we’ve got you covered. These are the best Hong Kong bars for people-watching:

Mr and Mrs Fox

Sprawling three-story bar and restaurant Mr and Mrs Fox has proven to be a popular happy hour spot for the worker bees of Island East. Grab a seat out front and order from the Mrs Fox bar, which offers seafood dishes and a creative drinks menu that features a comprehensive guide to gin and tonics.

23 Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay, 2697-8500.

Three Monkeys

Japanese yakitori joint Three Monkeys opened back in 2013 and is still going strong. On weekends, a good-looking crowd gathers, spilling out to the streets with a drink in hand. Take your pick from Japanese craft brews and draught beers as well as a selection of sake and shochu.

151-155 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 3151-7771.

Ham & Sherry

Opened as a sister outlet of much-loved Spanish restaurant 22 Ships, Ham & Sherry has become a Wan Chai hotspot in its own right. The tapas joint, which also operates the not-so-secret Back Bar accessible through a separate entrance, has a chilled out, welcoming vibe — thanks to open windows that allow diners to peek out to buzzing Ship Street. Dig into charcuterie platters with the likes of jamon Iberico and chorizo, best paired with an extensive selection of sherries (natch).

1-7 Ship Street, Wan Chai, 2555-0628.

Peak Bar & Cafe

Located right by the escalators, SoHo institution Peak Bar & Cafe is one of the best places to watch the world go by. Head there at night for classic cocktails and wines, or for a fry-up breakfast on weekends.

9-13 Shelley Street, Central, 2140-6877.

Limewood

Repulse Bay restaurant Limewood makes for a pretty good beachfront people-watching spot. With sweeping views of the ocean and a casual, semi-alfresco vibe, the restaurant is located just by a pathway that leads to the beach. On the menu is a fusion of Southeast Asian, South American, Caribbean and Hawaiian flavors — choose from light, refreshing salads and meatier dishes, or a seafood platter to share.

Shop 103-104, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2866-8668.

Rummin’ Tings

Taking up an unbeatable location just by the escalators on the corner of Hollywood Road and Wyndham Street, Caribbean-themed bar Rummin’ Tings is party central. More likely than not, you’ll see a huge crowd hanging out by the bar’s entrance, dancing and chilling out. On weekends, it can be hard to fight your way to the bar, but when you do, order one of the signature pitchers — like the Island Time Punch (Bacardi, Brugal Anejo Rum, Thai iced tea, plum wine and cardamom syrup).

28 Hollywood Road, Central, 2523-7070.

Castro’s

Perched on the first floor of an unassuming walk-up, Cuban-themed dive bar Castro’s is decked out with windows that open up to views of Ashley Road below. On weekends, this place is usually jam-packed. If you’re lucky enough to grab a window seat, kick back and relax to cheap beers and pub grub while watching the world go by.

1/F, 16 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2957-8041.

Brotzeit

You’ll find Brotzeit along the TST East promenade, a strip packed full of waterfront restaurants and bars. The German beer bar, transplanted from Singapore in 2012, offers Bavarian booze (i.e. beer) and dishes (pretzels, weiner schnitzel) aplenty, with a great view of the east side of the harbor.

Shop G6 & UG16, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2316-2666.