Rated 4.7 Stars: The Truth Behind Internet’s Favourite Hong Kong Bars

Hong Kong is packed with 4.7-star Google review bars and speakeasies, but which ones actually deserve it? With the city’s ever-changing bar scene, it’s tough to know what’s worth booking. Team Sassy breaks down Hong Kong’s 4.7-star watering holes to give you a shortcut to the spots that truly earn their stars.

If you’ve ever been personally victimised by an overrated bar with a suspiciously high Google rating, raise your hand! Hong Kong’s nightlife scene moves fast — one week there’s a buzzy new speakeasy, the next another “must-visit” cocktail den. Some spots genuinely deserve the hype, while others leave you wondering why you just paid $150 for a mediocre martini. Plus, with the rose-tinted lenses coming on after your third round, it’s fair to ask whether those near-perfect ratings really tell the full story. That’s where Team Sassy comes in. We’ve done the legwork (and paid the bar tabs) to put Hong Kong’s highest-rated drinking spots under our Sassy microscope. Consider this your no-nonsense guide to the bars that actually live up to and deliver the buzz — and are worth ordering that second round!

Read More: Rated 4.8 Stars — The Truth Behind The Internet’s Favourite Hong Kong Restaurants

CORKS Wine & Bar — Casual and chill wine bar, just as suitable for low-key events as a special occasion

This cosy neighbourhood wine bar is a go-to for Team Sassy date nights, offering a sweet and intimate atmosphere without the hefty price tag. Unlike many wine bars that focus primarily on bottle service, CORKS boasts a truly worthy by-the-glass selection, making it easy to enjoy quality wines without committing to a full bottle. We also love that it serves light French plates, such as ham and cheese platters and mini toasties, which pair utterly perfectly with its wines.

Sassy Tip: Don’t miss its buy-one-get-one-free Happy Hour for just $85 for two!

CORKS Wine & Bar, 205C Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 9258 5352
CORKS Wine & Bar, 23 Lan Fong Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 9610 8268, linktr.ee/corks.hk

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Tell Camellia — Tea-inspired cocktail bar where artisanal tea meets craft cocktails

Tell Camellia is a dream come true for anyone who loves tea-based cocktails. Its drinks are expertly crafted to highlight the delicate, aromatic qualities of premium teas, resulting in cocktails that are nuanced, refreshing and never overly sweet, which, according to Social Media Lead Grace, makes them feel healthy enough to justify ordering another round. With its cosy setting and cocktails that blend East and West flavours (a Pu’er T-Tonic? Incredible!), Tell Camellia more than lives up to the hype.

Tell Camellia, Shop 2, LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, 6596 0975, www.tellcamellia.hk

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Maggie Choo’s — Hidden jazz and cocktail bar in Central with live cabaret and performances

For a night of cabaret and fun, Maggie Choo’s is first on our list! But for drinks, perhaps the club pairs its cocktails best with a show. Cocktails tend to be on the too-sweet side for many patrons and don’t quite live up to the wow factor of its live entertainment. So we recommend coming for a good show, and staying for its surprisingly delicious nibbles and snacks. For just these feats alone, Maggie Choo’s certainly earns its 4.7 Google rating.

Maggie Choo’s, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, Hong Kong, 6250 6000, www.maggiechoos.com.hk

Read More: The Best Jazz Bars In Hong Kong

Bourke’s — Neighbourhood watering hole with inventive and creative drinks

On the wishlist of most of Team Sassy for a long time, we were so excited to discover that Bourke’s did not disappoint. Its atmosphere is relaxed and unfussy, with a team of bartenders known for being as warm and entertaining as they are skilled behind the bar. If you’re on the hunt for a good martini in the 852, Bourke’s definitely delivers (plus it’s served with an addictive pickle side plate!). We especially love its creative cocktails like the Adult Cream Soda, earning rave reviews among our team for its rich, creamy texture and unique flavour profile! The food is equally impressive, and while Team Sassy has yet to try the much-talked-about Sunday roast (Bourke’s, if you’re reading this, please invite us!), we don’t doubt it will be as delectable as its drinks.

Sassy Tip: Bourke’s tends to fill up quickly, so it’s worth arriving early to snag a table or making a reservation.

Bourke’s, G/f, 46 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, bourkeshk.com

Watch: Team Sassy Tries Bourke’s!

The Pontiac — Rock-and-roll style dive bar

The Pontiac remains one of Hong Kong’s most iconic bars and inclusive spaces, beloved for its rock-and-roll energy and unapologetically fun and free atmosphere. While we love a popular spot, the buzz can sometimes tip into standing-room-only territory, which impedes the experience and conversation-ability of the place at times. 

The Pontiac, 13 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.thepontiac.com

Read More: Best Nightclubs & Music Spots In Hong Kong 

Thirsty Shaker Cocktail Bar — Outdoor terraced bar ideal for group gatherings

Thirsty Shaker Cocktail Bar boasts a lively atmosphere and spacious layout that feels like a refreshing break away from the finance-bro-lined happy hour spots. Editor Anna particularly loves the bar for its two charming outdoor terraces, offering the perfect setting for al fresco drinks and easy conversation among its standout spiced punch bowls — ideal for sharing (or enjoy alone for some good ol’ fashioned stress release!).

Thirst Shaker Cocktail Bar, Hilltop Plaza, 3/ F 49 Hollywood Road, Graham St, Central, Hong Kong, 9880 5997, www.thirstyshaker.com

Read More: The Best Al Fresco Restaurants & Terraces In Hong Kong With Outdoor Seating

Avoca Hong Kong — Award-winning bar with elevated takes on classic drinks

Avoca pairs expertly crafted cocktails with sweeping harbour views, making it a standout choice for drinks with a beautiful side of scenery. Its awards are long-ranging and diverse, from wine pairings and cocktail awards, with the bar’s elevated take on the classic Bloody Mary, the LGM Mary, as Executive Editor Suchetana’s highlight!

Avoca Hong Kong, 38/F, Mondrian Hong Kong, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3550 0338 mondrianhotels.com/hong-kong/dining/avoca/

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Kinsman — Cantonese cocktail salon with Hong Kong-inspired flavours and traditions

Hong Kong bar Kinsman is not only ideal for a great night of cocktails and vibes, but ideal for strengthening the pride of Hong Kong. Its food is delicious too and shouldn’t be skipped. While its drinks are great and co-founder Gavin Yeung’s expertise in Cantonese spirits is evident in every pour, we’d love to see even bolder experimentation with Cantonese spirits (call us when there’s a Lao Gan Ma cocktail!). Nonetheless, the bar’s thoughtful approach to flavour and presentation still sets it apart, making it well worth its rating.

Kinsman, 65 Peel Street, Central,  Hong Kong, 28655011, www.singularconcepts.com/kinsman

Read More: Sassy’s Guide To The Real Hits, Misses & Must-Try Bites In Hong Kong

Sugar King — Havana-inspired bodeguita serving delicious cocktails and bites, alongside its signature flan

Sugar King’s inventive dessert-inspired cocktails and warm, welcoming service certainly make us double-take every time we walk by. Standout drinks include the Coconut Nigori and Daiquiris. Its Caramel Custard is worth trying for its novelty, but perhaps doesn’t live up to the expectations set by fans before. While its sandwiches are gorgeous, the bar itself is undeniably tiny, so Sugar King’s rating may decrease for those who don’t enjoy standing in close quarters for the majority of the night. 

Sugar King, 59C Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, Instagram: @sugarkinghk

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Apothecary — Cocktail bar where you’re certain to find a remedy for your cravings

Stylish cocktail destination Apothecary is best known for its moody, atmospheric interiors with a stellar and strong drinks menu that’s as beautifully presented as it is well-balanced. While the drinks alone make Apothecary well worth a visit, it doesn’t serve a substantial food menu, so our visiting time at Apothecary is never as lengthy as we’d like. So fill your soul with a drink from Apothecary, but fill your stomach elsewhere! 

Apothecary, Unit A, 3/F, Carfield Commercial Building, 75-77 Wyndham Street, Hong Kong, Instagram:  @apothecary_hk

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