Wan Chai’s boozy history dates back to the 1950s, when the neighbourhood serviced a string of army and navy men passing through Hong Kong for much-needed R&R. Girly bars and nightclubs became fixtures of Jaffe and Lockhart roads in the popular red-light district.
Nowadays, Wan Chai has polished its image, featuring a mix of old and new, with historic gastropubs galore and new funky cocktail bars opening to keep the spirit of the ‘hood alive and thriving.
The best bars in Wan Chai
Carnegies
Carnegies is one of the OGs on the Wan Chai scene, opening in pre-handover 1994. Famed in the city for its packed weekly events, Carnegies starts off with karaoke on Mondays, champagne-fuelled Ladies Night every Wednesday, and live bands Thursday through Sunday. Make sure you climb the bartop to dance the night away!
Carnegies, G/F, Spa Centre, 53–55 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 2866 6289
The Wanch
Celebrating 37 years in 2024, The Wanch is Hong Kong’s unofficial centre for live music. Reopening within a massive corner location on Jaffe Road, The Wanch packs a great menu with bar food and international draught beers, red and white wine, and classic cocktails. Stay updated with The Wanch’s events calendar, with the venue playing host to fine local rock, pop, and acoustic bands.
The Wanch, 1/F, Henan Building, 90–92 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, 3692 5933, book here
Dirty Laundry
Hidden behind the facade of a fake laundromat on the Lockhart strip, Dirty Laundry is markedly different from neighbouring British and Irish pubs. The cocktail bar serves a curated selection of Hong Kong-esqe cocktails inspired by Cantonese songs, films, and television shows.
Dirty Laundry, 100 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, WhatsApp 5501 1756
Joe Bananas
Another classic since the 1980s, Joe Bananas opens early and shutters late for drinking sessions paired with great live music. The bar is perfect for catching Premier League football matches, with screens galore hung up in the venue. Joe Bananas is one of the largest pubs in Wan Chai; make note for your next birthday or after-work drinks.
Joe Bananas, G/F, The Phoenix, 23 Luard Road, Wan Chai, 2537 4618, book here
THAIWAN
Paired with its sister bar THAIPEI, this Ship Street bar fuses flavours from the owner’s Taiwanese and Thai heritage. Expect to find imported craft beer and cider from both nations at THAIWAN. The pub is located on a dead-end street, which makes for fun street-drinking when the weather is cool enough.
THAIWAN, 31 Ship Street, Wan Chai, 3709 6595, WhatsApp 6348 5070
Ohana Tiki Lounge
This island-inspired tiki haven suits the drinker who enjoys exploring fruity flavours from ocean lands far away from Hong Kong. Ohana’s drinks are powered by the sweetness of tropical pineapple, coconut, and passion fruit, with rum and tequila added for extra kicks.
Ohana Tiki Lounge, 29/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2648 0900
Hoppy Junction
This fun-loving pub doesn’t take itself too seriously, catering to the neighbourhood and hop-loving gourmands with a revolving selection of local and international draught and bottled craft beers. Hoppy Junction stocks one of Hong Kong’s largest collections of home-grown beer.
Hoppy Junction, Shop G, G/F, Man Hee Mansion, 2–12A Johnston Road, Wan Chai, 2555 1838
Mizunara: The Library
Hidden in a nondescript commercial building on the edge of the ‘hood, Mizunara: The Library promotes Tokyo’s classic Ginza bar culture. The bar stocks a great selection of Scotch single malts and features a powerful menu of artisanal cocktails bright in colour. Head to Mizunara’s Japanese zen garden for a new and different Wan Chai drinking experience.
Mizunara: The Library, 4/F, Kiu Yin Commercial Building, 361–363 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 3571 9797
