Espresso or espresso martini? Coffee shops that moonlight as bars
In need of a pick-me-up?Hong Kong’s coffee culture is on the rise with artisanal coffee shops on nearly every block. Whilst most are open for the earlier hours of the day, we’ve found the few that are ready to brew for another need. So whether you’re in an espresso or espresso martini mood, try one of these coffee shops come bars for a well needed pick me up.
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Major Tom
Taking inspiration from space, step foot into this ultra-modern coffee shop and be prepared for a novelty experience. Its seven signature cocktails are served from 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends for when you need more than a caffeine buzz.
Major Tom, 14 Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po
Rest Coffee Gin
With views of Hong Kong harbour, Rest Coffee Gin is an exceptional venue for coffee and cocktails. Its range of classic gin drinks include a bramble and gin fizz. Creative caffeine-infused concoctions use liqueurs like matcha vodka and darjeeling-infused gin.
Rest Coffee Gin, Shop 4, G/F, Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2697 8938
Diostore
Calling itself a booze nerds’ hangout, Diostore brews artisanal coffees until 5pm and serves boutique wines and spirits from 2pm onwards. Browse its wines from the shelf or choose one of its gin and tonics and various high balls.
DIO, 8 Aberdeen Street, Central, 9199 3956
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Doubleshot by Cupping Room
Labelling itself as a social eatery where baristas meet bartenders, this coffee shop sits with open views over the bustling intersection of Hollywood Road. Its signature coco chanel cocktail combines its espresso in an iced matcha latte with a shot of coconut rum. For the longer parties, its weekend freeflow runs for two hours and includes champagne, rosé, draft beer and various espresso drinks.
Doubleshot by Cupping Room, 1/F, 49 Hollywood Road, Central, 9225 6639
Slash
Coffee shop by day and speakeasy by night, this coffee shop come bar is only open through reservations in the evenings. In the day, its menu is home to Australian classics like avocado on toast, camembert melt and a range of single origin espressos. Head there on a Sunday for its live music nights that are open to the public.
Slash, G/F, 107 Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po
So Coffee Gin
This café takes it inspiration from coffee and gin whilst paying respects to its shop history in the former fabric district. With sewing machines and artwork throughout the space, So Coffee Gin is a creative experience unlike the others. Browse its range of local and international gins and ask the team for their recommendations and expertise.
So Coffee Gin, 221 Lai Chi Kok Road, Sham Shui Po, 5595 5756
Winstons
A Hong Kong institution for its coffee and cocktails, Winstons has perfected the art of an espresso martini. Try its original or try something new with its coconut or tonic versions. Check their website for weekly events like its espresso martini party or gin and tonic Tuesdays.
Winstons, 213 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, 2559 5078 and 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, 2697 1878
Fineprint
A café with a refined menu of topped sourdough toast focuses on quality and taste. In the day, order its toasties and coffee. In the later hours, pair light nibbles with its range of fine wines and cocktails. Its simplistic style will leave you feeling relaxed and well looked after.
Fineprint, multiple locations across Hong Kong
Coffee Analog
Sit at the bar whilst sipping its signature hand drip coffee and browsing the wide range of whisky and other spirits on show. Having sourced a wide range of independent bottlers, there will surely be something you haven’t set eyes on before.
Coffee Analog, 169 Sai Yeung Choi Street, Mong Kok
Blue Supreme
A beer-centric hot spot imports a range of unique craft beers and pale ales to pair with its American-style dishes. Helpfully written on its walls, read the different notes and alcohol percentages of what’s on tap. Various wines and Sunday’s whisky are also available.
Blue Supreme, G/F, 21 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, 5998 3088
Rise by Classified
Recently debuting a happy hour, order a G&T or sangria for just $38 and an espresso martini for $45. There is even a free-flow choice of Peroni or Yau Beer for the beer drinkers. Its extensive café menu means you can pick on fried cheese sticks, chicken bites and potato skins as you slowly sip away.
Rise by Classified, Shop 313, 3/F, Exchange Square Podium, 8 Connaught Place, Central