Oriental Sake Bar Yu-Zen
Entering this bar is like walking into old-world Japan. Dim and charming, this small Zen den features a beautiful, dark wood bar stretching in front of its frosted lattice wall, with Japanese waiters, dressed in pristine white suits, always at your service. And the highlight: intimate, private sanctuaries with cushions sprawled on the floor, all enclosed by transparent cotton draped curtains. As its name suggests, this bar features a quality range of sake, such as the popular floral and fruity Dassai sake, which is served in a beautifully ornate shot glasses ($68). Settle in on the floor, refresh yourself with the hot towels provided on arrival, and enjoy the Japanese bossa-nova murmuring faintly in the background. This place is a real hidden gem. 21/F, Circle Plaza, 499 Hennessy Rd, Causeway Bay, 2893 6120, hk-yuzen.com, no happy hour.

Tastings
With a massive selection of wine from around the world, this is a bar for the vino lover. Tastings stocks more than 160 wines, 40 of which are featured at any one time in one of its major drawcards: the Enomatic wine system, which allows you to sample some of the world’s finest wines in small and affordable amounts at the press of a button. Finished in a slick rustic style appropriate for an urban wine specialist, and dominated by the blue glow emanating from its extensive wine reserves room, this should be the first stop for anyone with a desire for a rich shiraz, a crisp chardonnay or a refreshing rosé. 27 & 29 Wellington St, Central. Mon-Thurs 5pm-2am. Fri & Sat 4pm-2am. Closed Sun. 2523 6282. www.tastings.hk.

Executive Bar
The last time we visited we got kicked out because we did not have a reservation; lesson learned. Make a booking at this exclusive Japanese whisky bar overlooking Happy Valley’s racetrack to choose from more than 50 varieties of whiskies and bourbons. All can be served (if you fancy) with symmetrical, baseball sized cubes of ice. 27/F, Bartlock Centre, 3 Yiu Wa St, 2893 2080.

The Globe
There are numerous reasons why The Globe is loved by its loyal regulars. Indeed, its old-style local atmosphere, classic jukebox, infamous Wall of Shame and hearty home-made pies have a lot to do with it. But perhaps most of all, The Globe is a shrine to beer. With more than 100 on its menu, as well as a quality selection of ten on tap, this tiny, conveniently located pub is the only place in Hong Kong with the Belgian brew De Koninck on tap ($32 for half pint). It’s not as Shakespearean as its name suggests, but in the end, the question is – to beer or not to beer? Answer in the affirmative, take up a spot at the bar, and have a friendly conversation with the regulars around the bar. 39 Hollywood Road, 2543 1941, H/H 9am–8pm. www.theglobe.com.hk.

Sahara
There’s a handful of bars in town that do shisha, but it’s hard to top Sahara for variety and value. With more than eight flavours on offer at $100 a pop, Sahara provides a more affordable fruit-smoking option than rivals Marouche (Central, $165), Bar 109 (Wan Chai, $130), and Merhaba (Tsim Sha Tsui, $120) – and the waiting staff are always on hand with a smile and jangling hip-scarves to keep your coals hot. Aside from the quality carcinogens, Sahara is a cosy joint with kitschy Middle Eastern décor, an authentic mezz and drinks menu, and comfortable purple couches pushed against the walls. Avoid the low stools, though – if your posture is less than perfect, you’re back will soon start complaining for lack of support. 11 Elgin St, Central, 2291 6060.

Find your watering hole:
Music bars
Proper pubs
Classy bars
Get away bars
Bars with a view
Specialty bars
Chilled out bars
Sports bars
Incognito bars
Party bars
Guilty pleasure bars
Arty bars

See also:
Blasts from the past