18 Wo On Lane, Central Tel: 2167 7244 Open: 6pm until late
The vibe: first-timers may have trouble locating Baby Buddha, but its tucked-away alley location is one of its biggest draws. If you arrive late, expect to stand outside with drink in hand as there are only a handful of tables inside. Don't be put off, though - the area out front makes for great mingling.
Decor is fairly minimal. Crimson LED lights dangle down one cement wall, bathing the low-lit bar in a mysterious red hue. At the back end of Baby Buddha, large incense coils are hoisted up, making the place seem like an extension of the tiny old temple outside.
The relaxed vibe makes Baby B (as it's affectionately called by regulars) a favourite with the arty crowd. House music thumps over the sound system without being overbearingly loud or annoying. The 6pm to 9pm happy hour is also popular with local OLs looking for a drink and a quiet spot to chat before hitting SoHo or Lan Kwai Fong.
The drinks: the three-page menu offers a comprehensive, albeit a little humdrum, selection of champagnes, wines (many available by the glass) and spirits. The cocktail list sticks mostly to classics, such as martinis, mai tais, Singapore slings and the like. Only two speciality cocktails grace the pages. Baby Buddha's Around the World cocktail (HK$82) is a lethal combination of gin, scotch, brandy, rum and vodka masked under fresh fruity flavours of orange, lemon and pineapple.
The verdict: its down-to-earth attitude has kept Baby Buddha popular throughout the years.