Makumba
Dive into the heart of darkness, er, SoHo, and find Makumba. The interior of this African-themed is resplendent with safari-inspired walls, wooden statues and a stage complete with bongos. Saturday is “African fiesta night” with cocktails and jungle rhythms served up all night. Alternatively, lie back and relax in one of the vast, pillow-laden seating areas and enjoy the tribal beats from there. If you get a hankering for some African goodness during daylight hours, Makumba serves African set lunches from $65, with an $85 special for two people (noon-2:30pm). A-weema-weh A-weema-weh.
G/F, Garley Building, 48 Peel St., Central, 2522-0544
Tantra
Enter the alleyway below Staunton from Graham Street, go through the intricately carved wooden doorway, pass Lord Ganesh, the elephant god who removes all obstacles, and the Nepalese bar Tantra opens up before you like a lotus blooming from a muddied pond – well, almost. Relax under the watchful and compassionate eye of Buddha while sipping enticing “Tantric Kisses” and “Karmic Cosmos.” This cozy, tucked-away spot comes complete with stone carvings and a seemingly never-ending couch, one that the authors of the Kama Sutra might approve of. Om shaantih.
B/F, 25 Staunton St., Central, 3743-0235
Izote
If you’ve suffered through too many a gimmicky margarita with an umbrella on top in your search for a decent Mexican bar in town, then Izote may just be the answer to your woes. With a large, inviting bar and an uncompromising approach to authenticity, you’ll find yourself sampling the different tequilas and the intriguingly named specials in no time. To name but a few, there is the “Acapulco” (rum, tequila, pineapple, grapefruit and coconut milk) and the “Dirty Sanchez” (hey, we’re in Lan Kwai Fong after all), which is made with tequila, dry Vermouth and olive juice. Gringos take heed – traditional margaritas are more salty than syrupy. And potent. Happy Dia de los Muertos!
8/F LKF Tower, 55 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2905-1168