Go All Out in Causeway Bay
This crowded nabe might be best known for shopping and eating, but it’s got its fair share of pubs and chic bars, too.
Neither an enthusiastic shopper nor a gourmet fanatic, I had never put Causeway Way high up on my list of destinations to spend a night out. But that's about to change after a surprisingly fun-filled bar crawl proving the area offers a wide variety of options for all types of drinkers.
The evening kicks off at the young and vibrant Mamoz (27/F-28/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Rd., Causeway Bay, 2890-3182). Opened just last year, the bar—which hosted one of HK Mag’s GlamCham parties—is most famous for its delicious signature cocktails. Taking the glass staircase down to the lower floor, we sit down at a cozy table. A funny moment follows when we order a Tom & Jerry-Improved: a waiter comes up to us to confirm if we really want it, warning that it’s quite strong for a girl. Apparently, this drink takes a long time to make and hardly any customers have ordered it in the past, hence the heads-up. We appreciate the bar’s attentive service and accept the challenge. Turns out it isn’t much of a challenge at all, for this warm and rich blend of 23-year-old rum, brandy, syrup and milk, though tasting strongly of liquor, goes down amazingly easily.
A tipsy feeling and a thirst for brews drive us to the next joint, the well-known Inn Side Out (G/F, Sunning Plaza, 10 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, 2895-2900). Like other El Grande establishments such as Hong Kong Brew House and Cochrane’s, this place allows customers to throw peanut shells all over the floor and has a good selection of beers—what else can you ask for? After two pints of Stella and a lovely chat in the al fresco area, we decide it’s time to move on to a bar with a view. While those who want to get a good look at the Happy Valley racecourse should totally go to b.a.r. Executive Bar (27/F, Bartlock Centre, 3 Yiu Wa St., Causeway Bay, 2893-2080), we are in the mood for the stunning Victoria Harbour scenery, and therefore take a 15-minute walk north to World Trade Centre, where Hooray (Shop P502, 5/F, World Trade Centre, 280 Gloucester Rd., Causeway Bay, 2895-0885) lies—a serene oasis in the middle of this hectic shopping mall. At Hooray’s massive outdoor terrace, we are joined by a big crowd of drinkers, and time flies as we lose ourselves in refreshing lemongrass cocktails and the summer breeze.
But the boozing must go on, so we move on to Bordeaux Cellar & Bar (Shop D, G/F, 58 Paterson St., Causeway Bay, 2577-9302) for a round of wine before it closes at midnight. However, with live soccer showing on TV and a less-than-impressive wine list, the alleged wine bar gives off a pub vibe instead. To compensate, we figure we'll head to newly revamped Dickens Bar (UG, The Excelsior Hong Kong, 281 Gloucester Rd., Causeway Bay, 2837-6782), the basement pub at The Excelsior Hotel. Feeling a little adventurous, we try out one of the bar’s Dickens-inspired signature cocktails, Great Expectation. I don’t know if my expectations are too great, but the mix of pineapple juice and sparkling wine doesn’t fly in my mouth and the drink tastes simply awful overall. Alas, I should have just stuck to the good ol’ Guinness, which is rather decent here.
Fortunately, the night is salvaged by our last stop, Oriental Sake Bar Yu-Zen (21/F, Circle Plaza, 499 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 2893-6120), a petite and quiet venue that wears its Japanese hallmark on its sleeves. Taking off our shoes and reclining comfortably on some cushions, we are treated to premium sake poured to the brink of the glasses, each placed in an extra container to catch any spills so we wouldn’t waste a single drop! The extensive menu also features a lot of original cocktails, whiskies and beers, and guests can nibble on unlimited snacks. We enjoy the chill atmosphere till 3am, when we wrap up our epic drinking adventure content, relaxed and ready for a good night of sleep.