As you may know from some of my other posts, Jeremy and I are huge fans of craft beer. When we moved to Hong Kong in 2017, we were pleased to discover a growing craft beer scene here. With new breweries opening and others continuing to grow, it's been fun to watch Hong Kong's craft beer industry flourish. In this article, I'll share some of my favorite craft beer bars where you'll find both local Hong Kong beer as well as find a selection of imported craft beer.
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Pro Tip: Craft beer in Hong Kong tends to be more expensive than in places like the US. Expect to pay ~HK $80 and up (US $10+) for a pint, depending on the beer.
Though I've included 16 bars on my list, there are MANY more bars in Hong Kong where you can find craft beer. This list includes bars that specialize in craft beer - offering draft beers in addition to a bottle list. Let's get started!
1) The Globe
I'll start the list with a Hong Kong favorite - The Globe - which has been open for more than 20 years. That's impressive for Hong Kong! Located just a block off the Mid-Levels escalator in Central, this British gastropub is a great place to grab a pint.
They serve a variety of local and imported drafts and have an extensive bottle list (~100+ beers). There's definitely something for everyone here! The British pub fare served is hearty and tasty. One of my favorites is the Steak & Guinness pie which is served throughout the afternoon (when most of the kitchen is closed). I'm also a big fan of the mac n' cheese - both at The Globe and generally in life!
2) The Boilermaker
One of my go-to happy hour places in Soho is The Boilermaker - though I've never actually ordered the boilermaker! This whisky and beer bar has happy hour until 9pm so even on a late work night, we can usually catch the end of it. Who doesn't love a discount?
I like sitting at one of the tables out front so I can people-watch - one of my favorite activities. Though they have a rotating draft list, I usually get the Moonzen Jade Emperor IPA which comes in the funky glass. Always a challenge to get those last sips!
Address: G/F, 45 Staunton Street, Central
3) Big Sur - CLOSED*
*As of October 2, 2021, Big Sur closed its doors and went to "Big Sur Heaven".
Wrapping up my favorite craft beer spots in Soho/Central is Big Sur - a California-style restaurant with 14 local craft beer taps. The restaurant has the look of an American diner and serves a mix of salads, tacos, and barbecue.
I enjoy sitting on the patio in front of the restaurant, which seems to belong to the hotel above it. Though the patio does not technically belong to Big Sur, they seem to have some sort of agreement with the hotel. As a result, if you want to sit outside, order and pay at Big Sur's bar inside. Then, pick up your drinks/food when they're ready to take them outside yourself. If you're not into self-service or are ordering a lot, I recommend sitting inside.
Address: G/F, 22 Staunton Street, Central
4) Ho Lan Jeng (formerly 65 Peel)
65 Peel used to be a go-to spot over in Soho, but in January 2021, it closed its doors and relocated to a new spot in LKF on Wyndam Street. Ho Lan Jeng is now a café and gastropub serving up a range of delicious menu items as well as craft beer and coffee. It makes a great lunch spot or a place to grab a drink after work.
5) Blue Supreme
A favorite place of mine to go after a day of walking and shopping in Central Hong Kong is Blue Supreme. Located on Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street) - a pedestrian alley lined with antique shops near Man Mo Temple - it has a quaint neighborhood feel to it.
The thing I like most about Blue Supreme is that they specialize in live and bottle conditioned beers. So, they have a unique selection of sour and funky bottled beers that are hard to find in most places in Hong Kong. In addition, they also have a good selection of local hoppy crafts on tap too!
Address: 21 Tung Street, Sheung Wan
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6) Alvy's
Heading westward on the island, we come to Alvy's. Inspired by New York City's pizzerias, it combines two of my favorite things - pizza and beer. In addition, it is also home to over 20 types of American Bourbon - the largest selection in Hong Kong. So even if you're not a fan of beer, you'll have great cocktail options to pair with your pizza.
Alvy's has a regular line-up of various Young Master local craft beers on tap as well as a few imported drafts. Its daily happy hour on favorites, such as the Classic Pale Ale and the Jeng IPA, make it a great spot to stop for an after-work drink with friends.
Address: 8 Holland Street, Kennedy Town
7) Grain - CLOSED*
*As of July 2023, Grain closed its doors permanently.
While you're in Kennedy Town, take a walk along the waterfront and stop by Grain - a gastropub and experimental brewing facility which opened in May 2021.
Once the home of Little Creatures Kennedy Town, an Australian microbrewery, this giant venue was passed on to a local Hong Kong craft brewery - Gweilo Beer. After a neon makeover, Grain, a partnership between the restaurant group Woolly Pig and Gweilo Beer, was born.
Grain is serving up a range of upscale snacks, sharing plates, and mains to accompany the 24 craft beers they have on tap. Most of the brews are Gweilo (obviously). But you'll also find a couple that are throwbacks to the Little Creatures days as well as a few from other local Hong Kong breweries.
In my opinion though, one of the best reasons to visit Grain is because it contains the Gweilo Brewlab. This research and development brewing facility is where you can taste unique beers that aren't yet available elsewhere.
Address: 3-5 New Praya, Kennedy Town
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8) The Roundhouse - Chicken + Beer - CLOSED*
*As of March 2023, The Roundhouse closed its doors permanently.
If you're into craft beer and fried chicken, this is the spot for you! Located one street over from the festive Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai, it's a great spot to grab a beer after admiring festive decorations.
In case you're wondering, wasn't there also a Roundhouse - BBQ + Beer? Yes, but sadly the Peel Street location in Central closed its doors on December 5, 2021.
For more restaurant suggestions, check out my post 'Where to Eat in Hong Kong'!
9) Hoppy Junction
On the edge of Wan Chai, Hoppy Junction has 14 local taps which represent a nice variety of Hong Kong's craft breweries. Ordering the paddle allows you to sample 6 of their drafts. In case you can't find something on the draft list you want, they also have bottles from local breweries.
10) Second Draft
If you've had a rough day of shopping in Causeway Bay (or, of following your loved one around while they shop), head to Second Draft for a craft beer! Your day will look better - I promise!
Second Draft is located in the Fashion Walk shopping complex in Causeway Bay and has some nice outside seating. Here you'll find a wide variety of local and imported drafts as well as highball cocktails from Young Master. They get new beers in frequently so you can always try something new. Come hungry to try the unique fusion fare!
11) Hong Kong Island Taphouse
After strolling through Victoria Park on a weekend afternoon, head over to the Hong Kong Island Taphouse in Tin Hau for a cold local brew.
They have a great selection of local Hong Kong craft beers on tap as well as numerous bottles. The taphouse itself is a double-storefront so it's more spacious than most Hong Kong restaurants. This appeals to me after fighting weekend crowds!
12) The Madhouse Taproom
The Madhouse Taproom not only has a great selection of craft beer, but also craft ciders, on tap at both of their locations.
The Madhouse Taproom - Mongkok
The Madhouse Taproom in Mongkok is a cozy space with 20 draft taps. I enjoyed trying a couple heavier beers (imperial stouts) from breweries in the UK and Scotland on my last visit to Madhouse. Since I live in Hong Kong and drink a lot of local beer, sometimes it's fun to mix it up!
Address: G/F, 16 Yim Po Fong Street, Mong Kok
The Madhouse Taproom - Causeway Bay
Located at the edge of Happy Valley, the Madhouse Taproom CWB is a bright and airy gastropub is a delight for craft beer lovers as well as anyone looking for a tasty bite to eat. When we visited for brunch, I enjoyed sampling some of the hazy IPAs on tap. The eggs benedict with smoked salmon were a great complement to the beer.
13) Zhang Men Brewing Company
Zhang Men Brewing Company is a Taiwanese brewery that I fell in love with when I visited Taipei before moving to Hong Kong. We visited a location a few blocks from our hotel in Taipei and I celebrated my 32nd birthday there!
Although they used to have two locations in Hong Kong - in Tsim Sha Tsui and Sai Ying Pun. Sadly, the Sai Ying Pun location, which was closest to where I live, is now closed. But a trip across Victoria Harbour took me to the TST location which was equally awesome. The food is as good as I remember and they have a wide range of delicious beers on tap.
First time at the TST location and pretty pleased!
Address: 64-66A Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
14) Kowloon Taproom
Although Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) can get crowded on the weekends, the street on which the Kowlooon Taproom is located is fairly quiet. With a robust selection of local craft beers and 90's music that made me nostalgic, I enjoyed the vibe at this cozy bar. We haven't tried the food here yet, but there's a mac n' cheese on the menu calling my name for next time!
Address: 17-19 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
15) TAP - The Ale Project
Located in the bustling shopping district in Mong Kok, The Ale Project features a selection of seasonally suitable Young Master Ales as well as imported drafts. With 18 local and imported taps and a unique fusion food menu, it's a great place to stop after a day of exploring Kowloon.
Since it's a small space, it does get crowded, especially on weekends, so be prepared to squeeze in.
Address: G/F, 19 Hak Po Street, Mong Kok
16) Momentai
Momentai is probably the most challenging one for visitors (and me!) to get to on this list. Located out in Sai Kung, a chill, family- & dog-friendly neighborhood in New Territories, it's a beautiful spot to relax with a beer!
If you're taking a day trip to Sai Kung to explore or do some island-hopping, consider ending your day with a cold beer and a delicious quesadilla at Momentai.
Address: 43 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to go out and try some of these awesome Hong Kong craft beer bars? The delicious variety of local Hong Kong beers and imported drafts available in Hong Kong make it a great spot for craft beer lovers.
Let me know in the comment which Hong Kong craft beer bar is your favorite!
Cheers!
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