Gay Accommodations in My Vicinity

Authored by Andrea Lo

Are you weary of the conventional establishments in Lan Kwai Fung and Wan Chai? Regardless of whether you're in pursuit of the premier drinking establishments to connect with kindred spirits, or perhaps you're the obligatory heterosexual companion seeking an experience far removed from your typical uninspiring evenings in Hong Kong - do consider exploring these establishments that are welcoming to the LGBT community within the city.

T:me Bar

Should your preference lean towards a tranquil evening, perhaps with a maximum of two beverages, then T:me Bar emerges as the ideal destination. Situated in an unpretentious alleyway within SoHo, this establishment cultivates a low-key and inviting ambiance, with patrons frequently extending their presence onto the street. You will be pleased to learn that wines are priced at $50 per serving, and mixed drinks commence at approximately HK$72 - costs that are unlikely to strain your finances. The happy hour extends until 9:30 PM each day, and on Thursdays, a delightful offer of complimentary vodka for gentlemen is available from 8:30 PM until supplies are exhausted. It would be prudent to arrive promptly!

The Clientele: Predominantly local and expatriate men in their twenties and thirties, many of whom are diligent professionals from the nearby Central district descending for the happy hour specials.

Suitable For: Relaxed weeknights, engaging in conversations with companions... and forging new connections.

Zoo

Embrace your inner wild side at Zoo, a lively drinking spot nestled in a corner of Sheung Wan, approximately a fifteen-minute stroll from SoHo. This venue presents a sensual environment adorned with black leather furnishings and subdued illumination. On Mondays, patrons can avail themselves of a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on martinis; Tuesdays feature bottle beers at HK$33 each throughout the evening; and on Wednesdays and Thursdays, a champagne mix is available for HK$68, or a bottle of Piper Heidsieck or Moët & Chandon for $650. The establishment experiences peak activity from around 11 PM, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays - however, in contrast to the more pretentious and fashionable venues in and around Sheung Wan, the dress code here is remarkably casual (shorts are perfectly acceptable). The bar occasionally hosts themed evenings, encouraging guests to dress accordingly! The happy hour operates from 7 PM to 10 PM, Monday through Saturday, and from 7 PM to 1 AM on Sundays.

The Assemblage: A blend of local residents and international visitors, though not solely comprising the financial sector professionals who frequently congregate around Lan Kwai Fong.

Ideal For: On weekend evenings, serving as the ultimate stop on a bar-hopping excursion. During weekdays, it's a fitting location for a drink or two following a nearby dinner engagement.

FLM

The individuals responsible for the now-closed LGBT-oriented establishment, Volume BEAT, are the proprietors of FLM, which occupies the identical premises in Sheung Wan, a mere stone's throw from Zoo. Upon entering the bar, one discovers a vibrant dance floor pulsating with live DJ sets, while the upper level offers a more serene setting conducive to observing others and engaging in pleasant discourse. A standard house spirit drink will cost you HK$75, and you can anticipate paying HK$20 less during the happy hour which runs from 7 PM to 10 PM, Monday through Saturday. Don't overlook the FLM Express special, providing complimentary beverages from 9 PM to 10 PM, Monday to Thursday!

The Demographic: A cosmopolitan gathering, consisting of tourists, expatriates, and local individuals across all age brackets.

Well-suited For: Commencing a celebratory night out on the weekend.

Linq

Take a seat on the rather steep steps of Pottinger Street outside Linq, a venue that draws substantial crowds on nearly every night of the week. To be precise, Linq is not exclusively a gay bar, although its "Guy's Night" on Wednesdays, which features complimentary vodka from 10 PM to midnight, attracts a diverse clientele spanning various ages, professions, and sexual orientations. Its proximity to the well-known Lan Kwai Fong district undoubtedly contributes to its immense popularity. Wines are priced at HK$68 per glass; beers at HK$60, and cocktails at HK$90. During the happy hour, which occurs daily from 5 PM to 8 PM, these prices are reduced to HK$48, HK$45, and HK$70 respectively.

The Patrons: Young, financially constrained, yet stylish gentlemen accompanied by their heterosexual female companions.

Appropriate For: Pre-gaming before venturing out, or enjoying a final drink before concluding the evening.

Bing Bing HK 

Located in Causeway Bay, the cocktail lounge and dance club known as Bing Bing HK (formerly operating as Circo) represents one of the more recent entrants to the social scene, distinguished by its breathtaking city vistas. While it serves as an excellent venue for unwinding with a few drinks on its comfortable sofas, the bar also curates frequent special events designed to energize the attendees, such as a Songkran water fight event (a splashy celebration marking Thailand's New Year festivities). The beverage prices here are somewhat elevated: cocktails range from HK$108 to HK$148. Fortunately, a daily happy hour is offered from 6 PM to 8:30 PM, providing a 30 percent discount on all drinks.

The Attendee Profile: While the establishment tends to attract attractive Asian individuals, it remains open and welcoming to others; it is by no means an exclusively LGBT venue.

Suitable For: Encompassing a spectrum from sophisticated evenings featuring cocktails to energetic nights dedicated to dancing.

Boo Bar

For those seeking an experience slightly off the beaten path, consider Boo Bar, a karaoke establishment situated in Jordan on the Kowloon side. Boo Bar's customer base primarily comprises "bears" (hairy, robust, mature men) along with their admirers, known as "chasers," and it stands as one of the select few LGBT-friendly venues in the city that caters specifically to this particular demographic. Here, patrons have access to an extensive music library, spanning everything from nostalgic classics to current chart-toppers. If singing karaoke isn't your preference, on the final Saturday of each month, a live DJ provides dance music. Beverages are priced in the range of HK$68-78 - upon purchasing a drink, you are granted unlimited singing privileges. Prior to 9 PM, a buy-one-get-one-free offer is in effect, and subsequently, the deal shifts to buy-three-get-one-free (!).

The Social Circle: Bears, more bears, and yet more bears... along with their admirers and acquaintances.

Ideal For: Expressing oneself through song, encountering bear individuals, or those who appreciate them.

Petticoat Lane

Residing within a recently fashionable venue in California Tower, centrally located in the heart of the city, Petticoat Lane ranks among Hong Kong's most highly regarded gay bars. This opulent bar and club is particularly renowned for its captivating drag performances featuring some of Hong Kong's most beloved drag artists. This inclusive establishment presents an ideal setting to dispel mid-week doldrums with a refreshing cocktail, delectable culinary offerings, breathtaking panoramas of Lan Kwai Fong, and an exhilarating drag show experience that is sure to be memorable!

The Cohort: A friendly, open-minded, and varied mix of local inhabitants and international visitors.

Perfect For: An environment brimming with energy and the city's premier drag entertainment.

Virus Restaurant & Bar

Nestled in Causeway Bay, Virus is an elegant lounge bar furnished with plush seating and radiating a relaxed ambiance. Established in 1997, Virus has long been a favored establishment in Hong Kong, offering exceptional happy hour promotions, delightful BBQ snacks, and a karaoke experience for those who enjoy belting out tunes. Although it has become more gender-inclusive in recent times, this location on Hong Kong Island is more commonly recognized as one of the two remaining lesbian bars in Hong Kong.

The Demographic: Sociable and like-minded ladies.

Ideal For: Post-work gatherings, unlimited beverage happy hours, and, naturally, a spot of karaoke.

Wink 

Characterized by its minimalist black interior punctuated by vibrant hot pink neon signage, Wink stands as Sheung Wan's most welcoming neighborhood gay bar. Operating late and featuring an array of drink specials and happy hour deals, Wink offers an intimate and playful atmosphere, proving quite popular with the local population. The establishment is especially celebrated for its intriguing selection of distinctive cocktails, complemented by an extensive assortment of premium wines, champagnes, and spirits. This lively Hong Kong gay bar also serves as a sanctuary for karaoke enthusiasts, occasionally hosting singing competitions for those confident in their vocal prowess.

The Clientele: Enthusiastic professionals in their twenties and thirties.

Perfect For: Indulging in cocktails and vocalizing tunes throughout the week.

Vibranium

Vibranium is a sophisticated cocktail lounge situated in Causeway Bay, housed within the same complex as Bing Bing. Open until 3 AM on weekdays and extending to 5 AM on both Fridays and Saturdays, this lively establishment is an ideal spot for late-night dancing on its generously sized dance floor. Having first opened its doors in 2020, Vibranium is a relatively recent addition to Hong Kong's gay bar and club scene, yet it has rapidly become a favored haunt for both international patrons and local residents. The bar also features exceptional Sunday gatherings, complete with unbeatable drink specials, where all standard cocktails, house wines, and prosecco are priced between $10 and $40 per glass starting from 2 PM.

The Crowd: Youthful and spirited locals and expatriates.

Ideal For: Late-night patrons and leisurely Sunday afternoon gatherings.

Andrea Lo, a freelance journalist and translator residing in Hong Kong, honed her craft as a staff writer for a lifestyle publication before transitioning to freelance work in 2015, a move she has never regretted. She dedicates her time to investigating Hong Kong's premier dining and nightlife establishments, experimenting with new fitness methodologies, and embarking on journeys to exotic locales - all under the guise of professional "research."