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Originally published by Jenny Leung. Last updated by Annette Chan.
Let’s face it—there are more bars than there are coffee shops in Hong Kong, and with such fierce competition, there’s no choice but to step up their game—literally! This might explain the overwhelming number of beer pong and billiard bars that have opened up in recent years—a trend that has undeniably dominated the city’s nightlife scene. So if bog-standard happy hours just don’t cut it anymore and you want to add more excitement to your night out, check out these hotspots.
Conveniently located in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, Racks is the perfect casual dive bar and gaming venue that Central desperately needs. This unpretentious bar does not mess about when it comes to having fun—there aren’t any over-the-top interiors or gimmicky set-ups here. What they do have is a great atmosphere, nostalgia-inducing 1990s hip-hop soundtrack, and a well spaced-out collection of pool tables, beer pong tables, and dart machines.
Racks City, 2/F, Winning Centre, 46–48 Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 2686 0400
Bowling is not often the first idea that pops into your head when you’re making your weekend plans, but perhaps Tikitiki Bowling Bar can help change that. Experience the thrill of knocking down bowling pins against a beautiful video-wall backdrop on their Krakatoa bowling lanes, sip on some of their exotic cocktails at the Sea Dogs & Mermaid bar, or chow down on some island fusion cuisine at their Beach Bums & Cannibals restaurant (where do they come up with these brilliant names?). Stunningly decorated, Tikitiki gives bowling a whole new makeover.
Tikitiki Bowling Bar, 4/F, Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung | (+852) 2657 8488
This classic billiard bar is one of the OGs (if not the OG) when it comes to beer pong in Hong Kong. Not only does Joe’s have your standard pool tables, darts machines, and beer pong tables, but also a full-on display of more than 100 pieces of pool and dart collectables and accessories at their Tsim Sha Tsui location, just waiting for you to take them home. And we must give Joe’s food menu a shout-out, as it has everything from healthy green salads to burgers, soups, and a two-page selection of Cantonese dishes to satisfy your mid-gaming hunger pangs.
For fans of Fight Club, the reference in this Central bar’s name is an immediate giveaway—but if that doesn’t clue you in, then the boxing ring by the entrance surely will. This swanky, neon-lit space serves as a boxing gym by day and a cocktail bar and sports lounge by night. Drop by on Friday or Saturday nights for the regularly scheduled professional fights, or hop in the ring yourself at any other time to duke it out with a frenemy. If you’re more of a lover than a fighter, you can also entertain yourself with the billiards and shuffleboard tables or eight-screen TV wall.
Paper Street, B/F, The Pemberton, 22–26 Bonham Strand, Central | (+852) 3590 2296
If you’re looking for some all-round boozy entertainment, then PONG is the place to be. Decked out with award-winning digital PONGConnect tables, a special PARTYConnect table, and an interactive touch screen table offering a variety of multi-player games, PONG Knutsford is perfect for a night out with the gang. You can even book yourself a karaoke room and turn your night into a private music fest!
PONG Knutsford, 2/F, 10 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Shui | (+852) 2536 0322
Step right up, step right up—the Carnival has arrived! Besides the standard dart machines and beer pong tables, this quirky venue also boasts an LED light-up craps table, which can also be converted into a game of Rainbow Coin Toss, and an electronic roulette table in the private Enchanted Room. And how can we not mention the super Instagrammable cocktails and shots on offer? With a combination of bright lights, fun games, and great music, you don’t want to miss out on a night at the Carnival.
Carnival Bar, 6/F, 8 Observatory Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3705 3985
Tucked away on the upper floors of Kwan Chart Tower on Tonnochy Road, Billidart is another classic that has been on the local nightlife scene for a while. With drinks, music, food, and games, this is your one-stop hub that has everything you need for a good night out. Both their seventh and eighth floors are available for walk-ins or private functions. While the eighth floor has a classic sports bar vibe, the seventh floor boasts a raw industrial style with vibrant murals by local artists on all the walls. They also do a sweet buy-one-get-one-free drink deal during happy hour so it’s a great place for whenever you and your buddies are in need of some after-work tipples.
Billidart Restaurant & Bar, 7/F & 8/F, Kwan Chart Tower, 6 Tonnochy Road, Wan Chai | (+852) 2144 3010
Spread across a two-storey venue, Zerve is definitely one of the more popular names on the street. There are pool tables, dart machines, all the beer pong tables you need, and if you’re up for a bit of console gaming, they even have games like Nintendo Switch and Street Fighter on the eighth floor. And that’s not all, folks; this beer pong haven constantly hosts different types of competitions with prizes ranging from straight-up cash (who doesn’t love that?) to gob-smacking goodies like festival tickets. For the latest offers, keep an eye on their Facebook page.
Zerve & Zerve Plus Bar, 8/F & 9/F, Zing!, 38 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay | (+852) 5688 2723
Born in Hong Kong and raised in the UK, Jenny grew up with the best of both worlds. She loves just about anything to do with music and doesn’t shy away from belting out a tune or two when it comes to karaoke. If she’s not out and about exploring the city and practising her photography skills, she’s probably tucked up in bed with a book or glued to her laptop doing her online shopping.
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