Want to keep your dinner party alive past 10 PM? Here are the best vaccine bubble restaurants and bars in Hong Kong to enjoy late dinner and drinks
Missing those late nights? Sick of the plastic divider on the table making conversations tricky? Well, here’s the good news: restaurants and bars that participate in the vaccine bubble scheme can extend their opening hours and number of people per table beyond the current social distancing regulations. Under the Type D license, venues can stay open until 2 AM and seat a maximum of 12 people per table. Under Type C, venues can stay open until midnight and seat 6 people per table (note that the specific opening times and seating arrangements are up to the venue).
Here’s your ultimate guide to vaccine bubble restaurants and bars in Hong Kong: how they work, where to find them, and which one to pick for your next outing.
NOTE: Social distancing rules in Hong Kong are updated frequently, please check directly with the venue for the current opening hours before you make a booking
Best Hong Kong vaccine bubble restaurants and bars July 2021
- Penicillin
- Shady Acres
- Alvy’s
- Wingman Central
- Big Sur
- Oolaa SoHo
- Chilli Figara
- Potato Head
- Samsen
- Cadillac Bar & Grill
How does the vaccine bubble work?
The Hong Kong vaccine bubble was off to a rocky start, with a lot of confusion among restaurant owners and the public on how it would work. So let’s break down what the vaccine bubble is really about.
Under the vaccine bubble scheme, restaurants and bars can apply for different types of licenses which allow them to bypass the current social distancing regulations if they meet all the criteria.
Restaurants with a Type C license are allowed to open until midnight, seat up to six customers per table, and operate at 75 percent capacity. In Type C venues, all staff members must have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Venues with type D license can open until 2 AM, seat a maximum of 12 persons per table, and operate at full capacity. The condition is that all staff members are fully vaccinated and customers have to show a record of having received at least one jab.
You'll need the LeaveHomeSafe app to enter Type C & D restaurants
Whichever type of venue you’re visiting, you must use the LeaveHomeSafe app to scan the QR when you enter. Type D venues also require you to provide proof of at least one dose of vaccination. You can scan the QR code on your vaccination record with LeaveHomeSafe to store a digital version on the app.
How to know if a venue requires proof of vaccination or not? It’s best to call up ahead of time to check as rules change frequently.
1. Penicillin
Photo credit: https://penicillinbar.com/menu/
Penicillin is Hong Kong’s first sustainable bar with a mission to produce minimal waste by the end of the night. Enjoy locally sourced food, such as burgers, tacos and fried chicken, wines and of course, cocktails. Are you brave enough to try the fermented vegetable concoctions?
Penicillin
- Opening hours: 12 PM - 2 AM
- Website: https://penicillinbar.com/landing/
- Address: L/G Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central
- Book via: (852) 9880 7995
2. Shady Acres
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/theshadyacres
You know Shady Acres is the cool kid of the Hong Kong restaurant scene when their website literally says they don’t have time for a website. Come for satisfying bites (grilled cheese sandwich anyone?), and an overwhelming selection of wines and a relaxed atmosphere.
Shady Acres
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 5 PM - 1 AM, Sat-Sun: 1 PM -1 AM
- Website: https://www.theshadyacres.com/
- Address: 46 Peel Street, Central
- Walk-ins only
3. Alvy’s
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/AlvysHK/
This Kennedy Town pizzeria is always packed and for good reason! They make both classic pizzas and some more innovative options for the adventurous foodies: try Bak Gwei with char siu for a Hong Kong twist or Ma-La-Di-Da with Sichuan pepper if you can really handle your spice.
Alvy’s
- Opening hours: Mon- Fri: 4 PM - 12 AM, weekends: 12 PM - 12 AM
- Website: https://www.alvys.hk/
- Address: 8 Holland Street, Kennedy Town
- Book via: website
4. Wingman Central
You could call it an obsession but we call it dedication. Wingman has nearly 20 types of wings, from classics like Buffalo to crazy flavor combinations like Japanese Katsu Curry to Espresso BBQ. Obviously, you have to try them all - and a 2-hour All-You-Can-Eat package is available for HK$350!
Wingman Central
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 12 PM - 11PM, Sat-Sun: 6 PM - 11PM
- Website: https://wingman.hk/
- Address: 6/F, Cheung Hing Building, 37 Cochrane Street, Central
- Book via: Klook
5. Big Sur
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/BigSurHK/
If you like craft beers and a good steak, look no further. Big Sur serves up USA Brandt Ranch beef with a generous helping of two sides of your choice and has an extensive menu of beers to wash it down with. We also love the retro diner aesthetic and outdoor seating.
Big Sur
- Opening hours: Tue- Fri: 11:30 AM - 12 AM, Sat: 10 AM - 12 AM, Sun: 10 AM - 10 PM
- Website: https://bigsur.com.hk/
- Address: 22 Staunton Street, Central
- Book via: website
6. Oolaa SoHo
With its lovely outdoor terrace and great drinks, Oolaa is one of our favorite summer hang-out spots so we’re happy to see it open late. Try the Mighty Mussels or any of the pastas, and finish it off with an apple crumble. Happy hour runs long (5 PM to 8 PM on weekends and public holidays) and there’s a different deal every night.
Oolaa SoHo
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 7 AM - 11 PM
- Website: https://www.oolaagroup.com/restaurants/oolaa-soho
- Address: G/F, Bridges Street, CentreStage, Soho, Mid-Levels
- Book via: Klook
7. Chilli Figara
Photo credit: https://www.chillifagara.com/gallery
Chilli Figara is a Sichuanese restaurant so if you love your spice, you’ll be truly spoiled here. Their menu takes you on a journey through all shades of spiciness, from neutral to burning and numbing. Pair it with an ice-cold cocktail and enjoy the ride.
Chilli Figara
- Opening hours: Open for dinner Mon-Sun: 5 PM - 11:30 PM
- Website: https://www.chillifagara.com/
- Address: Ground Floor, 7 Old Bailey Street, Soho, Central
- Book via: website
8. Potato Head
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/potatoheadhkmusic
Tropical cocktails. Indonesian food. A full-blown music room with a vintage sound system. Potato Head is simply one of the coolest spots in the city. Try the beef Rendang and Balinese Babi Guling at Kaum, and follow up with a refreshing Pedas Margarita at Eksotika Bar.
Potato Head
- Opening hours: Tues-Sun: 11 AM - 12 AM
- Website: https://potatohead.co/hong-kong
- Address: G/F, 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun
- Book via: hongkong@potatohead.co
9. Samsen
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/SamsenHK
Samsen’s signature boat noodles are what dreams of Thailand are made of — the fragrant broth takes 6 hours to make and it packs a lot of flavor! Pandan coconut dumplings are delicious too, so be sure not to skip dessert. Keep in mind that this is a walk-in only restaurant and it gets busy!
Samsen
- Opening hours: Open daily, lunch: 12 PM - 2:30 PM, dinner: 6:30 PM - 11 PM
- Groups of 6 people per table allowed
- Website: https://www.samsen-hk.com/
- Address: 68 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai
- Walk-ins only
10. Cadillac Bar & Grill
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/cadillachk
Cadillac Bar & Grill knows how to throw a good party: margaritas, tacos and a seemingly never-ending happy hour. Sit on the rooftop, watch life go by in Causeway Bay and slowly work your way through a long margarita menu.
Cadillac Bar & Grill
- Opening hours: Sun-Thu: 11:30 AM - 12 AM, Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM - 2 AM
- Website: https://www.elgrande.com.hk/restaurants/main/hong-kong/cadillac-bar-grill/en/
- Address: 7/F Hysan Place, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bayi
- Book via: +852 2521 2322
