The Honeycombers From its luxury restaurants to its tasty local delights, Hong Kong is one of the best places in the world for dining out. The latest opening to hit the Lan Kwai Fong area already has branches in New York, Singapore and Miami. So you definitely need to check out Employees Only for its fantastic cocktails, great service and late-night food menu.
Started in downtown Manhattan in 2004, Employees Only is a speakeasy, bar and restaurant that is known for its unique cocktail concepts and dining ambience. Following openings in Singapore and Miami – check out the interview with the founders over on our Singapore site, the Hong Kong location is the latest international opening from the brand, sitting right in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong.
Designed by iThink Consulting Group, Employees Only Hong Kong channels the original New York version, featuring an Art Deco-inspired interiors hidden behind a quirky entrance that points to a psychic’s lair. Inside, a serpentine bar moves through the centre of the 3000 sq-ft space that includes a main dining room as well as private dining area that can be curtained off.
One of the highlights of Employees Only Hong Kong are the bartenders who are known for their lively, free-pouring service. A number of illustrious names are behind the bar programme for the bar, including: Owen Gibler, Sean Marino, Jameel Frith and international bar trainer Zbigniew Zapert.
Drinks include a range of Employees Only classic offerings, such as the signature EO Gimlet – a navy-strength gin shaken with a house-made lime cordial with agave and kaffir lime leaves, and Ready Fire Aim, a shaken mezcal cocktail with lime juice, honey, pineapple, and a few dashes of hellfire bitters. A number of Hong Kong-inspired cocktails featuring locally sourced ingredients will be added to the menu over time.
From the kitchen, guests can enjoy bistro fare with Eastern European influences. Led by Chef James Black – formerly of Bo Innovation, the dinner menu is available until midnight, and includes dishes such as Steak Tartar with Crostini and Mixed Greens Salad and Bone Marrow Poppers with Bordelaise and Pastry Shell, along with a selection of daily specials. Employees Only will also be serving up a late night menu from midnight to 3am that includes hearty eats like Truffled Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and the Balkan Burger.
Employees Only, 19 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2468 2755, 中環蘭桂坊19號