Giving Agave A Shot
All photos taken by Kay Dulay
We’ve recently had a slew of reviews related to Latin-themed restaurants, but this one is a little different. Yes, it’s a Latin (Mexican, to be exact), and yes, it’s a really famous hangout for those looking for good fun and even better tequila. The difference is that it’s located not in the Philippines, but in Hong Kong! There’s just something about the Mexican taste that tickles the Asian palate. And while this bar focuses more on the 18+ beverages than burritos and tacos, it’s the Mexican spirit all the same.
Mezcalito Hong Kong is a bar at the heart of the On Lan Street business district. It is readily accessible when you’re in town, but being high above the city (on the 27th floor, to be exact) also makes it an ideal getaway in which to drink or dance your worries away. Don’t be fooled by the Day of the Dead skull logo, this bar is throbbing with the lively pulse of Hong Kong any day of the week!
Chicken Pops
First of Its Kind
Bars, unlike restaurants, aren’t as prone to specializing themselves. And yet that’s just what Mezcalito Hong Kong did, serving a different side of Mexico with premium agave spirits lacing their excellent cocktails. You might think that focusing on a specific type of alcohol doesn’t make for much variety, but you’ll be surprised at what you may find here. Across Hong Kong, they have the largest collection of agave-based spirits. Mezcalito did not stop there, as there are also vodkas, gins, rums, whiskey, and bourbon. Don’t like Mexican? Go here for the vibe and order any of the other drinks. There’s enough variety for everyone, from newbies to hardcore drinkers!
That makes Mezcalito the first of its kind in Hong Kong, serving stuff that you can’t find anywhere else. Add to that the smooth and upbeat atmosphere and great service from its knowledgeable stuff, and we were glad we discovered it while we were here!
Party Night Every Night
Mezcalito Hong Kong has theme days (or nights) just like most bars. We walked in on a Tuesday and landed in the middle of Dance Night! There are also Nerd Nights, and of course Ladies Nights (every Thursday). We learned that, naturally, the crowd here really picks up on Saturdays when the weekend party mood takes over not just Mezcalito but the whole city. Dance Night was still pretty chill and laid back, and one can still get a breather space looking at the amazing views out the windows. The colorful and comfortable lounges, inspired by Mexican and Californian looks, are also perfect for making conversation.
Of course, if you’re looking for a party, they got it. And there’s no better way to fuel it than Tequila, Mezcal, Sotol, and their peers!
We tasted various shots, such as double shots and their house tequila. Their menu mentions several signature cocktails that really bring out the agave tinge, engulfing us in the exotic flavors while we groove to the beat of hip hop and R&B. There’s their house tequila and double shots, and of course their cocktails. There’s a huge variety, so you would be forgiven if you cannot decide at first. Just say so and the waiter could give you a teaser of his recommendations before you order!
Kay had a drink called “Fresh on the Boat”, whose name was really apt as it was refreshing indeed! It turned out to be her favorite. There’s T-Adventure, which in contrast isn’t nearly as adventurous as the name suggests. Instead, it was fairly smooth and refreshing, too! We also had Smoky Sunrise, a red drink that played with the smoky flavors of mezcal. It does the spirit well as in these parts Mexican drinks tend to be under-appreciated. When you think of it that way, it’s even more remarkable how Mezcalito came to be, and how it evolved into the perfect hangout.
Ticking the Other Boxes
But of course, a bar’s success cannot rely only on the quality of its drinks (though that’s the biggest consideration). Aside from the well-informed and courteous staff, the place is also designed with the after-work crowd in mind. The low tables and plush chairs let people hang out and really talk, amidst the drinks and music. It does not forget how tech-inclined its patrons are, either, as there are phone chargers at every table. And yes, it also has its own Happy Hour, from 6-8 PM, which features a buy-one-take-one on all the house drinks.
Mezcalito certainly ticks all the right boxes. So if you find yourself in or around On Lan Street after sundown, make sure to head to this little hideaway. Sure, there are many good bars around Central, but too few can do it like Mezcalito.
Details : Mezcalito
Address: 27/F, 18 On Lan St, Central
Website : http://www.mezcalito.com.hk/
