Employees Only Hong Kong 4.39

A legitimate place for illegitimate people — officially open for business!

Employees Only is New York City’s inimitable speakeasy and restaurant located in the heart of the West Village. Opened in 2004 by five industry friends, the restaurant and bar is driven by an innate inclination for hospitality and a core tenet that one can enjoy flawlessly executed cocktails and delicious, elevated food, served in a beautiful space without pretense. Twelve years later, their vision remains intact.

In addition to a world class bar program whose acceptance is coveted by aspiring bartenders around the globe, Employees Only has gained a voracious and loyal following for their mysterious, convivial and hospitable ambiance and esteemed New American fare, distinguished by subtle Eastern European touches that pay homage to executive chef Julia Jaksic’s Croatian heritage. The bar has created industry classics out of its pioneering drink list, including their famed twist on the Manhattan, the seasonally adapted Ginger Smash, the Amelia, and countless others. Meanwhile, the kitchen continues to serve dedicated favorites like its Hand Cut Steak Tartare, Bone Marrow Poppers, Skate Paprikás and satisfying late night fare.

Reflecting an old world vibe through its art deco accents like overhead luggage racks and backlit paintings, Employees Only is curiously tucked behind a fortune teller’s lair. Upon arrival past this mysterious foyer, guests revel around a sensual curving bar and throughout an alluring, elevated back dining room.
Employees Only has been honored with Spirited Awards for “Best American Bar Team,” “World’s Best Cocktail Bar” and “World’s Best Drinks Selection” by Tales of the Cocktail, as well as eight consecutive appearances on Drinks International’s “World’s 50 Best Bars” list, including their 2016 win of the "Legends of the List" award.

In June 2016, Employees Only debuted its second outpost in the Chinatown neighborhood of Singapore, joining a flourishing dining scene and beloved cocktail community in the tropical city-state. Spearheaded by Igor Hadzismajlovic, one of the original five partners of the New York location, Employees Only Singapore is proudly training a new team of young bar apprentices and has gained recognition as a must-visit nighttime destination with a devoted local following and one of Asia's "Top 50 Bars".

In June of 2017, Employees Only opened its second Asia outpost in Hong Kong's bustling Lan Kwai Fong district, setting itself right within one of Asia's most lively and thriving nightlife cities. 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.

For additional information, please follow Employees Only Hong Kong on Facebook and Instagram. For press inquiries please email helen@employeesonlynyc.com.