The next hip Lan Kwai Fong hangout – first impressions of Employees Only, a New York import
Originally opened in the Big Apple as a late-night spot for food and beverage industry staff coming off shift, the concept has spread to Asia. With tasty, well prepared food, this narrow space in entertainment district is sure to be a hit
Employees Only was a hit in New York when it opened in 2004 with the premise of catering to those in the food and beverage industry by staying open until 4am. The speakeasy quickly evolved into a hot spot everyone wanted to go to, and its success spurred the opening of a Singapore branch a year ago, and now one in Hong Kong.
While we haven’t been to the one in New York, we’ve been told the Lan Kwai Fong location looks pretty close to the original. The space is narrow and deep, and at the entrance is the long bar where drinks are prepared EO style – which means quickly without being measured. At the back is a dining area with 1950s American-diner-style tables.
We visited on the second day after the grand opening and, while it wasn’t too busy, we’re sure it will soon become the hippest hangout in the neighbourhood.
Service was a bit slow at the start, but the staff are friendly.
