[Hong Kong Night] Maggie Choo’s…Where connections blossom in a fleeting moment

"Is this Maggie Choo's?"

To the question confirming the destination, two menacing, burly men brightened up and nodded. As if saying, "You’ve come to the right place," they stepped aside and opened the entrance. Stepping inside, I looked around in confusion—there was no sign of alcohol or music. Just as I started to wonder, a staff member pressed a button on a desk, and a massive door slid open, revealing the true face of 'Maggie Choo's.'

Maggie Choo's is a unique, exotic bar located in Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong. Singers perform incessantly to set the mood, while dancers provide endless entertainment with their steps. From jazz to somewhat provocative performances, it’s a place where it's hard to feel bored even after sitting for hours. While there are many Asians, including Koreans and Chinese, it is mostly Westerners who order liquor by the bottle and savor it slowly.

The cost-effectiveness is also excellent. A cocktail costs about 20,000 KRW (approx. 15 USD), and no one gives you a hard time for staying through several hours of performances after ordering just one drink. Of course, the comfortable seats are reserved for those ordering by the bottle, but many people enjoy their time at the bar or in the standing area. After midnight, it’s difficult to even snag a spot at the bar.

The slight lulls between performances and the fact that many people visit in same-sex groups increase the possibility of "hunting" (meeting new people). Maggie Choo's is popular among groups of friends—typically 2 or 3 women or 2 or 3 men—who come to enjoy the drinks and the show. Since most are tourists, it's easy to strike up a conversation. During the breaks between shows, it’s a great setting to talk about travel stories or future plans. It’s an ideal spot to look for an opportunity without being too overt. Even if you don’t "succeed" in meeting someone, the performances alone make it a worthwhile experience. Tonight, as always, the night at 'Maggie Choo's' is colored with many hues.

 

◈ In One Line

The moment the door of silence opens, an nocturnal city of aesthetic pleasure unfolds.