Hop Sing Laundromat

I’ve have been to speakeasy bars all over the country. From The Varnish, Bourbon and Branch, the Dead Rabbit, and Williams and Graham. This was so not worth the cab ride–
FYI– while I appreciate the no cell phone or picture policy, it helps if your staff isn’t using cell phones to take your order. The guy at the door is just rude. I’ve been to plenty of bars where they have strict rules and policies, you can do that without being rude. They want to be a speakeasy but they have a lot of work to do to get there. It’s going to take more than a rude door man and an unmarked door to qualify.

Hop Sing Laundromat is easily the most emotional place I’ve ever been for a drink, and I love it for that. I was having a horrible day and I decided to give it a try and it must’ve been fate because Le and his bar gave me an experience I’ll never forget. If there were only one place in the world I could go for a drink and to relax, it would be Hop Sing. Thank you for your generosity and for going out of your way to make my night one I won’t soon forget.
I recommend the Ivan Drago, Be My Number Two, and the Paloma.
Sometimes you are lucky enough to experience things in your life that you’ll take with you. I’m so grateful I’ve discovered Hop Sing.

The only «speakeasy» I have been to that has made efforts to stay true to the word.
Definitely an experience you should have if you are in Philly. You probably won’t find better drinks anywhere else in the world.

Great drinks! Really hard to find so go with people that have been there before. When you go in, they bring you into the waiting area and give you a list of rules. No social media, no pictures. Great speakeasy vibe on the inside. Lighting is very dim. Drinks are superb. I came here close to 2 years ago and I still remember the basil gimlet I drank. Unique combination that worked so well. Good and strong.

Pretentious, rude, odd, and completely full of itself. But let’s be honest, that’s half the reason you’re there.
We walked up to the odd metal door and push the buzzer. A guy came out and told us «you have to wait, the scanner’s borken» and shut the door. 5 minutes later he came out again «still not working» shut the door. Then the owner came out «give me your Ids». Against all better instincts, we handed our ids. He shut the door. 5 minutes later, we were handed our IDs and inquired if we were with a group. «they said there were three of you, there are four. Is this it? I can’t run a business like this!» We apologized, and he let us in.
First is the entrance room. Small, with uncomfortable seats, you sit and are lectured about the rules. No sneakers. No cell phone conversations (texting is okay). No pictures, not even selfies. Be respectful. Ask before you leave. Ask if you need to make a call. You must order at least 2 drinks.
Finally we were let into a cavernous room with elegant dark wood tables. Really very 20’s vibe. We joined our table. One guy was getting incredibly girly «mocktails» and thoroughly enjoying them. A waiter immediately came over to answer any questions and give us menus. After he left, my friends warned me not to go off menu. Of course, I did — ordering a Sazerac. It was incredibly one of the best I’ve had — including in New Orleans, going down smooth, with an intoxicating aroma. For my next drink I asked if they did a Flip Royal (also off menu). The waiter checked and they didn’t, so I went with something else who’s name escapes me, but equally drinkable and incredible.
The service inside is equally and opposite to the greeting at the door. In some ways I think it enhances the impression you’re getting great service (in comparison), but I also think it’s just a place that doesn’t take crap from patrons or staff. If you have a problem with that, they just don’t need you there.

If not for the bizarre first 3 minutes you have to endure to get in, I would be giving 5 stars.
I’m certain it’s part of «the show» and to immerse you in the speakeasy experience; once the door man comes out after you buzz, you’re grilled with a few questions, and he even asked for my ID, disappeared behind another door and thankfully came back with it and let me in. Then you are read the «house rules» which basically prohibits cell phone and camera use of any kind. I was so close to just bailing and go somewhere where I would feel welcomed.
Once past this however, things vastly improved.
The room is beautiful; crowds are controlled so it never gets jammed in here ensuring a great experience for all. The drink menu is extensive and inventive, and the staff was super friendly. Definitely some of the better cocktails to be had in the area.
On the down side, no food whatsoever and cash only.

Hop Sing is a one of a kind experience in Philadelphia. A few spots in the city have tried to accomplish the speakeasy atomsphere but this is the first one I’ve been to hat really lived up to expectations.
Warning: there are some rules like no pictures, no talking on the phone, cash only and no shorts or jeans or sneakers or sandals (mainly for men). If you’re a phone junkie/​addict and hate just enjoying the company of humans this spot isn’t for you.
This place is all about the vibe. You walk up to a gate in Chinatown with no signs/​indication where you are and wait to be allowed in (there can be a line so beware). Once inside you sit and they breakdown the rules. From there you finally get to your table. It’s an large room with a rustic almost archaic feel. There is exposed brick on the walls and minimal lighting.
The menu is large splitting up all their uniquely named cocktails into alcohol base type (about 8 – 12 per type of alcohol). There is also always a special menu of drinks that rotate. Every cocktail is not only packed with flavor but packed with alcohol. Beware: because the drinks taste so good you want to suck them down but you may end up super tipsy super fast. There is something for everyone in this one of a kind spot. Go check it out!

Cash only, dress nice, be cool, don’t be loud. Great establishment.
Some turd decided to report my previous review to Unilocal because it only said the above.
HOWEVER: that is all you need to know. Don’t wear sneakers, and partake in the experience by abiding by the rules. If you are loud and obnoxious, be prepared to be asked to leave.
GREAT ESTABLISHMENT

Came here for the first time with two friends on a Wednesday night. It’s prohibition style so they bouncer does the whole act where he’s really serious about checking your IDs but then once he brings your inside he was really chill wall explaining the rules of the bar. Once inside it was exactly what you expect of a Prohibition style bar where it was dark with a lot of small tables. You can’t take any pictures or selfies once inside or take any phone calls. Drinks are a little pricey, probably between $ 10-​$ 15 each. Cash only is well with no ATM on site. Definitely a cool place to try out once but I’m not sure that I’d go back again.

Wow, apparently Hop Sing has had quite a polarizing effect on the Unilocal community! Most of the 1 or 2 star reviews were all bad experiences with it’s rough side — the strict rules and doormen and what not.
There are some incredibly resourceful reviews here, so I won’t rehash it all. I’ll just say that if you take time to do your research and don’t take yourself so serious, you’ll find that this place is one of the most unique places in any city with cocktails that are all at once familiar but surprisingly fresh and new.
If you’re a friend and in Philadelphia, this will be the first place I take you.

Now I have not been to very many speakeasies in Philly (roughly 4 – 5) but Hop Sing is my favorite. Located on Race street in between 10^th and 11^th, you’ll spot it by its long outdoor line of couples and friends. You start off by stating your parties size when you get to the front of the line, but try to keep parties small, as there is only 1 table that seats more than 4. From there you’ll find yourself being quizzed for the rules by an Asian man wearing a red suede suit. The rules are simple… 1) no pictures. 2) if you need to take a call, please walk to the waiting room.
Now that you’re seated you’ll face an incredible menu of cocktails that seem overpowering by the ingredients alone. Don’t be worried, the high quality liquors blend so smooth that I often forget I’m drinking alcohol. That being said, after 2 of these I’m pretty buzzed/​drunk. My personal favorite is the side car (see my picture). It’s basically a ton of quality cognac and lemon juice, but it also comes with a side cart of extra booze.
Maybe I’m bias because I live in the neighborhood, but all my friends love it as much as I do! Oh, and if you’re a penn state alumni check out the picture in the bathroom of the original campus. It’s so cool!

Easily the best liver-​slaying cocktails in the entire city using the BEST possible ingredients (the «well» liquors are most places top shelf), served in a really cool, straight out of prohibition style atmosphere that will impress even the most fru-​fru and exacting cocktail enthusiasts (read alcoholics) and the rest of us in suit. This place has more character than a casting office and is always entertaining, provided you aren’t a complete idiot (even partial idiocy is fine to a degree).
All you have to do is basically ONE SIMPLE THING… DON’T WEAR SNEAKERS. It doesn’t matter if Kanye West blessed them during a sacred ritual (for 20 bucks as he’s broke most likely), or if they cost $ 1000 dollars (in which case you should probably re-​evaluate other things in your life other than not being able to get into this place)…you aren’t getting in. Otherwise… since I definitely can’t count, I’d advise not making calls on your cell phone or taking any pictures (ugh your insta and snap accounts will just have to suffer.) So I guess in all fairness it’s three things… but really… just follow those simple little guidelines and you’ll be fine, likely beautifully buzzed and have an otherwise amazing experience.

Hop Sing Laundry has been named by Condé Nast Magazine as one of the top 30 bars in the world. That’s high praise for this mysterious speakeasy located behind a signless, non-​descript door in the middle of Chinatown. By now everybody knows the rules — you are given a speech in an anteroom before being allowed to enter and no photos or telephone conversations are allowed. Cash is only accepted here. There’s also a dress code that isn’t too strict but forget about sneakers and shorts and tee shirts. What do you get in return — a superbly crafted cocktail served in a low-​lighted, red-​velvet-​walled atmosphere. I love their Wisconsin Iced Tea which is made with Barrow’s ginger liqueur mixed with Death’s Door gin, Pimm’s #1, oolong tea, lemon juice, mint and falernum. Their Mack the Knife is another cocktail I would recommend with Karlsson’s Gold Polish vodka, Kronan Swedish Punsch, and Angostura bitters. Kyle the bartender serving me on a recent visit was not only skilled in drink making, he was pleasant to chat with. Hop Sing Laundry indeed might be one of the best bars in the world!
Tip for visiting Austrians or Austrian-​Americans:
Hop Sing Laundry stocks Stroh’s Austrian rum on its top shelf. You can request this potent libation in your rum drinks or as a chaser.

This is my favorite place for cocktails in Philadelphia!
It’s a hidden speakeasy style bar in the heart of China town. You wait outside an unmarked door until Mr. Lee comes down and takes your ID. Once he has checked them he brings you upstairs and makes you sit in a room and tells you the rules-​no pictures and no phone calls. Once you are aware of the rules you are shown to your seats.
The room is dark and eclectically decorated. There are candles on every table giving the place a very sexy vibe. Everyone has a seat either and a table or the bar, no one is really standing around. I’ve sat at a few different spots but really enjoy sitting at the bar when I’m with one other person because I love watching the bar tenders make the cocktails.
The menu has a wide variety of fun and interesting drinks. It is set up by what type of alcohol is in the cocktail so there is something for everyone! They also have a menu of specials which frequently changes. The drinks run about $ 12 but are strong, unique and DELICIOUS. I would suggest the Bramble if you enjoy gin!
The waiters and bartenders here are all wonderful. They are knowledgable of menu and very attentive. They truly make the entire experience something special.
Make sure you bring cash and follow all of the rules and you will have a wonderful time!

I wonder if the people who posted photos of the outside are banned for life…
Stopped in right around 5 on a Thursday for a quick drink. It was only 5pm so we got right in– sorry I don’t have too much info about the whole «interrogation» that you go through with Lee prior to entering. He gave us the lowdown in the room before the bar. No phones, no photos, etc. I love snapchat soooo this was annoying. But thats the point of this, right?
Love the whole dim lighting, prohibition ambiance. Drinks run ~$ 12-​$ 18. I had one old fashioned and then had to run to a spin class. That was fun…
I think this is a great pre-​dinner drink spot.

Don’t bring your laundry here!
I would have done a Unilocal check-​in but I’ll be damned if I knew the name of this place! No signage and very hush-​hush. We came here with another couple on Saturday night and we lived to tell.
There is a major process involving getting in. We only waited about 7 minutes to be «called up» to the front of the relatively long line. We were read the rules (no photography, no videos)…basically, don’t be a tool and Instagram/​Facebook your entire visit. They took our licenses from us to ensure we haven’t been charged with such rule-​breaking in the past. This made me a little nervous, but the people I was with didn’t seem fazed (two of which were attorneys). If they were okay with it (of all people) then I figured I would just go with it also. Minutes later, licenses back in our hands, we were whisked through a velvet curtain into the lounge.
Hop Sing reminded me of Apotheke in NYC’s Chinatown (another speakeasy) but Hop Sing is way swankier and sexier. Dim lights, expertly crafted cocktails, and great music. They don’t crowd you in like sardines, so there is plenty of elbow room by the bar. The four of us were seated at a nice table and we enjoyed our waiter service. Each cocktail was better than the next and we had fun experimenting with new liquors. Don’t visit hungry (they don’t serve any food) — visit with a sense of adventure for trying some new libations and enjoying a phone-​free world.
Candles everywhere, velvet seats, it was just beautiful.
You did us right, Hop Sing… we’ll return.

I come here time and time again because I love the drinks! Every drink is well made and very interesting. However, the snootiness of this place really gets on my last nerves. I understand the appeal of trying to make this an exclusive place but some of their rules are just ridiculous.
One rule they have is that if you have a party greater than 5 there is a two drink minimum for each person. My problem with this is that when our party a waiter didn’t take our order until 15 mins and then it took another 30 mins to actually get our drinks. It was difficult to even get a hold of our waiter and we were just sitting around waiting. At least if you’re going to have a rule like that, the service should be tentative and efficient.
I will probably stay away with big groups and go with one or two other people as a pre/​post dinner place.

We had a great 1^st time here and I hope many more times to come. It was so sexy, unique and fun. We have done the speakeasy thing in NYC never here in Philly. The hardest part for me was by far the no picture rule. It was so beautiful and conveyed the time period so perfectly I wanted to snap away. It’s a big no no! Big! You WILL be kicked out and asked not to return.
The drinks were so incredibly unique and hard to choose. I would tell you what they were called but the menu is top secret. We asked our sweet waiter dressed in 20’s perfection looking dapper his advice and he steered us in the right direction. Hubs had a drink with chili but had a cream on top to cool your lips down and I had some blackberry drink. Yum! About $ 15 each or so.
We rang the bell, waited for someone to come out, handed them our license and waited again. A total of 30 minutes on a cold, rainy night but it was definitely worth it. (I think it took so long because we were first timers. I’m pretty sure they keep a list of people who have been there before and followed the rules.) In fact my husband kept saying «this better be worth it». It absolutely was! It was so great. We were actually out for our anniversary and it was perfection. I love how secretive it is. It makes you actually feel like you need to be sneaky and are a VIP.
Follow these rules: No sneakers. No large parties. The two parties in front of us did NOT get in for these reasons. No photos. Be patient. And you’re golden.

Despite the fact that you might have to wait in line, outside. Your ID being taken away, while you’re waiting outside, it’s all worth it!!!
Your best bet is to come here during weekdays, you will get the best experience if you come during weekdays.
After you get pass the iron door, the door man is going to brief you in a waiting room, where you have to hear about all the house rules. Obviously no cell phones is allowed once you’re in the main drinking area. The room is very dark so it’s gonna be very hard for you to read the menu.
Start of with the menu, then start asking recommendations from your server. Make sure you know what kind of spirit you usually drink, what type of flavor you like-​boozey, citrusy, flip, or creamy. This will help the server to give accurate recommendations.
It’s better if you limit the size of your group size, I would say four to five is the max.
You can’t really compare HSL to Franklin Bar since they’re not exactly apple to apple. Both are unique in its own way and both are my favorite places to get craft cocktail in Philly.

One of the best speakeasies in Philadelphia but it comes with a few strict rules
1. no sneakers
2. no photography or phone calls inside
A black gate in the middle of Chinatown is the entrance to HSL. There are no signs, only a doorbell to ring. A bouncer answers at the gate and checks out your attire before asking for ID. Then he proceeds to open the gate and seats you in their small anteroom where he threatens to remove you from the speakeasy if any of the rules are violated. They take their job very seriously here but once you enter the speakeasy, you start to understand why the rules were implemented in the first place. The atmosphere inside is unique, nostalgic, and calm. The focus here is on your companion and their drinks. The outside world melts away even before the sweet liquor touches your lips.