4. Restaurants

Hop Sing Laundromat

1029 Race St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
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Hop Sing Laundromat Menu

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  • Brittany R.

    I went to meet up with 2 friends. I was by myself. I rang the door bell and the "bouncer" wouldn't let me in. Told me to text my friends. I was under the impression you couldn't use your phones in there. I waited outside for 10 mins when another group proceeded to ring the door bell. They were then let in. I asked if he could look for my friend since she wasn't answering my text. He said he could see what he could do. After another 10 mins my other 2 friends arrived. When they rang the door bell. I was standing next to them and he told my that I was annoying and wasn't going to let me in. This place is stupid. I will never give them any of my money.

    (1)

  • Imran N.

    For what Hop Sing is trying to do - it's not worth it. Please.... what a joke.

    (2)

  • David J.

    Ten min wait while they " check your ID" while you wait outside. Then you sit down in the waiting area while your friends already have a table inside. Of course when you finally make it inside, there are about ten people and twenty empty tables. Cocktails cost $14 each. Cash only. No pictures allowed. Please...

    (2)

  • Tammy K.

    This was one of the odder "speakeasies" I've ever been to. Lee comes out and inspects your clothes and shoes, and if you pass the the test (guys, just make sure you're not wearing sneakers), you get ushered into the entrance room, where he gives you a lecture on how phone are not allowed in the main area, and how the establishment is cash only. Once you acknowledge his spiel, he brings you into the bar area, which is surprisingly large (there are large tables for bigger groups as well as a long bar). We sat at the bar - the bartender was stuck-up, but the drinks were decent. Overall, it was kind of a 'meh' experience.

    (3)

  • Sandy T.

    Totally over rated! Ok fine, maybe their drinks are good, but seriously, we're in Philly and Philly is loaded with great places to have a good time. Why go to a bar that pretends to be exclusive by rejecting people at the door? Some people like that, but personally I don't have time for that. #justsaying For the prices and ambiance, I'd rather be at Franklin Mortgage Investment Co. or Ranstead Room. Also, if you've never been, it's cash only.

    (2)

  • Courtney J.

    If you like hand-crafted cocktails then this is the place for you. If you are impatient and can't follow rules, then maybe you should go somewhere else. I finally made it to the Hop Sing Laundromat. I was unsure if I even had the right place since it's not really marked. I nervously rang the doorbell and after a minute or so a polite gentleman came to the door and checked our ID's. We were then lead to a the dimly lit waiting area with a penny covered floor and antique bookshelves. We only waited a couple minutes there before Lee came in and told us the rules. We were the first people in the waiting area so he gave us the choice of sitting at the bar or a table. It didn't really matter to me at the moment, but looking back I'm thinking I should have chosen the bar so I could watch the drinks being concocted. Oh well, maybe next time. We were seated and given menus. One side contained classic cocktails and the other contained their specialties. There were too many things that sounded interesting to me. Our server recommended a simple drink with fresh squeezed orange and grape juices, and vodka called the Stonewall Riot. It seemed simple, but the fresh juice sounded refreshing. Our drinks arrived. You could taste the freshness of the grape juice in the drink, but it was just okay and didn't blow me away. I actually enjoyed what my boyfriend got better than mine. His was something with coffee. I wanted to try another drink, but we were short on cash (the bar is cash only) since it was a last minute decision to go to Hop Sing after dinner. We asked our server how much trouble it would be to go to an ATM and get some and then get back into the bar, and he said it wasn't a problem at all, just to tell the doorman on the way out. I waited while my boyfriend went down the street and ordered a Montana Payback when he came back. It was composed of apple brandy, rum, velvet falernum (a liquor typically used in rum drinks), muddled strawberry, thai chili, and cream. It was amazing...a little bit spicy, creamy, and complex. I finished the evening with an East Side, which was my favorite drink of the night. It was a gin based drink containing cucumber, mint, and simple syrup. It had just the right amount of sweetness and with cucumber being the main flavor and was the perfect summer cocktail. If you love cucumbers get it, but if you don't stay away. My boyfriend wasn't a fan. Lee came by several times during the evening to check on us and to see how we liked our drinks. The service was top-notch. I loved the atmosphere, the red walls, and soft lighting. I will most definitely be back! I can't wait to try new cocktails and have an East Side again! I will be prepared with more cash next time as well.

    (5)

  • Jason B.

    What can I say I had the highest expectations for this place and once I got in it was everything I could only have imagined. Great service, decor, and most importantly the drinks! I had a drink with a thai chilli with some cream on the top and rose petals in the drink. It was an incredible drink. Great time can't wait to visit again.

    (5)

  • Cynthia M.

    I've come here several times, and I've always had a good experience. The drinks are all carefully concocted, and they organize the menu by spirit, so it is easy to tell which sorts of drinks you may like. Drinks that I particularly like are the Stonewall Riot and the Paloma. The drinks are pretty pricey ($13-$15), but they are also pretty strong. Sometimes when I have gone, there was a 2 drink minimum, but other times not, so I'm not really sure what the policy is. A couple things they are really strict about (which I'm sure you've read about) is no photography, no phone calls, and no sneakers. Also, be sure to bring a United States driver's license or a passport when you come! They are strict about IDs. The servers are very attentive and are good with refilling water and answering questions about drinks. I would definitely recommend Hop Sing Laundromat if you are looking for a new drinks experience in Philly!

    (4)

  • Steve T.

    Of the three speakeasy's I've sojourned at (Franklin Mortgage, Ranstead Room, and now Hop Sing), I'd put Hop Sing at the top with regard to spaciousness and bar size. Each one has their own unique flair, and for Hop Sing it would be the warning speech given by the bouncer about no cell-phone chit-chat or pictures, said room to spread out and not feel like you are in an Industrial Revolution sweat shop fire trap, and the inventive concoctions with a decidedly fruity, citrusy flair. Now, having just left Han Dynasty, where chili oil, not 42, is the answer to everything, I needed something much more refreshing for the palat on the bell curve of mixed drinks. Bourbon, an old friend, had to be ditched like a college roommate tag along when Ms. Hottie bats her eyes at you. Likewise, the negroni, my go-to drink , was a no-go as the Campari would be just too bitter to quench the five alarm fire still raging in my mouth. No, I had to think outside the box, run the draw play on third and long, put the pimply faced kid in to make the last second jumper. I had to order a chick drink. Normally, when I need something a bit sweeter, I go with a mojito, as this is a just a yellow card violation of one's manhood. Drinks whose names connote joy, peace, or love...like "Orange Sunset", must be avoided. Rather, when unsure, I go for drinks whose names suggest just the opposite, like "Rabid Dog", "Louisiana Roadkill," or "Head on a Pike." With the chili oil still reminding me that esophogeal burning concoctions were not an option, I ordered "A Failed Entertainment", featuring gin, mint, and grapefruit. In an attempt to remain incognito, I put a brown paper bag over my head with just a few cutouts. This allowed me to enjoy this fruity drink, thereby countering Han's still smoldering fire, while preserving whatever shards and vestiges of manhood I had remaining. The night ended abruptly when the bouncer appeared and said it was a house rule that paper bags cannot be placed on one's head. My identity revealed, I shuffled out, head down and collar up, forever shamed by the still sticky residue of grapefruit on my lips.

    (5)

  • Nicole Q.

    was just as spectacular as i imagined it would be! The guy at the door and bartenders were all very nice. The atmosphere was very chill ans speakeasy like. so many drinks to choose from and they were delicious! pretty strong too.

    (5)

  • Lindsay H.

    Finally! Hop Sing is open for business. I've long been looking forward to this opening and lucky for me, my boyfriend has been stalking lee on twitter for some time now. Because he's an excellent twitter stalker, I was aware of their soft opening week and we made sure to make an appearance on the first night. Since then? We've gone two more times and plan to go many more. The detail in this place from the second you walk in to your last sip is remarkable. It makes you feel like you are the only person in the bar. There is so much care and thought to everything and I just adore it. Each waiter or waitress has absolutely steered me in the right direction drink-wise. These servers know their cocktails and that just enhances the experience. Our first waitress we even noticed from meeting her at a separate bar weeks before Hop Sing was opened! She made some wonderful cocktails for us that night and even remembered what we liked to drink when we saw her the next time...super impressive and a perfect example of how you feel when you're inside this place. On to the drinks...what is so special about this place is that I can tell each server or bartender flavors and liquors that I normally enjoy and BAM, they make a perfect suggestion for me. I tasted a rum and grape cocktail the last time I was there and despite not being the biggest rum fan, I absolutely loved it. Part of their secret is their alcohol selection. These are some special/exceptional alcohols. To explain it simply, their "well" tequila is patron. On my last visit, I tasted a vodka from Hawaii that I have never heard of and probably won't ever again at any other bar. To sum up, this place is great. The atmosphere is great, the cocktails are great and the service is great. I'm already thinking about my next visit!

    (5)

  • Thomas S.

    Fun place. Bit if showmanship about getting in. Don't come wearing ball caps or sneakers. You won't get in. No pictures allowed. Nice decor. Awesome strong drinks. Everything top shelf. $$$ but fun. Good date place.

    (4)

  • Kim P.

    I was here on a date. We were the first ones to arrive right at 5pm. I'll admit I was not used to having my drivers license taken and 'run' and also having to listen to house rules but it was totally worth it to watch the bartender craft drinks like he was an artiste. I had two and the tastes were so singular I have never had the likes of them before. However, be prepared to shell out some coin...each drink is about $14. Yikes! At least I was not paying. Cool vibe. Would go back.

    (5)

  • Michelle C.

    I'm in love with a bar. There's a waiting area with a shoe shine. There are candelabra with tall red candles. There's a Lee in a perfectly fitted cranberry velvet suit. Original prescriptions for alcohol during the Prohibition Era are framed and mounted to the walls. Delicious cocktails that taste far more complex than their basic ingredients would indicate are creative and certainly make for fun conversation (new favorite drink: tequila with strawberry). Bartenders are stylishly dressed, with excellent manners and service to match. Yep, it's love all right.

    (5)

  • Jill D.

    Amazing experience. Truly felt like we were Lê's personal guests. He's up front about the rules, escorted us to our seats once he'd recited them, and checked in with us several times throughout the night to see how we were found. Drinks were well made and presentation exquisite. Ambience of the place was incredible: you can see how much attention to detail went into the planning. You can certainly get cheaper drinks in Philly, but I don't think you could match the experience too often. Will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Jose A.

    If you wanna go to place with really great drinks (that are on the pricey side), that does not allow you to use your cellphone while inside, is a bit pretentious, and has a doorbell hard to find entrance then this is your spot...!!!

    (3)

  • Walter K.

    As Lee the owner would have your believe: "We're just a lousy bar." This is my favorite lousy bar. Cocktails only, Cash only, and a boat load of rules including no phone calls, pictures or children. It's perfect.

    (5)

  • Paige C.

    I think people can summarily grouped into "People that love Hop Sing" and "People who Hate Hope Sing." Unfortunately for me, this very polarizing bar is just not my cup of tea. Chalk it up to my absolute hatred of being told what to do, but if I am shelling out 15 bucks for a cocktail I will not deal with snobbery, rudeness and ridiculous rules. That being said, EVERYONE should try this place out and decide for themselves.

    (1)

  • Dara W.

    I was going to say this is my favorite hidden bar, but it might be my favorite bar, period. It's up there anyway. The cocktails are phenomenal and the space is unique. I wouldn't change a thing, except maybe to have a cozy nook area, as the whole dark, sexy, vibe makes me feel like it's a place to get closer. I think Lee is adorable. I see in the reviews some people are turned off by the rules, but that's what makes the scene cool/upscale and keeps the riffraff out. Who wants frat boys making calls on their cells, girls snapping selfies? It's transportive, and you won't find a more carefully crafted cocktail. Everything is made fresh - even the screwdriver will have freshly squeezed oranges. I wish we had more bars like this... but I also like that this one is special.

    (5)

  • Jessica F.

    Cash only, dress nice, be cool, don't be loud. Great establishment.

    (5)

  • Nancy L.

    Great marketing and solid drinks. We came early in the evening and happily did not experience the (in)famous pretense. Yes the drinks are high quality and well balanced but I'll pass on the melodrama. Thus I prefer Franklin Mortgage or better yet, Ranstead room where I never had a bad drink be it my selection or bartender's choice. The drinks and bartenders deserve five stars. Minus two stars for the circus act.

    (3)

  • Amanda P.

    I liken my experience to a throwback to the prohibition era mixed with that sense of "Oh shit I hope I don't get in trouble" that you haven't felt since you were a child. Equal parts awesome and nerve-racking. The first time I went, my friend and I only had the vaguest sense of where it was located, though the huge bouncer standing at attention behind the dark metal gate was a bit of a tip off. We were asked two questions, "Was this our first time?" Yes. "Are you from Jersey?" No. Apparently those were the correct answers. Now keep in mind here that we were flying completely blind and had no idea what to expect. As soon as we were led to a tiny room and given the "rules", my friend and I were convinced we had accidentally stumbled upon some sort of mafia or prostitution house and not our intended destination. I seriously was giving my friend the "should we leave?" eye, but we decided to stick it out. Emerging from the dark interrogation room into the gorgeously candlelit bar itself was not unlike seeing Hogwarts or Jesus. The staff was very attentive and the owner doesn't mind whipping up an experimental cocktail if you're into that kind of thing. The atmosphere is a mix of sleek sophistication and shh! we're in a library. A must-go.

    (5)

  • Lee B.

    Makes doing your laundry fun, really fun. First and foremost, Hop Sing is about cocktails. Some of the best cocktails I've ever had. Tasty, fresh and spot on. The cocktails aren't sugary like most other speakeasies, and the atmosphere is mysterious, unpretentious and enjoyable. Lee has done a fantastic job, making Hop Sing almost as unique as himself. I can only hope I'm a worthy 'stalker'; lucky enough to be invited back.

    (5)

  • Matt M.

    Mysterious...No not so much. Lee is an exacting gentleman and proprietor who wants everything just so prior to his opening. He wants to make it more than a bar but rather an experience. My Angel and myself were invited Saturday night at 5:30 to be guinea pigs for Lee, Toby and Rob and the bartenders. We all understand the rules but lets go over the basics: 1) Yes the floor of the vestibule is covered in pennies, has a shoeshine stand and is covered in shelves of books (and Campbell's Soup Chicken Noodle) and is a fitting entry this unique establishment. 2) Each and every piece on the walls, lamp, chair, light, fire extinguisher and bottle ladder were either hand chosen or designed by Lee. Each piece does its level best to act as a conversation piece or heighten your experience. 3) The "well" alcohol in this place is top shelf in most anywhere else you have been. Period. I have been to the King Cole Bar at the St Regis NY, Franklin Mortgage, Arnaud's in NOLA, Off the Record and Passenger in DC and can tell you that the overall experience (Booze Quality, Atmosphere, Bartenders, Service, Decor, Music) even before this place has opened is in the tops of those. When he does open, this place will be raved about and it will be well deserved. 4) The rules are the rules. No pictures, no one under 23, no hats, no phones etc. All the things you hate about the bar you go to (the idiot 21 year old in the turned sideways baseball cap and the wifebeater screaming at his idiot friends about the hottie at the bar he's gonna...) are all gone here. Imagine an establishment with quality cocktails served in an adult atmosphere where you can have a conversation with someone special. Sounds great to me. Sign me up for membership now! Allison and Joan were fantastic. Both had their own je na sais qua that led myself and my exquisite companion to be at ease while enjoying what they were making. Angel is a Gin woman so she was treated to an Aviation, Corpse Reviver Number 2 and "Gin Drink #1". We are naming that last one Gin Angel but not sure Lee will agree. I went the spectrum and started with Blood and Sand (Scotch), Hemingway Daiquiri (Rum) and finished with Old Fashioned (Bourbon). Everything was perfect. Mr. Lee we wait patiently for your opening. Thanks again for having us. The bar is wonderful and the team is fantastic.

    (5)

  • Andrea V.

    If you are going to go to a speakeasy style bar, this is the one to choose. I ended up here on a whim after dinner in Chinatown. The interior of the bar is beautiful, the proprietor is quirky but great if you follow his few simple rules, and the drinks were delicious. I'm partial to gin and vodka and this menu had plenty of gin and vodka based cocktails to choose from. They aren't as concerned with using fancy spirits as they are with serving a delicious drink...which is not the case at some of the other cocktail-centric bars in the city. I very much appreciate the clean, crisp, flavorful-without-being-over-the-top drinks. The service is attentive (take one sip of water and someone materializes to refill your glass). If you can shelve your ego and immerse yourself in the experience rather than chafing at the "rules", Hop Sing is not to be missed. Stick to small groups (four or less), bring cash, and enjoy a brief liberation from your cell phone.

    (5)

  • Amar R.

    The whole mystique attached to the place is awesome...the drinks are not bad. This is a CASH ONLY place...and drinks are 12 bucks each.

    (4)

  • Gregg M.

    As a first time visitor to the City of Brotherly Love, I knew very little about places to go for a well-made cocktail. After a bit of research, we made our way to Hop Sing Laundromat in Chinatown (of course). We arrived at the address around 9:30 on a Sunday night the week before St. Patty's Day. From the street, there was nothing visible to indicate that a bar, let alone an actual laundromat, could be found anywhere on that block. We rang the doorbell by a metal gate and were greeted in a somewhat brusque manner by the doorman. It was all a part of the show. After being told the rules of the house, we seated at a table in the large, spacious, high ceilinged lounge opposite from the bar that runs the length of the room backed by an expansive (and expensive) selection of spirits. But for one other party, we were the only customers in the bar. Since we had the place to ourselves, we received especially friendly and attentive service from the skilled bartenders. I started off with the Preacher Bourbon made with Elijah Craig 12, Lazzaroni Amaretto, Fernet Branca, and absinthe. From a taste perspective, it was all over the flavor map. Still, the diverse combination worked in a very boozy, surprisingly smooth way. For my second round, I ordered off menu and had my standard cocktail, a sazerac. I'm not sure of the brand of spirits used, but it tasted spot on like a good sazerac should. Frankly, people tend to either love or hate the whole speakeasy concept with its "secret entrance" and sometimes pretentious service and equally pretentious cocktails. I fall squarely in the former category especially if the payoff received is a well-made drink. Hop Sing Laundromat knows how to make a seriously good drink and it does it in beautiful space for drinking them. With Hop Sing and Franklin Mortgage, Philadelphia has been doubly blessed with cutting edge cocktail joints.

    (5)

  • JP D.

    This place is absolutely unbelievable! Only 5 minutes in and you can't find another place like this anywhere! I'm thoroughly impressed with the atmosphere and extreme attention to detail. I have never been to a place with the amount of character this place has. One square foot in here has more character than 50 of the best dives in the country! I don't know how I have ever overlooked this place! It's a must experience at least 10 times place! After finishing the night in this remarkable place, I can say that it has some of the best crafted drinks out there. I've traveled to many places in and out of country, and considerer myself an avid alcohol enthusiasts, this beats Berlin, Madrid, Japan, Osaka, Sydney, and Bombay. Congrats Lee on a great place! you really have a Gem!

    (5)

  • Lora R.

    I've been to Hop Sing several times before, and my most recent visit was a little sub par compared to my previous experiences. We had two waiters keeping tabs on our table which resulted in some confusion with our drink orders. I also ordered the same drink twice (the Beecher's Bibles, which is delicious!) but my cocktails inexplicably tasted different from one another. The ambiance can't be beat and it is hands down my favorite speakeasy in the city, Saturday night was just a bit off.

    (4)

  • Decoda H.

    Excellent service. Wonderful array of cocktails. You can actually talk to each other here.

    (5)

  • Jay Q.

    I've been to this unique establishment a few times now and I think it's overrated a bit. The drinks are good and it has a lot of potential, but it still doesn't cut it all the way for me. We didn't like one of the drinks this time around, we don't complain, but a friend of mine was honest when asked and they did switch it out which was nice. It is also amazing not seeing people on there phones all the time (not allowed to use them in the place with exception - see previous review). Still needs at least snacks or something! A bite to eat could make a table drink a bit more.

    (3)

  • Maria D.

    Went here during Labor Day weekend to check it out. Boy and I followed the rules: dressed appropriately, no sneakers, brought cash AND ID. The line was fairly small when we got there around 11pm. There is no sign to distinguish its location (hence it being a speakeasy). But don't be stupid, you'll see a black iron gate with a buzzer and/ or you will see a diverse set of people standing in line in front of a black iron gate. I suggest you use common sense and figure that out. From what I observed, Lee comes in and out and starts interrogating you once you're at front of the line. He does so in a very dramatic fashion: "Have you been here before?" "How did you here about us?" "It is cash only." Be sure to have ID. It doesn't matter if you're as old the 'greatest generation', if Lee doesn't see your ID, you will not be allowed to enter. Hence, what happened to the May/December couple in front of us who had no ID. On a side note, how do you leave your house without ID? What if you died and we had to ID you? Anyhow, Lee took us in and once entered, the place itself was actually beautiful. He takes you to this sitting/reception area that resembled that of a library from the 1800s. I could picture Mr. Darcy having one of these rooms in his estate. Lee sits you down and explains the rules to you, again, in a very dramatic, comical fashion: No pictures. No cell phone use. Cash only. Got it, Lee. Got it. Inside was beautiful as well. We originally were sitting at the bar but Lee moved us to a romantic table in the middle of the room. The ambiance was very cozy and romantic but the music needs to change. Worst play list ever. It wasn't pop. It wasn't jazz. It wasn't rock. I don't know what it was but I just remember not being too impressed. Service was very very very very slow. I understand the mixologists have to do their thing and make our drinks with love but sheesh it was slow. I don't even remember the drinks being that impressive. I do remember how strong they were and how slow it took for water to come. We stayed long enough (we had no choice) to have two drinks each. Try it to experience it yourself. Overall, wasn't too impressive.

    (3)

  • Emily E.

    Make sure you don't wear any kind of tennis shoes (including vans)! We saw someone get turned away for lack of dress code. Cash only too! Very cool place.

    (4)

  • Luana L.

    Terrible. Can't believe how rude the attendant was. Pass on this. Rules? Right! Who knows what they are.

    (1)

  • Mike A.

    Don't bother. Overpriced cocktails in a room too dark to enjoy the ambiance. The music didn't fit in the environment they want to portray in a 'speakeasy' but I guess the rude greeter/bartender was. It got two stars because at least the drinks tasted pretty good (but really no better than you get at any number of places in town for much less).

    (2)

  • Sharan J.

    Ah yes, Hop Sing Laundromat. I will not be writing about the inside of this establishment, their overpriced drinks or their service. Here's what happened a few Saturday's ago. We arrived with a group of five - our friends were visiting Philly and we wanted to take them to a speak-easy place which none of us had been to. We were told to wait for about twenty minutes when Hop left to check on a table for us and then came back. He asked us how many people (again) and we said 5. He then thought long and hard and said "Okay we will let you in, BUT there is a two drink minimum for each of you." Now I thought that was odd. We just wanted to grab a drink each while we waited for our room at Yakitori Boy which we had a karaoke room reservation. We were debating if we wanted to waste our time/money and Hop told us to move over so he could talk to the next set of people. He also did not let them in as apparently they weren't dressed. When I looked at them they were. Then the next set of people were not dressed and Hop let them in - NO two drink minimum for them! Now did I missing something? Why would he tell us that we had a two drink minimum for each person when we were dressed properly and then let in another group which was not dressed at all and wearing sneakers. Now I have my speculations of why we were not let him nor the group after us but that other group was. That being said, I will never waste my time trying to get into this establishment ever again. Hop Singh and his establishment are a very poor representation of Philadelphia. He is rude and I would never spend a dime there.

    (1)

  • Joey F.

    Talk about a place that needs to get off their high horse...unfriendly is an understandment and pompous. I will not return.

    (1)

  • Kristy R.

    Can I please pack up this place and bring it home to NY with me? Julia had recently found out about this place via Yelp and since everyone loves a speakeasy, we decided to give it a try. The only reason we knew where it was was because 1) yes, there is an address but this is a speakeasy after all therefore there is no sign and 2) someone on Yelp posted a photo of the door. When we arrived, there was only a small group formed outside. You are met by an Asian man who will ask how big your party is and if you've ever been there before. He checked our IDs and saw we were from New York and let us in. First you go up a narrow staircase and are left in a cozy waiting room. This is where he goes through the two rules. No pictures, no phone calls. After that, he sets up an area either at the bar or the tables for the size of your group. He set up a triangle of bar stools so we could sit and chat at the bar. There are also hooks under the bar for your coats and purses, he encourages you to use these. The bar is HUGE. Much bigger than I anticipated since speakeasies can sometimes run on the small side. The mixologists are all properly dressed and the menu breaks down each cocktail by liquor. I went with a whiskey cocktail that tasted like spiked chocolate milk (meaning it was good and dangerous). My friends with tequila-based cocktails and enjoyed their drinks, as well. This is a great place to take a date, lounge around with some friends, or go by yourself for a drink. Drinks are typical speakeasy prices so around $12 per cocktail. By the time we left, there was a line forming outside so we got in at just the right time. This should be your pre-dinner drink place. Now how do I go about moving this place to New York and showing everyone what a speakeasy should be like?

    (5)

  • Kevin L.

    On one hand, I thought that it was totally worth it to wait in a queue in the freezing cold for twenty minutes just to watch the boy get put in his place by our host for lying about having been here before. On the other hand, I was over the song-and-dance routine of said selfsame host even before it had begun. For those who've been to Violet Hour in Chicagoland, you might appreciate that they have rules. For those reading this who've -not- been to Violet Hour, I assume you can find said rules without my resorting to lmgtfy-ing on your behalf. That said, Violet Hour's rules do not require a lecture in advance of being seated. Arguably, their rules are a simple set of expectations that any decent human being would already have set for him/herself. In my opinion, their execution of rules is far classier. Once you've made it past the judging eyes of the welcome wagon, the seated wait on the benches in the antechamber, and the lecture about the house rules, the actual bar experience is what one might expect of a packed dance club... minus the packed or the dance or the club. So what you're left with is a nearly-full lounge with a purely transactional relationship with the folks making your cocktails, even if you're seated at the bar. Hop Sing Laundromat is an exemplar of high-volume manufacturing with zero personality, much like what I'd imagine in an Android smartphone production plant. Oh, and our cocktails were executed flawlessly. Much like one would expect at baseline for a venue that establishes itself as a cocktail lounge. At least there's that. Maybe I'm spoiled, but I'll just go home to the likes of Flatiron Lounge or Death + Co., where I can get my excellent drink on - no lecture required.

    (3)

  • Gautam T.

    Hop Sing, the unassuming place that doesn't have a sign or really anything to let you know what is behind the gate? I got here and rang the bell and a host dressed like he was in the 1920's comes to the door, examines my shoes (thankfull they were not sneakers) asks me if I have cash (thankfully I had some) and then finally takes my ID from me and shuts the gate and disappears. After 1 minute of wondering what the hell is going on he comes back and opens the gate and lets us in. Damn its dark and the music very jazzy and mellow. As I am trying to soak in the eclectic art and general atmosphere the host gives us instructions that talking on the cell phone is not allowed and neither is picture taking. You will get kicked out he warned us if they see any pictures being taken. So we finally walk to the bar and check out a pretty sweet cocktail menu thats separated by spirit which I found easy to navigate. It was a whiskey night for sure. The drinks were expensive but very potent! I drank two and was starting to feel the buzz! I don't know if its me over the drinking hill or the potency of the alcohol. I'll stick with the potency. Anyway it was super dark and after leaving your eyes really need to adjust to light. Super worth it! I will be coming back for chill night caps.

    (5)

  • Duane D.

    This place was awesome. We visited on a Tuesday night while in town on business. It is not hard to find with the guidance from other Yelpers. We were greeted by Lee, who was an excellent host. We went though the same admission process as is described in other reviews--and it definitely adds to the experience. The interior decor reminds me a bit of the interior of Hogwarts with the dim candle light, the books, and the off the wall decorations. That may sound odd, but it works. Don't miss two of the coolest features--the ante room floor is covered in perfectly aligned pennies (tails up), and the bar is covered in perfectly aligned nickels (heads up). The drinks were fantastic. On a recommendation, I had the Henry "Box" Brown (it's a Philadelphia history reference, google it) which was 15 year old rum and freshly extracted red grape juice with one giant ice cube and grape garnish. Fantastic! The craft cocktail menu is extensive, and the waiters will talk to you about any of them and make recommendations. There is no food. Most of the drinks were about $12, and well worth it for the experience. The bar is cash only. The owner, Lee, was our host and was willing to talk to us quite a bit. He has an interesting story and used to be a day trader before opening up the bar. The whole "speakeasy" vibe of this place is fun. While some would say it is a gimmick, the place could definitely survive solely on the quality of the drinks and the hospitality. I give this place my highest recommendation -- so long as you know what you are getting into!

    (5)

  • David G.

    I don't think I've ever seen a cocktail lounge with so much mystery surrounding it. Every city has its share of speakeasy-type joints, but the Hop Sing Laundromat takes it to a whole 'nother level. This story begins on a bitterly cold and snowy Sunday night, when a friend and I wander over to Hop Sing with 7:30pm reservations on the books. We were hoping to be inside and seated quickly, but no. A big and burly bouncer was forcing everyone to wait their turn outside (with temperatures in the teens, mind you). Yikes. After ~30 min of waiting and icicles hanging from our faces, it was finally our turn to enter. Then things turned really weird. The manager (Lee) came to the door and said I couldn't enter because I wasn't wearing dress shoes. I'm not a fan of picking fights with door staff, so I told him "thanks, I'll go elsewhere then" and turned to leave. But, suddenly, he changed his mind and let us both in. I guess it pays to look helpless and desperate. We were led into a little anteroom where we were given a short lecture on the rules of the house: 1) Absolutely no photos. 2) Absolutely no phone calls. (Those were easy rules to live with, since I'm not inclined to engage in either of those in a dark, romantic bar anyway.) Finally -- we were able to be seated. And, I have to say, it was stunningly gorgeous in there. Loved the vintage decor. Loved the walls lined to the ceiling with bottles. Loved all the candles. Loved the counter made of a sea of nickels. However... I didn't love that it was mostly empty inside, meaning that the line to enter was a phony creation, attempting to make the bar seem more popular than it was. Of course, we were there for the cocktails, and they were all superb. Between the two of us, I was able to taste 6 different cocktails, and the complexity of flavors was outstanding. All sorts of exotic liqueurs and bitters were used, most of which I hadn't heard of. It's hard to pick out a single favorite, but the Vieux Carré wins by a nose. The whole time, the bartenders were very friendly and gracious. A *lot* nicer than the folks working the front door. Hop Sing is a unique experience, for sure. Too stuffy for my taste, but it was definitely worth checking off the proverbial bucket list.

    (4)

  • Erin B.

    Hop Sing Laundromat is everything and so much more. As a Chinatown resident I could not have been more pleased (and intrigued) after reading Philadelphia Magazine's write-up in the November 2011 issue. My fiancé grew up in Chinatown and literally knows every restaurant / restaurant owner from Arch to Vine from 9th to 11th streets. So when he hadn't heard of Hop Sing Laundromat and had no affiliation with the mysterious Mr. Lee, for the first time I had anxiety of being a Chinatown outsider. Would I be the cocktail lounge equivalent of the suburban imports who drive into Chinatown for a Saturday night dinner only to order General Tso's chicken or beef & broccoli, while the locals order dishes nowhere to be found on the menu?!? Or worse - would I not even make it past Hop Sing Laundromat's gated entrance??? Alas, on June 3rd we spotted Mr. Lee outside of his establishment on Race Street. We asked him a few questions, he asked us a few more and the conversation ended with my fiancé running to get more cash from the ATM b/c of the cash-only policy... And that is really all you need to know! Because once you get inside, Mr. Lee and his staff have perfected everything. The service = perfection. The drinks = perfection x10. (My personal favorite is the Eastside.) I've been back on 4 separate occasions and with the ever-expanding menu, I cannot imagine that I will ever get bored with HSL. Mr. Lee: Thanks for bringing such an uber-fabulous drinking establishment to my backyard!

    (5)

  • Paul L.

    It's a really smart marketing scheme, really. Put a bouncer in front of an empty club and people will be lining up front and trying to get in. The mere exclusivity is alluring, people wants to be in the in-crowd. I go because it's located in Chinatown and I gotta know everything that's going on in my hood and support my people when I can. After being told that there's a 15 minutes wait on an early Saturday evening outside an nondescript iron gate, the bouncer came out to do a clothing check. We all love rules, right? No shorts, no sneakers, no hat and no flip flops. The guy in front of us wearing a t-shirt and boat shoes got in, but the guy behind us wearing suit jacket and fancy leather sneakers didn't. So they do enforce it. There's definitely a schadenfreude aspect to it and it makes people who got in that much more excited to the fare. Like sheep, we got herded into a small room with a shoe-shining stand and theater chairs. Lee (imagine Dr. Ken from the Hangover Trilogy in a velvet suit) comes out and talked to us about some more rules. Cash only, no photos or recordings, if you want to make a phone call, you have to come back to the entrance. Two drinks minimum. Good enough. The drinking area is spacious, sparsely furnished with tables, chairs and upholstered banquettes. I think one of the looser rules is that they can only accommodate a party of four and no more but I saw a party of five seating in a corner. Dimly lit and decorated with oil paintings and books. It's like a 18th century library. The waiters are dressed neatly; shirt, slacks, tie with an apron. Two of my friends and I were seated and handed a substantial lists of cocktail and their special menu. Drinks are priced between $12-14 each grouped by the main liquor that the cocktails were mixed with. Most juices utilized in the cocktails are listed as fresh squeezed. Through the night we each ordered 3 drinks and tasted each others and surprisingly we all have our favorites. Mine was my friend's Beecher's Bible, it's very fruity, summery drink. Friend A loves the more classic Hotel Nacional made with Rum and freshly extracted pineapple juice. Friend B opted for a more hardcore all liquor Merchandise 7x. They are all very high quality cocktails using high quality liquors. I can see myself becoming an alcoholic because for the first time in my life, I liked what I drink. Service is impeccable. Our waiters made special efforts to make sure our water was filled. Coming to Hop Sing is like a trip to Disneyland. Lots of theatrics. To enjoy the place, you really need a sense of humor. But how about a washer/dryer set or at least an antique washboard to fit the name, huh?

    (4)

  • Sunny M.

    Exclusive?! This place is a total joke! Don't waste your time or money.My whole experience there was a nightmare! Having to be greeting by the RUDE short asian man already raised a red flag. The only reason why I went in was out of curiosity. My advice to everyone...customer service and drinks were below average. Run the opposite way!!! Just because you think your place is exclusive doesn't make it right for you to be rude, angry, and grouchy. This place should be closed down immediately! Save your time and money people. You can find better bar area with a far more better experience without having to encounter some rude ass Asian guy...

    (1)

  • S D.

    Excellent drinks, excellent bartenders and don't forget to try the screwdriver- best ever!! Tough to get in a bit later in the evenings but amazing!!

    (5)

  • Dennis L.

    This place is way too cool. When we arrived, we saw lee standing outside smoking at the gate. I asked if this was hopsing, because it's pretty much unmarked, and he asked how we knew about it. Then he went back in and checked to see if there was space and then had us go and sit in the lobby while he explained the rules. I'm not sure if he is eccentric or it was part of the whole speak easy theme, but it lent an air of authenticity to the experience. And that's what made it more fun than just a regular bar, you had a bit of that prohibition era feeling of a speak easy. The place is decorated nicely: dark, candles everywhere, with a steam punk type of feeling. The drinks were ~$11 and pretty good. They are made from fresh squeezed juices, the bartender juices them per order. The drinks were pretty strong, so you definitely get your monies worth. The entire environment had such a classy lounge feeling that you don't often find outside of nyc. I would definitely go back again.

    (5)

  • Stefan G.

    An intriguing place. If you're into low key, low effort dive bars, this place is not for you. [Don't get me wrong, I love those types of places as well, but don't expect that here]. First off, you should know the rules on shoes, pants, cash only, no food, and no photos/calls inside. Personally, I don't mind the no phone thing. Why talk on the phone in a bar? You can't hear shit anyways, might as well not scream into it, and walk outside instead. They said they would even give you a private area to use your phone if you need too [haven't tried that though.] The decor is awesome. A wide mix of antique looking oddities. Most of the service is friendly. I've been about 5 times, and only one time did the waiter seem a little less then thrilled to be there. All the other times, they have been knowledgeable, attentive and nice. Yes, the drinks take a little bit of time to make, but these aren't gin from a plastic bottle mixed with tonic. These are concoctions that can exhibit many different flavors. Great place to bring a date or enjoy some chill time with friends. Go and decide for yourself if the place is for you. Personally, I enjoy it! On a side note, I've always wondered how some prohibition style live music would go in there.

    (4)

  • Margo K.

    I'm going to write my review set to The Caretaker, which, at this point, I'd say is just about the musical embodiment of Hop Sing Laundromat. If you think you might like a unique evening in an intriguing yet comfortable-at-heart atmosphere, paired with the best service this city is likely to ever see, this is the establishment for you. On Leap Day, a friend and I walked in the rain from Race-Vine station to 1029 Race Street. I recognized the gate from the time Lêe showed me the place at the end of December. I looked forward to tonight because the last time I'd been there it felt surreal. You'll know what I mean once you see the items that adorn the walls, the lamps, and the red dripping candles. And even more so if you have the chance to have Lêe explain them to you. He led us through friends, family, press, and "stalkers," to our seats. I think this was my favorite part of the evening, being led to our seats through onlooking patrons, by Lêe himself. Before my visit to Hop Sing, I thought I had a vendetta against vodka. The screwdriver was delightfully refreshing and still intriguing to me. I don't even feel completely comfortable calling it a screwdriver, because this cocktail was on another level of freshness and quality. That's what you can look forward to: freshness, quality, and something extra that comes from the experience alone. My friend and I only stayed for two drinks, which is regrettable because I have no way of knowing if or when I will be invited back to Hop Sing Laundromat. I hope to have the opportunity to come back for this exceptional experience in Philadelphia. I've never been that great at accepting gifts, especially one so exquisite...I blush and get a little awkward. My hope is that Philadelphia will be better at it. I look forward to the rest of Philadelphia receiving this gift.

    (5)

  • Jay W.

    Much has been said about Hop Sing Laundromat by many others, but what I think is important is that they made the best cocktail I've had. I ordered an old fashioned, which is a classic cocktail but I've seen too many make it terribly (to the point where I usually don't order it even if it is on their drink list). It was expertly made and tasted great. My date ordered a Hemingway Daiquiri, which for those not in the know is very different than the thing that gets poured out of a slushy machine (mostly rum, lime juice and grapefruit juice), also expertly made, strong and tasty. The drinks were cheaper than what we paid for at dinner and much better. For all the hype, rumors, and mystery, this place makes an awesome cocktail. Do not come here expecting fast service, as it will take at least 10 minutes to get your drink, but the time taken shows in how perfectly the drinks are made. A quite place to get an excellent drink. Pretentious, yes, and I can't imagine spending the entire night there, but what it does, it does better than anyone.

    (5)

  • Nissa G.

    I love speakeasy places like this, secret doors in Chinatown leading to amazing drinks and ambiance. But so does everyone else, once they hear about them. Went once and got right in (weekday) went again on a weekend night, waited for 20 and gave up. Its worth the wait if you have the time and haven't been. Great drinks, helpful bartenders, and no shortage of stuff to look at. Just don't try and take any pictures or phone calls, thats a no-no. And beware of the dress code!

    (4)

  • Natalee F.

    Haters are totally going to hate, but I like it here. Yep, I said it. Hop Sing is cool in my book. It's unique in a sea of sameness. If you want a regular bar, just go to one - don't go here. Who cares if you can't wear flip flops or shorts or can't take pictures with your phone for one night? Or if you have to wait outside until someone answers the door. Isn't it kind of like that one episode of 90210 from when you were young where Brenda and Brandon go and exchange an egg to get the info on where the secret party was? It makes it a little bit special and fun. Mr Lee is quite the character - polite, old-fashioned, and well-dressed. He might be seen in something like a pink couture suit, or velvet, and interesting glasses to complete the look. I actually don't mind the assigned seat thing. It makes it less crowded and more intimate. The service is top notch and the drinks are very interesting and strong. You don't feel that the price tag is too much. After drinking 2 of them I felt tipsy. Check this place out if you're not a hater and are not wearing flip flops and shorts.

    (5)

  • Marcus R.

    A man dressed as a butler turned us away in the rain bc I was wearing sneakers. Woefully self important and behind the curve.

    (1)

  • Dennis L.

    CASH ONLY I freaking hate you Hop Sing bouncer for making me buy a new pair of shoes to get in. This harsh denial, however, only increased my desire to get in. A pair of new "classier" shoes later, we were introduced through the blue light apartment-like entrance and into proprietor Lee's prized possession. It's basically a showcase of everything he holds near and dear to his heart (pictures, vinyls, art, etc.). There are fewer tables than this space could accomodate and even all the chairs are interestingly mismatched. The cocktail list is imaginative, yet simple in its offerings. Back to Lee though, he has a certain mystique about him. Right when we entered I noticed a heavy cologne odor that distinctly belonged to Mr. Lee. He looks the part of a modern Hong Kong suede jumpsuit wearing slicked back hair gangster. But when making his rounds eventually to our table, after hearing our compliments, he was humble and a bit uneasy of the attention. Without actually acknowledging or offering much to our conversation, he thanked us for our patronage and moved on to the next table Drinks have a standard price and the ones we tried were worthy of the new wave craft cocktail. A few months removed from visiting Philly I still memorably recall our night at Hop Sing.

    (5)

  • Fuzzy D.

    Once you get past the seemingly selective element of entry into this establishment and quit trying to figure out the owner's motives, you might just find yourself enjoying the best cocktails in town and having great conversation with (hopefully) good friends. Personally, I feel like the dress code and partial restriction of cell phone use creates a warm and unique atmosphere. That's just my opinion - clearly, Hop Sing is a polarizing bar. In the end, that's all it is. A bar. With the best cocktails in town. All they ask is that you play by their - not unreasonable - rules in order to try them. The East Side and Preacher Bourbon are the jam. And for anyone reading this who doesn't drink alcohol, the mocktails are mindblowing and unique. The bartenders love being given artistic license in this department and never disappoint. Always off-menu and $4 less than boozy cocktails, they are a real treat.

    (5)

  • Solomon C.

    this is pretentious as hell!!! i'm not sure if it truly is as snobbish as the owner makes it out to seem or if it's all an act to make you feel like you're in an exclusive establishment. Whatever the case, "the show" the owner puts on is quite amusing and worth a look for yourself. Most females are enthralled by the mysterious nature of the place and dudes are like, "WTF?" the entrance is an unassuming gate, you ring the bell someone comes out, takes your id back in and then returns to say you can come in. you wait in the entry way while the owner tells u the house rules: no photos, no phone calls, blah, blah, blah or else you'll be told to get out! the place is spacious, has small tables, not recommended for groups bigger than 4. this is not a place to "meet new people" nor should u go here with people you don't like. it's cozy and intimate, you won't be mingling. The drinks are expensive, fancy, pretty cool and expensive. One of the people I went with asked for a Mojito and the owner says, "We don't make mojitos." His reasoning was that he's got $80 specialty bottles of liquor, it's not worth it for him to make you a $5 bar drink. HOWEVER! the owner said, "if you like the taste of mojito, i will make something like it for you." This is fair. you don't ask the owner of a ferrari to take you around town on errands, you ask him to take you on the highway for a cruise. but if you HAVE to run errands, he'll drive to the supermarket 30 miles away. overall, it's a great place if you're a girl looking for a girls night out or if you're a dude trying to show a girl a good time. not recommended for high strung people or a group of dudes unless you're a group of gay dudes. haha...

    (3)

  • Joshua J.

    I posted an update to this review a while back and Lee had it deleted because it wasn't based on another visit but was just me remarking a funny experience I had while walking past his establishment one day. Anyway, I told a visiting friend about this place and my experience and he said we had to go. I told him that based on my experience, we were probably not getting in, but he insisted, even if we didn't get it in, it would be worth it just to see the guy and to say that we got denied entrance. We trekked from Farmer's Cab, my go to spot, which my guest also loved. We got to the door, rang the bell and stood there. About 5 minutes or so went by, my friend got skeptical that there was even a bar, asking me if I was sure this was where it was (I have a pretty bad memory sometimes) and I assured him that we should just wait. He only believed me because we heard a woman chuckle very loudly and it seemed like it was coming from somewhere inside. Sure enough, right when I said that, Willy Wonka himself - I mean Lee - stormed out of the door, literally throwing the door into the wall, looking pretty angry. Usually the bouncer answers the door, and comes out right away, but he clearly recognized me on camera and Lee came out himself. He asked if he could help us, I told him that we were trying to get a drink. We were both wearing nice clothes, shoes, etc. He told us that they were all full up for the night. I thought this was funny so I pressed on, "What if a couple leaves, can we come back then?" He told us no spots were opening. I chuckled and we walked away. Crazy he recognized me from a Yelp review but that's clearly what it was. My friend said that it was worth it just to see this man, and to say that we were denied entrance based on a bad review I wrote. I gave this review 1 star because I think it's a bit biased to deny someone entrance based on a bad experience. Usually the owner would want to make the patron happy and give them a better experience the second time. I guess not.

    (1)

  • Michele F.

    After hearing great things about Hop Sing I was pretty excited when I finally got to go last night. I had tried once before to go in the summer time and my boyfriend was wearing shorts so they wouldn't let us in. This is one of the few places in Philly, where they enforce a no shorts policy. When you find the place and ring the bell, eventually someone will come down to let you in. They act pretty rude and make you feel a little dumb which is all part of the act here. Once you are finally inside, they sit you down and go over the rules. I don't mind the whole act, I get its part of the experience but I actually was having trouble not laughing during it. When you walk into the bar the decor is pretty awesome. I will say that is the one redeeming quality about this bar. Then after all that you finally get brought to your seats. So my boyfriend and I both order a drink from their cocktail list. First off it took over 20 minutes for us both to get our drinks. I understand that this is a speciality cocktail bar and all the drinks are complex but that is wayyyy to long to wait for a drink especially when the bar was not even that crowded. When we finally got our drinks they were both awful. I had the crazy horse and my boyfriend got the redneck sangria. The crazy horse is a vodka based drink with fruit in it but for some reason it was just not good and I am not someone that is very particular about my drinks. The drink itself was also very small. When paying 14 dollars for a cocktail, I usually expect a nice sized drink but this was about 6 oz oz of a slushy drink. The Red neck sangria was also unappealing to me after sampling some of my boyfriends. I would of been willing to forgive the nonsense to get in and the long wait time to get our drinks if they had been fantastic but the drinks were not even good. I will just stick to the other speak easys from now on, better drinks and more centrally located. fyi: This place is cash only

    (1)

  • Melisa H.

    I haven"t been back to Philly in so long to hang out, happen to be at dinner in c-town my friend suggested stopping by at this place. He told me I would like it bc their drink menu is like that of nyc, that made me happy! It was raining and had to ring the doorbell and wait for approval to go inside, that made me unhappy... Hello it was raining, what's w/ the crazy scrutiny?? once we were deemed ok, the iron gates opened, but still not allowed to even step inside until we hv shown our ID, need I say again, hello it 's raining!? even after getting 'in' still wasn't in, bc u hv to listen to the rules of this place... no talking on cell phones, no pixs allowed.. so far I like what I hear... after confirming yes to u/standing the rules.. we were finally finally allowed in... great now I am happy again. drink menu is amazing so many choices,def dig it. the drinks took a while which is fine w/ me bc it meant the bartender were making the drinks correctly and not just pouring whatever into their shaker and dumping into a glass! I ordered the East Side and Ivan Drago -- the drinks were amazing... the crowd was definitely a mixed one... made me kinda confused bc at the door, the interrogation, the dramatic wait time of hearing the door buzz made it seem like they had a certain type that they were allowing to go in. but again it was a mix/weird crowd, my gf whispered to me 'wait they were allowed in' .... this is a low key quiet type of place, perfect to get together w/ friends to catch up and chill, a good place to start the night. definitely wnt to go bk soon to try their other drinks...

    (5)

  • Jefferson S.

    Get ready to be treated like a complete piece of crap. I strongly advise people to support other businesses. I have literally never been treated so poorly by a complete stranger -- FOR DOING NOTHING! I was so excited to come to this place--i asked two local supermarkets and even went into the wrong building and tried every floor until I found this place--what a let down. I have never, ever, in my whole life been treated so poorly. They are so rude! . I came at 630pm and there was a private party so he said to come back at 8 -- I didn't think I could so I asked if I could at least peak in to see the bar (I was leaving town). He said no, whatever. I was actually able to come back, so I get there at 815 and I ring the bell once, and he says "I'm not going to serve you, cause frankly you annoy me" -- I was coming from business meetings aka nice slacks, nice sweater, collared shirt. I ask why -- what did I do to be publicly castigated--he says "I don't like you, I'm the owner, and I say so--I don't like you, go somewhere else". I love the whole speakeasy thing--I go to them all the time in NYC,I love the idea--but honestly, don't waste your time, unless you are prepared to be turned away for no reason what so ever. The owner is basically a bar version of the soup nazi. I would give this place zero or negative stars if yelp gave me that option.

    (1)

  • Eddie P.

    I see a lot of reviews- and you may be somebody who has as well. I had a drink at HopSing and pretty sure I've a solid grasp on what's going on. Whether you would like HopSing, depends on what you're up for.... Cool decor? The bar itself was cool. The bar was "Beautiful" according to my wife. The room design was snazzy- especially couched in the middle of china town. Lacked an authentic "soul". More or less seemed like a designer group did a fine job, rather than a person with an authentic vision. Overall worth seeing. Want a good drink? Skip it. You can make a better drink at home with the minimal amount of prep work. You can get an equally good drink from at least 20 places in the city. Franklin & Mortgage (I promise that I'm not a plant) kicks HopSing's butt. Why? You can have a good cream, whiskey, and coffee drink at either place. Try ordering a Martini, Manhattan, or old fashion. These are simple drinks that taste simple at HopSing. At Franklin & Mortgage you can be transcendent. Heck, make these at home at you can do the same or better than hopsing. Not bad- but not great. Theater? Go to HopSing! Here's the secret to HopSing: They are NOT exclusive and they DON'T make great drinks. What they're all about is making you suspend disbelief. They want you to believe they're exclusive and make great drinks. They fake embarrassment by praise. That's cool. You are able to feel exclusive because they make you wait outside even thought the bar is only 20% filled. That's cool. Before you are allowed into the main room, they lecture you about house rules with are honestly ridiculous. Remember- this is Disney. It's all about theater. Random Notes- The bouncer turned away a young couple because the guy was wearing black sneakers. This couple was dying to try HopSing and his shoes were totally fine. That couple had twice before tried having a dring at HopSing and was turned away. Seriously the bar was at least 80% empty, so dark that you couldn't see anyone's shoes, and the guys guy's shoes were totally fine. Part of the show, I guess. They not only check your ID; but they TAKE your ID inside while you wait on the street. Presumably they scan them? Felt invasive and totally unnecessary. (again, this is part of the show) = Bathrooms. Both of us forgot to go. = Wait staff was only average. = Bottom line: HopSing drinks are overrated; but does offer customers the "exclusivity experience"

    (3)

  • Jesse L.

    Hop sing is cool. It's old school and cash only. I kind of liked that you weren't allowed to talk on your cell inside. It maintains the vibe that this place is going for. This place is really unique if you really look around. I didn't notice the penny floor, but I thought the nickel bar was really cool. Perfect if you're a coin collector or if you needed coins for your LAUNDRY MACHINE. I just got it. LOL got in saturday night at around 12:30 am, there was probably a 5 minute or so wait to get in, but no line. You're seated in a small waiting room as the host explains the rules and then escorted to your seat. The bartenders are friendly and will answer questions that you have. As for the drinks themselves, they're not bad. I've definitely had better. If 3.5 star was an option I would give it that, but I rounded up since it was a pleasant experience overall.

    (4)

  • Melissa W.

    I'm sure many of you have been to Disney World. And some of you may recall going on a ride called the Tower of Terror. The Hop Sing Experience(TM) begins in exactly the same way. You wait in line for a while (if you don't show up early enough). You are admitted through a black wrought iron gate and led up a dark and narrow stairway into a waiting chamber with other guests. This waiting chamber is decorated like a creepy haunted library. A theatrically-dressed man (in this case, the owner of the bar) explains the rules and gives you a rundown of the place. All this theatricality and attention to detail sets the stage for an exhilarating experience. For better or for worse, this thrill ride doesn't involve a 200-ft plummet in an elevator. Instead, you get to wait (and wait you will) while highly-skilled bartenders painstakingly muddle, zest, juice, swizzle, shake, strain, and twist together liquid concoctions of pure deliciousness. These flavorful and unique drinks are strong and well worth your $10 (in cash only) a pop (though they do round up to 10% tax, ostensibly for simplicity's sake). I believe there is a two-drink minimum, though you'll have a hard time deciding on just two. Some weird rules that you've probably already read about: no parties with more than 4 people, and everyone had better be there when you are seated. The inside is run more like a restaurant than a bar: it reaches full occupancy when seating is gone, which makes for a nice intimate, uncrowded atmosphere. The downside is the line outside if you get there too late, but on the other hand, I can't imagine how long it would take to get your drinks if they had more lax occupancy limits. Overall though, a great place for classy, strong drinks with a date or a few good friends.

    (5)

  • Meredith L.

    Hop Sing Laundromat is everything you could hope for in a cocktail bar. The interior design is awesome, and the service is impeccable. However, the best part was, of course, the drinks themselves. My boyfriend and I pretty much tried something from every spirit category off of their specialty menu. Though not for the faint of heart, every drink was well balanced and completely original. Even once we wandered off menu into the realm of more classic cocktails, they were all perfectly executed. I highly recommend Hop Sing for any cocktail lover! I would only suggest that you be adventurous and try one of the specialties, you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Clayton L.

    I whole-heartedly agree with Michael G: I will write a review, but you need to experience this establishment on your own, to develop your own opinion. The house that mono-syllabic proprietor Lee built...and what a house it is. First, the rules: 1. Men need to be wearing pants (read: snappy casual) 2. No tennis/athletic shoes 3. No cell phone calls 4. No photos of anyone or anything All beverages are currently $12: there is a two drink minimum. All beverages must be paid for in cash: no credit cards. Groups of 5 or more might have trouble getting a table. You might be asking "this seems like a lot for a drink...right?" WRONG. The drinks are comprised of impeccable liquor, fresh fruit and vegetables, and other top-notch ingredients. My personal favorites are the Bramble (gin) and the Boxcar Brown (rum): both are delicious and very strong. The atmosphere is very calm and relaxing: the parlor (main room) is quite spacious, with very low lighting and just a hint of music. Make sure to take note of the Penny-floor in the anteroom and the Nickel-plated bar. it is the kind of environment that promotes engaging conversation and dialogue, and will create an experience you won't soon forget. If you are looking for a truly unique experience, with outstanding drinks an atmosphere Al Capone would have trouble replicating, then this is the place for you.

    (5)

  • Christine B.

    I was honored to attend the friends and family/media opening of Hop Sing last night. I've been "stalking" Lee on twitter since getting a sneak peek of the space at the Chinatown Night Market. I continue to carry around my membership card by the way. For those of you that follow Lee on twitter, there really is a shoeshine stand at the entrance, but Kevin Sbraga and Marc Vetri were no where to be found last night. Lee escorted us in in groups of two, kind of like Noah's Ark, and we were each seated at the bar or at a table. I sat with Rebecca C. right in front of Derek, the bartender. When Lee realized that Lou P. knew us, he promptly added a seat next to Becca. I also noticed that he put people who came in solo together and tried to get a conversation going between them. He's an excellent host. As everyone has already said, the main room is gorgeous. It's a very dark room, with candelabras lighting the space and creating some great shadows on the wall where a variety of artwork is hung. The bar with the nickels is mesmerizing, like you are supposed to pick out a seeing eye image. The drinks Derek created for us were fantastic. He was very secretive about the ingredients, but they each had a different main alcohol, and some were more sweet and fruity, whereas others really let the alcohol do the talking. I watched grapes, oranges, and pineapples get freshly squeezed, and then expertly mixed into the beverages. It's amazing how different fresh squeezed juice tastes, its much less sweet which is a positive for me. Everything about Hop Sing is impressive and unique. It's worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Jim J.

    This is probably the best bar I've ever been to. We were in Philadelphia for a conference and went back 2 nights in a row. Had we been in town longer, I'm sure we would have been back even more. The drinks are beyond anything you'll get anywhere else. Even the most ordinary cocktail tastes extraordinary here. The Montana Payback is one of the strangest and most surprising things I've ever drank. If feels a little pretentious at first, but you're never once made to feel stupid or inferior, but like a valued customer from the moment you sit down. Its the sort of place you feel invited to sit at for 2 or 3 hours and will not feel rushed at all. Ask a bartender to surprise you with a drink, and you will not be disappointed. The quality of the ingredients and the obvious care put into every drink make the prices a bargain.

    (5)

  • S L.

    Visited Hop Sing for the first time on Saturday night with a friend. No wait. Seated almost immediately at the bar. And what's not to love? Great service, great drinks, great atmosphere. A couple things: 1. This is not a frat-boy bar. And thank god for that. Don't we have enough of those in the city? 2. You never have to fight your way to the bar for a drink (see above). I spent my 20s doing that. No thank you! 3. $12 per drink. A solid deal for some pretty amazing cocktails. I can't wait to go back. Pro tip: This place is cash only. And dress up. This is a classy establishment.

    (5)

  • Jamie S.

    I surely won't say we have all been scared into 5 stars reviews, for fear alone of the consequences (Lee coming to our houses and squeezing grapefruit in our eye, for example) because the twitter "stalker" party was as 5 star worthy as it was odd. The oddness mostly came from have no idea what was going on. Wait here? Do I tell you my twitter handle? Follow you now? What are you serving me? When should we leave? The space is impressive, as the media teasers hinted at. The gorgeous library/shoe shine/waiting room contrasts the wire fence door that lets you in. The walls of the drinking area are covered in artifacts, like 100 year old liquor licenses, to look at if you get bored. And since no phones are allowed, you will actually have to provide your own entertainment. Small talk about your surroundings is inevitable. Drink 1 was cognac and fresh squeezed mandarins. A good start to showcase Lee's concepts for simple drinks with fresh ingredients. Drink 2 is what I will come back for, if I ever get invited again. I never actually found out what the alcohol was. But it was a spicy and covered in... a layer cream. And topped with rose petals. I have never had anything like this. It was transcendental. Drink 3 was an iced coffee concoction and apparently we left before Drink 4 was poured table side. I am beyond curious to see how Hop Sings plays out once open to the public. Allowing take out food in a bar is a great idea, and I hope that happens. I hope a return trip is in my future so that I can experience Drink #2 again.

    (5)

  • Paul H.

    If you can't appreciate a little whimsy with your cocktails, this is not the place for you. If you can't follow simple house rules, this is not the place for you. If you don't like perfectly crafted cocktails, this is not the place for you. If you don't like having one of a kind experiences, this is definitely not the place for you. Last night I finally made it over to Hop Sing Laundromat after much anticipation. Even knowing about the gated entrance, and the bouncer asking cryptically, "Can I help you?" I was still filled with giddy excitement when I rang the bell. "Have you been here before? How did you hear about us?" I nervously answered the bouncer's questions... phew... I passed the exam. After a quick ID check, our party was led into the entryway. Another Yelp reviewer said it reminded them of the beginning of the "Tower of Terror" ride at Disney World, which is spot on. Old books, a shoe shine stand, penny-tiled floor; you'll forget within seconds that you just walked off the street in Chinatown. After a review of the house rules, we were escorted to our seats. Our table was appointed with comfy vintage chairs and a plush bench. Classic 60's jazz played at a perfect volume to provide atmosphere without drowning out our conversation (Blue Trane, Song for My Father, Cantaloupe Island, The Sidewinder were a few of the songs we heard during our visit). I never felt I needed to shout to be heard- and considering the elegant, laid back vibe at Hop Sing's, shouting would be quite rude. Our server promptly greeted us and attentively took our orders and answered our questions about the drink menu. About 5 minutes later, we got our first taste of fortifying cocktail goodness. I have but one word: Exemplary. Every drink we tasted had something to recommend it. All were beautifully balanced with even the boozier choices displaying a refreshing drinkability. I had a cocktail with Laphroaig 10 year mixed with Yellow and Green Chartreuse that was out of this world. A must try for Scotch drinkers. The Nevermore (a gin cocktail with coffee!) was delicate, complex, and so smooth. I introduced myself to Lee, the proprietor, and he could not have been more friendly and gracious. The bottom line is this: there are many places to go in the city for great cocktails, but Hop Sing Laundromat stands out for the overall experience. I look forward to returning so that I can tell the bouncer that, "yes, I've been here before" and be quickly whisked away into that beautiful ante-chamber and one step closer to cocktail perfection.

    (5)

  • Michelle Y.

    Love this place. I wish I was baller enough to come here on the reg. My favorite drink is the Specialty Cocktail - the Vodka one... (there's only one... if i recall correctly) unfortunately I forget the name. It comes with a big ice cube. It is amazing. Will be back soon!

    (5)

  • Krystal L.

    The cocktails and decorations were great but like some of the other reviewers, I felt that it was very pretentious. I wish I could have walked and looked around so I could have appreciated everything more. However, I understand what they are trying to do and that's part of the appeal so I'm not going to deduct any stars for that. Sadly, however, our waiter was very rude and ruined my experience. I will probably never go again but if you are visiting, I would recommend going once. When we went, it was CASH only and I think each cocktail was $10 each. Make sure to be well dressed especially if you are a male. They are very strict on their dress policy.

    (3)

  • Joe G.

    This is not a bar - this is an Experience that MUST be had by visitors and local Philadelphians alike! If you're in the mood for feeling classy and trying something different, you found the right place! There is NO sign - so stop looking for it. There are NO markings whatsoever. If you successfully locate the iron door (check the pictures on yelp) ring the doorbell. You will be greeted by a well-dressed gentlemen who will ask for your ID's. He will disappear back inside and you will reasonably think your identity has just been stolen. After a short time, he will return and escort you inside to a waiting room to review the rules - yes, rules - of the bar. (No Photos, No using your cell phone at all) After agreeing to these terms, we were led to our table and immediately greeted by our server. The dimly-lit, low-noise bar really puts you back in the prohibition-era when drinking was illegal. I've never seen any bar embrace the "speakeasy" concept so well - and so effectively. There is no shortage of liquor or drink options. In fact, if anything there were so many options is was almost disorienting. I believe we had the choice of about 30 cocktails. I had three and they were all spectacular. The only bad choice was made by my friend who ordered a drink that was the spiciest thing known to man. Sorry can't remember the name - or maybe I don't want to? Be forewarned that this is not a $5 drink location. You will spend about $15/drink, but it is completely worth the total experience. I will end this review with a plea - tell your friends, go to this bar. By nature it is secretive, so they can't exactly put up a billboard. So support this awesome establishment as much as possible!!

    (5)

  • Istria L.

    Saigon Flip. Bartender Nick made everything magical. Best speakseasy iv been to. Definitely comparable to Employees Only, Pegu Club and The Violet Hour

    (5)

  • Mandy H.

    Maybe I'm a brat, but I don't like to wait around outside for 20-30 minutes to get into a bar. I'm just too impatient. That being said, I will admit it, the drinks here are pretty great. The décor is also cool, once you're able to get inside. However, I don't think this is the kind of place that I will come back to again, unless I have someone from out of town to impress. Its a cool bar to take friends as more of an experiment, than to be a regular at. In regards to the drinks, the hemingway was right up my alley and I tried my husband's old fashioned which was smooth and delicious. Don't forget cash because they don't take cards!

    (3)

  • Alex N.

    Very pretentious. The owner Mr. Lee is over present and the place is clearly an ego trip for him. Great drinks, fine. But those can be had at more relaxing and enjoyable speakeasies like Ranstead Room or Franklin Mortgage, which are also in better locations near other nightlife.

    (1)

  • james c.

    The drinks are good but the owner has a bad attitude. I understand every business owner wants to maintain an ambiance in their establishment. But there is a way to do it without being a jerk.

    (1)

  • Arcadian B.

    You wonder why there are sooooo few pictures of this place except the front door, reason being this place won't allow you to take pictures inside BEWARE this place has sooooooooooo many rules, no white sneakers, no shoes with logos, no taking pictures inside and so on....you wouldn't notice this place unless there was a group of ppl waiting infront of it and you will be like wth are these ppl waiting for....there will be a guy that opens the door and screen everyone before entering...the wait wasn't too bad but my frd wasn't able to get in first, luckily he had an extra pair of shoes in his car ALSO if u r canadian bring ur passport to this place because apparently he initially didnt let us one but he gave an exception to us cause I told him I was a yelp reviewer lol jking I really like this atmosphere of this place, it's very dark inside, reminds me of terror of tower at disney, they had a huge bar and weird photos everywhere They had pretty interesting drinks like some with egg yolk in it and btw they are strong assssss drinks Great place to hang out with Frds for the nite and then grab some chinese food right after

    (5)

  • Ashleigh S.

    As you can probably guess from other reviews, there are rules, there is no sign out front, and you are not allowed to use/be on your phone while inside. All of this contributes to the authentic speakeasy theme of the place. The bartenders all have white shirts, black vests, and black arm bands. The posters on the wall boast well-known characters like Charlie Chaplin. This is a cash-only bar because credit cards did not exist in the past. It truly is a fun experience to dive back in time. I'm a big fan of the nickel bar and the iron work separating the bar from the seating area. The drinks went down smoothly. $12-$16 for most. No bottom shelf liquor here. Even the way each drink is served is in keeping with the feel of the bar. I appreciate the attention to detail. There is no food available, but each patron is instantly given a frosted glass filled with water. Again, go for the experience--you will definitely have a good time.

    (4)

  • Linda T.

    definitely the most unique lounge ive been to. secret locked door...you ring doorbell....someone greets you when theres a table ready....you go inside and have a seat while the "rules" are presented, you agree to it and then get your table. what rules? no pictures, no facebook, no videos...but ok to text and make phone calls inside. cool cocktail lists from gin to whiskey to bourbon. nice ambiance, definitely place to bring a date and hang out. the entrance is just a little weird..but its all for the fun of it. oo and its right next to a vietnamese temple haha

    (4)

  • S W.

    Me and my bff Maryjane had been trying to find this place for, like, forever. Finally we saw a pic of the big iron door, here on Yelp, and figured out that you gotta stand in line to get in. We had sushi at Sakura across the street---their food is always reliably good. Our bellies full of yummy raw fish, we headed over to the big iron door--there was already a line starting to form at 9:30. It wasn't that long of a line, however. We weren't sure what the procedure for getting in was, so we just stood and waited. A couple of really cute guys in front of us started chatting us up. Then the doorman came out--if you gave him a few purple and green dreadlocks, he'd look just like George Clinton! He asked if we'd been there before (we said no), and asked how many were in our party. At first we said "two", but when he came back out again a little later, the 2 cute guys said "4, you 2 are sitting with us." Me and my gf were TOTALLY FINE with this! lol The next time the doorman popped out, he told us to give our IDs to one of the members of our party, so we handed them to one of the guys. We joked about how he could now run off with our drivers licenses and sell them to identity thieves, since we only just met him, but of course..it was fine. He didn't do that at all. The doorman then took our IDs and went back inside. I guess he was making copies of them? Who knows..anyway, he came out again and finally led us up the steps, into a waiting room. There was a sign over the door that leads to the bar, that laid out all the rules, but the doorman went over them with us anyway. They have a dress code, and they do not allow cell photos. You can text or browse the web, but you can't take photos. We were ok with that. In fact, it was refreshing to go to a place where people aren't GLUED to their freakin' PHONES..this is a personal pet peeve of mine, having dated a guy who was always staring at his screen. The doorman then leads you into the bar. It is BEAUTIFUL! So classy. And the waiters are impeccably dressed. We had a table for 4. It was one of the funnest nights of my life--I had to say. The environment and company was simply amazing. The waiters were super friendly. They explained all the unique drinks on the menu and made recommendations, and were very sociable. Oh and the owner also checked in on us, and he was adorable. I've never seen these drink concoctions before, but they were all so intriguing, it was hard to decide what to order. I picked the "el Diablo", because it was made with ginger beer, and I love ginger beer. One of the guys got a drink with egg white in it--he was feeling adventurous. But I think he was a little wary of it. Turns out, it was yummy..as were ALL the drinks we had. We all were having such a good time that we ended up moving our little party elsewhere..but, I can't tell you what happened after that, since this is a family website :) Let's just say, Hop Sing facilitated a truly magical night that I'll never forget. I will definitely come back to this place. It's a great place to bring someone whom you really want to impress.

    (5)

  • Marianne S.

    Went here last Saturday night for drinks. When we got there there were two parties of two ahead of us. The wait was maybe 10 minutes. They took our ID's and within a few minutes took us into the front room to go over the rules (cash only, no cell phone video or pictures). The inside was dimly lit and very romantic. I had two drinks - the Ivan Drago which was good and the Bramble which was delicious! I would definitely go here again, I think it was the perfect place to start the night.

    (5)

  • Sophack S.

    Saw this place on one of the Thrillist lists and it so happened that my buddy and I were in the vicinity. After an amazing dinner, we wanted to grab a night cap, so we decided to hit this place up. Several things to note: - Clean, well made cocktails - Laundry List of Cocktails - Ambiance is on point - No photography - Cash only Definitely if you are in the area then go here. You put up with the rules and enjoy the well made drinks. Upon entering the place the doorman will explain the rules in the entrance and will lead you to the bar. Bartenders are a bit stoic and not conversational in the slightest, but I am assuming that is part of the ambiance. The bar itself is really cool with a nickel laced bar top that stretches to each end. Beyond that, the place is dimly lit with walls lined with differing portraits. The night we went there were not many people here and that was fine by us as we enjoyed our cocktails. Both of us had whiskey based drinks, but as I am writing this several weeks out from the experience, I sadly cannot remember the names of said drinks. But whichever route you go, I do not think you will be disappointed. Overall a cool place to lounge around with good people and good drinks.

    (4)

  • Jonathan B.

    If you're reading this review, then do yourself a favor and head to Philadelphia's two legitimate speakeasies, Franklin Mortgage and The Ranstead Room. Hop Sing Laundromat fails in its attempt to be Philly's third speakeasy. If you care about nothing beyond the quality of your drink, then Hop Sing is simply a bad cocktail establishment. The menu masks unimaginative, overpriced cocktails behind pretentious names like Esta Tierra es Tuya. If you don't mind disappointing drinks, then expect to be put off by the experience that Hop Sing peddles. Before being "allowed" to enter Hop Sing's "exclusive" establishment, you will need to suffer through the bouncer criticizing and belittling you and your friends. Finally, the bouncer will reluctantly do you the favor of allowing you to sit in an empty bar and spend $20 on cocktails that are on par with The Cheesecake Factory. Simply put, there is no reason to checkout Hop Sing. Look elsewhere - you can do much better in Philly.

    (1)

  • Ted M.

    Wonderful libations! I stopped by here for the first time this evening. The drinks here were amazing. I had 3 different ones and carried on some nice conversations with the bartenders. I don't remember the names of the cocktails, but they were of an unsurpassed quality. I arrived shortly after they opened and was the only one there at the time. As the other reviewers state, follow the house rules.. They are posted above the door to the bar and a bit difficult to read in the dimly lit room, but the person who lets you in will go over them.. No photography or mobile phone use, but if you really need to make a call, you can go into the waiting area. I plan to go back again at a time when more people are there. Don't go late in the evening if you want to be guaranteed admittance. Again, the room is dimly-lit, so bring some illumination if you have difficulty reading menus in the dark.. I plan to return again soon. I am a frequent visitor to Philly Chinatown so, this place no doubt will be come a regular spot for me.

    (4)

  • David A.

    I've had Hop Sing Laundromat bookmarked on Yelp for at least a year after a friend mentioned it and after reading about it on a list of interesting Philadelphia drinking and eating establishments. It sounded like it might make be interesting alternative to the usual bar scene. What I thought would be a bit gritty and edgy replica of an actual speakeasy (or at least what I imagined a speakeasy was) it turned out to feel less authentic and much more theater and facade. It is not that it isn't a *nice* place - it is - but it struck me and my friend as just another manufactured experience what with the wait outside as the doorkeeper takes your license, sitting inside the door and being instructed on the rules, the ambiance of the main room and very controlled and manufactured tone of the staff. I didn't dislike it, but it just wasn't a place that developed organically into what it was and lives up to the mystique and sense of the offbeat it aspires to. It feels like yet another venture that grew out of a business plan and was carefully and deliberately executed. I think that I'll put it on my mental list as a tourist destination and leave it at that.

    (3)

  • Joseph A.

    The ambience is phenomenal. I was just taken aback by his personal collection! We were playing "spot the drink", it was fun The cocktails were fabulous and Ive never had a better drink with ginger in it... El Diablo! Great one with a tequila base

    (5)

  • Kay B.

    This bar is what a bar should be. It isn't crowded. There isn't a bozo who keeps elbowing you. His girlfriend didn't spill her sugar vodka on your shoe. Instead, it's a clandestine destination that only the savvy would catch. The guts are moody and idiosyncratic. The walls are red, and there's books lining the walls like crown molding. It is candle lit, even the bathrooms. There's vintage and custom touches all over. The bar is lined with nickels, and the floor in the lobby, pennies. The atmosphere is quaint. Come in, settle in, order a drink and hear the conversation. The bartenders are knowledgeable, patient and willing to show each ingredient, and explain each drink. They take pride in every concoction. This bar creates artful drinks. My party of two had a series of drinks. The three we remember are fuggetaboutit, hotel nacional, bramble. The first was intended to taste like a grapefruit and was a mixture of alcohol and liquers. The second was my favorite. Not sweet, not of these were, but as close to sweet as it gets for someone who doesn't like boozy. The last was made with blackberry and was reminiscent of a snow cone in appearance, but mellow and clean in taste. OK, now, the bottom line. Come with a full wallet of USD. Each drink is an average of $15. No sneakers. No pictures once you're in. No cell phone conversations at the bar, only the lobby. Once you spot the nondescript entrance, ring the doorbell and the doorman will check your ID, explain the ground rules and seat you. There at times are lines because they only let in as many people as they have seats. I suggest a seat at the bar so you can watch and chat with the bartenders. They're entertaining at their art. There's also seating in the dining room. No food, just cocktails. The bathrooms are clean. This place opened about 2.5 years ago, and was 2 years in the making. Apparently the owner remodeled a lot of it. The bartenders were clear they do not want to call themselves a speakeasy because they're not.

    (5)

  • John L.

    My wife and I enjoyed an after-dinner impromptu cocktail here last Saturday night. I had visited before but it was her first time here and it was a perfect, cool spring evening. And after a week in West Virginia, I was starving for a bit of quality and flash. This place delivers on every level. The space is beautiful and inviting. The ingredients are top quality and the liquor is even better. This is the only cocktail bar that we have visited that uses Fever Tree tonic. The ice is of superior quality and lacks the odd flavor that you often find in other places. The staff is friendly, knowledgable and efficient. Don't expect your drinks to come out super quickly, as they take their time making your cocktails. It's definitely worth it! Ice cold water is served immediately after you settle in. I had my wife select my cocktail and she did a fantastic job! I had a gin-based drink with Vietnamese Coffee and mint; it was perfectly crafted. She had a wonderful whiskey or bourbon based drink that was equally excellent. This is really the perfect place to have a great cocktail. It's a bit pricey but well-worth it since you get to avoid the perils of a cheesy bar. It's cash only so make sure you grab some benjamins on the way here.

    (4)

  • Janelle R.

    A very cool place everyone must experience at least once while visiting Philly. Do yourself a favor though and don't read any reviews before going. Just go in with an open mind. Here's what I will tell you though... Yes it's a speakeasy style bar, so yes it will be difficult to find. It's cash only, with a 2 drink minimum (drinks in the $15-$20 range). Do dress nice (no sneakers, shorts), and don't show up with more than 4 people (they won't let you in).

    (4)

  • Dan W.

    Make sure to dress appropriately for this place since they usually won't let you in otherwise - no jeans, khakis or dress pants for guys! Ring the bell and someone should answer the door. 3 rules here: Cash only No pictures Phone calls must be taken out near entrance High quality drinks here - can def tell the difference through the taste. They offer various specialty mixed drinks as well as have a menu that breaks down drinks according to liquor type. Giving it four stars because portions are on the more conservative side and price is about 10-16 dollars per drink depending on what you get. Otherwise I highly recommend if you're looking for a low key environment and high quality drinks!

    (4)

  • Jessica B.

    I needed something different the other week, having heard great things about Hop Sing and Lee I convinced some friends to get dressed up and come out with me. Three of us waited for only a short time outside of the hidden door, before we were escorted inside by Lee. After a short, and entertaining, introduction including the rules (*no photography, *no phone calls for the convenience of the other patrons) we were lead to a table and immediately greeted by our server. While we pursued the vast drink list on which everything looked amazing, we took in the gorgeous, detailed decorations. It felt as if we were transported back to a mix between a Chinese opium den and a 1920s club. It was dark, but not too dark to enjoy all of the thoughtful beautiful surroundings. I love how each party got their own table or spot at the bar. There were no crowds around the bar, just enough people to fill the seats. It felt private, and secretive. We ended up getting three rounds of drinks. I can't remember the names of any, but all were amazing, just as well thought out as the decor. Each cocktail was perfectly balanced, strong, and inventive. They were, with out question, some of the best drinks I have ever had. My last was one with an egg white in it. I was hesitant, but boy was I wrong to be. Try this drink (whatever it is) you will be surprised at how much flavor and depth it has. All in all an amazing experience! Though as others have said, it is somewhat pricey, it is definitely worth it. A totally different and wondrous part of the Philly bar scene. Next time you need something new, try Hop Sing.

    (5)

  • Caroline L.

    This is a great place to have cocktails and conversation. Because it's a speakeasy, there is no sign and rules to observe. However, the rules are pleasing--no pictures and cash only. Thus, you will only spend what's in your wallet and it's nice to put the cell phone away. The drinks are pricey ($10-$15), but they have specials for vodka, whiskey, and tequila, so the menu fits many tastes. The place is quite roomy and dim, which makes it relaxing and the ambience transported me to a different time. This is a great place to bring a date or friends. There is a bar area, which makes it good for a person to escape a noisy bar. And the Chinatown location makes it easy to get food after the drinks.

    (5)

  • Aria S.

    So confused what to rate this place, or how to feel. Lee asks you a bunch of questions about how you've heard of the place. Really, any response he probably won't accept, it's just for the sake of the back and forth. The getting in process is def 80% of the experience. And the whole "no-phones, no photos" thing is part of the fun. He only said no sneakers, no other clothing rules. He also gave us a 2 drink minimum because our party was 8 people. We left with only half of our group getting 2 drinks though lol. My friends and I pointed out that Lee was dressed in like a pullover and pants and a weird hat. If he's gonna be soo exclusive, I would dress in a tux haha. Inside is really dark which I hated. Cool super speakeasy-ish. TONss of drink options, too overwhelming for me, especially with the bad lighting I felt so clausterphobic. I ended up shelling out about $22 for one drink for tax/tip which is insane. Granted, it was well crafted, and you pay for the experience. I'd return with a boo thang for a chill night.

    (3)

  • Clara L.

    This place was majorly hyped prior to my attendance and thus perhaps I had great expectations. (Pun intended.) Hop Sing juxtaposes the modern with the nostalgic with partial success. First of all, the introduction and ambience in the foyer-- like the waiting area of a cheesy amusement park. The rules such as the no shoes, no sandals dress code--which are supposed to lend an air of exclusivity--just seem inconvenient. THere were men dressed in shoes and jeans on a sweltering night and women in jeans and flip flops. If you are going to impose a dress code on the men, then the ladies should match as well. The no standing rule applies such as in Franklin Mortgage, and establishment does not well accomodate groups larger than 6, so generally seating arrangements are limited. Aside from the gimmicks, the actual decor is sets an ambience of turn of century grandeur. I told my friend the only thing missing was a piano player playing a good rag. The music is the same old top 40s that's played in every other modern lounge. The speakeasies of that era were less bougie and pretense, more smoke and gangsters, and were not respectable establishments. So, if you are trying to create an homage, then do it right. Please stop trying to be pretentious and just do what you are good at... which is make drinks. The drinks are all priced at $10 and are all superb, complex, delicious, and strong! Go for the drinks, not for the gimmicks. It wasn't love at first site for me, but I guess there is always next time.

    (4)

  • Joe G.

    Mr. Lee does a great job filtering out the douchy frat boys and wasted sorority chicks. I saw a guy not get in because he was wearing a hat and dirty sneakers. The girl wasn't allowed in by default but already had the drunk squint going at 830. They yelled and attempted to make fun of Mr. Lee who just walked back into the bar and ignored them. More places like this should exist because those wastes of life ruin everything. Oh no you can't wear sneakers? Tough shit. Grow the fuck up you slob. There are more than enough bars in the city for these people. I'll continue to go back because it's a fortress of solitude away from the generic people who think they are entitled to get wasted wherever they want and act however they want. You want to spend $3 on a miller lite? Don't go here! Wonder why you're spending so much on a drink? Because it's not well vodka and Sprite! Mad you can't talk on your cellphone or can't take pictures? Not everyone needs to see your boring ass life on social media! Live your fucking life and enjoy where you're at. There needs to be a line to keep the masses out of places like this and Mr. Lee has found it. The people complaining are the same people who cause Starbucks and McDonald's to be placed on ever corner. Thank you Mr. Lee, for creating a place away from all those people.

    (5)

  • James A.

    I guess put me in the hated it aisle. If you want to be told what to do by a silly little man with an obvious napoleonic complex/ this is the place for you! I have to give the interested decor, seemed like some cool drink options. But I will take my Friday night out without the side of over the top pretentiousness, unnecessary rules, and owner who lords over this converted old space like a rat over a sewer. If you were treated like this is someone's house, you would never visit again. This guy gives you the opportunity to pay him for it. Call me old fashioned, but I will take my cocktail without the large side of pomposity...

    (1)

  • Soni O.

    This place is trying way too hard. I went there with friends on 1/18 after a few people recommended it but was disappointed by the handling of getting through the door. First you have to ring a bell ok no problem, then you present your ID cool you've got to do that but do you really need to close the door again while checking ID? OK whatever I can forgive you b/c I'm nearly in and I can't wait to have a great cocktail and spend some money. Then my friends and I are asked to sit down by the entrance for a lame lecture about rules and regulations of the place such as no pics (fine), no phone calls blah blah blah. At this point I'm thinking what the hell am I doing here! But I'm thirsty and won't leave until I try the drinks. Ordered an old fashioned and thought not bad so will have another one and the 2nd one was horrible. My friends drinks were ok for all the fuss they give you prior to entering they should invest the time in teaching consistency. This ship is ran like an army. Servers are so regid and seemed nervous around the owner. I get it he worked really hard to open this place but sometimes people just need to chill it is not that serious. Some people are into the whole exclusive thing which I dig but you can't make me feel like you did me a favor by letting me in when I'm willing to spend money. Give it a try and see for yourself but I prefer The Franklin Mortgage. Great drinks, awes bartenders and no fuss but simply class. Cheers!

    (2)

  • Christopher M.

    Approximately 5 p.m. A curious messenger dropped off an ornate invitation (via twitter), he did not reveal his identity except for the nickname @WinnerAA. Wouldn't miss it. The entire experience was a scene from the Great Gatsby. Very lavish, people drinking for free, and the calm excitement of a crowd all thinking the same thing, "This guy is good, he even cut all the pages." (i.e. so many details have been considered in constructing this place, you feel a little guilty indulging in the hospitality.) Before I could take it all in the first drink arrived. I have to guess, but I would say mandarin and lemon slightly covering strong liquor. Delicious! Every thing is custom crafted, iron work, bar, shelving, bar ladder, red wine stained floors (not just the color, actual wine was used), antique wooden ceiling, artfully exposed brick etc. Second drink - Thai Chili with some kind of brandy and a Velvety floral essence, with hand whipped cream. Spicy, creamy, magic. As I was wondering how church lamps go together with antique copper and brass fire extinguishers, and why a bar owner would purchase 100 year old hand crafted chairs for people to sit in, or enormous sums on designer chairs and tables (Ostroff?), I noticed that the bar tenders were brewing individual cups of coffee for our next drink. Seriously, who does this? There is more, but too much to describe. The fresh squeezed grape juice is as good as others say, but the individually smoked glasses is the real detail of interest (cinnamon and star anise). My favorite signs were vintage Pabst Blue ribbon: "Be nice to your bartender." "Birds of a feather drink together." "Pay today, credit tomorrow." ... and finally "This is the place, now is the time." Believe it or not, the experience of Hop Sing is even better than the hype. Can't wait to go back. P.S. I can confirm that there is enough food for 30 people always on hand. Campbells Soup.

    (5)

  • Reggie B.

    Im a big fan of this place. I would frequent it more often If i could know in advance the type of wait Id have.... specifically when you wanna grab a couple quick drinks before/after a show at the troc or dinner...... A girlfriend and I went before after dinner one night. We waited patiently with a crowd of 3-4 other small couples/groups. The door guy came out once and the owner twice, to either heckle, advise of the time wait or tell one couple specifically they were told to leave because there was no room for them. Basically he said if we all had a plan B- go for it because it was a long wait. We waited about 15 minutes and got it. SO worth the weight. The penny floor in the shoe shine lobby inspired me to make one in my kitchen. The ambiance cant be beat and the drinks are strong as hell and super creative. The wall of Whiskey... well its inviting and terrifying. The servers are kinda demigods.....

    (4)

  • Heather M.

    One of my favorite spots to go for drinks in Philly. Unique and relaxing atmosphere, well thought-out decor, and delicious drinks. Went with 3 friends and as a result were able to try many of the drinks on the menu and would order all of them again. Some unexpected combinations, but that's what makes it exciting. Despite all we had heard about the dress code, etc we felt very welcome. The fact that it wasn't completely filled up also made the experience more enjoyable because sometimes you just want to sit around with some good friends, have a nice drink, and not have to yell to be heard across the table. Looking forward to going back soon.

    (5)

  • Craig G.

    This place made me feel icky from the moment we finally found the place until the moment of relief when we departed. I should have followed my instincts and just left without ever going in, unfortunately I was with some friends that really wanted to see the inside so we went through the debasing entry process. To me it is just sad that there are places that profit off of the fact that human beings tend to have insecurities which can be leveraged for profit. The owner was pleasant but he's likely the individual responsible for the business model which is clearly a pathetic appeal to some of the lowest elements of the human character. There weren't many people there the night we visited, only a few other couples. The process to get in was demeaning and offensive to say the least. The drinks were good but the service was horrifically bad. The staff portrays a contrived pretentiousness which is apparently part of the overall business model's appeal, or lack of appeal depending on your perspective. To me there is almost nothing less appealing than faked pretentiousness. I felt almost physically cleaner when we escaped this sad establishment. We visited Gettysburg the following day and the realness of that awe-inspiring place helped me recover from the pathetically faked pomposity of the Hop Sing Laundromat.

    (1)

  • Katey G.

    Ok. The trick to this place is to pretend it's like a ride at Disney. The bar creates atmosphere through more than just decorations - the character of the bouncer, the fancy dress code (God help you if you wear sneakers), the waiting in the lobby and hearing the whole speech. (Suggestion - mediocre dive bars have super cheap drinks.) If you accept this, you can go along for the ride and find that place in your mind where you enjoy the show. Once you get in, the bar's a nice place to sit. There are about a thousand bottles behind the bar - though you probably won't be able to try most of them. Some are member bottles (?) and some are super expensive. (As per our waiter.) The drink menu is extensive and offers a bunch of drinks sure to appease most palettes. The drinks themselves are pleasantly strong, not overpowering (in the bad, oh god this drink could peel paint way), and they have enough variety so you won't get bored. My biggest disappointment of the night (and maybe I should have gone straight to the bar, perhaps there is a rule I didn't know about?) was the outright refusal of the waiter to allow a drink not on the menu. I was curious to see if I could have a mezcal drink that had a strong, smoky, spicy flavor to it. He said they didn't have anything spicy (but one drink on the menu had Thai chilies?) but pointed me to a drink on the menu which was nice, but not what I wanted. A bit on the sweet side for me, and the tequila in the drink masked most of the smokiness of the mezcal. Another person at the table wanted to try a drink with a different gin, and he was shot down. I tried to order a margarita (on the menu) with just mezcal....and I was shot down. It would apparently be too expensive (?). (Listen, I know Vida Mezcal and it's nice, but it's not that nice.) I would have still been happy to kick a couple extra bucks to have a drink that I actually wanted, but no bones. I understand keeping the prices for the drinks the same...but it was weird having the waiter just keep saying, no, we can't do this. Especially when I've read reviews and heard about people who had these fabulous drinks made for them. Are you not allowed to customize drinks at the tables? That would have been useful to know - I would have just asked to sit at the bar.

    (4)

  • Nancy S.

    Psst...are you a Bond fan? Try the Vesper Lynd. 5 stars because this man (Lee) is a genius.

    (5)

  • Brianne J.

    - 1 star for not taking credit (it's really not that hard these days). The rules are sort of over the top, but it feels like you're going into a park ride or something since they sit you down and go over the rules after letting you in (cash only, no phone

    (4)

  • Emma K.

    I've been here a few times now, and I absolutely love it. The drinks are exquisite- the menu keeps changing, so you won't be bored if you come back or if you really only prefer one type of liquor over others. The bartenders are attentive and very well good at their craft- the drinks are truly exceptional. I also love the decor- it's beautiful on the inside with books all around the top wall, eclectic artwork and furniture. I can't wait to go back again soon!

    (5)

  • Brandon L.

    I have been to Hop Sing twice, and both times were ok. My friends told me about it and I was intrigued. Then they told me that you were not allowed to wear sneakers (understandable) and you weren't allowed to wear shorts (ok). Then they began to tell me that you couldn't take pictures or talk on your cell phone inside (now I started thinking to myself what??). So the first night my friends take me there, Lee came outside and he had an attitude about him that was just cocky. Something about the way he talked I didn't like. But anyway we went inside and had a couple drinks (I had the Clubber Lang Limonade) and they were good, and the inside was nicely decorated but I don't see why people give this place 4 or 5 stars. Plus there's no food???

    (3)

  • Jonny S.

    Excellent spot. Drinks were s-p-e-c-i-a-l-t-y. Really enjoyed the atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Lauren O.

    Very cool experience! Muddled drinks, beautiful decor... You have to see for yourself what this establishment is all about ;)

    (5)

  • Loy G.

    believe half of what you've read and none of what you've heard because it's making me have to dig deeper into my pockets. the well deserved hype and accolades made the recent price increase a forgone conclusion. unfortunate yet inevitable. please take lee's advice and "don't believe what you've been told." i'm not quite sure who's to blame for the new price point, but my advice to those responsible is to wear sneakers the next time they head to hop sing for a drink. HSL is the best spot in philly for craft cocktails. i'll let my 5 star rating speak for itself. but as the man says, "don't believe what you've been told."

    (5)

  • Liz G.

    Thank god we weren't wearing sneakers! We did NOT know the quirky peculiarities of this place before we went (our friend who recommended it didnt tell us). We couldnt find it at first, searched yelp, and then took a chance on the unmarked door. We got interrogated, as usual, I guess, and then had the most fantastic cocktails ever! The atmosphere is great and the music was amazing. Just don't tell Lee that you heard about HSL on yelp....he doesnt seem to like that...

    (5)

  • Elliott S.

    This place rules!! No cards, cash only! No phones, convos only!! Come here! Lee is the owner, ask for him!

    (5)

  • Gerard Z.

    Best cocktails in Philly unsurprisingly come from the best bartenders and management. This whole place is legit. The bartenders know their stuff, their liquor selection is unreal and the manager and owner are not satisfied until your mind is officially blown. I dig the pomp and circumstance.

    (5)

  • Erin F.

    This place is so impressive. You can tell the owner's meticulous attention to detail everywhere. Drinks were amazing. Love the rules! No cell phones and no photos. Great spot for having drinks in an intimate space with awesome service. Very mad men like. I just hope that it doesn't become so popular that you can't get in. You can only sit two or four to a table or at the bar. No one stands.

    (5)

  • George R.

    I have to say that from when we rang the doorbell until when we were actually seated, things were iffy. That's only because all of the up-front presentation given by the owner and gigantic bouncers as you await your assigned table. After that, however, all was just dandy. This place is truly a gem, especially in Philadelphia. I'm not usually one for top shelf mixed drinks, but after spending the evening at this establishment, I might just turn over a new leaf. I initially thought that the no camera no phone rules were nothing more than pretense, but after about 30 min sipping my delicious top shelf gin drink, I realized that things would be a lot different with a bunch of douchebags (either male or female, really) packing together at the bar posing for pictures while holding up their fancy drinks. To this same point, the one important downside to this joint is the inability to accommodate larger groups. Then again, if it were able to do so, the vibe would be different. We arrived with six people, and that was definitely a stretch. The ideal number of people in a party here is undoubtedly two. Three or four works; five and six is feasible but beyond that you can pretty much forget about it. Most importantly though, ladies and gents, is that the atmosphere here is like nothing else. If you want a friend visiting from out of town to get a good impression of the high-class offerings of Center City Philadelphia, then this is definitely your spot. Enjoy.

    (5)

  • Angie K.

    When I think of this place, I think of WWUD: What Would Uncle Do. Lee reminds me of my uncles who click their tongues at me because of my poor chopstick skills. Hop Sing is Lee's "home" and when entering, you, as the guest, should treat the establishment with respect. This might be an old school Asian thing, but I get it. I've only been once, and I saw at the bar with a few friends. We preferred tables, but I realize that Lee sat us at the bar because we were first timers. However, there were four of us, and it was hard to talk to each other. Our bartender was courteous, but seemed a little new and hesitant. No worries, since he could've made anything from that bar and I would've been sold. If you found out about this place through his Twitter, word-of-mouth, Yelp, whatever, then you should have had an inkling of some of these rules by now. I tried the East Side and a few others, and they fresh-squeeze everything when your drink is made to order. You can taste it. Actually, you can even see it if you sit at the nickel-laden bar. And this at $10 a pop? Thank you very much! I definitely want to return soon and see if my experience can be duplicated (then maybe kicked up to a 5 star rating). Next time, I'll bring my wad of cash.

    (4)

  • Patrick C.

    The excellence of Hop Sing Laundromat is a result of Mr. Lee's obsessive attention to detail. Over my 5 visits to this place, I have been impressed with every cocktail that I have tried. Whether you're at the bar or a table, this is a place where you can relax with your friends in peace and enjoy the best cocktails Philadelphia has to offer. You can conduct a conversation without having to raise your voice or be overheard by other patrons. The scrutiny at the door is quality control. Just as Lee wouldn't put crappy liquor or moldy fruit in one of his cocktails, he makes efforts to exclude the wrong kind of patron. Demonstrate respect for his house, patience, and politeness and you will be welcomed. It's not a nightclub line where the "cool kids" get in faster, it is a highly effective filter. I've never had my experience at Hop Sing marred by the bad behavior of another patron. My favorite way to experience Hop Sing: bring 3 friends, receive a table for 4. Everyone orders different drinks. Try your drink, try your friends' drinks (any germs will surely perish in the alcohol). Another round! Different drinks again for everyone. There, now you've tasted 8 different drinks for the price of two. You will find a few favorites, but all 8 will intrigue and be distinctly different from each other.

    (5)

  • Corwin P.

    I really didn't expect to like this place, I didn't even want to go. Not because I had heard any of the hype about it because I hadn't. I'm pretty much a shut in, and when it comes to drinks, I'd typically much rather spend money at the liquor store and sit at home than I would go out and worse yet get dressed up to meet a dress code. But damn this place is just down right great. The drink menu is extensive, and absolutely delicious. I'm really not the most adventurous person when it comes to cocktails, I don't even know what 90% of them are. I was going to play it safe and order the to drinks on the specials menu with cream in them, but fortunately my girlfriend ordered those, which left me free to try something I had not had before. I got an Old Fashioned, and a Tequila Old Fashioned, and they were both amazing. Lee is a fantastic and extremely entertaining host, and I really can't wait to take a couple of my friends here when they visit. If you don't like the rules, or pseudo-secrecy of the place, then perhaps you ought to develop a sense of humor.

    (5)

  • Seungha L.

    If there was an option to do no-stars, that would have been my first choice. Now that I finally have some time to write a review about this place... I can add on to my previous one line review. So perhaps I'll start with my first experience: 1.) My first experience was probably during their grand opening, if I remember correctly. I worked as a general manager at another restaurant in Chinatown and being very familiar with all the local restaurants and bars along with the owners, I feel as though everyone wants to help contribute to the success of other neighborhood businesses. A lot of the customers I was dealing with were telling me to check out Hop Sing - they claimed that it's supposed to be "exclusive." They also let me in on little things I should know about in advance. Don't wear sneakers, you can't take pictures, you can't use your phone, etc. Already, I had a semi-negative impression. Really? No cellphone usage? Okay dude, I know exactly what you're trying to get at but really.. it's 2013, the top form of advertising and attracting customers is through social media. But whatever, that's the owner's discretion. Anyway, a friend and I decided to go and check it out, but they wouldn't let us in because my friend was wearing jeans. JEANS. Seriously? No offense, but you're a bar located in Chinatown. Again, CHINATOWN. You can go to a freaking 5 star restaurant with jeans on without getting declined, not that you would but still! Not to mention, if you were going to say no, then so be it, don't make people wait outside in the freaking cold for a solid thirty minutes. That is just terrible business. 2.) Being that the restaurant I worked at before was open late; the owner and his staff would come eat sometimes after their bar was closed. Everyone seemed pretty friendly besides the owner, he was just whatever. The security person would order take out semi-often, and he was quite friendly. He advised that I should check it out and I told him about my first experience, and he assured me that if I were to ever come it would be better. 3.) My second experience: My friend (a different person this time) and I decided to go to Hop-Sing. This time the owner came to the door, he was friendly this time. He said hold on; he has to check to see if there are any tables available. He comes back out and asks for our ID. I give him my ID and he reads my name. He then takes a look at me and then starts yelling at me and my friend saying "YOU GAVE ME ONE STAR! YOU WROTE A BAD REVIEW ABOUT ME RECENTLY ON YELP!" and starts freaking out. REALLY? We were speechless but found it pretty funny and how unprofessional his demeanor was and left to another bar. We told the bartenders what had just happened, and they definitely had a good kick out of the incident but not to mention, they even told us some funny yet crazy stories that they've experience with the owner at Hop Sing themselves. Just some words of advice: you as the business owner should cater to customers. If they wrote a bad review about your business doesn't mean that you snap on them about it. If they had a bad experience, and you proclaim that your business is not what you believe they say it is, then you want to make it a more positive experience for them, perhaps start by ASKING THEM why they wrote a bad review, or why their experience wasn't so great. I mean c'mon if their experience is bad before they even set foot inside, perhaps it is something that you are doing wrong or how you are running your business. After all, your business is still running and open due to the customers that pay $10.00 per drink in your "oh so exclusive bar."

    (1)

  • Jean G.

    Hop Sing is Sexy. Went here for a first date and I could not have gone anywhere better. The decor was beautiful and tasteful. Granted- my date was absolutely stunning with a wonderful personality- so that helped. :-) In terms of the perfect description- Hop Sing is sexy. First- you're taking a chance that you won't get in. That tension injects an emotional pang when you are actually allowed in. I wore a blazer, but, it's not mandatory. There were people in jeans but, they may have been regulars. It was nice to see good looking people dressed up. The bar was spacious and did not get crowded. The drinks were sexy. The atmosphere was sexy. Mood lighting,, friendly service, and the impeccable Mr. Lee- he was brilliant. If you don't get in- how mad can you really be? Just go somewhere else. No biggie. This is the perfect place to add upscale sexy into your night. Amazing. **Attention: husbands, boyfriends and other long term relationship guys.** If your lady owns more than 3 pairs of high heels- you owe it to her to take her here. Hop Sing is really impressive as a first date, but, even more impressive as a 50th date. They pay extraordinary attention to the small details which will make your night exceptional. It's easy for us guys to get comfy and forget about that extra bit of effort. Don't go here on a special night (anniversary, birthday, valentines day- cheesy). Make the night special by going here. Get dressed (blazer and jeans), let her dress as sexy as she dares and impress her by finding this awesome experience. The extra effort means everything. I'd suggest dancing afterward if you have the time, but, if not- this place will absolutely impress. You've got a great girl- show her a great time!!

    (5)

  • Ben C.

    Wow! I went to Hop Sing for the first time and I wish I could afford to be a regular customer. When we arrived we were sadly not greeted by Lee, but asked the questions and got the same treatment advised by the other yelpers. We went on a Thursday night around 6:15 so we share the place with about four other tables. ALMOST Everything said about this place is true. The rules, cost, quality of the drinks. Everything is amazing. If someone had a bad time it was their own fault. The ambiance was extraordinary. I could go on and on. Lee genuinely cares about the business he is running. He stops at every table even taking a moment to refill a water glass. This shows his dedication and sets a standard with his staff. Since we did not get greeted by Lee he stopped us on our way out to ask how we heard of his place and provide some general conversation. We talked about yelp and some of the poor reviews. We also talked about similar experiences in other cities as well as our plan to come back. What is my final say on Hop Sing??? I wish more establishments had the standard of Hop Sing. I will gladly get dressed up and go pay $10 a drink. It is well worth it!

    (5)

  • Jonathan P.

    Thank God! After months of waiting for my first Hop Sing experience, I finally was able to talk a couple of buddies into checking it out with me. Walked a couple blocks into Chinatown and saw Lee hanging outside his place with a bouncer and told us his place was full right now. Invited us in to the waiting room to relax and said he would have something for us in about 15 minutes, as this would also give him enough time to explain the rules of his bar. No cell phone calls (texting is fine) and no photographs inside. Lee is a boss, and treats his bar like it's HIS BAR, demanding respect from the patrons in a pleasant but stern manner. I really like this about Lee, he could easily put up a sign with these rules on it but he knows people will respect the rules if they hear it from the boss himself; also gives him a good chance to inspect the dress code on everyone with his own eyes. Onto the drinks.... I wish I could remember the name of every drink I tried but the ones that really stood out were the Preacher Bourbon and the Iowa Objection. Both were mixed perfectly, the bourbon being on the stronger side, but it had one of the best aftertastes with the fumes from the absinthe and amaretto slowly creeping around my palate making their way up through my nasal passage, I savored every flavor in every sip. The decor, background music, and waiters attentiveness and uniforms take this place to the next level. If you think the drinks are too expensive, Lee is too pretentious, or the cocktail list too extensive.... Perhaps you would enjoy jeans, a t-shirt, and a lukewarm commercial beer at one of the typical Irish bars of the city. If you want a memorable experience guided by a cocktail connoisseur and meticulous businessman, than sit back, relax, and let Lee introduce you to the best cocktails you'll ever have..... In this city or any other.

    (5)

  • Amanda C.

    My husband and I were visiting from out of town and he took me here as a surprise. Being a Chicago girl with a love of craft cocktails and speakeasies, this place really hit the spot. I didn't appreciate the pretentious wait outside in the cold, but hey, you do what you have to do for a good cocktail. I'm a girl who never orders the same thing twice and I had three "Nevermores" at this place : Gin, tequila, coffee and cream doesn't sound like a winning combination but the talent at Hop Sing makes it happen and I kept coming back for more. We had a great time until it was time to leave. We and another couple closed the place down. Respectfully, we finished our drinks quickly once the lights came on, used the restroom and headed toward the door. When we asked the bouncer whether there were cabs going by, he simply said "Yes" to usher us out the door, then once we exited, he told us we better call somebody. Gee, thanks. We then had to stand around outside freezing at 2:00 in the morning for about 15 minutes waiting for a cab to go by. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I believe that any truly quality establishment ensures a great night for its patrons from the beginning to the end, and part of that involves calling a cab for someone in need. Instead of lingering thoughts about how delicious and inventive those cocktails were, we left the night with a sour taste in our mouths.

    (3)

  • S. S.

    You want a drink go somewhere else. You want a true cocktail go here. Hop Sing I bow my head with honer. I am so sick of going to places where bartenders dont care what ingredients they use. Every drink I had was fresh and crisp. Hard to find NO sign but well worth it. Well done Lee.

    (5)

  • Evan R.

    Living in New York, the speakeasy scene has been beaten to death for me (and then some). A cocktail bar is still far and away my favorite place to get a drink and have a nice conversation with friends, but the novelty of doing so via secret aqueduct has declined with time. On a recent visit to Philly, Hop Sing was a nice reminder that drinks and ambiance always trump novelty. We met Lee outside and he seemed to quickly get that this was not our first rodeo. We were let into the holding pen and he gave us the oft-mentioned speech about cell phone usage, the vibe, etc. Then we went into the bar. Most cocktail bars are tiny, but Hop Sing was quite spacious and had an absolutely beautiful interior. The bar was also really cool - it is a series of nickels mounted into the countertop. Since they nailed the ambiance and the decor, all that remains are the drinks. They are expertly made, with love, and attention (but not so much that one waits too long). My group and I had about 9 drinks between us and one was better than the next. THis was a great place to catch up with some loved ones and I look forward to going back.

    (5)

  • Seraphina F.

    The drinks here are delicious. They don't serve food and the drinks are really strong, so make sure you eat somewhere else first if you don't want to be super drunk. The best part about this place is that it's basically quiet except for the music. You can really enjoy the company of another person, unlike at some other bars that can get really loud.

    (5)

  • Kelly P.

    Allegedly had a possible craft cocktail here, not that I can either confirm or deny. Maybe. Might have had a second craft cocktail here as well, had I been at liberty to say. Could have been a good story, were one so inclined to elaborate further.

    (5)

  • Austin G.

    My wife and I drove up to Philly to take a great from our native DC and Hop Sing Laundromat helped make our get-away memorable. Hop Sing Laundromat is a speakeasy in Chinatown that you would easily miss if you didn't know what to look for. If you do know what to look for, you'll ring the small silver doorbell by a black gate. The owner, Mr. Le, will take your ID and then come back to let you in. He'll go over the rules (no photos, no phones, etc) in a small room before leading you to a large room of tables and a long bar. We sat at the bar and ordered four drinks between the two of us. I love sweeter drinks and was pleased with their selection. Each cocktail was simple, yet so creative. P.S. If you drink at the bar and wonder how many nickles are glued to the bar....the answer is just over $700 worth. (:

    (5)

  • Gregory H.

    Wear shoes, don't take pictures, dress nicely and enjoy the best cocktails in the city. This is a place for quiet conversation over drinks. A great date night or just a night out with a few good friends. Hop Sing's cocktails are simple but masterfully constructed.

    (5)

  • Khusbu P.

    Thanks to all of the reviews, I had no problem finding this gem when I went for my first time. I found the iron gate door, rang the buzzer, and waited for Lee to come out. He asked us a few questions... "Have you been here before?" "How did you hear about this place?" "Do you know that we only accept cash?" Once we answered his questions he let us inside the first room and told us about the rules. The 2 mains rules were that you can't take any pictures and can't make any phone calls once you get inside. As soon as I walked in I noticed how beautiful the decor was. Like all speakeasies, the lighting was very dim...it's actually the one thing that ALWAYS makes me sleepy when I go to speakeasies haha but, I still love them all. Once we were seated I ordered a gin cocktail with cucumber and mint...it was delicious! Overall, I had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back again!

    (5)

  • Jordan P.

    Checked in preemptively, so I can't say I have physically been in here. That said, I feel as though writing this review is essential to help future visitors. Having tasted Lee's cocktails twice before when he has guest bartended at some of my favorite spots (Volver and Jamonera), I figured it was time to go to the source. So I can say, confidently, that the cocktails are fantastic. The Saigon Flip just rocked my world and I was pumped to give it a try. My only mistake? Being a single woman. I showed up to HSL at a little before 11 to join the ranks of a small but enthusiastic line, maybe 13 deep. Groups ranged from 3-5, while I was the only individual. Never before has being a lone wolf entering a bar warranted a punishment. When I got to the front of the line, I informed the owner I was riding solo. He said he wasn't sure if he could accommodate an individual yet and would check the bar. I believe what this may translate to is only wanting larger parties... A business plan that makes sense, but I would argue has ethical flaws. The trio in front of me was eventually informed they were up. They asked if they could go in as a foursome, considerately thinking to add me to their party. This consideration cost them entry, as they were promptly soup-Nazied out by Lee, who said they could join their "new friend" on the sidewalk. To these kind strangers, I am sorry this prejudice stopped you from enjoying cocktails. But thank you for standing up for me. After giving them the boot, Lee went back in briefly before coming out, pointing at me, and saying "There is no way we will be able to have you in tonight." I followed the rules. I waited silently. I dressed appropriately. I also didn't sass him, saying I would wait my turn. I was shown littler than zero respect. I have never felt more insulted by any establishment. I know they're great cocktails. I know from trying them. But I don't think I could ever attempt another visit after that slap in the (well-mannered, unfortunately single) face.

    (2)

  • Jaclyn M.

    Neat little speakeasy. Dress nicely and act like an adult and you'll have a good time! Great to come with friends for casual drinks, though expect to wait 15-30 minutes for a seat depending on the size of your party, and when you arrive. The drinks are all very well made, and priced reasonably for the type of establishment.

    (5)

  • Sandman D.

    I would rate it negative based on our experience. We reached there around 10.30 pm and stood in a relatively short line with just 2 people ahead of us. We waited for about 25-30 mins before being quite rudely escorted in by a bouncer who made it sound like he was doing us a huge favor by letting us in. When we went inside, we were surprised to find a relatively empty place with 60-70% empty tables. I was pissed that we had to wait 30 mins outside to enter an empty bar. We told the waiter that we had couple of other friends joining us and if can we be seated in a larger table when they got in. The waiter was very courteous and told us that he will check with the owner whom we met had when we got in who was a rude jerk. He came and told us that if we want to be seated next to our friends, we would each have to have minimum two drinks. I explained that we had to drive back and the designated drivers cannot have two drinks. He said, that was not his problem. We were just so ticked by the experience and attitude that we walked out. Franklin Mortgage and other speak easy's in Philly are lot nicer and courteous. By the way, the average price of a cocktail is between $15-20 and its certainly not $$ as indicated in the Yelp Price rating.

    (1)

  • Abhishek Y.

    HSL is absolutely beautiful. From the foyer with the grand bookcases, to the inside with the opulent chandeliers and otherwise fantastic décor, we were fans of the design aesthetic from the moment we walked in. What was my problem with it? Service. Never have I been to a place where I felt so belittled and threatened. I understand that Lee's primary intended market is a slightly older crowd, but I see no reason to patronize a business that intimidates me and my friend and is rude to us. Further, RR is far better in terms of the overall drink experience, so, for as much as Lee touts the trip he took across the US and all the unique items he brought back, one of Philadelphia's other staples is outdoing him left, right, and center. In all, I am fully aware that a private business can cater to whomever they would like to, but I, for one, am never going back, since it also seems that I'm not the only one with 'service' issues.

    (3)

  • Deb G.

    I'm going to go ahead and settle this five-star vs. one-star Hop Sing debate. Do you want to have a relaxing evening with your loved one(s) and some great cocktails?... Five-stars, you're going to love this place. Are you a douche bag who has grown accustomed to disrespecting those around you?...One-star, the staff actually demanded that you treat them like humans and you had a bad experience, ohhhh noooo. I'm sure there's a wine bar on the mainline or some bar that's waayyyyy better in New York City to accommodate your needs. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who would love to sit and have a pleasant cocktail in a great atmosphere, so there is a line. It's worth the wait. Unless I'm in line behind you. In that case, the cocktails are syrupy.

    (5)

  • Doris T.

    The perfect place to take your date for some pre dinner cocktails and good conversation. The establishment is tucked away in Chinatown. A guy will escort you into a small room to tell you the rules and have your eyes adjust to the dim lighting. For a second you'll feel like your on Terror of Tower in Disney or walking into a haunted mansion. However, take the time to look around at the decor before going into the main room. On to the drinks- you are going to be spending a good amount of $ but the drinks are made with high quality ingredients. If your not willing to spend the $ or enjoy the experience you may as well stay at home with a Budlight. The Philly colada and whiskey smash were delicious! Very refreshing for a summer afternoon. Tips- wear the appropriate attire, bring cash and enjoy the experience.

    (5)

  • Samson C.

    The atmosphere is a perfect setting to have a good conversation, relax and drink superbly crafted drinks. Whenever I take friends here they are initially intimidated by the rules of the bar (no cell phones, no pictures etc) but soon realize that because of these rules they are free and able to have drinks and converse without the distractions of a typical bar. Bring cash, act like an adult and you'll enjoy yourself.

    (5)

  • Archana C.

    Perfect spot for those that enjoy craft cocktails. Note this is NOT a crazy party location but an AMAZING place to grab drinks with friends or date and have great conversations. There are some rules to follow - so if you think that's unreasonable - it's not but then this place is probably not for you. One of my favorite places in Philly

    (5)

  • Liz B.

    Disappointing. I got the Nevermore cocktail, it was delicious, but the whole "experience" was overrated. There are other speakeasys to choose from in the city that are better and less pretentious.

    (2)

  • Dennis S.

    Everything is Awesome Everything is awesome Everything is cool when you're part of a team Everything is awesome When we're living our dream Everything is better when we stick together Side by side You and I Gonna win forever Let's party forever We're the same I'm like you You're like me We're all working in harmony Everything is awesome Everything is cool when you're part of a team Everything is awesome When we're living our dream

    (5)

  • Rachel H.

    I really wanted to like this place. I've heard such great things, but this place truly failed to live up to it's expectations. Perhaps my trip was a fluke and the fault of new server, but it will be a while before I head back. Here's what happened. My friends and I arrived and waited patiently for the doorman to take our IDs. We were then escorted inside and told sit down before being instructed on the rules. We were brought inside and sat at a table where the waiter proceeded to drop an entire tray of ice water on me. I know, it was an accident and forgive and forget, but that was not what ticked me off. What made me mad was that he just stood there and stared instead of getting towels to let me dry myself off, which he eventually did after I had to ask him to. So we went on with our night, me freezing and soaking wet. To apologize, they brought me juice. Yes, plain juice - no booze. I thought this was strange but decided to give them the benefit of the doubt that I would be taken care of when the check came. NOPE. We had to remind them what happened to me. I eventually got my drink taken off the check, but not before being oddly asked for all of my information so they could follow me on Facebook (no thank you). Other than the service being utterly terrible and disrespectful, the drinks were fairly subpar. I love a good martini, but this place just did not make one. I am willing to give Hop Sing Laundromat a second chance, but I will probably pack my own towel next time.

    (2)

  • Danielle H.

    This place was on our Philly bucket list, as we are soon moving... ...This place is incredible! It is everything I want in a cocktail lounge. I really hate most bars because you can't hear the people you're with, and it only gets worse as the night goes on. Hop Sing is totally different. You won't see a sign outside, so you basically have to "know it's there." Your first step is a briefing with the doorman. Rules of the bar: no photos, no cell phone conversations. And I have to say, he's serious. The group in front of us waited for 20 minutes and then someone snapped a picture and they were all kicked out. Yeah, seriously. Once you're inside, you're transported back in time. Soft voices, brilliant music, low lighting, and amazing drinks. (Expect to pay $15/drink in cash. ATM across the street) I had three drinks over the course of a couple hours we were there: -Montana Playback, which turned out to be too spicy for me (and I love spicy food) -"Dream" something from the specials list -- a lemony concoction of awesome. Very creamy. -Blood and Sand, which was a whiskey-based drink with some fruit. Everything I love in a drink. I also recommend the "Chocolate Shake", which my wife had, and "Be My Number Two", which is basically blueberry vodka and pineapple juice and went down way too easy. Definitely a wonderful experience.

    (5)

  • Brittany K.

    Such an awesome bar!!!! Felt like I was back in the prohibition era ! We waited outside the hidden bar for about 10 minute after ringing the door bell. Then a man came out, greeted us, took our ids, and got our table ready. When we went in they went over the rules; no cellphones etc.. The inside was so cool! It was very dark and secretive. The drinks were amazing! Literally best drinks I've ever had.

    (5)

  • Job M.

    Here's the deal. This place has a cool atmosphere, the drinks are good, but it feels like a bit of a tourist trap, I've lived in Philly for a little over a year and just getting into this place is a huge production. First you stand outside, wait patiently for them to come out, take your ID, and do whatever they do with it? Then they look at you and decide if they want to let you in. I've been here three times with different people who thought it sounded cool and we were let in every time, the issue some people are having getting in is probably because they are in shorts and flip flops or something. This is all part of the ambiance. Then you get inside and the place looks amazing. The decor, the low music, the lighting is all great. There is an entire WALL of alcohol behind the bar. My only issues are thus: the drinks are hyper expensive for what you get, it takes forever for them to make a cocktail, and it's cash only. It's 2015 at the time of this review. If you are still accepting cash only, there's some serious tax evasion going on here. Make the excuses up all you want about not wanting to pay the merchant services fees, or you are trying to go for a traditional speakeasy feel. It's BS. Your tax evasion should not inconvenience me. I've only been here because it's a cool place to go on a date for drinks before dinner or to take friends from out of town who are easily impressed before going out drinking elsewhere. Remember cash and if the IRS asks you, only wear a wire if you get a 10 year income tax abatement.

    (2)

  • Juliana K.

    A whole other world. So you wait at the door and an dressed up asian man checks your IDs (and questions you if he feels like it, things like how did you hear about us and etc. If you have a large group [maybe 6], there is sometimes a two drink minimum). When you are lead upstairs, you are first held up in a waiting area where you are given rules (no phones, no photos, and etc.). Then you are whisked away into a dimly lit, open room, with uniquely classy decor. It's like you're in a different time/place. The cocktail menu is lengthy with a wide assortment of uniquely complex and delicious drinks! One of my drinks was some sort of chocolate milkshake name and it was surprisingly awesome. Just a note though, drinks here are VERY pricey. Expect to spend $15 a drink. This is not a place you go every day or weekend, but it if definitely a place you should check out!

    (4)

  • Yayi Z.

    I definitely recommend this place if you've never been. After checking our ID, we were lead into a wait room first (which was nicely scented), and then into the main bar. It's a classic 20's speakeasy feel, very relaxing and spacious. Happy hour lasts till 8pm. The room was dimly lit, which was a bit of a challenge when we were trying to read the menu. But all worth it when we got our drinks- some of the best cocktails I've had! A bit pricey - on average 11-12 per drink, but worth the experience. :)

    (5)

  • Ashley T.

    The drinks are weak and over priced. We waited extremely long to get served and the server never checked back in with us (we had to constantly call him back over) and when he did serve us, he was short and rude and not knowledge able the cocktails. I really believe this place writes their own reviews, they are horrible. Bad service, bad drinks. I would never go there again.

    (1)

  • Vidushi B.

    Hop Sing is an experience. It looks like it could just be a door to a house, or something, but it is so much more. You wait in front of the premises, and are eventually greeted by Lee, the awesome doorman. He was polite, funny, but professional, and took us into the waiting room and informed us that we weren't allowed to take any pictures beyond that point. The decor is amazing. You feel like you really have dropped back say, 90 years. It's dimly lit in the best possible way, and you have to use the candles to read the extensive cocktail menu. The cocktails were delicious. I had two, the first being a special, a gin cocktail with cucumber, strawberry, and agave nectar: so good. I wanted a contrast for the second drink, so I got a gin cocktail with amaretto, coffee and cream. It was great as well, and helped me stay awake the rest of the night! Overall, great experience. I would recommend trying to go on a Thursday so you don't have to wait in line for long, but still get the experience. I wish it was cheaper, but I guess it really is worth the money.

    (5)

  • Christina S.

    I agree with OrG. My husband and I just went to HS for the first time last night. We had a lovely time. I knew exactly where it was, thanks Yelpers. We arrived at the door just as a group of 4 was being ushered in by The Sentinel. He told us very politely to wait, that he would be right back and have our ID ready. We waited, and yes he came right back. He took our ID the disappeared behind the door. My husband believes he just went inside and stood by the door for 5 mins. When he returned he gave us back our ID with strict instructions before entering the inner sanctum. There were rules of conduct to be reviewed, but all of this was done in a very friendly, professional way. At this point Hubby thinks we are walking into a. a room full of celebrities, b. a room full of people making out, c. a room full of people having sex, d. a room full of celebrities making out and having sex. We ACTUALLY walk into...a bar. YAY! A very nice. Very dark...bar. That being said, Russell our bartender, was very helpful and attentive while he had the dubious task of juicing hundreds of limes. The place smelled divinely of oranges, lemons and limes. Hubs had the Boston Healer, and I had the Preachers Bourbon(?) both hand-made from scratch by Russell. Every drink I watched being made was made from scratch, fresh squeezed pineapples, mint...etc. Both drinks $28. This is NOT crazy expensive for what you are getting. So on the whole...I enjoyed my experience at HS. I get the vibe and what they are trying to create. If you don't want to participate in the whole, speakeasy, exclusive club, secret handshake deal, you'll want to skip HSL.

    (4)

  • Amanda C.

    The drinks here are amazing and worth the wait and showmanship of the grand entering! You have to ring a doorbell and wait for someone to greet you. They read you house rules...basically no photos or phone calls...it was a welcome disconnect from technology and a pleasant surprise to see all patrons actually conversing and enjoying each other's company! Privacy is encouraged for the patrons and establishment. In my opinion the drinks here are far superior compared to Franklin Mortgage as the ingredients are fresh and not syrup based. I ordered a bourbon and egg based drink (the name was Kentucky something) and though the name slips my mind the delicious flavor did not. Will return!

    (5)

  • Adam C.

    If left to my own devices, I would probably not have ever opted to come here due to what I've read in both the good and the bad reviews that I've seen about this place. My friend was in from out of town and she suggested it and who am I to be difficult so that was our first stop of the evening. We got there, rang the bell and I was a little disappointed that instead of Mr. Lee we got one of the bartenders. After the fanfare with the licence seizure, we were brought into the waiting room and given the lecture. Once we agreed to abide by the rules we were led to our seats at the bar. I'm not sure if we had requested a table whether we would have been forcefully ejected or given a table in the mostly empty room but in the oppressive rule laden atmosphere we accepted our bar spots. The menu was interesting and my date was very inquisitive of the bar tender who was up to the task of answering her detailed questions. Mine too. We each made our drink selections. The service was impeccable, the show put on by the bartenders was fun. The drinks were a little disappointing and dare I say tasted a tad watery. I was afraid to complain a) because I was not sure and b) because I didn't want to get us kicked out before she finished her drink. She never finished her drink because she didn't really like it. After a while she gave up on it. The bartender asked why she hadn't finished her drink and she admitted that she hadn't liked it very much. He was good about making it disappear and offering her alternative suggestions but when the check came the drink was still there. I didn't like mine that much either but I still put it all away so o problem. On to round 2. We each took a little advice from the bartender on the theory that when left to our own devices we'd make some questionable decisions but if ordering on the advice of the experts we'd do alright. Alas, while, this time she drank up, mine once again, tasted slightly watery. We decided to give up after 2 and moved our night on over to Emmanualle which is the exact opposite of Hop Sing in most respects.

    (2)

  • Liz K.

    Put this on your list as a must-try if you're visiting or new to Philadelphia. I know there are other speakeasies in Philly, but I didn't have a chance to try them, so this review is without comparison to others. Yes, the entrance is unassuming; there are rules to enter (no cell phones!); it is cash-only...but it is worth the experience at least once and it provides a good opportunity for a low-key drink with a small group, if that's what you're going for. The cocktail menu is divided into sections based on the liquor type, and from what I can recall, there are sections for rum, whiskey, bourbon, gin, and vodka. Obviously everyone is going to have a different taste in mind, so rather than make a recommendation, I'll say don't be afraid of egg whites! I hadn't had a cocktail with egg whites before my visit to Hop Sing and I was skeptical, but now I'm a believer. I also recommend going with people who aren't germaphobes (technically it's mysophobia, I guess) because it's fun to try one another's drinks, especially when they're $14 apiece and you're not going to be ordering the whole menu yourself. Ultimately it may cost more than a normal night out, but it's worth it for the experience and the inventive cocktails.

    (4)

  • Shereen C.

    Delicious cocktails in an intimate space, a plush experience.

    (5)

  • Lorrie M.

    This place was a little hard to find, and most definitely intimidating. However, despite the fact that my friend and I were dressed in shorts, the only rule is that guys can't wear shorts, so we were able to get inside. As ballsy as I usually am, I didn't dare to take a photo because it was so quiet and not busy on a Sunday night that I didn't feel like I wanted to make a scene and get kicked out since there was explicitly no photos allowed. I'm sure I could have snuck some with my iPhone ... but it was still hard. I thought the drinks here were interesting, and had a great twist, but I wish there was more interaction. My version of speakeasys are when you get to sit at the bar or hang out with the bartender, and ask questions and talk about liquors and drinks and flavors ... This place, you get seated somewhere, and you order and ... that's it. I mean, granted it's extremely gorgeous inside. Very velvety, elegant ... definitely a nice chill place to enjoy a few deliciously made drinks. But I guess I missed that interactive portion of what I have come to expect of speakeasys. They definitely play the role well.

    (4)

  • Scheherazade K.

    Sincere, clean, enjoyable, elegant romantic indulgence. The only bar in which one can actually be certain that the atmosphere will not be ruined by loud and/or uncouth behavior and/or disrespectfully distasteful fashion-related choices on the part of guests and/or irritatingly loud and/or distasteful and/or conversation-hindering music on the part of the establishment. For those extremely, extremely, extremely rare qualities on their own, quite regardless of the unusual and delicious nature of the cocktails, themselves, I am willing to spend more money than usual.

    (5)

  • Gia M.

    I have been dying to go here FOREVER and I finally got to visit with a few friends last Saturday for a birthday event. The experience at Hop Sing is meant to feel very authentic and they hit that nail right on the head. The decor is fantastic-- it at once manages to be eclectic, pulled together, and a mix of a smoking room and a library. This place is very dark (I assume to discourage you from knowing who else is frequenting the establishment). I got a kick out of being asked why I was visiting the iron door, and the wait outside while they decided whether to let us in was deliciously uneasy. Once we got in, we were briefed on the rules (apparently, you can text in the bar, by the way. You just can't take pictures or phone calls) and then shown to our table. Obviously, it's cash-only and all of the drinks are over $10, so beware. I tried the General Tso's Chocolate Shake (I think that's what it was called), which was some sort of vodka drink with chocolate and espresso liqueur. Yes, just yes. Second drink was the Bramble (gin and raspberry syrup, essentially), which was so fruity that I couldn't taste the alcohol. Absolutely impeccable service. All of our servers were super discreet and prompt, and just fantastic overall. I will be back. New favorite place to visit all dolled up. Even the small hiccup with our late friends was only slightly uncomfortable as the staff figured out how to fit an extra seat at the table and we picked our friends up from outside.

    (5)

  • Cathy B.

    Totally worth it (once) for the experience, but ultimately, it is just a well-appointed, well-staffed bar. I had a wonderful time with the faux-speakeasy entrance game (Thanks Yelpers for posting the pics of the gate and the clear instructions on how to find the place). Not so much on getting turned away at first for improper footwear (HINT- just zip across to one of the markets across the street and get a cheap pair -- apparently $8.00 flip flops that are 3 sizes too small, letting my bare heel hit the floor is A-OK, but low-profile trainers are not. At least they let me in anyway, even though I was carrying the lace-ups.) Inside, the decorations and lighting are lovely. And, at least when I was there, the bar was pretty empty and therefore quiet -- two of my favorite features for an early evening. I actually told the bartender my taste profile and first ordered away from his recommendation; the drink was indeed too sweet for me. So, I pushed it aside (but still paid for it) and ordered the one he recommended. It was also too sweet for me. I also wound up pushing that aside (and paying for it). Not sure what to make of that. Unlike some other Yelpers, I found the bartenders willing to talk, but not too much. Which is fine. I didn't want to talk, either. I also had come by myself, and would recommend either being really comfortable looking around at things while you sit, or, bringing a magazine or book. p.s. Happy Hour isn't what you might expect. At least for the day I was there, happy hour covered neat pours only.

    (4)

  • Anonymous P.

    What a beautiful hole in the wall. You would never guess this is a bar, it is tucked away and hidden brilliantly. The drinks were some of the best I have had in the city! A lovely and enchanting atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Kathleen D.

    Somehow, this review has slipped through the cracks of my "Your Next Review Awaits!" for a few weeks... just like Hop Sing *could* fade into the background of Chinatown if you don't know to look for the rando-door. I chose to celebrate my birthday here in May with some friends after we spoke about making a visit for months. We went through that whole typical run-down out front that everyone else has already detailed of having to ring the doorbell, say we're there to drink, wait as they steal our IDs for a few minutes, twiddle our thumbs, be creepily watched on surveillance cameras, etc. etc. Once inside, we all just swooned at the place, the drinks, the servers, the everything. Just all of it. The whole time we were there. Even the bathroom. I had three cocktails during our visit. Since gin is my drink of choice, I stuck to that section of the menu. All were superb/wonderful/fantastic/potent/lovely/happy-­words as expected. I would go back again, but only for special occasions because the entry process and rules are excessive. Still: If you haven't been here yet, you should go! It's quite an experience.

    (5)

  • John C.

    One of the more interesting spots in Philadelphia that offers up its own unique experience. The speakeasy themed bar is pretty ubiquitous these days, but Hop Sing manages to stand out in this bar genre by not imitating its predecessors. Ideal spot for a nightcap. Just make sure to follow the dress code, bring cash, and don't take out your cellphone!

    (4)

  • Kim L.

    Hop Sing isn't just a cocktail bar, it's an all-around experience. Yes, the drinks are expensive, but you get what you pay for. Not only did I get an expertly crafted beverage, but also entertainment and a fun story to share about my experience there. We made the (seemingly common) mistake of walking into the apartment building marked "1029" before realizing we weren't in the right place. After consulting Yelp (thanks, guys!), we saw a photo of the iron gate and rang the doorbell. Pro tip: make sure you plan something to say when greeted with "how can I help you?" so you don't blurt out something awkward like "can we come in?" We arrived just after 8 pm on a Friday night to a fairly empty bar. By the time we left around 10, there was a wait outside. Plan accordingly. The drink selection is a little overwhelming but our server was more than happy to make a suggestion based on a favorite standard cocktail. Drinks are good, and STRONG. Favorite moment of the night: My sister's beverage came with a side carafe with the rest of her drink. Before any of us realized who he was, Lee swept over in his perfectly tailored suit, whisked it off the table, swirled it around and dramatically poured the rest of her drink in her glass, walking away without so much as eye contact. I couldn't decide if I wanted to laugh or clap. But I loved it.

    (5)

  • Smrithi D.

    You know when you were a little kid and someone told you about that secret clubhouse they found and now you get to tag along? Well this is like that, but for adults with the most delectable drinks imaginable. Yes, there are rules but isnt that most of the fun? I almost dont want to give out more detail but I guess if you dont want a surprise keep reading.... Here is what you can expect as you stand outside the unmarked gate in Chinatown. You ring the bell, someone comes out and asks you how many in your party (be cautious about having odd numbers of people- it may take longer to be let in, if at all). You are then escorted to a shoeshine room that doubles as a waiting area where they tell you the rules (no talking on the phone, no pictures, etc) and honestly the room looks like its out of a 19th century book. After that you are escorted to your table, have your chairs pulled out, and left with freshly lit candles in front of you. The drinks can be hard to decipher so I would say tell the waiter what type you prefer or your mix of choice and let them decide or give you options. If you need a place to start try the Hemingway Daiquiri (TO DIE FOR. No seriously.) The room is so cozy and intimate, you almost never want to leave. Oh did I mention the waiters and bartenders are in crisp, clean vests and quite the eye candy. The place is perfect for a night out with girlfriends, celebrating a big day, date night with a special someone, or just because you want to feel fabulous. And trust me you will.

    (5)

  • Lindsay V.

    I. Love. This. Place. Forget the fact that, at first, Lee wouldn't let us in because my usual charm somehow failed me and because the rest of our party was already inside and had to "come out and get us". Forget that I had to text every friend we had in there to beg them to help us. Thankfully, one of my friends is quite suave and spoke to Lee, who finally let us in. We got the spiel in the front room regarding the rules. That's fine. The no-phone-use-except-texting rule was perfect for us. People are glued to screens too often anyway. The servers put menus in front of us as soon as we sat down. My first cocktail was.. can't remember the name.. something vodka-based with fresh-pressed grape juice and something else. I know I'm not helpful, but this drink was wonderful. WONDERFUL. Drooooooool. It tasted so.. fresh. And non-alcoholic, but the way I felt after I was finished this cocktail confirmed the alcoholic content. I know I suck, but I can't remember the second drink I had. I know that it was amazing. You know what else is amazing? The forearms of the bartenders as they shake the drinks in those shakers. Hoo, boy.

    (5)

  • Kendra M.

    I wish I had read the reviews before going to HSL so we would've been aware of the dress code. I was with a group of friends and a few of them were wearing sneakers. So we were split up and as it was my last night in Philly I wanted to experience HSL. It was worth it -- I loved the ambiance and appreciate the rules -- I definitely felt like we stepped back in time -- the bartender was very knowledgeable and the drinks were fantastic.

    (4)

  • Grant V.

    Googlemaps said we were there, my girlfriend wasn't as convinced than I. But, when I saw a sign right out of the Constitution beckoning us, I knew we were in the right place. After a short wait the owner, Lee, showed up and whisked us in. It was a slow Sunday night, and we were able to talk with him and the bartenders for a while to find out exactly the drink we wanted. The price was not in line with the quality of the drinks. They could get away with charging far more. Being from DC I was expecting a certain cocktail at the pricepoint they had, and to say they more than met my expectations is like saying Einstein kind of understood Physics. The decor was amazing, the staff perfect, I couldn't find a single thing to complain about. This bar alone means I'm heading back to Philadelphia soon.

    (5)

  • Julia F.

    One of a kind place. Truly an amazing experience and one of the many reasons Philadelphia is the best city in the world. I have never come across a place quite like this, and I have done the field research. I was expecting the drinks to be far more expensive for the care put into each individual cocktail, I was very pleased to see that they were not on NY prices. Lee was/is a genuine owner, you can tell he has quite the passion for the establishment. He really makes you feel welcome and that his heart and soul is all in. This is the type of place where you want to be at all the time and yet every time will offer a completely new and different experience. With the cocktails, ambiance, decor etc, you feel as though you are a guest at The Round Table. Unlike any place out there, well worth the wait (if you even have one!)

    (5)

  • T B.

    What a joke. Weird guy answering the door in a 3 piece suit and corduroy pants . Ummmm stop trying to act like apothoke in manhattan. Was visiting philly for the weekend and actually felt bad for all of the ppl "scared" of the weird guy running the door. UM clearly not run by manhattan standards. I am 24 and do not recommend to anyone . Hahaha joke LOL

    (1)

  • Charles B.

    My wife and I visited the Laundromat for the first time this past Saturday night. We're from No VA, but we'll be visiting Lee every time we're back in Philly. Hard to improve on Or G's write up, but as newcomers to the speakeasy, I think we'll compare them all to Lee's place upstairs. My wife had an Iowa Objection, a gin drink with fresh white grape juice and mint, and it was the single best drink she's ever had. My fav was the Old Fashioned with Rye Whiskey. Sit at the bar and watch these artisans practice their trade.

    (5)

  • Caroline D.

    Let me start by saying that this is place for people who are looking to do something different. If you are perfectly happy seeing the same people at the same bars week after week then you probably will find Hop Sing to be pretentious and weird. But if you are always looking for new and unique experiences then I strongly urge you to give this place a try. I read most of the yelp reviews before attempting to go so I was aware of the deal. As long as you are prepared for a few key things you will have a very fun evening. 1.) This is a seating bar only, meaning if every seat is taken they cannot let anyone in. From what I could tell inside, there is only 1 table for 5, the rest are for 4 or less. Also, parties of 2 have the option to sit directly at the bar. Because of this yes, if they are at capacity you will have to wait. The good news is once you are inside they do not rush you one bit and will let you stay there all night if you wish 2.) As with most "speakeasies" the whole thing is a gimmick and you need to play along. When you ring the bell the owner comes out and asks what you are doing there and you need to respond "We came for drinks" etc. Thats how most speak easies work. 3.) Yes they have a list of weird rules, but again its all part of the gimmick. At least half the restaurants in Philly are cash only so I don't know why people continue to be shocked or complain about that. And the no cell phone rule is annoying just because the bar is SO beautiful inside I would have loved to take pictures of everything, but it was also kind of nice to put the phones away and enjoy conversation with my girlfriends instead of spending 2 hours staring at facebook and twitter. 4.) There is a two drink minimum for tables, but if you do sit at the bar you can order 1 drink. I found the drinks to be strong and delish This is definitely a love it or hate it place and more suited for people who are looking to step out of their comfort zone a little. If you are feeling bored with the same old scene I highly recommend giving this place a try!

    (4)

  • Aditya D.

    Way too much hype that does not deliver. That sums up my experience experience. The bartenders seem to be working hard. The drinks are ok. The price is ok. The decor is nice. Lee no doubt u work hard but lose the attitude. In this economy those are very hard earned dollars looking for a new watering hole. Don't screw it up!!!

    (1)

  • Gita B.

    I was so excited to go here, but was DOA (disappointed on arrival). The way you are invited in and served is SO overdone. They are trying so hard to be exclusive that the novelty of feeling special is lost. All I could focus on is how cheesy the speech is that he gives you in the vestibule in the front. I suppose some people buy into it and it makes them feel special. But Hop Sing can't fool me. And what's with the cash only!? It looked they have so much top shelf liquor, but they expect people to pay with cash? The cocktails were not particularly special in my opinion. They do get a couple points for decor and presentation. It would be a fun place to take a date that has never been here. Now that I came once, the excitement is gone.

    (2)

  • John F.

    Decor is 2nd to none. They really did it right with this place. Great place to take a quite date. Every cocktail that I have had were prepared to perfection.

    (5)

  • Felicia t.

    I met Lee for the first time on Monday night about two weeks ago. I heard so much about the place and in my excitement I never thought it might be closed. After ringing the bell at the non descript location, a well dressed man opened he door and invited me in. He explained the place was closed and would be open on Thursday. He showed me around the empty bar and I knew I would be back but after several attempts to get girlfriends to join me they didn't understand the fuss and always stayed home. The second day of my vacation time from work, a kind and knowledgeable friend whom I've known for at least 15 years sent a text. He took his last exam Nd wanted to meet. It was my Hop Sing time. I told him no flip flops or tees but he still chose to wear shorts. Not good for Hop Sing. Lee said he could come back if he put on pants. Yes, 100 degrees demands shorts but what Lee wants, Lee gets. He told my friend to go home and change. As I sat thinking about the impatient cab driver seeking a better than average tip for sitting on the Parkway while a 6'4" man dressed to go to a bar, I somehow felt appreciated. There was a class and elegance I haven't felt since I visited Paris--seven years ago. My friend suddenly felt like my date and I secretly wondered if this was the night for.....picking up where we left off three years ago. Once seated in the parlor Lee said, "What happens here stays here." I was lightly shaken and feeling very dirty...........Could I do whatever I wanted? I have too much class for that. In fact, it was the first time in the city of Philadelphia that I actually felt safe and respected as a woman in a drinking establishment. I wasn't surrounded by scruffy loud surburbanites in Gap jeans announcing the game of the day's most recent score. I didn't hear a classic by Journey, which I love, but it was nice to hear Stevie Wonder, my favorite, and it reminded me of the time I met him while volunteering for Rendell for Governor. I recalled a time when I had high hopes for Philly after leaving Manhattan. It was the first time in seven years I didn't regret leaving the city that loved me back for a place that treated me with contempt for believing I was worthy and beautiful. At Hop Sing I felt that it was a bar that was suppose to be. Somehow a bartender appeared at my table shaking my concoction. It was Ramble with muddled blackberries and Gin. I'm a wine drinker but it was by far the most delicious and delicate drink I've had. I was relaxed and happy but not wasted the way liquor usually affects me. When my eyes rolled over the room, it was refreshing to see all the women in dresses and men in pants with nice shirts. My mother was just a baby at the time but the experience for me screamed the 1950's. The classiness of it made me feel sexy and beautiful but I'm also a double D, weigh 105 pounds, and look 15 years than most people ever suspect. This is the perfect place for those who have enough class to behave and tip well while respecting their cocktails. This is the place for true ladies and gentleman.

    (5)

  • Malikah U.

    Great atmosphere; candlelight and very low lights. Strong drinks. Worth the wait. No Pictures. Waitress had some great suggestions. Lee, the owner, circulates the room and stops by periodically to check up on things. Its an experience and a great one

    (4)

  • Jemma C.

    I recently moved to Philly from Europe and had some friends over to visit from London, Dublin and New York this past Wednesday so thought we'd check this place out after dinner. What a mistake that was! It's unfashionable, outdated dress policy is so cringeworthy. Its ban on photographs and mobile phones even worse. For a group who works in PR & Youth Communications and the Fashion industry it's a hideous policy truly beyond comprehension. A place like this wouldn't survive one week in any other cosmopolitan, major city. Don't waste your time here, head straight to Franklin Mortgage! All 5 of us did and after a bill of $255 exc tip I think only one party missed out.

    (1)

  • M. J.

    Let's start with the bottom line: GO HERE There's not much to add to the effusive reviews below, but maybe we can organize it a bit... WHY? If you're on this page, you're already curious and nothing will satisfy that as much as judging for yourself. There's the mystique, the hype, the aesthetic, the blah, blah, blah...but at the end of it all there's a really good drink, or two, or three...What I find most compelling is that this establishment is genuinely interested in your drinking experience. Admittedly it's a new spot and they're hungry for feedback, but the whole premise of Lêe's endeavor was to create a place where you can just get a really good drink and not worry about anything else. Inquiring as to the bartender's drink of choice will get you nowhere - and it seems they've all been trained to turn the question back on you to dialogue about what YOU would like to drink. I very much appreciate this nuanced form of attention. There's no agenda, no promotion, no pretense - drink what YOU want to drink. RULES? So this is where everyone's making an unnecessary fuss. It's a strict dress code of no sneakers/flip-flops, no shorts, no sports jerseys, no hats. But this is a normative evening-out dress code anyway. Would you go clubbing in flip-flops and jean shorts? Perhaps the backlash is against having it explicitly spelled-out, but honestly leave the fratboy attire at home and come enjoy a drink. PHILOSOPHY? Contrary to what some might believe, there is no prescriptive/proscriptive way to enjoy your drink here. The entire setup is engineered to provide you with space and intimacy in which to enjoy your drink. This is a drinking establishment designed for drinking. What I find most charming is that Lêe did his homework to the nth degree - he roadtripped across the contiguous forty-eight states to see how people drink. Then he brought in some big names from Chicago and NYC to train his staff. The result is a bar akin to what I would design as the ultimate fanboy: an homage to drinking in America and its rich history. The attention to detail has won some people over, but I think that the painstaking attention is an even more encouraging sign that we have someone here who cares about his patrons. The bartenders are trained in classic cocktails, but Lêe is always coming up with new ones. The little erudite essays that explain the naming of each featured drink might strike some as pretension, but in my eye it's a disarming earnestness. Lêe cares. Knowing that I'm somewhere where people care about what I drink rather than how many drinks I have is very reassuring, and I wish Hop Sing Laundromat all the best.

    (5)

  • Jeremy S.

    My wife and I tried Hop Sing after I'd heard about it on a podcast. It is an experience like none other. Once inside, the customer service and attentiveness from the staff was fantastic. We each had 3 drinks and every one was top notch. You can tell that every detail of this place was carefully thought through and the result is truly a wonder.

    (5)

  • Or G.

    I've read a lot of Hop Sing reviews on Yelp. Some are glowing, and some deride Lee from being a draconian twitter tyrant and fashion police. I've long shied away from writing my own, because I met, and liked Lee, in the fall of last year, when Hop Sing was rumors and whispers. But I've decided to post this because what Lee is doing is important for Philadelphia, and I want to highlight what makes Hop Sing uniquely great, and why you should go...Now (Hopsing is now open every night of the week, Mondays excepted). APPROACHABLE EXCLUSIVITY: The thing that I love about Hop Sing, is that it occupies a sort of middle ground in between the baroque Mixology of the Franklin, where drinks are frequently brilliant but sometimes fall flat under the weight of too many ingredients and innovation, and the simplicity of Ranstead, where the corporate structure and Spartan simplicity of the drink can lead to a satisfying, but tame, experience. The best craft cocktail bars strive to create an atmosphere of approachable exclusivity, like you're part of a secret club. And the innocuous location of Chinatown, so far from the cluster of luminous Rittenhouse, or Old City's pop procession, is perfect for Hop Sing. As is Lee's entirely hands on attitude to the whole operation. I've taken people who knew nothing about Mixology, as well as other people in the industry, and the drinks are consistently great. The Sheep Dip Blood and Sand, the Jack Rose that highlights the exceptional homemade Grenadine, and the Hemingway Daiquiri are my current favorites. CHEAP DRINKS: Philly isn't a craft cocktails city as yet, so this isn't harped on enough. A Ramos Gin Fizz was 10 bucks. This is a drink that takes 5 minutes to make and wouldn't be out of place in NYC for twice that amount. Lee has taken the "savings" of having an NYC level craft cocktail bar in Philly and applied them to have an extremely high quality well, and he further passes the saving on to his guests by discounting the drinks. Having been to enough NYC misadventures where a casual cocktails date approaches and exceeds $100, Lee's place, like so many in Philly, is a godsend. ATMOSPHERE: Steven Starr and Jose Garces offer immaculately managed experiences that are tailored to a particular niche. Some are more effective than others (my personal favorites are Dandelion and Village Whiskey), but none of them match the idiosyncratic romantic weirdness of Hop Sing. Simply put, this is one man's vision writ large. It wasn't picked by a Marketing Company to appeal to the masses, it's a matter of taste. The coin bar, the cavalcade of soft lights and candles, and the ornate chairs that have a gothic decadence and a love of Americana that never devolves into hipster chic. CAVEAT: Be Cool. I've worn some very casual stuff here, and as far as I know Denim is ok (just don't wear torn up jeans, sandals etc.), but you should dress up a little. Lee wears immaculate suits with rock star cufflinks and would make me feel underdressed in Tom Ford, so it's the least you could do to not...wear overalls ;). If it's your first time on a busy day, come in early (5-7pm), and make friends with the staff, so they know you and will do their best to accommodate you when it's busy.

    (5)

  • J C.

    Nice place to chat, shouldnt go in a big group, no more than 6 total. The price rage is 12 for every drink and cash only.

    (5)

  • Kristen B.

    After reading reviews about the dress code and "no phone call" rules, I wasn't sure what to expect (all this was on top of the cash-only caveat). What I found was a fantastic establishment. Tried several very different cocktails (Bramble, Clover Club and Nevermore) and each was delicious, and expertyly crafted. The decor represented a thoughtful throwback to the early 1900s (everything from the barely noticable speakeasy style entryway on Race street, to the multi-level-bookshelf-style display of rows upon rows of beautiful liquor bottles behind the bar). The best part was the owner. His hilarity surfaced during his greeting to us / introduction to the bar when we first entered, and his cordiality and genorosity continued throughout the night. Highly recommend coming here, and don't know how I've lived in Philly for a while and only just discovered this place!

    (4)

  • Alex W.

    I was very impressed by my first time here at hop dang laundrymat. - The hidden speakeasy theme was very thorough, from the unmarked entrance to the eccentric owner and his unusual rules. - The interior is absolutely gorgeous and obviously well thought-out. Everything worked together to create a luxurious, otherworldly vibe, including the lighting, the high ceilings, and the minute details of the waiting room and main bar area. - Chow crossing! The owner was a great host, and even visited our table on numerous occasions to swirl the remaining liquid in our sidecars. - The drinks were excellent. Of the eight I tried, the worst one was merely "good". - Our waiter was a bit of an oddball. Maybe this was deliberate?

    (5)

  • Tanner D.

    Highly over rated. I have been to many other speakeasy's, this one being the most stuck up. They don't allow "sneakers" but allow flip flops. They don't take cash, but allow their servers to use mobile devices to take orders (an order for 4 people mind you, sad the servers aren't trained to remember this) They couldn't care less about the customer experience. Most speakeasy's I have been to pride themselves on referring to their customer by name, they didn't ask our name once. After being turned away for wearing my nikes, I went and purchased better shoes. They then allowed our party of four inside. When we got inside there were 2 other people inside, to think they initially turned us away because I had "sneakers" on a night when TWO other people were inside is appalling. An establishment that cares about word of mouth, you would think, would make an exception on a night this slow. Especially for out of towers. Once we got past the stigma of the place, the cocktails were enjoyable, but the staff continued with a snarky attitude throughout the evening. Odell rules!

    (1)

  • Navarro C.

    This place is a prime example of doing one thing and doing it to the best of your ability. Its all about the drinks here. Came here with a few friends and the place blew my mind. drinks were the best we've ever had. The owner take personal (and i mean PERSONAL) stake in whose in his bar and what they do in it. So appreciative of everything he does here, very much an experience not to be missed. just a pro tip, 4 ppl MAX in your group and you are good, other wise you may have a bit of trouble. 2 is perfect.

    (5)

  • Yingbo W.

    Just got back from Hop Sing Laundromat! It's my fourth time here I believe? I had a great time as always! It was halloween and there weren't so many people there because Lee, the owner, said he was turning down people who had already been drinking coming from Halloween parties and he didn't want the rowdiness. I appreciated it because it keeps the bar classy like it's suppose to be! I guess that's kind of snooty, but hey, I would have done the same to keep up with the reputation of the type of bar this is. I tried some new drinks this time: Moscow Breakfast, The Wisconsin Iced Tea, The Saigon Flip, and the Hopsing Clover Club, along with old favorites like the Minnesota writer (it was taken off the menu) and the Duke of Funk. Out of all of them, I really enjoyed the Wisconsin Iced Tea. It has ginger along with ginger syrup, gin, Pimm's No 1, and mint. The oolong tea really showed through along with the taste of mint and the smell of ginger! It's a great drink if you like iced tea and don't like to taste the alcohol. The drink was was really strong regardless; the Gin in it was 95 proof (but you can't taste it!!)? My friend ordered the Moscow Breakfast, which is basically a hard Shirley temple with egg white. I had a sip and we liked their house grenadine that was in the drink. Wonder what's in it? Lee even offered a round of drinks on the house! Thanks Lee! We appreciate your hospitality. He told us to post about our experience on the Internet, so here it is. I'm glad Lee really cares about what his customers' think. This place consistently has the best and the strongest cocktails I've ever had out of any bar/restaurant. I will be back soon!

    (5)

  • Andrew T.

    Standing at the austere steel gate I wondered if we were even at the right place. Two buzzes and the door isn't opening and no one is answering, crap is this not the right place? The owner then appears and with his heavy accent asks what are we doing standing there. Caught of guard we immediately retort, to get a drink at your establishment? He slams the door and leaves, crap we are definitely not getting in. A short amount of time passes and he then returns and gives us instructions to wait in the atrium and not take any pictures. We fork over our IDs for inspection and he lets us inside. We sit in a high ceilinged room what could be described as a shoe shine mixed with a study. The owner commands the room immediately explaining the rules and inserts a few well placed jokes about the establishments requests and social faux pas. He escorts us to the main room which opens into a immensely stocked bar to our left with a slide ladder that would be found in 1920s pharmacies and a brick walled, art covered high ceilinged hall with a hodgepodge of elegant chairs. A hop sing manhattan served up with the best cherry I've ever had, a drink that tastes like dragon fruit without the actual ingredient, an elegant gin drink, and a twist on an old fashioned. The drinks were bomb, the crowd was trendy and refined and the atmosphere can only be described as exclusive. The owner came by personally to explain the ingredients and inspiration behind each beverage, it was a nice touch of craftsmanship in an age where everyone relies on amazon for their purchasing decisions. It felt as if time had stopped there and taken us to somewhere else, somewhere where you want to be. This please don't tell establishment is Cash Only. Please enjoy and thank you to the owner you kick a-.

    (5)

  • Dan O.

    I'll go ahead and settle the debate and just set the record straight that this place isn't what it's cracked up to be. There's huge hype surrounding HSL, so much so that the owner and the waitstaff find it completely acceptable to treat patrons like dirt. I, like many others, viewed this yelp page prior to arriving at "the door" and I was fooled. If you enjoy being judged head to toe, filmed by 20+ cameras (within sight) and paying an exuberant amount of money for a drink, this is the place for you. My friends and I were very respectful and followed the rules laid out to us: no taking pictures, and no talking on your phone. The club owner then barked at my boyfriend to recite the rules, I suppose to reiterate that the owner does not mess around. After sitting down and enjoying our $20 three-ounce drinks that I probably could have made at home, I requested the check. To be honest, we only intended to come for one drink to see what all the hubbub was about. The waiter stated there was a two-drink minimum, at which we stated "no, that wasn't one of the rules and we'd like our check, please." The waiter leaves the table without saying a word and summons the owner. After a squabble between the owner and the waiter, the owner comes over to our table and says he'll give us an "exception" this time but that there is always a two-drink minimum. At this point, we're annoyed - we followed the rules, and now we're being chastised for not following a rule that never existed. The owner then yells "how dare you call me a liar!" and tells us to pay and leave. We put cash down, leave a decent tip, and begin walking towards the door. The owner along with several waiters are watching our every move as we leave, as if this happens every night and they're scared we're going to flip tables or pee on the walls or something (wouldn't surprise me if that's happened before). As we're leaving, the owner tells us never to come back again, in which we respond "we most certainly will not be back, you can count on it." One of my friends was the last to leave the establishment, and she curtsied to the owner and said "thank you for a pleasant evening." Sarcastic and rude? Totally. He then called her a c-u-next-tuesday and shooed her out the door. Did her actions warrant that sort of name calling to a patron at an establishment? So yeah, I guess a wine bar on the mainline or some bar that's wayyyyy better in NYC would accommodate our needs. Or maybe just any other bar in the world that pays even the slightest inkling of respect to their paying customers. For anyone who hasn't been to this place: don't. Don't waste your money and your Friday night. Don't fall for the prohibition-period charm and the exclusive allure that surrounds this place - it's all a lie. This isn't a bar - it's an expeeeeerience. There's so much truth in that statement. I'll give it two stars because if you own a club and have the balls to scream profanities at your customers, you probably deserve more than one star.

    (2)

  • Stefanie E.

    Drinks were fantastic! Liked the ambiance and setting. Experience was great. Will return even though not too often because it's pricey for me personally.

    (5)

  • Dan L.

    Hop Sing is a place for a true culinary cocktail adventure. My first time there was last Saturday with a party of 9 for a friend's birthday celebration. They were planning on staying out all night, but HSL was the first stop and I gladly joined them (before turning in early for the Eagles tailgate) for a couple of drinks. Needless to say - I am hooked! Interior ambiance: 5 stars Classic liquor licenses, pictures, and other memorabilia from a bygone age. Dark and private. No drama. Great tunes. Thanks for enforcing a mild dress code. Drink quality: 5 stars Out of control good. The Wisconsin Iced Tea was like a Ginger Mint Tea blessed by the Gin gods. The Boston Healer was what Starbucks should start serving during Happy Hour. All of the other cocktails I sipped from friends were outstanding and there is something for EVERYONE on the menu (except beer or mainstream whisky - don't even ask for Jack or they may kick you out) Service: 5 stars Look they're making 9 specialty cocktails at once, it takes a few minutes - but server left two large jugs of water when he took our order) ----To dispel some false information on Yelp------ - You can certainly go with a party larger than 4 (we went with 9 - which IS the max). - Lee is the man. He just doesn't play games. Deal with it. If you can't deal with sarcastic humor - then go to Mad River - The dress code is pretty lax. No sneakers. No shorts. I was wearing shoes, dark jeans, white v-neck T, and a casual khaki sports coat. No problems at all - The ID policy is strict but fair. NO foreign DLs - must use Passport. Bring a back up ID (CC works just fine). I didn't need my backup, but half of party did.

    (5)

  • Abby B.

    For people going here for the first time, please note that the entrance is NOT the place with the yellow awning (which is also labeled 1029). We made this mistake and found ourselves in an apartment building (we think). Walk a few more steps until you see the gated door, ring the buzzer and you're at the right place. Once the doorman checks your party's ID, you'll be led into the foyer, which has a cool floor covered in pennies. He'll sit you down and lecture you about not using your cell phone once inside the bar. I get what Hop Sing is trying to do here and I like the "no phone" concept. I just find it sad that they actually have to verbalize this to patrons in such a stern way. The bar itself is very dimly-lit, but gives the feel that you've certainly gone back in time. The cocktail list is the most extensive one I've seen at any speakeasy in the city, so you absolutely can't go wrong with drinks here. Every drink our table ordered was superb. One thing that seemed out of place was the music selection. Everything from classic rock to current pop hits was being played and got louder as the night waned on. For a speakeasy, I would expect more mellow tunes. A place worth checking out, especially if you're in the mood for an amazing cocktail (or two). Just make sure you bring enough cash because they don't take cards.

    (4)

  • Rajninder D.

    One of my favorite bars in philly! The owner Lee greeted us at the door and asked a series of questions that made it feel like a real speakeasy. The drinks are delicious and the service is awesome! Definitely a good place to bring guests from out of town. My favorite part of this bar is the counter decorated with nickels !!!

    (5)

  • Stefanie A.

    I live nearby and never came here until this weekend. And it was worth the wait. Meaning I could have waited even longer and it would have been fine. The reason it took my so long to try it is because of the attitude I heard this place had. The reputation is warranted. I finally went, though, as I heard how excellent the cocktails are. That reputation is also warranted. It does have that speakeasy vibe with no sign, a doorbell, a doorman who takes you ID and provides you rules to make the visit more pleasant--love the no talking on cell phone rule. BUT he was over the top rude--scowling at me when we were inside and I mention friends were joining us (he sneered and asked if there was any other "data" I neglected to share. BTW--he never asked). I was tempted to leave after that, but we stayed for one drink. The space is beautiful. The drinks were fantastic. The bartender was professional. Despite that, I have no intention of returning. Drinks are around $14 so it makes for a steep night out. Plus I don't enjoy being scolded like a 5-year-old by staff at the bars I frequent. Ultimately, it's not as cool as it thinks it is.

    (3)

  • Stephanie B.

    What an interesting experience. After waiting a bit in line you finally are IDed and escorted into the lobby to learn the rules -no talking on phones (texting ok), 2 drink minimum and cash only. You truly feel as if you are waiting to board the tower of terror (with queuing and the decor). Mr. Le was very charming and led us to our tables. Awesome vibe and decor. Drinks and service were impeccable. Would definitely recommend if you don't mind splurging on drinks, service and experience. :)

    (5)

  • Louise S.

    As we have grown older me and the hubby have albeit given up on a night of clubbing on our travels. Instead we seek out the speakeasys that populate big cities such as Philly, Chicago and NYC. On this trip to Philadelphia we heard about Hop sing laundromat and off we went at 11pm on a freezing cold night so see what it was all about. HSL is located in Chinatown. Use your phone gps as there is no way you'd find this unless you are really observant. The iron door has no sign at all.....if you peek through this door you may catch the tiny sign inside which says 18th amendment. In our case there were a few people outside already alerting us we were in the right spot. We waited a short while until the doormen (or owner) a small Asian man directed us inside. He warned us that it was cash only and checked our id. Once inside we found ourselves in a small waiting room beautifully decorated. The same man instructed us of the rules...no phone photos etc etc ( all part of the speakeasy style) Another short wait and we were in. A great seat right at the bar with a perfect view of the mixologists at work. Drinks are not cheap ($12-15) but they are strong and expertly done. Orange zest is peeled, cocktails are shaken, the interior is perfect speakeasy decor and the whole ambiance is very cool. If you like the Speakeasy style you will love this one!!!

    (5)

  • Charles S.

    I cannot speak highly enough of this place. Very selective. Bartenders especially Austin provide drinks and service not matched anywhere else. Very romantic.. I will be back. Obey the house rules!!

    (5)

  • John K.

    *REVIEW CONTINUED* Moving onto the gin, rum, and tequila-based cocktails ... East Passyunk Yacht Club [$12] We also tried a gin-based cocktail. This one was sweet from the Honey liquer and tart from the fresh lime juice, with the mint providing a nice herbaceousness to break it all up. Philly Colada [$14] The GF tried this new addition to menu - an obvious ode to an oft enjoyed Caribbean drink. Creamy with coconut on the initial attack, the pineapple and lime really develop on the palate. The 151? As expected, that really hits you later! Hotel National [$12] This particular rum-based drink was slightly tart from the lime and pineapple, with the apricot liquer bringing forth even more saccharine notes.. And from there, the ladies wanted to end with tequila, so that's what we did. Duke of Funk [$14] The ultra-premium tequila melded beautifully with the bright and fragrant St. Germain. The lime was tart and balanced nicely by the sweet red grape juice and the Vida, which had a nose of fruit aromatics, hints of honey, and vanilla. On the palate, there was some banana as well. Complex, but not harsh in the least. El Diablo [$12] And for the final libation, this particular reposado is a blend of tequila that is housed in Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniels, and Heaven Hills barrels - a nice whiskey nod to bookend the night. Oak and agave came through, with the creme de cassis offering sweetness on the forefront and the tartness from the lemon and the spice from the ginger beer offering a great counterbalance. From the name alone, we expected some spice, but regardless, another great drink! Clearly, if you're in the mood for an experience and not just another random night in Old City or Rittenhouse, check out Hop Sing Laundromat. Be prepared though - it's cash only and depending on the group and/or line, there may be a 2 drink minimum. But really, why would you get just one? And this is an equal opportunity destination at that! Lêe made sure to inform us that certain celebrities have been kicked out for disobeying the rules by talking on their phones or taking pictures. Frankly, half of the reason we'll be back is for Lêe himself. Besides being a character, he takes service to another level - from swirling and pouring the excess cocktail thimble to top you off or providing illuminating commentary throughout the night - it's clear it's not just the drinks that make the experience - it's Lêe himself.

    (5)

  • Ken L.

    Another spot that I decided to check out on my trip to Philly thanks to Yelp. I don't need to regurgitate what all the other yelpers are saying but yeah it's definitely a hype spot. Waited a while for the guy to find us a table. He was having a conversation with us and getting kinda cocky. Asked us why we would come all the way to Philly and check out a bar that we've never been to. Pretended he didn't know what Yelp is. Haha yeah we just played a long. Once we finally got in he told us there's a two drink per person minimum because we had a group of six. We ended up not doing that and didn't "get in trouble." The place is a confused speakeasy. Wasn't sure what kind of decoration they were going for but hey. The drinks were pretty good and priced like most speakeasies in NYC or DC. Most of them were pretty strong. Overall, it was a cool experience but probably wouldn't do it again. Check it out though if you've never been to a speakeasy with a lot of rules.

    (3)

  • Danielle B.

    If you can find the place and get passed the shadiness it is awesome. In true speakeasy fashion, there was no sign announcing this bar, but only a doorbell. When it rung and was answered we were greeted and asked how can we be helped, after establishing that I would like a drink, we were invited into the sitting area where we were briefed on the rules. No photos!! and I can attest that we did see people get kicked out of the bar for doing this. The decor is amazing and the bar is to die for, extremely dim lighting but sets for an intimate mood. Now onto the drinks, they will knock you down, don't be afraid of them the servers can help you pick out one that is right for you, and will kindly replace it if you really don't like it. I love the recipes and old fashioned decor. Great place!

    (4)

  • Fam B.

    Love this fairly new addition to the Chinatown neighborhood. They are very serious about setting a legitimate "speakeasy" environment. The entrance is guarded by a black gate and you ring the bell. I've heard that the bouncer and/or the owner checks you out from the camera inside to see if you're dressed appropriately and determines if they will let you in. Anyways, once they come out, they ask you what you're looking for and then, if you can come in, you get a rundown of the rules before entering the actual bar. No pictures or talking on the phone once you're inside. They are also pretty strict with the seating. Once, I went with 3 friends. When my boyfriend tried to join us later, they gave him a hard time about who he was meeting inside and he had to ask me to go outside to confirm that he was meeting us. When my boyfriend was finally let in, they made us pay the bill and move to bar seating because they are adamant about not adding extra chairs to the table (they only have tables for 2, 4, and one for 6 people). This definitely rubbed us the wrong way. BUT their drinks are great so we definitely continue to return. The drinks have gone up since they opened from $10 to $12, so we don't go here regularly. When we have friends visiting us in the city, we make sure to bring them over to experience Hop Sing. If you're a gin fan, Hop Sing has some of the best gin drinks I've found in Philly. My favorite is the Pimm's cup, but they have a variety of other unique drinks. They use fresh ingredients, which definitely make it worth the money when we go! It gets really packed on the weekends, so the best time to go are weekdays so you can guarantee entrance!

    (4)

  • Arica N.

    Love the atmosphere and the game. All in the quest for a perfect cocktail. My husband and I tried the "la Mer", perfect drink for me and it was also quite strong. Their try at a salty dog was a tad too harsh for me but not un-drinkable. I also appreciate the ban on cellphone conversations (though that is becoming less of a problem these days) and the ban on photography. shut up an drink.

    (5)

  • Ashley H.

    When my boyfriend told me that we were meeting a friend of his here on our recent visit to the Philly/NYC/NJ area, I was nervous. Being a SC girl, I was already worried about looking like I didn't fit in, and now we were going to a bar where it was possible I could be turned away for not wearing the "right" shoes? Gah! As it turned out, my skinny jeans, button up shirt/black vest combo, and high heeled ankle boots were more than sufficient. If I was able to get in, I'd think just about anyone who uses a bit of common sense when dressing would be fine, lol. As other reviewers mentioned, if we hadn't known the address and to look for a lack of signage, we probably would not have ever known the place was there. We rang the bell and were greeted by a guy we assume is NOT the owner, as he was not Asian. He asked how we'd found out about the bar, and if we were aware that they only accepted cash. We answered, he took our IDs, and told us to wait there on the sidewalk. When he came back, he asked again if we knew about the cash only policy, and led us into the shoe shine room, where he sat us down to go over the rules (which really only consisted of the no photos thing). He seemed a little unsure of himself, but laughed with us after asking a third time if we knew they were cash only, and then led us in to meet our group (who were already seated). I can't say enough awesome things about the atmosphere of this place! Dark without being too dark, lots of candlelight, and comfy antique sofas (at our table, at least). The noise level was perfect with the unobtrusive background music and chatter of a full room, even on a Tuesday. We had several drinks ourselves, and tastes of everything everyone else at our table had, and every drink was amazing (strong, but amazing). The tab at the end of the night was a bit pricey, but the top shelf liquor they use, the care with which the drinks seem to be crafted, and the experience of the place as a whole make the prices feel justified.

    (5)

  • Tina H.

    So unfortunately yelp wont let you give no stars. Oh well....I would love to give a more comprehensive review but being that me and my friend didn't even get past the front doors, I cannot. So my hop sing experience... We (my best friend and myself) waited outside between 2 six people groups. The first group went in and as were waiting, a rather eccentric looking little man walked towards the door. We were the next in line and therefore we were near the door in. As he pulled out his keys he told my friend to move. She was not even near the door, despite that she moved over even more and he asked her once AGAIN to move and my friend commented that she was not at all in his way. A little while he later he came back and told us to wait on the other side of the door while he spoke to the 6 top behind us. Well really he waved us over. So after they left he waved us back over to the door rather flippantly. He asked us how we heard about the place. My friend said Yelp. He acted as if he had never even heard of Yelp. Now based on some of the reviews I have read thus far it wouldn't hurt him to "familiarize" himself with it.... He then proceeded to chastise my friend about being in his way earlier and to next time move when spoken to. No joke. My friend said 'Oh I don't think I want to go here.' He said ' You don't have to'. And we were like 'And we won't be. Good day, sir.' What a douchebag. So I'm gonna spend my hard earned money so this guy gets paid? And at a 2 drink minimum at that? Nah, B....you wanna talk about a Napolean complex? Well Napolean actually ran a country, not some hole on the wall (literally) in Philly Chinatown. Take it down....

    (1)

  • Marissa N.

    Ehhhh under whelming if you don't buy into the shtick. Ring the unmarked doorbell, hand over your I.D. sorry you're from out of state, we'll have to take your license and examine it behind closed doors (aka stand outside whilst I close the door and pretend). Returning with the I.D.'s we were allowed to enter just enough to sit alone in the waiting area and be told the rules. So comical that we were asked with some levity where we heard of the place, really guy? With 326 YELP reviews and climbing, you're barely a secret. When we entered the main area there were maybe 10 people in the whole joint. I wanted to be impressed but barely anything in the place seems authentic for the time period they seem to want to represent. The drinks were tasty, but all rather sweet. I inquired about a dirty martini and was told they didn't stock olives. The general tso's was ridiculous, it was served with a chunk of ice that was approximately 1.5 inches cubed, it touched the sides of the glass, leaving enough room for perhaps a 2.5 oz drink at a price tag of about $15.00. Super entertaining were the bartenders that shake the drinks so vigorously, you wonder if they could shake anything else after their shift. I guess they could find someone else to shake it for them.

    (1)

  • Jerry S.

    Austin , Nick and Larry are all amazing bartenders. If your into the Speakeasy scene this is a bar that would compete with the one's in NYC who regularly trade the title of best cocktail bar in the world. The drinks are creative and use all top shelf liquor and amazing fresh ingredients. If you order something with fruit juice they make there juice to order right at the bar.

    (5)

  • Isabelle K.

    The experience was different, atmosphere was cool but the owner's attitude could be a bit nicer. I get that it 's part of the show but he can relax a bit

    (3)

  • Lilli C.

    AMAZING cocktails. I had one sip and I was in love. There are over 50 different cocktail varieties to choose from and they range from $12-14 bucks- not bad for a fancy, decadent cocktail bar! Impeccable service. Luxurious decor. Great music. You're greeted at the door by a bouncer who asks the standard questions: Why are you here? How did you hear about this place? Did you know it's cash only? Yes, unfortunately it's cash only. I suppose that is a good thing or I'd be maxing out my card here. A few rules here: no photography or video, but you can use your phone to google, email etc. No talking on the phone unless you're in the waiting area, which is great. I hate those loud cell phone talkers. I cannot wait to come back here. Great for an after dinner cocktail!

    (5)

  • Daniel N.

    It was an interesting and unique experience but the drinks were not very good. They have no food menu which I thought was disappointing. Expensive considering none of the drinks we ordered were really outstanding.

    (3)

  • Eevee M.

    My bf and I finally decided to come here last night and we had a great time. The atmosphere is laid back, staff are knowledgeable and hospitable, and drinks were strong and delicious! For my fellow coffee junkies, I recommend the Nevermore. And remember: they're cash only, no picture-taking allowed, and don't come on an empty stomach :)

    (5)

  • Edward W.

    Intro: The room is quite the visual treat. The entire place is a departure from the rest of Chinatown. To walk into such a beautiful place really is an experience. The two drinks I got were good, however I would not say balanced enough. The Vietnamese egg soda drink was a bit heavy on the palate (not much you can do about raw egg yoke). And the later drink, Fuggetaboutit (sp?) was a bit too sweet for my taste. The Campari combined with the simple syrup did not sit well. Though I would recommend you trying them for yourself; perhaps I was just not in the mood for those drinks. The basics: 1. The drink menu was neatly organized into alcohol types (nice touch for the spacial organizer). There is literally a slew of drinks and cocktails with all different kinds of influences from classics to a Vietnamese egg soda spin off. However, I did find the choices to be paralyzingly abundant. I'd like to see a smaller more intimate menu that features a solid selection of house favorites, and a side menu of seasonal items. 2. The owner is very involved with the experience. He comes to check up on each table frequently and helps you prep your drink (if there is any prep work to be done). 3. Our waiter was new so he was not too knowledgeable about the drinks just quite yet. Definitely one of the best speakeasies in town. Lots of character and a great selection!

    (4)

  • Upma S.

    Would give zero stars if possible. Owner is rude. Experience sucked. Don't bother going!

    (1)

  • Olivia R.

    This is by far the best bar experience I have had. The sign on the door says "Repeal the 18th Amendment for Prosperity" to get you in the prohibition mood. Then Lee comes out, impeccably dressed, and asks if you have been here before, how you heard about this place, and if you know it is a cash only bar. If you answer correctly and he has a table for your amount of people, then he leads you into the antechamber and tells you the rules. You can't take photos after you cross the threshold and you can't make phone calls except in the antechamber. The chamber is lined with old books and oddities and has a velvet shoe shine bench. Then he takes you into the seating area. All of the seats are like thrones! There are more oddities on the walls in here which are so fun to look at. The bar is covered with the most interesting of bottles from top to bottom and the well-dressed bar tenders are quite skilled. The drinks menu is quite extensive and is organized by type of alcohol. They have specials as well and they use very interesting combinations of flavors. My favorite was the East Side, which is quite refreshing and contains cucumber, mint, and gin. Definitely go here - it is such a fun night and Lee and his bartenders take great care of you!

    (5)

  • Jenn P.

    Went on a Thursday -- didn't have to wait nearly as long as everyone is complaining about. Also: all the rules? Yeah, not a problem. It really *is* okay to not be constantly using your smart phone for the space of a few delicious cocktails. Beautiful penny floor, the bar is covered in nickels. Interesting decor. Our waiters were very attentive, but not suffocating. Drink prices were comparable to many other speakeasies in town, strong, and tasty. Great spot, I'd come back in heartbeat.

    (4)

  • Chris G.

    The bouncer had me wondering what we were getting into. He asked if it was our first time and asked us to wait for a minute. He left and Mr. Lee (I guess that is his name. I noticed all of the reviews call him that) returned in his place. He was intimidating at first. He asked a few questions and I initially stumbled on my words trying to get them out. After answering the questions successfully, he gave us the rules and granted permission to gain entry. We were led to a waiting area, which had a shoe shine seat. After a brief wait in this area, we were asked if we wanted a table or to sit at the bar. We decided to sit at the bar. We were led into the main area that makes a great first impression. It is decorated elegantly and atmosphere is intimate. The bartenders were dressed dapper and were nice. I ordered two drinks. Both were very good. I really liked their signature Philly drink. I also like the fact that they use fresh fruit in the drinks and all of the fruit is cut, peeled, and squeezed when the drink is ordered. Now I know that Hop Sing Laundromat does not label themselves as prohibition speakeasy, but the rules they have to protect their clients privacy and their unassuming location, personifies a prohibition speakeasy, except alcohol is no longer illegal. If it is your first time going and there is no line outside, this place can be tricky to find. Beware this place is cash only and the drinks are strong!

    (5)

  • Julia B.

    In typical speakeasy fashion, there is no number above the iron door. Thanks to a picture on this Yelp page, I knew what the door looked like. Given its popular nature, seeing people outside an unmarked door also gives it away. You are met by a well-dressed Asian man who will ask you how big is your party, if you've been before and once he thinks there's a place, you are led in to a little room. There he goes through 2 rules - no phone calls and no pictures. Simple enough. Once that's over, you're led to your seats. The bar was much bigger than I anticipated! A big bar area and also tables. The bartenders - sorry mixologists - are great and the list of cocktails are split into the type of booze. I went with a tequila based one called Duke of Funk and it was superb. Sweet but also slightly smokey. My two girlfriends and I were lucky to get in right away at around 7:30pm on a Saturday. By the time we left, there was a big line! Best to come early to not deal with that. Tip: cash only

    (5)

  • Meredith B.

    Whelp it's time to update my review. I've visited Hop Sing twice now. My first visit I sat at a table with two other friends and just after we ordered our drinks we were asked to move to the bar so a party of four could have our table. It was not a problem... the drinks this visit were ok. There was lots on the menu that caught my eye to try but we stayed for the two ok drinks and then moved on. On my second visit to Hop Sing we were there on a Sunday night. There was not much going on in the neighborhood and when we entered Hop Sing there were a few other tables but not overly packed. During this stay I had two very good drinks (both of which were gin based). I'm impressed with the drink menu and all that it has to offer.

    (3)

  • Lauren S.

    Speak Easy's seem to be all the rage and I am finally glad I've made it to Hop Sing Laundromat which I feel like has the most authentic feel to it of all the Speak Easy type bars in the city. Between being question a little and waiting in a little lobby if its the place isn't full to the decor of the place I had an amazing experience here and it totally deserves to be on the Top 50 Bar list of Philly. There is a two drink minimum but its more like 4 drinks since you get the extra to your drink if there is any. The drinks were tasty and you could tell made with fresh ingredients. For all you klutzy people out there like myself, be careful on the way out on the steps I trip on them but that wont discourage me from coming back.

    (5)

  • Kat M.

    My first visit would be a 5. The drinks were excellent, especially some cucumber gin drink that I got. It was nice that Lee was there too, since his quirkiness added to the atmosphere. However, the second visit...I will probably only give it a three. The drinks weren't as good as the first time, and the attendant at the door was pretty meh. It was nice that Lee remembered my name the first time too. But, one thing about Hop Sing is that your glass will always be full. They never fail to refill our waters and pour the extra bit of drink that we got into our glasses.

    (4)

  • Michael H.

    This place makes a mean cocktail. The ambiance is terrific, from the shoe shine foyer through the nickel topped bar. Couple the atmosphere with a wide variety of drinks and knowledgeable staff and you have yourself a place to enjoy a couple of rounds.

    (4)

  • Kelly C.

    the drinks really got me.. like WoW~ aside from the delicious palate cleanse as always, it has also proven to be the ticket to the start of a goooOOooD night! ;) i absolutely love the decor here! the stocked bar on the wall is super impressive! the place is spacious with a high ceiling but not empty. it gives enough room for you and your company to enjoy a little privacy. staffs are very attentive and knowledgeable and will only attend to you when you desire so you don't ever feel intruded here. also, i'd just like to say that... it doesn't feel like it~ but now that i think about it the waiters are probably monitoring all the guests from afar because they always know the EXACT moment when to pour more into your cup and it always goes to the very rim of the glass--- no more no less~! lol how do they do that?! it's a very dark room too lol anywho onto more important things~ drinks are.. MY GOD.. heavenly! everything blends so well together creating the smooth and dreamy liquor harmony. i usually only drink vodka mainly because of its odorless characteristic. but even when i ordered a non-vodka drink, the pungent accent of the hard liquor is hid away so well! sometimes i forget and thought im just drinking juice! .. super dangerous.. i assure you that you will find yourself drunk before you know it! needless to say, i always leave hop sing very content! :) and i always look forward to the next time i return for a visit! they update the menu pretty regularly so there are always new drinks to try! must check out if you haven't done so already! just remember! 2 house rules: no pics and no talking on the phone! and most importantly.. CASH ONLY!!

    (5)

  • Rae Marie Y.

    I was looking for something to do on a Monday night during a trip to Philly (Memorial Day Weekend) and a laundromat popped up. I thought that was odd and then I noticed it was categorized as a "lounge". I thought that couldn't be right. But when I started reading the reviews and noticed there were hardly any pictures, I had to check this place out. My husband and I didn't have any problems finding its location but you really can't tell that a bar lies behind the gates. Turns out they were closed for the holiday, but we came back the next day with luggage in tow to grab a quick drink before heading to the airport. There was a bouncer at the gate and the first thing he said was, "No sneakers!" And all I could think was "Really? it's 5pm and no one is probably in there..." Good thing I had some heels in my carry-on. Yes, I changed shoes in the middle of the sidewalk in Chinatown. Haha. I was on a mission. He took our IDs and went inside while we waited outside the gate. We got in and upon my first step in I loved it! I loved the romantic ambience: dim lighting overhead and candlelights everywhere else. The decor on the wall is on point for a modern idea of Prohibition. They have old liquor licenses framed on the wall. The top of the walls are lined with old books on a shelf. Also a ladder behind the bar against a wall of liquor bottles. The drinks were creative and served strong. I wish I could find a place like this in LA. Hop Sing, you made my heart sing!

    (5)

  • Laura K.

    For what it is- a dark, nicely decorated speakeasy, I liked it. The drinks were very good but honestly, I really have to be in the mood for the whole pomp and circumstance. It's an experience- definitely a memorable one but like the other posters said not an every week thing. I personally prefer the more low key laidback atmosphere of Franklin Mortgage but I recommend people to try this place and decide for themselves. Just remember- no sneakers.

    (4)

  • Kevin L.

    We were having a great time until my friend asked the waiter for the ingredients behind the drink she was enjoying. Our uber cool skin head waiter Said '"shut the fuck up". I had him apologize to her but it ruined the experience.

    (1)

  • Chantul D.

    Tried to get in here once but couldn't due to my obnoxious date. When Lee came to the door he seemed like a nice gentleman and kindly explained some of the rules for us and why we couldn't get in. I was cool with that. I'm going to try and give this place another shot because from most of the yelp reviews it seems enticing Edit 8/25/2012------- Hours after I wrote the review I decided to check it out again. I decided to check it out alone. I'm glad I did because with the friends I have I probably would not have been able to get in. I came here around 7pm and was greeted by the super friendly doorman and Lee. Once I got it, I was mesmerized. It was so much more than what I expected. Lee kindly explained the rules and showed me a seat at the bar. The first drink I got was the clover club which I have to say was nearly orgasmatic! I have never had a cocktail that good. The second drink I had was the Montana payback. It was a bit spicy for my taste but still really good! I had to leave after the second because I was already getting a bit tipsy and had a date to meet up with soon afterwards. I would definitely come here again. I love the drinks, the ambience, the price, and basically everything about this place. I think I even have a slight crush on Lee too...lol.

    (5)

  • Allison B.

    The cab dumped us off on the corner of 10th and Race. It was pouring; I huddled underneath my umbrella and started looking for signage. There was no signage. I approached the door at 1029 Race and rang the doorbell nervously. Lee opened the gate in a velvet suit and my mouth dropped open. "We're with Michelle and Art?" Lee nodded. Zack H and I were first seated in the foyer, where I noticed two things: a live feed of four-way security camera video, and a floor decorated entirely with pennies. Lee led us to the cozy antique love seats in the back corner of the main room and presented us to our friends. I was still a little nervous. What was to be expected from the most highly anticipated lounge in Philadelphia? I checked-in to Hop Sing on my phone. A friend from New York replied, "Best Friday night tweet ever." No no, I don't think you understand. I'm not doing laundry. There was no ordering to be done. The drinks came out one by one: vodka, tequila, rum and whiskey. The list of ingredients for each became a guessing game. Simple but unique, fresh and classic. The drinks were frothy and smooth, shaken to perfection. When our server mentioned "grape juice," he meant the real thing. No Welch's here. White tablecloths and dark red candelabras donned the tables. Real books lined the walls along with portraits and paintings. Both the bar and bartenders were beautiful. Kevin Sbraga came by to chat and I was starstruck. Lee came to our table several times to check up on us or to offer a bit of wisdom and reasoning regarding the cocktail selection. The man is an enigma. With rumors of members-only rules and regulations, I can only hope I'll be able to return to Hop Sing Laundromat sometime soon. Note: no photos are allowed to be taken inside of the lounge.

    (5)

  • Amanda C.

    I have been here twice so far and I have to say I really love it. Last night we went and were pleased to find out that Hop Sing hosts a happy hour from 5pm-8pm. There was a smaller drink menu and everything is priced at $9. On my first visit I had an awesome drink that had some combination of coffee, mint and bourbon that was awesome. Yesterday I had a Diamondback that had bourbon, apple jack brandy, and chartreuse the drink was super strong but really good. Regular drink prices are $12. The space itself is super cool and sorta gimmicky but this is a fun place to go to celebrate a birthday or take people from outta town. I would suggest Hop Sing for groups smaller than 5 and as an alternative to Franklin Mortgage or Emmanuelle.

    (5)

  • Monica L.

    PROS: Interesting atmosphere, tasty concoctions, great service CONS: Over-hyped, pretentious By being stern and secretive about his establishment, Lee manages to incite a lot of interest in what exactly goes on behind the gate (which is perhaps not a bad marketing strategy). Curiousity got the better of me, and I ventured in with a group of friends, half afraid that he'd find some random reason to kick us out before we even secure a spot. (A couple in front of us was escorted out only a few minutes after entering... ) The waitstaff here is impeccably polite. Hop Sing Laundromat is more spacious inside than it appears from the outside. The atmosphere and decor inside remind me of some gloomy mansion decked in a collection of strange trinkets. The cocktails are above average at average prices. Alas... curiosity did kill the cat. The pretentious exclusivity bothers me, as does the rough treatment of guests by Lee. Without a doubt, I can get comparably good drinks at more fun, relaxing establishments.

    (3)

  • Jason C.

    I Love this place! Best drinks in the city. The other speak-easy options in Philly don't come close to the quality and taste of drinks at Hop Sing. A few things: The rule isn't no cell phones, it is no phone calls and no pictures, which frankly makes for a more enjoyable experience. You don't have to be dressed super fancy, just no sneakers or flip flops and no shorts. I usually wear a nice pair of jeans with dress shoes and a button down. The owner isn't rude, but he is a bit eccentric. Go in knowing that and you will do just fine. There isn't a drink minimum, don't know where a reviewer got that info. If you are going past 9pm, expect a wait, especially on the weekends. I recommend stopping by on a weeknight for a drink or two. As strong as these are, and at the price, who would want much more than that anyway. The bartenders are hot, the drinks are cold, and the atmosphere is amazing. We live a few blocks away, and frequent this place!

    (5)

  • Natalie B.

    I love this place so much! The experience is amazing. You really do feel like you're in on some kind of secret, and it's so much fun. We waited for about 10 minutes on a Friday night, and our experience was much like the other reviewers described. The owner greets you at the door, looking up and down the street as if he were afraid someone would see. He was wearing some pretty awesome glasses, and once we were inside, he explained the rules to us. No pictures, no phone calls, cash only. He made a joke about how our parents would be disappointed in us for coming here. "You should be partying in Las Vegas, not drinking cheap liquor at a dive bar." Once we actually entered the bar area, I was grinning ear to ear. The entire wall behind the bar was stacked with bottles of liquor, floor to ceiling. There were cute and quirky artwork all over the walls. The chairs were big and comfy. It was all just so... cool. The drinks are $12 each with a 2 drink minimum per person, which sounds annoying, but the drinks are truly delicious and quite strong. Two is really all you need if you want to be able to walk home. Everybody we talked to was warm and friendly. My friends and I had a great time here just bonding quietly over some drinks. It's a refreshing break from the places I typically frequent, where the experience is drinking watered down well drinks while people spill beer on your shoes. Hands down, the Hop Sing Laundromat is my favorite bar. I only wish my wallet could handle it more often!

    (5)

  • Dana S.

    Funny and great staff. It's hidden in Chinatown but it was easy to find based on the picture of the iron door posted in the prior reviews. We also got lucky and saw people going in as we walked up. Very enjoyable evening, great place to grab some drinks with friends and enjoy each others company and catch up. Drinks are fresh, strong, and well made.

    (4)

  • Rachel K.

    Let's hope you don't possess the mentality of an 18 year old. Sorry kiddies, this is for Adults. Easy-speak, dark, sexy ambiance bar with well crafted drinks. This is a place where you can enjoy your drink while having a conversation. Rules are pretty easy to follow. -Be well dress -Cash only -No photos, no phone-calls (I believe you can use social media and text) Tip: Better on a weekday. Go between 7-9 to ensure easy entrance.

    (5)

  • Mike O.

    In short, the pretense is supremely eye-rolling, but the cocktails are damn good. The Hop Sing Laundromat is like a fake speakeasy that everyone knows about. The place is maintained with limited seating, which is nice for densely populated cities, but it means you have to wait outside, rain or shine, for a seat. This is part of the pretense, part of the business plan. A doorkeeper, who is either a wonderful actor or really takes himself seriously, stands imperiously at the gate when he comes out and eyes you and your party. He asks how many are in your party, and they better be standing with you, or you won't be seated. If you are wearing sneakers, you won't be let in. Dress nicely. If you are ready and there is a table available, he'll tell you that he is "getting your table ready" which is hogwash. He is just stalling for time so you can wait, the line and interest outside get longer and everyone feels so so special. Before you can enter the gate to the front door and climb the steps, the doorman asks if you've been to Hop Sing before, and warns you that you can't take photos or talk on the phone. You're also warned that the place is cash only. Once you're let in, you're marched to a sort of anteroom, where you have to wait. There is an old shoe shining bench and other chairs. You are again lectured on the rules. If you are caught taking a photo or calling on the phone, you will be asked to leave. However, if you may go into the anteroom or a "private room" if you need to make a phone call. The reasons why you can't take photos or make a call don't follow very strong logic, but I don't care. I just want a cocktail. But here are the reasons. You can't make a phone call because it's impolite (fair enough) and people who talk on phones are loud and disrupt the conversations of others (that one was illogical. The place is loud with cocktail-induced loud talking and plays music that is not exactly quietly pumping through large speakers). You can't take photos because they want to protect your privacy in case you get too drunk and do something stupid. The one is full of holes, too, but whatever. You are allowed to text, however. At this point you're probably shaking your head with me. Just get to the damn drinks! The inside is nicely decorated and spacious. You are led to a table or the bar, and it isn't too densely packed that you are constantly hearing a neighbor's conversation. This is actually quite nice and somewhat worth all the waiting and hullabaloo outside. The drinks were pretty outstanding. I was disappointed they didn't have dark rum to make a Dark & Stormy on a disgustingly miserable raining winter night in Philly, and it was also surprising given the bar has hundreds of bottles on the wall. I'd share a pic to show you, but, you know. Instead I ordered an Old Fashioned and it was quite good. Possibly one of the best I've ever had. Not too strong and harsh, not too sweet, perfectly balanced, I could taste the orange peel. My friend had to send away his order which was well-balanced as well but too, I dunno, "girly"? (Sorry to those whom that may offend.) He re-ordered and got the Old Fashioned as well, and they didn't charge him for the drink. They better not, since you are paying like the equivalent of hundreds bucks were you to order a pint of alcohol! Anyhoo, try to make it here if you can, but just know that so much of this is a charade, and you might not be up for it although the drinks are very good.

    (4)

  • Lauren C.

    This place is really an experience. We walked up and were told to take a spin around the block and come back in 15 minutes. We went to Yakatori Boy to grab a drink, but quickly saw the line and stood outside under the heat lamp and regrouped. We wanted to process what had just happened since we'd never been turned away from a bar before. We knew it was part of the schtick here, so we went with it, but we've also heard of people that aren't allowed inside, so we wanted to be sure that wasn't us either. We came back and were instantly recognized. We were brought inside into a holding room that looks like a library and sat down. We saw a security guard checking cameras down the street. I'm not sure the same luxury was an option during real actual prohibition, but it was a nice touch. Finally, we were read the rules (no photos, but phones are ok if you gotta...) we were taken by Lee through the lounge, and doubled back towards the bar. We were sat right at the bar. We had drank a few vodka drinks so far, so we decided to stay on theme. My friend ordered the Crazy Horse special which was more of a martini, while I opted for the Stonewall Riot. I had a sip of her drink, and it was great, but i got to drink all of mine, and it was DELICOUS!!! I would absolutely recomend sitting at the bar if you can too. The bar tenders are great! Watching them make the drinks is so entertaining. They were attentive, but not too much. Obviously they can overhear your whole convo, our bartender jumped in from time to time with some cheeky antecdotes, but not so much that we were ever annoyed. In fact, we tipped her more closely in line with a waitress than a bartender. I think we have her like $10 on 2 drinks. She really made the experience awesome. We laughed and enjoyed being in such a cool atmosphere. I really enjoyed the place through and through. The $12 for the drinks makes sense given the fact that they're delicious, and pretty work intesitve to construct. I'd love to bring my mom back here. I think she'd get a kick out of the whole je ne said quoi. This place is truly awesome.

    (5)

  • B M.

    If your intent is to enjoy a few great drinks after dinner, and enjoy a conversation with your present company without being annoyed by a crowd of idiots or incessant cell phone users, then this is the place for you. These are the best cocktails in Philadelphia - particularly the simple yet potent Old Fashioned. And the prices are actually cheaper than some of the similar trendy establishments in center city. I, for one, actually embrace the "rules" that the owner enforces. It's nice to be able to relax and enjoy a great cocktail, and if I can't wear sneakers while doing so, then so be it. Also a great date spot.

    (5)

  • Vy D.

    It was the night before the end of the world and what better way to go out then having a few drinks at this amazing establishment. A gated entrance in the middle of Chinatown, Hop Sing is hidden like a true speakeasy should be. Be prepared to step into a bar like you've never experienced before. Lee, the owner will interrogate you. But don't be afraid, because the entire ordeal feels adventurous and exciting. The bartender, Reed, is serious and meticulous in his craft. When asked for recommendations, he was very accommodating with our requests. I've never seen drinks prepared so tediously. With that being said, the one cocktail I highly recommend is the Henry "Box" Brown (rum and grape juice). It is absolutely delicious. Everything from the flavor, temperature, texture, aroma, strength, and presentation, were essentially perfect. Before coming here, make sure to carry enough cash ($12 a drink). Oh, dress to impress is also suggested.

    (5)

  • Linh N.

    I like how exclusive this speakeasy is. There are actually rules that you have to go by and if you don't, they will escort you out. Upon arrival, it was hard to recognize the door to Hop Sing if it wasn't for this little sign by my knee stating the door number. Bell rings, out comes someone and ask you how did we know about the place and also ask to check our IDs. When entering, there's a lounge area where they give us a brief "lecture" since it was our first time. They emphasize, no talking on the phone and no picture-taking. After such, we were escorted inside. Very dim yet classy at the same time. Large spacious area with a lot of cushion seats and also a nice bar. So, let me say this. I had a whiskey cocktail (don't exactly remember the name) that included whiskey and freshly extracted honeydew. It was a strong drink, beside the glass that was served to me, there was also a little cocktail jar halfway filled with my drink. It came out to be a glass an a half for about $14(?) which was definitely worth the price. Side note to the ladies: the knob to the restroom is loose so be careful when you try to turn it, if you're luck it'll fall off and a cute waiter will come to the rescue (unless it's already fixed).

    (4)

  • Mike H.

    First time at hop sing and enjoyed it. Had the Blood n Sand, Preacher Bourbon, and the Captain Kirk. Wife had Bourbon Smash. I win! Hop Sing is beautiful. Decor etc.... The show to get in the place is fine except for when I come a second time. Dont need the same show twice. The drinks were great, i enjoyed all of them and considering the location, were worth the money. Just wished the bartender was more engaging. Personality is what gets repeat customers in addition to the quality of drink.

    (4)

  • Emily O.

    Fuck that place. If you like waiting in the cold for 30 minutes when Lee keeps telling you 'five minutes' go for it. It's 16 degrees out. Just be honest about the wait time.

    (1)

  • Carol C.

    If you can keep the drinks, ambiance, superb decor, and the servers/bartenders of this place, while throwing out the owner and his slimy appeal and his wannabe-classy fork glasses, this place would be beyond 5 stars. But sadly, I guess we can't just kick out the owner, so this place will have to settle with 4 stars. Being from Los Angeles, I have been to a number of speakeasys and have paid the whopping price tags for craft cocktails. However, never have I met an owner who lacked any ounce of humility like Lee. Although, I don't know if he is really fooling anyone if he's caught coming out of the apartment complex 2 blocks down in a dirty white wife beater and sandals. Probably some of the best cocktails I've had the pleasure of having, but when it's accompanied by an unnecessarily-pretentious owner who posts (grammatically incorrect) tweets to make fun of his customers, it still leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

    (4)

  • Danan R.

    Absolutely amazing and on par with NY's Please Don't Tell. Classy and unpretentious, with a nice flair and fantastic service and cocktails. Try the California Lode: citrusy with elderflower and very light and refreshing. No photos, phone calls only in the reception area, and no sneakers. Other than that, you are good. Cash only, also!

    (5)

  • Carolyn L.

    The rudest establishment I have ever been to. Guy at the door would not let us in (even though we were all dressed up) and would not only not give is a reason, but was extremely rude and confrontational. Do not come here unless you want to be treated like a second class citizen.

    (1)

  • Marlon T.

    Last time I was in Philadelphia, I went to The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. (another speakeasy) and I liked that experience more. At Franklin Mortgage, there was a guy in a trench coat outside that conspicuously asks you how many are in your party. Then he walks down a flight of steps to an unmarked door, disappears for a few minutes, then returns to escort you to a table. You're then surrounded by people dressed in Prohibition era outfits and antiques from that time decorate the walls. The drinks were classic and strong. So, I was delighted when my friends told me about Hop Sing Laundromat which they said was similar. When we walked there from my friend's condo, there was a guy dressed up, but not in 1920's gear, and asked us how many were in our party. Then we followed him into the foyer area where we were sat down and briefed about the rules which were basically don't be loud and no pictures. For some reason, to me, it just felt like they were trying too hard with the picture thing. I mean, who had a camera in the 1920's? They're just being secretive about nothing. To be fair, I guess I don't know the main goal of this place. Is it to emulate a real 1920's speakeasy, or is it just a speakeasy for the sake of being a speakeasy. I mean, those are cool too and I've been to an awesome one in San Diego (Noble Experiment) where at the back of some restaurant you push a fake wall open (it looks like stacked kegs). So since I was comparing to Franklin Mortgage, I was slightly disappointed since I was expecting it to be more old fashioned where I can actually feel like I was in the 1920's and drinking illegally. I think thinking the goal of this place is just to be secretive for fun, not to emulate a true prohibition era joint. At any rate, this place is extremely well-decorated, the staff is professional/nice, and the drinks are tasty/strong. The extensive menu is attractive and salivation-inducing. I had a great time here chatting with my friends and I like feeling all proper in a drinking establishment with rules. I should mention, I think they can only accommodate groups of 2, 4 or 6, and you need to be "presentably dressed." I'd come back here for sure to try out more drinks and to sulk in the atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Aruna A.

    I've been here once before, and had a reasonably pleasant experience. Enough for me to consider this establishment a 4 star bar. Or even maybe a 5 star. The drinks were good, the service wasn't as pretentious as others thought it might be - and overall pretty good cocktails though way overpriced for Philadelphia. When I went back on Friday - I had a horrendous time. My friends were turned away bc they had on sneakers - EXPENSIVE sneakers, but he went home to change them nonetheless. While we were waiting for his return we had a pleasant time at the bar. When he returned to the bar after going home, he starts texting me: "Where are you? The Owner won't let us in without that!" I texted him that we were sitting at the end of the bar by the bathrooms. He responded: "The owner says that's not specific enough can you come out here!" So I go, and the owner claims that my friends have given him attitude so we have to leave. The attitude was when my one friend muttered to the other that it seemed like a lot of hoops to get into the bar - which is the truth. Apparently, he called me a bitch but I can't claim to have heard it - though my two friends corroborate. Oh well. I won't be going back - but I think I'll survive just fine. There are lots of other bars in which one can get a good cocktail!

    (1)

  • jun k.

    It's not as intimidating as you would think. C & I came here and might have passed it except there were 2 women waiting in front. The place is appropriately "hidden" which sort of lends to the whole excitement of going to a speakeasy. Anyway I noticed the gals in front of us were wearing pretty casual clothing and one was wearing *gasp* sneakers! So i guess shoes aren't that big of a deal.. maybe it's b/c Mr. Lee wasn't there today. The bouncer at the door was thoroughly respectful and informative, and I wasn't sure if he was just putting on a show or sincere when he said, "we're just a mediocre bar with mediocre drinks.." anyway, it was fun. We were told the rules, then we were seated. The place was pretty empty (it was a tuesday night) and we were able to try the new happy menu that they have going (drinks are about $2 cheaper and a new variety). I got one of their classic ones, and honestly, I didn't like it. However, I think I have difficulty telling that to the servers.. so I just sort of sipped it. It was incredibly strong but incredibly sweet at the same time. Sort of icks. I liked C's drink which was one of the new ones with mint in it. (Honestly, it's been about a week and a half and the fancy names and such are lost on me). The drinks came with a little sidecar, but it took soooo long. Also, C and I were only there for a bit (we had just come from another happy hour), and we just wanted to enjoy the atmosphere and chat. However, the servers kept coming asking if we wanted another drink. Blah. Kind of annoying. They have great decor and great bathrooms. Anyway, it's a fun experience, pretty unique for a CA girl!

    (4)

  • S L.

    This place is pretty mystery with very good looking bar tenders. I asked to make something with Chocolate and Bailey's and I got the awesome customized drink! A bit pricy, I guess, but amazingly interesting hidden bar.

    (4)

  • Patrick C.

    Overall a resounding meh, I actually like the first time I went there I couldn't get in because my shoes weren't nice enough. But once I did get in we had to go through almost 15 minutes of "initiation" that could have been boiled down to a one minute task of checking our IDs and telling us no phones, but once we did get in

    (3)

  • Dan A.

    I was very excited to be able to try Hop Sing recently. Before going, I read other Yelp reviews and knew the rules Lee had to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves. And I appreciated his signature speak in the waiting area before entering the bar. The drinks at Hop Sing were as great as everyone said. I was able to try the Blood and Sand, Henry Box Brown, and Tequila old fashioned. All were outstanding. But the Henry Box Brown was my favorite. The freshness of the grape juice complimented the 15 year old special reserve rum very well. Lee was a gracious host that ensured everyone in my group had an amazing time. And I'm looking forward to going there again.

    (5)

  • Jade V.

    I liken my experience at Hop Sing to going to Disneyland. When you hear other people talk about Hop Sing, you want to go to Hop sing. When you have to wait at the entrance, it makes the wait worse. As the bouncer and Mr. Lee put on theatrics at the door, you fantasize about how great the experience will be when you're finally sitting down with a glass. So, does it live up to the hype? Here's a hint as to my opinion: I effin' love Disneyland. The over-the-topness just makes the drinks taste that much better. It's not the destination, it's the journey, etc. (Full disclosure: We were denied entry once from this place due to dress code violation--don't wear sneakers if you're planning on Hop Singing it!--but that just strengthened my desire to taste the fruits of the Laundromat.) Philly is laden with speakeasies, but Hop Sing stands out in terms of quality of drinks. Be warned, they're generally pretty strong; I suppose this is to encourage sipping and good conversation with company. These are some of the drinks we enjoyed that fateful, chilly winter night: Nevermore - Apparently no one DOESN'T love this drink. (Yeah, double negatives.) It's a chilled coffee drink that's a far cry from your sugar-laden Mudslides. You'll get what you deserve with this drink. Preacher Bourbon - Fruity, bourbon-y, balanced goodness. Hey--Mr. Lee's gotta be proud of this drink if it's his Twitter handle (@PreacherBourbon)! Railroad Jonah - Seasonal; scotch-based and orangey; floral hints from chartreuse. McCoy's Last Run - Irish whiskey and rum-based fruity cocktail. Probably the least favorite of this list. A creeper due to the Bacardi 151 they put in. The attention to detail! That zest! If you can, get a seat at the bar counter, because the bartenders know their stuff, and their preparation is a show in itself.

    (5)

  • Cynthia D.

    Totally worth it. There's nothing else quite like it and the rules are part of what makes it fun! Relax. Chill. Turn your phone off and just enjoy a cocktail with a friend the way the gods intended.

    (5)

  • Gretchen E.

    A legit speakeasy that beats both Franklin Mortgage and Ranstead Room in the trio's unofficial cocktail bar rivalry. The owner, with sharp tones and oyster-fork glasses, and wary bouncer make your entrance entertaining - and borderline haunted house-y. Make sure to were your best and come thirsty. If the owner offers his suggestion - take it. He brought me a drink with cayenne and a cream coating (that I would've never ordered on my own) and I can't wait to go back for another.

    (5)

  • Joseph G.

    Any good reviews, were clearly bought. We got in easy enough, but it was just a bad business. Period. This place is every bit as bad as HONEST people have said. Will never go back. Mr. Lee is a horses' butt. Ive traveled and been to the nicest most exclusive places money can afford. This is NOT ONE OF THEM. Just because you dont let people in, does not make it exclusive .. This place will be gone soon enough. Avoid the head ache its just not that special.

    (1)

  • Carolyn L.

    Really well thought out prohibition-era atmosphere. Dark, hard to find, and contains the booze that you want. If you've read any of these reviews, you'll know what to expect upon arrival. Just dress appropriately, follow the rules and follow through with the formalities. Don't get your panties all up in a bunch just because there are some ground rules and a mysterious velour covered owner. Just think of him as Oz. Scary at first but will soothe your ails one drink at a time. The cocktails are fresh, creative, and masterfully executed. They taste more delightful than any cocktail menu could ever make them sound. Service is very polite and accommodating. Pick off the menu or tell them what you're in the mood for and they will deliver you something that you never knew you craved. Each drink is worth every bit of the $12 they will put you back. There is no food. Small parties are best 2-4 people. Bring some green because it is cash only and you can't leave after just one drink. :) Don't talk on your phone like a blithering idiot and your golden.

    (5)

  • Dan R.

    As far as speakeasies go, Hop Sing Laundromat isn't all too hard to find. Sure, there's no number or signage, but there's a pretty nice lookin' gate that should tip you off something classy's behind there. That said, when I'd visited, there was no line whatsoever and the street itself was nearly empty, which added a bit of mystery and intrigue for Hop Sing rookies like myself. The best speakeasies are able to transport you someplace else, as if you'd snuck into a secret society or traveled back in time. We hadn't even stepped inside yet and it already felt like a different world. We pushed the buzzer and waited. No answer. We looked down Race St. Still no one walking about. We pushed the buzzer again. Almost immediately this time, the heavy door beyond the gate opened with a slow-motion, dramatic, unlocking thud. Out walked a short Asian man, dressed in a fantastic suit, his big, black dude bouncer standing guard behind him, smirking. At this point, we were asked a series of awkward questions. Are we impatient? What are we looking for? What is the name? Why are we here? How did we hear about this place? It was all a bit much, going along with the charade, but we reluctantly answered him all the same. No, we are not impatient - we apologize for buzzing twice. We are looking for a bar. Hop Sing Laundromat. To drink the best cocktails in Philly. Yelp, Twitter, your website, you name it. After our IDs were checked, we were then brought inside and into a briefing room of sorts. Sure enough, there were CCTV feeds from security cameras angled right at the gated entrance where we'd just stood minutes earlier. You could almost picture this well-dressed man, hands crossed behind his lower back, just watching us for a moment before letting us in. Here is where we really hit a new level of pretentiousness. Our proprietor (sarcastically) informed us that everything we'd heard about this place was untrue, that they are a dive bar, they sell cheap liquor. I then realized why the bouncer had been smirking the entire time, and I could feel the corners of my mouth curling just the same. How many times had he listened to this monologue? Surely, it was scripted. As with everything else at Hop Sing, nothing was accidental, but rather a controlled environment like one of those interactive, live theater experiences. Anyway, the speech ended with a few dos and don'ts - you are not allowed to take any pictures, make any calls, however, texting and manning your social media app of choice was A-OK. It appeared we were ready for take-off. In no uncertain terms, Hop Sing Laundromat is gorgeous. There are candelabras hanging overhead, fancily-framed artwork and mirrors covering the walls, and every chair seems hand-picked and unique. Every detail has been accounted for. No stone left unturned. Nothing half-assed. Even the well-dressed couples sitting at the bar look like props. We were sat at a table and handed an extensive cocktail menu, sans prices (although, it turns out drinks are ten bucks each). Every item is deliberately simple in terms of ingredients - typically one liquor paired with a juice or two. I can only assume there is a certain science to it all. And whatever it is, the end result is delicious. The Stonewall Riot (Ultimat Vodka, fresh extracted green grape juice, fresh extracted orange juice) and Ward 8 (Rittenhouse Rye Bonded, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, house grenadine) come highly recommended, but none more than my hands-down favorite, the Henry "Box" Brown (El Dorado 15 Years Rum, fresh extracted red grape juice). Now, I know this may read "rum and grape juice", but somehow, it's so much more. I wouldn't be shocked if the bartenders measured these two ingredients with eye droppers to make the most precise, delicious, refreshing blend. This drink defines the term cocktail, truly a work of art. On our way out, our luxurious host, our Willy Wonka of cocktails, offered to get us a car or suggest a place to eat, but we declined and simply thanked him for the experience. Which is probably how Hop Sing Laundromat is best described - as an experience. From our entrance on Race St. and the ensuing take-it-or-leave-it interrogation, to the beautiful interior design and top-notch cocktails, it felt like we had been somewhere, in a very cinematic sort of way.

    (4)

  • Thomas C.

    It is nearly impossible to find this place and even then you will wonder if you are at the correct place. Greeted outside an iron gate by a man asking if he can help you, you will not be let in until answering his questions satisfactorily. Once inside, the owner will proceed to tell you both the location and the drinks are terrible and it is probably a mistake you ever arrived. Escorted to a table in a dimly lit, large, open area next to a bar; you will then be given drink menus. Order anything, it is great. Be sure not to miss the bar top, it is made of nickels and the floor of the entrance made entirely of pennies. Dress nice, it's not a casual bar.

    (5)

  • Scott B.

    Too many rules, think Chinese soup nazi! don't ask questions, you'll be banned for life! No cocktails for u!

    (2)

  • Rahsaan T.

    Probably one of the best places I've been in the city for drinks. Love the greeting by the owner and 'bouncer'. Come correct with your attire or you will not be allowed in. That's all I have to say about that. A little pricey, but worth every cent for A rated liquor made with fresh juices. I hate that they're cash only but what can you do. Eat first if you're hungry because there's no kitchen. At least not for patrons. We like to go down the street to David's on the corner after. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Melissa P.

    Love this bar! The owner comes out and greets/grills you and then brings you into the waiting room for the "instructions." It's all very mysterious and adds some fun to the experience. Great atmosphere, everything here was handpicked and placed perfectly to create this dark, high ceilinged, impressive, awesome place. Bartenders are super knowledgeable and helpful, attentive but not overbearing. Super delicious drinks and very strong. Allegedly the best liquor selection in the country, but be ready to splurge. Good for a casual after dinner date for drinks, or happy hour for drinks, but if you're here for more than 3 drinks each, it will cost you!

    (5)

  • Kevin R.

    I was hesitant about writing a review for Hop Sing because I really did not want to attract a lot of unwanted attention to this amazing establishment. My fears were put to rest once I realized that Lee will never lower his standards and allow the loud, t-shirt wearing, obnoxious, disrespectful type to sully this gem of a dive. Understand I believe there is a time and place for people to gather under those conditions...but not this time...not this place. This is not just a place to sample master crafted cocktails...it's an experience. From the time you approach the door to the moment you leave, put yourself under the care of your gracious and well dressed host. Do not confuse Lee's gracious demeanor with a pandering pushover...you are definitely in his house and will abide by his rules. Long live the house of Lee.

    (5)

  • Lans S.

    What a trip! I mean, seriously. Hats off to Mr Lee. Everything about this joint is picture perfect and we all had to fight the urge to whip out our iPhones to capture the uncaptureable (not a word, but you get what I mean). Yet I completely appreciate the sophistication that results when we all let our dang phones rest and we just embrace the company around us. Innovative drink concoctions, incredible service, and impressive ambiance.

    (4)

  • Vichet O.

    So, my original review was removed for "not being useful." Right. Anyways, Hop Sing is a place that is difficult to describe briefly, except to say that you should absolutely come to this place. If you want to get a better picture of what it's like - it's dark, but not inconveniently so. It feels like a turn of the century type smoking room. I feel like I wouldn't be surprised if there was a fireplace, and yet there is none. The wall is stuffed with all sorts of liquors, most of which I've never tried or heard of (thus granting me another side quest in life), and Lee dresses hella dope. Helpful hints: 1) Be the kind of person who lives in the present. 2) Have faith that Lee has your enjoyment and satisfaction in mind when he greets you. 3) Realize that every establishment has rules, and that it's not personal. 4) Bring cash. Lee will tell you the rules at the door. Be patient when you ring - he likes to greet everyone personally. Other than that, just enjoy the place. Enjoy that it's not too full, not too popular, not too expensive, and not TOO pretentious. At least, it isn't when I'm not there. Anyway, to say anymore would be to take away from Lee's self-proclaimed mission. He can tell you all about that. Wear something nice, grab a pretty gal, and drink the night away. Remember, you do not talk about Hop Sing Laundromat.

    (4)

  • Bob F.

    I have tried to get in this place 3 times but failed each time. I will keep trying :) First time was with my wife and we could not get in in 'cause she forgot her ID...we are in our 50's. Second and third time were both on a Tuesday evening and no one answered the door. Oh well, we'll keep trying I guess. LOL Luckily we had a backup plan and had a wonderful evening at the Farmers' Cabinet on Walnut St.

    (2)

  • John-Paul P.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, don't believe what your friends tell you. This is a dive bar. We serve cheap liquor. And I am the owner." - Lee Lee is quite the guy. Not only does he run a heck of a joint, but he also breaks the ice and makes you feel welcome, after the initial questions that you're asked upon ringing the bell. I'll explain. I came here around 12:30 am on a Sunday morning (or late Saturday night, depending how you want to look at it). I was driving home from my friend's wedding in Chadds Ford and had been wanting to come here for a while, but being that I live in NJ, it's a bit of a hike. So, being that I was in the area and passed right by the Philadelphia exits on I-95 as I drove home, why not? I lucked out and found a parking spot right across the street from Hop Sing. As I got out of my car, two people were entering and a group of three 50-something computer nerds saw the magnetically sealed door closing and ran across the street to try and catch it. Bad idea on their part, as the bouncer shut the door and told them to wait their turn. They were admitted tho. After Lee let the group of three in, he asked me a few questions, the same questions he asks everyone who comes. Me: Hi, I'm here for the Hop Sing Laundry Lee: That's us. Why are you here? Me: I'd like to have a drink before I go home. Lee: How did you hear about us? Me: Yelp Lee: Are you aware that we're cash only? Me: Yes. Lee: Is it only you? Me: Yes. Once all that was settled, you're let in and brought to a waiting area, which is very nice. The two groups who entered before me were also there. After waiting for what couldn't have been more than 5 minutes, Lee returned to the waiting area and gave his joke about how he runs a dive bar and serves cheap liquor. He reminds everyone that it's cash only and says that once you're inside and seated, you can text, tweet and Facebook to your heart's desire, but if you'd like to make a phone call, you must return to the waiting area. Also, no pictures are allowed and unlike most places, Lee actually explains that he wants to protect your privacy. Suppose someone doesn't know you're at Hop Sing - he doesn't want a random photo taken by someone else, with you in it, to pop up online. After all that was cleared up, he seated each group. Since I was alone, I was seated at the bar. The place was actually kind of empty for a Saturday night - probably half full at most. Moving on to the drink list tho, I looked things over and eventually asked the bartender for help. I had to drive back to New Jersey and wanted something refreshing, where the alcohol didn't overpower the drink. Something I could enjoy before a long car ride. She recommended the Henry "Box" Browne, which was made of 15 year Aged Rum and freshly squeezed grape juice, which was a real winner. It was perfect. To make things better, Lee came up to me after a few sips and asked me how my drink was. To really top things off, the drink was only $10. I can't think of any other speakeasy in Philadelphia or New York where a drink with hard liquor in it (not beer) is $10. After I settled my bill and was on my way out, I passed by Lee in the waiting area. He asked me if I had a good time, which I assured him I did. He then shook my hand as I left. As I was dressed in a suit from my friend's wedding, I had no issues with the dress code. Although it's not advertised, there is a dress code. It's not too strict - just don't wear shorts, sandals, sneakers, ripped clothes, t-shirts, etc. Denim is fine, just be classy. Definitely check this place out. Its unassuming location in Chinatown makes it a great spot to go. The drink I had was top notch. I'm sure the rest of the drinks are good too, but one thing I did note about the menu was that while some drinks are unique, others are recycled speakeasy fare, such as the Hemingway Martini. Compared to the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company, it has a more intimate feel, tho Franklin does have a better selection of drinks. Hop Sing is definitely better than Ranstead Room.

    (5)

  • Tara G.

    This place is amazing. I agree 100% with the review that compared this to a ride in Disneyland. That was a spot on comparison. Of course, we were greeted at the gate by Lee himself and asked the normal questions. We passed the test and were asked how many were in our party. There were 6, so after reading other reviews I was a bit nervous. To my surprise, he went in and pushed a couple of tables together so we would all fit together comfortably. I'm not sure if this would normally be that case considering it was about 12:30 when we got there, and I did tell him that we were out celebrating my birthday. We all tried different drinks, and unfortunately I don't remember the names of most of them. I know Hubby had the nevermore and it was pretty life-changing for him. I had a gin drink that had white grape juice, another friend had a gin drink with cucumber, and another had something reminiscent of a pina colada. Everything I tasted was pretty mind-blowing. The cocktails here are worth every penny. The ambiance here is very dim and intimate, which was the perfect contrast after a long night of karaoke at Yakitori Boy. I love the no picture rule, mostly because one of the girls who was with us is very picture-happy. Usually we feel like she is our own personal paparazzo so it was good to have a break from smiling and posing for once. Plus it's nice to take a break from all of the electronic devices for a change. Needless to say, I will definitely be back! Lee has really created a unique experience that pleases all of the senses.

    (5)

  • Will S.

    No singles allowed. So who fills in the spaces at the bar when you let in parties of 3? Take your business to the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company or Charlie was a Sinner - they both treated me right.

    (1)

  • Elizabeth D.

    Honestly, I was quite intimidated to stop by - afraid that I had the wrong shoes or commit some faux pas. But now, I am so happy I finally visited Hop Sing! To be fair, I went with some friends who have alread been, so I felt better knowing what to do. The bouncer outside was friendly and the small waiting area was comfortable and warm. I loved the decor - books, candelabra, comfortable velvet chairs. It's really cool! The liquor shelves behind the bar - wow. A fortune! For all the pomp, you truly get wonderful cocktails, all for $10. They are well made and absolutely worth the experience. I loved the Iowa Objection - fresh grape juice, gin, and mint. My husband was a big fan of the Preacher Bourbon. The staff was excellent - don't be afraid to stop by!

    (5)

  • Orn T.

    My husband and I went to Hop Sing for the first time last night, had a blast. The wait was not long at all, granted it was 8:30th on a Saturday night. So we beat the rush! Staff was highly attentive and knowledgeable of what cocktails to suggest. Ambiance was really cool, felt like being in an old school library! Will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Brad P.

    If the owner of a bar greets you at the door and takes you into a small waiting area to explain the rules of the establishment, you've either signed yourself up for an underground fight club or you've entered Hop Sing Laundromat. If the rules are being given by a well-dressed man named Lee and involve not using your camera, you're in the right place. If one of the rules contains the phrase, "and cats ain't legal weapons in the ring" then you'd better get the hell out of there. This is the most impressive large bar space I've seen in Philadelphia. Comparisons to The Ranstead Room and The Franklin Mortgage are accurate, but Hop Sing does it on a grander scale. Once your eyes have adjusted to the dark, you can take in the meticulous planning of the nickel-laden bar or the collection of books nestled high above your drinking head. No detail of this space was left to chance, and it shows. The servers are friendly and obviously experienced in the craft of libations. They know the menu well and can craft a drink to your liking, no matter how sad you are at describing what you think you want. I've been pleased with all of my cocktails here, but I've got to give special props to the drink with the chili in it(I think it was called Montana's Revenge or something like that). It contained a wealth of flavors that both refreshed and singed at the same time. I'd be more descriptive about the drink menu but it is impossible to leave here even a little bit sober. On a financial note, Hop Sing's drinks are slightly less expensive than similar establishments, in case you want to be a baller on a budget(This is a Daniel Tosh line). Hop Sing Laundromat is a true Philadelphia treasure. I will savagely beat then repudiate any out-of-towner friend who comes to visit me and complains about this place.

    (5)

  • Liz N.

    Great cocktails. It's a beautifully designed spot - warm, intimate, and open. I appreciate that they police their clientele. It keeps it classy. And they prevent overcrowding the bar and tables. Lovely spot for drinks and conversation.

    (5)

  • Diana K.

    I'm beginning to think that all of the reviewers on this page have been brainwashed. I finally made it to Hop Sing this past weekend after months of anticipation. Lee told us that we would be disappointed and not to get our hopes up. Um, okay... Well, the first and biggest disappointment was the drinks. Our table had 6 different drinks throughout the evening, and I wasn't blown away by any of them, really. Yes, they were strong, but they weren't pleasant or interesting. It seemed like the only purpose of the menu was to show off some fancy, aged alchohol in their inventory. Not to mention, our waiter also seemed clueless and couldn't answer any of our questions or make any recommendations for us. We then had a bartender prepare drinks in front of us on a large metal cart. Except...he had the drinks pre-made and just shook them up violently for show. What is the point of this? Overall, the rules and restrictions of this place made it seem more like a disappointing theme park ride than a nice night out with friends. I've seen enough, and I can't think of anyone that I know who would enjoy a night like this when you can relax and have a casual evening at so many other more rewarding, better value, food-serving establishments in the city.

    (2)

  • Vinny P.

    "I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey." From the moment we were greeted outside the decorative yet subtle gate, a chill came over me. My hands, slightly trembling showed my card from the Chinatown Night Market. The man, who requested this card, standing there in custom made, perfectly tailored clothing welcomed us inside and asked us to sit down off to the right. In the dim light, we sat and the house rules were explained to us. We were given full disclosure by Lee (or so he claimed to be) that we would most likely be "disappointed". Not knowing what to expect, we pressed on and were shown to our bar seats. Our bartender Jo, who was incredibly personable and welcoming, walked us through the cocktail menu and aided us in our decisions. I began with the whiskey smash and while my drink was being expertly constructed, my eyes gazed around the beautiful and quirky room. It seemed like a high end study meticulously designed to feel whimsical. Whomever did the layout and decoration of this place straddles the line between genius and insane. We saw a few friendly faces off in the corner. Instead of just getting up and going right to their table, we asked permission. It just seemed like the right thing to do. Something about this place just makes you want to act respectfully. The drinks, were, for lack of a better term, flawless. When I tasted each cocktail, I realized that it exactly mimicked what was stated on the menu. The shockingly precise cocktails just added to the overall dream like experience. If this is what disappointment feels like, I want more of it.

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    I heard of this place from the Internet so checked it out. I had no idea how to get in. The "head bartender" greeted us after pressing the buzzer at the listed address with no sign and I panicked, said something along the lines of "Are you available for a drink?" They were. To keep this short this place sells more than a drink. You can make drinks at home. Maybe not these drinks, but drinks nonetheless. What this place really sells is style. From the dress to the decorations to the stories told with the making of our first drinks this place is just cool. It takes you somewhere. Not Philly, not Chinatown, but somewhere you've never been. Kim Jong-Il's private lounge maybe. I don't know.

    (5)

  • Payal P.

    went in on a nice and quiet thursday night. this place is classy. the owner is awesome and just wants everyone to enjoy themselves. the bartenders know their alcohol and every drink is made deliciously, i think between our group and we each had at least 2, we tried 6 different drinks, each more smooth and better than the next.

    (5)

  • Jackie T.

    I don't often give 1 star reviews but this place deserves it. I've been to hundreds of restaurants and plenty of exclusive bars and speakeasys in the past but congratulations Hop...you top the list for absolutely the most horrendous and rude service I've ever experienced in my life. I couldn't believe how other customers who had been waiting outside in the cold for over 30 minutes were treated either...total disrespect. They were actually lied to...rude front door guy said they were at capacity but when we walked in there were plenty of tables available. Based on how I felt leaving this place, I truly hope it goes out of business. Spend your money at Franklin Investment if you're looking for a speakeasy type of place without the attitude.

    (1)

  • Cat P.

    I am terribly behind on reviews, but Hop Sing Laundromat is making its way to the front of the line because, well, it was THAT amazing. I must admit that I initially wasn't excited about going here. The reviews seemed overhyped, in my opinion. Seriously, how could any place make a cocktail that great? Hop Sing Laundromat proved me wrong, though. The cocktail is only half of the equation. The pomp and circumstance one receives upon entering this establishment is an experience like no other. We arrived in front of an unmarked door in the Chinatown section on a Friday evening. After ringing a buzzer, we waited a few minutes before Mr. Lee himself came out to greet us. Once we were granted permission to enter, we were instructed to sit inside the vestibule area and wait for instructions. It felt almost ritualistic, like we were being inducted into a secret society. Upon hearing the rules, we were escorted to our seats. We opted to sit at the bar so that we could have a direct view of the bartenders and their impressive alcohol selection. Our bartender, Jo, was a charming Australian who knew the menu like the back of her hand. Not only were her recommendations spot on, but our drinks were prepared perfectly. I had two rum cocktails (one mainly watermelon, one mainly orange) and I enjoyed both of them. Watching Jo make our drinks was a performance in itself. I think it goes without saying that they only use fresh herbs and produce and the alcohol is top-notch. I felt like we had been directly transported to 1923. I somehow need to make my way back here if I can find it. Perhaps it was just a mirage and this beautiful oasis doesn't really exist. Either way, I've seen the light and I've officially been converted.

    (5)

  • Bryan R.

    When I go to places for good cocktails, I enjoy seeing original recipes and unique spins on classic cocktails with specific types of spirits. I love seeing house shrubs and infusions. The list at Hop Sing wasn't really that interesting or innovative or experimental. It seemed like a very accessible drink list for people that want to dip their toes in the speakeasy experience. A key component of a good cocktail experience is service. Not just attentiveness, but interactivity as well. Our server at Hop Sing didn't seem particularly interested in talking to us or sharing his personal favorites or really even acknowledging anything but our order and our payment. There were less than six other people there the entire time. We'd come to enjoy several rounds and ended up leaving after the first. At one point we asked our server a question about how they made one of the drinks we were having (about the proportion of spirits in the drink if I recall), and he interrupted and said "I can't tell you that". It wasn't clear if he didn't know or was trying to preserve some fanciful secret locked away behind the bar but it wasn't a particularly probing query. That was an absolute first at any good bar or restaurant I've been to. Also at issue was the service at the door. I don't mind the sort of hidden location and air of exclusivity; I actually kind of like it. The gentleman at the door was polite but the whole experience got off to a bad start. I met up at Hop Sing with a friend who had just gotten off work at his law firm. He had put on sneakers before coming over but was still dressed in a suit and quite presentable. The doorman wouldn't let him in on account of his footwear. Again, we would later see that there were maybe four people inside when we were finally seated. But first, my friend had to go back to his office and grab a nice pair of shoes. I told him no worries and said I'd have a drink waiting for him. Nope. Wasn't allowed in. The doorman told me that I had to wait for my friend to enter. Eventually my friend returned and we were given a five minute lecture in the holding room that basically outlined how one should behave at a bar as an adult (standard protocol). If the experience getting in was the only hiccup and the drinks and service inside were great, I would have been happy to put up with it. But they weren't, which made the whole hassle seem worse in a way. On the plus side, I really like what they did with the interior. The design and ambiance were unique and much more representative of the overall experience that I expected from the reviews.

    (2)

  • Julie M.

    I've become extremely jaded by the whole speakeasy cocktail scene in Philly. I went to Franklin, yet again, a few nights ago and was incredibly disappointed. However, Hop Sing was a completely different story. The venue is beautiful: intimate, dark, and has lovely, thoughtful decor. I do not think I have ever scene that many bottles of alcohol in my life! The bartenders are very nice; however, they are somewhat inexperienced and get confused if there is an off menu request (I'm certain that will improve with time). The drinks are tasty and innovative and they don't have a million ingredients (unlike Franklin where everything gets muddled together). Also, Rob, the manager, is great. He's super knowledgeable and helpful; you can ascertain that he is quite the cocktail pro. Both nights we went on the early side, shortly after open. It was great being able to chat with the employees and each other. I cannot really vouch for how this place holds up during prime time when it's packed and the door is impossible; however, when the crowd is light, the experience is one of the best you can have pre or post-dinner in Philly. This place simply rocks.

    (5)

  • Rita C.

    I've heard a lot about Hop Sing Laundromat from some friends and the mixed reviews made me even more intrigued to go check it out myself. I was part of a group of five and we decided Hop Sing should be our first stop of the night. We strolled up to the inconspicuous front door around 9:00 and I was surprised to see that there wasn't a line already formed outside. Lee himself was letting some people out and asked if he could help us. "We'd like to come inside for some drinks." Figured that would do the trick. He gave us a hard time about having a party of five (apparently they only have the bar and then 2- and 4- tops), but said he would see what he could to do help us. (I assumed this was all part of the act.) We waited outside for about five, ten minutes and then Lee said we could come in but there was a two drink minimum - no problem! We sat in the waiting area and heard the rules: no pictures/video, no phone calls. Easy enough. We got the drink menus, which were overwhelming. We all ordered a different drink so we could pass each one around the table to try as many drinks as possible The only thing you need to know is that the drinks are strong, delicious, and made to perfection. I highly recommend the El Diablo - fantastic little drink made with tequila. Service was excellent, decor was really interesting, and drinks were amazing. I will definitely come back to Hop Sing in the future! If you haven't been here, definitely check it out and get in on the experience! Note: This bar is cash only and all drinks are $12. Bring lots of cash, you'll want more than one drink!

    (4)

  • Enid C.

    Much of human thought throughout the course of time has revolved around questions about our significance on this planet. Does my life have a greater purpose? Is there a deeper meaning that validates my existence? Am I more than just dust in the wind? After thousands of years of deliberation, it has been determined that the answer to all these questions is...No. Unless you are of the few who have been blessed to walk through the door of Hop Sing Laundromat. Don't be fooled by the typical Chinatown exterior. As soon as the door shuts behind you, you get engulfed in ambiance. Dimly lit, classy vibe, with walls covered in books, artwork, and alcohol prescriptions, and the floor tiled with pennies. Lee (who would probably win the superlatives both for "Most Hip" and "Most Cantonese") cordially greets you at the door. You are led to the nickel-covered bar, where the extremely seasoned bartenders provide a tasting of two classic drinks and one specialty drink, expertly crafted by Lee himself. Since I had made fast friends with the cute blonde next to me, I was able to sample a gin aviation, blood and sand, godfather, whiskey smash, and a wonder of a drink called "Cal Meze #1." This is so much more than just mixology. It is artful and complex. Their well liquors are top shelf in other establishments. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive (I'm partial to Joan, Dan, and Allison). Sitting at this bar, you will feel on top of the world. Even the slightly chubby girl who barely made it on the cheerleading squad would be feeling pretty good about herself here. Last night Lee tweeted that "the 'urban legend' that is Hop Sing will soon be coming to an end." Not sure if this means that they are actually going to be opening soon, or the much darker fate that it will never come to fruition, but in either case, I am honored to have been one of their guests.

    (5)

  • Chris T.

    Great place. Cool, chill place and great drinks for you and your party. Sometimes you have to wait outside for a while for the place to clear out but it is worth it. This is a great place to start your night as the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable and the drinks are above top shelf. It will take a bit for your drinks to be made so make sure that you set aside some time for waiting for them. Mr. Lee remembers us after being there a few times and invites us in without the instructions he gives to other guests. The whole place has a great atmosphere and we always bring our friends from out of town. They all love it and say it is the best part of philly. The people here with negative reviews seem to be expecting more of a bar type scene which is NOT the case. This is meant to be more of a speak easy type environment with a relaxed atmosphere. People taking pictures in the lobby and drink room are just disrespectful and are showing they really don't care about the experience of the night. In any case, you'll spend quite a bit for 2 drinks (around $25) but they are top shelf and will be remembered, and you night will kick off in a great fashion.

    (5)

  • Chino B.

    This man spat in my face, literally. We came late and the door guy called my friend a cunt. He yelled at us and told your mom jokes.. Haha so bad. He was going to hit me with an umbrella. Lucky I'm a nice guy. Terrible. Terrible. Terrible.

    (1)

  • Beth M.

    This place scares me and I don't want to go back! First of all, you enter and exit through a locked door. What am I in jail? There are visible surveillance cameras everywhere, which bugged me out and made me feel like I was in a Chinese Scarface movie. I did not see one smiling staff member; everyone appeared to be super serious, mechanical, and exhibited no sense of humor. I just got super weird vibes in there. I respect the no cell-phone use or picture policy for creating an authentic speakeasy ambience, but it made me suspicious. I went to use the restroom at the end of the night and when I went to open the door, the handle fell off! I told one of the bartenders and he was not at all surprised, he was like just put it back on and twist. Ok... Not exactly the ideal place to let loose and relax. However, they do make great cocktails that are super strong, and taste like they're made with top-shelf liquor. I had some orange zest garnish in my drink that smelled AMAZING. I have never felt so intimidated and scared in a bar in my life!

    (2)

  • Diana L.

    Sorry, this is another overrated place in Philadelphia. The whole speak-easy thing is pretentious, the drinks are good but nothing you couldn't find anywhere else, the decor is a bit drab. Not the kind of place I would take anyone I want to impress.

    (3)

  • Paul C.

    on a cold winter night...we waited outside for 20 minutes...once we got in...we waited in the waiting area for another 10 minutes...ordered drinks at the bar...took another 15 minutes to get our drinks...ambiance was nice...drinks were tasty...but seriously....not going back here again...too much of time wasted...

    (3)

  • Paul K.

    They bust your balls before they let you in but they mix a mean drink and squeeze everything fresh so fair enough.

    (5)

  • Diem L.

    At first I thought I would not enjoy this place because I thought it would be too gimmicky. But, after listening to the owner's schpeal and heading in for our 2 drink each minimum we totally enjoyed it! My sister does not drink but after trying out the "Eastside," she had to have one of her own. We requested to have it easy on the gin but they said they could not do that - so we went ahead and ordered the drink as is for my non-drinking sister. She loved it... only it's a wee bit too much alcohol for the poor thing. Let's just say she paid her respects to the porcelain goddess not too long afterwards. The drink concoctions were divine and the presentation was so pretty. The "not taking pictures" rule was so TOUGH to follow. The only reason why I didn't risk it is, I definitely wanted to come back. We were in a bit of a rush for our dinner reservation so we didn't get to hang out. We will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Carrie R.

    The decor is beautiful, Lee is personable & friendly, and the drinks are a reasonable price. Personally, I like the dress code & the rules-- keeps it classy. If you have any doubts, just give it a try.

    (5)

  • Kelly S.

    My boyfriend and I visited the speakeasy before dinner in Chinatown one night and were convinced we were in the wrong place at first. You have to ring the doorbell at what looks like an abandoned spot next to the laundromat lit only by an overhead blue light. An employee steps outside to check your ID and attire (they have a no-sneaker dress code), then invites you in to the waiting room, where he explains the rules (no photos and no phone calls). After agreeing to the rules, we were escorted inside to a bar decorated with quirky ads and old-looking pictures. The main attraction is the enormous liquor cabinet behind the bar, which they use to produce amazing (but pricey: $12-15 each) cocktails. Definitely worth a visit for a drink or two on a special occasion.

    (5)

  • Charlie H.

    For a bar that has a website that preaches normality and attempts to rebound any type of 'hype', passing it off as press excitement, boy, does this place smell of blue stilton. Was I salivating like a rabid dog at the thought of this place opening? No. Was I interested in checking it out, getting a drink, and potentially expanding my bar list from 3 to 4? Yes. "Lee", or whatever your real name is, chill the heck out man. 1. Please do not have your bouncer ask us what we are looking for when we turn at an address YOU listed on the internet, and then try to claim he doesn't know what we are talking about. 2. Please do not make us recite the name of the bar to said bouncer as if this is some bar dictatorship (I'm actually surprised we weren't required to give a blood sample or at minimum, a song and a dance about how much we hope to love the place). 3. No more 'briefs'. This isn't flight school. A simple sign, 'no phones, no loud talking, etc' should suffice. If that's good enough for Soho house, arguably one of the best private clubs in the world with locations all around the world, its good enough for your 1 door, non-private new bar. 4. Strengthen your drinks. $10 is only bettering NY prices on cocktails if you use as much liquor. I've had a better high off a Tiramisu from Whole Foods. Yes, we 'got in' (can't believe i'm even writing that about an open to the public bar), but had to leave after 1 drink because the pretentiousness of Hop Sing was making my head hurt. We left, went to Dandelion and had a damn good night. I hope this place re-evaluates what it wants to become, because if one thing is certain in the 'Philly Scene', something better ALWAYS come along. When the novelty wears off, those that (somehow) did manage to have a good time might just be over it too.

    (1)

  • Rannica A.

    So, Lee would not let me back in last night because i gave him 4/5 stars on yelp. hm. i dont understand how u can dictate opinion on a review site but no, i will not change my review. Lee, i STILL like the ambiance and drinks, but i STILL feel like our bartender on my first visit was disengaging (i'm sorry if i read the previous yelp reviews before i came and expected socialized bartenders) and that i will not change sir . he told me that unless i changed my review he won't let me back in, and i'm fine with that. how about you handle criticism. yes, i'm being petty because i think it pretty ridiculous to be worked up over 1 star (which he kept saying he wanted from me). well, i'm still only giving u 4 stars u asshole. p.s he also told me if i changed it and came back to ring the doorbell, the first drink would be on him since it was my bday. no thank you.

    (4)

  • Kelly R.

    Great place to catch up with friends and sip a few cocktails. Everything on the menu is fabulous. The Thai cocktail was incredibly spicy, which I loved and the waiter made sure we understood that in advance. Even odd combinations work well at Hop Sing and I was happy to try a few bourbon-and-cream combinations. Getting in is a bit of ceremony, but it's an easy dress code. My friend chatted up the bouncer while she waited for means he let us in as soon as I arrived. We waited about five minutes in the anteroom, which is decorated impeccably with wooden benches and great wall art. Also, the bathrooms are cool. No food at all on the menu, but that's part of the place's charm. Have a few drinks, pretend to be part of the elite world of another era and enjoy the splurge. It's worth every second.

    (5)

  • Kerry B.

    Ok I don't go five often, but here's why. It's fun, it's a little silly, and you feel like you just got away with something. I found Lee to be Hi-larious kinda made me think of Mr. chow from the hangover.... Like made me think he was actually Mr. chow. The rules are actually pretty easy to follow and staright forward, however I was scared to even take out my phone to text or tell the world on facebook I made it past the door! The drinks are a separate story. I had two, I forget one, something with tequila. It was strong, and not particularly tasty. So I settled for possibly the best screwdriver I ever had for the second. The ambiance is great, I'm remiss that I didn't sit at the bar, but they only had tables when we showed up, so next time ill get to see the nickels!

    (5)

  • Bob T.

    I can't believe people stand for this place, its a joke. haha I can't believe how rude they are here for no reason at all. its an f'in bar not a high level security clearance operation. don't think I have ever rated a place a one, but this place fully earns it. overpriced, completely rude, entrance process a joke, and they turn paying customers away based on perception of how nice their clothes are. I get this place wants to be this trendy cool exclusive bar, but don't be an ass about it...

    (1)

  • Polly E.

    Pros: Great drinks. Great atmosphere. Great decor. Cool idea in general. Great location/secluded location Pretty good servers. Cons: One server was a bit of a crank pants. When we rang the bell and gave the bouncer our ID's he walked away, back inside the locked door with them. Let's just say that made me a bit uneasy, even though it was obviously a real ID. Maybe it's just me but the walking off with my ID made me nervous and was not the best first impression.

    (4)

  • Liz R.

    "Answer me these questions three...." By now everyone knows that there is a ritual at the beginning of the experience that is the Hop Sing Laundromat. At the unmarked gate on Race street, you will find yourself immersed in a situation that may remind you of "Casablanca" and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". What are you looking for? The Hop Sing Laundromat "Lee" - no Mr. - channels a bit of Bogart's "Nick," the paternal gangster and well-dressed owner, who runs his place, his way. Make no mistake this is Lee's place and you are his guests, IF he'll have you. If he does, then Lee is your host and servant, who is committed to taking care of you and ensuring you enjoy your visit. His parlour has a limited number of seats and that's the number of butts he will let through the door. In addition to the seats at bar, there are tables for 2 and 4 (maybe one for 6?) with no furniture moving. Do not even ask. Why are you here? A celebration (for us, a diminutive black-knight had been vanquished earlier in the day - but that's another story) It all boils down to being able to spend some time with your friends, and wouldn't you prefer to do that in an atmosphere that is relaxed where you don't have to: shout above the din so you can have a conversation or worry about getting too up close and personal with a frenzied hoard? Who wants to be forced to interact with /endure people with whom you didn't arrive and wouldn't be caught dead with upon leaving? If you do, this is not your bar. This bar is for grown-ups. Lee, as a concerned and protective host has thought about your comfort and masterfully laid out the room. There is space to relax, get comfortable, talk and be heard, but not overheard. His rules about phones and pictures are there to protect his guests, and we were all appreciative - after we passed inspection and could loosen up in a safe environment with our first heavenly libation. Although we did find ourselves feeling an unsettling combination of relaxed comfort and fear... that any moment we'd wind up outside on the Chinatown pavement if we'd disappointed our host, but that only added to the overall experience. How did you hear about us? A friend, whom I trust, recommended it. The cynical me knows this is how Lee tests his marketing campaign. But the romantic me, wants to play along with the scene Lee has written, engaging in friendly banter. Don't be a kiss-ass, just be human. Lee, thank you for your most-gracious hospitality. Five stars

    (5)

  • Lan G.

    I am so in love with this place. If I could, I would come here every weekend for those made to perfect cocktails. Everything you heard about the rules is true but people work here were really nice. Maybe it's because we got there when they opened the door that night. We didn't need to wait long to get escorted to the waiting room. The interior reminds me of those fancy haunted house in disneyworld. I tried out the Memphis Mystery Train. It's a fairly strong but tasty drink. I cannot wait to go back there to try out other delicious drinks. I would think it would make a perfect date spot after a cheap meal in Chinatown.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth H.

    STRONG drinks; though expensive, you will more than receive your dollar's worth. Dark, quiet, and sultry ambiance, "unique" front door traditions. Very spacious and spread out, go here to reconnect with your own crew rather than meet new people. The whole speakeasy thing doesn't really mean very much since we are in a non-prohibition era... but I guess the idea is cool (read: trendy).

    (4)

  • Majlinda K.

    This has to be my favorite speakeasy in the city! The atmosphere is classy and dim lit. No photography is allowed. We set by the bar and to our surprise the bar counter was covered in nickles and they blended it perfectly. It looked really cute and artsy. The bartender was really nice and helpful and made really great drinks. It was a bit hard to find and totally worth all the searching. It's located on 1029 Race street but the sign is infront of an apartment building, DO NOT go into the apartment building. I thought maybe the place didn't exist but i checked it out on yelp and notice a big black metal door (big thank you to whoever posted that picture) and used the buzzer to get in. This is a must-try place in Philadelphia, so grab your cash and go get a drink!

    (5)

  • Ed F.

    All I can say is - if you have not had a "flip" (Saigon Flip or The Kentucky Flips You) you have missed out on an amazing drink!

    (5)

  • Megan K.

    This place is super cool! This was the first time I went to a speakeasy and I loved the whole experience. The cocktails are amazing, strong and pricey. I love the no cell phone rule and the entire atmosphere of this place.

    (5)

  • John L.

    What can one say about Hop Sing Laundromat? It is a drinker's paradise. Free from the swarms of college frat/sorority idiots, alcoholic perverts, and novice consumers of alcohol. It is a place of mature, classy, and most importantly... drinkers. But don't ever assume Hop Sing is a place full of pretentious, yuppie, and stuffy people. Quite the contrary, it is a place where you feel at home and can relax. If anyone is ever wondering the right rules for Hop Sing, don't take photo, don't call people, and don't dress inappropriately. Below is a link for the right dress code: philadelphia.foobooz.com…

    (5)

  • John B.

    One of a kind. I think it's a little dramatic to do a run-down of house rules before you can even sit down but I think that's part of the charm. Good cocktails and not-so-loud-you-can't-even-hear ambiance. Very underground-ish and it's a perfect recommendations for visitors who want to try out something different. I didn't get the snobby attitude from anyone here and enjoyed being at the place sipping my cocktails and having perfectly nicely conversations. Compared to Franklin Mortgage, I think this place a little more underground-ish. I think the only thing missing is the guy looking out the peephole on the main steel door asking for a passcode to let you in.

    (5)

  • Mila L.

    How I ended up being BANNED FOR LIFE from Hop Sing: Heard the hype and being from New York I live for the challenge of getting into a difficult door. I casually stopped by a couple times, we weren't in line with the dress code, oh well. Made a point of going with girlfriend one time for a couple of drinks on Sunday night. pleasant experience overall. we were interrogated. but I calmly answered all questions with lightning fast responses "what are you here for" a few drinks "how did you hear about us" I read a lot of food blogs lee, seemed pleased with our answer "do you know we are cash only" no, But that's okay we can get some cash. bingo we were in...well most of us. her friend was not pleased with the welcome. Lee was not pleased with her glares. A quiet hipster couple behind us was terrified at the whole exchange stepped back. Lee quickly dismissed us and said "Lady gentleman, come in" and that was that. But I just HAD to get in. we were so close! and I do not take rejection very well. So we dropped her and returned cash in hand ready for our experience. you get in. you wait in a room, then you are debriefed. which is kind of nerve wracking and exciting at the same time, you got in, there are rules, they make you wait some more, but you want to look cool and calm like you can totally handle it. we sat down Le, or lee was very nice. gave us suggestions as well as stories to go along with the cocktails. the servers were graceful, but not too friendly or pushy. at one point the owner came over to our table and RIMMED my friends GLASS with an orange. it was a bit over the top, seeing a grown man, bent over a martini glass with a tiny sliver of orange. we thought this was a bit much, but all apart of the experience. all in all we had two drinks, were there two hours, spent a pretty penny but it was a relaxing time for us two girls.the drinks were so tasty and strong , we just sipped them. not everything was perfect! ha! they added two drinks on to our check that were not ours, even hop sing can make mistakes. the second time we went, we brought more girls. Le remembered us and our wait time was very quick. BUT one of our friends was very very late. we were debating whether or not to even go in, because I KNEW (but none of the other girls) that adding people to your party and coming in and out is simply not allowed. and of course put four girls together and nothing ever gets done. we decided that since she is already super late, we being the good girls we are could finish the two drink minimum however strong they are, while still maintaining our classiness. we were warned....I warned them...the bouncer warned them... they cant accommodate more than four, you should probably let him know sooner than later we didn't listen! But our clueless Russian( bless her heart) friend happened to be just as close as she claimed she was. and made a huge mistake. Lee quickly comes to our table, looking a little irritated asking if our friend was at the door. We said no, it simply cannot be her, because she is late and said she was on her way a mere 5 minutes ago. Does she have a Russian accent? "something like that" We were frantic! (what should we do.do we go.do you want to stay. I don't know she can wait. but were already here. but we cant leave her.) From the corner of my eye I could see Lee getting more and more irritated. I, being in the industry, and knowing how very frustrating it is to seat someone indecisive while you have other customers waiting, I took a deep breath and spoke those fate full three words "We should go" and just like that we awkwardly walked out, embarrassed, each one of us apologizing to lee as we left, but he would have none of it. " Ladies I will not be able to accommodate you any time in the near future" and we are banned from hop sing for life. I am not bitter, it was a nice experience, while it lasted. but those are the rules, and we broke them. all in all that's just what it is, an experience. Maybe not the kind of place you frequent, But an interesting one you don't get quite often in Philadelphia. good story though.

    (3)

  • Lifeonthelam M.

    Definitely a classy, quiet place to have gorgeous drinks and charming service. Recommend for a date, although I wish they had food! We were amused by the lack of a sign outside (just the number: 1029), the ecletic but well-dressed line, solemn foyer with floor-ceiling bookshelves decor, and candlelit, wood planeled interior. I hope this description helps, for as other reviews state, no pictures allowed! Also no phone calls. Both of our drinks were mostly a fascinatingly large, decorative piece of ice, but very strong and delicious. I had the blueberry vodka and pineapple juice, two favorites, and my friend had a minty cucumber drink.

    (4)

  • Alison P.

    Wouldn't get let in because our answer to "how did you hear about us?" was "just walking by looking for a place to hang out." So odd. Thought it was a part of the act but it wasn't a good enough answer. Wtf just happened.

    (1)

  • Salvatore R.

    I'm actually a bit intimidated to write a review of Hop Sing, since it is near and dear to my heart and I have loved this place since the first time I went in. It is situated in a rather unassuming part of Chinatown and, at first glance, it might seem that the nondescript metal-grated door doesn't lead anywhere special, but I wouldn't be fooled. Hop Sing not only offers the best cocktails in Philadelphia and at a reasonable price (for cocktails at least), but there is an element of theater that also makes for an memorable experience. Lee, the owner, is a true eccentric and is typically standing outside with one of the tuxedo-clad bouncers, appearing a bit aloof and stand-offish at first, but once inside -- that is, after you are sat down like a child and told the rules --, he makes all of his patrons feel welcome and the waiters are even more accommodating -- and also knowledgeable about all of the the cocktails. The lounge itself is candle-lit and bedecked in damask wallpaper. Most of the chairs and tables inside are antiques. The tables are all spaced out perfectly, so no one is ever shoulder-to-shoulder -- the ambiance is flawless, aristocratic even. Aside from the theatrical experience and the perfect ambiance, the cocktails are also the best that I have had in Philadelphia or in any other city. All of them are tasty, unique and usually leave me and all of the other gentlemen in my retinue feeling comfortable and funny. I'd not recommend going here alone, since the experience and the theatrical element is best enjoyed with company. But I'd also not recommend going with more than four people, since there isn't really room to accommodate so large a group. Hop Sing is a low-key lounge that is best enjoyed with only a handful of people. But I'm not going to spoil anymore of the experience. Hop Sing is hands down the best cocktail bar in Philadelphia and I recommend it to anyone with a soul. Cheers.

    (5)

  • Mitch E.

    Sometimes a speakeasy doesn't require some crazy and elaborate plan to get in. Sometimes you just need to show up early enough. Came through around happy hour on a Friday and the place was practically dead. And I enjoyed that. Rang the doorbell and didn't wait long at all. No short Asian man in a nice suit, who messed with us. Rather a large man who seemed all business. We were escorted into a private room and given the instructions. Parked ourselves by bar and our experience began. First off, the place is huge. Much bigger than I expected and what I've come to expect from speakeasies. Despite it being so large it was still dark and intimate. Everything is gorgeous, one of the best looking speakeasies I've been to, and I've been to a lot. I tried three drinks. There were some innovative ones on the menu, but for the most part they were mostly classics. The one I enjoyed the most was their Blood and Sand. It wasn't fantastic, solid enough though. Then came their big test, their Manhattan, my drink of choice. I have to say I was underwhelmed. It was average at best. I kept reading reviews saying Hop Sing was inexpensive compared to other speakeasies. I have no idea where these other people purchase their cocktails, or if the place just raised their prices. A $15 Manhattan is only inexpensive in one location, Manhattan. The least inexpensive cocktails were going for $12. That's pretty basic, and I live in New York. In the end, Hop Sing is a great looking date spot. With beautiful decor, an intimate setting, and alright drinks. However, if you're with a buddy, you can do better. When I entered I was wondering why this place was so empty during a Friday evening while the close by downtown spots were so packed. Now I know.

    (4)

  • Julie W.

    If you could forego any expectations of Hop Sing being the perfect speakeasy (read:refrain from drawing comparisons to Franklin Mortgage and the like) before entering the metal gates and instead welcome the unique experience that this place will surely offer, I think you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised. It begins when you ring the doorbell, after which a gentleman will lead you inside to the "waiting room." Here you will get your first glimpse of what's inside, marvel at the classy decor and familiarize yourself with rules on the wall. While some may point to its rules as unnecessarily pretentious, I appreciated the no picture, no call rule as it encourages making non-virtual connections in our digital age. The atmosphere was intimate, room dimly lit and definitely reminiscent of the Prohibition-era. We were seated by the bar with nickel counter and iron works, which was enjoyably more casual. The menu features a perfect mix of popular liquors. The drinks themselves are strong, creative, some classics with a twist. We visited during the winter and they made us feel all nice and cozy inside hehe. I'm a gin person and really enjoyed our bartender's recommendation. Friend ordered a rum drink - also quite nice. I suggest venturing out of your go-to's but not as far as trying something you know you won't like. Overall this is a lovely place for a date but also a really nice escape for conversations with good company and drinks amidst the chaos of Chinatown. Service was impeccable and our waiter was quite knowledgeable of all drink recommendations. You'll for sure be carded at the door, so enjoy the 21+ space and please don't bring minors. Only downside was it being cash-only - the drinks are on the pricey side and for someone who doesn't regularly carries cash it was just one more thing to worry about.

    (5)

  • Lynsey H.

    Amazing place. My husband didn't tell me where we were going for drinks, so I was shocked and surprised by what we found! We sat at the bar which I think really made the experience as we were able to chat with the barman about the different cocktails. The staff were very knowledgeable about the drinks and ingredients. I had 2 gin based cocktails and they were amazing! The cucumber gin cocktail was one of the best I've ever drank. It was so light and refreshing. I really liked the dark intimate atmosphere, you felt privileged to be in on the secret. I have been to speakeasy's before, but it felt different. There is no photography allowed & it is cash only. Our bill was $60 before the tip, so it is quite pricey if you are going to a few places on an evening out.

    (5)

  • Priya R.

    Me and three of my friends came here this past weekend and I can honestly say it is the best drink I've ever had in my entire life. I want to start off by saying I love love LOVE the atmosphere of this place. It's an unassuming gate in chinatown with few oddball rules. (Personally, though, I live for places with places with quirky rules.) But the host was super friendly, funny, and pulled out chairs for all of us and greeted us on our way out. Overall the atmosphere makes you feel like you are exclusive to be getting in, which in turn makes you feel special and welcome. I feel like most people like the idea of this veil of "exclusivity" hop sing offers. The cocktail menu is extensive and all looks like stuff I've never heard of before, even though I like to think I'm a pretty seasoned bar-goer. but, if you go and you only get one drink, it should be the hemmingway daquiri. I cannot rave enough about this drink. When it first came out I was all "I'm paying how much for that?" but when I took a sip I was like "I'm only paying this much for that?" true story.

    (5)

  • Abbie R.

    So the whole thing is definitely cool. Way cooler than going to just another bar. My family and I went here the night before Thanksgiving and gee whiz, were the drinks strong... but no complaints here! We got there at 6 and were the only folks in the place. It was dark and they did the whole charade of deciding if we could come in or not. WOO -- we were cool enough to be let in. Thank God, because it was freezing outside. The menu has so many options, many I had never heard of, and all seem to fit in perfectly with the speakeasy theme. You can imagine that it's what a swanky prohibition bar's menu might have looked like. Be ready to pay top price, but I believe it's worth it because the liquor is top shelf and the experience is special.

    (3)

  • Shannon L.

    Despite what everyone says about the doorman, Lee, I think he's a very nice guy. He does his job just like a doorman at any other job. This bar has a dress code like every other bar, and if you follow the rules, you will get in just fine. The drinks are some of the best in the area, and it is a place I will absolutely recommend and be at again !

    (5)

  • Nina Y.

    Came here on suggestion of Kathleen W. She loves this place so I decided before my super nice dinner since I was going to get dressed up anyways, may as well get some drinks. This place is a little hard to find, but I followed the directions from Yelp. Not too bad once that happened. They're pretty serious about the dressing up part. No sandals, nice clothes, no sneakers. I know that some people were trying to argue, but it is what it is. Drinks are nice. I was by myself, so it was a little quiet and weird if I wanted to look at my cell phone since you're not allowed to take pictures and it's a dark place. I wish that I could have talked to the bartender and have them create a drink for me that's more suited to my tastes. Overall, great though. PS. they also tweeted at me after I checked and was really personal on it. I think it's pretty cool.

    (5)

  • Victor C.

    After doing some research on how to get into one of the most anticipated bars in Philly, I finally snagged an invite the day of the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival. I was afraid I wasn't going to make it and be banned for life, but I made Hop Sing a priority and sobered up before heading to Chinatown. I arrived at the scheduled 5:15 tasting on the dot, and a woman opened the gate for an anxious group of alcoholics - I mean, bar enthusiasts. After a small flight of stairs, you are instantly teleported out of Chinatown and into one of the finer establishments in Philadelphia. When our group of 10 arrived in the vestibule, we were seated and given some house rules. I tried to store as many mental images of the beautiful place as I could, so I might have missed some rules. I got the important ones, though, no pictures and no cell phone usage at the bar! The man explaining the rules is the owner, Lêe; you can't miss his fork eyeglasses. Lêe had me at "there is going to be complimentary shoe shining". He invited us into the bar and sat the guys together. I won't go into deep detail with the drinks as Lêe seems to like his mysteriousness. Our bartenders were not only polite and gentlemanly, but skilled adult beverage creators. Watching them make each drink made my mouth water. Fresh fruit is cut for each drink, eggs are cracked for each sour, and precise measurement is made for all spirits. I'd like to give a shout out to Nick the bartender, whose signature "shake" is loud and entertaining. We were offered three drinks, two classics and one signature. I had a Blood and Sand, Bourbon Sour, and Mike's Vodka #1. All three drinks deserve 5 stars in themselves. Hop Sing Laundromat did not disappoint. I cannot wait until its grand opening (don't bother asking when, it's a rule).

    (5)

  • David P.

    One of the best places for classic cocktails in the Philadelphia. They do great a Old Fashioned and innovative riffs on Manhattans. Plus lots of their own mixes. It is a place with a cool mellow vibe and a great place to go for conversations with friends. It is not a place to pick up people, dance or loudly party. I love that etiquette and dress codes are enforced. The fact that people have to be reminded not to have phone calls at a table with friends is sad. People complaining "but my sneakers are expensive" is equally pathetic. Swim suits can be really expensive too, but you're not going to get in wearing them either. No T-shirts also.

    (5)

  • Brian C.

    Super creepy. I went here on the 18th on request of a friend despite the silliness and wrote the below review. When in Chinatown the next Friday walking home from dinner, my husband said he wanted to check the place out, so we waited in line behind two other people. After those two went in, Mr. Lee (?) came out and said that me and my husband were not welcome. He called us both by our last names, and mentioned my negative review ("since you don't like my place..."). This means several things. When they take your licenses inside they are scanning it and retaining the information. (We had not yet given our licenses this night.) They are researching you at the very least, when you give a bad review. He had no way of knowing my husband's name unless he did a comprehensive search and flagged myself and him. So he is at least tying together your driver's license, Yelp account, and perhaps Facebook or worse. I reiterate, super creepy, which is way, way worse that silly. If any lawyers are reading this, let me know if this breaks the law. Thanks.,

    (1)

  • Chris J.

    Believe the hype. Lee does it well and he and team are focused on providing the best service while you enjoy a few cocktails and conversation. Should really be 4.99 Stars! Went in with the lady at 10pm on a Saturday night for the first time and got right in after Lee met us at the door. The effort is definitely on providing a great experience. Tried a number of cocktails - and the only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I only tried four cocktails - so many more to go! I had the Whiskey Smash first, a combo of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, muddled mint and simple syrup - very tasty - almost like a mojito. After the Whiskey Smash - had two Bourbon Old Fashioneds - not on the menu (a Rye one is) but our server was happy to oblige! The lady enjoyed a few Tequila Old Fashioneds, we must both have a thing for bitters! Meticulous service - including pulling out the table to seat the lady, as well as vigilance with my water glass. In a world where service is slacking almost everywhere - including great restaurants and cocktail establishments - comment this proprietor for making sure the experience is more important than the profit. I'll be back - for sure!

    (4)

  • Victoria L.

    Obsessed. Mainly with Lee. He is so funny! He had on the best oversized jester cufflinks on Friday. After intimidating you at the door, he is super friendly once you get inside and makes sure you are comfortable and happy with your drinks. Also obsessed with Mike the bartender. He asked what kind of drinks we liked and gave us recommendations that were spot on. I'm a whiskey girl so he made me a Whiskey Splash and Old Fashioned. Both were very smooth for whiskey drinks, especially the Old Fashioned with fragrant citrus oil in it. They fresh squeeze fruit juice in any drink right behind the bar. Mike said they change up their fancy cocktails often. And feature a different vodka in their screwdrivers every week or every other week. Can't wait to come back and try new things!

    (5)

  • C T.

    I genuinely hate this place. I've been here once and while there, I asked for a classic cocktail after I found my first cocktail too syrupy sweet. I believe I asked for either a corpse reviver or an aviator and the bartenders didn't know how to make it. Lee seemed impressed by my basic knowledge and tried to make a few cocktails (on the house) to impress me. Yawn. I can name better places for a drink. That's all middle of the road disappointment but what really pushed me over the edge is twice this place has booted my friend out. Once because he wasn't dressed appropriately (we were wearing the same outfit me in girl form, him in sharp gay man form which unfortunately included shorts in 100 degree weather). Second, when he was giving his spiel about entering this "exclusive" lounge, my friend looked around at books in the waiting area while still seated quietly, which Lee took as him "not paying attention and not respecting" him and immediately asked my friend to leave. Bullshit. I'm from NYC and this pseudo-ritzy prohibition era lounge act is old now. Having a dress code while letting people of an opposite gender wear the same damn thing is sexist and does nothing to contribute to atmosphere. Arbitrarily throwing out people just because you can is even worse. If you can only give me attitude with no substance you have no right to go on random power trips. But hey, if you guys want to keep lining the coffers of this tool, be my guest.

    (1)

  • Sarah B.

    With pennies on the floor and nickels adorning the bar, it's hard not to feel like a million bucks inside Hop Sing Laundromat. After some Twitter stalking, I managed to snag an invite from Lêe himself. "Be here at 6pm - just you, ma'am." (This gentlemanly gesture was repeated throughout my visit.) When I arrived, I nervously rang the buzzer. Lêe wasn't expecting me; he said the day's event was canceled. I was crushed, but only for a moment. Lêe said since I was there, he would take care of me. Like I said, total gentleman! He was in the middle of training two bartenders who were more knowledgeable about spirits than anyone I've ever met (except Lêe himself, of course). I got to view some of their training first hand. I promised Lêe not to reveal any of the bar's secrets but I will say that only the best ingredients are used, as he doesn't believe in unnecessary syrups, sugar, or bitters. I will say that my favorite drink included tequila and chamomile petals. After spending some time at the bar and giving my honest opinions on the drinks, Lêe showed me some of the decor. The liquor prescriptions are all originals, as are the paintings and everything else Lêe has hand-picked and collected. He taught me all about Henry "Box" Brown, a slave who mailed himself to Philadelphia abolitionists. I thoroughly enjoyed my intimate one-on-one session with Lêe and his bartenders, and I hope to be back at Hop Sing Laundromat, ringing the buzzer just as anxiously as last Friday, soon.

    (5)

  • Kenneth C.

    Very odd place, but Lee has made it one of a kind. Hop sing is an old fashion speak easy in the middle Chinatown. To give you an idea of how hard it is to find, I've been walking past it for about 4 years on a regular basis. Never knew it existed!! So here's the deal, dress up expect to not get a simple cocktail and expect to not have access to your cell phone (infact just shut the damn thing off). The owner demands that of you ( you will be asked to leave). Still I had an amazing time the drinks were excellent and went down very smooth, granted I've had better old fashions, and I've had worse too. If you can find it stop in you will NOT be disappointed

    (5)

  • Tiffany Y.

    I came here for drinks after work and had a pleasant experience so went back again with friends visiting from California. Both times, the drinks were strong and the servers were nice. The only difference was that Hop Sing was there the second time. I made the mistake of walking straight into the main sitting area instead of waiting in the shoe shine waiting area, and apologized profusely when Hop Sing came to get me (no response from him). When my group was gathered in the waiting area, my husband jokingly said "she had a couple drinks" to which Hop Sing responded, "maybe she should leave." Not wanting to make a scene, I apologized again. Then Hop Sing went on reciting his routine questions and rules and I responded that I visited the establishment before during happy hour. Hop Sing plainly said, "We don't do happy hour here, you should leave." I am not sure why he denied having happy hour and instead just decided to call me a liar. Although I wasn't too happy with his attitude, I apologized again, which seemed to satisfy his power trip and he led us to our seats. The encounter was unpleasant, to say the least, and knowing that my hard earned money is enriching the pockets of Hop Sing is like discovering that a faux fur coat is actually made with dog fur - it just feels wrong and never again!

    (2)

  • Lauren C.

    Lovely ambiance, great cocktails, kind of needs to get over itself. When you buzz the doorbell to be let in, the bouncer asks how you heard about Hop Sing (uhh... I can work the internet?), gives a dramatic pause, then lets you in. The spiel includes all the rules (helpful to hear!) but begins with a bizarre attempt to play down the "things you may have heard" and insists that it is a "simple cocktail bar." What makes you think I heard this was Valhalla? I just want a good drink! Fortunately, the drinks are reasonably priced and mostly worth the awkward lecture. Happy hour prices make it extra viable (although they have changed in the past; best to Google before you go). Dress nice; bring a flashlight.

    (4)

  • Sarah A.

    This place is really chic. Its hidden, so you have to ring the doorbell, but its well worth the search. Every kind of martini you could ever want, and made with only top shelf liquor. Classy, candle lit, and confidential, this bar is unlike any bar in Philly I've been too. Hop Sing is well worth a night out in Chinatown.

    (5)

  • Lee M.

    I came here for the first time last week after hearing about it a few years ago. I went on a Thursday night around 9:30 so it wasn't very crowded. It's the perfect atmosphere if you want some privacy without being sleazy. The "rules" are really not so intense as others state on here. A man kindly let us in after checking me and my friend's IDs quickly. He then told us to please not take photos as to preserve other guests' privacy and that only texting was allowed in the dining room. It makes perfect sense but not many people have such social graces today. The cocktails were pretty good but nothing I couldn't get The Farmers Cabinet or Ranstead Room. Otherwise the server was very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely a cool place to check out.

    (4)

  • G C.

    Cool venue. Claims its not a speakeasy (on the site) but who are we kidding here. Decor is very on point and the place is more spacious than other speakeasies in the city. However, i thought the drinks were not up to par given the prices. Yes it's an interesting experience and maybe that's what i'm paying for, but if you are there for delicious drinks, probably go elsewhere. Great staff though. Cash only

    (3)

  • Rosie C.

    If you love fancy cocktails and feeling like you're in-the-know, you'll love Hop Sing! We went on a Saturday night around 7pm, which seemed to be an excellent time to visit. Though the place was almost empty, we had to wait outside for several minutes while the host checked our IDs inside. He then shepherded us into a vestibule, where he told us the rules of the establishment: no phone calls and no pictures. Then he showed us to our seats. Though we could have sat at a table, the bar seats were clearly the better option, since we got to watch the mixologists at work. The cocktail list is extensive and detailed. At $12-$14 each, the drinks are pricey, but not outrageous. The bartenders were helpful in making drink selections, and they suuuure shake each drink vigorously. Will Hop Sing be my go-to spot on a weekend? Probably not, but I would certainly bring all out of town guests here.

    (5)

  • Erik B.

    ATTEMPT #2! (12/12/13): I had just come from an exclusive film screening of an upcoming movie guaranteed to be nominated for a few awards and decided to try my luck once more at the Hop Sing Laundromat! I arrived shortly after 9:45pm (Sans elf ears this time, [sans being a French word meaning without]). I pretended to speak loudly on my phone regarding my thoughts on the film so they knew I had been at an exclusive screening. When the person came out to let the couple in front of me in I "hung up" and proceeded to talk to the people in line and anyone who came past and made eye contact. Shortly after the man in the glasses came from my last attempt came out once more: "Just one?" he asked again. "Still just the one," I said, handing him the ID for my one and only identity. After a few more moments of discussion with my fellow 'LINERS' (my word for them, though Hop Sing is certainly allowed to borrow it if they wish!) my doorman friend emerged once more and handed me my ID and let me know I would not be allowed in and politely asked me to leave once more. "Did you have some work done on your ears by the way?" he asked, sending me a wink before taking the ID's for the people behind me. A HINT FROM MY NEW FRIEND! Next Thursday I try once more, AVEC elf ears (avec is a French word meaning with). UNTIL THEN YELPERS AND LINERS!

    (5)

  • Mario D.

    Last night was our first time at Hop Sing Laundromat. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed with the strict code of conduct (it's great not to have people taking pictures and being loud drunks) and the decor. Our drinks were fantastic, the staff was knowledgeable and the prices were quite reasonable (for the quality of the drink). We'll be back!

    (5)

  • Tina N.

    Full Disclosure, before I came here I was all "I don't care if I get in, whatever..." but in reality, it's like how you want the cool kids to like you even if they're mean. However, no one was mean in this clique. Quite the opposite. I thought the service was great, and Lee himself was explaining drinks and ingredients to us. Our bartender worked some magic and poured it into a cup. I told him I didn't like gin....so he made me a gin drink that proved me wrong. When he asked if I would drink something with egg whites in it, I said yes. But at that point, if he gave me a drink with a chicken in it, I would have gladly accepted it. On top of the fantastic drinks we ordered, we were fortunate enough to be Lee's guinea pigs while he experimented with new mixes. His new mix included white whiskey, an ingredient that is one level from illegal moonshine.(jealous?) Me: That tastes like the Lemon Head candy Lee: That's pure alcohol, there's no sugar in it Me: Wow....I like the Lemon Head candy taste Ok, so maybe my wit is inversely proportionate to the level of alcohol. The theme of this bar is in the details, from what's in your glass to the floor you're walking on. Keep your eyes open, but try to do so before the drinks start flowing.

    (5)

  • Kimberly H.

    Super sexy speakeasy. The drinks were delicious and creative and the crowd was classy and diverse. Loved the decor and overall vibe. If you can dress like an adult and wait a couple minutes, your chances of getting in are probably pretty good.

    (5)

  • Scott B.

    This place is trying way too hard to be an exclusive "hip" spot. How people are raving and giving it 5 stars is a mystery to me... unless they somehow fell for the illusion that they were "special" enough to be let in to this exclusive establishment. I went with two attractive women, and upon arrival we rang the buzzer at the unmarked and un-numbered door and were greeted by a man we later learned was the owner. He looked us up and down as we asked, "Is this the Laundromat?" "No, there's a laundromat down the street." "We mean the bar Laundromat." "There's a bar down the street." "But we're looking for the speakeasy." A look of annoyance, then "Well what's the name?" "Hop Sing Laundromat." Finally we are acknowledged and told that yes this is the place (no numbers or signs because it is oh-so hip to do it that way). Once more we're looked over, this time staring at our feet. I'm told that my shoes are not acceptable (apparently no athletic shoes regardless of the rest of your attire). I mention we had walked miles that day & leather shoes weren't an option. "Go around the corner to the Chinese thrift shop and buy some canvas shoes, those are ok." So my $90 lace-up shoes are not acceptable but a $6 pair of kung-fu slippers are? Seriously? But my friends want to go in so I grudgingly comply and buy a pair. We come back with my ridiculous new footwear ring the bell, are now greeted by a doorman who doesn't even look at our eyes, but rather stares at our shoes as he steps out, and are finally shown in (and yes, we had to sit through the same rehearsed schpiel about 'you'll be disappointed and we have a tiny selection, oh wait, I have that backwards...' that everyone else wrote about.) As we're seated at the bar, I notice that it is so dark I can't make out anyone's feet, much less their shoes. Yes, the shoe rule is fucking retarded. So we sit at the bar, which the owner has said may have the largest selection of liquors in the world (and it really is an impressively huge bar with massive variety) and are handed a 2-sided drink list with 2 or 3 drinks per alcohol type on each side. Interesting choices, but I just ask for a vodka gimlet and am told sorry, we can only order from the menu. The incredibly limited menu. The owner just bragged about his huge selection, then we got to stare at it and not be able to order from it. Again, fucking retarded. Hell, calling that retarded is an insult to retarded people. The good parts: The bartenders were courteous, the drinks we wound up ordering were very well made and the price was reasonable at $10, and the decor was interesting. The bad: The level of pretension surrounding the whole thing was a turn-off. It really just felt like the kid who got picked on in school finally got to open his own secret club with his own secret rules... I'll show them! We just wanted a drink in a chill environment, not some elaborate footwear ordeal and Disney tour guide speech just to get to the bar, especially when the place only had 8 other people in it when we arrived.

    (2)

  • Nicole W.

    Ladies and gents- unfortunately I was not one of the lucky ones to make it into this swanky and mysterious joint. I mean really, when a place has a 5 star rating and many of my favorite yelp elite are tantalizing me with tidbits of their amazing experience, a girl has to do what she has to do to try to get in. Maybe I didn't try hard enough...? Well folks, in trying to celebrate my birthday I threw on my most expensive heels and a cute outfit and dragged my friends out for what I hoped was an experience to remember. And boy was it, unfortunately not exactly the experience I was hoping it to be. I came with expectations that there would be a wait, but (possibly naively?) that I would get in. Heck, if I've had to wait 45 mins to get into Franklin Mortgage, waiting even an hour or more wouldn't be a big deal for me. When I got to the door I was a bit confused as to whether to ring the bell or just wait to see if someone would come out. Luckily, as we were waiting for the third person in our party to join us, I figured I'd wait to see what to do when she arrived. However, the bouncer greeted us before she arrived. He asked if he could help us. I explained that we were waiting for a friend, but hoped to be able to get in. He informed us that it would be a 25-30 minute wait because they were at capacity. My friend asked why such a long wait when some people had just left. I didn't have an issue with waiting so I calmly told her that 25-30 minutes wasn't a problem and the bouncer informed us that he would remember my hair (which was in a huge afro) when we came back. I basically assumed that mean we wouldn't have an issue getting in. Now, having read various reviews and articles about this place, I understood overall that this was seating only and there was a membership policy. I had no problem waiting my turn to try to get in. Now, my friends were not impressed because other people (who I mentally assumed were members) immediately got entrance while we had to wait. We got a drink at a bar nearby and decided to wait it out. No biggie. However, when we returned after waiting a few minutes outside with a no-show from the bouncer we rang the bell. Maybe this was the wrong thing to do, still not sure. However, the bouncer came back out and informed us that unfortunately they were still at capacity and to come back another 25-30 minutes. A bit disappointing, but no biggie. However, Mr. Lee came out at that exact moment himself and calmly and nicely gave us the rundown about this place. He explained the membership policy and made it clear that it would be impossible to get in tonight. I understood, it was 10 when we had gotten there and though I had hoped against hope that this would work out, this outing was a dud. Mr. Lee was really nice and I really appreciated that, which is why I gave it 2 stars. He informed us that because of the membership policy, if non-members wanted to get in, you had to come at 5 or 6. So a word to the wise, come early so you don't end up like me. He also said he would remember us next time we came, which would be nice but understandable if he doesn't. I appreciated the gesture of him coming out and giving us his time. I will definitely try again another time- early. I really hope to have the amazing experience everyone else had when I try to go again. Maybe the second time will be the charm.

    (2)

  • Kelly G.

    I'm not a prolific Yelper. While it always usually steers me right with recommendations, I haven't gotten with the program to pay it forward with reviews. So, the fact that Hop Sing inspired me to begin to correct this is significant. The boyfriend and I have been here twice so far and I'm in love with this place. First off, I appreciate the rules. It's not hard to dress like an adult and take a break from Instagram. The dress code is actually pretty lenient in my opinion. With the exception of trying to Shazam one of the songs on what sounded like a meticulously curated playlist (I wish I could raid their music library), I found that the atmosphere left me with no desire to distract myself with electronics. I also appreciate that no one gets in if there's not a seat available for them (even if that means I have to wait for a coveted spot to open). This adds to the intimate ambiance and the distinct lack of all-out headache-inducing noise that you find at many bars. The cocktails are impeccable; I'm a fresh-squeezed juice convert. If you go here, plan to take your time. The first time we went, we were rushing to make a dinner reservation and didn't have as much time as we would have liked to savor our drinks. This place has totally challenged my notion of what I enjoy in a cocktail. I'm not a whiskey drinker (or wasn't, at least). But after stealing a couple sips of my boyfriend's Ward 8 (with house made grenadine - yum!) on our last visit, I'm completely won over and sad that I didn't steal the whole thing from him. The Bramble is also a winner. I have yet to have a drink here that I didn't enjoy and I have a feeling I am going to slowly make my way through the whole menu. Considering the high quality liquor that goes into these concoctions, $10 a cocktail is a total steal. The space itself is gorgeous. From the beautiful wood ceiling to the custom iron work and candelabras and art everywhere, you can tell that this place was designed with painstaking attention to detail. Also, I love the soundtrack and the music selections perfectly complement the feel of the space. This is obviously a labor of love for Lee, the owner, who we observed flitting around the space, adjusting tables and lighting so that everything was just so. He also made sure to check in on us and even took our orders when he noticed that his servers were getting busy. Lee is an artist and the Hop Sing is his multi-dimensional canvas. I can't wait for my next visit.

    (5)

  • Steve C.

    The drinks are great and the concept of the place is very cool. Try the Redneck Sangria! Great place to stop in for a drink.

    (5)

  • James S.

    I agree with other yelpers in that this place is an EXPERIENCE and not a BAR. It is a DESTINATION that you shouldn't just happen to drop by. Personally, it is not my kind of place--more of a "let's just grab a beer and watch the football game" kind of guy most nights. But if you wanted some specialty cocktails in a classy 1920's style speakeasy, this place is an excellent fit. It's like going to a party with a password. The servers are ladies and gentlemen, not bartenders and baristas. The service is slow, and it is a place designed for you to savor time, not waste it.

    (4)

  • Susan L.

    I wonder what its like to be on the other end of the camera that sits outside of the Hop Sing Laudromat's door; watching people do the back and forth dance, going "Where...where is this place? I don't see a sign, I don't see an address..." and taking cautious steps into the creepy looking building next to it, trying to find some type of sign that they're in the right place. That was us, doing the silly dance. Luckily a group of people got there before us and we were able to figure out what was going on. Well let me save you the trouble: the door to this place is a black iron gate where if you peer through the gate, you can see another door and a glowing blue-ish light above it. There is a doorbell next to the gate. Press it. A man will come out and ask you if you have been here before. Then he will ask if there is anyone else in your party. He will tell you to wait out here, he'll go back inside and make you sweat a little bit. Then he'll return and maybe he'll ask you for your IDs. If so, he will return inside to swipe them. Sweat a little more. Finally he comes back with your IDs, distributes them, and welcomes you inside. But wait! You all have to sit down in a waiting area and listen to the rules of the establishment: no talking on your phones, no photography. After nodding obediently, only then are you FINALLY let into the place. The place is gorgeous; low lighting, tasteful decor, and bartenders that are magicians with their drinks. Yes the cocktails are very expensive and yes they are absolutely delicious. The bartenders take their time making the drinks and really put a lot of care into them. I noticed that the head bartender will constantly test the drink (straw trick) as its being made to make sure its being made correctly. My friend really enjoyed his Old Fashioned, while the bartender made up a cucumber-mint vodka drink for me. Even though we really enjoyed the atmosphere and the drinks, the steep prices ($12 each) kept us at one round. We went on a Tuesday night so it wasn't too busy but I can't imagine being here on a weekend and going through the whole entrance process, and waiting for drinks because it could easily take an hour or so before you finally get a drink in your hand. However, you have to keep in mind that its all about the experience here. Sadly, we didn't get to meet Lee but there is always next time.

    (4)

  • Bonnie C.

    I'd give it no star if i could. No line but still made u wait in the snow for 30 mins. Once i got in drinks were weak!!! Thank goodness i had a friend at village whiskey (another hard place to get into) and drinks and food are hella lot better there!

    (1)

  • Kelly L.

    I always try to bring new friends here. It's also been a regular spot to go with my girlfriends. However, they are quite strict with their dress code. Smart casual. Absolutely no snickers for men. I like the speakeasy concept and drinks are great. I like the place for the small details in decor. If you follow their dress code and "house rules", I'm quite sure you'll have a great time. Might just be me, but I always think that a few snacks to go with drinks is always a bonus. Unfortunately, they only serve drinks. But good drinks nevertheless.

    (4)

  • Scout T.

    I smell something fishy going on with these Hop Sing reviews. Why aren't more of them "filtered" esp. from reviewers with no pictures and just one or two reviews? Why are all the reviews five stars? Why are the one star reviews "flagged" for violating terms? (More importantly, I'm curious to see if my review will be flagged for not being five stars...) After my experience with Hop Sing, I can't help but wonder if there is some odd Lee-esque conspiracy going on here... I guess I'm not surprised, given that the place has an odd, creepy feel with Lee's presence exercising dominion over all. You really do feel like you're in an Edgar Allan Poe short story---mainly because it's unclear if you're gonna make it out alive. The red and black touches reminded me of a brothel and the chairs were eerily reminiscent of the electric chair. When we went in, we were asked to wait in the front room for a few minutes. Lee came out and didn't like that we were standing and told us to "Sit down" pretty forcefully. Sheesh, ok ok. There were only two of us. At first, I thought it was because the place was packed but nope--it was more than half empty. I guess that is supposed to build anticipation? When we were finally seated, the waiter nervously rattled off the giant drink menu. He was so nervous that he reminded me of a pendulum, teetering back and forth. Many of the drinks sounded really interesting, but I would have appreciated a menu to read over at my leisure. The waiter then kept checking back--nervously--to make sure everythign was ok. I had a hard time feeling super comfortable in the space with Lee and waiters continually checking in. It was nice at first, and then straight distracting. The kicker came when we began smelling cigarette smoke wafting through the room. When the waiter came back to check on us, I asked him if smoking was allowed in here. He paused and said "If your name is Lee, it is." All in all, it was just ok. I am glad that a bar like that is in Chinatown because I like to see that area being developed. Drinks were just ok; I've had comparable at other bars in Philly. The hovering presence of Lee and the odd decor make it a very odd experience, so I'm just not sure what to make of this bar.

    (3)

  • Christian L.

    Lee 3:16 "Forget everything you heard about this place. It's absolutely terrible." Those words will forever echo in my mind. Mr. Lee was absolutely wrong in every way. The man runs a tight operation. There's a certain ambiance that permeates throughout this establishment. when you first enter, you'll be notice the penny tiled floor and the shoe shine parlor. BADASS. Nickels on the bar top and candles all over the place... Superbadass. Church lanterns on the ceiling... DEEP.... The liquor selection is cavernous and the drink menu is over the friggin top. You might have nommed on some cocktails at XIX, Randstead Room, or Franklin Mortgage. Those places don't compare to the level of Eff you, that Hop Sing has established. Go forth...

    (5)

  • Jonathan L.

    First I'd like to say that anyone who has a problem with the 'rules' of Hop Sing is either a slob or an idiot. Dress like an adult, act like an adult - you'll be plenty fine. Based on the hype, I approached Hop Sing with a healthy bit of skepticism, but was completely won over by Lee and his team. The 'Old Fashioned' that I ordered (featuring 6-yr Willet rye @ 110 proof) was not only the best Old Fashioned I've ever had, but possibly the best cocktail I've ever experienced. The serving glass and large square block of ice were perfect, and every ingredient integrated perfectly and seamlessly. Beautiful. The 'East Side' (gin, cucumber, mint, citrus) was also a favorite - even among non-gin drinkers. Lee and the bartenders were more than kind and accommodating to our group, despite the fact that we were probably not the 'easiest' group to accommodate. The space was beautiful and the vibe was that of relaxed opulence. There's nothing else like this in Philadelphia, and I'm glad it exists.

    (5)

  • Cameron S.

    This place obviously has a lot of hype. To be honest, it's pretty average. The decor inside is pretty bad, the waiting room in particular. The drinks were GOOD - not great. I have had cocktails from a speakeasy that has blown me away. Whereas here, my girlfriend and I merely went "meh." It's a cool premise and Lee pulls it of well. I will be returning to give it another shot and will update if sometimes strikes me as worth 4 stars.

    (3)

  • Sarah F.

    Sigh. I've been delaying my review of Hop Sing, simply because I don't want anyone except for me to know about it. However, at this point I think it's clear that, yes, Hop Sing Laundromat exists, and yes, Hop Sing Laundromat is amazing. I suggest ignoring the menu, telling your server what you like, and letting them surprise you. They'll get it right. Trust me. Also, don't order the same thing twice. Even though the drink you had was fantastic, there may be something even more magical about the next one. This is place is classy. Drink here and you will be too.

    (5)

  • Tierney Y.

    I am well traveled and have been to some of the most expensive/exclusive restaurants and bars in the world. THIS PLACE IS NOT AT ALL WORTH TRAVELING FOR. My drink was not shabby, but not spectacular. I was okay with the door mans 10 min speech about the rules of the joint, but what made me disgusted at the pretentiousness of this place was that, after being the only two people in the place for 30 minutes, I asked if I could take my second cocktail at the bar to get a closer look at the extensive liquor collection. I was hoping to buy tastes of things that were new to me, but the waiter informed me that the bartender was not interested in seating us at the bar, even though the place was empty and no one else was there. HOW ridiculous!!! They were such jerks about it. So we left after we finished our 1st cocktail. I won't go back. PS. The music sucked and did not go with the ambiance.

    (1)

  • Jimmy W.

    CASH ONLY I've checked out the cocktail scene in Philly and this latest addition is a good but not great establishment for people looking for a quiet subdued version of dandelion. The drinks are not as strong as a franklin mortgage and investments but they are pretty delicious (10-12 dollars/per) and the liquor bar is pretty varied. I'm used to pricing in NY/DC so it wasn't that bad, but the drinks needed to be stronger in my opinion. My girlfriend and I went on a quiet tuesday night at 8pm so not many people. We were forced to wait outside for 5 minutes while the bouncer checked our IDs and then told us about the rules. Frankly, I don't know if Philadelphia can support this type of ambience. The lack of food is a minus, and since people can't use cell phones to talk, and there are no additional distractions, it seems too limited. The hassle of getting in for a drinks only place probably makes it tough to go for happy hour. Also the largest tables were for four, this is not a group place.

    (3)

  • Regina F.

    If the Addam's family decorated a bar, this would be it. The entryway is tiled in copper (pennies, really) as if to scoff at all the poor folk who will never have the pleasure of gracing its tiles. And if you are so lucky, you are greeted by Lee himself, who explains the rules of Hop Sing while you wait, perched upon an ancient shoe shine, waiting, impatiently, to enter the rococo drinking establishment. And so you enter, and you're seated at a booth or table or bar stool of the matron's choice. Socializing is limited but to your table (and the occasional text to brag about your locale if you're feeling brazen) - rules preclude imprudent cads from harassing budding socialites. Without a set menu, you're skeptical that Hop Sing could offer anything more than a shandy, but you're wrong. The cocktails here are mixed to perfection. Would you like something with rye and egg yolk? Sure, have the "..." If you're into girly mixes, try some grape juice and 75 year old rum. And if you're circumspect of anything too strong, don't fret, your waitress (or waiter) will suggest nothing less than something expertly attuned to your palate. As your drink sips to a slurp, and the real candles wither wax onto the bar, you know it's time to leave. Without a plate of food (or even wasabi peas) to coat your intoxicated stomach, you know it's time to go - but only after one last wink at that dashing gentleman perched at the bar. A silent goodbye with a hint of beckoning indicates a clandestine rendezvous at Hop Sing next week at this time.

    (5)

  • Nicole D.

    The cocktails here are expertly crafted and delicious. My recommendations are the Whisky Smash and a special called "O Mary Don't You Weep". Really, though, if you know what you like, you can't go wrong. Minus one star because we thought it would be a little harder to find and get in. The nerdy part of us really wanted a challenge. Also, CASH ONLY.

    (4)

  • Steve M.

    Alright, other bars in Philadelphia. It's been a good run. You've given it a solid shot. But I'm afraid there's a new game in town and it's running circles around you. I've been stalking Lee on Twitter for months, waiting for a chance to get in and see this near-mythical spot, but sadly when the invitations for tastings came I was already booked and couldn't make it. I had to make do with waiting till opening day... and the wait was well worth it. Hop Sing Laundromat knows what it's doing. It's only been officially open for 24 hours, and already it's my favorite bar in the city. Lee has somehow reached into my mind and built exactly the kind of place I want to go to drink. It's dark. It's cozy. It's classy. It's for grown-ups. It's intricately detailed and customized by a man who seems to never be satisfied, even when his establishment is already so far ahead of the game. That passion shows in the entire Hop Sing experience. The cocktails were superb, every last one. The liquor itself is excellent, but hopefully you already knew that. I drank rum with fresh-squeezed grape juice. I drank the most delicious, drinkable gin martini of my life. I drank a gin and raspberry concoction. I tasted a margarita that was shockingly easy to drink despite its simple ingredient list of tequila and fresh squeezed lime juice. Lesson: the liquor matters, and Hop Sing knows it. Simple mixtures of incredible ingredients make for amazingly tasty cocktails. In a review for another spot I wrote about a bartender who mixed a handful of excellent drinks for me, and was happy to be able to pour for two cocktail-lovers at a bar that served primarily beer. My girlfriend and I were very pleasantly surprised when we sat at Hop Sing only to find that same bartender was our server... and she proceeded to floor me by remembering what we drank at her prior establishment, weeks ago. That's the kind of attention to detail I think Hop Sing Laundromat is going for, and exactly the kind of thing I notice and love. I almost wish I hadn't written this review, I want this place to always have a table for me and I know writing 5-star reviews won't help that happen. But Hop Sing Laundromat deserves it. I hope it's around for a very long time.

    (5)

  • BostonBestEats X.

    "A place where there isn't any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat or a train. It's far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain. Some where over the rainbow..." youtube.com/watch?v=U016… Sláinte!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth P.

    I was kind of blown away. Really, starting from the impressive array of alcohol display by the bar to the chandeliers and artwork all throughout the venue, this place (I think) really got it down on point in terms of decor, ambiance, and presentation. To top it off, the bartender knew what to make for us after a few quick words on what we were in the mood for, and nailed it. Bottom line- *Better than Franklin Mortgage in my opinion. *Definitely worth the trip out to Chinatown. There's a reason why all the elites are raving about this place -- and I'm no exception!

    (5)

  • Samantha B.

    My boyfriend and I decided to come to Hop Sing Laundromat based on everything we had heard about the amazing cocktails and speakeasy vibe. It was a very unique experience walking up to the unmarked door and having to give your name and reason for being there...the crowd in front of the door detracted from the experience a bit, as it felt less "secret" than I'm sure they would like. Once we were shuffled into the waiting room we were given the rules...no pictures, no using your phone etc. I was a fan of this rule, since I don't usually use my phone much anyway when I'm out. We were not aware that it was cash only, and my boyfriend had to run out to an ATM. We waited for about 15 minutes and were finally showed to our table. It was an unexpectedly huge space, with tables lining the outer edges. The bar looked much more interesting, and I wish we had been able to sit there. We ordered our drinks and were surprised by the interesting flavors on the menu. We were both very disappointed with our cocktails. Mine tasted entirely of overly sweet grape juice. We had our one drink and left. While a very interesting idea, I didn't have the best experience. I've had much better cocktails and much better times elsewhere...Franklin Mortgage and 1 Tippling Place to name a few.

    (3)

  • Jimmy C.

    Not impressed at all with this place. The whole check in process is a joke! It's a bar in Chinatown and its treated as if its the White House. The owner is very friendly but the doorman is a huge asshole. I had no problem getting in to the bar but the group behind us were treated like trash. Not cool! I won't go back or recommend this place based on that experience alone.

    (1)

  • Matthew T.

    Update: Hop Sing Laundromat has been open for a few months now, and the place is going strong. During the pre-opening tasting I had feared that Lee was going to neglect the classic cocktails. In fact, the menu does feature a long list of classics, and all of them are crafted exceptionally well. My favorite drink is the Old Fashioned, which is probably the best I've had anywhere. It's made with Willett's 4-year rye and demerara syrup. Outstanding. Also great is the Martini. The signature cocktails (ie, those invented in-house) are for the most part also pretty great. Lee has an excellent sense of taste when it comes to cocktails. Check out his version of the Clover Club. Service has improved vastly - the bartenders turn out drinks fairly quickly for a cocktail bar, even when it's busy. My one minor quibble is that they should print up more menus, because you occassionally get one that's been splashed on. But all of the ice cubes are now clear, except the giant cubes for drinks like the Old Fashioned. There is still no coat check, booths, punch bowls, and the smoke drink is gone. There is also no food (yet) and the place is cash-only, but for the quality of drinks it's a very good value. Thumbs way up for Hop Sing Laundromat. Viva Clubber Lang!

    (5)

  • Jenny C.

    Have been wanting to try Hop Sing since the grand opening day but haven't worked up the nerves to do so and finally last night we gave it a try. I was 90% sure we weren't going to be able to make it in based on other reviews.. So I already prepped for the worst but it must have been our lucky day because after a few questions we were in. It was dark and mysterious inside and Mr Lee was very welcoming. He briefed us on his rules and in we went for some drinks. The bartender asked what I would like to drink and I simply just told him I wanted something refreshing with Gin and in a matter of minutes a wonderful concoction was trickling down my throat. How such a refreshing light drink can pack a punch minutes later. The product you get is worth the price you pay. While we were raving how wonderful each of our drinks were, Mr Lee was testing and mixing drinks and even asked us to be his guinea pigs. He explained what was in the drinks and mentioned the drink was filled with pure alcohol and after a sip I don't deny that fact. It was a hint of lemon and a strong taste of whiskey and if it wasn't Wednesday night I would have gladly finished the awesome drink that nearly only took him 5-10 minutes to make up. Overall: The bar was beautiful from floor to ceiling. Once you walk in pay close attention to your surroundings because you will find a surprise in each nook and cranny. The service was impeccable and attentive. The bartenders caters to what you like/dislike to drink and will try and please your palate. Mr Lee has done an outstanding job in creating this beautiful place. No doubt I will pick this bar as first choice if Mr Lee would give me the honor to walk through the gated doors again.

    (5)

  • Michael G.

    I don't want to write much here. Not because I don't have lots to say, but more because I want you to go and experience this on your own without prejudice. Word to the wise... Follow the rules or you are just going to embarrass yourself

    (5)

  • Jason P.

    I won't say much more than what has already been said. You go up to this unmarked door (though easy to spot if there are other people waiting outside of it). We were promptly greeted by "Lee" and told a very ground rules and told to go up in the waiting room for further instructions. We were given a very lite speech that was very tongue in cheek. Lee was hardly super serious and was cracking jokes. Basically, no phone calls or pictures once inside. No drink purchase minimums. Dress code either has gone lax or changed. I was dressed up in nice khakis, tie, button down and dress shoes. My buddy was in a suit and tie and my girlfriend was in a dress and high heels. We obviously had no problem getting in. We did notice some folks with tshirts, but weren't sure how they got in. Our buddy who arrived shortly after we did noticed some people getting turned away. He was wearing jeans and was allowed in. On to the most important thing...the cocktails. They are as good as everyone else has described. Everything is top shelf and made by people who know how to make cocktails. Cocktails are anything between $12 and $15. There are some more expensive liquors that you can order straight up for a slightly higher charge. Between 4 of us we had about 10 drinks and it came to $160. It's expensive, but almost worth it to try once. It's pretentious and silly, but that is the schtick. It's silly to downgrade it already knowing what you are getting into. The service and drinks were A+, that's all that matters. Secondary tip: Most tables seat either 2 or 4. There are 2 tables I noticed that accommodated 6. If you plan on going with a large group when it's busy, don't expect to all sit together.

    (5)

  • Christina P.

    This bar might be one of the coolest places in the city. It takes the new idea of a speakeasy and brings it to another level. I don't want to say too much about the experience, since it's a lot more fun when you don't know what to expect. Lee take s the time to space out entries and make sure that everyone knows his policies and quirks. After the debrief in the penny-floored foyer, he seats you himself. The decoration of the place is just so. cool. There are certainly a lot of 'conversation pieces' and candelabras hanging from the ceiling with real lit candles. Lee explained to us that he got everything from all over the world and offered to tell us about anything we were curious about. The drinks here are all $10, plus tax. There is a lot to choose from, using a variety of different spirits. You might think $10 is a little steep for a drink but these drinks are made with a lot of tlc, with the freshest ingredients. I know this because I had a nice view of fresh, ripe fruit in the cooler behind the spotless bar.(which is completely covered in nickels). The bartenders are insanely professional, polite, personable and just so good at what they do. That alone is hard to find these days. I got the Failed Entertainment, which was a delicious mix of gin, grapefruit, lime and mint. I can't wait to go back and try more. If you go, make sure you adhere to the dress code which is no shorts, jeans,and no sandals or sneakers for men. Just try to look nice, because this is a nice place! Also, they only take cash, so make sure you ring some.

    (5)

  • Soyoung K.

    OH Hop Sing. I have been waiting months to get here. Literally. First, it was waiting for the opening. Great media play! I was dyingggg to go. Then it was the shoes thing. I would forget to wear nice shoes on a Thurs-Sat. I know, this was just my own fault. Then I couldn't get my friends to wear nice damn shoes for me to go here. ...and Finally!!! I have gone on a very late Saturday night. It was slightly cold and I knew I could have gone to Franklin Mortgage 2 blocks down but I have been in love with Hop Sing before I even met Hop Sing so I decided to finally "meet" for the first time. (creepy infatuation, dare I say) It was fairly easy to find the entrance. Very cool looking blue light in the doorway. When you ring the bell, a very stylish, well-dressed man comes out to greet you. He led us into the waiting room. The room has a feel of an old school version of a tiny little dental office's reception area. A shoe shining station takes up about half of the space. The man who let us in gave us the rules. No cell phone usage. No pictures. Got it. We got in and it was not so busy. It was around 12:30am so they were getting ready to wrap up, I assumed. The interior is really cool...but kind of scary at the same time. It's Lee(owner)'s collection of antique items. All the books (there are a LOT of books) are a real deal. The light fixtures, the pictures hanging on the wall...everything came together to create this ominous presence. Think of the movie Interview with a vampire - that utter sexiness of some unknown sort coming together with something scary. I don't know why I was scared but I mean that feeling dissipated pretty quickly with their delicious drinks. Then it was over. My creepy infatuation with Hop Sing has diminished. It's still going to have a very dear place in my heart but I just cannot be so well dressed at all times to go here. I just cannot understand why I have to bring cash all the time. I don't want two drinks, if I don't want them. Cool rules, and being in the industry, I get why those rules are set up but nonetheless, from a consumer's point, I quickly fell out of love with Hop Sing. But it's also probably because I generally don't like being told what to do, don't like being under "surveillance". j I will be back - with a $50 in my hand for your delicious cocktails.

    (4)

  • Sarah F.

    This isn't just a bar, it's an experience! I felt giddy when we finally found the door between 10th and 11th st on Race. We were let in by a bouncer who instructed us to sit down in a small room where he explained to us the rules. It was like being at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida where you wait and listen to someone prepare you for the ride ahead. Nice touch! Beautiful interior. Close attention to details so don't be afraid to get up and look around if you're into that. Drinks are totally worth the price. Reminded me of Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co. Recommend: East Side is my favorite drink. I also enjoy one of the new specials called Crazy Horse but only if you like vodka...because it is HEAVY on the vodka. ;) Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Rebecca N.

    Otherworldly, in the very best of ways.

    (5)

  • Allison B.

    I was really excited to check our Hop Sing Laundromat for the first time, and I wasn't disappointed. We arrived at the door and were unsure of how to proceed and whether or not it was actually the door to Hop Sing. We rang the bell and within a minute, someone was out to greet us. He seemed to discourage us from coming in -- he said the place was dead, and he wasn't sure if we would like it. I don't know if that was part of the shtick or what. That whole exchange seemed odd and was made worse by the fact that he was really quiet and we had trouble hearing him, but we were there and going in, no matter what the size of the crowd (also, it needs to be said that once we were in it wasn't packed, but there was some activity -- it was a blustery Wednesday night around 6, so I wasn't expecting it to be bumping). The guy took our IDs and closed the door, disappearing for about a minute before he returned (gave back our licenses) and guided us in. He had us take a seat in the vestibule, asked us questions and let us know the rules -- this kind of reassured me that our initial encounter was kind of part of the atmosphere. I appreciate the mood they're trying to create -- they seem to cover everything from decor and dress to expectations of their customers. It's a unique experience. The building itself and all of the details are gorgeous -- if for no other reason, you should just go there to check out how they've set this place up so meticulously. We were seated at a cozy table for two and each ordered just one drink before we left for the evening. My only reason for not awarding a full five stars is that our server was just kind of not the best. He was really gloomy. (Are they supposed to be that way to keep in style? I don't know.) He was very prompt when we first arrived, but after he gave us our drinks, he seemed to disappear. He was around, but we couldn't even make eye contact with him to get his attention for him to bring us our bill. Ordinarily this wouldn't be a problem, but we had some place else to get to. I look forward to stopping back again soon. The drinks were wonderful. I was disappointed when I finished mine, wished I had time for another, and mercilessly tried to get every last drop out of the bottom of my glass. If you're up for an experience and not just a drink, this is definitely the place you should go.

    (4)

  • Jason E.

    The only unfortunate takeaway from this bar is that it will ruin every single other bar you'll go to, for the rest of your life, nothing will even come close to every aspect that Hop Sing has nailed flawlessly. - The drinks are complex and creative, but most importantly, perfectly executed - "Bartenders" (which I only put in quotes because they seem like so much more than that) were the most knowledgable, courteous, friendly, and professional I've ever met. - Lee, your host for the evening, instantly lets you know- upon placing your foot through the threshold- that this will be an exclusive, relaxing, most unique evening, that you'll ever have. - Ambiance is bulletproof: beautiful, relaxing colors, meticulously stocked and designed wall of liquor. - Even though music/volume should be under ambiance, it's so perfect, it gets its own bullet. The noise level never falters from that perfect balance: just loud enough where it's not quiet, you can hear others and the music- but you always hear the person you're talking to, never have to shout and can always identify the song playing. I know I must be missing some element of praise for Hop Sing, and for that I apologize, because you really must know how outstanding this place is.

    (5)

  • Alie A.

    Hello, Addams Family and strong drinks in tiny glasses. The owner is awesome and very involved in your experience here, the setting is dark and crafty, like a library lounge in the Munster household. Quite the drink list, and don't even think about using your cell phone. This is old school charm. Good for small groups and a night of something different.

    (4)

  • Tayler T.

    Hop Sing Laundromat achieves brilliant cocktails and one of the most crumbling 20's decadence vibes for a new underground speakeasy nestled between the noodle shops and bodegas of Philly's Chinatown. The gated door is the only hint on the street that there is something else behind the concrete that could be a sensuous place to sip and seduce. The owner, Lee knows how to put on a show. A show that is both as any performance theatrical yet at the same time a wonderful way of telling people how to behave at a nice bar. No phone calls, no pictures, and really no bullshit. This makes it perfect to just enjoy the conversation and feel lounge ready. The "Esta Tierra es Tuya" is one of the most spectacular cocktails I tried off the menu. The smoky tequila with egg white and just enough citrusy acidic brightness paired with the floral chamomile buds dancing on the top of the froth is sturdy. This place is a great place to get warmed up to start the night.

    (5)

  • Jeanny C.

    This bar makes me feel like I was in a secret agent movie. It's the gem of Chinatown. The door is hidden and very secretive, I have walked by many times and never knew a bar existed through those doors. The floor of the waiting area is covered with pennies, all facing tails up. The bar counter top are covered with nickel's, all facing heads up. The decor is extremely eccentric and unique, I have never seen any place on earth like it. Everything blended so well with each other but at the same time very unique. Their drinks take a while to make, but it was all worth it, because EVERYTHING was made from fresh fruits. I mean they hand squeeze their own lime juice. AMAZING! To top it off, it was not pricey at all. I wish I was a drinker, so I can come back more often. I definitely recommend a try at least, it's a very special place. FYI: cannot make calls or take photos, only texting is allowed.

    (5)

  • Yolanda Y.

    Yes, getting into this place IS weird. Yelena G. and I decided to give it a try anyway, and I'm glad we weren't intimidated by the reviews because it was worth it. The decor is interesting and easy on the eyes. As for drinks: our first round was excellent. The bartender made a swell sidecar which is something I admire. As for the second round, I asked for a hot cocktail and was kindly told they don't do hot drinks. If I may make a suggestion, perhaps the rules can be bent as we descend into the dead of winter. I bet a hot toddy would be a popular drink if they made it! Anyway, I scrambled to pick something else and picked the Boston Remedy. Wasn't my bag. Also they don't serve any food at all, so have a nice meal beforehand so you can drink more and fall all over the place less! Give it a shot and bring some cash!

    (4)

  • Hugo A.

    One of their well-drink bourbons is Booker's. Can you believe that? There is a touch of herbsaint in the Sazerac. It provides nose so pleasant you almost want to nurse the drink. These aren't cocktails, they are potions.

    (5)

  • Bruce W.

    Most impressive selection of liquor I've ever seen. Terrific value when you consider the quality of the alcohol they use in the cocktails. Philly doesn't deserve a bar this good.

    (5)

  • lara s.

    If you like Ranstead or Franklin . . you've got to check this place out. From the crushed purple velvet jacket on the host greeting us at the door - this place was personal and top notch!! The vibe was more laid back than expected - the bartenders engaging - but the emphasis is on the drinks!! Lee spent lots of quality time with us and all his guests and explained his cocktail creations to us. The fruit juice was fresh squeezed right before us before being added to our drinks - that is serious. As an added bonus the artist (Lee) made us a special on-the-spot drink that just showed how well this man knew his craft. Check it out - play by the rules - and you won't be sorry!

    (5)

  • Enas I.

    Simply not my thing. It's a love it or hate it place. My boyfriend loved it but I did not. I just don't get the idea behind everything, starting with waiting at the door for someone who's watching you on the camera until they decide it's enough waiting. Once we were seated (after going through the rules in the front room) I requested that we are to be moved to another table since I have back problems and our seats were not comfortable. They said no because it was reserved for a "member." We stayed there for two hours and no one showed up. And finally the photo rule. It's alright they have rules and I respect that but every time my boyfriend had pulled his phone to show me something someone jumped right behind my boyfriend to check the screen out. It was very creepy. As I said, it's not my place. My boyfriend will probably go back with his friends. I have other relaxed places that I enjoy more.

    (1)

  • Brandon B.

    The best bar experience I've had to date. Went on a Friday a few weeks ago with my girlfriend and brother around midnight. We had no trouble getting in, and we're floored by the intricacy of the decor, incredible quality and detail that went into the cocktails, and the outrageously large liquor collection. We sat at the bar, which is definitely the move when coming here for the first time. Our bartender Mike was excellent. The place wasn't incredibly crowded, and we honestly felt like he was only making drinks for us basically the entire time. I also loved the aspect of having the owner Lee as the quasi-host for the evening. He's always walking around, talking to the bartenders, checking in on people, and even mixing drinks! Very cool. Cash only!

    (5)

  • Beth H.

    I was excited to come here after reading the great reviews on Yelp, and my experience did not disappoint! The place is quiet, elegant, classy, etc. The waitstaff are courteous, pleasant and accommodating. And I had the BEST old fashioned whiskey cocktail! Granted, I've only ever had three, but this was just supreme. My second drink was the Memphis Mystery Train, which was good, but not as good as that old fashioned. I would definitely recommend coming here...but just remember, it's cash only, and a two drink minimum. (I knew about the last bit, and I also knew that I'm a one-drink kinda girl, so it helped that my date was willing to share my second drink with me.) Definitely worth the cost, no question. The only reason why I gave this 4 out of 5 stars is because I have been to one other speakeasy elsewhere (not in PA) that I enjoyed slightly more. But I highly recommend coming here at least once. You won't regret it!

    (4)

  • Scott F.

    Had another wonderful night at Hop Sing last night. I was initially worried when we arrived that we may be denied entry due to bad timing. It seems word has gotten around and there were a few other groups trying to get in at the same time. Luckily, Mr. Lee recognized us, and quickly dismissed the others who ignored "the rules". Everything about Hop Sing is perfect down to the last detail. From the drinks to the antique furniture, light fixtures to the staff's tie tacks. The drinks are all amazing. So far, the Blood and Sand, Montana Payback, Midnight Mystery Train, and Preacher Bourbon are my favorites. Mr. Lee is a gracious host. As far as "the rules" go, show some respect and dress like an adult. If you were able to look up the location of the place, then you should know about the dress code.

    (5)

  • Bridget G.

    This is hands down the most pretentious bar in Philadelphia, and I mean that in the worst way possible. The cocktails are fresh and tasty (albeit the selection is limited). The place is so dark that I had to use my phone to light up the menu, even though technically I don't think I was "ALLOWED" to use my phone. It was loud and small and the "briefing" that Lee has to give each patron before you enter the place is insulting and not worth a $12 drink. I'm not impressed by your psuedo-exclusivity and I will never go back or reccommend this place to anyone.

    (1)

  • Kate W.

    New favorite atmosphere. (Though the Franklin still has an edge with the Penicillin.) Stopped by few days after their official opening. Mr. Lee is quite the maitre d'bar - classy, polite, and still very much in charge. I love the entrance rituals, it's the perfect set up for a special evening. They really do the entrance right. Great lighting, furniture, decor - they bring the drama. Only a few other tables occupied (Thursday night). No printed menus yet but our waitress was better than any menu, offering wonderful drink suggestions and explanations. Similar to when you order the Bartender's Choice at the Ranstead Room, she posed some questions to get a better understanding of what we liked. Then she'd give us two options based on our answers. I can't remember the details of everything, but the basics - - Blood and Sand: scotch-based, a little sweeter than I wanted but still tasty - This Land Is Your Land: I think this was the drink that had grapes in it - simple but well-designed, very good - Rum Daisy: obviously rum-based and by far the best drink I tried After my first drink, the waitress talked me into the other scotch-based offering which included raw egg, so I tried it but it was definitely not for me - it had a strange smokehouse aftertaste that I couldn't get past. Not to worry, she whisked it away immediately and brought my next selection (one that was sans egg). I really appreciate their interest in not just allowing but truly encouraging their patrons to try something new, with no consequences attached. All drinks = $10. (Franklin, take note.) Bring someone(s) you want to impress - Hop Sing will not fail you.

    (5)

  • Dan C.

    Finally was able to get here after talking about coming for months. I really wasn't sure what to expect. When we arrived there was a line of about half a dozen people outside. The owner came down and let people in as people exited. He checked IDs, asked us how we heard of Hop Sing (as it is a non-descript unmarked gate on Race Street), and informed us that it was cash only. We were then directed to a lobby, where he explained the rules: No photos, no talking on the phone except in the lobby. We were then led to our table. The ambiance of the room is great. Dimly lit, light classic rock era music playing in the background. Well spaced small tables. Antique style decor. We were brought drink lists and water. The drink list is extensive and only contains cocktails. It is broken up into 6 categories of liquor (whiskey, gin, brandy/cognac, tequila, rum, vodka). All drinks were $12 or $14 and there was an additional list of specials. I started with the Gimme Shelter, a whiskey based cocktail with cream and nutmeg. Definitely was on the strong side, wasn't blown away but a quality cocktail. GF had the Ivan Drago which was a vodka with watermelon and grape (we think). Truly excellent and not too sweet. Though the drinks are relatively small, the quality can't be beat. Next round I had the East Side, a Gin and cucumber drink, which won't soon leave my memory. Probably the best cocktail I've ever had. Super refreshing. Though I had it in the winter, it would be a perfect summertime drink. GF had the Hotel Nacional, which was rum with pineapple and apricot liquor. Not as good as the other drinks. Service was attentive and all waiters had a particular set style which fit the theme of the bar nicely. Can't wait to come back, but the price is prohibitive. Definitely not a bar to come to to get drunk on a weekend night. Good place for a date or a stop pre or post dinner. Must dress on the nice side, though jeans are ok. Apparently no sneakers. Cash only. Next time I will definitely try to get seats at the bar in order to watch the drinks being made.

    (5)

  • Sean H.

    First off, let me start by saying that it almost feels wrong Yelping about Hop Sing. Something about the place just commands a sort of quiet respect, and, as our wonderful bartender Jo so aptly commented, drinking is a very personal experience. I'll do my best to convey my impressions without revealing any of the more intimate details. Your night starts with the entry. It's all very clandestine, and you're sat down for an explanation of the rules before being seated inside the spacious, kooky-yet-well-appointed interior. I've sat at both the bar and a table, and both of them have their merits. Sitting at the bar is recommended for the first-timer, as well as for those who want to pick the bartenders' brains and discuss esoteric vermouths and bitters. The drinks themselves are superbly crafted, as is to be expected. My standard drink order is the Vieux Carré, as any of my friends could tell you. It is uncommon enough to distinguish the novice bartender from the professional, and its preparation can reveal a bit about their personal style and what you can expect from them in other, less familiar cocktails. Also, hailing from the New Orleans area, I have a particular affinity for cocktails that similarly hail from a city so wonderfully rich in its cocktail history. This Vieux Carré was quite (wonderfully) different from any I'd ever had, and it led to a great discussion about the specific ingredients used in its construction. Fabulous. The prices are extremely fair, the service and knowledge of the staff are top-notch, the decor is eccentric yet tasteful in a way that doesn't come off as trying too hard for any certain effect, and the overall experience is unrivaled by anything currently available in Philly. I will be returning again. And again. And again.

    (5)

  • Ajmail M.

    I'm not gonna go into much detail because I don't want to ruin it for the first timers. Tasty mother effin drinks..

    (5)

  • John Z.

    I hope you read this Lee. Our party of 3 had a great time tonight at Hop Sing and greatly enjoyed speaking with you at the end of our evening. I haven't written a Yelp review in a long time, but felt compelled after leaving tonight. Keep on keepin' on; Philly needs a place like Hop Sing Laundromat.

    (5)

  • Louis D.

    If you can find the door (and I don't think it's my place here to tell you where it is or how to get in - where's the fun in that?) then this place is well worth a visit (or two or three). There is so much attention to detail at Hop Sing, it's incredible. We spoke to the owner no fewer than four different times during the hour that we were there, had a great conversation with our bartender, who was incredibly nice and seemed to really know her booze, and were blown away by the overall experience. Yes, for my usual tastes $10 is a lot to pay for one drink, but between the really quality cocktails, the adventure of a "secret bar," and all of the personal attention, it's definitely worth it. I could have easily spent 3 more hours there and been perfectly content. Just make sure you're dressed appropriately and bring cash - no credit cards allowed. Thanks Lee!

    (5)

  • Stephen L.

    I'm not the most eloquent or knowledgeable of reviewers, so bear with my ramblings! I just know what my eyes and mouth told me last night, and I'll try to translate that here. :) One word summary to start with: FANTASTIC. But please read on... Before even getting a single drop of spirits in me, I was already impressed just walking in the door. The waiting room floor is entirely tiled in PENNIES, and somehow looks like it's been there for 100 yrs (which is a good thing). Books everywhere on shelves on all four walls, a shoe-shine stand for people sit on as they wait to get in. Even a shelf of Campbell's soup cans! (A nod to Campbell's over in Camden? To Andy Warhol? who knows!) Entering the main space, this neo-gothic early 1900's feel continues and you just have to pause and stare. More books on shelves ring the room on 3 sides, gleaming copper & brass fire extinguishers dot the walls, vintage chairs and couches to relax on, it goes on and on. A subtle but gorgeous detail I noticed was that the iron (steel?) support columns have been stripped down to the bare metal, burnished and sealed. They have a wonderful grey/metallic luster that caught my eye immediately and honestly you do just want to touch them. Prohibition-era tax certificates, liquor prescriptions, black&white caricatures, and some very interesting paintings of dogs add to the decor along the walls. Exposed brick and rich dark colors round things out. But as we got seated at the bar, ringed with a raised edge of brushed metal, you notice two things. First, all-metal stools with swivel seats reminiscent of old tractor seats that are surprisingly comfortable, with a little lip in the back for support, and dip down in front to let your legs comfortably dangle over. Not once during my evening was I uncomfortable on them. A BIG plus! The other inescapable detail of the bar is that it has been pain-stakingly, dare I say lovingly, hand tiled with $700 worth of nickels. All 'heads' up, all facing the same way. And not covered over with a layer of sealant; no, you can feel every one, and it's hard to take your eyes off of them for a while. It provides a great texture yet a smooth surface, I think it's a great original touch. So, ok, enough of that. Well ok maybe one more thing. The ladder. The ladder behind the bar that can slide back and forth like at a library to get to all of the liquor bottles...it has a custom built wrought metal 'chute' which starts at the top-left, curls underneath and ends at the bottom right of the ladder, designed to let someone drop a bottle down from the top and safely dispensed at the bottom. Such a whimsical addition! COCKTAILS. Simple: THEY WERE DELICIOUS. No misses. All home runs. I had a rye whiskey Sazerac w/ Absinthe, an absolutely exquisite egg-white Pisco Sour, and a wonderful creation of Mr. Lêe's which is nameless but is described as a "tequila lemonade" which is a must-drink on any hot day. In addition, I had sips of a couple of iced-coffee creations, a Manhattan, and the "Blood & Sand", all of which also were mouth-watering. It was hard to take my time with them, but that's exactly what you should do with cocktails such as these. Savor the flavors. All fruit juices are squeezed PER ORDER. It doesn't get more fresh than that. Susan G. (see her review here) was my companion last night and we were both very well taken care of by our bartender Reed, as well as Mr. Lêe himself personally serving up some of the libations. Backing them up were a few more gentlemen taking care of prepping the ingredients, who I imagine will be very very busy once the doors open to the rest of the world. Everyone was friendly, accommodating, and educated us on the ingredients being used. Every single drink was hand crafted 'from scratch' and it showed. Presentation was wonderful too. Many of the drinks involve portions larger than the serving glass, so little decanters were supplied to hold the surplus, to add back into your drink once you've made room with a few judicious sips. The couple next to me had Mr. Lêe 'beating' fresh mint leaves against the top of the tall-slender glass, the aroma filling the air nearby, which then became the drink's garnish. So in short, the space itself is wonderful and definitely unique and one-of-a-kind in my experience. High ceilings, funky lights and candelabras draw your eyes upwards and all around. But most importantly, the cocktails were just delicious... from old stand-bys like Sazeracs and Manhattans to new yet-to-be-named creations. I eagerly look forward to see it operating in all of its glory. I WILL be back.

    (5)

  • Bryan Y.

    So tonight I was invited to Hop Sing Laundromat. I assure this place is the real deal for all the nay-sayers out there. First a bit of background from my end, I was told to arrive at 7, me being overly anxious I was there 6:45pm. My wife and I decided to do a lap around the block, that killed 3 minutes. I figured it would be reasonable to ring the doorbell at 6:50, I did, no answer. While waiting I felt like Charlie waiting outside of Willy Wonka's factory. A young girl walked out a bit glazy eyed and stumbling a bit and told us we would not be disappointed. Another gentleman showed up told us his friends had been inside and that Lee was a real person. Another group walked out, 3 gentleman and a couple. The men were confused that it was still daylight out and seemed to be a bit drunk but not belligerent. Around 7:15 Lee came out to greet us, a very pleasant and welcoming man told us to go into waiting room and have a seat. The waiting room: the floor was covered in pennies; the benches appeared to be church pews; hundreds of books lined the book shelves up above and a shoe shine station sat right in front of us. He gave us clear instructions that cell phones and cameras were prohibited in the main room. My anticipation was building quite a bit. The waiting room had the feel of a ride at Disney World, and not in a cheesy Disney way, just a very detailed and manicured theme of the building. He then welcomed us into the main bar area. Lee sat us down in front of Dan, the bartender and told us have a good time. Dan asked my wife what she was into taste wise, she's a fruit and umbrella kind of drinker. Then asked me, I'm more of a bourbon/whiskey kind of a guy. He then began concocting two of the most spectacular drinks. Each drink took about 10 minutes to make, but it was well worth my time. My wife had a drink with fresh squeezed grape juice and a 15year rum, that was told to be extremely expensive. I had a Whiskey Smash, a Kentucky Bourbon, mint and Lemon drink. Words can't describe. Fantastic! I then went to my go to drink, the Old Fashioned. Now I usually screw these up and most bars go heavy on an ingredient and it usually is mediocre to sub par at best, but this one, WOW. I'd have to imagine this is what they drink in Heaven or at least is served at the Pearly Gates. My wife at this point had moved onto drink #2. A Ramos Gin Fizz. The ingredients involved: a raw egg; milk; lemon; gin; and some sort of carbonate. Thought the raw egg would scare her away, after first sip, I've never seen such enjoyment in my life. Round 3, the Lee specials. Apparently Lee is somewhat of a booze chemist. My last drink included fresh cucumber; fresh honey dew and vodka. All I can say about it is, ACES. The fresh ingredients really make his drinks, all of them, special. The wife received a whiskey based drink with cucumber and ginger, once again all fresh and FRESH it was. Now my wife does not drink whiskey but apparently if it has enough ginger and cucumber, she will. Finally we received Pim Cups. Once again, spot on perfection! Lee was a fantastic host, Dan a great bartender. I hope this opens very soon.

    (5)

  • Rebecca S.

    Genevan philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau once said "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet", once you have the opportunity to experience Hop Sing you will know exactly why this quote is relevant and why I'm spewing 18th century wisdom. In the meantime, it looks like you will be waiting as the soft open last night is being used as a trial run for the public opening slated for later this month. My participation in last nights "sneak peek" was completely unexpected, but wholeheartedly welcomed as I was ushered into (dare I say it?) the most beautiful joint in town by Lee who greeted me at the door and by name no less. A man that I have only met once in my life in the fall during Night Market and who has remained silent on all of the workings of his establishment showed me that he had clearly done his homework in knowing who his guests of the evening were going to be. Dressed in a most distinguished fashion of perfectly tailored suit, tie pin, and outrageous glasses, this man was the direct reflection of his lavish lounge or maybe it should be vice versa, I will leave that for you to decide when you too get the opportunity to meet the man behind the vision. Seated at the bar with Christine B. to my left and Lou P. to my right, I settled in and let my wandering nature take control. Here, no detail has gone overlooked in decor as the rich red walled dining room gives way to what looks like the original brick and playing host to quirky yet relevant artwork, mirrors and dozens of liquor licenses from near and far. Drenching candlelight casts a seductive glow throughout the room, while an array of light fixtures softly illuminate where the candlelight cannot reach. White table clothed tables topped with gorgeous candelabras and an eclectic collection of sitting furniture take up one side of the space while custom ironwork separates the other side devoted to a nickel topped bar leaving its patrons to gaze at a wall filled to the brim with hundreds and hundreds of liquor bottles. If you can recall factorials and permutations from your math days, it is then reasonable to say that if Hop Sing cannot make the cocktail that you are seeking, you will never find it...this is poised to be the best cocktail bar in the country after all. Last nights tasting offered attendants the opportunity to indulge in five cocktails showcasing the building block liquors: vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and bourbon. To say that they were "standard" would be a gross disservice. Each was expertly prepared by the bartenders of the evening, some with fresh squeezed fruit juice and others stirred to just the right temperature leaving us to ask if there was an exact number of stirs required to get the cocktail just right. Our bartenders response was simply, "I just know". Far from an arrogant response this just showed that proper preparation was of the utmost importance in training the behind the bar staff; every cocktail is made to order, every single time. Here, there is no such thing as leftover fruit juice going into your glass, no concentrate, nothing from a bottle; a fresh orange will be squeezed for your screwdriver, lemons freshly peeled as your martini garnish. With all of the mystery surrounding the opening of this establishment I have only this to say...it exists, it is beautiful, I promise you. This is one mans dream that cannot be rushed by the impatience of the public. Refer back to Rousseau if you must, "patience is bitter, but the fruit is sweet", it will all make sense in due time.

    (5)

  • Ann H.

    My boyfriend and I went to Hop Sing for the first time this past weekend, and we had a wonderful time! We went there because some friends had recommended it, and we live right down the street. At first we couldn't find the entrance, and then we realized we had to ring a doorbell. Then a man in a suit vest appeared asking us questions before we could be allowed in. Though some reviews note this introduction as pretentious, etc., we thought it was fun and exciting, and the fact that the owner stressed protecting the privacy of his guests made us comfortable because we were looking for a nice, quiet, relaxing place to have a few drinks and not a busy bar with obnoxious people. We were immediately impressed by the service- the owner personally led us to our seats at the bar and the bartenders helped us navigate the cocktail menu (which is extensive and so creative by the way). The drinks were on point, and my boyfriend and I were just having a nice quiet conversation about all the details around the bar and how it reminded us of a bar in NYC that we love. Then, a woman tapped me on the shoulder and started conversation with me, which is fine, and I normally like talking to new people. However, that night, we just wanted to lay low and mind our own business since we were celebrating our anniversary. Though I tried so hard (in a nice way) to stop talking to this drunk woman because her conversation because extremely weird, I couldn't get away. Every time I would try to turn back to my boyfriend, she would grab my arm or start on another random point of conversation. The bartenders seemed to notice my discomfort, and the owner came over to my boyfriend and I to check on us, just as he has been all night with all of his guests. We didn't want to start anything so we said we were fine. The drunk woman continued to get in our face and a forced conversation about demons, vampires, and social inequalities. Then this is the part that impressed me most about this place: the way the staff handled a difficult guest situation. The owner went behind the bar, and came over to us with menus in his hand and announced that the table we requested was ready (genius). He then seated us at a table far away from the bar, and apologized for the situation, but obviously the crazy drunk woman was the issue- not him or his establishment. He grabbed us water, and insisted on transferring our tab from the bar. The drunk woman followed us to the table, and then he lightly escorted her back to the bar where her husband and another woman were having a conversation, not paying attention to the issues that she caused. The owner continued to check on us and other tables, and when he wasn't answering the door, he floated around and made sure to visit every table and bar guest. The service we received at the table was like that of a formal dinner, even though we only got drinks. I now fully understand the reasons behind the strict questioning at the door and the house rules for guest privacy. If Hop Sing was packed with loud people, then the owner would not have been able to pay attention to every guest to make sure that everyone is okay. Apparently, he watched us at the bar when things started getting really uncomfortable with the drunk woman, who he asked to leave shortly after, and handled the situation in a tasteful and efficient manner. The owner seems to truly care about his guests and wants them to have a good time. The bartenders and our table server also checked on us throughout as well. We will absolutely come back to try more delicious cocktails!!

    (5)

  • C Y S.

    I heard a lot about this place, so I finally checked it out with my sister on a Friday evening. The waiting outside is pretty lame, but I guess it's for the hype, because it was not busy at all inside. We waited about 15 minutes, but then we had to wait further inside in this staging area. (This happened to me when I went to Franklin and Mortgage, and there I waited for about 25 minutes, and it wasn't even a weekend night. Maybe 3 tables were filled inside.) In the staging area, we got a very strange introduction from the bouncer who was manning the door about Hop Sing... he pretty much told us what NOT to expect, and don't believe the hype. I am not sure if it was for show or for real, but it left both of us a little confused. However, it was a very short wait, and we were seated at a nice table within 5 minutes. Once inside the bare itself, I fell instantly in love with the space; it sort of enveloped you and put you at ease. We only had one drink each, since we were out earlier, so I only sampled one cocktail. It had a mixed crowd, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Some man in a very nice 3-piece suit walked around and poured the drinks for some of tables, including ours. I think he was the owner, so that made us feel special. My sister did not think it was worth the hype, but I really liked the place, and I'd return again.

    (4)

  • Mark M.

    Fun experience from the unmarked entrance, the question game, the ID dance and the reading of the rules...all part of the mystery of the speakeasy. The tables are nicely spaced and each cocktail we tried was perfectly made. All in all, this is a unique place. Probably not a "regular" spot on the rotation but certainly a special occasion location. Always worth finding a good drink with a "twist"! Cheers.

    (5)

  • Dan P.

    Writing a review of this place on yelp seems wrong, but i will say that Lee and his staff have a horrible establishment where one can go for a nice washing of the mouth. When you arrive make sure to show up wearing your best attire & have manners + let Lee speak. He will then bring you into his establishment, which he has created so that each person has their own amazing experience. Be ready and open your palette for an experience!

    (5)

  • Mariel M.

    I've been here a couple of times and it is definitely my favorite bar in Philly. Cocktails are incredibly smooth and prepared with care and practice, and everything I have ordered has been superb. Lee is awesome, and its great to hear from him where the names of the cocktails come from (each is named after an important event in American history). I think its cool to go on an off night so you can have a more personal experience. Make sure to bring lots of cash; every time I'm there I find myself wishing I had more cash so I can order as many cocktails as possible.

    (5)

  • Joseph L.

    Is this the best cocktail bar in Philadelphia? Perhaps, but the answer is not an easy one. As an avid drinker of fine cocktails, I've sampled many from the best bars in the city. The reigning champion, in my mind, is Franklin Mortgage. They consistently produce, high-end, creative, and supremely drinkable libations. Until I attended Hop Sing last Saturday (6/9). Polish. That was the first thought that game to mind after we entered their waiting area, passing through a beautifully adorned iron gate and a innocuous steel door that is proudly emblazoned by a "Repeal the 18th Amendment" placard. The bar is softly lit and it took a bit for our eyes to adjust as we waited a moment. The waiting area is covered in pennies and features a full shoe shine station (though no one was manning it as of yet). After a short wait we were seated at the long bar (the bar top is comprised of nickels, all facing the same direction undoubtedly placed by hand). I'd describe the decorations as quirky and creative, definitely meant to be consumed in aggregate as your eyes travel from stacks of old books, iron signs from the prohibition era, and a myriad of other elements that project a subtle, cool, and cozy vibe. This is a place where cocktails are celebrated and consumed thoughtfully, savored and enjoyed. The drink menu was small, comprised of 1-3 selections grouped by liquor type. I was told that an expanded menu will eventually take its place. Our bartender (Jo) was extremely helpful, guiding us through the list, describing the contents and the reasoning behind them. Some of the highlights we had that night included... Preacher Bourbon A play on a Manhattan, seductively smooth and boozy. Tremendous balance, sweetened with a punch of some sort. Not the most interesting drink ever, but a great showcase of the Elijah Craig 12 used in its making. Montana Payback The most interesting drink we had by far. In the cognac/brandy section of the menu. Spiced with Thai Chili with a thin layer of heavy cream on the top. Spicy, but with the heavy cream, it was surprisingly drinkable. Creative and delightful. Amazing cocktail. The Manhattan By far my favorite cocktail, and Hop Sing nails it. Absolutely amazing, one of the best Manhattans I've ever had. We had a number of others, but after such consumption ones memory does not seem as sharp.... The owner (Mr. Lee) made an effort to introduce himself, he created every cocktail on the list and he is more than happy to tell you the story behind each one. We really appreciated the introduction and he made us feel very welcome. Cocktail bars like this can very easily become overly pretentious, however, all the staff we met were extremely genuine and helpful, going the extra mile to make you feel welcome and make the cocktails accessible. Overall, we had a tremendous time at Hop Sing. The cocktail list isn't as exhaustive as its counterparts, but if this is a preview of what is to come, the future at Hop Sing will be very bright. The best cocktail bar in the city? In a few months I believe the answer will be an overwhelming yes.

    (5)

  • Christian D.

    It's all in the details. There are so many things to say about Hop Sing and many of them have already been said, but what I appreciate most is the attention and pride in the details. Let's start with the drinks. For starters, they are stocked to the brim with some of the highest quality liquor I have seen anywhere. Bourbon and scotch enthusiasts can enjoy straight drinks of some of the finest. It's exactly for this reason that the specialty drinks on the menu have such subtle flavors. Lee himself mentioned that when you're serving such quality liquor there is no need for too many ingredients; finding the right balance of a few are what make the 10 or so drinks on the menu wonderfully subtle and delicious. Touches of dried roses, thai chili, or chamomile flowers make a fantastic combination with unique top-shelf liquor. The menu may be short, but the bartenders are great, they indulge any number of tastes and liquor combinations. I have only ever sat at the Bar, but I'm sure that with 3+ servers, a busy night should't be an issue. The atmosphere is great, the high ceilings; think high class saloon, but more stylized. Most of the lighting, in chandeliers or around the bar and tables seem to be lit by candle light, but it's not overly dark, like you could read a book if you wanted to. The entrance just passed the doors, has a waiting room, with seats and an elevated old world two-seater couch, meant for shoe shines, which I'm told will start later this summer. Lee seems to move from taking care of the bar to meeting his guests, he's funny and it's inviting. I don't want to overly hype the place,but I appreciate a lot of the touches of this bar, there are rules (no phone calls at the bar and don't wear sneakers), but it's relaxing and very tasty.

    (5)

  • dana s.

    The attention to detail here astounds me. Every time I walk in I notice something different in the waiting area or the bar. Excellent cocktail menu, amazing prices for the quality of what is being served, I mean 12 year old Jameson is their "well". I really do enjoy the air of mystery surrounding the place, I like that Lee doesn't break character, granted it even is a "character". It's worth checking out, just don't forget to follow dress code, and be patient, it's totally worth it.

    (5)

  • Erika R.

    Stepping into Hop Sing is like stepping back in time; into an era where romance and etiquette and quality craftsmanship still apply and are valued. The atmosphere makes you want to sit up a little straighter, and use words like "mahvelous" and "dah-ling" and converse about art and poetry and world-travel and politics, all while enjoying your very boozy drink. One gets the feeling that they may bump into Ernest Hemingway or Gertrude Stein (oh, if only!). But this is an element of relaxed sophistication here, with none of the pretentious swagger you can find at other establishments in the city. Which is ironic, b/c so many of those pretentious places are missing the mark of truly knowing how to craft a truly great cocktail and environment, such as Lee and his team do. The decor is flawlessly executed and the lighting is just sexy and dim enough; the music is well-mixed and interesting; the seating is eclectic and comfortable; the staff is the ideal balance of down-to-earth sophistication and they are clearly knowledgeable on libations; the drinks are absolutely flawless while consisting of very few ingredients; and Lee, oh Lee...he's a gorgeous man and the most gracious of hosts who has clear talent and expert taste and really makes the place what it is: perfect.

    (5)

  • Rachel O.

    I love this place. I went here with two of my good friends on a Thursday night, and it was really easy to find. Once we rang the door bell, were greeted and told the rules, we were escorted to our table. The bartenders were super nice and knowledgeable, and when we moved from the bar to our table once it was ready, they brought our drinks over for us as well. I had the Failed Entertainment and the Boston Healer drinks - both great choices. After two I was pretty buzzed and started to notice the crazy artwork on the walls - painted dogs, anyone? The decor is really luxe and interesting, and I loved this so much more than Franklin Mortgage. Plus, the drinks are only $10 right now, and that was a plus. When we were leaving, we met Lee and spoke with him outside while he smoked a cig. He told us all about the place and the neighborhood, and asked us for our honest opinions. I will definitely be coming back here over and over.

    (5)

  • Bruce E.

    The experience of Hop Sing begins the moment you decide to go. Trust me.

    (5)

  • Duncan I.

    What a fun experience. Helps to be in the right mood and stick to the rules but an impressive setting with an intriguing concept made for a really different after hours experience.

    (5)

  • Harry P.

    Great atmosphere, wonderful staff and masterfully crafted drinks make this place a wonderful experience. I don't want to reveal too much, because the mystery of this place is part of the fun. I will say that this bar is the perfect place to go with a few close friends to enjoy some quality cocktails; it is not a good place to meet new people or to get rowdy.

    (5)

  • Tina T.

    Drinks: If you're looking for a place that pays attention to details, this is the place to go! Every cocktail is made with creativity and finesse...it's like putting an ogre of delicious and refined ingredients in your mouth. Lee definitely knew what he was doing when he made up this menu. (You just need to try all the drinks, no matter how much you hate a certain type of alcohol, you'll be surprised!) Ambiance: Again, with the details....the books, the bar, the chairs,etc...! There is a reason for every little piece in this place. It's comfortable and sophisticated at the same time. Don't be shy and ask the bartenders and the host what the place is all about. You'll be surprised of the answers. Overall: You will never want to leave this place until they kick you out (unless you're hungry which is definitely a convenient location next to all the late night Chinatown eateries). The host, bouncer and bartenders definitely makes you feel welcomed every time you walk in.

    (5)

  • Wesley P.

    Blows every exclusive bar in the city out of the water. Drinks are $10 a piece, but will be the best specialty cocktails you have had in your life. 1000x cooler than Franklin Templeton. You will forget that in you are in Philadelphia once you are granted entry through the unassuming door. Do not expect to be allowed in with a large group or with out proper attire (flip flops, shorts). They currently have on staff one of the top 5 best mixologist in the country, and the drinks show it.

    (5)

  • Erin B.

    Believe the hype. Hop Sing was well worth the wait. The atmosphere is perfect - everything from the inability to hear another party's conversation to the lighting is exactly right. The staff was awesome - so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I actually learned quite a bit about spirits while we were there. And of course, the drinks. I loved each one I had and the sips of my friends drinks as well. In addition to the new concoctions, we had some classic drinks (martini, aviation) so I had something to compare them to. I have never had a martini that was so smooth or an aviation that was so balanced. Perfection. Lee was a generous, and warm host. I am very much looking forward to returning!

    (5)

  • Katherine P.

    As a twitter fanatic and a recent foodie I of course caught wind of Hop Sing Laundromat's mysterious existence online and decided to play along and see what all the fuss was about. When Lee invited me to a tasting last weekend I jumped at the opportunity. I wasn't too worried about arriving solo, but it was Chinatown on a Saturday night. And St. Patrick's Day to top it off. Lee requested that his guests not arrive in green which was relief for someone who isn't quite into the en mass belligerent mess that becomes any city on such an alcoholic holiday. What a delight then to walk into Hop Sing to see a few scattered groups in various stages of their tastings. I arrived frantically at the gate, out of breath from my hustle across town and worried that being a bit tardy to a tasting would result in a cold night waiting on the stoop. I rang the doorbell and waited, taking the time to peek at the velvet red walls of the inner foyer. Lee met me with a hearty handshake before quickly scanning the room to see where I would be seated most comfortably amongst the other parties already well into their tastings. He set me up at the bar facing the dining room with the promise of the bartender would be with me shortly. I took in the ambiance. Between the assortment of chairs, mirrors, and framed paintings the main room looks a Victorian parlor met a found sculpture artist and made something happen. There is a wall full of sketches of actors and writers, and another clad with medicinal liquor licenses. It's these little touches that are so personal to Hop Sing. The walls are slathered in thick layers of paint with brick cutting through like landscapes on the walls. Books line the ceiling and the bar is adorned with nickels, face up, and all oriented with precision. There's so much to look at, waiting for my first taste of Lee's creations seemed more like a trip to some eclectic's salon. But here I am going on about the walls and the countertops. The great thing about Hop Sing is the libations. None of the drinks Lee serves are tainted with sugar syrup and fresh squeezed juice highlights every cocktail. Just as the other guests that evening did, I was initiated with a Cognac cocktail sprinkled with dried Thai jasmine buds. It was bright and delicious, full of citrus undercurrents. The next drink took me by surprise. Lee simply told me it was a "rose petal" drink, and naturally I expected a more floral sensation. The color was rich burnt amber and there was a layer of foam as a bed for sprinkled rose petals. I took a sip, and WOW, was that first taste something. The drink has Thai chili peppers in it and the foam was shaken cream, strategically placed to cut the heat from the liquid below. If all the media attention has made you skeptical of Hop Sing, this drink is a reason to get you to Chinatown and into the hospitable arms of Lee. Rest assured I had myself another before the evening was through. Next up was a drink that came with its own pre-show. My friendly bartender lit a cinnamon stick on fire and placed it in the middle of a metal tray and then repeated the action with star anise. A tumbler served as an encasing for the wonderful odors that rose in the smoke of the spices. I know Lee isn't the first gentleman to smoke a glass, and he certainly won't be the last, but Philadelphia will surely know him for this down the road. Two coffee cocktails were next. One was dark and rich, perfect for someone like myself who drinks their coffee black. This was followed by a creamier "iced coffee" concoction which very much so reminded me of a good White Russian (Lee assured me, however, that this was a very different drink). The next rounds were favorites from the sampling, that fantastic Thai drink and back to the mandarin cognac starter to round out the evening. Lee moves around from table to table discussing the highlights of each cocktail and encouraging everyone to walk around and really check out all the stuff the dining room has going on. Heed his urgings. There are plenty of fun things to tell your friends about. Follow Lee on twitter get excited about Chinatown's new establishment. "Stalking" will get you everywhere.

    (5)

  • Romesh J.

    Great experience. A marquee establishment with personable service.

    (5)

  • Allison D.

    Hop Sing is a phenomenal establishment. Definitely the best service I have ever experienced in Philadelphia. The staff is very knowledgeable and provided perfect drink recommendations. I would highly recommend to anyone that enjoys a great cocktail.

    (5)

  • Yasamin M.

    I was initially turned off the idea of going to Hop Sing Laundromat because of everything I'd heard about how hard it is to get into - and I'm vehemently opposed to any kind of red-rope BS, especially when all you're trying to do is get into a bar. However, since it is literally 1 block from my front doorstep, I decided to give it a try last night - and I'm so glad I did! Maybe it's because everyone was at the shore this weekend, but my two friends and I waited all of 2 minutes to be let in, and the only question we were asked was how many in our party, and did we have ID. We were asked to wait a moment while the owner, Mr Lee, said he would check for space. A minute later Mr Lee came back, and led us to the "waiting room" where he explained the house rules (and there are only two): no photograhs, and no phone calls in the bar (texts are fine). If you really need to make a call you can do so in the waiting area (which, by the way, is a stunnning little room with, bizarrely, a shoe-shine stand, and multiple shelves stacked with books). This part of the process was a little tiresome, but lasts no more than a couple of minutes, and boy is it worth it when you get into the bar itself! It is honestly like being transported back in time - the decor is breathtaking, from the Victorian red walls covered in portraits sketched in pencil, to the chandeliers and candlelight that hang from the dark-wood panelled ceiling, to the nickels that embed every surface of the bar - and let's not forget the beautiful custom-made cast-iron ladder that leans against the extremely well-stocked shelves of liquor behind the bar. And the cocktails...oh my! There is a set price - $12 for the regular cocktails and $14 for the house specialties (the 'East Side' was particularly delicious). This sounds a little steep (especially when you consider it's cash only), but the cocktails (and we sampled several!) are chock-full of the finest liquor, and mixed to perfection. As an added bonus, any juices are pressed fresh at the bar. This is not a place for large groups, and not a place to mingle and meet new people; but it's the perfect place if you're craving a little sophistication with two or three good friends. And despite what you may hear, there is a surprising absence of pretention.

    (5)

  • Ernesto Hideyokidz C.

    This was my first speakeasy. We came to the door, looked around like idiots for a while for how to get in and then finally someone got us. You can't use cell phones for calls in the main room but you can text. It was dark. Like, really dark. Like, too dark to read the menu which made me just pick something random. Cocktails run between $12-$14. I ordered a whiskey sour (I think). It was decent. This place is for serious connoisseurs who know their liquor. Honestly, I didn't really understand the menu from what I read. It was full of words I didn't know and the explanations were hardly explanations at all (and thats saying a lot considering I'm very into liquor). For me, it was a cool experience. Decor was nice, staff was friendly. Generally though, I like to eat food when I drink so I won't be a regular. It's also too pricey for my taste. It's definitely a cool date spot though if you're looking for somewhere quiet and nice to talk and grab unique drinks.

    (4)

  • Matt H.

    Exquisite cocktails. Classy, mature, but fun atmosphere. Unparalleled experience. I have had the pleasure of attending two tastings at Hop Sing Laundromat and have walked away both times simply delighted with all of the above. The drinks served by owner Lee and his expert bartending staff are at once incredibly simple in their ingredients (when they choose to let you know what you are drinking, or you can playfully guess), yet complex and fascinating in their taste and texture. The combinations of the best, smoothest and most exquisite liquors to be found in the city with fresh juices and creams and ingredients makes for drinks you will never forget and will leave you amazed how you wouldn't have thought of the combinations yourselves. Grape juice is a favorite, but Mandarin orange juice, tangerine juice and muddled strawberries are just a few of the delights that await. But make no mistake, these juices have not been prepared the day before, or even an hour before, but the freshest fruits are juiced at the bar for your drinks that moment. How about an iced coffee drink with liquor, made with coffee brewed individually for you? (That one was even high-five worthy!) You will not have drinks made this fresh, with liquor this good anywhere else. (A drink with a particular kick of spice to each frothy sip was juxtaposed the smell of fragrant dried rose petals on the top of the froth in each glass. Betcha weren't ready for that!) The excellent liquor and fresh ingredients are the focus, and could carry this place all on their own, but combined with the atmosphere make you not want to leave. The crowds so far have been small and select, but even the larger crowd on Saturday was well served by two bartenders and Lee himself. The rules against cellphone conversations, taking photos, and not approaching strange women (among others, including the forbidding of wearing Green on St. Pattys Day) create a comfortable mature atmosphere. Everyone was having a good time and were more engaged with each other, conversations, and their cocktails than with Words with Friends or Draw Something. A welcome change. Add to all of this the gorgeous interior, dark woods, beautiful and plentiful candlelight and light, fun background music, and Hop Sing is just a place you do not want to leave. Come for the unparalleled drinks and stay for a night you will not soon forget. If you aren't excited for this place to open, you should be!

    (5)

  • Q Malik F.

    Came, saw and enjoyed the atmosphere.. Service was excellent and the drinks were way better than I thought... Thanks for allowing me in to embark on that magical journey...

    (5)

  • Emma M.

    Let me start off by saying, this place is amazing. The atmosphere is mysterious yet inviting, the service is outstanding, and the drinks are absolutely fantastic. My boyfriend and I ventured over here for date night, when we arrived there was a small line outside and we were seated within a half hour. Both of us were very happy to wait and didn't see any issue with this, especially considering what awaited us inside. Lee was incredibly friendly and reminded everyone as they entered that there was no phone calls to be made and no pictures. And cash only. The no phone call rule is the best rule, and I think they should change it to no phones at all, people need to enjoy spending time with each other. Go home and text. Anyway, we were seated at the bar which was exactly what we had been hoping for, when we sat down we were promptly given drink menus to look over. My boyfriend opted for a tequila old fashioned, which was recommended to him by our very helpful bartender, and I went with something very minty thats name escapes me at this moment. We followed this up with two more recommendations from the bartender that were both outstanding. Half the fun for us was being able to watch them prepare the drinks! This lounge is the perfect couples place, there's no rowdy crowds, no one standing around or dancing wildly, everyone is sitting and enjoying conversation. It has become a new favorite. We will definitely be returning for many date nights in the future! Thank you Lee and your staff for the fantastic night!

    (5)

  • MJ L.

    Can't miss it... if you can find it. Look for the doorway on race street with a metal gate and a barely there doorbell. There isn't a sign because Hop Sing's is a destination, not just someplace you stumble into. Leave your sneakers and tee shirts at home, your cell phone in your pocket (preferably on silent), and come in for some of the finest mixed drink in Philly (dare I say on the east coast?).

    (5)

  • David B.

    I have had many wonderful cocktails in many wonderful bars and Hop Sing has, without a doubt, the best balanced drinks I've ever tasted. Their drinks are tastifully complex without a ridiculously long list of ingredients to make them so. Their drinks are like a great perfume, intoxicating!

    (5)

  • Julie S.

    Had a great first experience at Hopsing last night. Mr Lee runs a tight ship, but to the customers benefit. It's classy, intentionally under-crowded and serves up incredible cocktails. We ordered "A Failed Experiment," "Blood and Sand" and "Straight-up Nail." I told Mr Lee that I loved gin-drinks so he poured me a coffee-gin concoction that blew me away. We will definitely be back soon!

    (5)

  • Chris H.

    The place was charming and lee's whole attitude about keeping the place swanky and exclusive was cute and creative but unfortunately at 11 pm on a Wednesday night there was only six dudes in there! Drinks where nice and the staff was very polite. I would recommend the place if you got a hot date and you wanna take her some where under cover then this place is perfect;)

    (3)

  • Giang N.

    Marketed as a "speakeasy" - you have to find the gate and press the buzzer to the left of the gate, then wait for someone to come out and let you in (bring your ID for age verification). We had to wait a couple minutes for them to come out, but they eventually did. Excellent drinks, well crafted, large selection. Remember the house rules: no photos/videos, 2 drink minimum, cash only, no sneakers, no phone calls inside the main room. Okay to text and post using your phone while you're there, though! Keep your party size 4 and under if possible. They have fewer tables that accommodate 5 or 6, and they say the if a "member" arrives who wants the table you might be bumped. Not sure what it means to be a "member," though. We enjoyed the drink options. Very nice decor. Excellent music selections. The servers were very friendly and attentive. Drinks are usually around $14. Pimm's Cup is nice if you like something sweeter; it has a special kick because they use ginger beer rather than the typical ginger ale. If you're a Maker's Mark drinker, be aware that they don't have it here. Plenty of other great options to choose from, though.

    (4)

  • Me C.

    Great drinks and a beautiful bar. Our server made fantastic recommendations along the lines of "if you like that, try this" which is what you'd hope from a decent cocktail bar. It was also really reasonable ($) which I wasn't expecting. The door policy made me feel like a dumbass standing outside though. I took my husband here but was worried I'd lose him at the door if he thought it was pretentious. Lee was really fun though and we had amazing drinks in a great atmosphere. I'd be wary of coming here on a first date though since you might seem too cool for school taking someone here with this door policy- unless, of course, too cool for school is your schtick. It is gorgeous and very friendly after the initial awkwardness that follows ringing the doorbell though. I will definitely go back for drinks.

    (5)

  • B B.

    Quirky bar with likewise quirky policies. The drinks were good. Worth stopping by for the smoke and mirrors.

    (4)

  • Seb S.

    Hop Sing is a gem in the Philadelphia bar scene. Between all the dirty pubs and the pretentious lounges, there is a perfect Hop Sing that will provide you with the best cocktail in the city, as well as a private, cozy ambiance. Every cocktail is masterfully crafted and named after a historic event. I recommend sitting at the bar sometime to hear a bit more about them from Lee; he has a lot of intersting things to say. He also makes a big point out of enforcing privacy and non-rowdiness at the bar, which I appreciate. There are a few rules such as no pictures and a dress code, but I find this all very agreeable. It helps maintain the jazzy mood of the place. So do the nickels covering the entire bar surface, the EPs covering the walls next to the bathrooms, the books and trinkets hung around the tables, and the astounding library of liquours, equipped with a sliding ladder and a little chute to send the bottles down to the bar. This place might be a bit out of the way but I certainly recommend the trip if you are looking to have great conversation and drinks with close friends or a date after dinner. Try as many cocktails as you can, none of them have ever disappointed me.

    (5)

  • Catherine K.

    Listen I do my research before traveling, Read Philadelphia Magazine on top restaurants and bars and Hop Sing came up. Well coming from near NYC these new cocktail lounges are all the rage! PDT, Angel's Share, if you been you have the idea. We like to go to these places before we eat since these places are so popular. Also we like to fully appreciate the cocktail. Apparently there is a dress code at Hop Sing Laundromat and the door bell should not to be rung more then once. Unfortunately one of our party of 6 was wearing sneakers and a baseball cap. Our sporty golf friend always dresses so we thought nothing of it. Our 47 and older crowd got a rude awakening which I rather felt shafted at the time. I mean who do those Philadelphians think they are! OK so Eileen was correct they have a dress code and mean it! We can't blame Hop Sing Laundromat. I do feel a little bad that I questioned my husband who rang the door 4 times and then I said NO you are doing it all wrong , you have to hold the buzzer until they release the door. oops We got the soup Nazi host and bouncer come out and give us a good verbal lashing. Oh well no hop sing cocktail this time. I was hoping to have a Ramos gin fizz like drink Had a great one at Franklin Investment co., they took 12 minutes to make and was it good! you see bar tenders shake the egg whites not whip who knew? Was that what they were doing at the Carousel bar in Hotel Monteleone , New Orleans hmm so many coming out I don't think so! Well Hop Sing maybe next time and you better be as good as your reputation! Still a fan though.

    (4)

  • Amit K.

    I never yelp but for Lee I definitely will! First time we went to Hop Sing we had an amazing experience. The second time was even better! Great drinks in an absolutely exquisite atmosphere. Anyone who truly appreciates an authentic speakeasy will be in awe of this place. Highly recommend Hop Sing for great night out!

    (5)

  • David Z.

    Well, it was totally worth the wait for it to open. Where do I begin? I think the thing that shock me the most was how attentive the staff was. This place is extremely well staffed with very knowledgeable and polite individuals. They know when to show up at your table and when to leave you alone. I have always found this to be a difficult art, but they mastered it here. The staff were all extremely knowledgeable about not just the drink, but the alcohol that goes in it, where it comes from and its history. Another thing I noticed right off the bat is that you didn't hear conversations at other tables. It make it a great place for drinks for friends or on a date. Lastly and most importantly are the drinks. Wow. Everything we had was great and quite alcoholic. The most notable was the gin martini my friend had. I never liked a gin martini, but this thing was sooo smooth. Every drink we had was great. They were testing out a drink cart that night and it was very cool to have your drink prepared table side. All in all this place has me sold. This is the place to have a fine drink, relax, go on a date.....this is not the place to bing drink....though the drinks are strong enough to make you stumble.

    (5)

  • Grace N.

    Fall is upon us and' tis the time for warm tasty libation and there is no other place like Hop Sing. I have been back on average 2x a month with friends since my first review. Hop Sing does not disappoint. The drinks are fantastic, place remains very classy (thank you Lord!) and the bartenders are friendly with just the right amount of attitude. That's not an insult, that's actually a praise. Its just so cheesy when bartenders hit on their clienteles. That's not this kinda place. You want to have a great time with friends and be able to have a conversation uninterrupted. I like that. The token female bartender always reminds me of Sinead O'connor everytime I see her. The music selection has a wider selection and plays to whatever pleases Lee that evening in unison with the energy of the crowd. My little sister and I love this place! I still adore Lee's suits, cufflinks, and the shoes. Very classy man that Mr. Lee. His parents would be proud.

    (4)

  • Tim P.

    As I waited outside of Hop Sing on a cold and rainy night a couple of weeks ago to attend the soft opening of Hop Sing I was extremely nervous. I had literally been looking forward to it for the better part of a year. I was afraid that it would not live up to the impossibly high expectations I had developed for it. Things started out great. I was greeted at the door by owner himself who showed me to a spot at the bar so I could observe exactly how the drinks were being made. A note on the bar itself it is HUGE and full of the choicest most exotic booze that one can obtain in Pennsylvania. Another thing that should be noted is that all the fruit juices used in the drinks are prepared at the time the drink is ordered with bartenders using a couple industrial sized juicers to expedite the process ( Jack LaLanne would be very proud). The first drink that I was served that night was a screwdriver. I was real scared. I usually hate screwdrivers. I thought I was in for a colossal let down and then I tasted the drink. It was incredible. The orange juice was a fresh as you can get and the vodka was smooth as silk. The rest of the evening passed far to soon. Hop Sing Laundromat had done the impossible it had exceeded my every expectation of what a bar could be. The service was impeccable, the drinks were out of this world, and the decor and ambiance made you feel perfectly at ease in a way that few establishments do. I can not recommend this place enough. The scary thing is that is probably going to get even better with time. Do yourself a favor and go to Hop Sing as soon as you possibly can.

    (5)

  • Josh K.

    Because of the hype and the preponderance of 5-star reviews, I wondered whether this place was actually real. I went on 6/16 with two friends, figuring we could go somewhere else in Chinatown for dinner if we couldn't get in. We rang the bell and someone actually brought us in. We were asked to wait in the waiting area, then given an explanation of the rules, and finally brought into the main room. Plenty has been written about the aesthetics. I'll say that, though (mostly) everything looked cool, I don't know that I definitely preferred the aesthetic over the Ranstead Room or the Franklin. There's a clear, and different, stylistic vision--it's polished, but I'm more interested in the drinks and service. One thing (that someone else noted) was that the bathrooms are pretty utilitarian--the floor of the men's room was damp, too, which was unappealing. The amount of space and the noise level were a step up from other bars I consider similar. Our server was mostly helpful and enthusiastic, and she seemed knowledgeable. Lee walked by at one point and I think all of us were slightly weirded out by him. He said something indecipherable about how he was sure we'd be back or we wouldn't be able to get back in in the future. A little odd. Scout's review noted smelling smoke, which we did, too (it was barely noticeable, but still). Finally, the drinks. I wasn't terribly into my first two. One was the Thai chili/cream concoction. It was interesting, but it just seemed heavy given the weather. The second had mezcal and egg white, and the intensity of the liquors combined with the creaminess from the egg also just didn't seem appropriate for the season. I suppose part of it is my fault for ordering them, but I think the cocktail menu should be more conscious of seasons. For my third drink, I got a screwdriver on the server's recommendation. It was very smooth, but I almost couldn't tell there was alcohol in it. Again, maybe a fault of mine for ordering the wrong thing. I did like some of my friends' drinks a bit more--an Aviation had just the right amount of creme de violette to be noticeable without being overpowering, and a Negroni, while not my thing, was restrained enough in its use of Campari that it didn't turn me off. For a place that brags about its liquor selection, I was disappointed their oldest El Dorado rum was the 15-year (which is excellent, but I have a bottle and I was hoping to try something older). That's a pretty minor quibble. Overall, based on the drinks I had, I think the cocktails at the Franklin may be a bit more balanced and well-curated. The prices were all lower, at $12/drink, though, and the roominess and ability to have a conversation comfortably were appreciated. It's pretty close between this and the Franklin for my top cocktail bar in Philly. Hop Sing may not have lived up to the hype for me, but it's still a great addition to our bar scene.

    (4)

  • Haley W.

    I told the owner (Lee I guess) Hope Sing Laundromat had a "museum feel" to it and he was thoroughly offended haha. Oh well... best cocktails in the city. Definitely a great destination spot for people who are from out of town and want a classy, entertaining night out.

    (4)

  • Mario N.

    Great cocktails. I have been here twice and have not got the same drink twice and every time I am blown away at how well these drinks are made. If you got the extra $$ and really want a perfect cocktail, its worth it. Good luck finding that metal door - I'm glad I caught someone coming out.

    (5)

  • Kristen M.

    Highly anticipated trip to Hop Sing Laundromat finally accomplished. Friday night, 8:30pm, line of 8 in front of the door. We ring the doorbell, the man comes out, as he checks our IDs he asks if it is our first time, "yes", and how we heard about the place, "friends". He takes our party of 4 inside to a waiting area where we sit on what appear to be old church pews, he leans against the shoeshine station. He explains the rules of no phone calls or photos, only texting and social media allowed. We shake our heads in understanding, he seats us at a table addressing us by our last names (from when he checked our IDs), the man is good. The ambiance is very cool, classy, dark enough that you'll need the candles on the table to read the menu. I have become a fan of speak-easy establishments and enjoy watching the mixologists do their mixing, listening to the signature shakes, and not being able to pronounce what I'm drinking. The drink menu is organized by base, I opted for rum. We asked the waiter for recommendations and my friends order what he suggests. The drinks were strong, and rightfully so as most are about $12-15. Unfortunately for me, this is not the place for bitchy fruity flavored drinks. My tastebuds were out of their league; the sophistication of the drinks far exceeded anything I had ever experienced. I still enjoyed myself as I sipped my friends' selections. The service was great and it's a refreshing change of pace from the loud crowded Philly bars. As all others say, dress nice, cash only, no food, but great place for a date.

    (5)

  • Yoshie U.

    my favorite cocktail bar in philly & NYC combined. I haven't had anything less than spectacular here. drinks and service are both incredible

    (5)

  • Gabrielle F.

    Phillys biggest secret! It's a little getaway in center city with incredible scenery and a very chill speakeasy atmosphere. I highly recommend the whiskey smash!

    (5)

  • kate j.

    I had been wanting to try this place forever and finally got to experience it recently. Im a big fan! Great crowd and a different, chill atmosphere from what I'm used to at most bars in the city. The wait outside, regardless of the weather, is worth it! If you're looking for a bar with a "speakeasy" feel, I would recommend Hop Sing over Franklin Mortgage and Ranstead Room.

    (4)

  • Nicole H.

    I understand what they're trying to do here, and for the most part it's done very well. The drinks are all fantastic and the whole atmosphere is spot on. My only real complaint is from time to time the service (or lack thereof) leaves a little to be desired. Last time I visited I was asked (politely, I will add) to move after being seated for about half an hour. A larger, "member" group was coming in and they needed my table. No problem at all. Then I placed a drink order and it took about 25 minutes to come (which I do think is quite a long time). While I enjoy the place enough to not worry about a wait, I at least would've liked some sort of info or update during that time. I ended up asking the server, who was clearly ignoring my table (and empty water glasses) because he knew how long it was taking, and was told "there was a backup, sorry, it is coming out soon." Again, not a big deal, I just expect a little more when at a place like Hop Sing. But yes, the place is great and fun and quirky and the drinks are spot on.

    (4)

  • Lawrence S.

    I loved every step in this quirky speakeasy experience. The process begins by searching for the unmarked metal security door that is the entrance. Let's just say it's very unassuming. Then there's the anxiety of waiting as the host walks off with your ID as you stand somewhat awkwardly on the sidewalk. Will you make the grade and gain admittance? What the heck is he doing with you ID, anyway? Will the host return and act like he's never seen you before? So much suspense! Way more interesting than the usual: "please come this way..." The inside is another world. I won't try to describe the decor in detail; it was too much to take in at a single visit. Suffice it to say: you are transported from the (charming) dinginess of Chinatown to an elegant, low-lit, lyrical (not sure what that means in this context, but it seems appropriate) world. I'm looking forward to exploring in future visits. "But what about the drinks?!" you protest. I must admit I am no cocktail connoisseur. I went for drinks with complicated recipes (because why order something I could potentially make myself?) and ingredients that I wouldn't normally think would go with booze, like egg whites. All the drinks were tasty and smooth -- the alcohol seamlessly melded with the other ingredients. My favorite (so far): the Kentucky Flip You.

    (5)

  • Ala M.

    The getting in process has been well described so I will skip it. I was given the choice of bar or table, since we were only a party of two we chose the bar. It is rather modern and plated with nickels. Behind the bar are handsome, young, male bartenders, cleanly dressed in white shirt and tie. Our bartender Austin, was very nice and informative, even though he was moving around non stop. You can tell they really put in a lot of time into training their staff. Against the wall is what can only be described as a library of booze. Every bottle of everything you can think of is displayed on floor to ceiling shelves. My truly favorite part of the decor are the PBR plaques hanging all over. Having been on a Gin kick I ordered the Take 5 off of the seasonal menu. Gin, cucumber, mint, and agave. Delish! Ps I really like that you can't take pics or talk on the phone here. Don't have to worry about selfies non stop.

    (5)

  • Hilary W.

    I had to hop on getting a Hop Sing review up as soon as I got home this evening. Lucky enough to have attended the soft open I'm even more excited to have it open to the public and seeing it in full action. Tonight's experience can be defined by one word: FRESH. When you enter the establishment you're greeted by the warm flicker of candles illuminating the carefully divided room. The music is loud enough to drown out your neighbor's chatter but low enough not to interrupt your own conversation. The most striking thing about the great room at Hop Sing? The smell. It took a few minutes for us to determine what the beautiful aroma that fills the room originated from. I guessed Capri Blue Aloha Orchid candles. My companion made his own theories. Then a drink was served to us, fresh orange juice and vodka, and it hit us. That smell is organic. It's the freshly squeezed grapes, oranges, etc, being pressed into the cocktails. No concentrate here. No "purple stuff". Real, refreshing, 100% of the earth juice. WOW. I could go on and on about the decor, the interesting mix of custom metal work, the trophies of the proprietor's travels and the overwhelming wall of liquor. There are plenty of places for the eye to wander. All of these things add to the sensory experience that is Hop Sing Laundromat, but really the star of the show is the simply wonderful cocktail served up by some of Philly's finest mixologist alumni. Continue to celebrate the allure and mystique this venue has drawn. The wait is well worth it. Humbly put it's "just a little bar", but once inside it's so much more.

    (5)

  • Stacy G.

    I planned a trip to Philly for the weekend with my sister and in my research I came across this place. Based on the reviews I felt the need to check it out! I was not disappointed. I was a little out of my element looking for this place in Chinatown...the blue light and gate are not that obvious to out of towners. Once we rang the bell, Mr. Lee came down...and you get a sense he is checking you out and sizing you up. "How did you find out about this place?" If you answer to his satisfaction, you are allowed to go into the entry where he sheds some light on the experience you are about to have. It all goes with the schtick of the whole place. We got seats at the bar. The bar is awesome and fits well with the dark, shimmery undertone of the whole place. The place is intimate yet social. The bartenders were nice and knowledgeable. I said I liked Vodka and sweet and I got a Stonewall something or other....it was fantastic. Be prepared though...the mixing, shaking and measuring all take a little time so be patient for your drink. I then got a Pimm's Cup...a new favorite that I will try to duplicate at home. (which I know will never live up to my expectation) Watching the bartenders make the drinks is fun entertainment and goads you into trying everything they make! It appeared that most patrons were newbies...checking out a new place with hype. I am not sure what the 'regular' crowd would look like. I feel like it is a special occasion type of place but if I lived in Philly I could see getting a hankering for an awesome drink and hitting that place up. I am already jonesing for a Pimms Cup! The prices were $10 a drink...a deal. And come with cash, they do not accept credit cards. (which the doorman will tell you before you go in) Great drink and fun experience--if I am ever back in Philly I would go again!

    (5)

  • Samuel C.

    I wish I could claim that my recent move to Chinatown (Philadelphia) from Washington, DC was timed strategically to coincide with the opening of Hop Sing Laundromat. It wasn't. But when I stepped into the majestic holding room last night, all apprehension about this new city disappeared: I knew for the first time since arriving here that I could make Philly my own. Lee has the most exquisite of attentions to detail, and the soft glow and refined eclecticism of the establishment felt like the comforting warmth of home. Thoughtfully quiet without being silent. Dim without being dark. Mesmerizing without being distracting. The staff is in a league of their own. From the maître d' to our waiter and server, the foundation of care and attention to detail on which Lee has built the Hop Sing Laundromat has clearly permeated the establishment. It showed before we ordered our drinks, but the cocktails themselves took the attention to detail to an unprecedented level of excellency. My companion and I stuck to "nothing-too-sweet" rye/bourbon cocktails for the evening, but the complexity and diversity of the creations that were brought to us made our requests seem laughably simple. I applaud Lee and his team for this grandiose vision and impeccable execution. Despite this beautiful Philadelphia weather, I find myself distracted: I am counting down the hours until doors open at 5pm...

    (5)

  • Salman H.

    Awful experience. Went there with a few friends after a concert on a freezing Sunday night and experienced the same dreadful, seemingly exclusive wait period to get in. After going through the rigorous "education process" in the waiting area, we were led to our table. After telling one of my friends that he had to remove his hat, the comical proprietor Lee, who had on a beanie of his own, then decided that my other friend's shoes were inappropriate for the bar. Before long, one of my other friends spoke up and complained about this rude treatment for a group of 7 paying customers (at $12/drink * 2 drinks * 7 people + tip on an empty Sunday night we were essentially covering his cost for the evening) after the fact of getting past the doorman, and we proceeded to get kicked out. Normal bar owners and managers would actually try to please a paying customer. This guy and his place are a complete joke. Don't go here. If you want a nice drink and a nice ambience, I'd recommend One Tippling Place or Ranstead Room. Hop Sing is not worth your time or money.

    (1)

  • Jessica C.

    I love everything about this place! My new favorite bar. I've been to Ranstead Room and Franklin Mortgage Co., which I know get a lot of comparisons but this place trumps everything! I had a tequila drink (I forget the name) and it was delicious! Very strong. You get your money's worth here, for sure! My FAVORITE drink was the gin cocktail called "a failed entertainment." Just amazing! I will definitely be back! Mr. Lee seems really nice, I don't know what people are talking about, maybe you're just a hot mess and that's why you can't get in. Please dress appropriately, folks. This is not a dive bar. Mr. Lee only charges $10 a drink. It is a STEAL. Most shitty bars charge upwards of $12 for a crappy, watered down drink. You can tell this man doesn't care about making profits, he cares about making quality drinks and it's obvious. Love it! Will be back! Maybe tonight? :)

    (5)

  • Stacey R.

    My husband and I have been to Hop Sing a couple of times now, most recently on our one year wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago. We absolutely love this place. Mr. Lee is a gracious host who personally greets and seats his customers, and was especially kind to us on our special night. I love the speakeasy vibe. The last time we went was a quiet Sunday evening, but the first time was a busy Friday night and to gain entrance we had to get past a bouncer who looked like Huell from Breaking Bad. And of course, the drinks are amazing! Nice diversity of inventive and classic cocktails with fresh ingredients. The wait staff is knowledgeable and helpful when it can be hard to decide what to order. For $10 a pop, these cocktails are very reasonably priced, as far as craft cocktails go. We're planning to come back tonight with a friend who is moving to NYC. This is a place we definitely needed to hit up with him before he leaves Philadelphia!

    (5)

  • Sharon M.

    This place is exquisite! Amazing tasty strong drinks that taste smooth and light. Be careful though, don't let the light taste fool you. These drinks pack a punch. The atmosphere is dark and artwork is everywhere. The owner put a lot of thought into everything!bif you want a sexy speakeasy with strong quality drinks this place is for you.

    (5)

  • Tegan R.

    Hop Sing Laundromat is an experience if nothing else. The owner tries to maintain an atmosphere of a speakeasy complete with mystery, a sense of exclusivity and the fear that guests may be rejected or kicked out. However, once you leave the waiting room where the owner goes over the strict rules, the waiters are pretty friendly and you forget the ordeal that you subjected yourself to just a few moments earlier. The decor is tasteful and dramatic, and the drinks are excellent. At least the night we were there it wasn't remotely as crowded as we thought it would be. We were actually kind of surprised that there weren't more people due to our long wait outside, but I can imagine that is part of the cultivated drama. It's very interesting and I would recommend doing it at least once. It's not where you necessarily go for a good drink unless you want a good drink AND something of a show. Please note that there is a 2 drink minimum for each person, using cell phones is not allowed and its cash only. Also I don't think that there is any type of food on the menu so it may be a good idea (especially with the drink minimum) to grab some good Chinese food from the neighborhood before you hit the bar.

    (4)

  • Clint W.

    The information age has laid bare what little mystery remains in this world. It's not just the costumes and low lighting of the Jazz Age theme that send the masses to line up outside revitalized speakeasies with authentic big band music seeping out from beneath the crack in the door. It's a longing for some secret, for some mystery to still be left in the world. Everything's been discovered, and it's left us explorers with nothing to do. Hop Sing Laundromat hopes to preserve some little bit of our past. When the enigmatic owner, Lee, set out to create a true piece of Americana, he pursued his goal with a great sense of authenticity. Over the course of a now renowned 48-state road trip, Lee gathered pieces of the American past - lamps, vintage signs, fabrics - and with some exception, it feeds well into the Qi of the Laundromat. Hop Sing's not perfect, though. It's a solid 4-star, but not 5. The strange obsession of refilling water glasses after every sip in combination with the odd, unmatched elements of the place, leaves something to be desired. The electronic music doesn't work, to be honest. I'd much rather it fall along the lines of Farmers' Cabinet, which for its flaws, has impeccable taste in live and recorded music. The cash-only policy is also tough, especially at a bar with such expensive offerings. Otherwise, I don't know how to respond to those few infuriated reviews. We live in a time of entitlement and tolerance, so I suppose the idea of rejection is not worth considering for many people. There is lore surrounding this place, and that sense of mystery for which we clamor would be lost if there weren't some eccentricities. If there is forgiveness to be offered, it is to those who were denied entry. But for those that denied the quality of the drinks, I have little patience. The cocktails are inventive and enticing, unlike anything you've seen before. They don't care for conventions here; Scotch can find its way into their champagne glasses, and unheard-of mixtures of fruit blend seamlessly when backed by the right liquor. They do things with Vermouth I once deemed impossible, not to mention their top-shelf selection. Across the board, the drinks, albeit expensive, are worth the trip. Past the shoe-shining booth, past the re-purposed cathedral lights lining the bar and the stark, white tablecloths laid across the tables; beside the eager waiters in their uniform black ties, filling the water glasses every few minutes to ensure, to the point of irritation, the hydration of their patrons; underneath the low vibe, the out of place electronic tunes and dimmed lanterns, enter Hop Sing Laundromat and step oddly between generations and styles, between contemporary mood music and Jazzy 'Repeal-the-13th' feng shui, between 2013 Philadelphia and 1928 New York. It's worth most every penny, most every second spent waiting in the cold. Ring the bell, don't look back.

    (4)

  • Brooke Lee A.

    I was a little nervous I would get rejected because of my espadrilles, but I didn't! Cheers to Mr. Lee for an exceptionally beautiful experience. Not only was he super personable, but so was the bouncer, and the bartenders. Everyone made nice eye contact and answered questions, all around the service was great. Every drink we tried was delicious, served in beautiful glasses too! I'm a little obsessive about cleanliness and I loved how clean everything was. The Eastside was my favorite drink, so refreshing!! I loved this place and can't wait to come back! Mr. Lee, next time we are there, we will make sure to leave the "staten island" chick at home- ha!

    (5)

  • Chess K.

    This was truly the worst customer service policy I've ever seen due to some obtuse 'RULES' they're implementing. The idea is to create an aura of discovering a 'secret', however 'secrets' don't have yelp profiles. This place is a phony, pretentious, overpriced wreck. -Getting into the EMPTY place took 15 minutes. -Groups over 6 persons will not be allowed to sit together, even if you are the only people in the bar and there is plenty of room at the table. -Customers are under constant threat of being kicked out of this hypothetically secret/hard to get into/meant for those in the know/pretentious EMPTY place. -20% tip will be included no matter what kind of crap service you receive -Drinks are $12 minimum, tiny, and food, but take 10 minutes/drink to prepare. This place is dripping in pretentious disdain. They forget they are not in New York, and they are not more special than their customers. If you feel special that you are 'in the know', remember you are reading a yelp profile. You're not.

    (1)

  • Lisa H.

    We came looking for Hop Sing on a quiet Saturday night and found Lee hanging out front the middle of an abandoned dark street in Chinatown. When we approached him, he, of course, first did a scan of our attire, asked us how we heard about the place and quickly ran inside and told us to give him a minute. We waited and he came back outside and told us to take a seat in the waiting room.. He then explained to us about the no photography/cell phone policy. We agreed and took seats at the bar in front of our bartender and ordered some drinks. I've got to say - the bartenders do a very precise job at making our drinks.. But they don't come off as very friendly. As for the drinks - delicious and decently priced - always a plus. Great vibe and atmosphere to this "speakeasy" space. Loved the use of nickels and pennies around the bar.. And the candles give it a bit of a romantic, enchanting feel.

    (4)

  • Luke L.

    The drinks are great, the prices are what you would expect to pay for a crafted drink. The ambiance is fucking great.. I mean, a bar top covered in nickels and the front room floor is paved in pennies. Put on those big boy dress shoes and let your sneakers have the night off, keep your fucking cell phone in your pocket for a hour and actually talk to someone.

    (4)

  • Dug R.

    I stood in line for 30+minutes only to be told I would not be served as a single person. I waited patiently and exceeded the dress code (three piece tailored suit) only to be told there will be no seat at the bar for me and standing is not allowed. I will not return.

    (1)

  • Jolena M.

    The owner of the place is very friendly, and upholds this establishment to his own set of standards. My friends and I heard great reviews about this place and decided to try it out one night. The drinks, while pricey are pretty good and the interior decor is on point. We were able to get a bunch of strawberries as a gift from the owner after a couple of drinks and the waiters were pretty cute as well. An experience not to be missed!

    (5)

  • Julie T.

    So one night, my friend, my bf and I wandered around Chinatown and my friend mentioned this place to me and wanted to go check it out. We finally find the place and ring the doorbell. It seems like after ringing the doorbell, of this unmarked bar, made it feel kind of awkward when he came and answered the door. This guy who's wearing this suit (that looks super fancy though; almost like a circus ringleader) who also turns out to be the owner and says that there's a dress code for Hop Sing. So we came back a few days later in dress code (which was dress shoes for guys, no flip flops or t shirts, but I wore dressy flip flops and it was fine) and we had to wait about 10 minutes outside before we could enter. When we got inside, the owner led us into the first room before you could actually get inside the bar to warn us about no picture taking or making any phone calls , except usage except for text messaging and going online and that there was a 2 drink minimum (which are about $12-15 each depending on the drinks). I ordered the "east passyunk yacht club" and the "Ivan Drago", which were both fruity girly drinks... lol. The drinks on the menu have super cute names on them! The drinks I ordered came with a little extra was nice to get on top of the actual drink they served me, instead of throwing it away. I guess since the drinks are kind of expensive, might as well give me the extras that dont fit in the glass in a seperate tiny cup.. lol. Overall, the ambiance was really nice and the wait staff was very attentive with my water and came by our table every so often to refill our waters. Definitely a place I would go to again, to just hang out with friends once in a while since the drinks are kind of expensive.

    (5)

  • Katie C.

    Great spot for a drink and conversation. The drinks are a little pricey but I would definitely stop back again.

    (4)

  • michele v.

    So, there was that time that Lee wouldn't let my companion and I in because Lee thought he was already buzzed (which was not the case...awkward). But I still couldn't help but come back here. The cocktails are epic, and each one has a uniquely significant name and the freshest and rarest ingredients. (Fresh squeezed grape juice, anyone?) The waitstaff realllly knows their stuff and can recommend the perfect drink for your mood -- on the menu or off.

    (4)

  • Barrett L.

    Hop Sing, which falls into the same category as Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company and the Ranstead Room, is a posh speakeasy cleverly hidden among Chinatown's noodle shops and tea houses. The entrance is unmarked, but you'll know you've arrived when you find the line of well dressed hopeful patrons standing outside the door. When your turn comes up, Lee greets you and decides if you're worthy of coming in (there is a dress code, but as long as you avoid t-shirts, sandals, and shorts, you should be fine). As you wait in the vestibule before entering the main room, there's quick run down of the rules: no phone calls, no photographs ("but feel free to text and tweet away", he adds). This is not the kind of bar where you can "pop in and see how it is"; an evening at Hop Sing must be carefully planned, which isn't surprising as Lee runs Hop Sing like a tight ship, making sure every aspect of the bar (including the decor, drinks, servers, and you) is in its right place. After waiting for a "two-top" to open up, we are led to the bar where two stool await us. The inside of Hop Sing is beautiful. Warm red walls lined with books, portraits, and bottles upon bottles of craft spirits behind the bar. Gaslamps, tealights, and candelabras with real candles light the room. The drink menu is impressive, with a list of classic and signature cocktails. Don't come here expecting beer or simple cocktails; all of the featured drinks here include hard to find booze in unorthodox combinations. The first round I go for a Boston Healer: a whiskey and coffee based drink served over a tall glass of shaved ice with cream and mint. It tastes like the most wonderful alcoholic frappuccino I've ever had. The BF went with the Montana Payback: a cognac based drink infused with muddled lime, thai chili, and cream. Hands down, one of the most delicious things I've ever drank. Not only are the drinks here incredible, but the staff is equally impressive. Our bartender was such a sweetheart, effortlessly making conversation with us while mixing Hop Sing's complex concoctions. Because we were sitting so close to the bar, I did get splashed just a little bit on a few occasions, but not only did our bartender offer me a towel to wipe the booze from my sleeve, she gladly comped us a drink (her favorite, she added). And while this particular gin-based drink was "all-booze", it was one of the smoothest drinks I've had in a long time. You could barely taste the alcohol in there. We left Hop Sing that night smiling, with Lee so thrilled that we enjoyed it, and happy to make our way back when the occasion calls for it. A few other notes for logistics: -Hop Sing does not have a kitchen, but you're also in Chinatown... -Drinks are $10 each, and there's a two drink minimum -Cash only

    (5)

  • I M.

    Hard to find (it is a speakeasy after all) and there are numerous rules for dress code and cell phone use that the bouncer discloses before you enter -see other reviews for rules. The rules keep this place classy and without the riffraff found in other philly bars so no complaints here. I love sitting at the unique nickel bar to watch the bartenders make the drinks--there is an impressive amount of detail that goes into each drink. The bartenders are not overly chatty, but always seem happy to suggest options based on likes/dislikes. Drinks are pricey, and you definitely pay for quality over quantity. Definitely a must-try bar

    (5)

  • Allyson L.

    What can I say that hasn't been said? Except for, maybe, the fact that my boyfriend the New York snob proclaimed as we left, "That is the best drinking experience I've ever had," and coming from him, THAT is saying something. And the fact that they somehow made a Cynar Flip taste like the most complex and wonderful drink ever despite the fact that it only has two ingredients. And the impeccable, professional, knowledgeable yet friendly and kind service. When I asked our waitress if they had any exciting new drink inventions, her face lit up and she exclaimed, "Yes! We made a new one today and it's already my favorite!" It might not be my favorite too, but that's only because I brought three of my friends and between us, we ended up having 10 drinks, all of which were unique and delicious. So, go. Now. If you're going before their official open in July, bring a stalker. Don't wear sneakers, shorts, or sandals. Don't take photos. And get ready for some mind-blowing beverages. Oh, and eat beforehand. I learned my lesson after attending one of the early tastings on a completely empty stomach.

    (5)

  • Milo L.

    "Once you start taking the best liquors and adding freshly made ingredients, it opens up thousands of taste possibilities" -Lee This place is all about the cocktails. Sure, the room is beautiful, with its exposed brick, dim lighting, eclectic but not ostentatious art, and a crown moulding of vintage bookshelves. The only thing more top shelf than the books are the boozes, and they are only mixed with the freshest ingredients. By "freshest", I do not mean "squeezed recently". You will never see a container that holds juice, save for the original fruit and your cocktail glass. Everything is squeezed or muddled right before it is served. The results are extraordinary. I'm convinced that Lee is correct- there are thousands of possibilities. I trust him to discover some of the best. Who would mix 15 year old El Dorado rum and freshly squeezed grapes? Lee. That's who. Who would pair Patron with freshly squeezed OJ and muddled strawberries? Lee. That's who. Who would add tangerine juice to your Cold River vodka? Lee. That's who. You've never even had tangerine juice before. You never would have thought of it. Thank goodness Lee did- because you want it. Yes, the room is beautiful, and relaxes you before you even taste your first cocktail. The bar, covered in nickels, is flashy. The atmosphere is designed for your comfort and privacy. The musical selections run from Tom Waits to Dave Brubeck to Eddie Grant. But, make no mistake, it is all about the cocktails.

    (5)

  • Leah G.

    Cocktails and decor would get a 5, but attitude and style drop it to a three for me. It felt like pretentiousness for the sake of pretentiousness. Being informed of the dress code just because when we were in business attire, being required to sit in the waiting room instead of permitted to stand. They need to figure out how to make it look like they're not trying as hard.

    (3)

  • Anna P.

    So I've now been to Hop Sing 3 times, and I've waited to write this review because I wanted to see if I Ioved this place just because of the hype or because of the fact that they truly make amazing drinks and create quite a unique experience. And....it's definitely the latter! Hop Sing never fails to please! It's an experience from the start when you ring the doorbell of some elusive gate in the middle of bustling Chinatown and anxiously await to have someone open the door. When you enter this dimly lit bar you are transported back in time to what feels like a prohibitionesque era. I love the decor, music and of course the drink selection. Expect to wait a bit for your drink, but trust me it will be well worth it! And be brave and try something that you've never had before. My favs are: McCoy's Last Run (It's like an adult snocone with freshly pureed watermelon on top) Hotel Nacional Whiskey Smash (fresh lemon and mint) And several more that I can't remember the names of, but all very good and fresh. This place is CASH only ($12 per drink).

    (5)

  • Marie C.

    This place was only ok. The drink was good but the list of rules you have to follow before going inside were ridiculous. I like the coziness of this place but I doubt I will return.

    (3)

  • Charles B.

    COME ON ALREADY!!!!!!! whats up LEE? whats going on? Had a chance to check out the space a few months ago during Night Market, so this review is valid. Entrance room is odd and boxy, with a zillion pennies on the floor and old school shoe-shine chairs. Inside is a big room, exposed brick along one wall and a bunch of decorations and paintings throughout. It looks really cool in there so far and I love the super long bar (nickel bar was a cool touch, will look real nice when finished) Cant speak really to anything yet other than what i saw and the fact that its taking a million years to open. Very ambitious project and I wish this guy the best, but get it together and lets go. I am very anxious to see what this guy LEE has determined are the best five restaurants in Chinatown and what their best five dishes are. I guess all we can say is we shall see

    (5)

  • Anh T.

    I was totally mind blown by this bar. I heard about this bar from a friend and I thought he was joking about all of that. But when I got here, it was all true. The bar is completely a drug: mysterious, exciting and addicting. There is no sign of this bar and you have to ring the doorbell and waited for like 5-10 mins for people to come out. We were asked by the owner "How did you hear about it?". And then we walked in and wait to be seated. They have great decoration inside a bar and the atmosphere is very classy and upscale. I would say this is the best place for enjoying your drink and have a great conversation with friends, not a place to meet people. Their rules are no taking phone calls and no photography, and in my opinion, it's pretty strict. And their cocktail, don't even let me start about it. THEY ARE AMAZING. BEST cocktail I ever had so far. I had the scotch Blood and Sandy and the Boston Healer (bourbon) and they are both amazing. I would really wanna try all the cocktail in here. It taste awesome and so great. For all my good friends out there, come here and try. FYI, cash only.

    (5)

  • Salvatore R.

    I'm actually a bit intimidated to write a review of Hop Sing, since it is near and dear to my heart and I have loved this place since the first time I went in. It is situated in a rather unassuming part of Chinatown and, at first glance, it might seem that the nondescript metal-grated door doesn't lead anywhere special, but I wouldn't be fooled. Hop Sing not only offers the best cocktails in Philadelphia and at a reasonable price (for cocktails at least), but there is an element of theater that also makes for an memorable experience. Lee, the owner, is a true eccentric and is typically standing outside with one of the tuxedo-clad bouncers, appearing a bit aloof and stand-offish at first, but once inside -- that is, after you are sat down like a child and told the rules --, he makes all of his patrons feel welcome and the waiters are even more accommodating -- and also knowledgeable about all of the the cocktails. The lounge itself is candle-lit and bedecked in damask wallpaper. Most of the chairs and tables inside are antiques. The tables are all spaced out perfectly, so no one is ever shoulder-to-shoulder -- the ambiance is flawless, aristocratic even. Aside from the theatrical experience and the perfect ambiance, the cocktails are also the best that I have had in Philadelphia or in any other city. All of them are tasty, unique and usually leave me and all of the other gentlemen in my retinue feeling comfortable and funny. I'd not recommend going here alone, since the experience and the theatrical element is best enjoyed with company. But I'd also not recommend going with more than four people, since there isn't really room to accommodate so large a group. Hop Sing is a low-key lounge that is best enjoyed with only a handful of people. But I'm not going to spoil anymore of the experience. Hop Sing is hands down the best cocktail bar in Philadelphia and I recommend it to anyone with a soul. Cheers.

    (5)

  • Seungha L.

    If there was an option to do no-stars, that would have been my first choice. Now that I finally have some time to write a review about this place... I can add on to my previous one line review. So perhaps I'll start with my first experience: 1.) My first experience was probably during their grand opening, if I remember correctly. I worked as a general manager at another restaurant in Chinatown and being very familiar with all the local restaurants and bars along with the owners, I feel as though everyone wants to help contribute to the success of other neighborhood businesses. A lot of the customers I was dealing with were telling me to check out Hop Sing - they claimed that it's supposed to be "exclusive." They also let me in on little things I should know about in advance. Don't wear sneakers, you can't take pictures, you can't use your phone, etc. Already, I had a semi-negative impression. Really? No cellphone usage? Okay dude, I know exactly what you're trying to get at but really.. it's 2013, the top form of advertising and attracting customers is through social media. But whatever, that's the owner's discretion. Anyway, a friend and I decided to go and check it out, but they wouldn't let us in because my friend was wearing jeans. JEANS. Seriously? No offense, but you're a bar located in Chinatown. Again, CHINATOWN. You can go to a freaking 5 star restaurant with jeans on without getting declined, not that you would but still! Not to mention, if you were going to say no, then so be it, don't make people wait outside in the freaking cold for a solid thirty minutes. That is just terrible business. 2.) Being that the restaurant I worked at before was open late; the owner and his staff would come eat sometimes after their bar was closed. Everyone seemed pretty friendly besides the owner, he was just whatever. The security person would order take out semi-often, and he was quite friendly. He advised that I should check it out and I told him about my first experience, and he assured me that if I were to ever come it would be better. 3.) My second experience: My friend (a different person this time) and I decided to go to Hop-Sing. This time the owner came to the door, he was friendly this time. He said hold on; he has to check to see if there are any tables available. He comes back out and asks for our ID. I give him my ID and he reads my name. He then takes a look at me and then starts yelling at me and my friend saying "YOU GAVE ME ONE STAR! YOU WROTE A BAD REVIEW ABOUT ME RECENTLY ON YELP!" and starts freaking out. REALLY? We were speechless but found it pretty funny and how unprofessional his demeanor was and left to another bar. We told the bartenders what had just happened, and they definitely had a good kick out of the incident but not to mention, they even told us some funny yet crazy stories that they've experience with the owner at Hop Sing themselves. Just some words of advice: you as the business owner should cater to customers. If they wrote a bad review about your business doesn't mean that you snap on them about it. If they had a bad experience, and you proclaim that your business is not what you believe they say it is, then you want to make it a more positive experience for them, perhaps start by ASKING THEM why they wrote a bad review, or why their experience wasn't so great. I mean c'mon if their experience is bad before they even set foot inside, perhaps it is something that you are doing wrong or how you are running your business. After all, your business is still running and open due to the customers that pay $10.00 per drink in your "oh so exclusive bar."

    (1)

  • Jean G.

    Hop Sing is Sexy. Went here for a first date and I could not have gone anywhere better. The decor was beautiful and tasteful. Granted- my date was absolutely stunning with a wonderful personality- so that helped. :-) In terms of the perfect description- Hop Sing is sexy. First- you're taking a chance that you won't get in. That tension injects an emotional pang when you are actually allowed in. I wore a blazer, but, it's not mandatory. There were people in jeans but, they may have been regulars. It was nice to see good looking people dressed up. The bar was spacious and did not get crowded. The drinks were sexy. The atmosphere was sexy. Mood lighting,, friendly service, and the impeccable Mr. Lee- he was brilliant. If you don't get in- how mad can you really be? Just go somewhere else. No biggie. This is the perfect place to add upscale sexy into your night. Amazing. **Attention: husbands, boyfriends and other long term relationship guys.** If your lady owns more than 3 pairs of high heels- you owe it to her to take her here. Hop Sing is really impressive as a first date, but, even more impressive as a 50th date. They pay extraordinary attention to the small details which will make your night exceptional. It's easy for us guys to get comfy and forget about that extra bit of effort. Don't go here on a special night (anniversary, birthday, valentines day- cheesy). Make the night special by going here. Get dressed (blazer and jeans), let her dress as sexy as she dares and impress her by finding this awesome experience. The extra effort means everything. I'd suggest dancing afterward if you have the time, but, if not- this place will absolutely impress. You've got a great girl- show her a great time!!

    (5)

  • Ben C.

    Wow! I went to Hop Sing for the first time and I wish I could afford to be a regular customer. When we arrived we were sadly not greeted by Lee, but asked the questions and got the same treatment advised by the other yelpers. We went on a Thursday night around 6:15 so we share the place with about four other tables. ALMOST Everything said about this place is true. The rules, cost, quality of the drinks. Everything is amazing. If someone had a bad time it was their own fault. The ambiance was extraordinary. I could go on and on. Lee genuinely cares about the business he is running. He stops at every table even taking a moment to refill a water glass. This shows his dedication and sets a standard with his staff. Since we did not get greeted by Lee he stopped us on our way out to ask how we heard of his place and provide some general conversation. We talked about yelp and some of the poor reviews. We also talked about similar experiences in other cities as well as our plan to come back. What is my final say on Hop Sing??? I wish more establishments had the standard of Hop Sing. I will gladly get dressed up and go pay $10 a drink. It is well worth it!

    (5)

  • Jonathan P.

    Thank God! After months of waiting for my first Hop Sing experience, I finally was able to talk a couple of buddies into checking it out with me. Walked a couple blocks into Chinatown and saw Lee hanging outside his place with a bouncer and told us his place was full right now. Invited us in to the waiting room to relax and said he would have something for us in about 15 minutes, as this would also give him enough time to explain the rules of his bar. No cell phone calls (texting is fine) and no photographs inside. Lee is a boss, and treats his bar like it's HIS BAR, demanding respect from the patrons in a pleasant but stern manner. I really like this about Lee, he could easily put up a sign with these rules on it but he knows people will respect the rules if they hear it from the boss himself; also gives him a good chance to inspect the dress code on everyone with his own eyes. Onto the drinks.... I wish I could remember the name of every drink I tried but the ones that really stood out were the Preacher Bourbon and the Iowa Objection. Both were mixed perfectly, the bourbon being on the stronger side, but it had one of the best aftertastes with the fumes from the absinthe and amaretto slowly creeping around my palate making their way up through my nasal passage, I savored every flavor in every sip. The decor, background music, and waiters attentiveness and uniforms take this place to the next level. If you think the drinks are too expensive, Lee is too pretentious, or the cocktail list too extensive.... Perhaps you would enjoy jeans, a t-shirt, and a lukewarm commercial beer at one of the typical Irish bars of the city. If you want a memorable experience guided by a cocktail connoisseur and meticulous businessman, than sit back, relax, and let Lee introduce you to the best cocktails you'll ever have..... In this city or any other.

    (5)

  • Amanda C.

    My husband and I were visiting from out of town and he took me here as a surprise. Being a Chicago girl with a love of craft cocktails and speakeasies, this place really hit the spot. I didn't appreciate the pretentious wait outside in the cold, but hey, you do what you have to do for a good cocktail. I'm a girl who never orders the same thing twice and I had three "Nevermores" at this place : Gin, tequila, coffee and cream doesn't sound like a winning combination but the talent at Hop Sing makes it happen and I kept coming back for more. We had a great time until it was time to leave. We and another couple closed the place down. Respectfully, we finished our drinks quickly once the lights came on, used the restroom and headed toward the door. When we asked the bouncer whether there were cabs going by, he simply said "Yes" to usher us out the door, then once we exited, he told us we better call somebody. Gee, thanks. We then had to stand around outside freezing at 2:00 in the morning for about 15 minutes waiting for a cab to go by. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I believe that any truly quality establishment ensures a great night for its patrons from the beginning to the end, and part of that involves calling a cab for someone in need. Instead of lingering thoughts about how delicious and inventive those cocktails were, we left the night with a sour taste in our mouths.

    (3)

  • S. S.

    You want a drink go somewhere else. You want a true cocktail go here. Hop Sing I bow my head with honer. I am so sick of going to places where bartenders dont care what ingredients they use. Every drink I had was fresh and crisp. Hard to find NO sign but well worth it. Well done Lee.

    (5)

  • Matt M.

    Mysterious...No not so much. Lee is an exacting gentleman and proprietor who wants everything just so prior to his opening. He wants to make it more than a bar but rather an experience. My Angel and myself were invited Saturday night at 5:30 to be guinea pigs for Lee, Toby and Rob and the bartenders. We all understand the rules but lets go over the basics: 1) Yes the floor of the vestibule is covered in pennies, has a shoeshine stand and is covered in shelves of books (and Campbell's Soup Chicken Noodle) and is a fitting entry this unique establishment. 2) Each and every piece on the walls, lamp, chair, light, fire extinguisher and bottle ladder were either hand chosen or designed by Lee. Each piece does its level best to act as a conversation piece or heighten your experience. 3) The "well" alcohol in this place is top shelf in most anywhere else you have been. Period. I have been to the King Cole Bar at the St Regis NY, Franklin Mortgage, Arnaud's in NOLA, Off the Record and Passenger in DC and can tell you that the overall experience (Booze Quality, Atmosphere, Bartenders, Service, Decor, Music) even before this place has opened is in the tops of those. When he does open, this place will be raved about and it will be well deserved. 4) The rules are the rules. No pictures, no one under 23, no hats, no phones etc. All the things you hate about the bar you go to (the idiot 21 year old in the turned sideways baseball cap and the wifebeater screaming at his idiot friends about the hottie at the bar he's gonna...) are all gone here. Imagine an establishment with quality cocktails served in an adult atmosphere where you can have a conversation with someone special. Sounds great to me. Sign me up for membership now! Allison and Joan were fantastic. Both had their own je na sais qua that led myself and my exquisite companion to be at ease while enjoying what they were making. Angel is a Gin woman so she was treated to an Aviation, Corpse Reviver Number 2 and "Gin Drink #1". We are naming that last one Gin Angel but not sure Lee will agree. I went the spectrum and started with Blood and Sand (Scotch), Hemingway Daiquiri (Rum) and finished with Old Fashioned (Bourbon). Everything was perfect. Mr. Lee we wait patiently for your opening. Thanks again for having us. The bar is wonderful and the team is fantastic.

    (5)

  • Andrea V.

    If you are going to go to a speakeasy style bar, this is the one to choose. I ended up here on a whim after dinner in Chinatown. The interior of the bar is beautiful, the proprietor is quirky but great if you follow his few simple rules, and the drinks were delicious. I'm partial to gin and vodka and this menu had plenty of gin and vodka based cocktails to choose from. They aren't as concerned with using fancy spirits as they are with serving a delicious drink...which is not the case at some of the other cocktail-centric bars in the city. I very much appreciate the clean, crisp, flavorful-without-being-over-the-top drinks. The service is attentive (take one sip of water and someone materializes to refill your glass). If you can shelve your ego and immerse yourself in the experience rather than chafing at the "rules", Hop Sing is not to be missed. Stick to small groups (four or less), bring cash, and enjoy a brief liberation from your cell phone.

    (5)

  • Amar R.

    The whole mystique attached to the place is awesome...the drinks are not bad. This is a CASH ONLY place...and drinks are 12 bucks each.

    (4)

  • Amanda P.

    I liken my experience to a throwback to the prohibition era mixed with that sense of "Oh shit I hope I don't get in trouble" that you haven't felt since you were a child. Equal parts awesome and nerve-racking. The first time I went, my friend and I only had the vaguest sense of where it was located, though the huge bouncer standing at attention behind the dark metal gate was a bit of a tip off. We were asked two questions, "Was this our first time?" Yes. "Are you from Jersey?" No. Apparently those were the correct answers. Now keep in mind here that we were flying completely blind and had no idea what to expect. As soon as we were led to a tiny room and given the "rules", my friend and I were convinced we had accidentally stumbled upon some sort of mafia or prostitution house and not our intended destination. I seriously was giving my friend the "should we leave?" eye, but we decided to stick it out. Emerging from the dark interrogation room into the gorgeously candlelit bar itself was not unlike seeing Hogwarts or Jesus. The staff was very attentive and the owner doesn't mind whipping up an experimental cocktail if you're into that kind of thing. The atmosphere is a mix of sleek sophistication and shh! we're in a library. A must-go.

    (5)

  • Gregg M.

    As a first time visitor to the City of Brotherly Love, I knew very little about places to go for a well-made cocktail. After a bit of research, we made our way to Hop Sing Laundromat in Chinatown (of course). We arrived at the address around 9:30 on a Sunday night the week before St. Patty's Day. From the street, there was nothing visible to indicate that a bar, let alone an actual laundromat, could be found anywhere on that block. We rang the doorbell by a metal gate and were greeted in a somewhat brusque manner by the doorman. It was all a part of the show. After being told the rules of the house, we seated at a table in the large, spacious, high ceilinged lounge opposite from the bar that runs the length of the room backed by an expansive (and expensive) selection of spirits. But for one other party, we were the only customers in the bar. Since we had the place to ourselves, we received especially friendly and attentive service from the skilled bartenders. I started off with the Preacher Bourbon made with Elijah Craig 12, Lazzaroni Amaretto, Fernet Branca, and absinthe. From a taste perspective, it was all over the flavor map. Still, the diverse combination worked in a very boozy, surprisingly smooth way. For my second round, I ordered off menu and had my standard cocktail, a sazerac. I'm not sure of the brand of spirits used, but it tasted spot on like a good sazerac should. Frankly, people tend to either love or hate the whole speakeasy concept with its "secret entrance" and sometimes pretentious service and equally pretentious cocktails. I fall squarely in the former category especially if the payoff received is a well-made drink. Hop Sing Laundromat knows how to make a seriously good drink and it does it in beautiful space for drinking them. With Hop Sing and Franklin Mortgage, Philadelphia has been doubly blessed with cutting edge cocktail joints.

    (5)

  • David G.

    I don't think I've ever seen a cocktail lounge with so much mystery surrounding it. Every city has its share of speakeasy-type joints, but the Hop Sing Laundromat takes it to a whole 'nother level. This story begins on a bitterly cold and snowy Sunday night, when a friend and I wander over to Hop Sing with 7:30pm reservations on the books. We were hoping to be inside and seated quickly, but no. A big and burly bouncer was forcing everyone to wait their turn outside (with temperatures in the teens, mind you). Yikes. After ~30 min of waiting and icicles hanging from our faces, it was finally our turn to enter. Then things turned really weird. The manager (Lee) came to the door and said I couldn't enter because I wasn't wearing dress shoes. I'm not a fan of picking fights with door staff, so I told him "thanks, I'll go elsewhere then" and turned to leave. But, suddenly, he changed his mind and let us both in. I guess it pays to look helpless and desperate. We were led into a little anteroom where we were given a short lecture on the rules of the house: 1) Absolutely no photos. 2) Absolutely no phone calls. (Those were easy rules to live with, since I'm not inclined to engage in either of those in a dark, romantic bar anyway.) Finally -- we were able to be seated. And, I have to say, it was stunningly gorgeous in there. Loved the vintage decor. Loved the walls lined to the ceiling with bottles. Loved all the candles. Loved the counter made of a sea of nickels. However... I didn't love that it was mostly empty inside, meaning that the line to enter was a phony creation, attempting to make the bar seem more popular than it was. Of course, we were there for the cocktails, and they were all superb. Between the two of us, I was able to taste 6 different cocktails, and the complexity of flavors was outstanding. All sorts of exotic liqueurs and bitters were used, most of which I hadn't heard of. It's hard to pick out a single favorite, but the Vieux Carré wins by a nose. The whole time, the bartenders were very friendly and gracious. A *lot* nicer than the folks working the front door. Hop Sing is a unique experience, for sure. Too stuffy for my taste, but it was definitely worth checking off the proverbial bucket list.

    (4)

  • Erin B.

    Hop Sing Laundromat is everything and so much more. As a Chinatown resident I could not have been more pleased (and intrigued) after reading Philadelphia Magazine's write-up in the November 2011 issue. My fiancé grew up in Chinatown and literally knows every restaurant / restaurant owner from Arch to Vine from 9th to 11th streets. So when he hadn't heard of Hop Sing Laundromat and had no affiliation with the mysterious Mr. Lee, for the first time I had anxiety of being a Chinatown outsider. Would I be the cocktail lounge equivalent of the suburban imports who drive into Chinatown for a Saturday night dinner only to order General Tso's chicken or beef & broccoli, while the locals order dishes nowhere to be found on the menu?!? Or worse - would I not even make it past Hop Sing Laundromat's gated entrance??? Alas, on June 3rd we spotted Mr. Lee outside of his establishment on Race Street. We asked him a few questions, he asked us a few more and the conversation ended with my fiancé running to get more cash from the ATM b/c of the cash-only policy... And that is really all you need to know! Because once you get inside, Mr. Lee and his staff have perfected everything. The service = perfection. The drinks = perfection x10. (My personal favorite is the Eastside.) I've been back on 4 separate occasions and with the ever-expanding menu, I cannot imagine that I will ever get bored with HSL. Mr. Lee: Thanks for bringing such an uber-fabulous drinking establishment to my backyard!

    (5)

  • JP D.

    This place is absolutely unbelievable! Only 5 minutes in and you can't find another place like this anywhere! I'm thoroughly impressed with the atmosphere and extreme attention to detail. I have never been to a place with the amount of character this place has. One square foot in here has more character than 50 of the best dives in the country! I don't know how I have ever overlooked this place! It's a must experience at least 10 times place! After finishing the night in this remarkable place, I can say that it has some of the best crafted drinks out there. I've traveled to many places in and out of country, and considerer myself an avid alcohol enthusiasts, this beats Berlin, Madrid, Japan, Osaka, Sydney, and Bombay. Congrats Lee on a great place! you really have a Gem!

    (5)

  • Diem L.

    At first I thought I would not enjoy this place because I thought it would be too gimmicky. But, after listening to the owner's schpeal and heading in for our 2 drink each minimum we totally enjoyed it! My sister does not drink but after trying out the "Eastside," she had to have one of her own. We requested to have it easy on the gin but they said they could not do that - so we went ahead and ordered the drink as is for my non-drinking sister. She loved it... only it's a wee bit too much alcohol for the poor thing. Let's just say she paid her respects to the porcelain goddess not too long afterwards. The drink concoctions were divine and the presentation was so pretty. The "not taking pictures" rule was so TOUGH to follow. The only reason why I didn't risk it is, I definitely wanted to come back. We were in a bit of a rush for our dinner reservation so we didn't get to hang out. We will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Carrie R.

    The decor is beautiful, Lee is personable & friendly, and the drinks are a reasonable price. Personally, I like the dress code & the rules-- keeps it classy. If you have any doubts, just give it a try.

    (5)

  • Kelly S.

    My boyfriend and I visited the speakeasy before dinner in Chinatown one night and were convinced we were in the wrong place at first. You have to ring the doorbell at what looks like an abandoned spot next to the laundromat lit only by an overhead blue light. An employee steps outside to check your ID and attire (they have a no-sneaker dress code), then invites you in to the waiting room, where he explains the rules (no photos and no phone calls). After agreeing to the rules, we were escorted inside to a bar decorated with quirky ads and old-looking pictures. The main attraction is the enormous liquor cabinet behind the bar, which they use to produce amazing (but pricey: $12-15 each) cocktails. Definitely worth a visit for a drink or two on a special occasion.

    (5)

  • Charlie H.

    For a bar that has a website that preaches normality and attempts to rebound any type of 'hype', passing it off as press excitement, boy, does this place smell of blue stilton. Was I salivating like a rabid dog at the thought of this place opening? No. Was I interested in checking it out, getting a drink, and potentially expanding my bar list from 3 to 4? Yes. "Lee", or whatever your real name is, chill the heck out man. 1. Please do not have your bouncer ask us what we are looking for when we turn at an address YOU listed on the internet, and then try to claim he doesn't know what we are talking about. 2. Please do not make us recite the name of the bar to said bouncer as if this is some bar dictatorship (I'm actually surprised we weren't required to give a blood sample or at minimum, a song and a dance about how much we hope to love the place). 3. No more 'briefs'. This isn't flight school. A simple sign, 'no phones, no loud talking, etc' should suffice. If that's good enough for Soho house, arguably one of the best private clubs in the world with locations all around the world, its good enough for your 1 door, non-private new bar. 4. Strengthen your drinks. $10 is only bettering NY prices on cocktails if you use as much liquor. I've had a better high off a Tiramisu from Whole Foods. Yes, we 'got in' (can't believe i'm even writing that about an open to the public bar), but had to leave after 1 drink because the pretentiousness of Hop Sing was making my head hurt. We left, went to Dandelion and had a damn good night. I hope this place re-evaluates what it wants to become, because if one thing is certain in the 'Philly Scene', something better ALWAYS come along. When the novelty wears off, those that (somehow) did manage to have a good time might just be over it too.

    (1)

  • Rannica A.

    So, Lee would not let me back in last night because i gave him 4/5 stars on yelp. hm. i dont understand how u can dictate opinion on a review site but no, i will not change my review. Lee, i STILL like the ambiance and drinks, but i STILL feel like our bartender on my first visit was disengaging (i'm sorry if i read the previous yelp reviews before i came and expected socialized bartenders) and that i will not change sir . he told me that unless i changed my review he won't let me back in, and i'm fine with that. how about you handle criticism. yes, i'm being petty because i think it pretty ridiculous to be worked up over 1 star (which he kept saying he wanted from me). well, i'm still only giving u 4 stars u asshole. p.s he also told me if i changed it and came back to ring the doorbell, the first drink would be on him since it was my bday. no thank you.

    (4)

  • Kelly R.

    Great place to catch up with friends and sip a few cocktails. Everything on the menu is fabulous. The Thai cocktail was incredibly spicy, which I loved and the waiter made sure we understood that in advance. Even odd combinations work well at Hop Sing and I was happy to try a few bourbon-and-cream combinations. Getting in is a bit of ceremony, but it's an easy dress code. My friend chatted up the bouncer while she waited for means he let us in as soon as I arrived. We waited about five minutes in the anteroom, which is decorated impeccably with wooden benches and great wall art. Also, the bathrooms are cool. No food at all on the menu, but that's part of the place's charm. Have a few drinks, pretend to be part of the elite world of another era and enjoy the splurge. It's worth every second.

    (5)

  • Kerry B.

    Ok I don't go five often, but here's why. It's fun, it's a little silly, and you feel like you just got away with something. I found Lee to be Hi-larious kinda made me think of Mr. chow from the hangover.... Like made me think he was actually Mr. chow. The rules are actually pretty easy to follow and staright forward, however I was scared to even take out my phone to text or tell the world on facebook I made it past the door! The drinks are a separate story. I had two, I forget one, something with tequila. It was strong, and not particularly tasty. So I settled for possibly the best screwdriver I ever had for the second. The ambiance is great, I'm remiss that I didn't sit at the bar, but they only had tables when we showed up, so next time ill get to see the nickels!

    (5)

  • Bob T.

    I can't believe people stand for this place, its a joke. haha I can't believe how rude they are here for no reason at all. its an f'in bar not a high level security clearance operation. don't think I have ever rated a place a one, but this place fully earns it. overpriced, completely rude, entrance process a joke, and they turn paying customers away based on perception of how nice their clothes are. I get this place wants to be this trendy cool exclusive bar, but don't be an ass about it...

    (1)

  • Polly E.

    Pros: Great drinks. Great atmosphere. Great decor. Cool idea in general. Great location/secluded location Pretty good servers. Cons: One server was a bit of a crank pants. When we rang the bell and gave the bouncer our ID's he walked away, back inside the locked door with them. Let's just say that made me a bit uneasy, even though it was obviously a real ID. Maybe it's just me but the walking off with my ID made me nervous and was not the best first impression.

    (4)

  • MJ L.

    Can't miss it... if you can find it. Look for the doorway on race street with a metal gate and a barely there doorbell. There isn't a sign because Hop Sing's is a destination, not just someplace you stumble into. Leave your sneakers and tee shirts at home, your cell phone in your pocket (preferably on silent), and come in for some of the finest mixed drink in Philly (dare I say on the east coast?).

    (5)

  • David B.

    I have had many wonderful cocktails in many wonderful bars and Hop Sing has, without a doubt, the best balanced drinks I've ever tasted. Their drinks are tastifully complex without a ridiculously long list of ingredients to make them so. Their drinks are like a great perfume, intoxicating!

    (5)

  • Liz R.

    "Answer me these questions three...." By now everyone knows that there is a ritual at the beginning of the experience that is the Hop Sing Laundromat. At the unmarked gate on Race street, you will find yourself immersed in a situation that may remind you of "Casablanca" and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". What are you looking for? The Hop Sing Laundromat "Lee" - no Mr. - channels a bit of Bogart's "Nick," the paternal gangster and well-dressed owner, who runs his place, his way. Make no mistake this is Lee's place and you are his guests, IF he'll have you. If he does, then Lee is your host and servant, who is committed to taking care of you and ensuring you enjoy your visit. His parlour has a limited number of seats and that's the number of butts he will let through the door. In addition to the seats at bar, there are tables for 2 and 4 (maybe one for 6?) with no furniture moving. Do not even ask. Why are you here? A celebration (for us, a diminutive black-knight had been vanquished earlier in the day - but that's another story) It all boils down to being able to spend some time with your friends, and wouldn't you prefer to do that in an atmosphere that is relaxed where you don't have to: shout above the din so you can have a conversation or worry about getting too up close and personal with a frenzied hoard? Who wants to be forced to interact with /endure people with whom you didn't arrive and wouldn't be caught dead with upon leaving? If you do, this is not your bar. This bar is for grown-ups. Lee, as a concerned and protective host has thought about your comfort and masterfully laid out the room. There is space to relax, get comfortable, talk and be heard, but not overheard. His rules about phones and pictures are there to protect his guests, and we were all appreciative - after we passed inspection and could loosen up in a safe environment with our first heavenly libation. Although we did find ourselves feeling an unsettling combination of relaxed comfort and fear... that any moment we'd wind up outside on the Chinatown pavement if we'd disappointed our host, but that only added to the overall experience. How did you hear about us? A friend, whom I trust, recommended it. The cynical me knows this is how Lee tests his marketing campaign. But the romantic me, wants to play along with the scene Lee has written, engaging in friendly banter. Don't be a kiss-ass, just be human. Lee, thank you for your most-gracious hospitality. Five stars

    (5)

  • Lan G.

    I am so in love with this place. If I could, I would come here every weekend for those made to perfect cocktails. Everything you heard about the rules is true but people work here were really nice. Maybe it's because we got there when they opened the door that night. We didn't need to wait long to get escorted to the waiting room. The interior reminds me of those fancy haunted house in disneyworld. I tried out the Memphis Mystery Train. It's a fairly strong but tasty drink. I cannot wait to go back there to try out other delicious drinks. I would think it would make a perfect date spot after a cheap meal in Chinatown.

    (5)

  • Erik B.

    ATTEMPT #2! (12/12/13): I had just come from an exclusive film screening of an upcoming movie guaranteed to be nominated for a few awards and decided to try my luck once more at the Hop Sing Laundromat! I arrived shortly after 9:45pm (Sans elf ears this time, [sans being a French word meaning without]). I pretended to speak loudly on my phone regarding my thoughts on the film so they knew I had been at an exclusive screening. When the person came out to let the couple in front of me in I "hung up" and proceeded to talk to the people in line and anyone who came past and made eye contact. Shortly after the man in the glasses came from my last attempt came out once more: "Just one?" he asked again. "Still just the one," I said, handing him the ID for my one and only identity. After a few more moments of discussion with my fellow 'LINERS' (my word for them, though Hop Sing is certainly allowed to borrow it if they wish!) my doorman friend emerged once more and handed me my ID and let me know I would not be allowed in and politely asked me to leave once more. "Did you have some work done on your ears by the way?" he asked, sending me a wink before taking the ID's for the people behind me. A HINT FROM MY NEW FRIEND! Next Thursday I try once more, AVEC elf ears (avec is a French word meaning with). UNTIL THEN YELPERS AND LINERS!

    (5)

  • Mario D.

    Last night was our first time at Hop Sing Laundromat. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed with the strict code of conduct (it's great not to have people taking pictures and being loud drunks) and the decor. Our drinks were fantastic, the staff was knowledgeable and the prices were quite reasonable (for the quality of the drink). We'll be back!

    (5)

  • Tina N.

    Full Disclosure, before I came here I was all "I don't care if I get in, whatever..." but in reality, it's like how you want the cool kids to like you even if they're mean. However, no one was mean in this clique. Quite the opposite. I thought the service was great, and Lee himself was explaining drinks and ingredients to us. Our bartender worked some magic and poured it into a cup. I told him I didn't like gin....so he made me a gin drink that proved me wrong. When he asked if I would drink something with egg whites in it, I said yes. But at that point, if he gave me a drink with a chicken in it, I would have gladly accepted it. On top of the fantastic drinks we ordered, we were fortunate enough to be Lee's guinea pigs while he experimented with new mixes. His new mix included white whiskey, an ingredient that is one level from illegal moonshine.(jealous?) Me: That tastes like the Lemon Head candy Lee: That's pure alcohol, there's no sugar in it Me: Wow....I like the Lemon Head candy taste Ok, so maybe my wit is inversely proportionate to the level of alcohol. The theme of this bar is in the details, from what's in your glass to the floor you're walking on. Keep your eyes open, but try to do so before the drinks start flowing.

    (5)

  • Kimberly H.

    Super sexy speakeasy. The drinks were delicious and creative and the crowd was classy and diverse. Loved the decor and overall vibe. If you can dress like an adult and wait a couple minutes, your chances of getting in are probably pretty good.

    (5)

  • Scott B.

    This place is trying way too hard to be an exclusive "hip" spot. How people are raving and giving it 5 stars is a mystery to me... unless they somehow fell for the illusion that they were "special" enough to be let in to this exclusive establishment. I went with two attractive women, and upon arrival we rang the buzzer at the unmarked and un-numbered door and were greeted by a man we later learned was the owner. He looked us up and down as we asked, "Is this the Laundromat?" "No, there's a laundromat down the street." "We mean the bar Laundromat." "There's a bar down the street." "But we're looking for the speakeasy." A look of annoyance, then "Well what's the name?" "Hop Sing Laundromat." Finally we are acknowledged and told that yes this is the place (no numbers or signs because it is oh-so hip to do it that way). Once more we're looked over, this time staring at our feet. I'm told that my shoes are not acceptable (apparently no athletic shoes regardless of the rest of your attire). I mention we had walked miles that day & leather shoes weren't an option. "Go around the corner to the Chinese thrift shop and buy some canvas shoes, those are ok." So my $90 lace-up shoes are not acceptable but a $6 pair of kung-fu slippers are? Seriously? But my friends want to go in so I grudgingly comply and buy a pair. We come back with my ridiculous new footwear ring the bell, are now greeted by a doorman who doesn't even look at our eyes, but rather stares at our shoes as he steps out, and are finally shown in (and yes, we had to sit through the same rehearsed schpiel about 'you'll be disappointed and we have a tiny selection, oh wait, I have that backwards...' that everyone else wrote about.) As we're seated at the bar, I notice that it is so dark I can't make out anyone's feet, much less their shoes. Yes, the shoe rule is fucking retarded. So we sit at the bar, which the owner has said may have the largest selection of liquors in the world (and it really is an impressively huge bar with massive variety) and are handed a 2-sided drink list with 2 or 3 drinks per alcohol type on each side. Interesting choices, but I just ask for a vodka gimlet and am told sorry, we can only order from the menu. The incredibly limited menu. The owner just bragged about his huge selection, then we got to stare at it and not be able to order from it. Again, fucking retarded. Hell, calling that retarded is an insult to retarded people. The good parts: The bartenders were courteous, the drinks we wound up ordering were very well made and the price was reasonable at $10, and the decor was interesting. The bad: The level of pretension surrounding the whole thing was a turn-off. It really just felt like the kid who got picked on in school finally got to open his own secret club with his own secret rules... I'll show them! We just wanted a drink in a chill environment, not some elaborate footwear ordeal and Disney tour guide speech just to get to the bar, especially when the place only had 8 other people in it when we arrived.

    (2)

  • Nicole W.

    Ladies and gents- unfortunately I was not one of the lucky ones to make it into this swanky and mysterious joint. I mean really, when a place has a 5 star rating and many of my favorite yelp elite are tantalizing me with tidbits of their amazing experience, a girl has to do what she has to do to try to get in. Maybe I didn't try hard enough...? Well folks, in trying to celebrate my birthday I threw on my most expensive heels and a cute outfit and dragged my friends out for what I hoped was an experience to remember. And boy was it, unfortunately not exactly the experience I was hoping it to be. I came with expectations that there would be a wait, but (possibly naively?) that I would get in. Heck, if I've had to wait 45 mins to get into Franklin Mortgage, waiting even an hour or more wouldn't be a big deal for me. When I got to the door I was a bit confused as to whether to ring the bell or just wait to see if someone would come out. Luckily, as we were waiting for the third person in our party to join us, I figured I'd wait to see what to do when she arrived. However, the bouncer greeted us before she arrived. He asked if he could help us. I explained that we were waiting for a friend, but hoped to be able to get in. He informed us that it would be a 25-30 minute wait because they were at capacity. My friend asked why such a long wait when some people had just left. I didn't have an issue with waiting so I calmly told her that 25-30 minutes wasn't a problem and the bouncer informed us that he would remember my hair (which was in a huge afro) when we came back. I basically assumed that mean we wouldn't have an issue getting in. Now, having read various reviews and articles about this place, I understood overall that this was seating only and there was a membership policy. I had no problem waiting my turn to try to get in. Now, my friends were not impressed because other people (who I mentally assumed were members) immediately got entrance while we had to wait. We got a drink at a bar nearby and decided to wait it out. No biggie. However, when we returned after waiting a few minutes outside with a no-show from the bouncer we rang the bell. Maybe this was the wrong thing to do, still not sure. However, the bouncer came back out and informed us that unfortunately they were still at capacity and to come back another 25-30 minutes. A bit disappointing, but no biggie. However, Mr. Lee came out at that exact moment himself and calmly and nicely gave us the rundown about this place. He explained the membership policy and made it clear that it would be impossible to get in tonight. I understood, it was 10 when we had gotten there and though I had hoped against hope that this would work out, this outing was a dud. Mr. Lee was really nice and I really appreciated that, which is why I gave it 2 stars. He informed us that because of the membership policy, if non-members wanted to get in, you had to come at 5 or 6. So a word to the wise, come early so you don't end up like me. He also said he would remember us next time we came, which would be nice but understandable if he doesn't. I appreciated the gesture of him coming out and giving us his time. I will definitely try again another time- early. I really hope to have the amazing experience everyone else had when I try to go again. Maybe the second time will be the charm.

    (2)

  • Kelly G.

    I'm not a prolific Yelper. While it always usually steers me right with recommendations, I haven't gotten with the program to pay it forward with reviews. So, the fact that Hop Sing inspired me to begin to correct this is significant. The boyfriend and I have been here twice so far and I'm in love with this place. First off, I appreciate the rules. It's not hard to dress like an adult and take a break from Instagram. The dress code is actually pretty lenient in my opinion. With the exception of trying to Shazam one of the songs on what sounded like a meticulously curated playlist (I wish I could raid their music library), I found that the atmosphere left me with no desire to distract myself with electronics. I also appreciate that no one gets in if there's not a seat available for them (even if that means I have to wait for a coveted spot to open). This adds to the intimate ambiance and the distinct lack of all-out headache-inducing noise that you find at many bars. The cocktails are impeccable; I'm a fresh-squeezed juice convert. If you go here, plan to take your time. The first time we went, we were rushing to make a dinner reservation and didn't have as much time as we would have liked to savor our drinks. This place has totally challenged my notion of what I enjoy in a cocktail. I'm not a whiskey drinker (or wasn't, at least). But after stealing a couple sips of my boyfriend's Ward 8 (with house made grenadine - yum!) on our last visit, I'm completely won over and sad that I didn't steal the whole thing from him. The Bramble is also a winner. I have yet to have a drink here that I didn't enjoy and I have a feeling I am going to slowly make my way through the whole menu. Considering the high quality liquor that goes into these concoctions, $10 a cocktail is a total steal. The space itself is gorgeous. From the beautiful wood ceiling to the custom iron work and candelabras and art everywhere, you can tell that this place was designed with painstaking attention to detail. Also, I love the soundtrack and the music selections perfectly complement the feel of the space. This is obviously a labor of love for Lee, the owner, who we observed flitting around the space, adjusting tables and lighting so that everything was just so. He also made sure to check in on us and even took our orders when he noticed that his servers were getting busy. Lee is an artist and the Hop Sing is his multi-dimensional canvas. I can't wait for my next visit.

    (5)

  • Meredith L.

    Hop Sing Laundromat is everything you could hope for in a cocktail bar. The interior design is awesome, and the service is impeccable. However, the best part was, of course, the drinks themselves. My boyfriend and I pretty much tried something from every spirit category off of their specialty menu. Though not for the faint of heart, every drink was well balanced and completely original. Even once we wandered off menu into the realm of more classic cocktails, they were all perfectly executed. I highly recommend Hop Sing for any cocktail lover! I would only suggest that you be adventurous and try one of the specialties, you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Mitch E.

    Sometimes a speakeasy doesn't require some crazy and elaborate plan to get in. Sometimes you just need to show up early enough. Came through around happy hour on a Friday and the place was practically dead. And I enjoyed that. Rang the doorbell and didn't wait long at all. No short Asian man in a nice suit, who messed with us. Rather a large man who seemed all business. We were escorted into a private room and given the instructions. Parked ourselves by bar and our experience began. First off, the place is huge. Much bigger than I expected and what I've come to expect from speakeasies. Despite it being so large it was still dark and intimate. Everything is gorgeous, one of the best looking speakeasies I've been to, and I've been to a lot. I tried three drinks. There were some innovative ones on the menu, but for the most part they were mostly classics. The one I enjoyed the most was their Blood and Sand. It wasn't fantastic, solid enough though. Then came their big test, their Manhattan, my drink of choice. I have to say I was underwhelmed. It was average at best. I kept reading reviews saying Hop Sing was inexpensive compared to other speakeasies. I have no idea where these other people purchase their cocktails, or if the place just raised their prices. A $15 Manhattan is only inexpensive in one location, Manhattan. The least inexpensive cocktails were going for $12. That's pretty basic, and I live in New York. In the end, Hop Sing is a great looking date spot. With beautiful decor, an intimate setting, and alright drinks. However, if you're with a buddy, you can do better. When I entered I was wondering why this place was so empty during a Friday evening while the close by downtown spots were so packed. Now I know.

    (4)

  • Julie W.

    If you could forego any expectations of Hop Sing being the perfect speakeasy (read:refrain from drawing comparisons to Franklin Mortgage and the like) before entering the metal gates and instead welcome the unique experience that this place will surely offer, I think you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised. It begins when you ring the doorbell, after which a gentleman will lead you inside to the "waiting room." Here you will get your first glimpse of what's inside, marvel at the classy decor and familiarize yourself with rules on the wall. While some may point to its rules as unnecessarily pretentious, I appreciated the no picture, no call rule as it encourages making non-virtual connections in our digital age. The atmosphere was intimate, room dimly lit and definitely reminiscent of the Prohibition-era. We were seated by the bar with nickel counter and iron works, which was enjoyably more casual. The menu features a perfect mix of popular liquors. The drinks themselves are strong, creative, some classics with a twist. We visited during the winter and they made us feel all nice and cozy inside hehe. I'm a gin person and really enjoyed our bartender's recommendation. Friend ordered a rum drink - also quite nice. I suggest venturing out of your go-to's but not as far as trying something you know you won't like. Overall this is a lovely place for a date but also a really nice escape for conversations with good company and drinks amidst the chaos of Chinatown. Service was impeccable and our waiter was quite knowledgeable of all drink recommendations. You'll for sure be carded at the door, so enjoy the 21+ space and please don't bring minors. Only downside was it being cash-only - the drinks are on the pricey side and for someone who doesn't regularly carries cash it was just one more thing to worry about.

    (5)

  • Lynsey H.

    Amazing place. My husband didn't tell me where we were going for drinks, so I was shocked and surprised by what we found! We sat at the bar which I think really made the experience as we were able to chat with the barman about the different cocktails. The staff were very knowledgeable about the drinks and ingredients. I had 2 gin based cocktails and they were amazing! The cucumber gin cocktail was one of the best I've ever drank. It was so light and refreshing. I really liked the dark intimate atmosphere, you felt privileged to be in on the secret. I have been to speakeasy's before, but it felt different. There is no photography allowed & it is cash only. Our bill was $60 before the tip, so it is quite pricey if you are going to a few places on an evening out.

    (5)

  • Marcus R.

    A man dressed as a butler turned us away in the rain bc I was wearing sneakers. Woefully self important and behind the curve.

    (1)

  • Joe G.

    This is not a bar - this is an Experience that MUST be had by visitors and local Philadelphians alike! If you're in the mood for feeling classy and trying something different, you found the right place! There is NO sign - so stop looking for it. There are NO markings whatsoever. If you successfully locate the iron door (check the pictures on yelp) ring the doorbell. You will be greeted by a well-dressed gentlemen who will ask for your ID's. He will disappear back inside and you will reasonably think your identity has just been stolen. After a short time, he will return and escort you inside to a waiting room to review the rules - yes, rules - of the bar. (No Photos, No using your cell phone at all) After agreeing to these terms, we were led to our table and immediately greeted by our server. The dimly-lit, low-noise bar really puts you back in the prohibition-era when drinking was illegal. I've never seen any bar embrace the "speakeasy" concept so well - and so effectively. There is no shortage of liquor or drink options. In fact, if anything there were so many options is was almost disorienting. I believe we had the choice of about 30 cocktails. I had three and they were all spectacular. The only bad choice was made by my friend who ordered a drink that was the spiciest thing known to man. Sorry can't remember the name - or maybe I don't want to? Be forewarned that this is not a $5 drink location. You will spend about $15/drink, but it is completely worth the total experience. I will end this review with a plea - tell your friends, go to this bar. By nature it is secretive, so they can't exactly put up a billboard. So support this awesome establishment as much as possible!!

    (5)

  • Istria L.

    Saigon Flip. Bartender Nick made everything magical. Best speakseasy iv been to. Definitely comparable to Employees Only, Pegu Club and The Violet Hour

    (5)

  • Mandy H.

    Maybe I'm a brat, but I don't like to wait around outside for 20-30 minutes to get into a bar. I'm just too impatient. That being said, I will admit it, the drinks here are pretty great. The décor is also cool, once you're able to get inside. However, I don't think this is the kind of place that I will come back to again, unless I have someone from out of town to impress. Its a cool bar to take friends as more of an experiment, than to be a regular at. In regards to the drinks, the hemingway was right up my alley and I tried my husband's old fashioned which was smooth and delicious. Don't forget cash because they don't take cards!

    (3)

  • Arcadian B.

    You wonder why there are sooooo few pictures of this place except the front door, reason being this place won't allow you to take pictures inside BEWARE this place has sooooooooooo many rules, no white sneakers, no shoes with logos, no taking pictures inside and so on....you wouldn't notice this place unless there was a group of ppl waiting infront of it and you will be like wth are these ppl waiting for....there will be a guy that opens the door and screen everyone before entering...the wait wasn't too bad but my frd wasn't able to get in first, luckily he had an extra pair of shoes in his car ALSO if u r canadian bring ur passport to this place because apparently he initially didnt let us one but he gave an exception to us cause I told him I was a yelp reviewer lol jking I really like this atmosphere of this place, it's very dark inside, reminds me of terror of tower at disney, they had a huge bar and weird photos everywhere They had pretty interesting drinks like some with egg yolk in it and btw they are strong assssss drinks Great place to hang out with Frds for the nite and then grab some chinese food right after

    (5)

  • Ashleigh S.

    As you can probably guess from other reviews, there are rules, there is no sign out front, and you are not allowed to use/be on your phone while inside. All of this contributes to the authentic speakeasy theme of the place. The bartenders all have white shirts, black vests, and black arm bands. The posters on the wall boast well-known characters like Charlie Chaplin. This is a cash-only bar because credit cards did not exist in the past. It truly is a fun experience to dive back in time. I'm a big fan of the nickel bar and the iron work separating the bar from the seating area. The drinks went down smoothly. $12-$16 for most. No bottom shelf liquor here. Even the way each drink is served is in keeping with the feel of the bar. I appreciate the attention to detail. There is no food available, but each patron is instantly given a frosted glass filled with water. Again, go for the experience--you will definitely have a good time.

    (4)

  • Imran N.

    For what Hop Sing is trying to do - it's not worth it. Please.... what a joke.

    (2)

  • David J.

    Ten min wait while they " check your ID" while you wait outside. Then you sit down in the waiting area while your friends already have a table inside. Of course when you finally make it inside, there are about ten people and twenty empty tables. Cocktails cost $14 each. Cash only. No pictures allowed. Please...

    (2)

  • S W.

    Me and my bff Maryjane had been trying to find this place for, like, forever. Finally we saw a pic of the big iron door, here on Yelp, and figured out that you gotta stand in line to get in. We had sushi at Sakura across the street---their food is always reliably good. Our bellies full of yummy raw fish, we headed over to the big iron door--there was already a line starting to form at 9:30. It wasn't that long of a line, however. We weren't sure what the procedure for getting in was, so we just stood and waited. A couple of really cute guys in front of us started chatting us up. Then the doorman came out--if you gave him a few purple and green dreadlocks, he'd look just like George Clinton! He asked if we'd been there before (we said no), and asked how many were in our party. At first we said "two", but when he came back out again a little later, the 2 cute guys said "4, you 2 are sitting with us." Me and my gf were TOTALLY FINE with this! lol The next time the doorman popped out, he told us to give our IDs to one of the members of our party, so we handed them to one of the guys. We joked about how he could now run off with our drivers licenses and sell them to identity thieves, since we only just met him, but of course..it was fine. He didn't do that at all. The doorman then took our IDs and went back inside. I guess he was making copies of them? Who knows..anyway, he came out again and finally led us up the steps, into a waiting room. There was a sign over the door that leads to the bar, that laid out all the rules, but the doorman went over them with us anyway. They have a dress code, and they do not allow cell photos. You can text or browse the web, but you can't take photos. We were ok with that. In fact, it was refreshing to go to a place where people aren't GLUED to their freakin' PHONES..this is a personal pet peeve of mine, having dated a guy who was always staring at his screen. The doorman then leads you into the bar. It is BEAUTIFUL! So classy. And the waiters are impeccably dressed. We had a table for 4. It was one of the funnest nights of my life--I had to say. The environment and company was simply amazing. The waiters were super friendly. They explained all the unique drinks on the menu and made recommendations, and were very sociable. Oh and the owner also checked in on us, and he was adorable. I've never seen these drink concoctions before, but they were all so intriguing, it was hard to decide what to order. I picked the "el Diablo", because it was made with ginger beer, and I love ginger beer. One of the guys got a drink with egg white in it--he was feeling adventurous. But I think he was a little wary of it. Turns out, it was yummy..as were ALL the drinks we had. We all were having such a good time that we ended up moving our little party elsewhere..but, I can't tell you what happened after that, since this is a family website :) Let's just say, Hop Sing facilitated a truly magical night that I'll never forget. I will definitely come back to this place. It's a great place to bring someone whom you really want to impress.

    (5)

  • Marianne S.

    Went here last Saturday night for drinks. When we got there there were two parties of two ahead of us. The wait was maybe 10 minutes. They took our ID's and within a few minutes took us into the front room to go over the rules (cash only, no cell phone video or pictures). The inside was dimly lit and very romantic. I had two drinks - the Ivan Drago which was good and the Bramble which was delicious! I would definitely go here again, I think it was the perfect place to start the night.

    (5)

  • Sophack S.

    Saw this place on one of the Thrillist lists and it so happened that my buddy and I were in the vicinity. After an amazing dinner, we wanted to grab a night cap, so we decided to hit this place up. Several things to note: - Clean, well made cocktails - Laundry List of Cocktails - Ambiance is on point - No photography - Cash only Definitely if you are in the area then go here. You put up with the rules and enjoy the well made drinks. Upon entering the place the doorman will explain the rules in the entrance and will lead you to the bar. Bartenders are a bit stoic and not conversational in the slightest, but I am assuming that is part of the ambiance. The bar itself is really cool with a nickel laced bar top that stretches to each end. Beyond that, the place is dimly lit with walls lined with differing portraits. The night we went there were not many people here and that was fine by us as we enjoyed our cocktails. Both of us had whiskey based drinks, but as I am writing this several weeks out from the experience, I sadly cannot remember the names of said drinks. But whichever route you go, I do not think you will be disappointed. Overall a cool place to lounge around with good people and good drinks.

    (4)

  • Jonathan B.

    If you're reading this review, then do yourself a favor and head to Philadelphia's two legitimate speakeasies, Franklin Mortgage and The Ranstead Room. Hop Sing Laundromat fails in its attempt to be Philly's third speakeasy. If you care about nothing beyond the quality of your drink, then Hop Sing is simply a bad cocktail establishment. The menu masks unimaginative, overpriced cocktails behind pretentious names like Esta Tierra es Tuya. If you don't mind disappointing drinks, then expect to be put off by the experience that Hop Sing peddles. Before being "allowed" to enter Hop Sing's "exclusive" establishment, you will need to suffer through the bouncer criticizing and belittling you and your friends. Finally, the bouncer will reluctantly do you the favor of allowing you to sit in an empty bar and spend $20 on cocktails that are on par with The Cheesecake Factory. Simply put, there is no reason to checkout Hop Sing. Look elsewhere - you can do much better in Philly.

    (1)

  • Ted M.

    Wonderful libations! I stopped by here for the first time this evening. The drinks here were amazing. I had 3 different ones and carried on some nice conversations with the bartenders. I don't remember the names of the cocktails, but they were of an unsurpassed quality. I arrived shortly after they opened and was the only one there at the time. As the other reviewers state, follow the house rules.. They are posted above the door to the bar and a bit difficult to read in the dimly lit room, but the person who lets you in will go over them.. No photography or mobile phone use, but if you really need to make a call, you can go into the waiting area. I plan to go back again at a time when more people are there. Don't go late in the evening if you want to be guaranteed admittance. Again, the room is dimly-lit, so bring some illumination if you have difficulty reading menus in the dark.. I plan to return again soon. I am a frequent visitor to Philly Chinatown so, this place no doubt will be come a regular spot for me.

    (4)

  • David A.

    I've had Hop Sing Laundromat bookmarked on Yelp for at least a year after a friend mentioned it and after reading about it on a list of interesting Philadelphia drinking and eating establishments. It sounded like it might make be interesting alternative to the usual bar scene. What I thought would be a bit gritty and edgy replica of an actual speakeasy (or at least what I imagined a speakeasy was) it turned out to feel less authentic and much more theater and facade. It is not that it isn't a *nice* place - it is - but it struck me and my friend as just another manufactured experience what with the wait outside as the doorkeeper takes your license, sitting inside the door and being instructed on the rules, the ambiance of the main room and very controlled and manufactured tone of the staff. I didn't dislike it, but it just wasn't a place that developed organically into what it was and lives up to the mystique and sense of the offbeat it aspires to. It feels like yet another venture that grew out of a business plan and was carefully and deliberately executed. I think that I'll put it on my mental list as a tourist destination and leave it at that.

    (3)

  • Joseph A.

    The ambience is phenomenal. I was just taken aback by his personal collection! We were playing "spot the drink", it was fun The cocktails were fabulous and Ive never had a better drink with ginger in it... El Diablo! Great one with a tequila base

    (5)

  • Kay B.

    This bar is what a bar should be. It isn't crowded. There isn't a bozo who keeps elbowing you. His girlfriend didn't spill her sugar vodka on your shoe. Instead, it's a clandestine destination that only the savvy would catch. The guts are moody and idiosyncratic. The walls are red, and there's books lining the walls like crown molding. It is candle lit, even the bathrooms. There's vintage and custom touches all over. The bar is lined with nickels, and the floor in the lobby, pennies. The atmosphere is quaint. Come in, settle in, order a drink and hear the conversation. The bartenders are knowledgeable, patient and willing to show each ingredient, and explain each drink. They take pride in every concoction. This bar creates artful drinks. My party of two had a series of drinks. The three we remember are fuggetaboutit, hotel nacional, bramble. The first was intended to taste like a grapefruit and was a mixture of alcohol and liquers. The second was my favorite. Not sweet, not of these were, but as close to sweet as it gets for someone who doesn't like boozy. The last was made with blackberry and was reminiscent of a snow cone in appearance, but mellow and clean in taste. OK, now, the bottom line. Come with a full wallet of USD. Each drink is an average of $15. No sneakers. No pictures once you're in. No cell phone conversations at the bar, only the lobby. Once you spot the nondescript entrance, ring the doorbell and the doorman will check your ID, explain the ground rules and seat you. There at times are lines because they only let in as many people as they have seats. I suggest a seat at the bar so you can watch and chat with the bartenders. They're entertaining at their art. There's also seating in the dining room. No food, just cocktails. The bathrooms are clean. This place opened about 2.5 years ago, and was 2 years in the making. Apparently the owner remodeled a lot of it. The bartenders were clear they do not want to call themselves a speakeasy because they're not.

    (5)

  • John L.

    My wife and I enjoyed an after-dinner impromptu cocktail here last Saturday night. I had visited before but it was her first time here and it was a perfect, cool spring evening. And after a week in West Virginia, I was starving for a bit of quality and flash. This place delivers on every level. The space is beautiful and inviting. The ingredients are top quality and the liquor is even better. This is the only cocktail bar that we have visited that uses Fever Tree tonic. The ice is of superior quality and lacks the odd flavor that you often find in other places. The staff is friendly, knowledgable and efficient. Don't expect your drinks to come out super quickly, as they take their time making your cocktails. It's definitely worth it! Ice cold water is served immediately after you settle in. I had my wife select my cocktail and she did a fantastic job! I had a gin-based drink with Vietnamese Coffee and mint; it was perfectly crafted. She had a wonderful whiskey or bourbon based drink that was equally excellent. This is really the perfect place to have a great cocktail. It's a bit pricey but well-worth it since you get to avoid the perils of a cheesy bar. It's cash only so make sure you grab some benjamins on the way here.

    (4)

  • Janelle R.

    A very cool place everyone must experience at least once while visiting Philly. Do yourself a favor though and don't read any reviews before going. Just go in with an open mind. Here's what I will tell you though... Yes it's a speakeasy style bar, so yes it will be difficult to find. It's cash only, with a 2 drink minimum (drinks in the $15-$20 range). Do dress nice (no sneakers, shorts), and don't show up with more than 4 people (they won't let you in).

    (4)

  • Dan W.

    Make sure to dress appropriately for this place since they usually won't let you in otherwise - no jeans, khakis or dress pants for guys! Ring the bell and someone should answer the door. 3 rules here: Cash only No pictures Phone calls must be taken out near entrance High quality drinks here - can def tell the difference through the taste. They offer various specialty mixed drinks as well as have a menu that breaks down drinks according to liquor type. Giving it four stars because portions are on the more conservative side and price is about 10-16 dollars per drink depending on what you get. Otherwise I highly recommend if you're looking for a low key environment and high quality drinks!

    (4)

  • Lifeonthelam M.

    Definitely a classy, quiet place to have gorgeous drinks and charming service. Recommend for a date, although I wish they had food! We were amused by the lack of a sign outside (just the number: 1029), the ecletic but well-dressed line, solemn foyer with floor-ceiling bookshelves decor, and candlelit, wood planeled interior. I hope this description helps, for as other reviews state, no pictures allowed! Also no phone calls. Both of our drinks were mostly a fascinatingly large, decorative piece of ice, but very strong and delicious. I had the blueberry vodka and pineapple juice, two favorites, and my friend had a minty cucumber drink.

    (4)

  • Jessica B.

    I needed something different the other week, having heard great things about Hop Sing and Lee I convinced some friends to get dressed up and come out with me. Three of us waited for only a short time outside of the hidden door, before we were escorted inside by Lee. After a short, and entertaining, introduction including the rules (*no photography, *no phone calls for the convenience of the other patrons) we were lead to a table and immediately greeted by our server. While we pursued the vast drink list on which everything looked amazing, we took in the gorgeous, detailed decorations. It felt as if we were transported back to a mix between a Chinese opium den and a 1920s club. It was dark, but not too dark to enjoy all of the thoughtful beautiful surroundings. I love how each party got their own table or spot at the bar. There were no crowds around the bar, just enough people to fill the seats. It felt private, and secretive. We ended up getting three rounds of drinks. I can't remember the names of any, but all were amazing, just as well thought out as the decor. Each cocktail was perfectly balanced, strong, and inventive. They were, with out question, some of the best drinks I have ever had. My last was one with an egg white in it. I was hesitant, but boy was I wrong to be. Try this drink (whatever it is) you will be surprised at how much flavor and depth it has. All in all an amazing experience! Though as others have said, it is somewhat pricey, it is definitely worth it. A totally different and wondrous part of the Philly bar scene. Next time you need something new, try Hop Sing.

    (5)

  • Caroline L.

    This is a great place to have cocktails and conversation. Because it's a speakeasy, there is no sign and rules to observe. However, the rules are pleasing--no pictures and cash only. Thus, you will only spend what's in your wallet and it's nice to put the cell phone away. The drinks are pricey ($10-$15), but they have specials for vodka, whiskey, and tequila, so the menu fits many tastes. The place is quite roomy and dim, which makes it relaxing and the ambience transported me to a different time. This is a great place to bring a date or friends. There is a bar area, which makes it good for a person to escape a noisy bar. And the Chinatown location makes it easy to get food after the drinks.

    (5)

  • Aria S.

    So confused what to rate this place, or how to feel. Lee asks you a bunch of questions about how you've heard of the place. Really, any response he probably won't accept, it's just for the sake of the back and forth. The getting in process is def 80% of the experience. And the whole "no-phones, no photos" thing is part of the fun. He only said no sneakers, no other clothing rules. He also gave us a 2 drink minimum because our party was 8 people. We left with only half of our group getting 2 drinks though lol. My friends and I pointed out that Lee was dressed in like a pullover and pants and a weird hat. If he's gonna be soo exclusive, I would dress in a tux haha. Inside is really dark which I hated. Cool super speakeasy-ish. TONss of drink options, too overwhelming for me, especially with the bad lighting I felt so clausterphobic. I ended up shelling out about $22 for one drink for tax/tip which is insane. Granted, it was well crafted, and you pay for the experience. I'd return with a boo thang for a chill night.

    (3)

  • Evan R.

    Living in New York, the speakeasy scene has been beaten to death for me (and then some). A cocktail bar is still far and away my favorite place to get a drink and have a nice conversation with friends, but the novelty of doing so via secret aqueduct has declined with time. On a recent visit to Philly, Hop Sing was a nice reminder that drinks and ambiance always trump novelty. We met Lee outside and he seemed to quickly get that this was not our first rodeo. We were let into the holding pen and he gave us the oft-mentioned speech about cell phone usage, the vibe, etc. Then we went into the bar. Most cocktail bars are tiny, but Hop Sing was quite spacious and had an absolutely beautiful interior. The bar was also really cool - it is a series of nickels mounted into the countertop. Since they nailed the ambiance and the decor, all that remains are the drinks. They are expertly made, with love, and attention (but not so much that one waits too long). My group and I had about 9 drinks between us and one was better than the next. THis was a great place to catch up with some loved ones and I look forward to going back.

    (5)

  • Seraphina F.

    The drinks here are delicious. They don't serve food and the drinks are really strong, so make sure you eat somewhere else first if you don't want to be super drunk. The best part about this place is that it's basically quiet except for the music. You can really enjoy the company of another person, unlike at some other bars that can get really loud.

    (5)

  • Kelly P.

    Allegedly had a possible craft cocktail here, not that I can either confirm or deny. Maybe. Might have had a second craft cocktail here as well, had I been at liberty to say. Could have been a good story, were one so inclined to elaborate further.

    (5)

  • Austin G.

    My wife and I drove up to Philly to take a great from our native DC and Hop Sing Laundromat helped make our get-away memorable. Hop Sing Laundromat is a speakeasy in Chinatown that you would easily miss if you didn't know what to look for. If you do know what to look for, you'll ring the small silver doorbell by a black gate. The owner, Mr. Le, will take your ID and then come back to let you in. He'll go over the rules (no photos, no phones, etc) in a small room before leading you to a large room of tables and a long bar. We sat at the bar and ordered four drinks between the two of us. I love sweeter drinks and was pleased with their selection. Each cocktail was simple, yet so creative. P.S. If you drink at the bar and wonder how many nickles are glued to the bar....the answer is just over $700 worth. (:

    (5)

  • Gregory H.

    Wear shoes, don't take pictures, dress nicely and enjoy the best cocktails in the city. This is a place for quiet conversation over drinks. A great date night or just a night out with a few good friends. Hop Sing's cocktails are simple but masterfully constructed.

    (5)

  • Khusbu P.

    Thanks to all of the reviews, I had no problem finding this gem when I went for my first time. I found the iron gate door, rang the buzzer, and waited for Lee to come out. He asked us a few questions... "Have you been here before?" "How did you hear about this place?" "Do you know that we only accept cash?" Once we answered his questions he let us inside the first room and told us about the rules. The 2 mains rules were that you can't take any pictures and can't make any phone calls once you get inside. As soon as I walked in I noticed how beautiful the decor was. Like all speakeasies, the lighting was very dim...it's actually the one thing that ALWAYS makes me sleepy when I go to speakeasies haha but, I still love them all. Once we were seated I ordered a gin cocktail with cucumber and mint...it was delicious! Overall, I had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back again!

    (5)

  • Jordan P.

    Checked in preemptively, so I can't say I have physically been in here. That said, I feel as though writing this review is essential to help future visitors. Having tasted Lee's cocktails twice before when he has guest bartended at some of my favorite spots (Volver and Jamonera), I figured it was time to go to the source. So I can say, confidently, that the cocktails are fantastic. The Saigon Flip just rocked my world and I was pumped to give it a try. My only mistake? Being a single woman. I showed up to HSL at a little before 11 to join the ranks of a small but enthusiastic line, maybe 13 deep. Groups ranged from 3-5, while I was the only individual. Never before has being a lone wolf entering a bar warranted a punishment. When I got to the front of the line, I informed the owner I was riding solo. He said he wasn't sure if he could accommodate an individual yet and would check the bar. I believe what this may translate to is only wanting larger parties... A business plan that makes sense, but I would argue has ethical flaws. The trio in front of me was eventually informed they were up. They asked if they could go in as a foursome, considerately thinking to add me to their party. This consideration cost them entry, as they were promptly soup-Nazied out by Lee, who said they could join their "new friend" on the sidewalk. To these kind strangers, I am sorry this prejudice stopped you from enjoying cocktails. But thank you for standing up for me. After giving them the boot, Lee went back in briefly before coming out, pointing at me, and saying "There is no way we will be able to have you in tonight." I followed the rules. I waited silently. I dressed appropriately. I also didn't sass him, saying I would wait my turn. I was shown littler than zero respect. I have never felt more insulted by any establishment. I know they're great cocktails. I know from trying them. But I don't think I could ever attempt another visit after that slap in the (well-mannered, unfortunately single) face.

    (2)

  • Jaclyn M.

    Neat little speakeasy. Dress nicely and act like an adult and you'll have a good time! Great to come with friends for casual drinks, though expect to wait 15-30 minutes for a seat depending on the size of your party, and when you arrive. The drinks are all very well made, and priced reasonably for the type of establishment.

    (5)

  • Sandman D.

    I would rate it negative based on our experience. We reached there around 10.30 pm and stood in a relatively short line with just 2 people ahead of us. We waited for about 25-30 mins before being quite rudely escorted in by a bouncer who made it sound like he was doing us a huge favor by letting us in. When we went inside, we were surprised to find a relatively empty place with 60-70% empty tables. I was pissed that we had to wait 30 mins outside to enter an empty bar. We told the waiter that we had couple of other friends joining us and if can we be seated in a larger table when they got in. The waiter was very courteous and told us that he will check with the owner whom we met had when we got in who was a rude jerk. He came and told us that if we want to be seated next to our friends, we would each have to have minimum two drinks. I explained that we had to drive back and the designated drivers cannot have two drinks. He said, that was not his problem. We were just so ticked by the experience and attitude that we walked out. Franklin Mortgage and other speak easy's in Philly are lot nicer and courteous. By the way, the average price of a cocktail is between $15-20 and its certainly not $$ as indicated in the Yelp Price rating.

    (1)

  • Abhishek Y.

    HSL is absolutely beautiful. From the foyer with the grand bookcases, to the inside with the opulent chandeliers and otherwise fantastic décor, we were fans of the design aesthetic from the moment we walked in. What was my problem with it? Service. Never have I been to a place where I felt so belittled and threatened. I understand that Lee's primary intended market is a slightly older crowd, but I see no reason to patronize a business that intimidates me and my friend and is rude to us. Further, RR is far better in terms of the overall drink experience, so, for as much as Lee touts the trip he took across the US and all the unique items he brought back, one of Philadelphia's other staples is outdoing him left, right, and center. In all, I am fully aware that a private business can cater to whomever they would like to, but I, for one, am never going back, since it also seems that I'm not the only one with 'service' issues.

    (3)

  • Deb G.

    I'm going to go ahead and settle this five-star vs. one-star Hop Sing debate. Do you want to have a relaxing evening with your loved one(s) and some great cocktails?... Five-stars, you're going to love this place. Are you a douche bag who has grown accustomed to disrespecting those around you?...One-star, the staff actually demanded that you treat them like humans and you had a bad experience, ohhhh noooo. I'm sure there's a wine bar on the mainline or some bar that's waayyyyy better in New York City to accommodate your needs. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who would love to sit and have a pleasant cocktail in a great atmosphere, so there is a line. It's worth the wait. Unless I'm in line behind you. In that case, the cocktails are syrupy.

    (5)

  • Doris T.

    The perfect place to take your date for some pre dinner cocktails and good conversation. The establishment is tucked away in Chinatown. A guy will escort you into a small room to tell you the rules and have your eyes adjust to the dim lighting. For a second you'll feel like your on Terror of Tower in Disney or walking into a haunted mansion. However, take the time to look around at the decor before going into the main room. On to the drinks- you are going to be spending a good amount of $ but the drinks are made with high quality ingredients. If your not willing to spend the $ or enjoy the experience you may as well stay at home with a Budlight. The Philly colada and whiskey smash were delicious! Very refreshing for a summer afternoon. Tips- wear the appropriate attire, bring cash and enjoy the experience.

    (5)

  • Samson C.

    The atmosphere is a perfect setting to have a good conversation, relax and drink superbly crafted drinks. Whenever I take friends here they are initially intimidated by the rules of the bar (no cell phones, no pictures etc) but soon realize that because of these rules they are free and able to have drinks and converse without the distractions of a typical bar. Bring cash, act like an adult and you'll enjoy yourself.

    (5)

  • Archana C.

    Perfect spot for those that enjoy craft cocktails. Note this is NOT a crazy party location but an AMAZING place to grab drinks with friends or date and have great conversations. There are some rules to follow - so if you think that's unreasonable - it's not but then this place is probably not for you. One of my favorite places in Philly

    (5)

  • Liz B.

    Disappointing. I got the Nevermore cocktail, it was delicious, but the whole "experience" was overrated. There are other speakeasys to choose from in the city that are better and less pretentious.

    (2)

  • Dennis S.

    Everything is Awesome Everything is awesome Everything is cool when you're part of a team Everything is awesome When we're living our dream Everything is better when we stick together Side by side You and I Gonna win forever Let's party forever We're the same I'm like you You're like me We're all working in harmony Everything is awesome Everything is cool when you're part of a team Everything is awesome When we're living our dream

    (5)

  • Alison P.

    Wouldn't get let in because our answer to "how did you hear about us?" was "just walking by looking for a place to hang out." So odd. Thought it was a part of the act but it wasn't a good enough answer. Wtf just happened.

    (1)

  • Rachel H.

    I really wanted to like this place. I've heard such great things, but this place truly failed to live up to it's expectations. Perhaps my trip was a fluke and the fault of new server, but it will be a while before I head back. Here's what happened. My friends and I arrived and waited patiently for the doorman to take our IDs. We were then escorted inside and told sit down before being instructed on the rules. We were brought inside and sat at a table where the waiter proceeded to drop an entire tray of ice water on me. I know, it was an accident and forgive and forget, but that was not what ticked me off. What made me mad was that he just stood there and stared instead of getting towels to let me dry myself off, which he eventually did after I had to ask him to. So we went on with our night, me freezing and soaking wet. To apologize, they brought me juice. Yes, plain juice - no booze. I thought this was strange but decided to give them the benefit of the doubt that I would be taken care of when the check came. NOPE. We had to remind them what happened to me. I eventually got my drink taken off the check, but not before being oddly asked for all of my information so they could follow me on Facebook (no thank you). Other than the service being utterly terrible and disrespectful, the drinks were fairly subpar. I love a good martini, but this place just did not make one. I am willing to give Hop Sing Laundromat a second chance, but I will probably pack my own towel next time.

    (2)

  • Danielle H.

    This place was on our Philly bucket list, as we are soon moving... ...This place is incredible! It is everything I want in a cocktail lounge. I really hate most bars because you can't hear the people you're with, and it only gets worse as the night goes on. Hop Sing is totally different. You won't see a sign outside, so you basically have to "know it's there." Your first step is a briefing with the doorman. Rules of the bar: no photos, no cell phone conversations. And I have to say, he's serious. The group in front of us waited for 20 minutes and then someone snapped a picture and they were all kicked out. Yeah, seriously. Once you're inside, you're transported back in time. Soft voices, brilliant music, low lighting, and amazing drinks. (Expect to pay $15/drink in cash. ATM across the street) I had three drinks over the course of a couple hours we were there: -Montana Playback, which turned out to be too spicy for me (and I love spicy food) -"Dream" something from the specials list -- a lemony concoction of awesome. Very creamy. -Blood and Sand, which was a whiskey-based drink with some fruit. Everything I love in a drink. I also recommend the "Chocolate Shake", which my wife had, and "Be My Number Two", which is basically blueberry vodka and pineapple juice and went down way too easy. Definitely a wonderful experience.

    (5)

  • Brittany K.

    Such an awesome bar!!!! Felt like I was back in the prohibition era ! We waited outside the hidden bar for about 10 minute after ringing the door bell. Then a man came out, greeted us, took our ids, and got our table ready. When we went in they went over the rules; no cellphones etc.. The inside was so cool! It was very dark and secretive. The drinks were amazing! Literally best drinks I've ever had.

    (5)

  • Job M.

    Here's the deal. This place has a cool atmosphere, the drinks are good, but it feels like a bit of a tourist trap, I've lived in Philly for a little over a year and just getting into this place is a huge production. First you stand outside, wait patiently for them to come out, take your ID, and do whatever they do with it? Then they look at you and decide if they want to let you in. I've been here three times with different people who thought it sounded cool and we were let in every time, the issue some people are having getting in is probably because they are in shorts and flip flops or something. This is all part of the ambiance. Then you get inside and the place looks amazing. The decor, the low music, the lighting is all great. There is an entire WALL of alcohol behind the bar. My only issues are thus: the drinks are hyper expensive for what you get, it takes forever for them to make a cocktail, and it's cash only. It's 2015 at the time of this review. If you are still accepting cash only, there's some serious tax evasion going on here. Make the excuses up all you want about not wanting to pay the merchant services fees, or you are trying to go for a traditional speakeasy feel. It's BS. Your tax evasion should not inconvenience me. I've only been here because it's a cool place to go on a date for drinks before dinner or to take friends from out of town who are easily impressed before going out drinking elsewhere. Remember cash and if the IRS asks you, only wear a wire if you get a 10 year income tax abatement.

    (2)

  • Juliana K.

    A whole other world. So you wait at the door and an dressed up asian man checks your IDs (and questions you if he feels like it, things like how did you hear about us and etc. If you have a large group [maybe 6], there is sometimes a two drink minimum). When you are lead upstairs, you are first held up in a waiting area where you are given rules (no phones, no photos, and etc.). Then you are whisked away into a dimly lit, open room, with uniquely classy decor. It's like you're in a different time/place. The cocktail menu is lengthy with a wide assortment of uniquely complex and delicious drinks! One of my drinks was some sort of chocolate milkshake name and it was surprisingly awesome. Just a note though, drinks here are VERY pricey. Expect to spend $15 a drink. This is not a place you go every day or weekend, but it if definitely a place you should check out!

    (4)

  • Yayi Z.

    I definitely recommend this place if you've never been. After checking our ID, we were lead into a wait room first (which was nicely scented), and then into the main bar. It's a classic 20's speakeasy feel, very relaxing and spacious. Happy hour lasts till 8pm. The room was dimly lit, which was a bit of a challenge when we were trying to read the menu. But all worth it when we got our drinks- some of the best cocktails I've had! A bit pricey - on average 11-12 per drink, but worth the experience. :)

    (5)

  • Ashley T.

    The drinks are weak and over priced. We waited extremely long to get served and the server never checked back in with us (we had to constantly call him back over) and when he did serve us, he was short and rude and not knowledge able the cocktails. I really believe this place writes their own reviews, they are horrible. Bad service, bad drinks. I would never go there again.

    (1)

  • Vidushi B.

    Hop Sing is an experience. It looks like it could just be a door to a house, or something, but it is so much more. You wait in front of the premises, and are eventually greeted by Lee, the awesome doorman. He was polite, funny, but professional, and took us into the waiting room and informed us that we weren't allowed to take any pictures beyond that point. The decor is amazing. You feel like you really have dropped back say, 90 years. It's dimly lit in the best possible way, and you have to use the candles to read the extensive cocktail menu. The cocktails were delicious. I had two, the first being a special, a gin cocktail with cucumber, strawberry, and agave nectar: so good. I wanted a contrast for the second drink, so I got a gin cocktail with amaretto, coffee and cream. It was great as well, and helped me stay awake the rest of the night! Overall, great experience. I would recommend trying to go on a Thursday so you don't have to wait in line for long, but still get the experience. I wish it was cheaper, but I guess it really is worth the money.

    (5)

  • Christina S.

    I agree with OrG. My husband and I just went to HS for the first time last night. We had a lovely time. I knew exactly where it was, thanks Yelpers. We arrived at the door just as a group of 4 was being ushered in by The Sentinel. He told us very politely to wait, that he would be right back and have our ID ready. We waited, and yes he came right back. He took our ID the disappeared behind the door. My husband believes he just went inside and stood by the door for 5 mins. When he returned he gave us back our ID with strict instructions before entering the inner sanctum. There were rules of conduct to be reviewed, but all of this was done in a very friendly, professional way. At this point Hubby thinks we are walking into a. a room full of celebrities, b. a room full of people making out, c. a room full of people having sex, d. a room full of celebrities making out and having sex. We ACTUALLY walk into...a bar. YAY! A very nice. Very dark...bar. That being said, Russell our bartender, was very helpful and attentive while he had the dubious task of juicing hundreds of limes. The place smelled divinely of oranges, lemons and limes. Hubs had the Boston Healer, and I had the Preachers Bourbon(?) both hand-made from scratch by Russell. Every drink I watched being made was made from scratch, fresh squeezed pineapples, mint...etc. Both drinks $28. This is NOT crazy expensive for what you are getting. So on the whole...I enjoyed my experience at HS. I get the vibe and what they are trying to create. If you don't want to participate in the whole, speakeasy, exclusive club, secret handshake deal, you'll want to skip HSL.

    (4)

  • Amanda C.

    The drinks here are amazing and worth the wait and showmanship of the grand entering! You have to ring a doorbell and wait for someone to greet you. They read you house rules...basically no photos or phone calls...it was a welcome disconnect from technology and a pleasant surprise to see all patrons actually conversing and enjoying each other's company! Privacy is encouraged for the patrons and establishment. In my opinion the drinks here are far superior compared to Franklin Mortgage as the ingredients are fresh and not syrup based. I ordered a bourbon and egg based drink (the name was Kentucky something) and though the name slips my mind the delicious flavor did not. Will return!

    (5)

  • Adam C.

    If left to my own devices, I would probably not have ever opted to come here due to what I've read in both the good and the bad reviews that I've seen about this place. My friend was in from out of town and she suggested it and who am I to be difficult so that was our first stop of the evening. We got there, rang the bell and I was a little disappointed that instead of Mr. Lee we got one of the bartenders. After the fanfare with the licence seizure, we were brought into the waiting room and given the lecture. Once we agreed to abide by the rules we were led to our seats at the bar. I'm not sure if we had requested a table whether we would have been forcefully ejected or given a table in the mostly empty room but in the oppressive rule laden atmosphere we accepted our bar spots. The menu was interesting and my date was very inquisitive of the bar tender who was up to the task of answering her detailed questions. Mine too. We each made our drink selections. The service was impeccable, the show put on by the bartenders was fun. The drinks were a little disappointing and dare I say tasted a tad watery. I was afraid to complain a) because I was not sure and b) because I didn't want to get us kicked out before she finished her drink. She never finished her drink because she didn't really like it. After a while she gave up on it. The bartender asked why she hadn't finished her drink and she admitted that she hadn't liked it very much. He was good about making it disappear and offering her alternative suggestions but when the check came the drink was still there. I didn't like mine that much either but I still put it all away so o problem. On to round 2. We each took a little advice from the bartender on the theory that when left to our own devices we'd make some questionable decisions but if ordering on the advice of the experts we'd do alright. Alas, while, this time she drank up, mine once again, tasted slightly watery. We decided to give up after 2 and moved our night on over to Emmanualle which is the exact opposite of Hop Sing in most respects.

    (2)

  • Liz K.

    Put this on your list as a must-try if you're visiting or new to Philadelphia. I know there are other speakeasies in Philly, but I didn't have a chance to try them, so this review is without comparison to others. Yes, the entrance is unassuming; there are rules to enter (no cell phones!); it is cash-only...but it is worth the experience at least once and it provides a good opportunity for a low-key drink with a small group, if that's what you're going for. The cocktail menu is divided into sections based on the liquor type, and from what I can recall, there are sections for rum, whiskey, bourbon, gin, and vodka. Obviously everyone is going to have a different taste in mind, so rather than make a recommendation, I'll say don't be afraid of egg whites! I hadn't had a cocktail with egg whites before my visit to Hop Sing and I was skeptical, but now I'm a believer. I also recommend going with people who aren't germaphobes (technically it's mysophobia, I guess) because it's fun to try one another's drinks, especially when they're $14 apiece and you're not going to be ordering the whole menu yourself. Ultimately it may cost more than a normal night out, but it's worth it for the experience and the inventive cocktails.

    (4)

  • Shereen C.

    Delicious cocktails in an intimate space, a plush experience.

    (5)

  • Lorrie M.

    This place was a little hard to find, and most definitely intimidating. However, despite the fact that my friend and I were dressed in shorts, the only rule is that guys can't wear shorts, so we were able to get inside. As ballsy as I usually am, I didn't dare to take a photo because it was so quiet and not busy on a Sunday night that I didn't feel like I wanted to make a scene and get kicked out since there was explicitly no photos allowed. I'm sure I could have snuck some with my iPhone ... but it was still hard. I thought the drinks here were interesting, and had a great twist, but I wish there was more interaction. My version of speakeasys are when you get to sit at the bar or hang out with the bartender, and ask questions and talk about liquors and drinks and flavors ... This place, you get seated somewhere, and you order and ... that's it. I mean, granted it's extremely gorgeous inside. Very velvety, elegant ... definitely a nice chill place to enjoy a few deliciously made drinks. But I guess I missed that interactive portion of what I have come to expect of speakeasys. They definitely play the role well.

    (4)

  • Scheherazade K.

    Sincere, clean, enjoyable, elegant romantic indulgence. The only bar in which one can actually be certain that the atmosphere will not be ruined by loud and/or uncouth behavior and/or disrespectfully distasteful fashion-related choices on the part of guests and/or irritatingly loud and/or distasteful and/or conversation-hindering music on the part of the establishment. For those extremely, extremely, extremely rare qualities on their own, quite regardless of the unusual and delicious nature of the cocktails, themselves, I am willing to spend more money than usual.

    (5)

  • Gia M.

    I have been dying to go here FOREVER and I finally got to visit with a few friends last Saturday for a birthday event. The experience at Hop Sing is meant to feel very authentic and they hit that nail right on the head. The decor is fantastic-- it at once manages to be eclectic, pulled together, and a mix of a smoking room and a library. This place is very dark (I assume to discourage you from knowing who else is frequenting the establishment). I got a kick out of being asked why I was visiting the iron door, and the wait outside while they decided whether to let us in was deliciously uneasy. Once we got in, we were briefed on the rules (apparently, you can text in the bar, by the way. You just can't take pictures or phone calls) and then shown to our table. Obviously, it's cash-only and all of the drinks are over $10, so beware. I tried the General Tso's Chocolate Shake (I think that's what it was called), which was some sort of vodka drink with chocolate and espresso liqueur. Yes, just yes. Second drink was the Bramble (gin and raspberry syrup, essentially), which was so fruity that I couldn't taste the alcohol. Absolutely impeccable service. All of our servers were super discreet and prompt, and just fantastic overall. I will be back. New favorite place to visit all dolled up. Even the small hiccup with our late friends was only slightly uncomfortable as the staff figured out how to fit an extra seat at the table and we picked our friends up from outside.

    (5)

  • Cathy B.

    Totally worth it (once) for the experience, but ultimately, it is just a well-appointed, well-staffed bar. I had a wonderful time with the faux-speakeasy entrance game (Thanks Yelpers for posting the pics of the gate and the clear instructions on how to find the place). Not so much on getting turned away at first for improper footwear (HINT- just zip across to one of the markets across the street and get a cheap pair -- apparently $8.00 flip flops that are 3 sizes too small, letting my bare heel hit the floor is A-OK, but low-profile trainers are not. At least they let me in anyway, even though I was carrying the lace-ups.) Inside, the decorations and lighting are lovely. And, at least when I was there, the bar was pretty empty and therefore quiet -- two of my favorite features for an early evening. I actually told the bartender my taste profile and first ordered away from his recommendation; the drink was indeed too sweet for me. So, I pushed it aside (but still paid for it) and ordered the one he recommended. It was also too sweet for me. I also wound up pushing that aside (and paying for it). Not sure what to make of that. Unlike some other Yelpers, I found the bartenders willing to talk, but not too much. Which is fine. I didn't want to talk, either. I also had come by myself, and would recommend either being really comfortable looking around at things while you sit, or, bringing a magazine or book. p.s. Happy Hour isn't what you might expect. At least for the day I was there, happy hour covered neat pours only.

    (4)

  • Anonymous P.

    What a beautiful hole in the wall. You would never guess this is a bar, it is tucked away and hidden brilliantly. The drinks were some of the best I have had in the city! A lovely and enchanting atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Kathleen D.

    Somehow, this review has slipped through the cracks of my "Your Next Review Awaits!" for a few weeks... just like Hop Sing *could* fade into the background of Chinatown if you don't know to look for the rando-door. I chose to celebrate my birthday here in May with some friends after we spoke about making a visit for months. We went through that whole typical run-down out front that everyone else has already detailed of having to ring the doorbell, say we're there to drink, wait as they steal our IDs for a few minutes, twiddle our thumbs, be creepily watched on surveillance cameras, etc. etc. Once inside, we all just swooned at the place, the drinks, the servers, the everything. Just all of it. The whole time we were there. Even the bathroom. I had three cocktails during our visit. Since gin is my drink of choice, I stuck to that section of the menu. All were superb/wonderful/fantastic/potent/lovely/happy-­words as expected. I would go back again, but only for special occasions because the entry process and rules are excessive. Still: If you haven't been here yet, you should go! It's quite an experience.

    (5)

  • John C.

    One of the more interesting spots in Philadelphia that offers up its own unique experience. The speakeasy themed bar is pretty ubiquitous these days, but Hop Sing manages to stand out in this bar genre by not imitating its predecessors. Ideal spot for a nightcap. Just make sure to follow the dress code, bring cash, and don't take out your cellphone!

    (4)

  • Kim L.

    Hop Sing isn't just a cocktail bar, it's an all-around experience. Yes, the drinks are expensive, but you get what you pay for. Not only did I get an expertly crafted beverage, but also entertainment and a fun story to share about my experience there. We made the (seemingly common) mistake of walking into the apartment building marked "1029" before realizing we weren't in the right place. After consulting Yelp (thanks, guys!), we saw a photo of the iron gate and rang the doorbell. Pro tip: make sure you plan something to say when greeted with "how can I help you?" so you don't blurt out something awkward like "can we come in?" We arrived just after 8 pm on a Friday night to a fairly empty bar. By the time we left around 10, there was a wait outside. Plan accordingly. The drink selection is a little overwhelming but our server was more than happy to make a suggestion based on a favorite standard cocktail. Drinks are good, and STRONG. Favorite moment of the night: My sister's beverage came with a side carafe with the rest of her drink. Before any of us realized who he was, Lee swept over in his perfectly tailored suit, whisked it off the table, swirled it around and dramatically poured the rest of her drink in her glass, walking away without so much as eye contact. I couldn't decide if I wanted to laugh or clap. But I loved it.

    (5)

  • Smrithi D.

    You know when you were a little kid and someone told you about that secret clubhouse they found and now you get to tag along? Well this is like that, but for adults with the most delectable drinks imaginable. Yes, there are rules but isnt that most of the fun? I almost dont want to give out more detail but I guess if you dont want a surprise keep reading.... Here is what you can expect as you stand outside the unmarked gate in Chinatown. You ring the bell, someone comes out and asks you how many in your party (be cautious about having odd numbers of people- it may take longer to be let in, if at all). You are then escorted to a shoeshine room that doubles as a waiting area where they tell you the rules (no talking on the phone, no pictures, etc) and honestly the room looks like its out of a 19th century book. After that you are escorted to your table, have your chairs pulled out, and left with freshly lit candles in front of you. The drinks can be hard to decipher so I would say tell the waiter what type you prefer or your mix of choice and let them decide or give you options. If you need a place to start try the Hemingway Daiquiri (TO DIE FOR. No seriously.) The room is so cozy and intimate, you almost never want to leave. Oh did I mention the waiters and bartenders are in crisp, clean vests and quite the eye candy. The place is perfect for a night out with girlfriends, celebrating a big day, date night with a special someone, or just because you want to feel fabulous. And trust me you will.

    (5)

  • Brittany R.

    I went to meet up with 2 friends. I was by myself. I rang the door bell and the "bouncer" wouldn't let me in. Told me to text my friends. I was under the impression you couldn't use your phones in there. I waited outside for 10 mins when another group proceeded to ring the door bell. They were then let in. I asked if he could look for my friend since she wasn't answering my text. He said he could see what he could do. After another 10 mins my other 2 friends arrived. When they rang the door bell. I was standing next to them and he told my that I was annoying and wasn't going to let me in. This place is stupid. I will never give them any of my money.

    (1)

  • Lindsay V.

    I. Love. This. Place. Forget the fact that, at first, Lee wouldn't let us in because my usual charm somehow failed me and because the rest of our party was already inside and had to "come out and get us". Forget that I had to text every friend we had in there to beg them to help us. Thankfully, one of my friends is quite suave and spoke to Lee, who finally let us in. We got the spiel in the front room regarding the rules. That's fine. The no-phone-use-except-texting rule was perfect for us. People are glued to screens too often anyway. The servers put menus in front of us as soon as we sat down. My first cocktail was.. can't remember the name.. something vodka-based with fresh-pressed grape juice and something else. I know I'm not helpful, but this drink was wonderful. WONDERFUL. Drooooooool. It tasted so.. fresh. And non-alcoholic, but the way I felt after I was finished this cocktail confirmed the alcoholic content. I know I suck, but I can't remember the second drink I had. I know that it was amazing. You know what else is amazing? The forearms of the bartenders as they shake the drinks in those shakers. Hoo, boy.

    (5)

  • Kendra M.

    I wish I had read the reviews before going to HSL so we would've been aware of the dress code. I was with a group of friends and a few of them were wearing sneakers. So we were split up and as it was my last night in Philly I wanted to experience HSL. It was worth it -- I loved the ambiance and appreciate the rules -- I definitely felt like we stepped back in time -- the bartender was very knowledgeable and the drinks were fantastic.

    (4)

  • Marissa N.

    Ehhhh under whelming if you don't buy into the shtick. Ring the unmarked doorbell, hand over your I.D. sorry you're from out of state, we'll have to take your license and examine it behind closed doors (aka stand outside whilst I close the door and pretend). Returning with the I.D.'s we were allowed to enter just enough to sit alone in the waiting area and be told the rules. So comical that we were asked with some levity where we heard of the place, really guy? With 326 YELP reviews and climbing, you're barely a secret. When we entered the main area there were maybe 10 people in the whole joint. I wanted to be impressed but barely anything in the place seems authentic for the time period they seem to want to represent. The drinks were tasty, but all rather sweet. I inquired about a dirty martini and was told they didn't stock olives. The general tso's was ridiculous, it was served with a chunk of ice that was approximately 1.5 inches cubed, it touched the sides of the glass, leaving enough room for perhaps a 2.5 oz drink at a price tag of about $15.00. Super entertaining were the bartenders that shake the drinks so vigorously, you wonder if they could shake anything else after their shift. I guess they could find someone else to shake it for them.

    (1)

  • Jerry S.

    Austin , Nick and Larry are all amazing bartenders. If your into the Speakeasy scene this is a bar that would compete with the one's in NYC who regularly trade the title of best cocktail bar in the world. The drinks are creative and use all top shelf liquor and amazing fresh ingredients. If you order something with fruit juice they make there juice to order right at the bar.

    (5)

  • Paul K.

    They bust your balls before they let you in but they mix a mean drink and squeeze everything fresh so fair enough.

    (5)

  • Dan O.

    I'll go ahead and settle the debate and just set the record straight that this place isn't what it's cracked up to be. There's huge hype surrounding HSL, so much so that the owner and the waitstaff find it completely acceptable to treat patrons like dirt. I, like many others, viewed this yelp page prior to arriving at "the door" and I was fooled. If you enjoy being judged head to toe, filmed by 20+ cameras (within sight) and paying an exuberant amount of money for a drink, this is the place for you. My friends and I were very respectful and followed the rules laid out to us: no taking pictures, and no talking on your phone. The club owner then barked at my boyfriend to recite the rules, I suppose to reiterate that the owner does not mess around. After sitting down and enjoying our $20 three-ounce drinks that I probably could have made at home, I requested the check. To be honest, we only intended to come for one drink to see what all the hubbub was about. The waiter stated there was a two-drink minimum, at which we stated "no, that wasn't one of the rules and we'd like our check, please." The waiter leaves the table without saying a word and summons the owner. After a squabble between the owner and the waiter, the owner comes over to our table and says he'll give us an "exception" this time but that there is always a two-drink minimum. At this point, we're annoyed - we followed the rules, and now we're being chastised for not following a rule that never existed. The owner then yells "how dare you call me a liar!" and tells us to pay and leave. We put cash down, leave a decent tip, and begin walking towards the door. The owner along with several waiters are watching our every move as we leave, as if this happens every night and they're scared we're going to flip tables or pee on the walls or something (wouldn't surprise me if that's happened before). As we're leaving, the owner tells us never to come back again, in which we respond "we most certainly will not be back, you can count on it." One of my friends was the last to leave the establishment, and she curtsied to the owner and said "thank you for a pleasant evening." Sarcastic and rude? Totally. He then called her a c-u-next-tuesday and shooed her out the door. Did her actions warrant that sort of name calling to a patron at an establishment? So yeah, I guess a wine bar on the mainline or some bar that's wayyyyy better in NYC would accommodate our needs. Or maybe just any other bar in the world that pays even the slightest inkling of respect to their paying customers. For anyone who hasn't been to this place: don't. Don't waste your money and your Friday night. Don't fall for the prohibition-period charm and the exclusive allure that surrounds this place - it's all a lie. This isn't a bar - it's an expeeeeerience. There's so much truth in that statement. I'll give it two stars because if you own a club and have the balls to scream profanities at your customers, you probably deserve more than one star.

    (2)

  • Stefanie E.

    Drinks were fantastic! Liked the ambiance and setting. Experience was great. Will return even though not too often because it's pricey for me personally.

    (5)

  • Ashley H.

    When my boyfriend told me that we were meeting a friend of his here on our recent visit to the Philly/NYC/NJ area, I was nervous. Being a SC girl, I was already worried about looking like I didn't fit in, and now we were going to a bar where it was possible I could be turned away for not wearing the "right" shoes? Gah! As it turned out, my skinny jeans, button up shirt/black vest combo, and high heeled ankle boots were more than sufficient. If I was able to get in, I'd think just about anyone who uses a bit of common sense when dressing would be fine, lol. As other reviewers mentioned, if we hadn't known the address and to look for a lack of signage, we probably would not have ever known the place was there. We rang the bell and were greeted by a guy we assume is NOT the owner, as he was not Asian. He asked how we'd found out about the bar, and if we were aware that they only accepted cash. We answered, he took our IDs, and told us to wait there on the sidewalk. When he came back, he asked again if we knew about the cash only policy, and led us into the shoe shine room, where he sat us down to go over the rules (which really only consisted of the no photos thing). He seemed a little unsure of himself, but laughed with us after asking a third time if we knew they were cash only, and then led us in to meet our group (who were already seated). I can't say enough awesome things about the atmosphere of this place! Dark without being too dark, lots of candlelight, and comfy antique sofas (at our table, at least). The noise level was perfect with the unobtrusive background music and chatter of a full room, even on a Tuesday. We had several drinks ourselves, and tastes of everything everyone else at our table had, and every drink was amazing (strong, but amazing). The tab at the end of the night was a bit pricey, but the top shelf liquor they use, the care with which the drinks seem to be crafted, and the experience of the place as a whole make the prices feel justified.

    (5)

  • Tina H.

    So unfortunately yelp wont let you give no stars. Oh well....I would love to give a more comprehensive review but being that me and my friend didn't even get past the front doors, I cannot. So my hop sing experience... We (my best friend and myself) waited outside between 2 six people groups. The first group went in and as were waiting, a rather eccentric looking little man walked towards the door. We were the next in line and therefore we were near the door in. As he pulled out his keys he told my friend to move. She was not even near the door, despite that she moved over even more and he asked her once AGAIN to move and my friend commented that she was not at all in his way. A little while he later he came back and told us to wait on the other side of the door while he spoke to the 6 top behind us. Well really he waved us over. So after they left he waved us back over to the door rather flippantly. He asked us how we heard about the place. My friend said Yelp. He acted as if he had never even heard of Yelp. Now based on some of the reviews I have read thus far it wouldn't hurt him to "familiarize" himself with it.... He then proceeded to chastise my friend about being in his way earlier and to next time move when spoken to. No joke. My friend said 'Oh I don't think I want to go here.' He said ' You don't have to'. And we were like 'And we won't be. Good day, sir.' What a douchebag. So I'm gonna spend my hard earned money so this guy gets paid? And at a 2 drink minimum at that? Nah, B....you wanna talk about a Napolean complex? Well Napolean actually ran a country, not some hole on the wall (literally) in Philly Chinatown. Take it down....

    (1)

  • Yingbo W.

    Just got back from Hop Sing Laundromat! It's my fourth time here I believe? I had a great time as always! It was halloween and there weren't so many people there because Lee, the owner, said he was turning down people who had already been drinking coming from Halloween parties and he didn't want the rowdiness. I appreciated it because it keeps the bar classy like it's suppose to be! I guess that's kind of snooty, but hey, I would have done the same to keep up with the reputation of the type of bar this is. I tried some new drinks this time: Moscow Breakfast, The Wisconsin Iced Tea, The Saigon Flip, and the Hopsing Clover Club, along with old favorites like the Minnesota writer (it was taken off the menu) and the Duke of Funk. Out of all of them, I really enjoyed the Wisconsin Iced Tea. It has ginger along with ginger syrup, gin, Pimm's No 1, and mint. The oolong tea really showed through along with the taste of mint and the smell of ginger! It's a great drink if you like iced tea and don't like to taste the alcohol. The drink was was really strong regardless; the Gin in it was 95 proof (but you can't taste it!!)? My friend ordered the Moscow Breakfast, which is basically a hard Shirley temple with egg white. I had a sip and we liked their house grenadine that was in the drink. Wonder what's in it? Lee even offered a round of drinks on the house! Thanks Lee! We appreciate your hospitality. He told us to post about our experience on the Internet, so here it is. I'm glad Lee really cares about what his customers' think. This place consistently has the best and the strongest cocktails I've ever had out of any bar/restaurant. I will be back soon!

    (5)

  • Andrew T.

    Standing at the austere steel gate I wondered if we were even at the right place. Two buzzes and the door isn't opening and no one is answering, crap is this not the right place? The owner then appears and with his heavy accent asks what are we doing standing there. Caught of guard we immediately retort, to get a drink at your establishment? He slams the door and leaves, crap we are definitely not getting in. A short amount of time passes and he then returns and gives us instructions to wait in the atrium and not take any pictures. We fork over our IDs for inspection and he lets us inside. We sit in a high ceilinged room what could be described as a shoe shine mixed with a study. The owner commands the room immediately explaining the rules and inserts a few well placed jokes about the establishments requests and social faux pas. He escorts us to the main room which opens into a immensely stocked bar to our left with a slide ladder that would be found in 1920s pharmacies and a brick walled, art covered high ceilinged hall with a hodgepodge of elegant chairs. A hop sing manhattan served up with the best cherry I've ever had, a drink that tastes like dragon fruit without the actual ingredient, an elegant gin drink, and a twist on an old fashioned. The drinks were bomb, the crowd was trendy and refined and the atmosphere can only be described as exclusive. The owner came by personally to explain the ingredients and inspiration behind each beverage, it was a nice touch of craftsmanship in an age where everyone relies on amazon for their purchasing decisions. It felt as if time had stopped there and taken us to somewhere else, somewhere where you want to be. This please don't tell establishment is Cash Only. Please enjoy and thank you to the owner you kick a-.

    (5)

  • Dan L.

    Hop Sing is a place for a true culinary cocktail adventure. My first time there was last Saturday with a party of 9 for a friend's birthday celebration. They were planning on staying out all night, but HSL was the first stop and I gladly joined them (before turning in early for the Eagles tailgate) for a couple of drinks. Needless to say - I am hooked! Interior ambiance: 5 stars Classic liquor licenses, pictures, and other memorabilia from a bygone age. Dark and private. No drama. Great tunes. Thanks for enforcing a mild dress code. Drink quality: 5 stars Out of control good. The Wisconsin Iced Tea was like a Ginger Mint Tea blessed by the Gin gods. The Boston Healer was what Starbucks should start serving during Happy Hour. All of the other cocktails I sipped from friends were outstanding and there is something for EVERYONE on the menu (except beer or mainstream whisky - don't even ask for Jack or they may kick you out) Service: 5 stars Look they're making 9 specialty cocktails at once, it takes a few minutes - but server left two large jugs of water when he took our order) ----To dispel some false information on Yelp------ - You can certainly go with a party larger than 4 (we went with 9 - which IS the max). - Lee is the man. He just doesn't play games. Deal with it. If you can't deal with sarcastic humor - then go to Mad River - The dress code is pretty lax. No sneakers. No shorts. I was wearing shoes, dark jeans, white v-neck T, and a casual khaki sports coat. No problems at all - The ID policy is strict but fair. NO foreign DLs - must use Passport. Bring a back up ID (CC works just fine). I didn't need my backup, but half of party did.

    (5)

  • Abby B.

    For people going here for the first time, please note that the entrance is NOT the place with the yellow awning (which is also labeled 1029). We made this mistake and found ourselves in an apartment building (we think). Walk a few more steps until you see the gated door, ring the buzzer and you're at the right place. Once the doorman checks your party's ID, you'll be led into the foyer, which has a cool floor covered in pennies. He'll sit you down and lecture you about not using your cell phone once inside the bar. I get what Hop Sing is trying to do here and I like the "no phone" concept. I just find it sad that they actually have to verbalize this to patrons in such a stern way. The bar itself is very dimly-lit, but gives the feel that you've certainly gone back in time. The cocktail list is the most extensive one I've seen at any speakeasy in the city, so you absolutely can't go wrong with drinks here. Every drink our table ordered was superb. One thing that seemed out of place was the music selection. Everything from classic rock to current pop hits was being played and got louder as the night waned on. For a speakeasy, I would expect more mellow tunes. A place worth checking out, especially if you're in the mood for an amazing cocktail (or two). Just make sure you bring enough cash because they don't take cards.

    (4)

  • Rajninder D.

    One of my favorite bars in philly! The owner Lee greeted us at the door and asked a series of questions that made it feel like a real speakeasy. The drinks are delicious and the service is awesome! Definitely a good place to bring guests from out of town. My favorite part of this bar is the counter decorated with nickels !!!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth H.

    STRONG drinks; though expensive, you will more than receive your dollar's worth. Dark, quiet, and sultry ambiance, "unique" front door traditions. Very spacious and spread out, go here to reconnect with your own crew rather than meet new people. The whole speakeasy thing doesn't really mean very much since we are in a non-prohibition era... but I guess the idea is cool (read: trendy).

    (4)

  • Majlinda K.

    This has to be my favorite speakeasy in the city! The atmosphere is classy and dim lit. No photography is allowed. We set by the bar and to our surprise the bar counter was covered in nickles and they blended it perfectly. It looked really cute and artsy. The bartender was really nice and helpful and made really great drinks. It was a bit hard to find and totally worth all the searching. It's located on 1029 Race street but the sign is infront of an apartment building, DO NOT go into the apartment building. I thought maybe the place didn't exist but i checked it out on yelp and notice a big black metal door (big thank you to whoever posted that picture) and used the buzzer to get in. This is a must-try place in Philadelphia, so grab your cash and go get a drink!

    (5)

  • Dug R.

    I stood in line for 30+minutes only to be told I would not be served as a single person. I waited patiently and exceeded the dress code (three piece tailored suit) only to be told there will be no seat at the bar for me and standing is not allowed. I will not return.

    (1)

  • Jolena M.

    The owner of the place is very friendly, and upholds this establishment to his own set of standards. My friends and I heard great reviews about this place and decided to try it out one night. The drinks, while pricey are pretty good and the interior decor is on point. We were able to get a bunch of strawberries as a gift from the owner after a couple of drinks and the waiters were pretty cute as well. An experience not to be missed!

    (5)

  • Stefanie A.

    I live nearby and never came here until this weekend. And it was worth the wait. Meaning I could have waited even longer and it would have been fine. The reason it took my so long to try it is because of the attitude I heard this place had. The reputation is warranted. I finally went, though, as I heard how excellent the cocktails are. That reputation is also warranted. It does have that speakeasy vibe with no sign, a doorbell, a doorman who takes you ID and provides you rules to make the visit more pleasant--love the no talking on cell phone rule. BUT he was over the top rude--scowling at me when we were inside and I mention friends were joining us (he sneered and asked if there was any other "data" I neglected to share. BTW--he never asked). I was tempted to leave after that, but we stayed for one drink. The space is beautiful. The drinks were fantastic. The bartender was professional. Despite that, I have no intention of returning. Drinks are around $14 so it makes for a steep night out. Plus I don't enjoy being scolded like a 5-year-old by staff at the bars I frequent. Ultimately, it's not as cool as it thinks it is.

    (3)

  • Stephanie B.

    What an interesting experience. After waiting a bit in line you finally are IDed and escorted into the lobby to learn the rules -no talking on phones (texting ok), 2 drink minimum and cash only. You truly feel as if you are waiting to board the tower of terror (with queuing and the decor). Mr. Le was very charming and led us to our tables. Awesome vibe and decor. Drinks and service were impeccable. Would definitely recommend if you don't mind splurging on drinks, service and experience. :)

    (5)

  • John K.

    *REVIEW CONTINUED* Moving onto the gin, rum, and tequila-based cocktails ... East Passyunk Yacht Club [$12] We also tried a gin-based cocktail. This one was sweet from the Honey liquer and tart from the fresh lime juice, with the mint providing a nice herbaceousness to break it all up. Philly Colada [$14] The GF tried this new addition to menu - an obvious ode to an oft enjoyed Caribbean drink. Creamy with coconut on the initial attack, the pineapple and lime really develop on the palate. The 151? As expected, that really hits you later! Hotel National [$12] This particular rum-based drink was slightly tart from the lime and pineapple, with the apricot liquer bringing forth even more saccharine notes.. And from there, the ladies wanted to end with tequila, so that's what we did. Duke of Funk [$14] The ultra-premium tequila melded beautifully with the bright and fragrant St. Germain. The lime was tart and balanced nicely by the sweet red grape juice and the Vida, which had a nose of fruit aromatics, hints of honey, and vanilla. On the palate, there was some banana as well. Complex, but not harsh in the least. El Diablo [$12] And for the final libation, this particular reposado is a blend of tequila that is housed in Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniels, and Heaven Hills barrels - a nice whiskey nod to bookend the night. Oak and agave came through, with the creme de cassis offering sweetness on the forefront and the tartness from the lemon and the spice from the ginger beer offering a great counterbalance. From the name alone, we expected some spice, but regardless, another great drink! Clearly, if you're in the mood for an experience and not just another random night in Old City or Rittenhouse, check out Hop Sing Laundromat. Be prepared though - it's cash only and depending on the group and/or line, there may be a 2 drink minimum. But really, why would you get just one? And this is an equal opportunity destination at that! Lêe made sure to inform us that certain celebrities have been kicked out for disobeying the rules by talking on their phones or taking pictures. Frankly, half of the reason we'll be back is for Lêe himself. Besides being a character, he takes service to another level - from swirling and pouring the excess cocktail thimble to top you off or providing illuminating commentary throughout the night - it's clear it's not just the drinks that make the experience - it's Lêe himself.

    (5)

  • Steve C.

    The drinks are great and the concept of the place is very cool. Try the Redneck Sangria! Great place to stop in for a drink.

    (5)

  • Ken L.

    Another spot that I decided to check out on my trip to Philly thanks to Yelp. I don't need to regurgitate what all the other yelpers are saying but yeah it's definitely a hype spot. Waited a while for the guy to find us a table. He was having a conversation with us and getting kinda cocky. Asked us why we would come all the way to Philly and check out a bar that we've never been to. Pretended he didn't know what Yelp is. Haha yeah we just played a long. Once we finally got in he told us there's a two drink per person minimum because we had a group of six. We ended up not doing that and didn't "get in trouble." The place is a confused speakeasy. Wasn't sure what kind of decoration they were going for but hey. The drinks were pretty good and priced like most speakeasies in NYC or DC. Most of them were pretty strong. Overall, it was a cool experience but probably wouldn't do it again. Check it out though if you've never been to a speakeasy with a lot of rules.

    (3)

  • Louise S.

    As we have grown older me and the hubby have albeit given up on a night of clubbing on our travels. Instead we seek out the speakeasys that populate big cities such as Philly, Chicago and NYC. On this trip to Philadelphia we heard about Hop sing laundromat and off we went at 11pm on a freezing cold night so see what it was all about. HSL is located in Chinatown. Use your phone gps as there is no way you'd find this unless you are really observant. The iron door has no sign at all.....if you peek through this door you may catch the tiny sign inside which says 18th amendment. In our case there were a few people outside already alerting us we were in the right spot. We waited a short while until the doormen (or owner) a small Asian man directed us inside. He warned us that it was cash only and checked our id. Once inside we found ourselves in a small waiting room beautifully decorated. The same man instructed us of the rules...no phone photos etc etc ( all part of the speakeasy style) Another short wait and we were in. A great seat right at the bar with a perfect view of the mixologists at work. Drinks are not cheap ($12-15) but they are strong and expertly done. Orange zest is peeled, cocktails are shaken, the interior is perfect speakeasy decor and the whole ambiance is very cool. If you like the Speakeasy style you will love this one!!!

    (5)

  • Charles S.

    I cannot speak highly enough of this place. Very selective. Bartenders especially Austin provide drinks and service not matched anywhere else. Very romantic.. I will be back. Obey the house rules!!

    (5)

  • Danielle B.

    If you can find the place and get passed the shadiness it is awesome. In true speakeasy fashion, there was no sign announcing this bar, but only a doorbell. When it rung and was answered we were greeted and asked how can we be helped, after establishing that I would like a drink, we were invited into the sitting area where we were briefed on the rules. No photos!! and I can attest that we did see people get kicked out of the bar for doing this. The decor is amazing and the bar is to die for, extremely dim lighting but sets for an intimate mood. Now onto the drinks, they will knock you down, don't be afraid of them the servers can help you pick out one that is right for you, and will kindly replace it if you really don't like it. I love the recipes and old fashioned decor. Great place!

    (4)

  • Fam B.

    Love this fairly new addition to the Chinatown neighborhood. They are very serious about setting a legitimate "speakeasy" environment. The entrance is guarded by a black gate and you ring the bell. I've heard that the bouncer and/or the owner checks you out from the camera inside to see if you're dressed appropriately and determines if they will let you in. Anyways, once they come out, they ask you what you're looking for and then, if you can come in, you get a rundown of the rules before entering the actual bar. No pictures or talking on the phone once you're inside. They are also pretty strict with the seating. Once, I went with 3 friends. When my boyfriend tried to join us later, they gave him a hard time about who he was meeting inside and he had to ask me to go outside to confirm that he was meeting us. When my boyfriend was finally let in, they made us pay the bill and move to bar seating because they are adamant about not adding extra chairs to the table (they only have tables for 2, 4, and one for 6 people). This definitely rubbed us the wrong way. BUT their drinks are great so we definitely continue to return. The drinks have gone up since they opened from $10 to $12, so we don't go here regularly. When we have friends visiting us in the city, we make sure to bring them over to experience Hop Sing. If you're a gin fan, Hop Sing has some of the best gin drinks I've found in Philly. My favorite is the Pimm's cup, but they have a variety of other unique drinks. They use fresh ingredients, which definitely make it worth the money when we go! It gets really packed on the weekends, so the best time to go are weekdays so you can guarantee entrance!

    (4)

  • Arica N.

    Love the atmosphere and the game. All in the quest for a perfect cocktail. My husband and I tried the "la Mer", perfect drink for me and it was also quite strong. Their try at a salty dog was a tad too harsh for me but not un-drinkable. I also appreciate the ban on cellphone conversations (though that is becoming less of a problem these days) and the ban on photography. shut up an drink.

    (5)

  • Priya R.

    Me and three of my friends came here this past weekend and I can honestly say it is the best drink I've ever had in my entire life. I want to start off by saying I love love LOVE the atmosphere of this place. It's an unassuming gate in chinatown with few oddball rules. (Personally, though, I live for places with places with quirky rules.) But the host was super friendly, funny, and pulled out chairs for all of us and greeted us on our way out. Overall the atmosphere makes you feel like you are exclusive to be getting in, which in turn makes you feel special and welcome. I feel like most people like the idea of this veil of "exclusivity" hop sing offers. The cocktail menu is extensive and all looks like stuff I've never heard of before, even though I like to think I'm a pretty seasoned bar-goer. but, if you go and you only get one drink, it should be the hemmingway daquiri. I cannot rave enough about this drink. When it first came out I was all "I'm paying how much for that?" but when I took a sip I was like "I'm only paying this much for that?" true story.

    (5)

  • Abbie R.

    So the whole thing is definitely cool. Way cooler than going to just another bar. My family and I went here the night before Thanksgiving and gee whiz, were the drinks strong... but no complaints here! We got there at 6 and were the only folks in the place. It was dark and they did the whole charade of deciding if we could come in or not. WOO -- we were cool enough to be let in. Thank God, because it was freezing outside. The menu has so many options, many I had never heard of, and all seem to fit in perfectly with the speakeasy theme. You can imagine that it's what a swanky prohibition bar's menu might have looked like. Be ready to pay top price, but I believe it's worth it because the liquor is top shelf and the experience is special.

    (3)

  • Shannon L.

    Despite what everyone says about the doorman, Lee, I think he's a very nice guy. He does his job just like a doorman at any other job. This bar has a dress code like every other bar, and if you follow the rules, you will get in just fine. The drinks are some of the best in the area, and it is a place I will absolutely recommend and be at again !

    (5)

  • Nina Y.

    Came here on suggestion of Kathleen W. She loves this place so I decided before my super nice dinner since I was going to get dressed up anyways, may as well get some drinks. This place is a little hard to find, but I followed the directions from Yelp. Not too bad once that happened. They're pretty serious about the dressing up part. No sandals, nice clothes, no sneakers. I know that some people were trying to argue, but it is what it is. Drinks are nice. I was by myself, so it was a little quiet and weird if I wanted to look at my cell phone since you're not allowed to take pictures and it's a dark place. I wish that I could have talked to the bartender and have them create a drink for me that's more suited to my tastes. Overall, great though. PS. they also tweeted at me after I checked and was really personal on it. I think it's pretty cool.

    (5)

  • Mario N.

    Great cocktails. I have been here twice and have not got the same drink twice and every time I am blown away at how well these drinks are made. If you got the extra $$ and really want a perfect cocktail, its worth it. Good luck finding that metal door - I'm glad I caught someone coming out.

    (5)

  • James S.

    I agree with other yelpers in that this place is an EXPERIENCE and not a BAR. It is a DESTINATION that you shouldn't just happen to drop by. Personally, it is not my kind of place--more of a "let's just grab a beer and watch the football game" kind of guy most nights. But if you wanted some specialty cocktails in a classy 1920's style speakeasy, this place is an excellent fit. It's like going to a party with a password. The servers are ladies and gentlemen, not bartenders and baristas. The service is slow, and it is a place designed for you to savor time, not waste it.

    (4)

  • Kristen M.

    Highly anticipated trip to Hop Sing Laundromat finally accomplished. Friday night, 8:30pm, line of 8 in front of the door. We ring the doorbell, the man comes out, as he checks our IDs he asks if it is our first time, "yes", and how we heard about the place, "friends". He takes our party of 4 inside to a waiting area where we sit on what appear to be old church pews, he leans against the shoeshine station. He explains the rules of no phone calls or photos, only texting and social media allowed. We shake our heads in understanding, he seats us at a table addressing us by our last names (from when he checked our IDs), the man is good. The ambiance is very cool, classy, dark enough that you'll need the candles on the table to read the menu. I have become a fan of speak-easy establishments and enjoy watching the mixologists do their mixing, listening to the signature shakes, and not being able to pronounce what I'm drinking. The drink menu is organized by base, I opted for rum. We asked the waiter for recommendations and my friends order what he suggests. The drinks were strong, and rightfully so as most are about $12-15. Unfortunately for me, this is not the place for bitchy fruity flavored drinks. My tastebuds were out of their league; the sophistication of the drinks far exceeded anything I had ever experienced. I still enjoyed myself as I sipped my friends' selections. The service was great and it's a refreshing change of pace from the loud crowded Philly bars. As all others say, dress nice, cash only, no food, but great place for a date.

    (5)

  • Yoshie U.

    my favorite cocktail bar in philly & NYC combined. I haven't had anything less than spectacular here. drinks and service are both incredible

    (5)

  • Gabrielle F.

    Phillys biggest secret! It's a little getaway in center city with incredible scenery and a very chill speakeasy atmosphere. I highly recommend the whiskey smash!

    (5)

  • kate j.

    I had been wanting to try this place forever and finally got to experience it recently. Im a big fan! Great crowd and a different, chill atmosphere from what I'm used to at most bars in the city. The wait outside, regardless of the weather, is worth it! If you're looking for a bar with a "speakeasy" feel, I would recommend Hop Sing over Franklin Mortgage and Ranstead Room.

    (4)

  • Nicole H.

    I understand what they're trying to do here, and for the most part it's done very well. The drinks are all fantastic and the whole atmosphere is spot on. My only real complaint is from time to time the service (or lack thereof) leaves a little to be desired. Last time I visited I was asked (politely, I will add) to move after being seated for about half an hour. A larger, "member" group was coming in and they needed my table. No problem at all. Then I placed a drink order and it took about 25 minutes to come (which I do think is quite a long time). While I enjoy the place enough to not worry about a wait, I at least would've liked some sort of info or update during that time. I ended up asking the server, who was clearly ignoring my table (and empty water glasses) because he knew how long it was taking, and was told "there was a backup, sorry, it is coming out soon." Again, not a big deal, I just expect a little more when at a place like Hop Sing. But yes, the place is great and fun and quirky and the drinks are spot on.

    (4)

  • Jill D.

    Amazing experience. Truly felt like we were Lê's personal guests. He's up front about the rules, escorted us to our seats once he'd recited them, and checked in with us several times throughout the night to see how we were found. Drinks were well made and presentation exquisite. Ambience of the place was incredible: you can see how much attention to detail went into the planning. You can certainly get cheaper drinks in Philly, but I don't think you could match the experience too often. Will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Jose A.

    If you wanna go to place with really great drinks (that are on the pricey side), that does not allow you to use your cellphone while inside, is a bit pretentious, and has a doorbell hard to find entrance then this is your spot...!!!

    (3)

  • Luana L.

    Terrible. Can't believe how rude the attendant was. Pass on this. Rules? Right! Who knows what they are.

    (1)

  • Sharan J.

    Ah yes, Hop Sing Laundromat. I will not be writing about the inside of this establishment, their overpriced drinks or their service. Here's what happened a few Saturday's ago. We arrived with a group of five - our friends were visiting Philly and we wanted to take them to a speak-easy place which none of us had been to. We were told to wait for about twenty minutes when Hop left to check on a table for us and then came back. He asked us how many people (again) and we said 5. He then thought long and hard and said "Okay we will let you in, BUT there is a two drink minimum for each of you." Now I thought that was odd. We just wanted to grab a drink each while we waited for our room at Yakitori Boy which we had a karaoke room reservation. We were debating if we wanted to waste our time/money and Hop told us to move over so he could talk to the next set of people. He also did not let them in as apparently they weren't dressed. When I looked at them they were. Then the next set of people were not dressed and Hop let them in - NO two drink minimum for them! Now did I missing something? Why would he tell us that we had a two drink minimum for each person when we were dressed properly and then let in another group which was not dressed at all and wearing sneakers. Now I have my speculations of why we were not let him nor the group after us but that other group was. That being said, I will never waste my time trying to get into this establishment ever again. Hop Singh and his establishment are a very poor representation of Philadelphia. He is rude and I would never spend a dime there.

    (1)

  • Joey F.

    Talk about a place that needs to get off their high horse...unfriendly is an understandment and pompous. I will not return.

    (1)

  • Upma S.

    Would give zero stars if possible. Owner is rude. Experience sucked. Don't bother going!

    (1)

  • Kristy R.

    Can I please pack up this place and bring it home to NY with me? Julia had recently found out about this place via Yelp and since everyone loves a speakeasy, we decided to give it a try. The only reason we knew where it was was because 1) yes, there is an address but this is a speakeasy after all therefore there is no sign and 2) someone on Yelp posted a photo of the door. When we arrived, there was only a small group formed outside. You are met by an Asian man who will ask how big your party is and if you've ever been there before. He checked our IDs and saw we were from New York and let us in. First you go up a narrow staircase and are left in a cozy waiting room. This is where he goes through the two rules. No pictures, no phone calls. After that, he sets up an area either at the bar or the tables for the size of your group. He set up a triangle of bar stools so we could sit and chat at the bar. There are also hooks under the bar for your coats and purses, he encourages you to use these. The bar is HUGE. Much bigger than I anticipated since speakeasies can sometimes run on the small side. The mixologists are all properly dressed and the menu breaks down each cocktail by liquor. I went with a whiskey cocktail that tasted like spiked chocolate milk (meaning it was good and dangerous). My friends with tequila-based cocktails and enjoyed their drinks, as well. This is a great place to take a date, lounge around with some friends, or go by yourself for a drink. Drinks are typical speakeasy prices so around $12 per cocktail. By the time we left, there was a line forming outside so we got in at just the right time. This should be your pre-dinner drink place. Now how do I go about moving this place to New York and showing everyone what a speakeasy should be like?

    (5)

  • Kevin L.

    On one hand, I thought that it was totally worth it to wait in a queue in the freezing cold for twenty minutes just to watch the boy get put in his place by our host for lying about having been here before. On the other hand, I was over the song-and-dance routine of said selfsame host even before it had begun. For those who've been to Violet Hour in Chicagoland, you might appreciate that they have rules. For those reading this who've -not- been to Violet Hour, I assume you can find said rules without my resorting to lmgtfy-ing on your behalf. That said, Violet Hour's rules do not require a lecture in advance of being seated. Arguably, their rules are a simple set of expectations that any decent human being would already have set for him/herself. In my opinion, their execution of rules is far classier. Once you've made it past the judging eyes of the welcome wagon, the seated wait on the benches in the antechamber, and the lecture about the house rules, the actual bar experience is what one might expect of a packed dance club... minus the packed or the dance or the club. So what you're left with is a nearly-full lounge with a purely transactional relationship with the folks making your cocktails, even if you're seated at the bar. Hop Sing Laundromat is an exemplar of high-volume manufacturing with zero personality, much like what I'd imagine in an Android smartphone production plant. Oh, and our cocktails were executed flawlessly. Much like one would expect at baseline for a venue that establishes itself as a cocktail lounge. At least there's that. Maybe I'm spoiled, but I'll just go home to the likes of Flatiron Lounge or Death + Co., where I can get my excellent drink on - no lecture required.

    (3)

  • Gautam T.

    Hop Sing, the unassuming place that doesn't have a sign or really anything to let you know what is behind the gate? I got here and rang the bell and a host dressed like he was in the 1920's comes to the door, examines my shoes (thankfull they were not sneakers) asks me if I have cash (thankfully I had some) and then finally takes my ID from me and shuts the gate and disappears. After 1 minute of wondering what the hell is going on he comes back and opens the gate and lets us in. Damn its dark and the music very jazzy and mellow. As I am trying to soak in the eclectic art and general atmosphere the host gives us instructions that talking on the cell phone is not allowed and neither is picture taking. You will get kicked out he warned us if they see any pictures being taken. So we finally walk to the bar and check out a pretty sweet cocktail menu thats separated by spirit which I found easy to navigate. It was a whiskey night for sure. The drinks were expensive but very potent! I drank two and was starting to feel the buzz! I don't know if its me over the drinking hill or the potency of the alcohol. I'll stick with the potency. Anyway it was super dark and after leaving your eyes really need to adjust to light. Super worth it! I will be coming back for chill night caps.

    (5)

  • Duane D.

    This place was awesome. We visited on a Tuesday night while in town on business. It is not hard to find with the guidance from other Yelpers. We were greeted by Lee, who was an excellent host. We went though the same admission process as is described in other reviews--and it definitely adds to the experience. The interior decor reminds me a bit of the interior of Hogwarts with the dim candle light, the books, and the off the wall decorations. That may sound odd, but it works. Don't miss two of the coolest features--the ante room floor is covered in perfectly aligned pennies (tails up), and the bar is covered in perfectly aligned nickels (heads up). The drinks were fantastic. On a recommendation, I had the Henry "Box" Brown (it's a Philadelphia history reference, google it) which was 15 year old rum and freshly extracted red grape juice with one giant ice cube and grape garnish. Fantastic! The craft cocktail menu is extensive, and the waiters will talk to you about any of them and make recommendations. There is no food. Most of the drinks were about $12, and well worth it for the experience. The bar is cash only. The owner, Lee, was our host and was willing to talk to us quite a bit. He has an interesting story and used to be a day trader before opening up the bar. The whole "speakeasy" vibe of this place is fun. While some would say it is a gimmick, the place could definitely survive solely on the quality of the drinks and the hospitality. I give this place my highest recommendation -- so long as you know what you are getting into!

    (5)

  • Isabelle K.

    The experience was different, atmosphere was cool but the owner's attitude could be a bit nicer. I get that it 's part of the show but he can relax a bit

    (3)

  • Lilli C.

    AMAZING cocktails. I had one sip and I was in love. There are over 50 different cocktail varieties to choose from and they range from $12-14 bucks- not bad for a fancy, decadent cocktail bar! Impeccable service. Luxurious decor. Great music. You're greeted at the door by a bouncer who asks the standard questions: Why are you here? How did you hear about this place? Did you know it's cash only? Yes, unfortunately it's cash only. I suppose that is a good thing or I'd be maxing out my card here. A few rules here: no photography or video, but you can use your phone to google, email etc. No talking on the phone unless you're in the waiting area, which is great. I hate those loud cell phone talkers. I cannot wait to come back here. Great for an after dinner cocktail!

    (5)

  • Daniel N.

    It was an interesting and unique experience but the drinks were not very good. They have no food menu which I thought was disappointing. Expensive considering none of the drinks we ordered were really outstanding.

    (3)

  • Eevee M.

    My bf and I finally decided to come here last night and we had a great time. The atmosphere is laid back, staff are knowledgeable and hospitable, and drinks were strong and delicious! For my fellow coffee junkies, I recommend the Nevermore. And remember: they're cash only, no picture-taking allowed, and don't come on an empty stomach :)

    (5)

  • Sandy T.

    Totally over rated! Ok fine, maybe their drinks are good, but seriously, we're in Philly and Philly is loaded with great places to have a good time. Why go to a bar that pretends to be exclusive by rejecting people at the door? Some people like that, but personally I don't have time for that. #justsaying For the prices and ambiance, I'd rather be at Franklin Mortgage Investment Co. or Ranstead Room. Also, if you've never been, it's cash only.

    (2)

  • Edward W.

    Intro: The room is quite the visual treat. The entire place is a departure from the rest of Chinatown. To walk into such a beautiful place really is an experience. The two drinks I got were good, however I would not say balanced enough. The Vietnamese egg soda drink was a bit heavy on the palate (not much you can do about raw egg yoke). And the later drink, Fuggetaboutit (sp?) was a bit too sweet for my taste. The Campari combined with the simple syrup did not sit well. Though I would recommend you trying them for yourself; perhaps I was just not in the mood for those drinks. The basics: 1. The drink menu was neatly organized into alcohol types (nice touch for the spacial organizer). There is literally a slew of drinks and cocktails with all different kinds of influences from classics to a Vietnamese egg soda spin off. However, I did find the choices to be paralyzingly abundant. I'd like to see a smaller more intimate menu that features a solid selection of house favorites, and a side menu of seasonal items. 2. The owner is very involved with the experience. He comes to check up on each table frequently and helps you prep your drink (if there is any prep work to be done). 3. Our waiter was new so he was not too knowledgeable about the drinks just quite yet. Definitely one of the best speakeasies in town. Lots of character and a great selection!

    (4)

  • Olivia R.

    This is by far the best bar experience I have had. The sign on the door says "Repeal the 18th Amendment for Prosperity" to get you in the prohibition mood. Then Lee comes out, impeccably dressed, and asks if you have been here before, how you heard about this place, and if you know it is a cash only bar. If you answer correctly and he has a table for your amount of people, then he leads you into the antechamber and tells you the rules. You can't take photos after you cross the threshold and you can't make phone calls except in the antechamber. The chamber is lined with old books and oddities and has a velvet shoe shine bench. Then he takes you into the seating area. All of the seats are like thrones! There are more oddities on the walls in here which are so fun to look at. The bar is covered with the most interesting of bottles from top to bottom and the well-dressed bar tenders are quite skilled. The drinks menu is quite extensive and is organized by type of alcohol. They have specials as well and they use very interesting combinations of flavors. My favorite was the East Side, which is quite refreshing and contains cucumber, mint, and gin. Definitely go here - it is such a fun night and Lee and his bartenders take great care of you!

    (5)

  • Jenn P.

    Went on a Thursday -- didn't have to wait nearly as long as everyone is complaining about. Also: all the rules? Yeah, not a problem. It really *is* okay to not be constantly using your smart phone for the space of a few delicious cocktails. Beautiful penny floor, the bar is covered in nickels. Interesting decor. Our waiters were very attentive, but not suffocating. Drink prices were comparable to many other speakeasies in town, strong, and tasty. Great spot, I'd come back in heartbeat.

    (4)

  • Ed F.

    All I can say is - if you have not had a "flip" (Saigon Flip or The Kentucky Flips You) you have missed out on an amazing drink!

    (5)

  • Megan K.

    This place is super cool! This was the first time I went to a speakeasy and I loved the whole experience. The cocktails are amazing, strong and pricey. I love the no cell phone rule and the entire atmosphere of this place.

    (5)

  • James A.

    I guess put me in the hated it aisle. If you want to be told what to do by a silly little man with an obvious napoleonic complex/ this is the place for you! I have to give the interested decor, seemed like some cool drink options. But I will take my Friday night out without the side of over the top pretentiousness, unnecessary rules, and owner who lords over this converted old space like a rat over a sewer. If you were treated like this is someone's house, you would never visit again. This guy gives you the opportunity to pay him for it. Call me old fashioned, but I will take my cocktail without the large side of pomposity...

    (1)

  • Chris G.

    The bouncer had me wondering what we were getting into. He asked if it was our first time and asked us to wait for a minute. He left and Mr. Lee (I guess that is his name. I noticed all of the reviews call him that) returned in his place. He was intimidating at first. He asked a few questions and I initially stumbled on my words trying to get them out. After answering the questions successfully, he gave us the rules and granted permission to gain entry. We were led to a waiting area, which had a shoe shine seat. After a brief wait in this area, we were asked if we wanted a table or to sit at the bar. We decided to sit at the bar. We were led into the main area that makes a great first impression. It is decorated elegantly and atmosphere is intimate. The bartenders were dressed dapper and were nice. I ordered two drinks. Both were very good. I really liked their signature Philly drink. I also like the fact that they use fresh fruit in the drinks and all of the fruit is cut, peeled, and squeezed when the drink is ordered. Now I know that Hop Sing Laundromat does not label themselves as prohibition speakeasy, but the rules they have to protect their clients privacy and their unassuming location, personifies a prohibition speakeasy, except alcohol is no longer illegal. If it is your first time going and there is no line outside, this place can be tricky to find. Beware this place is cash only and the drinks are strong!

    (5)

  • Julia B.

    In typical speakeasy fashion, there is no number above the iron door. Thanks to a picture on this Yelp page, I knew what the door looked like. Given its popular nature, seeing people outside an unmarked door also gives it away. You are met by a well-dressed Asian man who will ask you how big is your party, if you've been before and once he thinks there's a place, you are led in to a little room. There he goes through 2 rules - no phone calls and no pictures. Simple enough. Once that's over, you're led to your seats. The bar was much bigger than I anticipated! A big bar area and also tables. The bartenders - sorry mixologists - are great and the list of cocktails are split into the type of booze. I went with a tequila based one called Duke of Funk and it was superb. Sweet but also slightly smokey. My two girlfriends and I were lucky to get in right away at around 7:30pm on a Saturday. By the time we left, there was a big line! Best to come early to not deal with that. Tip: cash only

    (5)

  • Meredith B.

    Whelp it's time to update my review. I've visited Hop Sing twice now. My first visit I sat at a table with two other friends and just after we ordered our drinks we were asked to move to the bar so a party of four could have our table. It was not a problem... the drinks this visit were ok. There was lots on the menu that caught my eye to try but we stayed for the two ok drinks and then moved on. On my second visit to Hop Sing we were there on a Sunday night. There was not much going on in the neighborhood and when we entered Hop Sing there were a few other tables but not overly packed. During this stay I had two very good drinks (both of which were gin based). I'm impressed with the drink menu and all that it has to offer.

    (3)

  • Lauren S.

    Speak Easy's seem to be all the rage and I am finally glad I've made it to Hop Sing Laundromat which I feel like has the most authentic feel to it of all the Speak Easy type bars in the city. Between being question a little and waiting in a little lobby if its the place isn't full to the decor of the place I had an amazing experience here and it totally deserves to be on the Top 50 Bar list of Philly. There is a two drink minimum but its more like 4 drinks since you get the extra to your drink if there is any. The drinks were tasty and you could tell made with fresh ingredients. For all you klutzy people out there like myself, be careful on the way out on the steps I trip on them but that wont discourage me from coming back.

    (5)

  • Kat M.

    My first visit would be a 5. The drinks were excellent, especially some cucumber gin drink that I got. It was nice that Lee was there too, since his quirkiness added to the atmosphere. However, the second visit...I will probably only give it a three. The drinks weren't as good as the first time, and the attendant at the door was pretty meh. It was nice that Lee remembered my name the first time too. But, one thing about Hop Sing is that your glass will always be full. They never fail to refill our waters and pour the extra bit of drink that we got into our glasses.

    (4)

  • Michael H.

    This place makes a mean cocktail. The ambiance is terrific, from the shoe shine foyer through the nickel topped bar. Couple the atmosphere with a wide variety of drinks and knowledgeable staff and you have yourself a place to enjoy a couple of rounds.

    (4)

  • Kelly C.

    the drinks really got me.. like WoW~ aside from the delicious palate cleanse as always, it has also proven to be the ticket to the start of a goooOOooD night! ;) i absolutely love the decor here! the stocked bar on the wall is super impressive! the place is spacious with a high ceiling but not empty. it gives enough room for you and your company to enjoy a little privacy. staffs are very attentive and knowledgeable and will only attend to you when you desire so you don't ever feel intruded here. also, i'd just like to say that... it doesn't feel like it~ but now that i think about it the waiters are probably monitoring all the guests from afar because they always know the EXACT moment when to pour more into your cup and it always goes to the very rim of the glass--- no more no less~! lol how do they do that?! it's a very dark room too lol anywho onto more important things~ drinks are.. MY GOD.. heavenly! everything blends so well together creating the smooth and dreamy liquor harmony. i usually only drink vodka mainly because of its odorless characteristic. but even when i ordered a non-vodka drink, the pungent accent of the hard liquor is hid away so well! sometimes i forget and thought im just drinking juice! .. super dangerous.. i assure you that you will find yourself drunk before you know it! needless to say, i always leave hop sing very content! :) and i always look forward to the next time i return for a visit! they update the menu pretty regularly so there are always new drinks to try! must check out if you haven't done so already! just remember! 2 house rules: no pics and no talking on the phone! and most importantly.. CASH ONLY!!

    (5)

  • Rae Marie Y.

    I was looking for something to do on a Monday night during a trip to Philly (Memorial Day Weekend) and a laundromat popped up. I thought that was odd and then I noticed it was categorized as a "lounge". I thought that couldn't be right. But when I started reading the reviews and noticed there were hardly any pictures, I had to check this place out. My husband and I didn't have any problems finding its location but you really can't tell that a bar lies behind the gates. Turns out they were closed for the holiday, but we came back the next day with luggage in tow to grab a quick drink before heading to the airport. There was a bouncer at the gate and the first thing he said was, "No sneakers!" And all I could think was "Really? it's 5pm and no one is probably in there..." Good thing I had some heels in my carry-on. Yes, I changed shoes in the middle of the sidewalk in Chinatown. Haha. I was on a mission. He took our IDs and went inside while we waited outside the gate. We got in and upon my first step in I loved it! I loved the romantic ambience: dim lighting overhead and candlelights everywhere else. The decor on the wall is on point for a modern idea of Prohibition. They have old liquor licenses framed on the wall. The top of the walls are lined with old books on a shelf. Also a ladder behind the bar against a wall of liquor bottles. The drinks were creative and served strong. I wish I could find a place like this in LA. Hop Sing, you made my heart sing!

    (5)

  • Laura K.

    For what it is- a dark, nicely decorated speakeasy, I liked it. The drinks were very good but honestly, I really have to be in the mood for the whole pomp and circumstance. It's an experience- definitely a memorable one but like the other posters said not an every week thing. I personally prefer the more low key laidback atmosphere of Franklin Mortgage but I recommend people to try this place and decide for themselves. Just remember- no sneakers.

    (4)

  • Rachel K.

    Let's hope you don't possess the mentality of an 18 year old. Sorry kiddies, this is for Adults. Easy-speak, dark, sexy ambiance bar with well crafted drinks. This is a place where you can enjoy your drink while having a conversation. Rules are pretty easy to follow. -Be well dress -Cash only -No photos, no phone-calls (I believe you can use social media and text) Tip: Better on a weekday. Go between 7-9 to ensure easy entrance.

    (5)

  • S L.

    This place is pretty mystery with very good looking bar tenders. I asked to make something with Chocolate and Bailey's and I got the awesome customized drink! A bit pricy, I guess, but amazingly interesting hidden bar.

    (4)

  • Patrick C.

    Overall a resounding meh, I actually like the first time I went there I couldn't get in because my shoes weren't nice enough. But once I did get in we had to go through almost 15 minutes of "initiation" that could have been boiled down to a one minute task of checking our IDs and telling us no phones, but once we did get in

    (3)

  • Allison B.

    The cab dumped us off on the corner of 10th and Race. It was pouring; I huddled underneath my umbrella and started looking for signage. There was no signage. I approached the door at 1029 Race and rang the doorbell nervously. Lee opened the gate in a velvet suit and my mouth dropped open. "We're with Michelle and Art?" Lee nodded. Zack H and I were first seated in the foyer, where I noticed two things: a live feed of four-way security camera video, and a floor decorated entirely with pennies. Lee led us to the cozy antique love seats in the back corner of the main room and presented us to our friends. I was still a little nervous. What was to be expected from the most highly anticipated lounge in Philadelphia? I checked-in to Hop Sing on my phone. A friend from New York replied, "Best Friday night tweet ever." No no, I don't think you understand. I'm not doing laundry. There was no ordering to be done. The drinks came out one by one: vodka, tequila, rum and whiskey. The list of ingredients for each became a guessing game. Simple but unique, fresh and classic. The drinks were frothy and smooth, shaken to perfection. When our server mentioned "grape juice," he meant the real thing. No Welch's here. White tablecloths and dark red candelabras donned the tables. Real books lined the walls along with portraits and paintings. Both the bar and bartenders were beautiful. Kevin Sbraga came by to chat and I was starstruck. Lee came to our table several times to check up on us or to offer a bit of wisdom and reasoning regarding the cocktail selection. The man is an enigma. With rumors of members-only rules and regulations, I can only hope I'll be able to return to Hop Sing Laundromat sometime soon. Note: no photos are allowed to be taken inside of the lounge.

    (5)

  • Amanda C.

    I have been here twice so far and I have to say I really love it. Last night we went and were pleased to find out that Hop Sing hosts a happy hour from 5pm-8pm. There was a smaller drink menu and everything is priced at $9. On my first visit I had an awesome drink that had some combination of coffee, mint and bourbon that was awesome. Yesterday I had a Diamondback that had bourbon, apple jack brandy, and chartreuse the drink was super strong but really good. Regular drink prices are $12. The space itself is super cool and sorta gimmicky but this is a fun place to go to celebrate a birthday or take people from outta town. I would suggest Hop Sing for groups smaller than 5 and as an alternative to Franklin Mortgage or Emmanuelle.

    (5)

  • Monica L.

    PROS: Interesting atmosphere, tasty concoctions, great service CONS: Over-hyped, pretentious By being stern and secretive about his establishment, Lee manages to incite a lot of interest in what exactly goes on behind the gate (which is perhaps not a bad marketing strategy). Curiousity got the better of me, and I ventured in with a group of friends, half afraid that he'd find some random reason to kick us out before we even secure a spot. (A couple in front of us was escorted out only a few minutes after entering... ) The waitstaff here is impeccably polite. Hop Sing Laundromat is more spacious inside than it appears from the outside. The atmosphere and decor inside remind me of some gloomy mansion decked in a collection of strange trinkets. The cocktails are above average at average prices. Alas... curiosity did kill the cat. The pretentious exclusivity bothers me, as does the rough treatment of guests by Lee. Without a doubt, I can get comparably good drinks at more fun, relaxing establishments.

    (3)

  • Jason C.

    I Love this place! Best drinks in the city. The other speak-easy options in Philly don't come close to the quality and taste of drinks at Hop Sing. A few things: The rule isn't no cell phones, it is no phone calls and no pictures, which frankly makes for a more enjoyable experience. You don't have to be dressed super fancy, just no sneakers or flip flops and no shorts. I usually wear a nice pair of jeans with dress shoes and a button down. The owner isn't rude, but he is a bit eccentric. Go in knowing that and you will do just fine. There isn't a drink minimum, don't know where a reviewer got that info. If you are going past 9pm, expect a wait, especially on the weekends. I recommend stopping by on a weeknight for a drink or two. As strong as these are, and at the price, who would want much more than that anyway. The bartenders are hot, the drinks are cold, and the atmosphere is amazing. We live a few blocks away, and frequent this place!

    (5)

  • Natalie B.

    I love this place so much! The experience is amazing. You really do feel like you're in on some kind of secret, and it's so much fun. We waited for about 10 minutes on a Friday night, and our experience was much like the other reviewers described. The owner greets you at the door, looking up and down the street as if he were afraid someone would see. He was wearing some pretty awesome glasses, and once we were inside, he explained the rules to us. No pictures, no phone calls, cash only. He made a joke about how our parents would be disappointed in us for coming here. "You should be partying in Las Vegas, not drinking cheap liquor at a dive bar." Once we actually entered the bar area, I was grinning ear to ear. The entire wall behind the bar was stacked with bottles of liquor, floor to ceiling. There were cute and quirky artwork all over the walls. The chairs were big and comfy. It was all just so... cool. The drinks are $12 each with a 2 drink minimum per person, which sounds annoying, but the drinks are truly delicious and quite strong. Two is really all you need if you want to be able to walk home. Everybody we talked to was warm and friendly. My friends and I had a great time here just bonding quietly over some drinks. It's a refreshing break from the places I typically frequent, where the experience is drinking watered down well drinks while people spill beer on your shoes. Hands down, the Hop Sing Laundromat is my favorite bar. I only wish my wallet could handle it more often!

    (5)

  • Dana S.

    Funny and great staff. It's hidden in Chinatown but it was easy to find based on the picture of the iron door posted in the prior reviews. We also got lucky and saw people going in as we walked up. Very enjoyable evening, great place to grab some drinks with friends and enjoy each others company and catch up. Drinks are fresh, strong, and well made.

    (4)

  • Walter K.

    As Lee the owner would have your believe: "We're just a lousy bar." This is my favorite lousy bar. Cocktails only, Cash only, and a boat load of rules including no phone calls, pictures or children. It's perfect.

    (5)

  • Mike O.

    In short, the pretense is supremely eye-rolling, but the cocktails are damn good. The Hop Sing Laundromat is like a fake speakeasy that everyone knows about. The place is maintained with limited seating, which is nice for densely populated cities, but it means you have to wait outside, rain or shine, for a seat. This is part of the pretense, part of the business plan. A doorkeeper, who is either a wonderful actor or really takes himself seriously, stands imperiously at the gate when he comes out and eyes you and your party. He asks how many are in your party, and they better be standing with you, or you won't be seated. If you are wearing sneakers, you won't be let in. Dress nicely. If you are ready and there is a table available, he'll tell you that he is "getting your table ready" which is hogwash. He is just stalling for time so you can wait, the line and interest outside get longer and everyone feels so so special. Before you can enter the gate to the front door and climb the steps, the doorman asks if you've been to Hop Sing before, and warns you that you can't take photos or talk on the phone. You're also warned that the place is cash only. Once you're let in, you're marched to a sort of anteroom, where you have to wait. There is an old shoe shining bench and other chairs. You are again lectured on the rules. If you are caught taking a photo or calling on the phone, you will be asked to leave. However, if you may go into the anteroom or a "private room" if you need to make a phone call. The reasons why you can't take photos or make a call don't follow very strong logic, but I don't care. I just want a cocktail. But here are the reasons. You can't make a phone call because it's impolite (fair enough) and people who talk on phones are loud and disrupt the conversations of others (that one was illogical. The place is loud with cocktail-induced loud talking and plays music that is not exactly quietly pumping through large speakers). You can't take photos because they want to protect your privacy in case you get too drunk and do something stupid. The one is full of holes, too, but whatever. You are allowed to text, however. At this point you're probably shaking your head with me. Just get to the damn drinks! The inside is nicely decorated and spacious. You are led to a table or the bar, and it isn't too densely packed that you are constantly hearing a neighbor's conversation. This is actually quite nice and somewhat worth all the waiting and hullabaloo outside. The drinks were pretty outstanding. I was disappointed they didn't have dark rum to make a Dark & Stormy on a disgustingly miserable raining winter night in Philly, and it was also surprising given the bar has hundreds of bottles on the wall. I'd share a pic to show you, but, you know. Instead I ordered an Old Fashioned and it was quite good. Possibly one of the best I've ever had. Not too strong and harsh, not too sweet, perfectly balanced, I could taste the orange peel. My friend had to send away his order which was well-balanced as well but too, I dunno, "girly"? (Sorry to those whom that may offend.) He re-ordered and got the Old Fashioned as well, and they didn't charge him for the drink. They better not, since you are paying like the equivalent of hundreds bucks were you to order a pint of alcohol! Anyhoo, try to make it here if you can, but just know that so much of this is a charade, and you might not be up for it although the drinks are very good.

    (4)

  • Lauren C.

    This place is really an experience. We walked up and were told to take a spin around the block and come back in 15 minutes. We went to Yakatori Boy to grab a drink, but quickly saw the line and stood outside under the heat lamp and regrouped. We wanted to process what had just happened since we'd never been turned away from a bar before. We knew it was part of the schtick here, so we went with it, but we've also heard of people that aren't allowed inside, so we wanted to be sure that wasn't us either. We came back and were instantly recognized. We were brought inside into a holding room that looks like a library and sat down. We saw a security guard checking cameras down the street. I'm not sure the same luxury was an option during real actual prohibition, but it was a nice touch. Finally, we were read the rules (no photos, but phones are ok if you gotta...) we were taken by Lee through the lounge, and doubled back towards the bar. We were sat right at the bar. We had drank a few vodka drinks so far, so we decided to stay on theme. My friend ordered the Crazy Horse special which was more of a martini, while I opted for the Stonewall Riot. I had a sip of her drink, and it was great, but i got to drink all of mine, and it was DELICOUS!!! I would absolutely recomend sitting at the bar if you can too. The bar tenders are great! Watching them make the drinks is so entertaining. They were attentive, but not too much. Obviously they can overhear your whole convo, our bartender jumped in from time to time with some cheeky antecdotes, but not so much that we were ever annoyed. In fact, we tipped her more closely in line with a waitress than a bartender. I think we have her like $10 on 2 drinks. She really made the experience awesome. We laughed and enjoyed being in such a cool atmosphere. I really enjoyed the place through and through. The $12 for the drinks makes sense given the fact that they're delicious, and pretty work intesitve to construct. I'd love to bring my mom back here. I think she'd get a kick out of the whole je ne said quoi. This place is truly awesome.

    (5)

  • B M.

    If your intent is to enjoy a few great drinks after dinner, and enjoy a conversation with your present company without being annoyed by a crowd of idiots or incessant cell phone users, then this is the place for you. These are the best cocktails in Philadelphia - particularly the simple yet potent Old Fashioned. And the prices are actually cheaper than some of the similar trendy establishments in center city. I, for one, actually embrace the "rules" that the owner enforces. It's nice to be able to relax and enjoy a great cocktail, and if I can't wear sneakers while doing so, then so be it. Also a great date spot.

    (5)

  • I M.

    Hard to find (it is a speakeasy after all) and there are numerous rules for dress code and cell phone use that the bouncer discloses before you enter -see other reviews for rules. The rules keep this place classy and without the riffraff found in other philly bars so no complaints here. I love sitting at the unique nickel bar to watch the bartenders make the drinks--there is an impressive amount of detail that goes into each drink. The bartenders are not overly chatty, but always seem happy to suggest options based on likes/dislikes. Drinks are pricey, and you definitely pay for quality over quantity. Definitely a must-try bar

    (5)

  • Vy D.

    It was the night before the end of the world and what better way to go out then having a few drinks at this amazing establishment. A gated entrance in the middle of Chinatown, Hop Sing is hidden like a true speakeasy should be. Be prepared to step into a bar like you've never experienced before. Lee, the owner will interrogate you. But don't be afraid, because the entire ordeal feels adventurous and exciting. The bartender, Reed, is serious and meticulous in his craft. When asked for recommendations, he was very accommodating with our requests. I've never seen drinks prepared so tediously. With that being said, the one cocktail I highly recommend is the Henry "Box" Brown (rum and grape juice). It is absolutely delicious. Everything from the flavor, temperature, texture, aroma, strength, and presentation, were essentially perfect. Before coming here, make sure to carry enough cash ($12 a drink). Oh, dress to impress is also suggested.

    (5)

  • Linh N.

    I like how exclusive this speakeasy is. There are actually rules that you have to go by and if you don't, they will escort you out. Upon arrival, it was hard to recognize the door to Hop Sing if it wasn't for this little sign by my knee stating the door number. Bell rings, out comes someone and ask you how did we know about the place and also ask to check our IDs. When entering, there's a lounge area where they give us a brief "lecture" since it was our first time. They emphasize, no talking on the phone and no picture-taking. After such, we were escorted inside. Very dim yet classy at the same time. Large spacious area with a lot of cushion seats and also a nice bar. So, let me say this. I had a whiskey cocktail (don't exactly remember the name) that included whiskey and freshly extracted honeydew. It was a strong drink, beside the glass that was served to me, there was also a little cocktail jar halfway filled with my drink. It came out to be a glass an a half for about $14(?) which was definitely worth the price. Side note to the ladies: the knob to the restroom is loose so be careful when you try to turn it, if you're luck it'll fall off and a cute waiter will come to the rescue (unless it's already fixed).

    (4)

  • Mike H.

    First time at hop sing and enjoyed it. Had the Blood n Sand, Preacher Bourbon, and the Captain Kirk. Wife had Bourbon Smash. I win! Hop Sing is beautiful. Decor etc.... The show to get in the place is fine except for when I come a second time. Dont need the same show twice. The drinks were great, i enjoyed all of them and considering the location, were worth the money. Just wished the bartender was more engaging. Personality is what gets repeat customers in addition to the quality of drink.

    (4)

  • Lans S.

    What a trip! I mean, seriously. Hats off to Mr Lee. Everything about this joint is picture perfect and we all had to fight the urge to whip out our iPhones to capture the uncaptureable (not a word, but you get what I mean). Yet I completely appreciate the sophistication that results when we all let our dang phones rest and we just embrace the company around us. Innovative drink concoctions, incredible service, and impressive ambiance.

    (4)

  • Carol C.

    If you can keep the drinks, ambiance, superb decor, and the servers/bartenders of this place, while throwing out the owner and his slimy appeal and his wannabe-classy fork glasses, this place would be beyond 5 stars. But sadly, I guess we can't just kick out the owner, so this place will have to settle with 4 stars. Being from Los Angeles, I have been to a number of speakeasys and have paid the whopping price tags for craft cocktails. However, never have I met an owner who lacked any ounce of humility like Lee. Although, I don't know if he is really fooling anyone if he's caught coming out of the apartment complex 2 blocks down in a dirty white wife beater and sandals. Probably some of the best cocktails I've had the pleasure of having, but when it's accompanied by an unnecessarily-pretentious owner who posts (grammatically incorrect) tweets to make fun of his customers, it still leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

    (4)

  • Danan R.

    Absolutely amazing and on par with NY's Please Don't Tell. Classy and unpretentious, with a nice flair and fantastic service and cocktails. Try the California Lode: citrusy with elderflower and very light and refreshing. No photos, phone calls only in the reception area, and no sneakers. Other than that, you are good. Cash only, also!

    (5)

  • Carolyn L.

    The rudest establishment I have ever been to. Guy at the door would not let us in (even though we were all dressed up) and would not only not give is a reason, but was extremely rude and confrontational. Do not come here unless you want to be treated like a second class citizen.

    (1)

  • jun k.

    It's not as intimidating as you would think. C & I came here and might have passed it except there were 2 women waiting in front. The place is appropriately "hidden" which sort of lends to the whole excitement of going to a speakeasy. Anyway I noticed the gals in front of us were wearing pretty casual clothing and one was wearing *gasp* sneakers! So i guess shoes aren't that big of a deal.. maybe it's b/c Mr. Lee wasn't there today. The bouncer at the door was thoroughly respectful and informative, and I wasn't sure if he was just putting on a show or sincere when he said, "we're just a mediocre bar with mediocre drinks.." anyway, it was fun. We were told the rules, then we were seated. The place was pretty empty (it was a tuesday night) and we were able to try the new happy menu that they have going (drinks are about $2 cheaper and a new variety). I got one of their classic ones, and honestly, I didn't like it. However, I think I have difficulty telling that to the servers.. so I just sort of sipped it. It was incredibly strong but incredibly sweet at the same time. Sort of icks. I liked C's drink which was one of the new ones with mint in it. (Honestly, it's been about a week and a half and the fancy names and such are lost on me). The drinks came with a little sidecar, but it took soooo long. Also, C and I were only there for a bit (we had just come from another happy hour), and we just wanted to enjoy the atmosphere and chat. However, the servers kept coming asking if we wanted another drink. Blah. Kind of annoying. They have great decor and great bathrooms. Anyway, it's a fun experience, pretty unique for a CA girl!

    (4)

  • Marlon T.

    Last time I was in Philadelphia, I went to The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. (another speakeasy) and I liked that experience more. At Franklin Mortgage, there was a guy in a trench coat outside that conspicuously asks you how many are in your party. Then he walks down a flight of steps to an unmarked door, disappears for a few minutes, then returns to escort you to a table. You're then surrounded by people dressed in Prohibition era outfits and antiques from that time decorate the walls. The drinks were classic and strong. So, I was delighted when my friends told me about Hop Sing Laundromat which they said was similar. When we walked there from my friend's condo, there was a guy dressed up, but not in 1920's gear, and asked us how many were in our party. Then we followed him into the foyer area where we were sat down and briefed about the rules which were basically don't be loud and no pictures. For some reason, to me, it just felt like they were trying too hard with the picture thing. I mean, who had a camera in the 1920's? They're just being secretive about nothing. To be fair, I guess I don't know the main goal of this place. Is it to emulate a real 1920's speakeasy, or is it just a speakeasy for the sake of being a speakeasy. I mean, those are cool too and I've been to an awesome one in San Diego (Noble Experiment) where at the back of some restaurant you push a fake wall open (it looks like stacked kegs). So since I was comparing to Franklin Mortgage, I was slightly disappointed since I was expecting it to be more old fashioned where I can actually feel like I was in the 1920's and drinking illegally. I think thinking the goal of this place is just to be secretive for fun, not to emulate a true prohibition era joint. At any rate, this place is extremely well-decorated, the staff is professional/nice, and the drinks are tasty/strong. The extensive menu is attractive and salivation-inducing. I had a great time here chatting with my friends and I like feeling all proper in a drinking establishment with rules. I should mention, I think they can only accommodate groups of 2, 4 or 6, and you need to be "presentably dressed." I'd come back here for sure to try out more drinks and to sulk in the atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Aruna A.

    I've been here once before, and had a reasonably pleasant experience. Enough for me to consider this establishment a 4 star bar. Or even maybe a 5 star. The drinks were good, the service wasn't as pretentious as others thought it might be - and overall pretty good cocktails though way overpriced for Philadelphia. When I went back on Friday - I had a horrendous time. My friends were turned away bc they had on sneakers - EXPENSIVE sneakers, but he went home to change them nonetheless. While we were waiting for his return we had a pleasant time at the bar. When he returned to the bar after going home, he starts texting me: "Where are you? The Owner won't let us in without that!" I texted him that we were sitting at the end of the bar by the bathrooms. He responded: "The owner says that's not specific enough can you come out here!" So I go, and the owner claims that my friends have given him attitude so we have to leave. The attitude was when my one friend muttered to the other that it seemed like a lot of hoops to get into the bar - which is the truth. Apparently, he called me a bitch but I can't claim to have heard it - though my two friends corroborate. Oh well. I won't be going back - but I think I'll survive just fine. There are lots of other bars in which one can get a good cocktail!

    (1)

  • Dan A.

    I was very excited to be able to try Hop Sing recently. Before going, I read other Yelp reviews and knew the rules Lee had to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves. And I appreciated his signature speak in the waiting area before entering the bar. The drinks at Hop Sing were as great as everyone said. I was able to try the Blood and Sand, Henry Box Brown, and Tequila old fashioned. All were outstanding. But the Henry Box Brown was my favorite. The freshness of the grape juice complimented the 15 year old special reserve rum very well. Lee was a gracious host that ensured everyone in my group had an amazing time. And I'm looking forward to going there again.

    (5)

  • Lawrence S.

    I loved every step in this quirky speakeasy experience. The process begins by searching for the unmarked metal security door that is the entrance. Let's just say it's very unassuming. Then there's the anxiety of waiting as the host walks off with your ID as you stand somewhat awkwardly on the sidewalk. Will you make the grade and gain admittance? What the heck is he doing with you ID, anyway? Will the host return and act like he's never seen you before? So much suspense! Way more interesting than the usual: "please come this way..." The inside is another world. I won't try to describe the decor in detail; it was too much to take in at a single visit. Suffice it to say: you are transported from the (charming) dinginess of Chinatown to an elegant, low-lit, lyrical (not sure what that means in this context, but it seems appropriate) world. I'm looking forward to exploring in future visits. "But what about the drinks?!" you protest. I must admit I am no cocktail connoisseur. I went for drinks with complicated recipes (because why order something I could potentially make myself?) and ingredients that I wouldn't normally think would go with booze, like egg whites. All the drinks were tasty and smooth -- the alcohol seamlessly melded with the other ingredients. My favorite (so far): the Kentucky Flip You.

    (5)

  • Ala M.

    The getting in process has been well described so I will skip it. I was given the choice of bar or table, since we were only a party of two we chose the bar. It is rather modern and plated with nickels. Behind the bar are handsome, young, male bartenders, cleanly dressed in white shirt and tie. Our bartender Austin, was very nice and informative, even though he was moving around non stop. You can tell they really put in a lot of time into training their staff. Against the wall is what can only be described as a library of booze. Every bottle of everything you can think of is displayed on floor to ceiling shelves. My truly favorite part of the decor are the PBR plaques hanging all over. Having been on a Gin kick I ordered the Take 5 off of the seasonal menu. Gin, cucumber, mint, and agave. Delish! Ps I really like that you can't take pics or talk on the phone here. Don't have to worry about selfies non stop.

    (5)

  • Cynthia M.

    I've come here several times, and I've always had a good experience. The drinks are all carefully concocted, and they organize the menu by spirit, so it is easy to tell which sorts of drinks you may like. Drinks that I particularly like are the Stonewall Riot and the Paloma. The drinks are pretty pricey ($13-$15), but they are also pretty strong. Sometimes when I have gone, there was a 2 drink minimum, but other times not, so I'm not really sure what the policy is. A couple things they are really strict about (which I'm sure you've read about) is no photography, no phone calls, and no sneakers. Also, be sure to bring a United States driver's license or a passport when you come! They are strict about IDs. The servers are very attentive and are good with refilling water and answering questions about drinks. I would definitely recommend Hop Sing Laundromat if you are looking for a new drinks experience in Philly!

    (4)

  • Tammy K.

    This was one of the odder "speakeasies" I've ever been to. Lee comes out and inspects your clothes and shoes, and if you pass the the test (guys, just make sure you're not wearing sneakers), you get ushered into the entrance room, where he gives you a lecture on how phone are not allowed in the main area, and how the establishment is cash only. Once you acknowledge his spiel, he brings you into the bar area, which is surprisingly large (there are large tables for bigger groups as well as a long bar). We sat at the bar - the bartender was stuck-up, but the drinks were decent. Overall, it was kind of a 'meh' experience.

    (3)

  • Vichet O.

    So, my original review was removed for "not being useful." Right. Anyways, Hop Sing is a place that is difficult to describe briefly, except to say that you should absolutely come to this place. If you want to get a better picture of what it's like - it's dark, but not inconveniently so. It feels like a turn of the century type smoking room. I feel like I wouldn't be surprised if there was a fireplace, and yet there is none. The wall is stuffed with all sorts of liquors, most of which I've never tried or heard of (thus granting me another side quest in life), and Lee dresses hella dope. Helpful hints: 1) Be the kind of person who lives in the present. 2) Have faith that Lee has your enjoyment and satisfaction in mind when he greets you. 3) Realize that every establishment has rules, and that it's not personal. 4) Bring cash. Lee will tell you the rules at the door. Be patient when you ring - he likes to greet everyone personally. Other than that, just enjoy the place. Enjoy that it's not too full, not too popular, not too expensive, and not TOO pretentious. At least, it isn't when I'm not there. Anyway, to say anymore would be to take away from Lee's self-proclaimed mission. He can tell you all about that. Wear something nice, grab a pretty gal, and drink the night away. Remember, you do not talk about Hop Sing Laundromat.

    (4)

  • Bob F.

    I have tried to get in this place 3 times but failed each time. I will keep trying :) First time was with my wife and we could not get in in 'cause she forgot her ID...we are in our 50's. Second and third time were both on a Tuesday evening and no one answered the door. Oh well, we'll keep trying I guess. LOL Luckily we had a backup plan and had a wonderful evening at the Farmers' Cabinet on Walnut St.

    (2)

  • John-Paul P.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, don't believe what your friends tell you. This is a dive bar. We serve cheap liquor. And I am the owner." - Lee Lee is quite the guy. Not only does he run a heck of a joint, but he also breaks the ice and makes you feel welcome, after the initial questions that you're asked upon ringing the bell. I'll explain. I came here around 12:30 am on a Sunday morning (or late Saturday night, depending how you want to look at it). I was driving home from my friend's wedding in Chadds Ford and had been wanting to come here for a while, but being that I live in NJ, it's a bit of a hike. So, being that I was in the area and passed right by the Philadelphia exits on I-95 as I drove home, why not? I lucked out and found a parking spot right across the street from Hop Sing. As I got out of my car, two people were entering and a group of three 50-something computer nerds saw the magnetically sealed door closing and ran across the street to try and catch it. Bad idea on their part, as the bouncer shut the door and told them to wait their turn. They were admitted tho. After Lee let the group of three in, he asked me a few questions, the same questions he asks everyone who comes. Me: Hi, I'm here for the Hop Sing Laundry Lee: That's us. Why are you here? Me: I'd like to have a drink before I go home. Lee: How did you hear about us? Me: Yelp Lee: Are you aware that we're cash only? Me: Yes. Lee: Is it only you? Me: Yes. Once all that was settled, you're let in and brought to a waiting area, which is very nice. The two groups who entered before me were also there. After waiting for what couldn't have been more than 5 minutes, Lee returned to the waiting area and gave his joke about how he runs a dive bar and serves cheap liquor. He reminds everyone that it's cash only and says that once you're inside and seated, you can text, tweet and Facebook to your heart's desire, but if you'd like to make a phone call, you must return to the waiting area. Also, no pictures are allowed and unlike most places, Lee actually explains that he wants to protect your privacy. Suppose someone doesn't know you're at Hop Sing - he doesn't want a random photo taken by someone else, with you in it, to pop up online. After all that was cleared up, he seated each group. Since I was alone, I was seated at the bar. The place was actually kind of empty for a Saturday night - probably half full at most. Moving on to the drink list tho, I looked things over and eventually asked the bartender for help. I had to drive back to New Jersey and wanted something refreshing, where the alcohol didn't overpower the drink. Something I could enjoy before a long car ride. She recommended the Henry "Box" Browne, which was made of 15 year Aged Rum and freshly squeezed grape juice, which was a real winner. It was perfect. To make things better, Lee came up to me after a few sips and asked me how my drink was. To really top things off, the drink was only $10. I can't think of any other speakeasy in Philadelphia or New York where a drink with hard liquor in it (not beer) is $10. After I settled my bill and was on my way out, I passed by Lee in the waiting area. He asked me if I had a good time, which I assured him I did. He then shook my hand as I left. As I was dressed in a suit from my friend's wedding, I had no issues with the dress code. Although it's not advertised, there is a dress code. It's not too strict - just don't wear shorts, sandals, sneakers, ripped clothes, t-shirts, etc. Denim is fine, just be classy. Definitely check this place out. Its unassuming location in Chinatown makes it a great spot to go. The drink I had was top notch. I'm sure the rest of the drinks are good too, but one thing I did note about the menu was that while some drinks are unique, others are recycled speakeasy fare, such as the Hemingway Martini. Compared to the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company, it has a more intimate feel, tho Franklin does have a better selection of drinks. Hop Sing is definitely better than Ranstead Room.

    (5)

  • Steve T.

    Of the three speakeasy's I've sojourned at (Franklin Mortgage, Ranstead Room, and now Hop Sing), I'd put Hop Sing at the top with regard to spaciousness and bar size. Each one has their own unique flair, and for Hop Sing it would be the warning speech given by the bouncer about no cell-phone chit-chat or pictures, said room to spread out and not feel like you are in an Industrial Revolution sweat shop fire trap, and the inventive concoctions with a decidedly fruity, citrusy flair. Now, having just left Han Dynasty, where chili oil, not 42, is the answer to everything, I needed something much more refreshing for the palat on the bell curve of mixed drinks. Bourbon, an old friend, had to be ditched like a college roommate tag along when Ms. Hottie bats her eyes at you. Likewise, the negroni, my go-to drink , was a no-go as the Campari would be just too bitter to quench the five alarm fire still raging in my mouth. No, I had to think outside the box, run the draw play on third and long, put the pimply faced kid in to make the last second jumper. I had to order a chick drink. Normally, when I need something a bit sweeter, I go with a mojito, as this is a just a yellow card violation of one's manhood. Drinks whose names connote joy, peace, or love...like "Orange Sunset", must be avoided. Rather, when unsure, I go for drinks whose names suggest just the opposite, like "Rabid Dog", "Louisiana Roadkill," or "Head on a Pike." With the chili oil still reminding me that esophogeal burning concoctions were not an option, I ordered "A Failed Entertainment", featuring gin, mint, and grapefruit. In an attempt to remain incognito, I put a brown paper bag over my head with just a few cutouts. This allowed me to enjoy this fruity drink, thereby countering Han's still smoldering fire, while preserving whatever shards and vestiges of manhood I had remaining. The night ended abruptly when the bouncer appeared and said it was a house rule that paper bags cannot be placed on one's head. My identity revealed, I shuffled out, head down and collar up, forever shamed by the still sticky residue of grapefruit on my lips.

    (5)

  • Nicole Q.

    was just as spectacular as i imagined it would be! The guy at the door and bartenders were all very nice. The atmosphere was very chill ans speakeasy like. so many drinks to choose from and they were delicious! pretty strong too.

    (5)

  • Decoda H.

    Excellent service. Wonderful array of cocktails. You can actually talk to each other here.

    (5)

  • Jay Q.

    I've been to this unique establishment a few times now and I think it's overrated a bit. The drinks are good and it has a lot of potential, but it still doesn't cut it all the way for me. We didn't like one of the drinks this time around, we don't complain, but a friend of mine was honest when asked and they did switch it out which was nice. It is also amazing not seeing people on there phones all the time (not allowed to use them in the place with exception - see previous review). Still needs at least snacks or something! A bite to eat could make a table drink a bit more.

    (3)

  • Maria D.

    Went here during Labor Day weekend to check it out. Boy and I followed the rules: dressed appropriately, no sneakers, brought cash AND ID. The line was fairly small when we got there around 11pm. There is no sign to distinguish its location (hence it being a speakeasy). But don't be stupid, you'll see a black iron gate with a buzzer and/ or you will see a diverse set of people standing in line in front of a black iron gate. I suggest you use common sense and figure that out. From what I observed, Lee comes in and out and starts interrogating you once you're at front of the line. He does so in a very dramatic fashion: "Have you been here before?" "How did you here about us?" "It is cash only." Be sure to have ID. It doesn't matter if you're as old the 'greatest generation', if Lee doesn't see your ID, you will not be allowed to enter. Hence, what happened to the May/December couple in front of us who had no ID. On a side note, how do you leave your house without ID? What if you died and we had to ID you? Anyhow, Lee took us in and once entered, the place itself was actually beautiful. He takes you to this sitting/reception area that resembled that of a library from the 1800s. I could picture Mr. Darcy having one of these rooms in his estate. Lee sits you down and explains the rules to you, again, in a very dramatic, comical fashion: No pictures. No cell phone use. Cash only. Got it, Lee. Got it. Inside was beautiful as well. We originally were sitting at the bar but Lee moved us to a romantic table in the middle of the room. The ambiance was very cozy and romantic but the music needs to change. Worst play list ever. It wasn't pop. It wasn't jazz. It wasn't rock. I don't know what it was but I just remember not being too impressed. Service was very very very very slow. I understand the mixologists have to do their thing and make our drinks with love but sheesh it was slow. I don't even remember the drinks being that impressive. I do remember how strong they were and how slow it took for water to come. We stayed long enough (we had no choice) to have two drinks each. Try it to experience it yourself. Overall, wasn't too impressive.

    (3)

  • Emily E.

    Make sure you don't wear any kind of tennis shoes (including vans)! We saw someone get turned away for lack of dress code. Cash only too! Very cool place.

    (4)

  • Emily O.

    Fuck that place. If you like waiting in the cold for 30 minutes when Lee keeps telling you 'five minutes' go for it. It's 16 degrees out. Just be honest about the wait time.

    (1)

  • Kevin R.

    I was hesitant about writing a review for Hop Sing because I really did not want to attract a lot of unwanted attention to this amazing establishment. My fears were put to rest once I realized that Lee will never lower his standards and allow the loud, t-shirt wearing, obnoxious, disrespectful type to sully this gem of a dive. Understand I believe there is a time and place for people to gather under those conditions...but not this time...not this place. This is not just a place to sample master crafted cocktails...it's an experience. From the time you approach the door to the moment you leave, put yourself under the care of your gracious and well dressed host. Do not confuse Lee's gracious demeanor with a pandering pushover...you are definitely in his house and will abide by his rules. Long live the house of Lee.

    (5)

  • Tara G.

    This place is amazing. I agree 100% with the review that compared this to a ride in Disneyland. That was a spot on comparison. Of course, we were greeted at the gate by Lee himself and asked the normal questions. We passed the test and were asked how many were in our party. There were 6, so after reading other reviews I was a bit nervous. To my surprise, he went in and pushed a couple of tables together so we would all fit together comfortably. I'm not sure if this would normally be that case considering it was about 12:30 when we got there, and I did tell him that we were out celebrating my birthday. We all tried different drinks, and unfortunately I don't remember the names of most of them. I know Hubby had the nevermore and it was pretty life-changing for him. I had a gin drink that had white grape juice, another friend had a gin drink with cucumber, and another had something reminiscent of a pina colada. Everything I tasted was pretty mind-blowing. The cocktails here are worth every penny. The ambiance here is very dim and intimate, which was the perfect contrast after a long night of karaoke at Yakitori Boy. I love the no picture rule, mostly because one of the girls who was with us is very picture-happy. Usually we feel like she is our own personal paparazzo so it was good to have a break from smiling and posing for once. Plus it's nice to take a break from all of the electronic devices for a change. Needless to say, I will definitely be back! Lee has really created a unique experience that pleases all of the senses.

    (5)

  • Will S.

    No singles allowed. So who fills in the spaces at the bar when you let in parties of 3? Take your business to the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company or Charlie was a Sinner - they both treated me right.

    (1)

  • Elizabeth D.

    Honestly, I was quite intimidated to stop by - afraid that I had the wrong shoes or commit some faux pas. But now, I am so happy I finally visited Hop Sing! To be fair, I went with some friends who have alread been, so I felt better knowing what to do. The bouncer outside was friendly and the small waiting area was comfortable and warm. I loved the decor - books, candelabra, comfortable velvet chairs. It's really cool! The liquor shelves behind the bar - wow. A fortune! For all the pomp, you truly get wonderful cocktails, all for $10. They are well made and absolutely worth the experience. I loved the Iowa Objection - fresh grape juice, gin, and mint. My husband was a big fan of the Preacher Bourbon. The staff was excellent - don't be afraid to stop by!

    (5)

  • Orn T.

    My husband and I went to Hop Sing for the first time last night, had a blast. The wait was not long at all, granted it was 8:30th on a Saturday night. So we beat the rush! Staff was highly attentive and knowledgeable of what cocktails to suggest. Ambiance was really cool, felt like being in an old school library! Will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Brad P.

    If the owner of a bar greets you at the door and takes you into a small waiting area to explain the rules of the establishment, you've either signed yourself up for an underground fight club or you've entered Hop Sing Laundromat. If the rules are being given by a well-dressed man named Lee and involve not using your camera, you're in the right place. If one of the rules contains the phrase, "and cats ain't legal weapons in the ring" then you'd better get the hell out of there. This is the most impressive large bar space I've seen in Philadelphia. Comparisons to The Ranstead Room and The Franklin Mortgage are accurate, but Hop Sing does it on a grander scale. Once your eyes have adjusted to the dark, you can take in the meticulous planning of the nickel-laden bar or the collection of books nestled high above your drinking head. No detail of this space was left to chance, and it shows. The servers are friendly and obviously experienced in the craft of libations. They know the menu well and can craft a drink to your liking, no matter how sad you are at describing what you think you want. I've been pleased with all of my cocktails here, but I've got to give special props to the drink with the chili in it(I think it was called Montana's Revenge or something like that). It contained a wealth of flavors that both refreshed and singed at the same time. I'd be more descriptive about the drink menu but it is impossible to leave here even a little bit sober. On a financial note, Hop Sing's drinks are slightly less expensive than similar establishments, in case you want to be a baller on a budget(This is a Daniel Tosh line). Hop Sing Laundromat is a true Philadelphia treasure. I will savagely beat then repudiate any out-of-towner friend who comes to visit me and complains about this place.

    (5)

  • Liz N.

    Great cocktails. It's a beautifully designed spot - warm, intimate, and open. I appreciate that they police their clientele. It keeps it classy. And they prevent overcrowding the bar and tables. Lovely spot for drinks and conversation.

    (5)

  • Diana K.

    I'm beginning to think that all of the reviewers on this page have been brainwashed. I finally made it to Hop Sing this past weekend after months of anticipation. Lee told us that we would be disappointed and not to get our hopes up. Um, okay... Well, the first and biggest disappointment was the drinks. Our table had 6 different drinks throughout the evening, and I wasn't blown away by any of them, really. Yes, they were strong, but they weren't pleasant or interesting. It seemed like the only purpose of the menu was to show off some fancy, aged alchohol in their inventory. Not to mention, our waiter also seemed clueless and couldn't answer any of our questions or make any recommendations for us. We then had a bartender prepare drinks in front of us on a large metal cart. Except...he had the drinks pre-made and just shook them up violently for show. What is the point of this? Overall, the rules and restrictions of this place made it seem more like a disappointing theme park ride than a nice night out with friends. I've seen enough, and I can't think of anyone that I know who would enjoy a night like this when you can relax and have a casual evening at so many other more rewarding, better value, food-serving establishments in the city.

    (2)

  • Vinny P.

    "I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey." From the moment we were greeted outside the decorative yet subtle gate, a chill came over me. My hands, slightly trembling showed my card from the Chinatown Night Market. The man, who requested this card, standing there in custom made, perfectly tailored clothing welcomed us inside and asked us to sit down off to the right. In the dim light, we sat and the house rules were explained to us. We were given full disclosure by Lee (or so he claimed to be) that we would most likely be "disappointed". Not knowing what to expect, we pressed on and were shown to our bar seats. Our bartender Jo, who was incredibly personable and welcoming, walked us through the cocktail menu and aided us in our decisions. I began with the whiskey smash and while my drink was being expertly constructed, my eyes gazed around the beautiful and quirky room. It seemed like a high end study meticulously designed to feel whimsical. Whomever did the layout and decoration of this place straddles the line between genius and insane. We saw a few friendly faces off in the corner. Instead of just getting up and going right to their table, we asked permission. It just seemed like the right thing to do. Something about this place just makes you want to act respectfully. The drinks, were, for lack of a better term, flawless. When I tasted each cocktail, I realized that it exactly mimicked what was stated on the menu. The shockingly precise cocktails just added to the overall dream like experience. If this is what disappointment feels like, I want more of it.

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    I heard of this place from the Internet so checked it out. I had no idea how to get in. The "head bartender" greeted us after pressing the buzzer at the listed address with no sign and I panicked, said something along the lines of "Are you available for a drink?" They were. To keep this short this place sells more than a drink. You can make drinks at home. Maybe not these drinks, but drinks nonetheless. What this place really sells is style. From the dress to the decorations to the stories told with the making of our first drinks this place is just cool. It takes you somewhere. Not Philly, not Chinatown, but somewhere you've never been. Kim Jong-Il's private lounge maybe. I don't know.

    (5)

  • Payal P.

    went in on a nice and quiet thursday night. this place is classy. the owner is awesome and just wants everyone to enjoy themselves. the bartenders know their alcohol and every drink is made deliciously, i think between our group and we each had at least 2, we tried 6 different drinks, each more smooth and better than the next.

    (5)

  • Jackie T.

    I don't often give 1 star reviews but this place deserves it. I've been to hundreds of restaurants and plenty of exclusive bars and speakeasys in the past but congratulations Hop...you top the list for absolutely the most horrendous and rude service I've ever experienced in my life. I couldn't believe how other customers who had been waiting outside in the cold for over 30 minutes were treated either...total disrespect. They were actually lied to...rude front door guy said they were at capacity but when we walked in there were plenty of tables available. Based on how I felt leaving this place, I truly hope it goes out of business. Spend your money at Franklin Investment if you're looking for a speakeasy type of place without the attitude.

    (1)

  • Paige C.

    I think people can summarily grouped into "People that love Hop Sing" and "People who Hate Hope Sing." Unfortunately for me, this very polarizing bar is just not my cup of tea. Chalk it up to my absolute hatred of being told what to do, but if I am shelling out 15 bucks for a cocktail I will not deal with snobbery, rudeness and ridiculous rules. That being said, EVERYONE should try this place out and decide for themselves.

    (1)

  • John L.

    What can one say about Hop Sing Laundromat? It is a drinker's paradise. Free from the swarms of college frat/sorority idiots, alcoholic perverts, and novice consumers of alcohol. It is a place of mature, classy, and most importantly... drinkers. But don't ever assume Hop Sing is a place full of pretentious, yuppie, and stuffy people. Quite the contrary, it is a place where you feel at home and can relax. If anyone is ever wondering the right rules for Hop Sing, don't take photo, don't call people, and don't dress inappropriately. Below is a link for the right dress code: philadelphia.foobooz.com…

    (5)

  • Cat P.

    I am terribly behind on reviews, but Hop Sing Laundromat is making its way to the front of the line because, well, it was THAT amazing. I must admit that I initially wasn't excited about going here. The reviews seemed overhyped, in my opinion. Seriously, how could any place make a cocktail that great? Hop Sing Laundromat proved me wrong, though. The cocktail is only half of the equation. The pomp and circumstance one receives upon entering this establishment is an experience like no other. We arrived in front of an unmarked door in the Chinatown section on a Friday evening. After ringing a buzzer, we waited a few minutes before Mr. Lee himself came out to greet us. Once we were granted permission to enter, we were instructed to sit inside the vestibule area and wait for instructions. It felt almost ritualistic, like we were being inducted into a secret society. Upon hearing the rules, we were escorted to our seats. We opted to sit at the bar so that we could have a direct view of the bartenders and their impressive alcohol selection. Our bartender, Jo, was a charming Australian who knew the menu like the back of her hand. Not only were her recommendations spot on, but our drinks were prepared perfectly. I had two rum cocktails (one mainly watermelon, one mainly orange) and I enjoyed both of them. Watching Jo make our drinks was a performance in itself. I think it goes without saying that they only use fresh herbs and produce and the alcohol is top-notch. I felt like we had been directly transported to 1923. I somehow need to make my way back here if I can find it. Perhaps it was just a mirage and this beautiful oasis doesn't really exist. Either way, I've seen the light and I've officially been converted.

    (5)

  • Emma K.

    I've been here a few times now, and I absolutely love it. The drinks are exquisite- the menu keeps changing, so you won't be bored if you come back or if you really only prefer one type of liquor over others. The bartenders are attentive and very well good at their craft- the drinks are truly exceptional. I also love the decor- it's beautiful on the inside with books all around the top wall, eclectic artwork and furniture. I can't wait to go back again soon!

    (5)

  • Bryan R.

    When I go to places for good cocktails, I enjoy seeing original recipes and unique spins on classic cocktails with specific types of spirits. I love seeing house shrubs and infusions. The list at Hop Sing wasn't really that interesting or innovative or experimental. It seemed like a very accessible drink list for people that want to dip their toes in the speakeasy experience. A key component of a good cocktail experience is service. Not just attentiveness, but interactivity as well. Our server at Hop Sing didn't seem particularly interested in talking to us or sharing his personal favorites or really even acknowledging anything but our order and our payment. There were less than six other people there the entire time. We'd come to enjoy several rounds and ended up leaving after the first. At one point we asked our server a question about how they made one of the drinks we were having (about the proportion of spirits in the drink if I recall), and he interrupted and said "I can't tell you that". It wasn't clear if he didn't know or was trying to preserve some fanciful secret locked away behind the bar but it wasn't a particularly probing query. That was an absolute first at any good bar or restaurant I've been to. Also at issue was the service at the door. I don't mind the sort of hidden location and air of exclusivity; I actually kind of like it. The gentleman at the door was polite but the whole experience got off to a bad start. I met up at Hop Sing with a friend who had just gotten off work at his law firm. He had put on sneakers before coming over but was still dressed in a suit and quite presentable. The doorman wouldn't let him in on account of his footwear. Again, we would later see that there were maybe four people inside when we were finally seated. But first, my friend had to go back to his office and grab a nice pair of shoes. I told him no worries and said I'd have a drink waiting for him. Nope. Wasn't allowed in. The doorman told me that I had to wait for my friend to enter. Eventually my friend returned and we were given a five minute lecture in the holding room that basically outlined how one should behave at a bar as an adult (standard protocol). If the experience getting in was the only hiccup and the drinks and service inside were great, I would have been happy to put up with it. But they weren't, which made the whole hassle seem worse in a way. On the plus side, I really like what they did with the interior. The design and ambiance were unique and much more representative of the overall experience that I expected from the reviews.

    (2)

  • Julie M.

    I've become extremely jaded by the whole speakeasy cocktail scene in Philly. I went to Franklin, yet again, a few nights ago and was incredibly disappointed. However, Hop Sing was a completely different story. The venue is beautiful: intimate, dark, and has lovely, thoughtful decor. I do not think I have ever scene that many bottles of alcohol in my life! The bartenders are very nice; however, they are somewhat inexperienced and get confused if there is an off menu request (I'm certain that will improve with time). The drinks are tasty and innovative and they don't have a million ingredients (unlike Franklin where everything gets muddled together). Also, Rob, the manager, is great. He's super knowledgeable and helpful; you can ascertain that he is quite the cocktail pro. Both nights we went on the early side, shortly after open. It was great being able to chat with the employees and each other. I cannot really vouch for how this place holds up during prime time when it's packed and the door is impossible; however, when the crowd is light, the experience is one of the best you can have pre or post-dinner in Philly. This place simply rocks.

    (5)

  • Rita C.

    I've heard a lot about Hop Sing Laundromat from some friends and the mixed reviews made me even more intrigued to go check it out myself. I was part of a group of five and we decided Hop Sing should be our first stop of the night. We strolled up to the inconspicuous front door around 9:00 and I was surprised to see that there wasn't a line already formed outside. Lee himself was letting some people out and asked if he could help us. "We'd like to come inside for some drinks." Figured that would do the trick. He gave us a hard time about having a party of five (apparently they only have the bar and then 2- and 4- tops), but said he would see what he could to do help us. (I assumed this was all part of the act.) We waited outside for about five, ten minutes and then Lee said we could come in but there was a two drink minimum - no problem! We sat in the waiting area and heard the rules: no pictures/video, no phone calls. Easy enough. We got the drink menus, which were overwhelming. We all ordered a different drink so we could pass each one around the table to try as many drinks as possible The only thing you need to know is that the drinks are strong, delicious, and made to perfection. I highly recommend the El Diablo - fantastic little drink made with tequila. Service was excellent, decor was really interesting, and drinks were amazing. I will definitely come back to Hop Sing in the future! If you haven't been here, definitely check it out and get in on the experience! Note: This bar is cash only and all drinks are $12. Bring lots of cash, you'll want more than one drink!

    (4)

  • Enid C.

    Much of human thought throughout the course of time has revolved around questions about our significance on this planet. Does my life have a greater purpose? Is there a deeper meaning that validates my existence? Am I more than just dust in the wind? After thousands of years of deliberation, it has been determined that the answer to all these questions is...No. Unless you are of the few who have been blessed to walk through the door of Hop Sing Laundromat. Don't be fooled by the typical Chinatown exterior. As soon as the door shuts behind you, you get engulfed in ambiance. Dimly lit, classy vibe, with walls covered in books, artwork, and alcohol prescriptions, and the floor tiled with pennies. Lee (who would probably win the superlatives both for "Most Hip" and "Most Cantonese") cordially greets you at the door. You are led to the nickel-covered bar, where the extremely seasoned bartenders provide a tasting of two classic drinks and one specialty drink, expertly crafted by Lee himself. Since I had made fast friends with the cute blonde next to me, I was able to sample a gin aviation, blood and sand, godfather, whiskey smash, and a wonder of a drink called "Cal Meze #1." This is so much more than just mixology. It is artful and complex. Their well liquors are top shelf in other establishments. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive (I'm partial to Joan, Dan, and Allison). Sitting at this bar, you will feel on top of the world. Even the slightly chubby girl who barely made it on the cheerleading squad would be feeling pretty good about herself here. Last night Lee tweeted that "the 'urban legend' that is Hop Sing will soon be coming to an end." Not sure if this means that they are actually going to be opening soon, or the much darker fate that it will never come to fruition, but in either case, I am honored to have been one of their guests.

    (5)

  • Dan R.

    As far as speakeasies go, Hop Sing Laundromat isn't all too hard to find. Sure, there's no number or signage, but there's a pretty nice lookin' gate that should tip you off something classy's behind there. That said, when I'd visited, there was no line whatsoever and the street itself was nearly empty, which added a bit of mystery and intrigue for Hop Sing rookies like myself. The best speakeasies are able to transport you someplace else, as if you'd snuck into a secret society or traveled back in time. We hadn't even stepped inside yet and it already felt like a different world. We pushed the buzzer and waited. No answer. We looked down Race St. Still no one walking about. We pushed the buzzer again. Almost immediately this time, the heavy door beyond the gate opened with a slow-motion, dramatic, unlocking thud. Out walked a short Asian man, dressed in a fantastic suit, his big, black dude bouncer standing guard behind him, smirking. At this point, we were asked a series of awkward questions. Are we impatient? What are we looking for? What is the name? Why are we here? How did we hear about this place? It was all a bit much, going along with the charade, but we reluctantly answered him all the same. No, we are not impatient - we apologize for buzzing twice. We are looking for a bar. Hop Sing Laundromat. To drink the best cocktails in Philly. Yelp, Twitter, your website, you name it. After our IDs were checked, we were then brought inside and into a briefing room of sorts. Sure enough, there were CCTV feeds from security cameras angled right at the gated entrance where we'd just stood minutes earlier. You could almost picture this well-dressed man, hands crossed behind his lower back, just watching us for a moment before letting us in. Here is where we really hit a new level of pretentiousness. Our proprietor (sarcastically) informed us that everything we'd heard about this place was untrue, that they are a dive bar, they sell cheap liquor. I then realized why the bouncer had been smirking the entire time, and I could feel the corners of my mouth curling just the same. How many times had he listened to this monologue? Surely, it was scripted. As with everything else at Hop Sing, nothing was accidental, but rather a controlled environment like one of those interactive, live theater experiences. Anyway, the speech ended with a few dos and don'ts - you are not allowed to take any pictures, make any calls, however, texting and manning your social media app of choice was A-OK. It appeared we were ready for take-off. In no uncertain terms, Hop Sing Laundromat is gorgeous. There are candelabras hanging overhead, fancily-framed artwork and mirrors covering the walls, and every chair seems hand-picked and unique. Every detail has been accounted for. No stone left unturned. Nothing half-assed. Even the well-dressed couples sitting at the bar look like props. We were sat at a table and handed an extensive cocktail menu, sans prices (although, it turns out drinks are ten bucks each). Every item is deliberately simple in terms of ingredients - typically one liquor paired with a juice or two. I can only assume there is a certain science to it all. And whatever it is, the end result is delicious. The Stonewall Riot (Ultimat Vodka, fresh extracted green grape juice, fresh extracted orange juice) and Ward 8 (Rittenhouse Rye Bonded, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, house grenadine) come highly recommended, but none more than my hands-down favorite, the Henry "Box" Brown (El Dorado 15 Years Rum, fresh extracted red grape juice). Now, I know this may read "rum and grape juice", but somehow, it's so much more. I wouldn't be shocked if the bartenders measured these two ingredients with eye droppers to make the most precise, delicious, refreshing blend. This drink defines the term cocktail, truly a work of art. On our way out, our luxurious host, our Willy Wonka of cocktails, offered to get us a car or suggest a place to eat, but we declined and simply thanked him for the experience. Which is probably how Hop Sing Laundromat is best described - as an experience. From our entrance on Race St. and the ensuing take-it-or-leave-it interrogation, to the beautiful interior design and top-notch cocktails, it felt like we had been somewhere, in a very cinematic sort of way.

    (4)

  • Chris T.

    Great place. Cool, chill place and great drinks for you and your party. Sometimes you have to wait outside for a while for the place to clear out but it is worth it. This is a great place to start your night as the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable and the drinks are above top shelf. It will take a bit for your drinks to be made so make sure that you set aside some time for waiting for them. Mr. Lee remembers us after being there a few times and invites us in without the instructions he gives to other guests. The whole place has a great atmosphere and we always bring our friends from out of town. They all love it and say it is the best part of philly. The people here with negative reviews seem to be expecting more of a bar type scene which is NOT the case. This is meant to be more of a speak easy type environment with a relaxed atmosphere. People taking pictures in the lobby and drink room are just disrespectful and are showing they really don't care about the experience of the night. In any case, you'll spend quite a bit for 2 drinks (around $25) but they are top shelf and will be remembered, and you night will kick off in a great fashion.

    (5)

  • Chino B.

    This man spat in my face, literally. We came late and the door guy called my friend a cunt. He yelled at us and told your mom jokes.. Haha so bad. He was going to hit me with an umbrella. Lucky I'm a nice guy. Terrible. Terrible. Terrible.

    (1)

  • Beth M.

    This place scares me and I don't want to go back! First of all, you enter and exit through a locked door. What am I in jail? There are visible surveillance cameras everywhere, which bugged me out and made me feel like I was in a Chinese Scarface movie. I did not see one smiling staff member; everyone appeared to be super serious, mechanical, and exhibited no sense of humor. I just got super weird vibes in there. I respect the no cell-phone use or picture policy for creating an authentic speakeasy ambience, but it made me suspicious. I went to use the restroom at the end of the night and when I went to open the door, the handle fell off! I told one of the bartenders and he was not at all surprised, he was like just put it back on and twist. Ok... Not exactly the ideal place to let loose and relax. However, they do make great cocktails that are super strong, and taste like they're made with top-shelf liquor. I had some orange zest garnish in my drink that smelled AMAZING. I have never felt so intimidated and scared in a bar in my life!

    (2)

  • Cynthia D.

    Totally worth it. There's nothing else quite like it and the rules are part of what makes it fun! Relax. Chill. Turn your phone off and just enjoy a cocktail with a friend the way the gods intended.

    (5)

  • Gretchen E.

    A legit speakeasy that beats both Franklin Mortgage and Ranstead Room in the trio's unofficial cocktail bar rivalry. The owner, with sharp tones and oyster-fork glasses, and wary bouncer make your entrance entertaining - and borderline haunted house-y. Make sure to were your best and come thirsty. If the owner offers his suggestion - take it. He brought me a drink with cayenne and a cream coating (that I would've never ordered on my own) and I can't wait to go back for another.

    (5)

  • Victor C.

    After doing some research on how to get into one of the most anticipated bars in Philly, I finally snagged an invite the day of the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival. I was afraid I wasn't going to make it and be banned for life, but I made Hop Sing a priority and sobered up before heading to Chinatown. I arrived at the scheduled 5:15 tasting on the dot, and a woman opened the gate for an anxious group of alcoholics - I mean, bar enthusiasts. After a small flight of stairs, you are instantly teleported out of Chinatown and into one of the finer establishments in Philadelphia. When our group of 10 arrived in the vestibule, we were seated and given some house rules. I tried to store as many mental images of the beautiful place as I could, so I might have missed some rules. I got the important ones, though, no pictures and no cell phone usage at the bar! The man explaining the rules is the owner, Lêe; you can't miss his fork eyeglasses. Lêe had me at "there is going to be complimentary shoe shining". He invited us into the bar and sat the guys together. I won't go into deep detail with the drinks as Lêe seems to like his mysteriousness. Our bartenders were not only polite and gentlemanly, but skilled adult beverage creators. Watching them make each drink made my mouth water. Fresh fruit is cut for each drink, eggs are cracked for each sour, and precise measurement is made for all spirits. I'd like to give a shout out to Nick the bartender, whose signature "shake" is loud and entertaining. We were offered three drinks, two classics and one signature. I had a Blood and Sand, Bourbon Sour, and Mike's Vodka #1. All three drinks deserve 5 stars in themselves. Hop Sing Laundromat did not disappoint. I cannot wait until its grand opening (don't bother asking when, it's a rule).

    (5)

  • David P.

    One of the best places for classic cocktails in the Philadelphia. They do great a Old Fashioned and innovative riffs on Manhattans. Plus lots of their own mixes. It is a place with a cool mellow vibe and a great place to go for conversations with friends. It is not a place to pick up people, dance or loudly party. I love that etiquette and dress codes are enforced. The fact that people have to be reminded not to have phone calls at a table with friends is sad. People complaining "but my sneakers are expensive" is equally pathetic. Swim suits can be really expensive too, but you're not going to get in wearing them either. No T-shirts also.

    (5)

  • Brian C.

    Super creepy. I went here on the 18th on request of a friend despite the silliness and wrote the below review. When in Chinatown the next Friday walking home from dinner, my husband said he wanted to check the place out, so we waited in line behind two other people. After those two went in, Mr. Lee (?) came out and said that me and my husband were not welcome. He called us both by our last names, and mentioned my negative review ("since you don't like my place..."). This means several things. When they take your licenses inside they are scanning it and retaining the information. (We had not yet given our licenses this night.) They are researching you at the very least, when you give a bad review. He had no way of knowing my husband's name unless he did a comprehensive search and flagged myself and him. So he is at least tying together your driver's license, Yelp account, and perhaps Facebook or worse. I reiterate, super creepy, which is way, way worse that silly. If any lawyers are reading this, let me know if this breaks the law. Thanks.,

    (1)

  • Chris J.

    Believe the hype. Lee does it well and he and team are focused on providing the best service while you enjoy a few cocktails and conversation. Should really be 4.99 Stars! Went in with the lady at 10pm on a Saturday night for the first time and got right in after Lee met us at the door. The effort is definitely on providing a great experience. Tried a number of cocktails - and the only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I only tried four cocktails - so many more to go! I had the Whiskey Smash first, a combo of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, muddled mint and simple syrup - very tasty - almost like a mojito. After the Whiskey Smash - had two Bourbon Old Fashioneds - not on the menu (a Rye one is) but our server was happy to oblige! The lady enjoyed a few Tequila Old Fashioneds, we must both have a thing for bitters! Meticulous service - including pulling out the table to seat the lady, as well as vigilance with my water glass. In a world where service is slacking almost everywhere - including great restaurants and cocktail establishments - comment this proprietor for making sure the experience is more important than the profit. I'll be back - for sure!

    (4)

  • Victoria L.

    Obsessed. Mainly with Lee. He is so funny! He had on the best oversized jester cufflinks on Friday. After intimidating you at the door, he is super friendly once you get inside and makes sure you are comfortable and happy with your drinks. Also obsessed with Mike the bartender. He asked what kind of drinks we liked and gave us recommendations that were spot on. I'm a whiskey girl so he made me a Whiskey Splash and Old Fashioned. Both were very smooth for whiskey drinks, especially the Old Fashioned with fragrant citrus oil in it. They fresh squeeze fruit juice in any drink right behind the bar. Mike said they change up their fancy cocktails often. And feature a different vodka in their screwdrivers every week or every other week. Can't wait to come back and try new things!

    (5)

  • C T.

    I genuinely hate this place. I've been here once and while there, I asked for a classic cocktail after I found my first cocktail too syrupy sweet. I believe I asked for either a corpse reviver or an aviator and the bartenders didn't know how to make it. Lee seemed impressed by my basic knowledge and tried to make a few cocktails (on the house) to impress me. Yawn. I can name better places for a drink. That's all middle of the road disappointment but what really pushed me over the edge is twice this place has booted my friend out. Once because he wasn't dressed appropriately (we were wearing the same outfit me in girl form, him in sharp gay man form which unfortunately included shorts in 100 degree weather). Second, when he was giving his spiel about entering this "exclusive" lounge, my friend looked around at books in the waiting area while still seated quietly, which Lee took as him "not paying attention and not respecting" him and immediately asked my friend to leave. Bullshit. I'm from NYC and this pseudo-ritzy prohibition era lounge act is old now. Having a dress code while letting people of an opposite gender wear the same damn thing is sexist and does nothing to contribute to atmosphere. Arbitrarily throwing out people just because you can is even worse. If you can only give me attitude with no substance you have no right to go on random power trips. But hey, if you guys want to keep lining the coffers of this tool, be my guest.

    (1)

  • Sarah B.

    With pennies on the floor and nickels adorning the bar, it's hard not to feel like a million bucks inside Hop Sing Laundromat. After some Twitter stalking, I managed to snag an invite from Lêe himself. "Be here at 6pm - just you, ma'am." (This gentlemanly gesture was repeated throughout my visit.) When I arrived, I nervously rang the buzzer. Lêe wasn't expecting me; he said the day's event was canceled. I was crushed, but only for a moment. Lêe said since I was there, he would take care of me. Like I said, total gentleman! He was in the middle of training two bartenders who were more knowledgeable about spirits than anyone I've ever met (except Lêe himself, of course). I got to view some of their training first hand. I promised Lêe not to reveal any of the bar's secrets but I will say that only the best ingredients are used, as he doesn't believe in unnecessary syrups, sugar, or bitters. I will say that my favorite drink included tequila and chamomile petals. After spending some time at the bar and giving my honest opinions on the drinks, Lêe showed me some of the decor. The liquor prescriptions are all originals, as are the paintings and everything else Lêe has hand-picked and collected. He taught me all about Henry "Box" Brown, a slave who mailed himself to Philadelphia abolitionists. I thoroughly enjoyed my intimate one-on-one session with Lêe and his bartenders, and I hope to be back at Hop Sing Laundromat, ringing the buzzer just as anxiously as last Friday, soon.

    (5)

  • Kenneth C.

    Very odd place, but Lee has made it one of a kind. Hop sing is an old fashion speak easy in the middle Chinatown. To give you an idea of how hard it is to find, I've been walking past it for about 4 years on a regular basis. Never knew it existed!! So here's the deal, dress up expect to not get a simple cocktail and expect to not have access to your cell phone (infact just shut the damn thing off). The owner demands that of you ( you will be asked to leave). Still I had an amazing time the drinks were excellent and went down very smooth, granted I've had better old fashions, and I've had worse too. If you can find it stop in you will NOT be disappointed

    (5)

  • Tiffany Y.

    I came here for drinks after work and had a pleasant experience so went back again with friends visiting from California. Both times, the drinks were strong and the servers were nice. The only difference was that Hop Sing was there the second time. I made the mistake of walking straight into the main sitting area instead of waiting in the shoe shine waiting area, and apologized profusely when Hop Sing came to get me (no response from him). When my group was gathered in the waiting area, my husband jokingly said "she had a couple drinks" to which Hop Sing responded, "maybe she should leave." Not wanting to make a scene, I apologized again. Then Hop Sing went on reciting his routine questions and rules and I responded that I visited the establishment before during happy hour. Hop Sing plainly said, "We don't do happy hour here, you should leave." I am not sure why he denied having happy hour and instead just decided to call me a liar. Although I wasn't too happy with his attitude, I apologized again, which seemed to satisfy his power trip and he led us to our seats. The encounter was unpleasant, to say the least, and knowing that my hard earned money is enriching the pockets of Hop Sing is like discovering that a faux fur coat is actually made with dog fur - it just feels wrong and never again!

    (2)

  • Lauren C.

    Lovely ambiance, great cocktails, kind of needs to get over itself. When you buzz the doorbell to be let in, the bouncer asks how you heard about Hop Sing (uhh... I can work the internet?), gives a dramatic pause, then lets you in. The spiel includes all the rules (helpful to hear!) but begins with a bizarre attempt to play down the "things you may have heard" and insists that it is a "simple cocktail bar." What makes you think I heard this was Valhalla? I just want a good drink! Fortunately, the drinks are reasonably priced and mostly worth the awkward lecture. Happy hour prices make it extra viable (although they have changed in the past; best to Google before you go). Dress nice; bring a flashlight.

    (4)

  • Sarah A.

    This place is really chic. Its hidden, so you have to ring the doorbell, but its well worth the search. Every kind of martini you could ever want, and made with only top shelf liquor. Classy, candle lit, and confidential, this bar is unlike any bar in Philly I've been too. Hop Sing is well worth a night out in Chinatown.

    (5)

  • Lee M.

    I came here for the first time last week after hearing about it a few years ago. I went on a Thursday night around 9:30 so it wasn't very crowded. It's the perfect atmosphere if you want some privacy without being sleazy. The "rules" are really not so intense as others state on here. A man kindly let us in after checking me and my friend's IDs quickly. He then told us to please not take photos as to preserve other guests' privacy and that only texting was allowed in the dining room. It makes perfect sense but not many people have such social graces today. The cocktails were pretty good but nothing I couldn't get The Farmers Cabinet or Ranstead Room. Otherwise the server was very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely a cool place to check out.

    (4)

  • Joseph G.

    Any good reviews, were clearly bought. We got in easy enough, but it was just a bad business. Period. This place is every bit as bad as HONEST people have said. Will never go back. Mr. Lee is a horses' butt. Ive traveled and been to the nicest most exclusive places money can afford. This is NOT ONE OF THEM. Just because you dont let people in, does not make it exclusive .. This place will be gone soon enough. Avoid the head ache its just not that special.

    (1)

  • Carolyn L.

    Really well thought out prohibition-era atmosphere. Dark, hard to find, and contains the booze that you want. If you've read any of these reviews, you'll know what to expect upon arrival. Just dress appropriately, follow the rules and follow through with the formalities. Don't get your panties all up in a bunch just because there are some ground rules and a mysterious velour covered owner. Just think of him as Oz. Scary at first but will soothe your ails one drink at a time. The cocktails are fresh, creative, and masterfully executed. They taste more delightful than any cocktail menu could ever make them sound. Service is very polite and accommodating. Pick off the menu or tell them what you're in the mood for and they will deliver you something that you never knew you craved. Each drink is worth every bit of the $12 they will put you back. There is no food. Small parties are best 2-4 people. Bring some green because it is cash only and you can't leave after just one drink. :) Don't talk on your phone like a blithering idiot and your golden.

    (5)

  • Courtney J.

    If you like hand-crafted cocktails then this is the place for you. If you are impatient and can't follow rules, then maybe you should go somewhere else. I finally made it to the Hop Sing Laundromat. I was unsure if I even had the right place since it's not really marked. I nervously rang the doorbell and after a minute or so a polite gentleman came to the door and checked our ID's. We were then lead to a the dimly lit waiting area with a penny covered floor and antique bookshelves. We only waited a couple minutes there before Lee came in and told us the rules. We were the first people in the waiting area so he gave us the choice of sitting at the bar or a table. It didn't really matter to me at the moment, but looking back I'm thinking I should have chosen the bar so I could watch the drinks being concocted. Oh well, maybe next time. We were seated and given menus. One side contained classic cocktails and the other contained their specialties. There were too many things that sounded interesting to me. Our server recommended a simple drink with fresh squeezed orange and grape juices, and vodka called the Stonewall Riot. It seemed simple, but the fresh juice sounded refreshing. Our drinks arrived. You could taste the freshness of the grape juice in the drink, but it was just okay and didn't blow me away. I actually enjoyed what my boyfriend got better than mine. His was something with coffee. I wanted to try another drink, but we were short on cash (the bar is cash only) since it was a last minute decision to go to Hop Sing after dinner. We asked our server how much trouble it would be to go to an ATM and get some and then get back into the bar, and he said it wasn't a problem at all, just to tell the doorman on the way out. I waited while my boyfriend went down the street and ordered a Montana Payback when he came back. It was composed of apple brandy, rum, velvet falernum (a liquor typically used in rum drinks), muddled strawberry, thai chili, and cream. It was amazing...a little bit spicy, creamy, and complex. I finished the evening with an East Side, which was my favorite drink of the night. It was a gin based drink containing cucumber, mint, and simple syrup. It had just the right amount of sweetness and with cucumber being the main flavor and was the perfect summer cocktail. If you love cucumbers get it, but if you don't stay away. My boyfriend wasn't a fan. Lee came by several times during the evening to check on us and to see how we liked our drinks. The service was top-notch. I loved the atmosphere, the red walls, and soft lighting. I will most definitely be back! I can't wait to try new cocktails and have an East Side again! I will be prepared with more cash next time as well.

    (5)

  • G C.

    Cool venue. Claims its not a speakeasy (on the site) but who are we kidding here. Decor is very on point and the place is more spacious than other speakeasies in the city. However, i thought the drinks were not up to par given the prices. Yes it's an interesting experience and maybe that's what i'm paying for, but if you are there for delicious drinks, probably go elsewhere. Great staff though. Cash only

    (3)

  • Lindsay H.

    Finally! Hop Sing is open for business. I've long been looking forward to this opening and lucky for me, my boyfriend has been stalking lee on twitter for some time now. Because he's an excellent twitter stalker, I was aware of their soft opening week and we made sure to make an appearance on the first night. Since then? We've gone two more times and plan to go many more. The detail in this place from the second you walk in to your last sip is remarkable. It makes you feel like you are the only person in the bar. There is so much care and thought to everything and I just adore it. Each waiter or waitress has absolutely steered me in the right direction drink-wise. These servers know their cocktails and that just enhances the experience. Our first waitress we even noticed from meeting her at a separate bar weeks before Hop Sing was opened! She made some wonderful cocktails for us that night and even remembered what we liked to drink when we saw her the next time...super impressive and a perfect example of how you feel when you're inside this place. On to the drinks...what is so special about this place is that I can tell each server or bartender flavors and liquors that I normally enjoy and BAM, they make a perfect suggestion for me. I tasted a rum and grape cocktail the last time I was there and despite not being the biggest rum fan, I absolutely loved it. Part of their secret is their alcohol selection. These are some special/exceptional alcohols. To explain it simply, their "well" tequila is patron. On my last visit, I tasted a vodka from Hawaii that I have never heard of and probably won't ever again at any other bar. To sum up, this place is great. The atmosphere is great, the cocktails are great and the service is great. I'm already thinking about my next visit!

    (5)

  • Thomas S.

    Fun place. Bit if showmanship about getting in. Don't come wearing ball caps or sneakers. You won't get in. No pictures allowed. Nice decor. Awesome strong drinks. Everything top shelf. $$$ but fun. Good date place.

    (4)

  • Kim P.

    I was here on a date. We were the first ones to arrive right at 5pm. I'll admit I was not used to having my drivers license taken and 'run' and also having to listen to house rules but it was totally worth it to watch the bartender craft drinks like he was an artiste. I had two and the tastes were so singular I have never had the likes of them before. However, be prepared to shell out some coin...each drink is about $14. Yikes! At least I was not paying. Cool vibe. Would go back.

    (5)

  • Michelle C.

    I'm in love with a bar. There's a waiting area with a shoe shine. There are candelabra with tall red candles. There's a Lee in a perfectly fitted cranberry velvet suit. Original prescriptions for alcohol during the Prohibition Era are framed and mounted to the walls. Delicious cocktails that taste far more complex than their basic ingredients would indicate are creative and certainly make for fun conversation (new favorite drink: tequila with strawberry). Bartenders are stylishly dressed, with excellent manners and service to match. Yep, it's love all right.

    (5)

  • Rosie C.

    If you love fancy cocktails and feeling like you're in-the-know, you'll love Hop Sing! We went on a Saturday night around 7pm, which seemed to be an excellent time to visit. Though the place was almost empty, we had to wait outside for several minutes while the host checked our IDs inside. He then shepherded us into a vestibule, where he told us the rules of the establishment: no phone calls and no pictures. Then he showed us to our seats. Though we could have sat at a table, the bar seats were clearly the better option, since we got to watch the mixologists at work. The cocktail list is extensive and detailed. At $12-$14 each, the drinks are pricey, but not outrageous. The bartenders were helpful in making drink selections, and they suuuure shake each drink vigorously. Will Hop Sing be my go-to spot on a weekend? Probably not, but I would certainly bring all out of town guests here.

    (5)

  • Dara W.

    I was going to say this is my favorite hidden bar, but it might be my favorite bar, period. It's up there anyway. The cocktails are phenomenal and the space is unique. I wouldn't change a thing, except maybe to have a cozy nook area, as the whole dark, sexy, vibe makes me feel like it's a place to get closer. I think Lee is adorable. I see in the reviews some people are turned off by the rules, but that's what makes the scene cool/upscale and keeps the riffraff out. Who wants frat boys making calls on their cells, girls snapping selfies? It's transportive, and you won't find a more carefully crafted cocktail. Everything is made fresh - even the screwdriver will have freshly squeezed oranges. I wish we had more bars like this... but I also like that this one is special.

    (5)

  • Jade V.

    I liken my experience at Hop Sing to going to Disneyland. When you hear other people talk about Hop Sing, you want to go to Hop sing. When you have to wait at the entrance, it makes the wait worse. As the bouncer and Mr. Lee put on theatrics at the door, you fantasize about how great the experience will be when you're finally sitting down with a glass. So, does it live up to the hype? Here's a hint as to my opinion: I effin' love Disneyland. The over-the-topness just makes the drinks taste that much better. It's not the destination, it's the journey, etc. (Full disclosure: We were denied entry once from this place due to dress code violation--don't wear sneakers if you're planning on Hop Singing it!--but that just strengthened my desire to taste the fruits of the Laundromat.) Philly is laden with speakeasies, but Hop Sing stands out in terms of quality of drinks. Be warned, they're generally pretty strong; I suppose this is to encourage sipping and good conversation with company. These are some of the drinks we enjoyed that fateful, chilly winter night: Nevermore - Apparently no one DOESN'T love this drink. (Yeah, double negatives.) It's a chilled coffee drink that's a far cry from your sugar-laden Mudslides. You'll get what you deserve with this drink. Preacher Bourbon - Fruity, bourbon-y, balanced goodness. Hey--Mr. Lee's gotta be proud of this drink if it's his Twitter handle (@PreacherBourbon)! Railroad Jonah - Seasonal; scotch-based and orangey; floral hints from chartreuse. McCoy's Last Run - Irish whiskey and rum-based fruity cocktail. Probably the least favorite of this list. A creeper due to the Bacardi 151 they put in. The attention to detail! That zest! If you can, get a seat at the bar counter, because the bartenders know their stuff, and their preparation is a show in itself.

    (5)

  • Thomas C.

    It is nearly impossible to find this place and even then you will wonder if you are at the correct place. Greeted outside an iron gate by a man asking if he can help you, you will not be let in until answering his questions satisfactorily. Once inside, the owner will proceed to tell you both the location and the drinks are terrible and it is probably a mistake you ever arrived. Escorted to a table in a dimly lit, large, open area next to a bar; you will then be given drink menus. Order anything, it is great. Be sure not to miss the bar top, it is made of nickels and the floor of the entrance made entirely of pennies. Dress nice, it's not a casual bar.

    (5)

  • Scott B.

    Too many rules, think Chinese soup nazi! don't ask questions, you'll be banned for life! No cocktails for u!

    (2)

  • Rahsaan T.

    Probably one of the best places I've been in the city for drinks. Love the greeting by the owner and 'bouncer'. Come correct with your attire or you will not be allowed in. That's all I have to say about that. A little pricey, but worth every cent for A rated liquor made with fresh juices. I hate that they're cash only but what can you do. Eat first if you're hungry because there's no kitchen. At least not for patrons. We like to go down the street to David's on the corner after. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Melissa P.

    Love this bar! The owner comes out and greets/grills you and then brings you into the waiting room for the "instructions." It's all very mysterious and adds some fun to the experience. Great atmosphere, everything here was handpicked and placed perfectly to create this dark, high ceilinged, impressive, awesome place. Bartenders are super knowledgeable and helpful, attentive but not overbearing. Super delicious drinks and very strong. Allegedly the best liquor selection in the country, but be ready to splurge. Good for a casual after dinner date for drinks, or happy hour for drinks, but if you're here for more than 3 drinks each, it will cost you!

    (5)

  • Lora R.

    I've been to Hop Sing several times before, and my most recent visit was a little sub par compared to my previous experiences. We had two waiters keeping tabs on our table which resulted in some confusion with our drink orders. I also ordered the same drink twice (the Beecher's Bibles, which is delicious!) but my cocktails inexplicably tasted different from one another. The ambiance can't be beat and it is hands down my favorite speakeasy in the city, Saturday night was just a bit off.

    (4)

  • Elliott S.

    This place rules!! No cards, cash only! No phones, convos only!! Come here! Lee is the owner, ask for him!

    (5)

  • Paul L.

    It's a really smart marketing scheme, really. Put a bouncer in front of an empty club and people will be lining up front and trying to get in. The mere exclusivity is alluring, people wants to be in the in-crowd. I go because it's located in Chinatown and I gotta know everything that's going on in my hood and support my people when I can. After being told that there's a 15 minutes wait on an early Saturday evening outside an nondescript iron gate, the bouncer came out to do a clothing check. We all love rules, right? No shorts, no sneakers, no hat and no flip flops. The guy in front of us wearing a t-shirt and boat shoes got in, but the guy behind us wearing suit jacket and fancy leather sneakers didn't. So they do enforce it. There's definitely a schadenfreude aspect to it and it makes people who got in that much more excited to the fare. Like sheep, we got herded into a small room with a shoe-shining stand and theater chairs. Lee (imagine Dr. Ken from the Hangover Trilogy in a velvet suit) comes out and talked to us about some more rules. Cash only, no photos or recordings, if you want to make a phone call, you have to come back to the entrance. Two drinks minimum. Good enough. The drinking area is spacious, sparsely furnished with tables, chairs and upholstered banquettes. I think one of the looser rules is that they can only accommodate a party of four and no more but I saw a party of five seating in a corner. Dimly lit and decorated with oil paintings and books. It's like a 18th century library. The waiters are dressed neatly; shirt, slacks, tie with an apron. Two of my friends and I were seated and handed a substantial lists of cocktail and their special menu. Drinks are priced between $12-14 each grouped by the main liquor that the cocktails were mixed with. Most juices utilized in the cocktails are listed as fresh squeezed. Through the night we each ordered 3 drinks and tasted each others and surprisingly we all have our favorites. Mine was my friend's Beecher's Bible, it's very fruity, summery drink. Friend A loves the more classic Hotel Nacional made with Rum and freshly extracted pineapple juice. Friend B opted for a more hardcore all liquor Merchandise 7x. They are all very high quality cocktails using high quality liquors. I can see myself becoming an alcoholic because for the first time in my life, I liked what I drink. Service is impeccable. Our waiters made special efforts to make sure our water was filled. Coming to Hop Sing is like a trip to Disneyland. Lots of theatrics. To enjoy the place, you really need a sense of humor. But how about a washer/dryer set or at least an antique washboard to fit the name, huh?

    (4)

  • Sunny M.

    Exclusive?! This place is a total joke! Don't waste your time or money.My whole experience there was a nightmare! Having to be greeting by the RUDE short asian man already raised a red flag. The only reason why I went in was out of curiosity. My advice to everyone...customer service and drinks were below average. Run the opposite way!!! Just because you think your place is exclusive doesn't make it right for you to be rude, angry, and grouchy. This place should be closed down immediately! Save your time and money people. You can find better bar area with a far more better experience without having to encounter some rude ass Asian guy...

    (1)

  • S D.

    Excellent drinks, excellent bartenders and don't forget to try the screwdriver- best ever!! Tough to get in a bit later in the evenings but amazing!!

    (5)

  • Dennis L.

    This place is way too cool. When we arrived, we saw lee standing outside smoking at the gate. I asked if this was hopsing, because it's pretty much unmarked, and he asked how we knew about it. Then he went back in and checked to see if there was space and then had us go and sit in the lobby while he explained the rules. I'm not sure if he is eccentric or it was part of the whole speak easy theme, but it lent an air of authenticity to the experience. And that's what made it more fun than just a regular bar, you had a bit of that prohibition era feeling of a speak easy. The place is decorated nicely: dark, candles everywhere, with a steam punk type of feeling. The drinks were ~$11 and pretty good. They are made from fresh squeezed juices, the bartender juices them per order. The drinks were pretty strong, so you definitely get your monies worth. The entire environment had such a classy lounge feeling that you don't often find outside of nyc. I would definitely go back again.

    (5)

  • Stefan G.

    An intriguing place. If you're into low key, low effort dive bars, this place is not for you. [Don't get me wrong, I love those types of places as well, but don't expect that here]. First off, you should know the rules on shoes, pants, cash only, no food, and no photos/calls inside. Personally, I don't mind the no phone thing. Why talk on the phone in a bar? You can't hear shit anyways, might as well not scream into it, and walk outside instead. They said they would even give you a private area to use your phone if you need too [haven't tried that though.] The decor is awesome. A wide mix of antique looking oddities. Most of the service is friendly. I've been about 5 times, and only one time did the waiter seem a little less then thrilled to be there. All the other times, they have been knowledgeable, attentive and nice. Yes, the drinks take a little bit of time to make, but these aren't gin from a plastic bottle mixed with tonic. These are concoctions that can exhibit many different flavors. Great place to bring a date or enjoy some chill time with friends. Go and decide for yourself if the place is for you. Personally, I enjoy it! On a side note, I've always wondered how some prohibition style live music would go in there.

    (4)

  • Nissa G.

    I love speakeasy places like this, secret doors in Chinatown leading to amazing drinks and ambiance. But so does everyone else, once they hear about them. Went once and got right in (weekday) went again on a weekend night, waited for 20 and gave up. Its worth the wait if you have the time and haven't been. Great drinks, helpful bartenders, and no shortage of stuff to look at. Just don't try and take any pictures or phone calls, thats a no-no. And beware of the dress code!

    (4)

  • Jemma C.

    I recently moved to Philly from Europe and had some friends over to visit from London, Dublin and New York this past Wednesday so thought we'd check this place out after dinner. What a mistake that was! It's unfashionable, outdated dress policy is so cringeworthy. Its ban on photographs and mobile phones even worse. For a group who works in PR & Youth Communications and the Fashion industry it's a hideous policy truly beyond comprehension. A place like this wouldn't survive one week in any other cosmopolitan, major city. Don't waste your time here, head straight to Franklin Mortgage! All 5 of us did and after a bill of $255 exc tip I think only one party missed out.

    (1)

  • Margo K.

    I'm going to write my review set to The Caretaker, which, at this point, I'd say is just about the musical embodiment of Hop Sing Laundromat. If you think you might like a unique evening in an intriguing yet comfortable-at-heart atmosphere, paired with the best service this city is likely to ever see, this is the establishment for you. On Leap Day, a friend and I walked in the rain from Race-Vine station to 1029 Race Street. I recognized the gate from the time Lêe showed me the place at the end of December. I looked forward to tonight because the last time I'd been there it felt surreal. You'll know what I mean once you see the items that adorn the walls, the lamps, and the red dripping candles. And even more so if you have the chance to have Lêe explain them to you. He led us through friends, family, press, and "stalkers," to our seats. I think this was my favorite part of the evening, being led to our seats through onlooking patrons, by Lêe himself. Before my visit to Hop Sing, I thought I had a vendetta against vodka. The screwdriver was delightfully refreshing and still intriguing to me. I don't even feel completely comfortable calling it a screwdriver, because this cocktail was on another level of freshness and quality. That's what you can look forward to: freshness, quality, and something extra that comes from the experience alone. My friend and I only stayed for two drinks, which is regrettable because I have no way of knowing if or when I will be invited back to Hop Sing Laundromat. I hope to have the opportunity to come back for this exceptional experience in Philadelphia. I've never been that great at accepting gifts, especially one so exquisite...I blush and get a little awkward. My hope is that Philadelphia will be better at it. I look forward to the rest of Philadelphia receiving this gift.

    (5)

  • Jay W.

    Much has been said about Hop Sing Laundromat by many others, but what I think is important is that they made the best cocktail I've had. I ordered an old fashioned, which is a classic cocktail but I've seen too many make it terribly (to the point where I usually don't order it even if it is on their drink list). It was expertly made and tasted great. My date ordered a Hemingway Daiquiri, which for those not in the know is very different than the thing that gets poured out of a slushy machine (mostly rum, lime juice and grapefruit juice), also expertly made, strong and tasty. The drinks were cheaper than what we paid for at dinner and much better. For all the hype, rumors, and mystery, this place makes an awesome cocktail. Do not come here expecting fast service, as it will take at least 10 minutes to get your drink, but the time taken shows in how perfectly the drinks are made. A quite place to get an excellent drink. Pretentious, yes, and I can't imagine spending the entire night there, but what it does, it does better than anyone.

    (5)

  • Mike A.

    Don't bother. Overpriced cocktails in a room too dark to enjoy the ambiance. The music didn't fit in the environment they want to portray in a 'speakeasy' but I guess the rude greeter/bartender was. It got two stars because at least the drinks tasted pretty good (but really no better than you get at any number of places in town for much less).

    (2)

  • Natalee F.

    Haters are totally going to hate, but I like it here. Yep, I said it. Hop Sing is cool in my book. It's unique in a sea of sameness. If you want a regular bar, just go to one - don't go here. Who cares if you can't wear flip flops or shorts or can't take pictures with your phone for one night? Or if you have to wait outside until someone answers the door. Isn't it kind of like that one episode of 90210 from when you were young where Brenda and Brandon go and exchange an egg to get the info on where the secret party was? It makes it a little bit special and fun. Mr Lee is quite the character - polite, old-fashioned, and well-dressed. He might be seen in something like a pink couture suit, or velvet, and interesting glasses to complete the look. I actually don't mind the assigned seat thing. It makes it less crowded and more intimate. The service is top notch and the drinks are very interesting and strong. You don't feel that the price tag is too much. After drinking 2 of them I felt tipsy. Check this place out if you're not a hater and are not wearing flip flops and shorts.

    (5)

  • Dennis L.

    CASH ONLY I freaking hate you Hop Sing bouncer for making me buy a new pair of shoes to get in. This harsh denial, however, only increased my desire to get in. A pair of new "classier" shoes later, we were introduced through the blue light apartment-like entrance and into proprietor Lee's prized possession. It's basically a showcase of everything he holds near and dear to his heart (pictures, vinyls, art, etc.). There are fewer tables than this space could accomodate and even all the chairs are interestingly mismatched. The cocktail list is imaginative, yet simple in its offerings. Back to Lee though, he has a certain mystique about him. Right when we entered I noticed a heavy cologne odor that distinctly belonged to Mr. Lee. He looks the part of a modern Hong Kong suede jumpsuit wearing slicked back hair gangster. But when making his rounds eventually to our table, after hearing our compliments, he was humble and a bit uneasy of the attention. Without actually acknowledging or offering much to our conversation, he thanked us for our patronage and moved on to the next table Drinks have a standard price and the ones we tried were worthy of the new wave craft cocktail. A few months removed from visiting Philly I still memorably recall our night at Hop Sing.

    (5)

  • Fuzzy D.

    Once you get past the seemingly selective element of entry into this establishment and quit trying to figure out the owner's motives, you might just find yourself enjoying the best cocktails in town and having great conversation with (hopefully) good friends. Personally, I feel like the dress code and partial restriction of cell phone use creates a warm and unique atmosphere. That's just my opinion - clearly, Hop Sing is a polarizing bar. In the end, that's all it is. A bar. With the best cocktails in town. All they ask is that you play by their - not unreasonable - rules in order to try them. The East Side and Preacher Bourbon are the jam. And for anyone reading this who doesn't drink alcohol, the mocktails are mindblowing and unique. The bartenders love being given artistic license in this department and never disappoint. Always off-menu and $4 less than boozy cocktails, they are a real treat.

    (5)

  • Solomon C.

    this is pretentious as hell!!! i'm not sure if it truly is as snobbish as the owner makes it out to seem or if it's all an act to make you feel like you're in an exclusive establishment. Whatever the case, "the show" the owner puts on is quite amusing and worth a look for yourself. Most females are enthralled by the mysterious nature of the place and dudes are like, "WTF?" the entrance is an unassuming gate, you ring the bell someone comes out, takes your id back in and then returns to say you can come in. you wait in the entry way while the owner tells u the house rules: no photos, no phone calls, blah, blah, blah or else you'll be told to get out! the place is spacious, has small tables, not recommended for groups bigger than 4. this is not a place to "meet new people" nor should u go here with people you don't like. it's cozy and intimate, you won't be mingling. The drinks are expensive, fancy, pretty cool and expensive. One of the people I went with asked for a Mojito and the owner says, "We don't make mojitos." His reasoning was that he's got $80 specialty bottles of liquor, it's not worth it for him to make you a $5 bar drink. HOWEVER! the owner said, "if you like the taste of mojito, i will make something like it for you." This is fair. you don't ask the owner of a ferrari to take you around town on errands, you ask him to take you on the highway for a cruise. but if you HAVE to run errands, he'll drive to the supermarket 30 miles away. overall, it's a great place if you're a girl looking for a girls night out or if you're a dude trying to show a girl a good time. not recommended for high strung people or a group of dudes unless you're a group of gay dudes. haha...

    (3)

  • Joshua J.

    I posted an update to this review a while back and Lee had it deleted because it wasn't based on another visit but was just me remarking a funny experience I had while walking past his establishment one day. Anyway, I told a visiting friend about this place and my experience and he said we had to go. I told him that based on my experience, we were probably not getting in, but he insisted, even if we didn't get it in, it would be worth it just to see the guy and to say that we got denied entrance. We trekked from Farmer's Cab, my go to spot, which my guest also loved. We got to the door, rang the bell and stood there. About 5 minutes or so went by, my friend got skeptical that there was even a bar, asking me if I was sure this was where it was (I have a pretty bad memory sometimes) and I assured him that we should just wait. He only believed me because we heard a woman chuckle very loudly and it seemed like it was coming from somewhere inside. Sure enough, right when I said that, Willy Wonka himself - I mean Lee - stormed out of the door, literally throwing the door into the wall, looking pretty angry. Usually the bouncer answers the door, and comes out right away, but he clearly recognized me on camera and Lee came out himself. He asked if he could help us, I told him that we were trying to get a drink. We were both wearing nice clothes, shoes, etc. He told us that they were all full up for the night. I thought this was funny so I pressed on, "What if a couple leaves, can we come back then?" He told us no spots were opening. I chuckled and we walked away. Crazy he recognized me from a Yelp review but that's clearly what it was. My friend said that it was worth it just to see this man, and to say that we were denied entrance based on a bad review I wrote. I gave this review 1 star because I think it's a bit biased to deny someone entrance based on a bad experience. Usually the owner would want to make the patron happy and give them a better experience the second time. I guess not.

    (1)

  • Michele F.

    After hearing great things about Hop Sing I was pretty excited when I finally got to go last night. I had tried once before to go in the summer time and my boyfriend was wearing shorts so they wouldn't let us in. This is one of the few places in Philly, where they enforce a no shorts policy. When you find the place and ring the bell, eventually someone will come down to let you in. They act pretty rude and make you feel a little dumb which is all part of the act here. Once you are finally inside, they sit you down and go over the rules. I don't mind the whole act, I get its part of the experience but I actually was having trouble not laughing during it. When you walk into the bar the decor is pretty awesome. I will say that is the one redeeming quality about this bar. Then after all that you finally get brought to your seats. So my boyfriend and I both order a drink from their cocktail list. First off it took over 20 minutes for us both to get our drinks. I understand that this is a speciality cocktail bar and all the drinks are complex but that is wayyyy to long to wait for a drink especially when the bar was not even that crowded. When we finally got our drinks they were both awful. I had the crazy horse and my boyfriend got the redneck sangria. The crazy horse is a vodka based drink with fruit in it but for some reason it was just not good and I am not someone that is very particular about my drinks. The drink itself was also very small. When paying 14 dollars for a cocktail, I usually expect a nice sized drink but this was about 6 oz oz of a slushy drink. The Red neck sangria was also unappealing to me after sampling some of my boyfriends. I would of been willing to forgive the nonsense to get in and the long wait time to get our drinks if they had been fantastic but the drinks were not even good. I will just stick to the other speak easys from now on, better drinks and more centrally located. fyi: This place is cash only

    (1)

  • Melisa H.

    I haven"t been back to Philly in so long to hang out, happen to be at dinner in c-town my friend suggested stopping by at this place. He told me I would like it bc their drink menu is like that of nyc, that made me happy! It was raining and had to ring the doorbell and wait for approval to go inside, that made me unhappy... Hello it was raining, what's w/ the crazy scrutiny?? once we were deemed ok, the iron gates opened, but still not allowed to even step inside until we hv shown our ID, need I say again, hello it 's raining!? even after getting 'in' still wasn't in, bc u hv to listen to the rules of this place... no talking on cell phones, no pixs allowed.. so far I like what I hear... after confirming yes to u/standing the rules.. we were finally finally allowed in... great now I am happy again. drink menu is amazing so many choices,def dig it. the drinks took a while which is fine w/ me bc it meant the bartender were making the drinks correctly and not just pouring whatever into their shaker and dumping into a glass! I ordered the East Side and Ivan Drago -- the drinks were amazing... the crowd was definitely a mixed one... made me kinda confused bc at the door, the interrogation, the dramatic wait time of hearing the door buzz made it seem like they had a certain type that they were allowing to go in. but again it was a mix/weird crowd, my gf whispered to me 'wait they were allowed in' .... this is a low key quiet type of place, perfect to get together w/ friends to catch up and chill, a good place to start the night. definitely wnt to go bk soon to try their other drinks...

    (5)

  • Jefferson S.

    Get ready to be treated like a complete piece of crap. I strongly advise people to support other businesses. I have literally never been treated so poorly by a complete stranger -- FOR DOING NOTHING! I was so excited to come to this place--i asked two local supermarkets and even went into the wrong building and tried every floor until I found this place--what a let down. I have never, ever, in my whole life been treated so poorly. They are so rude! . I came at 630pm and there was a private party so he said to come back at 8 -- I didn't think I could so I asked if I could at least peak in to see the bar (I was leaving town). He said no, whatever. I was actually able to come back, so I get there at 815 and I ring the bell once, and he says "I'm not going to serve you, cause frankly you annoy me" -- I was coming from business meetings aka nice slacks, nice sweater, collared shirt. I ask why -- what did I do to be publicly castigated--he says "I don't like you, I'm the owner, and I say so--I don't like you, go somewhere else". I love the whole speakeasy thing--I go to them all the time in NYC,I love the idea--but honestly, don't waste your time, unless you are prepared to be turned away for no reason what so ever. The owner is basically a bar version of the soup nazi. I would give this place zero or negative stars if yelp gave me that option.

    (1)

  • Eddie P.

    I see a lot of reviews- and you may be somebody who has as well. I had a drink at HopSing and pretty sure I've a solid grasp on what's going on. Whether you would like HopSing, depends on what you're up for.... Cool decor? The bar itself was cool. The bar was "Beautiful" according to my wife. The room design was snazzy- especially couched in the middle of china town. Lacked an authentic "soul". More or less seemed like a designer group did a fine job, rather than a person with an authentic vision. Overall worth seeing. Want a good drink? Skip it. You can make a better drink at home with the minimal amount of prep work. You can get an equally good drink from at least 20 places in the city. Franklin & Mortgage (I promise that I'm not a plant) kicks HopSing's butt. Why? You can have a good cream, whiskey, and coffee drink at either place. Try ordering a Martini, Manhattan, or old fashion. These are simple drinks that taste simple at HopSing. At Franklin & Mortgage you can be transcendent. Heck, make these at home at you can do the same or better than hopsing. Not bad- but not great. Theater? Go to HopSing! Here's the secret to HopSing: They are NOT exclusive and they DON'T make great drinks. What they're all about is making you suspend disbelief. They want you to believe they're exclusive and make great drinks. They fake embarrassment by praise. That's cool. You are able to feel exclusive because they make you wait outside even thought the bar is only 20% filled. That's cool. Before you are allowed into the main room, they lecture you about house rules with are honestly ridiculous. Remember- this is Disney. It's all about theater. Random Notes- The bouncer turned away a young couple because the guy was wearing black sneakers. This couple was dying to try HopSing and his shoes were totally fine. That couple had twice before tried having a dring at HopSing and was turned away. Seriously the bar was at least 80% empty, so dark that you couldn't see anyone's shoes, and the guys guy's shoes were totally fine. Part of the show, I guess. They not only check your ID; but they TAKE your ID inside while you wait on the street. Presumably they scan them? Felt invasive and totally unnecessary. (again, this is part of the show) = Bathrooms. Both of us forgot to go. = Wait staff was only average. = Bottom line: HopSing drinks are overrated; but does offer customers the "exclusivity experience"

    (3)

  • Jesse L.

    Hop sing is cool. It's old school and cash only. I kind of liked that you weren't allowed to talk on your cell inside. It maintains the vibe that this place is going for. This place is really unique if you really look around. I didn't notice the penny floor, but I thought the nickel bar was really cool. Perfect if you're a coin collector or if you needed coins for your LAUNDRY MACHINE. I just got it. LOL got in saturday night at around 12:30 am, there was probably a 5 minute or so wait to get in, but no line. You're seated in a small waiting room as the host explains the rules and then escorted to your seat. The bartenders are friendly and will answer questions that you have. As for the drinks themselves, they're not bad. I've definitely had better. If 3.5 star was an option I would give it that, but I rounded up since it was a pleasant experience overall.

    (4)

  • Melissa W.

    I'm sure many of you have been to Disney World. And some of you may recall going on a ride called the Tower of Terror. The Hop Sing Experience(TM) begins in exactly the same way. You wait in line for a while (if you don't show up early enough). You are admitted through a black wrought iron gate and led up a dark and narrow stairway into a waiting chamber with other guests. This waiting chamber is decorated like a creepy haunted library. A theatrically-dressed man (in this case, the owner of the bar) explains the rules and gives you a rundown of the place. All this theatricality and attention to detail sets the stage for an exhilarating experience. For better or for worse, this thrill ride doesn't involve a 200-ft plummet in an elevator. Instead, you get to wait (and wait you will) while highly-skilled bartenders painstakingly muddle, zest, juice, swizzle, shake, strain, and twist together liquid concoctions of pure deliciousness. These flavorful and unique drinks are strong and well worth your $10 (in cash only) a pop (though they do round up to 10% tax, ostensibly for simplicity's sake). I believe there is a two-drink minimum, though you'll have a hard time deciding on just two. Some weird rules that you've probably already read about: no parties with more than 4 people, and everyone had better be there when you are seated. The inside is run more like a restaurant than a bar: it reaches full occupancy when seating is gone, which makes for a nice intimate, uncrowded atmosphere. The downside is the line outside if you get there too late, but on the other hand, I can't imagine how long it would take to get your drinks if they had more lax occupancy limits. Overall though, a great place for classy, strong drinks with a date or a few good friends.

    (5)

  • John B.

    One of a kind. I think it's a little dramatic to do a run-down of house rules before you can even sit down but I think that's part of the charm. Good cocktails and not-so-loud-you-can't-even-hear ambiance. Very underground-ish and it's a perfect recommendations for visitors who want to try out something different. I didn't get the snobby attitude from anyone here and enjoyed being at the place sipping my cocktails and having perfectly nicely conversations. Compared to Franklin Mortgage, I think this place a little more underground-ish. I think the only thing missing is the guy looking out the peephole on the main steel door asking for a passcode to let you in.

    (5)

  • Mila L.

    How I ended up being BANNED FOR LIFE from Hop Sing: Heard the hype and being from New York I live for the challenge of getting into a difficult door. I casually stopped by a couple times, we weren't in line with the dress code, oh well. Made a point of going with girlfriend one time for a couple of drinks on Sunday night. pleasant experience overall. we were interrogated. but I calmly answered all questions with lightning fast responses "what are you here for" a few drinks "how did you hear about us" I read a lot of food blogs lee, seemed pleased with our answer "do you know we are cash only" no, But that's okay we can get some cash. bingo we were in...well most of us. her friend was not pleased with the welcome. Lee was not pleased with her glares. A quiet hipster couple behind us was terrified at the whole exchange stepped back. Lee quickly dismissed us and said "Lady gentleman, come in" and that was that. But I just HAD to get in. we were so close! and I do not take rejection very well. So we dropped her and returned cash in hand ready for our experience. you get in. you wait in a room, then you are debriefed. which is kind of nerve wracking and exciting at the same time, you got in, there are rules, they make you wait some more, but you want to look cool and calm like you can totally handle it. we sat down Le, or lee was very nice. gave us suggestions as well as stories to go along with the cocktails. the servers were graceful, but not too friendly or pushy. at one point the owner came over to our table and RIMMED my friends GLASS with an orange. it was a bit over the top, seeing a grown man, bent over a martini glass with a tiny sliver of orange. we thought this was a bit much, but all apart of the experience. all in all we had two drinks, were there two hours, spent a pretty penny but it was a relaxing time for us two girls.the drinks were so tasty and strong , we just sipped them. not everything was perfect! ha! they added two drinks on to our check that were not ours, even hop sing can make mistakes. the second time we went, we brought more girls. Le remembered us and our wait time was very quick. BUT one of our friends was very very late. we were debating whether or not to even go in, because I KNEW (but none of the other girls) that adding people to your party and coming in and out is simply not allowed. and of course put four girls together and nothing ever gets done. we decided that since she is already super late, we being the good girls we are could finish the two drink minimum however strong they are, while still maintaining our classiness. we were warned....I warned them...the bouncer warned them... they cant accommodate more than four, you should probably let him know sooner than later we didn't listen! But our clueless Russian( bless her heart) friend happened to be just as close as she claimed she was. and made a huge mistake. Lee quickly comes to our table, looking a little irritated asking if our friend was at the door. We said no, it simply cannot be her, because she is late and said she was on her way a mere 5 minutes ago. Does she have a Russian accent? "something like that" We were frantic! (what should we do.do we go.do you want to stay. I don't know she can wait. but were already here. but we cant leave her.) From the corner of my eye I could see Lee getting more and more irritated. I, being in the industry, and knowing how very frustrating it is to seat someone indecisive while you have other customers waiting, I took a deep breath and spoke those fate full three words "We should go" and just like that we awkwardly walked out, embarrassed, each one of us apologizing to lee as we left, but he would have none of it. " Ladies I will not be able to accommodate you any time in the near future" and we are banned from hop sing for life. I am not bitter, it was a nice experience, while it lasted. but those are the rules, and we broke them. all in all that's just what it is, an experience. Maybe not the kind of place you frequent, But an interesting one you don't get quite often in Philadelphia. good story though.

    (3)

  • Clayton L.

    I whole-heartedly agree with Michael G: I will write a review, but you need to experience this establishment on your own, to develop your own opinion. The house that mono-syllabic proprietor Lee built...and what a house it is. First, the rules: 1. Men need to be wearing pants (read: snappy casual) 2. No tennis/athletic shoes 3. No cell phone calls 4. No photos of anyone or anything All beverages are currently $12: there is a two drink minimum. All beverages must be paid for in cash: no credit cards. Groups of 5 or more might have trouble getting a table. You might be asking "this seems like a lot for a drink...right?" WRONG. The drinks are comprised of impeccable liquor, fresh fruit and vegetables, and other top-notch ingredients. My personal favorites are the Bramble (gin) and the Boxcar Brown (rum): both are delicious and very strong. The atmosphere is very calm and relaxing: the parlor (main room) is quite spacious, with very low lighting and just a hint of music. Make sure to take note of the Penny-floor in the anteroom and the Nickel-plated bar. it is the kind of environment that promotes engaging conversation and dialogue, and will create an experience you won't soon forget. If you are looking for a truly unique experience, with outstanding drinks an atmosphere Al Capone would have trouble replicating, then this is the place for you.

    (5)

  • Christine B.

    I was honored to attend the friends and family/media opening of Hop Sing last night. I've been "stalking" Lee on twitter since getting a sneak peek of the space at the Chinatown Night Market. I continue to carry around my membership card by the way. For those of you that follow Lee on twitter, there really is a shoeshine stand at the entrance, but Kevin Sbraga and Marc Vetri were no where to be found last night. Lee escorted us in in groups of two, kind of like Noah's Ark, and we were each seated at the bar or at a table. I sat with Rebecca C. right in front of Derek, the bartender. When Lee realized that Lou P. knew us, he promptly added a seat next to Becca. I also noticed that he put people who came in solo together and tried to get a conversation going between them. He's an excellent host. As everyone has already said, the main room is gorgeous. It's a very dark room, with candelabras lighting the space and creating some great shadows on the wall where a variety of artwork is hung. The bar with the nickels is mesmerizing, like you are supposed to pick out a seeing eye image. The drinks Derek created for us were fantastic. He was very secretive about the ingredients, but they each had a different main alcohol, and some were more sweet and fruity, whereas others really let the alcohol do the talking. I watched grapes, oranges, and pineapples get freshly squeezed, and then expertly mixed into the beverages. It's amazing how different fresh squeezed juice tastes, its much less sweet which is a positive for me. Everything about Hop Sing is impressive and unique. It's worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Jim J.

    This is probably the best bar I've ever been to. We were in Philadelphia for a conference and went back 2 nights in a row. Had we been in town longer, I'm sure we would have been back even more. The drinks are beyond anything you'll get anywhere else. Even the most ordinary cocktail tastes extraordinary here. The Montana Payback is one of the strangest and most surprising things I've ever drank. If feels a little pretentious at first, but you're never once made to feel stupid or inferior, but like a valued customer from the moment you sit down. Its the sort of place you feel invited to sit at for 2 or 3 hours and will not feel rushed at all. Ask a bartender to surprise you with a drink, and you will not be disappointed. The quality of the ingredients and the obvious care put into every drink make the prices a bargain.

    (5)

  • S L.

    Visited Hop Sing for the first time on Saturday night with a friend. No wait. Seated almost immediately at the bar. And what's not to love? Great service, great drinks, great atmosphere. A couple things: 1. This is not a frat-boy bar. And thank god for that. Don't we have enough of those in the city? 2. You never have to fight your way to the bar for a drink (see above). I spent my 20s doing that. No thank you! 3. $12 per drink. A solid deal for some pretty amazing cocktails. I can't wait to go back. Pro tip: This place is cash only. And dress up. This is a classy establishment.

    (5)

  • Jamie S.

    I surely won't say we have all been scared into 5 stars reviews, for fear alone of the consequences (Lee coming to our houses and squeezing grapefruit in our eye, for example) because the twitter "stalker" party was as 5 star worthy as it was odd. The oddness mostly came from have no idea what was going on. Wait here? Do I tell you my twitter handle? Follow you now? What are you serving me? When should we leave? The space is impressive, as the media teasers hinted at. The gorgeous library/shoe shine/waiting room contrasts the wire fence door that lets you in. The walls of the drinking area are covered in artifacts, like 100 year old liquor licenses, to look at if you get bored. And since no phones are allowed, you will actually have to provide your own entertainment. Small talk about your surroundings is inevitable. Drink 1 was cognac and fresh squeezed mandarins. A good start to showcase Lee's concepts for simple drinks with fresh ingredients. Drink 2 is what I will come back for, if I ever get invited again. I never actually found out what the alcohol was. But it was a spicy and covered in... a layer cream. And topped with rose petals. I have never had anything like this. It was transcendental. Drink 3 was an iced coffee concoction and apparently we left before Drink 4 was poured table side. I am beyond curious to see how Hop Sings plays out once open to the public. Allowing take out food in a bar is a great idea, and I hope that happens. I hope a return trip is in my future so that I can experience Drink #2 again.

    (5)

  • Paul H.

    If you can't appreciate a little whimsy with your cocktails, this is not the place for you. If you can't follow simple house rules, this is not the place for you. If you don't like perfectly crafted cocktails, this is not the place for you. If you don't like having one of a kind experiences, this is definitely not the place for you. Last night I finally made it over to Hop Sing Laundromat after much anticipation. Even knowing about the gated entrance, and the bouncer asking cryptically, "Can I help you?" I was still filled with giddy excitement when I rang the bell. "Have you been here before? How did you hear about us?" I nervously answered the bouncer's questions... phew... I passed the exam. After a quick ID check, our party was led into the entryway. Another Yelp reviewer said it reminded them of the beginning of the "Tower of Terror" ride at Disney World, which is spot on. Old books, a shoe shine stand, penny-tiled floor; you'll forget within seconds that you just walked off the street in Chinatown. After a review of the house rules, we were escorted to our seats. Our table was appointed with comfy vintage chairs and a plush bench. Classic 60's jazz played at a perfect volume to provide atmosphere without drowning out our conversation (Blue Trane, Song for My Father, Cantaloupe Island, The Sidewinder were a few of the songs we heard during our visit). I never felt I needed to shout to be heard- and considering the elegant, laid back vibe at Hop Sing's, shouting would be quite rude. Our server promptly greeted us and attentively took our orders and answered our questions about the drink menu. About 5 minutes later, we got our first taste of fortifying cocktail goodness. I have but one word: Exemplary. Every drink we tasted had something to recommend it. All were beautifully balanced with even the boozier choices displaying a refreshing drinkability. I had a cocktail with Laphroaig 10 year mixed with Yellow and Green Chartreuse that was out of this world. A must try for Scotch drinkers. The Nevermore (a gin cocktail with coffee!) was delicate, complex, and so smooth. I introduced myself to Lee, the proprietor, and he could not have been more friendly and gracious. The bottom line is this: there are many places to go in the city for great cocktails, but Hop Sing Laundromat stands out for the overall experience. I look forward to returning so that I can tell the bouncer that, "yes, I've been here before" and be quickly whisked away into that beautiful ante-chamber and one step closer to cocktail perfection.

    (5)

  • George R.

    I have to say that from when we rang the doorbell until when we were actually seated, things were iffy. That's only because all of the up-front presentation given by the owner and gigantic bouncers as you await your assigned table. After that, however, all was just dandy. This place is truly a gem, especially in Philadelphia. I'm not usually one for top shelf mixed drinks, but after spending the evening at this establishment, I might just turn over a new leaf. I initially thought that the no camera no phone rules were nothing more than pretense, but after about 30 min sipping my delicious top shelf gin drink, I realized that things would be a lot different with a bunch of douchebags (either male or female, really) packing together at the bar posing for pictures while holding up their fancy drinks. To this same point, the one important downside to this joint is the inability to accommodate larger groups. Then again, if it were able to do so, the vibe would be different. We arrived with six people, and that was definitely a stretch. The ideal number of people in a party here is undoubtedly two. Three or four works; five and six is feasible but beyond that you can pretty much forget about it. Most importantly though, ladies and gents, is that the atmosphere here is like nothing else. If you want a friend visiting from out of town to get a good impression of the high-class offerings of Center City Philadelphia, then this is definitely your spot. Enjoy.

    (5)

  • Angie K.

    When I think of this place, I think of WWUD: What Would Uncle Do. Lee reminds me of my uncles who click their tongues at me because of my poor chopstick skills. Hop Sing is Lee's "home" and when entering, you, as the guest, should treat the establishment with respect. This might be an old school Asian thing, but I get it. I've only been once, and I saw at the bar with a few friends. We preferred tables, but I realize that Lee sat us at the bar because we were first timers. However, there were four of us, and it was hard to talk to each other. Our bartender was courteous, but seemed a little new and hesitant. No worries, since he could've made anything from that bar and I would've been sold. If you found out about this place through his Twitter, word-of-mouth, Yelp, whatever, then you should have had an inkling of some of these rules by now. I tried the East Side and a few others, and they fresh-squeeze everything when your drink is made to order. You can taste it. Actually, you can even see it if you sit at the nickel-laden bar. And this at $10 a pop? Thank you very much! I definitely want to return soon and see if my experience can be duplicated (then maybe kicked up to a 5 star rating). Next time, I'll bring my wad of cash.

    (4)

  • Michelle Y.

    Love this place. I wish I was baller enough to come here on the reg. My favorite drink is the Specialty Cocktail - the Vodka one... (there's only one... if i recall correctly) unfortunately I forget the name. It comes with a big ice cube. It is amazing. Will be back soon!

    (5)

  • Patrick C.

    The excellence of Hop Sing Laundromat is a result of Mr. Lee's obsessive attention to detail. Over my 5 visits to this place, I have been impressed with every cocktail that I have tried. Whether you're at the bar or a table, this is a place where you can relax with your friends in peace and enjoy the best cocktails Philadelphia has to offer. You can conduct a conversation without having to raise your voice or be overheard by other patrons. The scrutiny at the door is quality control. Just as Lee wouldn't put crappy liquor or moldy fruit in one of his cocktails, he makes efforts to exclude the wrong kind of patron. Demonstrate respect for his house, patience, and politeness and you will be welcomed. It's not a nightclub line where the "cool kids" get in faster, it is a highly effective filter. I've never had my experience at Hop Sing marred by the bad behavior of another patron. My favorite way to experience Hop Sing: bring 3 friends, receive a table for 4. Everyone orders different drinks. Try your drink, try your friends' drinks (any germs will surely perish in the alcohol). Another round! Different drinks again for everyone. There, now you've tasted 8 different drinks for the price of two. You will find a few favorites, but all 8 will intrigue and be distinctly different from each other.

    (5)

  • Corwin P.

    I really didn't expect to like this place, I didn't even want to go. Not because I had heard any of the hype about it because I hadn't. I'm pretty much a shut in, and when it comes to drinks, I'd typically much rather spend money at the liquor store and sit at home than I would go out and worse yet get dressed up to meet a dress code. But damn this place is just down right great. The drink menu is extensive, and absolutely delicious. I'm really not the most adventurous person when it comes to cocktails, I don't even know what 90% of them are. I was going to play it safe and order the to drinks on the specials menu with cream in them, but fortunately my girlfriend ordered those, which left me free to try something I had not had before. I got an Old Fashioned, and a Tequila Old Fashioned, and they were both amazing. Lee is a fantastic and extremely entertaining host, and I really can't wait to take a couple of my friends here when they visit. If you don't like the rules, or pseudo-secrecy of the place, then perhaps you ought to develop a sense of humor.

    (5)

  • Jessica F.

    Cash only, dress nice, be cool, don't be loud. Great establishment.

    (5)

  • Nancy L.

    Great marketing and solid drinks. We came early in the evening and happily did not experience the (in)famous pretense. Yes the drinks are high quality and well balanced but I'll pass on the melodrama. Thus I prefer Franklin Mortgage or better yet, Ranstead room where I never had a bad drink be it my selection or bartender's choice. The drinks and bartenders deserve five stars. Minus two stars for the circus act.

    (3)

  • Susan L.

    I wonder what its like to be on the other end of the camera that sits outside of the Hop Sing Laudromat's door; watching people do the back and forth dance, going "Where...where is this place? I don't see a sign, I don't see an address..." and taking cautious steps into the creepy looking building next to it, trying to find some type of sign that they're in the right place. That was us, doing the silly dance. Luckily a group of people got there before us and we were able to figure out what was going on. Well let me save you the trouble: the door to this place is a black iron gate where if you peer through the gate, you can see another door and a glowing blue-ish light above it. There is a doorbell next to the gate. Press it. A man will come out and ask you if you have been here before. Then he will ask if there is anyone else in your party. He will tell you to wait out here, he'll go back inside and make you sweat a little bit. Then he'll return and maybe he'll ask you for your IDs. If so, he will return inside to swipe them. Sweat a little more. Finally he comes back with your IDs, distributes them, and welcomes you inside. But wait! You all have to sit down in a waiting area and listen to the rules of the establishment: no talking on your phones, no photography. After nodding obediently, only then are you FINALLY let into the place. The place is gorgeous; low lighting, tasteful decor, and bartenders that are magicians with their drinks. Yes the cocktails are very expensive and yes they are absolutely delicious. The bartenders take their time making the drinks and really put a lot of care into them. I noticed that the head bartender will constantly test the drink (straw trick) as its being made to make sure its being made correctly. My friend really enjoyed his Old Fashioned, while the bartender made up a cucumber-mint vodka drink for me. Even though we really enjoyed the atmosphere and the drinks, the steep prices ($12 each) kept us at one round. We went on a Tuesday night so it wasn't too busy but I can't imagine being here on a weekend and going through the whole entrance process, and waiting for drinks because it could easily take an hour or so before you finally get a drink in your hand. However, you have to keep in mind that its all about the experience here. Sadly, we didn't get to meet Lee but there is always next time.

    (4)

  • Bonnie C.

    I'd give it no star if i could. No line but still made u wait in the snow for 30 mins. Once i got in drinks were weak!!! Thank goodness i had a friend at village whiskey (another hard place to get into) and drinks and food are hella lot better there!

    (1)

  • Kelly L.

    I always try to bring new friends here. It's also been a regular spot to go with my girlfriends. However, they are quite strict with their dress code. Smart casual. Absolutely no snickers for men. I like the speakeasy concept and drinks are great. I like the place for the small details in decor. If you follow their dress code and "house rules", I'm quite sure you'll have a great time. Might just be me, but I always think that a few snacks to go with drinks is always a bonus. Unfortunately, they only serve drinks. But good drinks nevertheless.

    (4)

  • Scout T.

    I smell something fishy going on with these Hop Sing reviews. Why aren't more of them "filtered" esp. from reviewers with no pictures and just one or two reviews? Why are all the reviews five stars? Why are the one star reviews "flagged" for violating terms? (More importantly, I'm curious to see if my review will be flagged for not being five stars...) After my experience with Hop Sing, I can't help but wonder if there is some odd Lee-esque conspiracy going on here... I guess I'm not surprised, given that the place has an odd, creepy feel with Lee's presence exercising dominion over all. You really do feel like you're in an Edgar Allan Poe short story---mainly because it's unclear if you're gonna make it out alive. The red and black touches reminded me of a brothel and the chairs were eerily reminiscent of the electric chair. When we went in, we were asked to wait in the front room for a few minutes. Lee came out and didn't like that we were standing and told us to "Sit down" pretty forcefully. Sheesh, ok ok. There were only two of us. At first, I thought it was because the place was packed but nope--it was more than half empty. I guess that is supposed to build anticipation? When we were finally seated, the waiter nervously rattled off the giant drink menu. He was so nervous that he reminded me of a pendulum, teetering back and forth. Many of the drinks sounded really interesting, but I would have appreciated a menu to read over at my leisure. The waiter then kept checking back--nervously--to make sure everythign was ok. I had a hard time feeling super comfortable in the space with Lee and waiters continually checking in. It was nice at first, and then straight distracting. The kicker came when we began smelling cigarette smoke wafting through the room. When the waiter came back to check on us, I asked him if smoking was allowed in here. He paused and said "If your name is Lee, it is." All in all, it was just ok. I am glad that a bar like that is in Chinatown because I like to see that area being developed. Drinks were just ok; I've had comparable at other bars in Philly. The hovering presence of Lee and the odd decor make it a very odd experience, so I'm just not sure what to make of this bar.

    (3)

  • Christian L.

    Lee 3:16 "Forget everything you heard about this place. It's absolutely terrible." Those words will forever echo in my mind. Mr. Lee was absolutely wrong in every way. The man runs a tight operation. There's a certain ambiance that permeates throughout this establishment. when you first enter, you'll be notice the penny tiled floor and the shoe shine parlor. BADASS. Nickels on the bar top and candles all over the place... Superbadass. Church lanterns on the ceiling... DEEP.... The liquor selection is cavernous and the drink menu is over the friggin top. You might have nommed on some cocktails at XIX, Randstead Room, or Franklin Mortgage. Those places don't compare to the level of Eff you, that Hop Sing has established. Go forth...

    (5)

  • Jonathan L.

    First I'd like to say that anyone who has a problem with the 'rules' of Hop Sing is either a slob or an idiot. Dress like an adult, act like an adult - you'll be plenty fine. Based on the hype, I approached Hop Sing with a healthy bit of skepticism, but was completely won over by Lee and his team. The 'Old Fashioned' that I ordered (featuring 6-yr Willet rye @ 110 proof) was not only the best Old Fashioned I've ever had, but possibly the best cocktail I've ever experienced. The serving glass and large square block of ice were perfect, and every ingredient integrated perfectly and seamlessly. Beautiful. The 'East Side' (gin, cucumber, mint, citrus) was also a favorite - even among non-gin drinkers. Lee and the bartenders were more than kind and accommodating to our group, despite the fact that we were probably not the 'easiest' group to accommodate. The space was beautiful and the vibe was that of relaxed opulence. There's nothing else like this in Philadelphia, and I'm glad it exists.

    (5)

  • Cameron S.

    This place obviously has a lot of hype. To be honest, it's pretty average. The decor inside is pretty bad, the waiting room in particular. The drinks were GOOD - not great. I have had cocktails from a speakeasy that has blown me away. Whereas here, my girlfriend and I merely went "meh." It's a cool premise and Lee pulls it of well. I will be returning to give it another shot and will update if sometimes strikes me as worth 4 stars.

    (3)

  • Sarah F.

    Sigh. I've been delaying my review of Hop Sing, simply because I don't want anyone except for me to know about it. However, at this point I think it's clear that, yes, Hop Sing Laundromat exists, and yes, Hop Sing Laundromat is amazing. I suggest ignoring the menu, telling your server what you like, and letting them surprise you. They'll get it right. Trust me. Also, don't order the same thing twice. Even though the drink you had was fantastic, there may be something even more magical about the next one. This is place is classy. Drink here and you will be too.

    (5)

  • Tierney Y.

    I am well traveled and have been to some of the most expensive/exclusive restaurants and bars in the world. THIS PLACE IS NOT AT ALL WORTH TRAVELING FOR. My drink was not shabby, but not spectacular. I was okay with the door mans 10 min speech about the rules of the joint, but what made me disgusted at the pretentiousness of this place was that, after being the only two people in the place for 30 minutes, I asked if I could take my second cocktail at the bar to get a closer look at the extensive liquor collection. I was hoping to buy tastes of things that were new to me, but the waiter informed me that the bartender was not interested in seating us at the bar, even though the place was empty and no one else was there. HOW ridiculous!!! They were such jerks about it. So we left after we finished our 1st cocktail. I won't go back. PS. The music sucked and did not go with the ambiance.

    (1)

  • Jimmy W.

    CASH ONLY I've checked out the cocktail scene in Philly and this latest addition is a good but not great establishment for people looking for a quiet subdued version of dandelion. The drinks are not as strong as a franklin mortgage and investments but they are pretty delicious (10-12 dollars/per) and the liquor bar is pretty varied. I'm used to pricing in NY/DC so it wasn't that bad, but the drinks needed to be stronger in my opinion. My girlfriend and I went on a quiet tuesday night at 8pm so not many people. We were forced to wait outside for 5 minutes while the bouncer checked our IDs and then told us about the rules. Frankly, I don't know if Philadelphia can support this type of ambience. The lack of food is a minus, and since people can't use cell phones to talk, and there are no additional distractions, it seems too limited. The hassle of getting in for a drinks only place probably makes it tough to go for happy hour. Also the largest tables were for four, this is not a group place.

    (3)

  • Regina F.

    If the Addam's family decorated a bar, this would be it. The entryway is tiled in copper (pennies, really) as if to scoff at all the poor folk who will never have the pleasure of gracing its tiles. And if you are so lucky, you are greeted by Lee himself, who explains the rules of Hop Sing while you wait, perched upon an ancient shoe shine, waiting, impatiently, to enter the rococo drinking establishment. And so you enter, and you're seated at a booth or table or bar stool of the matron's choice. Socializing is limited but to your table (and the occasional text to brag about your locale if you're feeling brazen) - rules preclude imprudent cads from harassing budding socialites. Without a set menu, you're skeptical that Hop Sing could offer anything more than a shandy, but you're wrong. The cocktails here are mixed to perfection. Would you like something with rye and egg yolk? Sure, have the "..." If you're into girly mixes, try some grape juice and 75 year old rum. And if you're circumspect of anything too strong, don't fret, your waitress (or waiter) will suggest nothing less than something expertly attuned to your palate. As your drink sips to a slurp, and the real candles wither wax onto the bar, you know it's time to leave. Without a plate of food (or even wasabi peas) to coat your intoxicated stomach, you know it's time to go - but only after one last wink at that dashing gentleman perched at the bar. A silent goodbye with a hint of beckoning indicates a clandestine rendezvous at Hop Sing next week at this time.

    (5)

  • Nicole D.

    The cocktails here are expertly crafted and delicious. My recommendations are the Whisky Smash and a special called "O Mary Don't You Weep". Really, though, if you know what you like, you can't go wrong. Minus one star because we thought it would be a little harder to find and get in. The nerdy part of us really wanted a challenge. Also, CASH ONLY.

    (4)

  • Steve M.

    Alright, other bars in Philadelphia. It's been a good run. You've given it a solid shot. But I'm afraid there's a new game in town and it's running circles around you. I've been stalking Lee on Twitter for months, waiting for a chance to get in and see this near-mythical spot, but sadly when the invitations for tastings came I was already booked and couldn't make it. I had to make do with waiting till opening day... and the wait was well worth it. Hop Sing Laundromat knows what it's doing. It's only been officially open for 24 hours, and already it's my favorite bar in the city. Lee has somehow reached into my mind and built exactly the kind of place I want to go to drink. It's dark. It's cozy. It's classy. It's for grown-ups. It's intricately detailed and customized by a man who seems to never be satisfied, even when his establishment is already so far ahead of the game. That passion shows in the entire Hop Sing experience. The cocktails were superb, every last one. The liquor itself is excellent, but hopefully you already knew that. I drank rum with fresh-squeezed grape juice. I drank the most delicious, drinkable gin martini of my life. I drank a gin and raspberry concoction. I tasted a margarita that was shockingly easy to drink despite its simple ingredient list of tequila and fresh squeezed lime juice. Lesson: the liquor matters, and Hop Sing knows it. Simple mixtures of incredible ingredients make for amazingly tasty cocktails. In a review for another spot I wrote about a bartender who mixed a handful of excellent drinks for me, and was happy to be able to pour for two cocktail-lovers at a bar that served primarily beer. My girlfriend and I were very pleasantly surprised when we sat at Hop Sing only to find that same bartender was our server... and she proceeded to floor me by remembering what we drank at her prior establishment, weeks ago. That's the kind of attention to detail I think Hop Sing Laundromat is going for, and exactly the kind of thing I notice and love. I almost wish I hadn't written this review, I want this place to always have a table for me and I know writing 5-star reviews won't help that happen. But Hop Sing Laundromat deserves it. I hope it's around for a very long time.

    (5)

  • BostonBestEats X.

    "A place where there isn't any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat or a train. It's far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain. Some where over the rainbow..." youtube.com/watch?v=U016… Sláinte!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth P.

    I was kind of blown away. Really, starting from the impressive array of alcohol display by the bar to the chandeliers and artwork all throughout the venue, this place (I think) really got it down on point in terms of decor, ambiance, and presentation. To top it off, the bartender knew what to make for us after a few quick words on what we were in the mood for, and nailed it. Bottom line- *Better than Franklin Mortgage in my opinion. *Definitely worth the trip out to Chinatown. There's a reason why all the elites are raving about this place -- and I'm no exception!

    (5)

  • Samantha B.

    My boyfriend and I decided to come to Hop Sing Laundromat based on everything we had heard about the amazing cocktails and speakeasy vibe. It was a very unique experience walking up to the unmarked door and having to give your name and reason for being there...the crowd in front of the door detracted from the experience a bit, as it felt less "secret" than I'm sure they would like. Once we were shuffled into the waiting room we were given the rules...no pictures, no using your phone etc. I was a fan of this rule, since I don't usually use my phone much anyway when I'm out. We were not aware that it was cash only, and my boyfriend had to run out to an ATM. We waited for about 15 minutes and were finally showed to our table. It was an unexpectedly huge space, with tables lining the outer edges. The bar looked much more interesting, and I wish we had been able to sit there. We ordered our drinks and were surprised by the interesting flavors on the menu. We were both very disappointed with our cocktails. Mine tasted entirely of overly sweet grape juice. We had our one drink and left. While a very interesting idea, I didn't have the best experience. I've had much better cocktails and much better times elsewhere...Franklin Mortgage and 1 Tippling Place to name a few.

    (3)

  • Jimmy C.

    Not impressed at all with this place. The whole check in process is a joke! It's a bar in Chinatown and its treated as if its the White House. The owner is very friendly but the doorman is a huge asshole. I had no problem getting in to the bar but the group behind us were treated like trash. Not cool! I won't go back or recommend this place based on that experience alone.

    (1)

  • Matthew T.

    Update: Hop Sing Laundromat has been open for a few months now, and the place is going strong. During the pre-opening tasting I had feared that Lee was going to neglect the classic cocktails. In fact, the menu does feature a long list of classics, and all of them are crafted exceptionally well. My favorite drink is the Old Fashioned, which is probably the best I've had anywhere. It's made with Willett's 4-year rye and demerara syrup. Outstanding. Also great is the Martini. The signature cocktails (ie, those invented in-house) are for the most part also pretty great. Lee has an excellent sense of taste when it comes to cocktails. Check out his version of the Clover Club. Service has improved vastly - the bartenders turn out drinks fairly quickly for a cocktail bar, even when it's busy. My one minor quibble is that they should print up more menus, because you occassionally get one that's been splashed on. But all of the ice cubes are now clear, except the giant cubes for drinks like the Old Fashioned. There is still no coat check, booths, punch bowls, and the smoke drink is gone. There is also no food (yet) and the place is cash-only, but for the quality of drinks it's a very good value. Thumbs way up for Hop Sing Laundromat. Viva Clubber Lang!

    (5)

  • Jenny C.

    Have been wanting to try Hop Sing since the grand opening day but haven't worked up the nerves to do so and finally last night we gave it a try. I was 90% sure we weren't going to be able to make it in based on other reviews.. So I already prepped for the worst but it must have been our lucky day because after a few questions we were in. It was dark and mysterious inside and Mr Lee was very welcoming. He briefed us on his rules and in we went for some drinks. The bartender asked what I would like to drink and I simply just told him I wanted something refreshing with Gin and in a matter of minutes a wonderful concoction was trickling down my throat. How such a refreshing light drink can pack a punch minutes later. The product you get is worth the price you pay. While we were raving how wonderful each of our drinks were, Mr Lee was testing and mixing drinks and even asked us to be his guinea pigs. He explained what was in the drinks and mentioned the drink was filled with pure alcohol and after a sip I don't deny that fact. It was a hint of lemon and a strong taste of whiskey and if it wasn't Wednesday night I would have gladly finished the awesome drink that nearly only took him 5-10 minutes to make up. Overall: The bar was beautiful from floor to ceiling. Once you walk in pay close attention to your surroundings because you will find a surprise in each nook and cranny. The service was impeccable and attentive. The bartenders caters to what you like/dislike to drink and will try and please your palate. Mr Lee has done an outstanding job in creating this beautiful place. No doubt I will pick this bar as first choice if Mr Lee would give me the honor to walk through the gated doors again.

    (5)

  • Michael G.

    I don't want to write much here. Not because I don't have lots to say, but more because I want you to go and experience this on your own without prejudice. Word to the wise... Follow the rules or you are just going to embarrass yourself

    (5)

  • Linda T.

    definitely the most unique lounge ive been to. secret locked door...you ring doorbell....someone greets you when theres a table ready....you go inside and have a seat while the "rules" are presented, you agree to it and then get your table. what rules? no pictures, no facebook, no videos...but ok to text and make phone calls inside. cool cocktail lists from gin to whiskey to bourbon. nice ambiance, definitely place to bring a date and hang out. the entrance is just a little weird..but its all for the fun of it. oo and its right next to a vietnamese temple haha

    (4)

  • Kevin L.

    We were having a great time until my friend asked the waiter for the ingredients behind the drink she was enjoying. Our uber cool skin head waiter Said '"shut the fuck up". I had him apologize to her but it ruined the experience.

    (1)

  • Jason P.

    I won't say much more than what has already been said. You go up to this unmarked door (though easy to spot if there are other people waiting outside of it). We were promptly greeted by "Lee" and told a very ground rules and told to go up in the waiting room for further instructions. We were given a very lite speech that was very tongue in cheek. Lee was hardly super serious and was cracking jokes. Basically, no phone calls or pictures once inside. No drink purchase minimums. Dress code either has gone lax or changed. I was dressed up in nice khakis, tie, button down and dress shoes. My buddy was in a suit and tie and my girlfriend was in a dress and high heels. We obviously had no problem getting in. We did notice some folks with tshirts, but weren't sure how they got in. Our buddy who arrived shortly after we did noticed some people getting turned away. He was wearing jeans and was allowed in. On to the most important thing...the cocktails. They are as good as everyone else has described. Everything is top shelf and made by people who know how to make cocktails. Cocktails are anything between $12 and $15. There are some more expensive liquors that you can order straight up for a slightly higher charge. Between 4 of us we had about 10 drinks and it came to $160. It's expensive, but almost worth it to try once. It's pretentious and silly, but that is the schtick. It's silly to downgrade it already knowing what you are getting into. The service and drinks were A+, that's all that matters. Secondary tip: Most tables seat either 2 or 4. There are 2 tables I noticed that accommodated 6. If you plan on going with a large group when it's busy, don't expect to all sit together.

    (5)

  • Christina P.

    This bar might be one of the coolest places in the city. It takes the new idea of a speakeasy and brings it to another level. I don't want to say too much about the experience, since it's a lot more fun when you don't know what to expect. Lee take s the time to space out entries and make sure that everyone knows his policies and quirks. After the debrief in the penny-floored foyer, he seats you himself. The decoration of the place is just so. cool. There are certainly a lot of 'conversation pieces' and candelabras hanging from the ceiling with real lit candles. Lee explained to us that he got everything from all over the world and offered to tell us about anything we were curious about. The drinks here are all $10, plus tax. There is a lot to choose from, using a variety of different spirits. You might think $10 is a little steep for a drink but these drinks are made with a lot of tlc, with the freshest ingredients. I know this because I had a nice view of fresh, ripe fruit in the cooler behind the spotless bar.(which is completely covered in nickels). The bartenders are insanely professional, polite, personable and just so good at what they do. That alone is hard to find these days. I got the Failed Entertainment, which was a delicious mix of gin, grapefruit, lime and mint. I can't wait to go back and try more. If you go, make sure you adhere to the dress code which is no shorts, jeans,and no sandals or sneakers for men. Just try to look nice, because this is a nice place! Also, they only take cash, so make sure you ring some.

    (5)

  • Soyoung K.

    OH Hop Sing. I have been waiting months to get here. Literally. First, it was waiting for the opening. Great media play! I was dyingggg to go. Then it was the shoes thing. I would forget to wear nice shoes on a Thurs-Sat. I know, this was just my own fault. Then I couldn't get my friends to wear nice damn shoes for me to go here. ...and Finally!!! I have gone on a very late Saturday night. It was slightly cold and I knew I could have gone to Franklin Mortgage 2 blocks down but I have been in love with Hop Sing before I even met Hop Sing so I decided to finally "meet" for the first time. (creepy infatuation, dare I say) It was fairly easy to find the entrance. Very cool looking blue light in the doorway. When you ring the bell, a very stylish, well-dressed man comes out to greet you. He led us into the waiting room. The room has a feel of an old school version of a tiny little dental office's reception area. A shoe shining station takes up about half of the space. The man who let us in gave us the rules. No cell phone usage. No pictures. Got it. We got in and it was not so busy. It was around 12:30am so they were getting ready to wrap up, I assumed. The interior is really cool...but kind of scary at the same time. It's Lee(owner)'s collection of antique items. All the books (there are a LOT of books) are a real deal. The light fixtures, the pictures hanging on the wall...everything came together to create this ominous presence. Think of the movie Interview with a vampire - that utter sexiness of some unknown sort coming together with something scary. I don't know why I was scared but I mean that feeling dissipated pretty quickly with their delicious drinks. Then it was over. My creepy infatuation with Hop Sing has diminished. It's still going to have a very dear place in my heart but I just cannot be so well dressed at all times to go here. I just cannot understand why I have to bring cash all the time. I don't want two drinks, if I don't want them. Cool rules, and being in the industry, I get why those rules are set up but nonetheless, from a consumer's point, I quickly fell out of love with Hop Sing. But it's also probably because I generally don't like being told what to do, don't like being under "surveillance". j I will be back - with a $50 in my hand for your delicious cocktails.

    (4)

  • Sarah F.

    This isn't just a bar, it's an experience! I felt giddy when we finally found the door between 10th and 11th st on Race. We were let in by a bouncer who instructed us to sit down in a small room where he explained to us the rules. It was like being at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida where you wait and listen to someone prepare you for the ride ahead. Nice touch! Beautiful interior. Close attention to details so don't be afraid to get up and look around if you're into that. Drinks are totally worth the price. Reminded me of Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co. Recommend: East Side is my favorite drink. I also enjoy one of the new specials called Crazy Horse but only if you like vodka...because it is HEAVY on the vodka. ;) Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Rebecca N.

    Otherworldly, in the very best of ways.

    (5)

  • Allison B.

    I was really excited to check our Hop Sing Laundromat for the first time, and I wasn't disappointed. We arrived at the door and were unsure of how to proceed and whether or not it was actually the door to Hop Sing. We rang the bell and within a minute, someone was out to greet us. He seemed to discourage us from coming in -- he said the place was dead, and he wasn't sure if we would like it. I don't know if that was part of the shtick or what. That whole exchange seemed odd and was made worse by the fact that he was really quiet and we had trouble hearing him, but we were there and going in, no matter what the size of the crowd (also, it needs to be said that once we were in it wasn't packed, but there was some activity -- it was a blustery Wednesday night around 6, so I wasn't expecting it to be bumping). The guy took our IDs and closed the door, disappearing for about a minute before he returned (gave back our licenses) and guided us in. He had us take a seat in the vestibule, asked us questions and let us know the rules -- this kind of reassured me that our initial encounter was kind of part of the atmosphere. I appreciate the mood they're trying to create -- they seem to cover everything from decor and dress to expectations of their customers. It's a unique experience. The building itself and all of the details are gorgeous -- if for no other reason, you should just go there to check out how they've set this place up so meticulously. We were seated at a cozy table for two and each ordered just one drink before we left for the evening. My only reason for not awarding a full five stars is that our server was just kind of not the best. He was really gloomy. (Are they supposed to be that way to keep in style? I don't know.) He was very prompt when we first arrived, but after he gave us our drinks, he seemed to disappear. He was around, but we couldn't even make eye contact with him to get his attention for him to bring us our bill. Ordinarily this wouldn't be a problem, but we had some place else to get to. I look forward to stopping back again soon. The drinks were wonderful. I was disappointed when I finished mine, wished I had time for another, and mercilessly tried to get every last drop out of the bottom of my glass. If you're up for an experience and not just a drink, this is definitely the place you should go.

    (4)

  • Jason E.

    The only unfortunate takeaway from this bar is that it will ruin every single other bar you'll go to, for the rest of your life, nothing will even come close to every aspect that Hop Sing has nailed flawlessly. - The drinks are complex and creative, but most importantly, perfectly executed - "Bartenders" (which I only put in quotes because they seem like so much more than that) were the most knowledgable, courteous, friendly, and professional I've ever met. - Lee, your host for the evening, instantly lets you know- upon placing your foot through the threshold- that this will be an exclusive, relaxing, most unique evening, that you'll ever have. - Ambiance is bulletproof: beautiful, relaxing colors, meticulously stocked and designed wall of liquor. - Even though music/volume should be under ambiance, it's so perfect, it gets its own bullet. The noise level never falters from that perfect balance: just loud enough where it's not quiet, you can hear others and the music- but you always hear the person you're talking to, never have to shout and can always identify the song playing. I know I must be missing some element of praise for Hop Sing, and for that I apologize, because you really must know how outstanding this place is.

    (5)

  • Alie A.

    Hello, Addams Family and strong drinks in tiny glasses. The owner is awesome and very involved in your experience here, the setting is dark and crafty, like a library lounge in the Munster household. Quite the drink list, and don't even think about using your cell phone. This is old school charm. Good for small groups and a night of something different.

    (4)

  • Tayler T.

    Hop Sing Laundromat achieves brilliant cocktails and one of the most crumbling 20's decadence vibes for a new underground speakeasy nestled between the noodle shops and bodegas of Philly's Chinatown. The gated door is the only hint on the street that there is something else behind the concrete that could be a sensuous place to sip and seduce. The owner, Lee knows how to put on a show. A show that is both as any performance theatrical yet at the same time a wonderful way of telling people how to behave at a nice bar. No phone calls, no pictures, and really no bullshit. This makes it perfect to just enjoy the conversation and feel lounge ready. The "Esta Tierra es Tuya" is one of the most spectacular cocktails I tried off the menu. The smoky tequila with egg white and just enough citrusy acidic brightness paired with the floral chamomile buds dancing on the top of the froth is sturdy. This place is a great place to get warmed up to start the night.

    (5)

  • Jeanny C.

    This bar makes me feel like I was in a secret agent movie. It's the gem of Chinatown. The door is hidden and very secretive, I have walked by many times and never knew a bar existed through those doors. The floor of the waiting area is covered with pennies, all facing tails up. The bar counter top are covered with nickel's, all facing heads up. The decor is extremely eccentric and unique, I have never seen any place on earth like it. Everything blended so well with each other but at the same time very unique. Their drinks take a while to make, but it was all worth it, because EVERYTHING was made from fresh fruits. I mean they hand squeeze their own lime juice. AMAZING! To top it off, it was not pricey at all. I wish I was a drinker, so I can come back more often. I definitely recommend a try at least, it's a very special place. FYI: cannot make calls or take photos, only texting is allowed.

    (5)

  • Yolanda Y.

    Yes, getting into this place IS weird. Yelena G. and I decided to give it a try anyway, and I'm glad we weren't intimidated by the reviews because it was worth it. The decor is interesting and easy on the eyes. As for drinks: our first round was excellent. The bartender made a swell sidecar which is something I admire. As for the second round, I asked for a hot cocktail and was kindly told they don't do hot drinks. If I may make a suggestion, perhaps the rules can be bent as we descend into the dead of winter. I bet a hot toddy would be a popular drink if they made it! Anyway, I scrambled to pick something else and picked the Boston Remedy. Wasn't my bag. Also they don't serve any food at all, so have a nice meal beforehand so you can drink more and fall all over the place less! Give it a shot and bring some cash!

    (4)

  • Hugo A.

    One of their well-drink bourbons is Booker's. Can you believe that? There is a touch of herbsaint in the Sazerac. It provides nose so pleasant you almost want to nurse the drink. These aren't cocktails, they are potions.

    (5)

  • Bruce W.

    Most impressive selection of liquor I've ever seen. Terrific value when you consider the quality of the alcohol they use in the cocktails. Philly doesn't deserve a bar this good.

    (5)

  • lara s.

    If you like Ranstead or Franklin . . you've got to check this place out. From the crushed purple velvet jacket on the host greeting us at the door - this place was personal and top notch!! The vibe was more laid back than expected - the bartenders engaging - but the emphasis is on the drinks!! Lee spent lots of quality time with us and all his guests and explained his cocktail creations to us. The fruit juice was fresh squeezed right before us before being added to our drinks - that is serious. As an added bonus the artist (Lee) made us a special on-the-spot drink that just showed how well this man knew his craft. Check it out - play by the rules - and you won't be sorry!

    (5)

  • Enas I.

    Simply not my thing. It's a love it or hate it place. My boyfriend loved it but I did not. I just don't get the idea behind everything, starting with waiting at the door for someone who's watching you on the camera until they decide it's enough waiting. Once we were seated (after going through the rules in the front room) I requested that we are to be moved to another table since I have back problems and our seats were not comfortable. They said no because it was reserved for a "member." We stayed there for two hours and no one showed up. And finally the photo rule. It's alright they have rules and I respect that but every time my boyfriend had pulled his phone to show me something someone jumped right behind my boyfriend to check the screen out. It was very creepy. As I said, it's not my place. My boyfriend will probably go back with his friends. I have other relaxed places that I enjoy more.

    (1)

  • Brandon B.

    The best bar experience I've had to date. Went on a Friday a few weeks ago with my girlfriend and brother around midnight. We had no trouble getting in, and we're floored by the intricacy of the decor, incredible quality and detail that went into the cocktails, and the outrageously large liquor collection. We sat at the bar, which is definitely the move when coming here for the first time. Our bartender Mike was excellent. The place wasn't incredibly crowded, and we honestly felt like he was only making drinks for us basically the entire time. I also loved the aspect of having the owner Lee as the quasi-host for the evening. He's always walking around, talking to the bartenders, checking in on people, and even mixing drinks! Very cool. Cash only!

    (5)

  • Beth H.

    I was excited to come here after reading the great reviews on Yelp, and my experience did not disappoint! The place is quiet, elegant, classy, etc. The waitstaff are courteous, pleasant and accommodating. And I had the BEST old fashioned whiskey cocktail! Granted, I've only ever had three, but this was just supreme. My second drink was the Memphis Mystery Train, which was good, but not as good as that old fashioned. I would definitely recommend coming here...but just remember, it's cash only, and a two drink minimum. (I knew about the last bit, and I also knew that I'm a one-drink kinda girl, so it helped that my date was willing to share my second drink with me.) Definitely worth the cost, no question. The only reason why I gave this 4 out of 5 stars is because I have been to one other speakeasy elsewhere (not in PA) that I enjoyed slightly more. But I highly recommend coming here at least once. You won't regret it!

    (4)

  • Scott F.

    Had another wonderful night at Hop Sing last night. I was initially worried when we arrived that we may be denied entry due to bad timing. It seems word has gotten around and there were a few other groups trying to get in at the same time. Luckily, Mr. Lee recognized us, and quickly dismissed the others who ignored "the rules". Everything about Hop Sing is perfect down to the last detail. From the drinks to the antique furniture, light fixtures to the staff's tie tacks. The drinks are all amazing. So far, the Blood and Sand, Montana Payback, Midnight Mystery Train, and Preacher Bourbon are my favorites. Mr. Lee is a gracious host. As far as "the rules" go, show some respect and dress like an adult. If you were able to look up the location of the place, then you should know about the dress code.

    (5)

  • Bridget G.

    This is hands down the most pretentious bar in Philadelphia, and I mean that in the worst way possible. The cocktails are fresh and tasty (albeit the selection is limited). The place is so dark that I had to use my phone to light up the menu, even though technically I don't think I was "ALLOWED" to use my phone. It was loud and small and the "briefing" that Lee has to give each patron before you enter the place is insulting and not worth a $12 drink. I'm not impressed by your psuedo-exclusivity and I will never go back or reccommend this place to anyone.

    (1)

  • Kate W.

    New favorite atmosphere. (Though the Franklin still has an edge with the Penicillin.) Stopped by few days after their official opening. Mr. Lee is quite the maitre d'bar - classy, polite, and still very much in charge. I love the entrance rituals, it's the perfect set up for a special evening. They really do the entrance right. Great lighting, furniture, decor - they bring the drama. Only a few other tables occupied (Thursday night). No printed menus yet but our waitress was better than any menu, offering wonderful drink suggestions and explanations. Similar to when you order the Bartender's Choice at the Ranstead Room, she posed some questions to get a better understanding of what we liked. Then she'd give us two options based on our answers. I can't remember the details of everything, but the basics - - Blood and Sand: scotch-based, a little sweeter than I wanted but still tasty - This Land Is Your Land: I think this was the drink that had grapes in it - simple but well-designed, very good - Rum Daisy: obviously rum-based and by far the best drink I tried After my first drink, the waitress talked me into the other scotch-based offering which included raw egg, so I tried it but it was definitely not for me - it had a strange smokehouse aftertaste that I couldn't get past. Not to worry, she whisked it away immediately and brought my next selection (one that was sans egg). I really appreciate their interest in not just allowing but truly encouraging their patrons to try something new, with no consequences attached. All drinks = $10. (Franklin, take note.) Bring someone(s) you want to impress - Hop Sing will not fail you.

    (5)

  • Dan C.

    Finally was able to get here after talking about coming for months. I really wasn't sure what to expect. When we arrived there was a line of about half a dozen people outside. The owner came down and let people in as people exited. He checked IDs, asked us how we heard of Hop Sing (as it is a non-descript unmarked gate on Race Street), and informed us that it was cash only. We were then directed to a lobby, where he explained the rules: No photos, no talking on the phone except in the lobby. We were then led to our table. The ambiance of the room is great. Dimly lit, light classic rock era music playing in the background. Well spaced small tables. Antique style decor. We were brought drink lists and water. The drink list is extensive and only contains cocktails. It is broken up into 6 categories of liquor (whiskey, gin, brandy/cognac, tequila, rum, vodka). All drinks were $12 or $14 and there was an additional list of specials. I started with the Gimme Shelter, a whiskey based cocktail with cream and nutmeg. Definitely was on the strong side, wasn't blown away but a quality cocktail. GF had the Ivan Drago which was a vodka with watermelon and grape (we think). Truly excellent and not too sweet. Though the drinks are relatively small, the quality can't be beat. Next round I had the East Side, a Gin and cucumber drink, which won't soon leave my memory. Probably the best cocktail I've ever had. Super refreshing. Though I had it in the winter, it would be a perfect summertime drink. GF had the Hotel Nacional, which was rum with pineapple and apricot liquor. Not as good as the other drinks. Service was attentive and all waiters had a particular set style which fit the theme of the bar nicely. Can't wait to come back, but the price is prohibitive. Definitely not a bar to come to to get drunk on a weekend night. Good place for a date or a stop pre or post dinner. Must dress on the nice side, though jeans are ok. Apparently no sneakers. Cash only. Next time I will definitely try to get seats at the bar in order to watch the drinks being made.

    (5)

  • Sean H.

    First off, let me start by saying that it almost feels wrong Yelping about Hop Sing. Something about the place just commands a sort of quiet respect, and, as our wonderful bartender Jo so aptly commented, drinking is a very personal experience. I'll do my best to convey my impressions without revealing any of the more intimate details. Your night starts with the entry. It's all very clandestine, and you're sat down for an explanation of the rules before being seated inside the spacious, kooky-yet-well-appointed interior. I've sat at both the bar and a table, and both of them have their merits. Sitting at the bar is recommended for the first-timer, as well as for those who want to pick the bartenders' brains and discuss esoteric vermouths and bitters. The drinks themselves are superbly crafted, as is to be expected. My standard drink order is the Vieux Carré, as any of my friends could tell you. It is uncommon enough to distinguish the novice bartender from the professional, and its preparation can reveal a bit about their personal style and what you can expect from them in other, less familiar cocktails. Also, hailing from the New Orleans area, I have a particular affinity for cocktails that similarly hail from a city so wonderfully rich in its cocktail history. This Vieux Carré was quite (wonderfully) different from any I'd ever had, and it led to a great discussion about the specific ingredients used in its construction. Fabulous. The prices are extremely fair, the service and knowledge of the staff are top-notch, the decor is eccentric yet tasteful in a way that doesn't come off as trying too hard for any certain effect, and the overall experience is unrivaled by anything currently available in Philly. I will be returning again. And again. And again.

    (5)

  • Ajmail M.

    I'm not gonna go into much detail because I don't want to ruin it for the first timers. Tasty mother effin drinks..

    (5)

  • John Z.

    I hope you read this Lee. Our party of 3 had a great time tonight at Hop Sing and greatly enjoyed speaking with you at the end of our evening. I haven't written a Yelp review in a long time, but felt compelled after leaving tonight. Keep on keepin' on; Philly needs a place like Hop Sing Laundromat.

    (5)

  • Louis D.

    If you can find the door (and I don't think it's my place here to tell you where it is or how to get in - where's the fun in that?) then this place is well worth a visit (or two or three). There is so much attention to detail at Hop Sing, it's incredible. We spoke to the owner no fewer than four different times during the hour that we were there, had a great conversation with our bartender, who was incredibly nice and seemed to really know her booze, and were blown away by the overall experience. Yes, for my usual tastes $10 is a lot to pay for one drink, but between the really quality cocktails, the adventure of a "secret bar," and all of the personal attention, it's definitely worth it. I could have easily spent 3 more hours there and been perfectly content. Just make sure you're dressed appropriately and bring cash - no credit cards allowed. Thanks Lee!

    (5)

  • Stephen L.

    I'm not the most eloquent or knowledgeable of reviewers, so bear with my ramblings! I just know what my eyes and mouth told me last night, and I'll try to translate that here. :) One word summary to start with: FANTASTIC. But please read on... Before even getting a single drop of spirits in me, I was already impressed just walking in the door. The waiting room floor is entirely tiled in PENNIES, and somehow looks like it's been there for 100 yrs (which is a good thing). Books everywhere on shelves on all four walls, a shoe-shine stand for people sit on as they wait to get in. Even a shelf of Campbell's soup cans! (A nod to Campbell's over in Camden? To Andy Warhol? who knows!) Entering the main space, this neo-gothic early 1900's feel continues and you just have to pause and stare. More books on shelves ring the room on 3 sides, gleaming copper & brass fire extinguishers dot the walls, vintage chairs and couches to relax on, it goes on and on. A subtle but gorgeous detail I noticed was that the iron (steel?) support columns have been stripped down to the bare metal, burnished and sealed. They have a wonderful grey/metallic luster that caught my eye immediately and honestly you do just want to touch them. Prohibition-era tax certificates, liquor prescriptions, black&white caricatures, and some very interesting paintings of dogs add to the decor along the walls. Exposed brick and rich dark colors round things out. But as we got seated at the bar, ringed with a raised edge of brushed metal, you notice two things. First, all-metal stools with swivel seats reminiscent of old tractor seats that are surprisingly comfortable, with a little lip in the back for support, and dip down in front to let your legs comfortably dangle over. Not once during my evening was I uncomfortable on them. A BIG plus! The other inescapable detail of the bar is that it has been pain-stakingly, dare I say lovingly, hand tiled with $700 worth of nickels. All 'heads' up, all facing the same way. And not covered over with a layer of sealant; no, you can feel every one, and it's hard to take your eyes off of them for a while. It provides a great texture yet a smooth surface, I think it's a great original touch. So, ok, enough of that. Well ok maybe one more thing. The ladder. The ladder behind the bar that can slide back and forth like at a library to get to all of the liquor bottles...it has a custom built wrought metal 'chute' which starts at the top-left, curls underneath and ends at the bottom right of the ladder, designed to let someone drop a bottle down from the top and safely dispensed at the bottom. Such a whimsical addition! COCKTAILS. Simple: THEY WERE DELICIOUS. No misses. All home runs. I had a rye whiskey Sazerac w/ Absinthe, an absolutely exquisite egg-white Pisco Sour, and a wonderful creation of Mr. Lêe's which is nameless but is described as a "tequila lemonade" which is a must-drink on any hot day. In addition, I had sips of a couple of iced-coffee creations, a Manhattan, and the "Blood & Sand", all of which also were mouth-watering. It was hard to take my time with them, but that's exactly what you should do with cocktails such as these. Savor the flavors. All fruit juices are squeezed PER ORDER. It doesn't get more fresh than that. Susan G. (see her review here) was my companion last night and we were both very well taken care of by our bartender Reed, as well as Mr. Lêe himself personally serving up some of the libations. Backing them up were a few more gentlemen taking care of prepping the ingredients, who I imagine will be very very busy once the doors open to the rest of the world. Everyone was friendly, accommodating, and educated us on the ingredients being used. Every single drink was hand crafted 'from scratch' and it showed. Presentation was wonderful too. Many of the drinks involve portions larger than the serving glass, so little decanters were supplied to hold the surplus, to add back into your drink once you've made room with a few judicious sips. The couple next to me had Mr. Lêe 'beating' fresh mint leaves against the top of the tall-slender glass, the aroma filling the air nearby, which then became the drink's garnish. So in short, the space itself is wonderful and definitely unique and one-of-a-kind in my experience. High ceilings, funky lights and candelabras draw your eyes upwards and all around. But most importantly, the cocktails were just delicious... from old stand-bys like Sazeracs and Manhattans to new yet-to-be-named creations. I eagerly look forward to see it operating in all of its glory. I WILL be back.

    (5)

  • Bryan Y.

    So tonight I was invited to Hop Sing Laundromat. I assure this place is the real deal for all the nay-sayers out there. First a bit of background from my end, I was told to arrive at 7, me being overly anxious I was there 6:45pm. My wife and I decided to do a lap around the block, that killed 3 minutes. I figured it would be reasonable to ring the doorbell at 6:50, I did, no answer. While waiting I felt like Charlie waiting outside of Willy Wonka's factory. A young girl walked out a bit glazy eyed and stumbling a bit and told us we would not be disappointed. Another gentleman showed up told us his friends had been inside and that Lee was a real person. Another group walked out, 3 gentleman and a couple. The men were confused that it was still daylight out and seemed to be a bit drunk but not belligerent. Around 7:15 Lee came out to greet us, a very pleasant and welcoming man told us to go into waiting room and have a seat. The waiting room: the floor was covered in pennies; the benches appeared to be church pews; hundreds of books lined the book shelves up above and a shoe shine station sat right in front of us. He gave us clear instructions that cell phones and cameras were prohibited in the main room. My anticipation was building quite a bit. The waiting room had the feel of a ride at Disney World, and not in a cheesy Disney way, just a very detailed and manicured theme of the building. He then welcomed us into the main bar area. Lee sat us down in front of Dan, the bartender and told us have a good time. Dan asked my wife what she was into taste wise, she's a fruit and umbrella kind of drinker. Then asked me, I'm more of a bourbon/whiskey kind of a guy. He then began concocting two of the most spectacular drinks. Each drink took about 10 minutes to make, but it was well worth my time. My wife had a drink with fresh squeezed grape juice and a 15year rum, that was told to be extremely expensive. I had a Whiskey Smash, a Kentucky Bourbon, mint and Lemon drink. Words can't describe. Fantastic! I then went to my go to drink, the Old Fashioned. Now I usually screw these up and most bars go heavy on an ingredient and it usually is mediocre to sub par at best, but this one, WOW. I'd have to imagine this is what they drink in Heaven or at least is served at the Pearly Gates. My wife at this point had moved onto drink #2. A Ramos Gin Fizz. The ingredients involved: a raw egg; milk; lemon; gin; and some sort of carbonate. Thought the raw egg would scare her away, after first sip, I've never seen such enjoyment in my life. Round 3, the Lee specials. Apparently Lee is somewhat of a booze chemist. My last drink included fresh cucumber; fresh honey dew and vodka. All I can say about it is, ACES. The fresh ingredients really make his drinks, all of them, special. The wife received a whiskey based drink with cucumber and ginger, once again all fresh and FRESH it was. Now my wife does not drink whiskey but apparently if it has enough ginger and cucumber, she will. Finally we received Pim Cups. Once again, spot on perfection! Lee was a fantastic host, Dan a great bartender. I hope this opens very soon.

    (5)

  • Rebecca S.

    Genevan philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau once said "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet", once you have the opportunity to experience Hop Sing you will know exactly why this quote is relevant and why I'm spewing 18th century wisdom. In the meantime, it looks like you will be waiting as the soft open last night is being used as a trial run for the public opening slated for later this month. My participation in last nights "sneak peek" was completely unexpected, but wholeheartedly welcomed as I was ushered into (dare I say it?) the most beautiful joint in town by Lee who greeted me at the door and by name no less. A man that I have only met once in my life in the fall during Night Market and who has remained silent on all of the workings of his establishment showed me that he had clearly done his homework in knowing who his guests of the evening were going to be. Dressed in a most distinguished fashion of perfectly tailored suit, tie pin, and outrageous glasses, this man was the direct reflection of his lavish lounge or maybe it should be vice versa, I will leave that for you to decide when you too get the opportunity to meet the man behind the vision. Seated at the bar with Christine B. to my left and Lou P. to my right, I settled in and let my wandering nature take control. Here, no detail has gone overlooked in decor as the rich red walled dining room gives way to what looks like the original brick and playing host to quirky yet relevant artwork, mirrors and dozens of liquor licenses from near and far. Drenching candlelight casts a seductive glow throughout the room, while an array of light fixtures softly illuminate where the candlelight cannot reach. White table clothed tables topped with gorgeous candelabras and an eclectic collection of sitting furniture take up one side of the space while custom ironwork separates the other side devoted to a nickel topped bar leaving its patrons to gaze at a wall filled to the brim with hundreds and hundreds of liquor bottles. If you can recall factorials and permutations from your math days, it is then reasonable to say that if Hop Sing cannot make the cocktail that you are seeking, you will never find it...this is poised to be the best cocktail bar in the country after all. Last nights tasting offered attendants the opportunity to indulge in five cocktails showcasing the building block liquors: vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and bourbon. To say that they were "standard" would be a gross disservice. Each was expertly prepared by the bartenders of the evening, some with fresh squeezed fruit juice and others stirred to just the right temperature leaving us to ask if there was an exact number of stirs required to get the cocktail just right. Our bartenders response was simply, "I just know". Far from an arrogant response this just showed that proper preparation was of the utmost importance in training the behind the bar staff; every cocktail is made to order, every single time. Here, there is no such thing as leftover fruit juice going into your glass, no concentrate, nothing from a bottle; a fresh orange will be squeezed for your screwdriver, lemons freshly peeled as your martini garnish. With all of the mystery surrounding the opening of this establishment I have only this to say...it exists, it is beautiful, I promise you. This is one mans dream that cannot be rushed by the impatience of the public. Refer back to Rousseau if you must, "patience is bitter, but the fruit is sweet", it will all make sense in due time.

    (5)

  • Ann H.

    My boyfriend and I went to Hop Sing for the first time this past weekend, and we had a wonderful time! We went there because some friends had recommended it, and we live right down the street. At first we couldn't find the entrance, and then we realized we had to ring a doorbell. Then a man in a suit vest appeared asking us questions before we could be allowed in. Though some reviews note this introduction as pretentious, etc., we thought it was fun and exciting, and the fact that the owner stressed protecting the privacy of his guests made us comfortable because we were looking for a nice, quiet, relaxing place to have a few drinks and not a busy bar with obnoxious people. We were immediately impressed by the service- the owner personally led us to our seats at the bar and the bartenders helped us navigate the cocktail menu (which is extensive and so creative by the way). The drinks were on point, and my boyfriend and I were just having a nice quiet conversation about all the details around the bar and how it reminded us of a bar in NYC that we love. Then, a woman tapped me on the shoulder and started conversation with me, which is fine, and I normally like talking to new people. However, that night, we just wanted to lay low and mind our own business since we were celebrating our anniversary. Though I tried so hard (in a nice way) to stop talking to this drunk woman because her conversation because extremely weird, I couldn't get away. Every time I would try to turn back to my boyfriend, she would grab my arm or start on another random point of conversation. The bartenders seemed to notice my discomfort, and the owner came over to my boyfriend and I to check on us, just as he has been all night with all of his guests. We didn't want to start anything so we said we were fine. The drunk woman continued to get in our face and a forced conversation about demons, vampires, and social inequalities. Then this is the part that impressed me most about this place: the way the staff handled a difficult guest situation. The owner went behind the bar, and came over to us with menus in his hand and announced that the table we requested was ready (genius). He then seated us at a table far away from the bar, and apologized for the situation, but obviously the crazy drunk woman was the issue- not him or his establishment. He grabbed us water, and insisted on transferring our tab from the bar. The drunk woman followed us to the table, and then he lightly escorted her back to the bar where her husband and another woman were having a conversation, not paying attention to the issues that she caused. The owner continued to check on us and other tables, and when he wasn't answering the door, he floated around and made sure to visit every table and bar guest. The service we received at the table was like that of a formal dinner, even though we only got drinks. I now fully understand the reasons behind the strict questioning at the door and the house rules for guest privacy. If Hop Sing was packed with loud people, then the owner would not have been able to pay attention to every guest to make sure that everyone is okay. Apparently, he watched us at the bar when things started getting really uncomfortable with the drunk woman, who he asked to leave shortly after, and handled the situation in a tasteful and efficient manner. The owner seems to truly care about his guests and wants them to have a good time. The bartenders and our table server also checked on us throughout as well. We will absolutely come back to try more delicious cocktails!!

    (5)

  • C Y S.

    I heard a lot about this place, so I finally checked it out with my sister on a Friday evening. The waiting outside is pretty lame, but I guess it's for the hype, because it was not busy at all inside. We waited about 15 minutes, but then we had to wait further inside in this staging area. (This happened to me when I went to Franklin and Mortgage, and there I waited for about 25 minutes, and it wasn't even a weekend night. Maybe 3 tables were filled inside.) In the staging area, we got a very strange introduction from the bouncer who was manning the door about Hop Sing... he pretty much told us what NOT to expect, and don't believe the hype. I am not sure if it was for show or for real, but it left both of us a little confused. However, it was a very short wait, and we were seated at a nice table within 5 minutes. Once inside the bare itself, I fell instantly in love with the space; it sort of enveloped you and put you at ease. We only had one drink each, since we were out earlier, so I only sampled one cocktail. It had a mixed crowd, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Some man in a very nice 3-piece suit walked around and poured the drinks for some of tables, including ours. I think he was the owner, so that made us feel special. My sister did not think it was worth the hype, but I really liked the place, and I'd return again.

    (4)

  • Mark M.

    Fun experience from the unmarked entrance, the question game, the ID dance and the reading of the rules...all part of the mystery of the speakeasy. The tables are nicely spaced and each cocktail we tried was perfectly made. All in all, this is a unique place. Probably not a "regular" spot on the rotation but certainly a special occasion location. Always worth finding a good drink with a "twist"! Cheers.

    (5)

  • Dan P.

    Writing a review of this place on yelp seems wrong, but i will say that Lee and his staff have a horrible establishment where one can go for a nice washing of the mouth. When you arrive make sure to show up wearing your best attire & have manners + let Lee speak. He will then bring you into his establishment, which he has created so that each person has their own amazing experience. Be ready and open your palette for an experience!

    (5)

  • Liz G.

    Thank god we weren't wearing sneakers! We did NOT know the quirky peculiarities of this place before we went (our friend who recommended it didnt tell us). We couldnt find it at first, searched yelp, and then took a chance on the unmarked door. We got interrogated, as usual, I guess, and then had the most fantastic cocktails ever! The atmosphere is great and the music was amazing. Just don't tell Lee that you heard about HSL on yelp....he doesnt seem to like that...

    (5)

  • Mariel M.

    I've been here a couple of times and it is definitely my favorite bar in Philly. Cocktails are incredibly smooth and prepared with care and practice, and everything I have ordered has been superb. Lee is awesome, and its great to hear from him where the names of the cocktails come from (each is named after an important event in American history). I think its cool to go on an off night so you can have a more personal experience. Make sure to bring lots of cash; every time I'm there I find myself wishing I had more cash so I can order as many cocktails as possible.

    (5)

  • Joseph L.

    Is this the best cocktail bar in Philadelphia? Perhaps, but the answer is not an easy one. As an avid drinker of fine cocktails, I've sampled many from the best bars in the city. The reigning champion, in my mind, is Franklin Mortgage. They consistently produce, high-end, creative, and supremely drinkable libations. Until I attended Hop Sing last Saturday (6/9). Polish. That was the first thought that game to mind after we entered their waiting area, passing through a beautifully adorned iron gate and a innocuous steel door that is proudly emblazoned by a "Repeal the 18th Amendment" placard. The bar is softly lit and it took a bit for our eyes to adjust as we waited a moment. The waiting area is covered in pennies and features a full shoe shine station (though no one was manning it as of yet). After a short wait we were seated at the long bar (the bar top is comprised of nickels, all facing the same direction undoubtedly placed by hand). I'd describe the decorations as quirky and creative, definitely meant to be consumed in aggregate as your eyes travel from stacks of old books, iron signs from the prohibition era, and a myriad of other elements that project a subtle, cool, and cozy vibe. This is a place where cocktails are celebrated and consumed thoughtfully, savored and enjoyed. The drink menu was small, comprised of 1-3 selections grouped by liquor type. I was told that an expanded menu will eventually take its place. Our bartender (Jo) was extremely helpful, guiding us through the list, describing the contents and the reasoning behind them. Some of the highlights we had that night included... Preacher Bourbon A play on a Manhattan, seductively smooth and boozy. Tremendous balance, sweetened with a punch of some sort. Not the most interesting drink ever, but a great showcase of the Elijah Craig 12 used in its making. Montana Payback The most interesting drink we had by far. In the cognac/brandy section of the menu. Spiced with Thai Chili with a thin layer of heavy cream on the top. Spicy, but with the heavy cream, it was surprisingly drinkable. Creative and delightful. Amazing cocktail. The Manhattan By far my favorite cocktail, and Hop Sing nails it. Absolutely amazing, one of the best Manhattans I've ever had. We had a number of others, but after such consumption ones memory does not seem as sharp.... The owner (Mr. Lee) made an effort to introduce himself, he created every cocktail on the list and he is more than happy to tell you the story behind each one. We really appreciated the introduction and he made us feel very welcome. Cocktail bars like this can very easily become overly pretentious, however, all the staff we met were extremely genuine and helpful, going the extra mile to make you feel welcome and make the cocktails accessible. Overall, we had a tremendous time at Hop Sing. The cocktail list isn't as exhaustive as its counterparts, but if this is a preview of what is to come, the future at Hop Sing will be very bright. The best cocktail bar in the city? In a few months I believe the answer will be an overwhelming yes.

    (5)

  • Hilary W.

    I had to hop on getting a Hop Sing review up as soon as I got home this evening. Lucky enough to have attended the soft open I'm even more excited to have it open to the public and seeing it in full action. Tonight's experience can be defined by one word: FRESH. When you enter the establishment you're greeted by the warm flicker of candles illuminating the carefully divided room. The music is loud enough to drown out your neighbor's chatter but low enough not to interrupt your own conversation. The most striking thing about the great room at Hop Sing? The smell. It took a few minutes for us to determine what the beautiful aroma that fills the room originated from. I guessed Capri Blue Aloha Orchid candles. My companion made his own theories. Then a drink was served to us, fresh orange juice and vodka, and it hit us. That smell is organic. It's the freshly squeezed grapes, oranges, etc, being pressed into the cocktails. No concentrate here. No "purple stuff". Real, refreshing, 100% of the earth juice. WOW. I could go on and on about the decor, the interesting mix of custom metal work, the trophies of the proprietor's travels and the overwhelming wall of liquor. There are plenty of places for the eye to wander. All of these things add to the sensory experience that is Hop Sing Laundromat, but really the star of the show is the simply wonderful cocktail served up by some of Philly's finest mixologist alumni. Continue to celebrate the allure and mystique this venue has drawn. The wait is well worth it. Humbly put it's "just a little bar", but once inside it's so much more.

    (5)

  • Stacy G.

    I planned a trip to Philly for the weekend with my sister and in my research I came across this place. Based on the reviews I felt the need to check it out! I was not disappointed. I was a little out of my element looking for this place in Chinatown...the blue light and gate are not that obvious to out of towners. Once we rang the bell, Mr. Lee came down...and you get a sense he is checking you out and sizing you up. "How did you find out about this place?" If you answer to his satisfaction, you are allowed to go into the entry where he sheds some light on the experience you are about to have. It all goes with the schtick of the whole place. We got seats at the bar. The bar is awesome and fits well with the dark, shimmery undertone of the whole place. The place is intimate yet social. The bartenders were nice and knowledgeable. I said I liked Vodka and sweet and I got a Stonewall something or other....it was fantastic. Be prepared though...the mixing, shaking and measuring all take a little time so be patient for your drink. I then got a Pimm's Cup...a new favorite that I will try to duplicate at home. (which I know will never live up to my expectation) Watching the bartenders make the drinks is fun entertainment and goads you into trying everything they make! It appeared that most patrons were newbies...checking out a new place with hype. I am not sure what the 'regular' crowd would look like. I feel like it is a special occasion type of place but if I lived in Philly I could see getting a hankering for an awesome drink and hitting that place up. I am already jonesing for a Pimms Cup! The prices were $10 a drink...a deal. And come with cash, they do not accept credit cards. (which the doorman will tell you before you go in) Great drink and fun experience--if I am ever back in Philly I would go again!

    (5)

  • Samuel C.

    I wish I could claim that my recent move to Chinatown (Philadelphia) from Washington, DC was timed strategically to coincide with the opening of Hop Sing Laundromat. It wasn't. But when I stepped into the majestic holding room last night, all apprehension about this new city disappeared: I knew for the first time since arriving here that I could make Philly my own. Lee has the most exquisite of attentions to detail, and the soft glow and refined eclecticism of the establishment felt like the comforting warmth of home. Thoughtfully quiet without being silent. Dim without being dark. Mesmerizing without being distracting. The staff is in a league of their own. From the maître d' to our waiter and server, the foundation of care and attention to detail on which Lee has built the Hop Sing Laundromat has clearly permeated the establishment. It showed before we ordered our drinks, but the cocktails themselves took the attention to detail to an unprecedented level of excellency. My companion and I stuck to "nothing-too-sweet" rye/bourbon cocktails for the evening, but the complexity and diversity of the creations that were brought to us made our requests seem laughably simple. I applaud Lee and his team for this grandiose vision and impeccable execution. Despite this beautiful Philadelphia weather, I find myself distracted: I am counting down the hours until doors open at 5pm...

    (5)

  • Salman H.

    Awful experience. Went there with a few friends after a concert on a freezing Sunday night and experienced the same dreadful, seemingly exclusive wait period to get in. After going through the rigorous "education process" in the waiting area, we were led to our table. After telling one of my friends that he had to remove his hat, the comical proprietor Lee, who had on a beanie of his own, then decided that my other friend's shoes were inappropriate for the bar. Before long, one of my other friends spoke up and complained about this rude treatment for a group of 7 paying customers (at $12/drink * 2 drinks * 7 people + tip on an empty Sunday night we were essentially covering his cost for the evening) after the fact of getting past the doorman, and we proceeded to get kicked out. Normal bar owners and managers would actually try to please a paying customer. This guy and his place are a complete joke. Don't go here. If you want a nice drink and a nice ambience, I'd recommend One Tippling Place or Ranstead Room. Hop Sing is not worth your time or money.

    (1)

  • Jessica C.

    I love everything about this place! My new favorite bar. I've been to Ranstead Room and Franklin Mortgage Co., which I know get a lot of comparisons but this place trumps everything! I had a tequila drink (I forget the name) and it was delicious! Very strong. You get your money's worth here, for sure! My FAVORITE drink was the gin cocktail called "a failed entertainment." Just amazing! I will definitely be back! Mr. Lee seems really nice, I don't know what people are talking about, maybe you're just a hot mess and that's why you can't get in. Please dress appropriately, folks. This is not a dive bar. Mr. Lee only charges $10 a drink. It is a STEAL. Most shitty bars charge upwards of $12 for a crappy, watered down drink. You can tell this man doesn't care about making profits, he cares about making quality drinks and it's obvious. Love it! Will be back! Maybe tonight? :)

    (5)

  • Stacey R.

    My husband and I have been to Hop Sing a couple of times now, most recently on our one year wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago. We absolutely love this place. Mr. Lee is a gracious host who personally greets and seats his customers, and was especially kind to us on our special night. I love the speakeasy vibe. The last time we went was a quiet Sunday evening, but the first time was a busy Friday night and to gain entrance we had to get past a bouncer who looked like Huell from Breaking Bad. And of course, the drinks are amazing! Nice diversity of inventive and classic cocktails with fresh ingredients. The wait staff is knowledgeable and helpful when it can be hard to decide what to order. For $10 a pop, these cocktails are very reasonably priced, as far as craft cocktails go. We're planning to come back tonight with a friend who is moving to NYC. This is a place we definitely needed to hit up with him before he leaves Philadelphia!

    (5)

  • Sharon M.

    This place is exquisite! Amazing tasty strong drinks that taste smooth and light. Be careful though, don't let the light taste fool you. These drinks pack a punch. The atmosphere is dark and artwork is everywhere. The owner put a lot of thought into everything!bif you want a sexy speakeasy with strong quality drinks this place is for you.

    (5)

  • Clint W.

    The information age has laid bare what little mystery remains in this world. It's not just the costumes and low lighting of the Jazz Age theme that send the masses to line up outside revitalized speakeasies with authentic big band music seeping out from beneath the crack in the door. It's a longing for some secret, for some mystery to still be left in the world. Everything's been discovered, and it's left us explorers with nothing to do. Hop Sing Laundromat hopes to preserve some little bit of our past. When the enigmatic owner, Lee, set out to create a true piece of Americana, he pursued his goal with a great sense of authenticity. Over the course of a now renowned 48-state road trip, Lee gathered pieces of the American past - lamps, vintage signs, fabrics - and with some exception, it feeds well into the Qi of the Laundromat. Hop Sing's not perfect, though. It's a solid 4-star, but not 5. The strange obsession of refilling water glasses after every sip in combination with the odd, unmatched elements of the place, leaves something to be desired. The electronic music doesn't work, to be honest. I'd much rather it fall along the lines of Farmers' Cabinet, which for its flaws, has impeccable taste in live and recorded music. The cash-only policy is also tough, especially at a bar with such expensive offerings. Otherwise, I don't know how to respond to those few infuriated reviews. We live in a time of entitlement and tolerance, so I suppose the idea of rejection is not worth considering for many people. There is lore surrounding this place, and that sense of mystery for which we clamor would be lost if there weren't some eccentricities. If there is forgiveness to be offered, it is to those who were denied entry. But for those that denied the quality of the drinks, I have little patience. The cocktails are inventive and enticing, unlike anything you've seen before. They don't care for conventions here; Scotch can find its way into their champagne glasses, and unheard-of mixtures of fruit blend seamlessly when backed by the right liquor. They do things with Vermouth I once deemed impossible, not to mention their top-shelf selection. Across the board, the drinks, albeit expensive, are worth the trip. Past the shoe-shining booth, past the re-purposed cathedral lights lining the bar and the stark, white tablecloths laid across the tables; beside the eager waiters in their uniform black ties, filling the water glasses every few minutes to ensure, to the point of irritation, the hydration of their patrons; underneath the low vibe, the out of place electronic tunes and dimmed lanterns, enter Hop Sing Laundromat and step oddly between generations and styles, between contemporary mood music and Jazzy 'Repeal-the-13th' feng shui, between 2013 Philadelphia and 1928 New York. It's worth most every penny, most every second spent waiting in the cold. Ring the bell, don't look back.

    (4)

  • Brooke Lee A.

    I was a little nervous I would get rejected because of my espadrilles, but I didn't! Cheers to Mr. Lee for an exceptionally beautiful experience. Not only was he super personable, but so was the bouncer, and the bartenders. Everyone made nice eye contact and answered questions, all around the service was great. Every drink we tried was delicious, served in beautiful glasses too! I'm a little obsessive about cleanliness and I loved how clean everything was. The Eastside was my favorite drink, so refreshing!! I loved this place and can't wait to come back! Mr. Lee, next time we are there, we will make sure to leave the "staten island" chick at home- ha!

    (5)

  • Tegan R.

    Hop Sing Laundromat is an experience if nothing else. The owner tries to maintain an atmosphere of a speakeasy complete with mystery, a sense of exclusivity and the fear that guests may be rejected or kicked out. However, once you leave the waiting room where the owner goes over the strict rules, the waiters are pretty friendly and you forget the ordeal that you subjected yourself to just a few moments earlier. The decor is tasteful and dramatic, and the drinks are excellent. At least the night we were there it wasn't remotely as crowded as we thought it would be. We were actually kind of surprised that there weren't more people due to our long wait outside, but I can imagine that is part of the cultivated drama. It's very interesting and I would recommend doing it at least once. It's not where you necessarily go for a good drink unless you want a good drink AND something of a show. Please note that there is a 2 drink minimum for each person, using cell phones is not allowed and its cash only. Also I don't think that there is any type of food on the menu so it may be a good idea (especially with the drink minimum) to grab some good Chinese food from the neighborhood before you hit the bar.

    (4)

  • Chess K.

    This was truly the worst customer service policy I've ever seen due to some obtuse 'RULES' they're implementing. The idea is to create an aura of discovering a 'secret', however 'secrets' don't have yelp profiles. This place is a phony, pretentious, overpriced wreck. -Getting into the EMPTY place took 15 minutes. -Groups over 6 persons will not be allowed to sit together, even if you are the only people in the bar and there is plenty of room at the table. -Customers are under constant threat of being kicked out of this hypothetically secret/hard to get into/meant for those in the know/pretentious EMPTY place. -20% tip will be included no matter what kind of crap service you receive -Drinks are $12 minimum, tiny, and food, but take 10 minutes/drink to prepare. This place is dripping in pretentious disdain. They forget they are not in New York, and they are not more special than their customers. If you feel special that you are 'in the know', remember you are reading a yelp profile. You're not.

    (1)

  • Lisa H.

    We came looking for Hop Sing on a quiet Saturday night and found Lee hanging out front the middle of an abandoned dark street in Chinatown. When we approached him, he, of course, first did a scan of our attire, asked us how we heard about the place and quickly ran inside and told us to give him a minute. We waited and he came back outside and told us to take a seat in the waiting room.. He then explained to us about the no photography/cell phone policy. We agreed and took seats at the bar in front of our bartender and ordered some drinks. I've got to say - the bartenders do a very precise job at making our drinks.. But they don't come off as very friendly. As for the drinks - delicious and decently priced - always a plus. Great vibe and atmosphere to this "speakeasy" space. Loved the use of nickels and pennies around the bar.. And the candles give it a bit of a romantic, enchanting feel.

    (4)

  • Luke L.

    The drinks are great, the prices are what you would expect to pay for a crafted drink. The ambiance is fucking great.. I mean, a bar top covered in nickels and the front room floor is paved in pennies. Put on those big boy dress shoes and let your sneakers have the night off, keep your fucking cell phone in your pocket for a hour and actually talk to someone.

    (4)

  • Julie T.

    So one night, my friend, my bf and I wandered around Chinatown and my friend mentioned this place to me and wanted to go check it out. We finally find the place and ring the doorbell. It seems like after ringing the doorbell, of this unmarked bar, made it feel kind of awkward when he came and answered the door. This guy who's wearing this suit (that looks super fancy though; almost like a circus ringleader) who also turns out to be the owner and says that there's a dress code for Hop Sing. So we came back a few days later in dress code (which was dress shoes for guys, no flip flops or t shirts, but I wore dressy flip flops and it was fine) and we had to wait about 10 minutes outside before we could enter. When we got inside, the owner led us into the first room before you could actually get inside the bar to warn us about no picture taking or making any phone calls , except usage except for text messaging and going online and that there was a 2 drink minimum (which are about $12-15 each depending on the drinks). I ordered the "east passyunk yacht club" and the "Ivan Drago", which were both fruity girly drinks... lol. The drinks on the menu have super cute names on them! The drinks I ordered came with a little extra was nice to get on top of the actual drink they served me, instead of throwing it away. I guess since the drinks are kind of expensive, might as well give me the extras that dont fit in the glass in a seperate tiny cup.. lol. Overall, the ambiance was really nice and the wait staff was very attentive with my water and came by our table every so often to refill our waters. Definitely a place I would go to again, to just hang out with friends once in a while since the drinks are kind of expensive.

    (5)

  • Katie C.

    Great spot for a drink and conversation. The drinks are a little pricey but I would definitely stop back again.

    (4)

  • michele v.

    So, there was that time that Lee wouldn't let my companion and I in because Lee thought he was already buzzed (which was not the case...awkward). But I still couldn't help but come back here. The cocktails are epic, and each one has a uniquely significant name and the freshest and rarest ingredients. (Fresh squeezed grape juice, anyone?) The waitstaff realllly knows their stuff and can recommend the perfect drink for your mood -- on the menu or off.

    (4)

  • Soni O.

    This place is trying way too hard. I went there with friends on 1/18 after a few people recommended it but was disappointed by the handling of getting through the door. First you have to ring a bell ok no problem, then you present your ID cool you've got to do that but do you really need to close the door again while checking ID? OK whatever I can forgive you b/c I'm nearly in and I can't wait to have a great cocktail and spend some money. Then my friends and I are asked to sit down by the entrance for a lame lecture about rules and regulations of the place such as no pics (fine), no phone calls blah blah blah. At this point I'm thinking what the hell am I doing here! But I'm thirsty and won't leave until I try the drinks. Ordered an old fashioned and thought not bad so will have another one and the 2nd one was horrible. My friends drinks were ok for all the fuss they give you prior to entering they should invest the time in teaching consistency. This ship is ran like an army. Servers are so regid and seemed nervous around the owner. I get it he worked really hard to open this place but sometimes people just need to chill it is not that serious. Some people are into the whole exclusive thing which I dig but you can't make me feel like you did me a favor by letting me in when I'm willing to spend money. Give it a try and see for yourself but I prefer The Franklin Mortgage. Great drinks, awes bartenders and no fuss but simply class. Cheers!

    (2)

  • Christopher M.

    Approximately 5 p.m. A curious messenger dropped off an ornate invitation (via twitter), he did not reveal his identity except for the nickname @WinnerAA. Wouldn't miss it. The entire experience was a scene from the Great Gatsby. Very lavish, people drinking for free, and the calm excitement of a crowd all thinking the same thing, "This guy is good, he even cut all the pages." (i.e. so many details have been considered in constructing this place, you feel a little guilty indulging in the hospitality.) Before I could take it all in the first drink arrived. I have to guess, but I would say mandarin and lemon slightly covering strong liquor. Delicious! Every thing is custom crafted, iron work, bar, shelving, bar ladder, red wine stained floors (not just the color, actual wine was used), antique wooden ceiling, artfully exposed brick etc. Second drink - Thai Chili with some kind of brandy and a Velvety floral essence, with hand whipped cream. Spicy, creamy, magic. As I was wondering how church lamps go together with antique copper and brass fire extinguishers, and why a bar owner would purchase 100 year old hand crafted chairs for people to sit in, or enormous sums on designer chairs and tables (Ostroff?), I noticed that the bar tenders were brewing individual cups of coffee for our next drink. Seriously, who does this? There is more, but too much to describe. The fresh squeezed grape juice is as good as others say, but the individually smoked glasses is the real detail of interest (cinnamon and star anise). My favorite signs were vintage Pabst Blue ribbon: "Be nice to your bartender." "Birds of a feather drink together." "Pay today, credit tomorrow." ... and finally "This is the place, now is the time." Believe it or not, the experience of Hop Sing is even better than the hype. Can't wait to go back. P.S. I can confirm that there is enough food for 30 people always on hand. Campbells Soup.

    (5)

  • Reggie B.

    Im a big fan of this place. I would frequent it more often If i could know in advance the type of wait Id have.... specifically when you wanna grab a couple quick drinks before/after a show at the troc or dinner...... A girlfriend and I went before after dinner one night. We waited patiently with a crowd of 3-4 other small couples/groups. The door guy came out once and the owner twice, to either heckle, advise of the time wait or tell one couple specifically they were told to leave because there was no room for them. Basically he said if we all had a plan B- go for it because it was a long wait. We waited about 15 minutes and got it. SO worth the weight. The penny floor in the shoe shine lobby inspired me to make one in my kitchen. The ambiance cant be beat and the drinks are strong as hell and super creative. The wall of Whiskey... well its inviting and terrifying. The servers are kinda demigods.....

    (4)

  • Heather M.

    One of my favorite spots to go for drinks in Philly. Unique and relaxing atmosphere, well thought-out decor, and delicious drinks. Went with 3 friends and as a result were able to try many of the drinks on the menu and would order all of them again. Some unexpected combinations, but that's what makes it exciting. Despite all we had heard about the dress code, etc we felt very welcome. The fact that it wasn't completely filled up also made the experience more enjoyable because sometimes you just want to sit around with some good friends, have a nice drink, and not have to yell to be heard across the table. Looking forward to going back soon.

    (5)

  • Katey G.

    Ok. The trick to this place is to pretend it's like a ride at Disney. The bar creates atmosphere through more than just decorations - the character of the bouncer, the fancy dress code (God help you if you wear sneakers), the waiting in the lobby and hearing the whole speech. (Suggestion - mediocre dive bars have super cheap drinks.) If you accept this, you can go along for the ride and find that place in your mind where you enjoy the show. Once you get in, the bar's a nice place to sit. There are about a thousand bottles behind the bar - though you probably won't be able to try most of them. Some are member bottles (?) and some are super expensive. (As per our waiter.) The drink menu is extensive and offers a bunch of drinks sure to appease most palettes. The drinks themselves are pleasantly strong, not overpowering (in the bad, oh god this drink could peel paint way), and they have enough variety so you won't get bored. My biggest disappointment of the night (and maybe I should have gone straight to the bar, perhaps there is a rule I didn't know about?) was the outright refusal of the waiter to allow a drink not on the menu. I was curious to see if I could have a mezcal drink that had a strong, smoky, spicy flavor to it. He said they didn't have anything spicy (but one drink on the menu had Thai chilies?) but pointed me to a drink on the menu which was nice, but not what I wanted. A bit on the sweet side for me, and the tequila in the drink masked most of the smokiness of the mezcal. Another person at the table wanted to try a drink with a different gin, and he was shot down. I tried to order a margarita (on the menu) with just mezcal....and I was shot down. It would apparently be too expensive (?). (Listen, I know Vida Mezcal and it's nice, but it's not that nice.) I would have still been happy to kick a couple extra bucks to have a drink that I actually wanted, but no bones. I understand keeping the prices for the drinks the same...but it was weird having the waiter just keep saying, no, we can't do this. Especially when I've read reviews and heard about people who had these fabulous drinks made for them. Are you not allowed to customize drinks at the tables? That would have been useful to know - I would have just asked to sit at the bar.

    (4)

  • Nancy S.

    Psst...are you a Bond fan? Try the Vesper Lynd. 5 stars because this man (Lee) is a genius.

    (5)

  • Brianne J.

    - 1 star for not taking credit (it's really not that hard these days). The rules are sort of over the top, but it feels like you're going into a park ride or something since they sit you down and go over the rules after letting you in (cash only, no phone

    (4)

  • Craig G.

    This place made me feel icky from the moment we finally found the place until the moment of relief when we departed. I should have followed my instincts and just left without ever going in, unfortunately I was with some friends that really wanted to see the inside so we went through the debasing entry process. To me it is just sad that there are places that profit off of the fact that human beings tend to have insecurities which can be leveraged for profit. The owner was pleasant but he's likely the individual responsible for the business model which is clearly a pathetic appeal to some of the lowest elements of the human character. There weren't many people there the night we visited, only a few other couples. The process to get in was demeaning and offensive to say the least. The drinks were good but the service was horrifically bad. The staff portrays a contrived pretentiousness which is apparently part of the overall business model's appeal, or lack of appeal depending on your perspective. To me there is almost nothing less appealing than faked pretentiousness. I felt almost physically cleaner when we escaped this sad establishment. We visited Gettysburg the following day and the realness of that awe-inspiring place helped me recover from the pathetically faked pomposity of the Hop Sing Laundromat.

    (1)

  • Brandon L.

    I have been to Hop Sing twice, and both times were ok. My friends told me about it and I was intrigued. Then they told me that you were not allowed to wear sneakers (understandable) and you weren't allowed to wear shorts (ok). Then they began to tell me that you couldn't take pictures or talk on your cell phone inside (now I started thinking to myself what??). So the first night my friends take me there, Lee came outside and he had an attitude about him that was just cocky. Something about the way he talked I didn't like. But anyway we went inside and had a couple drinks (I had the Clubber Lang Limonade) and they were good, and the inside was nicely decorated but I don't see why people give this place 4 or 5 stars. Plus there's no food???

    (3)

  • Jonny S.

    Excellent spot. Drinks were s-p-e-c-i-a-l-t-y. Really enjoyed the atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Lauren O.

    Very cool experience! Muddled drinks, beautiful decor... You have to see for yourself what this establishment is all about ;)

    (5)

  • Loy G.

    believe half of what you've read and none of what you've heard because it's making me have to dig deeper into my pockets. the well deserved hype and accolades made the recent price increase a forgone conclusion. unfortunate yet inevitable. please take lee's advice and "don't believe what you've been told." i'm not quite sure who's to blame for the new price point, but my advice to those responsible is to wear sneakers the next time they head to hop sing for a drink. HSL is the best spot in philly for craft cocktails. i'll let my 5 star rating speak for itself. but as the man says, "don't believe what you've been told."

    (5)

  • M. J.

    Let's start with the bottom line: GO HERE There's not much to add to the effusive reviews below, but maybe we can organize it a bit... WHY? If you're on this page, you're already curious and nothing will satisfy that as much as judging for yourself. There's the mystique, the hype, the aesthetic, the blah, blah, blah...but at the end of it all there's a really good drink, or two, or three...What I find most compelling is that this establishment is genuinely interested in your drinking experience. Admittedly it's a new spot and they're hungry for feedback, but the whole premise of Lêe's endeavor was to create a place where you can just get a really good drink and not worry about anything else. Inquiring as to the bartender's drink of choice will get you nowhere - and it seems they've all been trained to turn the question back on you to dialogue about what YOU would like to drink. I very much appreciate this nuanced form of attention. There's no agenda, no promotion, no pretense - drink what YOU want to drink. RULES? So this is where everyone's making an unnecessary fuss. It's a strict dress code of no sneakers/flip-flops, no shorts, no sports jerseys, no hats. But this is a normative evening-out dress code anyway. Would you go clubbing in flip-flops and jean shorts? Perhaps the backlash is against having it explicitly spelled-out, but honestly leave the fratboy attire at home and come enjoy a drink. PHILOSOPHY? Contrary to what some might believe, there is no prescriptive/proscriptive way to enjoy your drink here. The entire setup is engineered to provide you with space and intimacy in which to enjoy your drink. This is a drinking establishment designed for drinking. What I find most charming is that Lêe did his homework to the nth degree - he roadtripped across the contiguous forty-eight states to see how people drink. Then he brought in some big names from Chicago and NYC to train his staff. The result is a bar akin to what I would design as the ultimate fanboy: an homage to drinking in America and its rich history. The attention to detail has won some people over, but I think that the painstaking attention is an even more encouraging sign that we have someone here who cares about his patrons. The bartenders are trained in classic cocktails, but Lêe is always coming up with new ones. The little erudite essays that explain the naming of each featured drink might strike some as pretension, but in my eye it's a disarming earnestness. Lêe cares. Knowing that I'm somewhere where people care about what I drink rather than how many drinks I have is very reassuring, and I wish Hop Sing Laundromat all the best.

    (5)

  • Jeremy S.

    My wife and I tried Hop Sing after I'd heard about it on a podcast. It is an experience like none other. Once inside, the customer service and attentiveness from the staff was fantastic. We each had 3 drinks and every one was top notch. You can tell that every detail of this place was carefully thought through and the result is truly a wonder.

    (5)

  • Or G.

    I've read a lot of Hop Sing reviews on Yelp. Some are glowing, and some deride Lee from being a draconian twitter tyrant and fashion police. I've long shied away from writing my own, because I met, and liked Lee, in the fall of last year, when Hop Sing was rumors and whispers. But I've decided to post this because what Lee is doing is important for Philadelphia, and I want to highlight what makes Hop Sing uniquely great, and why you should go...Now (Hopsing is now open every night of the week, Mondays excepted). APPROACHABLE EXCLUSIVITY: The thing that I love about Hop Sing, is that it occupies a sort of middle ground in between the baroque Mixology of the Franklin, where drinks are frequently brilliant but sometimes fall flat under the weight of too many ingredients and innovation, and the simplicity of Ranstead, where the corporate structure and Spartan simplicity of the drink can lead to a satisfying, but tame, experience. The best craft cocktail bars strive to create an atmosphere of approachable exclusivity, like you're part of a secret club. And the innocuous location of Chinatown, so far from the cluster of luminous Rittenhouse, or Old City's pop procession, is perfect for Hop Sing. As is Lee's entirely hands on attitude to the whole operation. I've taken people who knew nothing about Mixology, as well as other people in the industry, and the drinks are consistently great. The Sheep Dip Blood and Sand, the Jack Rose that highlights the exceptional homemade Grenadine, and the Hemingway Daiquiri are my current favorites. CHEAP DRINKS: Philly isn't a craft cocktails city as yet, so this isn't harped on enough. A Ramos Gin Fizz was 10 bucks. This is a drink that takes 5 minutes to make and wouldn't be out of place in NYC for twice that amount. Lee has taken the "savings" of having an NYC level craft cocktail bar in Philly and applied them to have an extremely high quality well, and he further passes the saving on to his guests by discounting the drinks. Having been to enough NYC misadventures where a casual cocktails date approaches and exceeds $100, Lee's place, like so many in Philly, is a godsend. ATMOSPHERE: Steven Starr and Jose Garces offer immaculately managed experiences that are tailored to a particular niche. Some are more effective than others (my personal favorites are Dandelion and Village Whiskey), but none of them match the idiosyncratic romantic weirdness of Hop Sing. Simply put, this is one man's vision writ large. It wasn't picked by a Marketing Company to appeal to the masses, it's a matter of taste. The coin bar, the cavalcade of soft lights and candles, and the ornate chairs that have a gothic decadence and a love of Americana that never devolves into hipster chic. CAVEAT: Be Cool. I've worn some very casual stuff here, and as far as I know Denim is ok (just don't wear torn up jeans, sandals etc.), but you should dress up a little. Lee wears immaculate suits with rock star cufflinks and would make me feel underdressed in Tom Ford, so it's the least you could do to not...wear overalls ;). If it's your first time on a busy day, come in early (5-7pm), and make friends with the staff, so they know you and will do their best to accommodate you when it's busy.

    (5)

  • J C.

    Nice place to chat, shouldnt go in a big group, no more than 6 total. The price rage is 12 for every drink and cash only.

    (5)

  • Kristen B.

    After reading reviews about the dress code and "no phone call" rules, I wasn't sure what to expect (all this was on top of the cash-only caveat). What I found was a fantastic establishment. Tried several very different cocktails (Bramble, Clover Club and Nevermore) and each was delicious, and expertyly crafted. The decor represented a thoughtful throwback to the early 1900s (everything from the barely noticable speakeasy style entryway on Race street, to the multi-level-bookshelf-style display of rows upon rows of beautiful liquor bottles behind the bar). The best part was the owner. His hilarity surfaced during his greeting to us / introduction to the bar when we first entered, and his cordiality and genorosity continued throughout the night. Highly recommend coming here, and don't know how I've lived in Philly for a while and only just discovered this place!

    (4)

  • Alex W.

    I was very impressed by my first time here at hop dang laundrymat. - The hidden speakeasy theme was very thorough, from the unmarked entrance to the eccentric owner and his unusual rules. - The interior is absolutely gorgeous and obviously well thought-out. Everything worked together to create a luxurious, otherworldly vibe, including the lighting, the high ceilings, and the minute details of the waiting room and main bar area. - Chow crossing! The owner was a great host, and even visited our table on numerous occasions to swirl the remaining liquid in our sidecars. - The drinks were excellent. Of the eight I tried, the worst one was merely "good". - Our waiter was a bit of an oddball. Maybe this was deliberate?

    (5)

  • Tanner D.

    Highly over rated. I have been to many other speakeasy's, this one being the most stuck up. They don't allow "sneakers" but allow flip flops. They don't take cash, but allow their servers to use mobile devices to take orders (an order for 4 people mind you, sad the servers aren't trained to remember this) They couldn't care less about the customer experience. Most speakeasy's I have been to pride themselves on referring to their customer by name, they didn't ask our name once. After being turned away for wearing my nikes, I went and purchased better shoes. They then allowed our party of four inside. When we got inside there were 2 other people inside, to think they initially turned us away because I had "sneakers" on a night when TWO other people were inside is appalling. An establishment that cares about word of mouth, you would think, would make an exception on a night this slow. Especially for out of towers. Once we got past the stigma of the place, the cocktails were enjoyable, but the staff continued with a snarky attitude throughout the evening. Odell rules!

    (1)

  • Navarro C.

    This place is a prime example of doing one thing and doing it to the best of your ability. Its all about the drinks here. Came here with a few friends and the place blew my mind. drinks were the best we've ever had. The owner take personal (and i mean PERSONAL) stake in whose in his bar and what they do in it. So appreciative of everything he does here, very much an experience not to be missed. just a pro tip, 4 ppl MAX in your group and you are good, other wise you may have a bit of trouble. 2 is perfect.

    (5)

  • Grant V.

    Googlemaps said we were there, my girlfriend wasn't as convinced than I. But, when I saw a sign right out of the Constitution beckoning us, I knew we were in the right place. After a short wait the owner, Lee, showed up and whisked us in. It was a slow Sunday night, and we were able to talk with him and the bartenders for a while to find out exactly the drink we wanted. The price was not in line with the quality of the drinks. They could get away with charging far more. Being from DC I was expecting a certain cocktail at the pricepoint they had, and to say they more than met my expectations is like saying Einstein kind of understood Physics. The decor was amazing, the staff perfect, I couldn't find a single thing to complain about. This bar alone means I'm heading back to Philadelphia soon.

    (5)

  • Julia F.

    One of a kind place. Truly an amazing experience and one of the many reasons Philadelphia is the best city in the world. I have never come across a place quite like this, and I have done the field research. I was expecting the drinks to be far more expensive for the care put into each individual cocktail, I was very pleased to see that they were not on NY prices. Lee was/is a genuine owner, you can tell he has quite the passion for the establishment. He really makes you feel welcome and that his heart and soul is all in. This is the type of place where you want to be at all the time and yet every time will offer a completely new and different experience. With the cocktails, ambiance, decor etc, you feel as though you are a guest at The Round Table. Unlike any place out there, well worth the wait (if you even have one!)

    (5)

  • T B.

    What a joke. Weird guy answering the door in a 3 piece suit and corduroy pants . Ummmm stop trying to act like apothoke in manhattan. Was visiting philly for the weekend and actually felt bad for all of the ppl "scared" of the weird guy running the door. UM clearly not run by manhattan standards. I am 24 and do not recommend to anyone . Hahaha joke LOL

    (1)

  • Charles B.

    My wife and I visited the Laundromat for the first time this past Saturday night. We're from No VA, but we'll be visiting Lee every time we're back in Philly. Hard to improve on Or G's write up, but as newcomers to the speakeasy, I think we'll compare them all to Lee's place upstairs. My wife had an Iowa Objection, a gin drink with fresh white grape juice and mint, and it was the single best drink she's ever had. My fav was the Old Fashioned with Rye Whiskey. Sit at the bar and watch these artisans practice their trade.

    (5)

  • Gerard Z.

    Best cocktails in Philly unsurprisingly come from the best bartenders and management. This whole place is legit. The bartenders know their stuff, their liquor selection is unreal and the manager and owner are not satisfied until your mind is officially blown. I dig the pomp and circumstance.

    (5)

  • Erin F.

    This place is so impressive. You can tell the owner's meticulous attention to detail everywhere. Drinks were amazing. Love the rules! No cell phones and no photos. Great spot for having drinks in an intimate space with awesome service. Very mad men like. I just hope that it doesn't become so popular that you can't get in. You can only sit two or four to a table or at the bar. No one stands.

    (5)

  • Caroline D.

    Let me start by saying that this is place for people who are looking to do something different. If you are perfectly happy seeing the same people at the same bars week after week then you probably will find Hop Sing to be pretentious and weird. But if you are always looking for new and unique experiences then I strongly urge you to give this place a try. I read most of the yelp reviews before attempting to go so I was aware of the deal. As long as you are prepared for a few key things you will have a very fun evening. 1.) This is a seating bar only, meaning if every seat is taken they cannot let anyone in. From what I could tell inside, there is only 1 table for 5, the rest are for 4 or less. Also, parties of 2 have the option to sit directly at the bar. Because of this yes, if they are at capacity you will have to wait. The good news is once you are inside they do not rush you one bit and will let you stay there all night if you wish 2.) As with most "speakeasies" the whole thing is a gimmick and you need to play along. When you ring the bell the owner comes out and asks what you are doing there and you need to respond "We came for drinks" etc. Thats how most speak easies work. 3.) Yes they have a list of weird rules, but again its all part of the gimmick. At least half the restaurants in Philly are cash only so I don't know why people continue to be shocked or complain about that. And the no cell phone rule is annoying just because the bar is SO beautiful inside I would have loved to take pictures of everything, but it was also kind of nice to put the phones away and enjoy conversation with my girlfriends instead of spending 2 hours staring at facebook and twitter. 4.) There is a two drink minimum for tables, but if you do sit at the bar you can order 1 drink. I found the drinks to be strong and delish This is definitely a love it or hate it place and more suited for people who are looking to step out of their comfort zone a little. If you are feeling bored with the same old scene I highly recommend giving this place a try!

    (4)

  • Aditya D.

    Way too much hype that does not deliver. That sums up my experience experience. The bartenders seem to be working hard. The drinks are ok. The price is ok. The decor is nice. Lee no doubt u work hard but lose the attitude. In this economy those are very hard earned dollars looking for a new watering hole. Don't screw it up!!!

    (1)

  • Gita B.

    I was so excited to go here, but was DOA (disappointed on arrival). The way you are invited in and served is SO overdone. They are trying so hard to be exclusive that the novelty of feeling special is lost. All I could focus on is how cheesy the speech is that he gives you in the vestibule in the front. I suppose some people buy into it and it makes them feel special. But Hop Sing can't fool me. And what's with the cash only!? It looked they have so much top shelf liquor, but they expect people to pay with cash? The cocktails were not particularly special in my opinion. They do get a couple points for decor and presentation. It would be a fun place to take a date that has never been here. Now that I came once, the excitement is gone.

    (2)

  • John F.

    Decor is 2nd to none. They really did it right with this place. Great place to take a quite date. Every cocktail that I have had were prepared to perfection.

    (5)

  • Chantul D.

    Tried to get in here once but couldn't due to my obnoxious date. When Lee came to the door he seemed like a nice gentleman and kindly explained some of the rules for us and why we couldn't get in. I was cool with that. I'm going to try and give this place another shot because from most of the yelp reviews it seems enticing Edit 8/25/2012------- Hours after I wrote the review I decided to check it out again. I decided to check it out alone. I'm glad I did because with the friends I have I probably would not have been able to get in. I came here around 7pm and was greeted by the super friendly doorman and Lee. Once I got it, I was mesmerized. It was so much more than what I expected. Lee kindly explained the rules and showed me a seat at the bar. The first drink I got was the clover club which I have to say was nearly orgasmatic! I have never had a cocktail that good. The second drink I had was the Montana payback. It was a bit spicy for my taste but still really good! I had to leave after the second because I was already getting a bit tipsy and had a date to meet up with soon afterwards. I would definitely come here again. I love the drinks, the ambience, the price, and basically everything about this place. I think I even have a slight crush on Lee too...lol.

    (5)

  • Krystal L.

    The cocktails and decorations were great but like some of the other reviewers, I felt that it was very pretentious. I wish I could have walked and looked around so I could have appreciated everything more. However, I understand what they are trying to do and that's part of the appeal so I'm not going to deduct any stars for that. Sadly, however, our waiter was very rude and ruined my experience. I will probably never go again but if you are visiting, I would recommend going once. When we went, it was CASH only and I think each cocktail was $10 each. Make sure to be well dressed especially if you are a male. They are very strict on their dress policy.

    (3)

  • Chris H.

    The place was charming and lee's whole attitude about keeping the place swanky and exclusive was cute and creative but unfortunately at 11 pm on a Wednesday night there was only six dudes in there! Drinks where nice and the staff was very polite. I would recommend the place if you got a hot date and you wanna take her some where under cover then this place is perfect;)

    (3)

  • Lee B.

    Makes doing your laundry fun, really fun. First and foremost, Hop Sing is about cocktails. Some of the best cocktails I've ever had. Tasty, fresh and spot on. The cocktails aren't sugary like most other speakeasies, and the atmosphere is mysterious, unpretentious and enjoyable. Lee has done a fantastic job, making Hop Sing almost as unique as himself. I can only hope I'm a worthy 'stalker'; lucky enough to be invited back.

    (5)

  • Felicia t.

    I met Lee for the first time on Monday night about two weeks ago. I heard so much about the place and in my excitement I never thought it might be closed. After ringing the bell at the non descript location, a well dressed man opened he door and invited me in. He explained the place was closed and would be open on Thursday. He showed me around the empty bar and I knew I would be back but after several attempts to get girlfriends to join me they didn't understand the fuss and always stayed home. The second day of my vacation time from work, a kind and knowledgeable friend whom I've known for at least 15 years sent a text. He took his last exam Nd wanted to meet. It was my Hop Sing time. I told him no flip flops or tees but he still chose to wear shorts. Not good for Hop Sing. Lee said he could come back if he put on pants. Yes, 100 degrees demands shorts but what Lee wants, Lee gets. He told my friend to go home and change. As I sat thinking about the impatient cab driver seeking a better than average tip for sitting on the Parkway while a 6'4" man dressed to go to a bar, I somehow felt appreciated. There was a class and elegance I haven't felt since I visited Paris--seven years ago. My friend suddenly felt like my date and I secretly wondered if this was the night for.....picking up where we left off three years ago. Once seated in the parlor Lee said, "What happens here stays here." I was lightly shaken and feeling very dirty...........Could I do whatever I wanted? I have too much class for that. In fact, it was the first time in the city of Philadelphia that I actually felt safe and respected as a woman in a drinking establishment. I wasn't surrounded by scruffy loud surburbanites in Gap jeans announcing the game of the day's most recent score. I didn't hear a classic by Journey, which I love, but it was nice to hear Stevie Wonder, my favorite, and it reminded me of the time I met him while volunteering for Rendell for Governor. I recalled a time when I had high hopes for Philly after leaving Manhattan. It was the first time in seven years I didn't regret leaving the city that loved me back for a place that treated me with contempt for believing I was worthy and beautiful. At Hop Sing I felt that it was a bar that was suppose to be. Somehow a bartender appeared at my table shaking my concoction. It was Ramble with muddled blackberries and Gin. I'm a wine drinker but it was by far the most delicious and delicate drink I've had. I was relaxed and happy but not wasted the way liquor usually affects me. When my eyes rolled over the room, it was refreshing to see all the women in dresses and men in pants with nice shirts. My mother was just a baby at the time but the experience for me screamed the 1950's. The classiness of it made me feel sexy and beautiful but I'm also a double D, weigh 105 pounds, and look 15 years than most people ever suspect. This is the perfect place for those who have enough class to behave and tip well while respecting their cocktails. This is the place for true ladies and gentleman.

    (5)

  • Malikah U.

    Great atmosphere; candlelight and very low lights. Strong drinks. Worth the wait. No Pictures. Waitress had some great suggestions. Lee, the owner, circulates the room and stops by periodically to check up on things. Its an experience and a great one

    (4)

  • Christian D.

    It's all in the details. There are so many things to say about Hop Sing and many of them have already been said, but what I appreciate most is the attention and pride in the details. Let's start with the drinks. For starters, they are stocked to the brim with some of the highest quality liquor I have seen anywhere. Bourbon and scotch enthusiasts can enjoy straight drinks of some of the finest. It's exactly for this reason that the specialty drinks on the menu have such subtle flavors. Lee himself mentioned that when you're serving such quality liquor there is no need for too many ingredients; finding the right balance of a few are what make the 10 or so drinks on the menu wonderfully subtle and delicious. Touches of dried roses, thai chili, or chamomile flowers make a fantastic combination with unique top-shelf liquor. The menu may be short, but the bartenders are great, they indulge any number of tastes and liquor combinations. I have only ever sat at the Bar, but I'm sure that with 3+ servers, a busy night should't be an issue. The atmosphere is great, the high ceilings; think high class saloon, but more stylized. Most of the lighting, in chandeliers or around the bar and tables seem to be lit by candle light, but it's not overly dark, like you could read a book if you wanted to. The entrance just passed the doors, has a waiting room, with seats and an elevated old world two-seater couch, meant for shoe shines, which I'm told will start later this summer. Lee seems to move from taking care of the bar to meeting his guests, he's funny and it's inviting. I don't want to overly hype the place,but I appreciate a lot of the touches of this bar, there are rules (no phone calls at the bar and don't wear sneakers), but it's relaxing and very tasty.

    (5)

  • dana s.

    The attention to detail here astounds me. Every time I walk in I notice something different in the waiting area or the bar. Excellent cocktail menu, amazing prices for the quality of what is being served, I mean 12 year old Jameson is their "well". I really do enjoy the air of mystery surrounding the place, I like that Lee doesn't break character, granted it even is a "character". It's worth checking out, just don't forget to follow dress code, and be patient, it's totally worth it.

    (5)

  • Erika R.

    Stepping into Hop Sing is like stepping back in time; into an era where romance and etiquette and quality craftsmanship still apply and are valued. The atmosphere makes you want to sit up a little straighter, and use words like "mahvelous" and "dah-ling" and converse about art and poetry and world-travel and politics, all while enjoying your very boozy drink. One gets the feeling that they may bump into Ernest Hemingway or Gertrude Stein (oh, if only!). But this is an element of relaxed sophistication here, with none of the pretentious swagger you can find at other establishments in the city. Which is ironic, b/c so many of those pretentious places are missing the mark of truly knowing how to craft a truly great cocktail and environment, such as Lee and his team do. The decor is flawlessly executed and the lighting is just sexy and dim enough; the music is well-mixed and interesting; the seating is eclectic and comfortable; the staff is the ideal balance of down-to-earth sophistication and they are clearly knowledgeable on libations; the drinks are absolutely flawless while consisting of very few ingredients; and Lee, oh Lee...he's a gorgeous man and the most gracious of hosts who has clear talent and expert taste and really makes the place what it is: perfect.

    (5)

  • Rachel O.

    I love this place. I went here with two of my good friends on a Thursday night, and it was really easy to find. Once we rang the door bell, were greeted and told the rules, we were escorted to our table. The bartenders were super nice and knowledgeable, and when we moved from the bar to our table once it was ready, they brought our drinks over for us as well. I had the Failed Entertainment and the Boston Healer drinks - both great choices. After two I was pretty buzzed and started to notice the crazy artwork on the walls - painted dogs, anyone? The decor is really luxe and interesting, and I loved this so much more than Franklin Mortgage. Plus, the drinks are only $10 right now, and that was a plus. When we were leaving, we met Lee and spoke with him outside while he smoked a cig. He told us all about the place and the neighborhood, and asked us for our honest opinions. I will definitely be coming back here over and over.

    (5)

  • Bruce E.

    The experience of Hop Sing begins the moment you decide to go. Trust me.

    (5)

  • Duncan I.

    What a fun experience. Helps to be in the right mood and stick to the rules but an impressive setting with an intriguing concept made for a really different after hours experience.

    (5)

  • Harry P.

    Great atmosphere, wonderful staff and masterfully crafted drinks make this place a wonderful experience. I don't want to reveal too much, because the mystery of this place is part of the fun. I will say that this bar is the perfect place to go with a few close friends to enjoy some quality cocktails; it is not a good place to meet new people or to get rowdy.

    (5)

  • Tina T.

    Drinks: If you're looking for a place that pays attention to details, this is the place to go! Every cocktail is made with creativity and finesse...it's like putting an ogre of delicious and refined ingredients in your mouth. Lee definitely knew what he was doing when he made up this menu. (You just need to try all the drinks, no matter how much you hate a certain type of alcohol, you'll be surprised!) Ambiance: Again, with the details....the books, the bar, the chairs,etc...! There is a reason for every little piece in this place. It's comfortable and sophisticated at the same time. Don't be shy and ask the bartenders and the host what the place is all about. You'll be surprised of the answers. Overall: You will never want to leave this place until they kick you out (unless you're hungry which is definitely a convenient location next to all the late night Chinatown eateries). The host, bouncer and bartenders definitely makes you feel welcomed every time you walk in.

    (5)

  • Wesley P.

    Blows every exclusive bar in the city out of the water. Drinks are $10 a piece, but will be the best specialty cocktails you have had in your life. 1000x cooler than Franklin Templeton. You will forget that in you are in Philadelphia once you are granted entry through the unassuming door. Do not expect to be allowed in with a large group or with out proper attire (flip flops, shorts). They currently have on staff one of the top 5 best mixologist in the country, and the drinks show it.

    (5)

  • Erin B.

    Believe the hype. Hop Sing was well worth the wait. The atmosphere is perfect - everything from the inability to hear another party's conversation to the lighting is exactly right. The staff was awesome - so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I actually learned quite a bit about spirits while we were there. And of course, the drinks. I loved each one I had and the sips of my friends drinks as well. In addition to the new concoctions, we had some classic drinks (martini, aviation) so I had something to compare them to. I have never had a martini that was so smooth or an aviation that was so balanced. Perfection. Lee was a generous, and warm host. I am very much looking forward to returning!

    (5)

  • Katherine P.

    As a twitter fanatic and a recent foodie I of course caught wind of Hop Sing Laundromat's mysterious existence online and decided to play along and see what all the fuss was about. When Lee invited me to a tasting last weekend I jumped at the opportunity. I wasn't too worried about arriving solo, but it was Chinatown on a Saturday night. And St. Patrick's Day to top it off. Lee requested that his guests not arrive in green which was relief for someone who isn't quite into the en mass belligerent mess that becomes any city on such an alcoholic holiday. What a delight then to walk into Hop Sing to see a few scattered groups in various stages of their tastings. I arrived frantically at the gate, out of breath from my hustle across town and worried that being a bit tardy to a tasting would result in a cold night waiting on the stoop. I rang the doorbell and waited, taking the time to peek at the velvet red walls of the inner foyer. Lee met me with a hearty handshake before quickly scanning the room to see where I would be seated most comfortably amongst the other parties already well into their tastings. He set me up at the bar facing the dining room with the promise of the bartender would be with me shortly. I took in the ambiance. Between the assortment of chairs, mirrors, and framed paintings the main room looks a Victorian parlor met a found sculpture artist and made something happen. There is a wall full of sketches of actors and writers, and another clad with medicinal liquor licenses. It's these little touches that are so personal to Hop Sing. The walls are slathered in thick layers of paint with brick cutting through like landscapes on the walls. Books line the ceiling and the bar is adorned with nickels, face up, and all oriented with precision. There's so much to look at, waiting for my first taste of Lee's creations seemed more like a trip to some eclectic's salon. But here I am going on about the walls and the countertops. The great thing about Hop Sing is the libations. None of the drinks Lee serves are tainted with sugar syrup and fresh squeezed juice highlights every cocktail. Just as the other guests that evening did, I was initiated with a Cognac cocktail sprinkled with dried Thai jasmine buds. It was bright and delicious, full of citrus undercurrents. The next drink took me by surprise. Lee simply told me it was a "rose petal" drink, and naturally I expected a more floral sensation. The color was rich burnt amber and there was a layer of foam as a bed for sprinkled rose petals. I took a sip, and WOW, was that first taste something. The drink has Thai chili peppers in it and the foam was shaken cream, strategically placed to cut the heat from the liquid below. If all the media attention has made you skeptical of Hop Sing, this drink is a reason to get you to Chinatown and into the hospitable arms of Lee. Rest assured I had myself another before the evening was through. Next up was a drink that came with its own pre-show. My friendly bartender lit a cinnamon stick on fire and placed it in the middle of a metal tray and then repeated the action with star anise. A tumbler served as an encasing for the wonderful odors that rose in the smoke of the spices. I know Lee isn't the first gentleman to smoke a glass, and he certainly won't be the last, but Philadelphia will surely know him for this down the road. Two coffee cocktails were next. One was dark and rich, perfect for someone like myself who drinks their coffee black. This was followed by a creamier "iced coffee" concoction which very much so reminded me of a good White Russian (Lee assured me, however, that this was a very different drink). The next rounds were favorites from the sampling, that fantastic Thai drink and back to the mandarin cognac starter to round out the evening. Lee moves around from table to table discussing the highlights of each cocktail and encouraging everyone to walk around and really check out all the stuff the dining room has going on. Heed his urgings. There are plenty of fun things to tell your friends about. Follow Lee on twitter get excited about Chinatown's new establishment. "Stalking" will get you everywhere.

    (5)

  • Romesh J.

    Great experience. A marquee establishment with personable service.

    (5)

  • Allison D.

    Hop Sing is a phenomenal establishment. Definitely the best service I have ever experienced in Philadelphia. The staff is very knowledgeable and provided perfect drink recommendations. I would highly recommend to anyone that enjoys a great cocktail.

    (5)

  • Barrett L.

    Hop Sing, which falls into the same category as Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company and the Ranstead Room, is a posh speakeasy cleverly hidden among Chinatown's noodle shops and tea houses. The entrance is unmarked, but you'll know you've arrived when you find the line of well dressed hopeful patrons standing outside the door. When your turn comes up, Lee greets you and decides if you're worthy of coming in (there is a dress code, but as long as you avoid t-shirts, sandals, and shorts, you should be fine). As you wait in the vestibule before entering the main room, there's quick run down of the rules: no phone calls, no photographs ("but feel free to text and tweet away", he adds). This is not the kind of bar where you can "pop in and see how it is"; an evening at Hop Sing must be carefully planned, which isn't surprising as Lee runs Hop Sing like a tight ship, making sure every aspect of the bar (including the decor, drinks, servers, and you) is in its right place. After waiting for a "two-top" to open up, we are led to the bar where two stool await us. The inside of Hop Sing is beautiful. Warm red walls lined with books, portraits, and bottles upon bottles of craft spirits behind the bar. Gaslamps, tealights, and candelabras with real candles light the room. The drink menu is impressive, with a list of classic and signature cocktails. Don't come here expecting beer or simple cocktails; all of the featured drinks here include hard to find booze in unorthodox combinations. The first round I go for a Boston Healer: a whiskey and coffee based drink served over a tall glass of shaved ice with cream and mint. It tastes like the most wonderful alcoholic frappuccino I've ever had. The BF went with the Montana Payback: a cognac based drink infused with muddled lime, thai chili, and cream. Hands down, one of the most delicious things I've ever drank. Not only are the drinks here incredible, but the staff is equally impressive. Our bartender was such a sweetheart, effortlessly making conversation with us while mixing Hop Sing's complex concoctions. Because we were sitting so close to the bar, I did get splashed just a little bit on a few occasions, but not only did our bartender offer me a towel to wipe the booze from my sleeve, she gladly comped us a drink (her favorite, she added). And while this particular gin-based drink was "all-booze", it was one of the smoothest drinks I've had in a long time. You could barely taste the alcohol in there. We left Hop Sing that night smiling, with Lee so thrilled that we enjoyed it, and happy to make our way back when the occasion calls for it. A few other notes for logistics: -Hop Sing does not have a kitchen, but you're also in Chinatown... -Drinks are $10 each, and there's a two drink minimum -Cash only

    (5)

  • Alex N.

    Very pretentious. The owner Mr. Lee is over present and the place is clearly an ego trip for him. Great drinks, fine. But those can be had at more relaxing and enjoyable speakeasies like Ranstead Room or Franklin Mortgage, which are also in better locations near other nightlife.

    (1)

  • james c.

    The drinks are good but the owner has a bad attitude. I understand every business owner wants to maintain an ambiance in their establishment. But there is a way to do it without being a jerk.

    (1)

  • Allyson L.

    What can I say that hasn't been said? Except for, maybe, the fact that my boyfriend the New York snob proclaimed as we left, "That is the best drinking experience I've ever had," and coming from him, THAT is saying something. And the fact that they somehow made a Cynar Flip taste like the most complex and wonderful drink ever despite the fact that it only has two ingredients. And the impeccable, professional, knowledgeable yet friendly and kind service. When I asked our waitress if they had any exciting new drink inventions, her face lit up and she exclaimed, "Yes! We made a new one today and it's already my favorite!" It might not be my favorite too, but that's only because I brought three of my friends and between us, we ended up having 10 drinks, all of which were unique and delicious. So, go. Now. If you're going before their official open in July, bring a stalker. Don't wear sneakers, shorts, or sandals. Don't take photos. And get ready for some mind-blowing beverages. Oh, and eat beforehand. I learned my lesson after attending one of the early tastings on a completely empty stomach.

    (5)

  • Milo L.

    "Once you start taking the best liquors and adding freshly made ingredients, it opens up thousands of taste possibilities" -Lee This place is all about the cocktails. Sure, the room is beautiful, with its exposed brick, dim lighting, eclectic but not ostentatious art, and a crown moulding of vintage bookshelves. The only thing more top shelf than the books are the boozes, and they are only mixed with the freshest ingredients. By "freshest", I do not mean "squeezed recently". You will never see a container that holds juice, save for the original fruit and your cocktail glass. Everything is squeezed or muddled right before it is served. The results are extraordinary. I'm convinced that Lee is correct- there are thousands of possibilities. I trust him to discover some of the best. Who would mix 15 year old El Dorado rum and freshly squeezed grapes? Lee. That's who. Who would pair Patron with freshly squeezed OJ and muddled strawberries? Lee. That's who. Who would add tangerine juice to your Cold River vodka? Lee. That's who. You've never even had tangerine juice before. You never would have thought of it. Thank goodness Lee did- because you want it. Yes, the room is beautiful, and relaxes you before you even taste your first cocktail. The bar, covered in nickels, is flashy. The atmosphere is designed for your comfort and privacy. The musical selections run from Tom Waits to Dave Brubeck to Eddie Grant. But, make no mistake, it is all about the cocktails.

    (5)

  • Leah G.

    Cocktails and decor would get a 5, but attitude and style drop it to a three for me. It felt like pretentiousness for the sake of pretentiousness. Being informed of the dress code just because when we were in business attire, being required to sit in the waiting room instead of permitted to stand. They need to figure out how to make it look like they're not trying as hard.

    (3)

  • Anna P.

    So I've now been to Hop Sing 3 times, and I've waited to write this review because I wanted to see if I Ioved this place just because of the hype or because of the fact that they truly make amazing drinks and create quite a unique experience. And....it's definitely the latter! Hop Sing never fails to please! It's an experience from the start when you ring the doorbell of some elusive gate in the middle of bustling Chinatown and anxiously await to have someone open the door. When you enter this dimly lit bar you are transported back in time to what feels like a prohibitionesque era. I love the decor, music and of course the drink selection. Expect to wait a bit for your drink, but trust me it will be well worth it! And be brave and try something that you've never had before. My favs are: McCoy's Last Run (It's like an adult snocone with freshly pureed watermelon on top) Hotel Nacional Whiskey Smash (fresh lemon and mint) And several more that I can't remember the names of, but all very good and fresh. This place is CASH only ($12 per drink).

    (5)

  • Marie C.

    This place was only ok. The drink was good but the list of rules you have to follow before going inside were ridiculous. I like the coziness of this place but I doubt I will return.

    (3)

  • Charles B.

    COME ON ALREADY!!!!!!! whats up LEE? whats going on? Had a chance to check out the space a few months ago during Night Market, so this review is valid. Entrance room is odd and boxy, with a zillion pennies on the floor and old school shoe-shine chairs. Inside is a big room, exposed brick along one wall and a bunch of decorations and paintings throughout. It looks really cool in there so far and I love the super long bar (nickel bar was a cool touch, will look real nice when finished) Cant speak really to anything yet other than what i saw and the fact that its taking a million years to open. Very ambitious project and I wish this guy the best, but get it together and lets go. I am very anxious to see what this guy LEE has determined are the best five restaurants in Chinatown and what their best five dishes are. I guess all we can say is we shall see

    (5)

  • Anh T.

    I was totally mind blown by this bar. I heard about this bar from a friend and I thought he was joking about all of that. But when I got here, it was all true. The bar is completely a drug: mysterious, exciting and addicting. There is no sign of this bar and you have to ring the doorbell and waited for like 5-10 mins for people to come out. We were asked by the owner "How did you hear about it?". And then we walked in and wait to be seated. They have great decoration inside a bar and the atmosphere is very classy and upscale. I would say this is the best place for enjoying your drink and have a great conversation with friends, not a place to meet people. Their rules are no taking phone calls and no photography, and in my opinion, it's pretty strict. And their cocktail, don't even let me start about it. THEY ARE AMAZING. BEST cocktail I ever had so far. I had the scotch Blood and Sandy and the Boston Healer (bourbon) and they are both amazing. I would really wanna try all the cocktail in here. It taste awesome and so great. For all my good friends out there, come here and try. FYI, cash only.

    (5)

  • Clara L.

    This place was majorly hyped prior to my attendance and thus perhaps I had great expectations. (Pun intended.) Hop Sing juxtaposes the modern with the nostalgic with partial success. First of all, the introduction and ambience in the foyer-- like the waiting area of a cheesy amusement park. The rules such as the no shoes, no sandals dress code--which are supposed to lend an air of exclusivity--just seem inconvenient. THere were men dressed in shoes and jeans on a sweltering night and women in jeans and flip flops. If you are going to impose a dress code on the men, then the ladies should match as well. The no standing rule applies such as in Franklin Mortgage, and establishment does not well accomodate groups larger than 6, so generally seating arrangements are limited. Aside from the gimmicks, the actual decor is sets an ambience of turn of century grandeur. I told my friend the only thing missing was a piano player playing a good rag. The music is the same old top 40s that's played in every other modern lounge. The speakeasies of that era were less bougie and pretense, more smoke and gangsters, and were not respectable establishments. So, if you are trying to create an homage, then do it right. Please stop trying to be pretentious and just do what you are good at... which is make drinks. The drinks are all priced at $10 and are all superb, complex, delicious, and strong! Go for the drinks, not for the gimmicks. It wasn't love at first site for me, but I guess there is always next time.

    (4)

  • Joe G.

    Mr. Lee does a great job filtering out the douchy frat boys and wasted sorority chicks. I saw a guy not get in because he was wearing a hat and dirty sneakers. The girl wasn't allowed in by default but already had the drunk squint going at 830. They yelled and attempted to make fun of Mr. Lee who just walked back into the bar and ignored them. More places like this should exist because those wastes of life ruin everything. Oh no you can't wear sneakers? Tough shit. Grow the fuck up you slob. There are more than enough bars in the city for these people. I'll continue to go back because it's a fortress of solitude away from the generic people who think they are entitled to get wasted wherever they want and act however they want. You want to spend $3 on a miller lite? Don't go here! Wonder why you're spending so much on a drink? Because it's not well vodka and Sprite! Mad you can't talk on your cellphone or can't take pictures? Not everyone needs to see your boring ass life on social media! Live your fucking life and enjoy where you're at. There needs to be a line to keep the masses out of places like this and Mr. Lee has found it. The people complaining are the same people who cause Starbucks and McDonald's to be placed on ever corner. Thank you Mr. Lee, for creating a place away from all those people.

    (5)

  • Julie S.

    Had a great first experience at Hopsing last night. Mr Lee runs a tight ship, but to the customers benefit. It's classy, intentionally under-crowded and serves up incredible cocktails. We ordered "A Failed Experiment," "Blood and Sand" and "Straight-up Nail." I told Mr Lee that I loved gin-drinks so he poured me a coffee-gin concoction that blew me away. We will definitely be back soon!

    (5)

  • Giang N.

    Marketed as a "speakeasy" - you have to find the gate and press the buzzer to the left of the gate, then wait for someone to come out and let you in (bring your ID for age verification). We had to wait a couple minutes for them to come out, but they eventually did. Excellent drinks, well crafted, large selection. Remember the house rules: no photos/videos, 2 drink minimum, cash only, no sneakers, no phone calls inside the main room. Okay to text and post using your phone while you're there, though! Keep your party size 4 and under if possible. They have fewer tables that accommodate 5 or 6, and they say the if a "member" arrives who wants the table you might be bumped. Not sure what it means to be a "member," though. We enjoyed the drink options. Very nice decor. Excellent music selections. The servers were very friendly and attentive. Drinks are usually around $14. Pimm's Cup is nice if you like something sweeter; it has a special kick because they use ginger beer rather than the typical ginger ale. If you're a Maker's Mark drinker, be aware that they don't have it here. Plenty of other great options to choose from, though.

    (4)

  • Me C.

    Great drinks and a beautiful bar. Our server made fantastic recommendations along the lines of "if you like that, try this" which is what you'd hope from a decent cocktail bar. It was also really reasonable ($) which I wasn't expecting. The door policy made me feel like a dumbass standing outside though. I took my husband here but was worried I'd lose him at the door if he thought it was pretentious. Lee was really fun though and we had amazing drinks in a great atmosphere. I'd be wary of coming here on a first date though since you might seem too cool for school taking someone here with this door policy- unless, of course, too cool for school is your schtick. It is gorgeous and very friendly after the initial awkwardness that follows ringing the doorbell though. I will definitely go back for drinks.

    (5)

  • B B.

    Quirky bar with likewise quirky policies. The drinks were good. Worth stopping by for the smoke and mirrors.

    (4)

  • Seb S.

    Hop Sing is a gem in the Philadelphia bar scene. Between all the dirty pubs and the pretentious lounges, there is a perfect Hop Sing that will provide you with the best cocktail in the city, as well as a private, cozy ambiance. Every cocktail is masterfully crafted and named after a historic event. I recommend sitting at the bar sometime to hear a bit more about them from Lee; he has a lot of intersting things to say. He also makes a big point out of enforcing privacy and non-rowdiness at the bar, which I appreciate. There are a few rules such as no pictures and a dress code, but I find this all very agreeable. It helps maintain the jazzy mood of the place. So do the nickels covering the entire bar surface, the EPs covering the walls next to the bathrooms, the books and trinkets hung around the tables, and the astounding library of liquours, equipped with a sliding ladder and a little chute to send the bottles down to the bar. This place might be a bit out of the way but I certainly recommend the trip if you are looking to have great conversation and drinks with close friends or a date after dinner. Try as many cocktails as you can, none of them have ever disappointed me.

    (5)

  • Catherine K.

    Listen I do my research before traveling, Read Philadelphia Magazine on top restaurants and bars and Hop Sing came up. Well coming from near NYC these new cocktail lounges are all the rage! PDT, Angel's Share, if you been you have the idea. We like to go to these places before we eat since these places are so popular. Also we like to fully appreciate the cocktail. Apparently there is a dress code at Hop Sing Laundromat and the door bell should not to be rung more then once. Unfortunately one of our party of 6 was wearing sneakers and a baseball cap. Our sporty golf friend always dresses so we thought nothing of it. Our 47 and older crowd got a rude awakening which I rather felt shafted at the time. I mean who do those Philadelphians think they are! OK so Eileen was correct they have a dress code and mean it! We can't blame Hop Sing Laundromat. I do feel a little bad that I questioned my husband who rang the door 4 times and then I said NO you are doing it all wrong , you have to hold the buzzer until they release the door. oops We got the soup Nazi host and bouncer come out and give us a good verbal lashing. Oh well no hop sing cocktail this time. I was hoping to have a Ramos gin fizz like drink Had a great one at Franklin Investment co., they took 12 minutes to make and was it good! you see bar tenders shake the egg whites not whip who knew? Was that what they were doing at the Carousel bar in Hotel Monteleone , New Orleans hmm so many coming out I don't think so! Well Hop Sing maybe next time and you better be as good as your reputation! Still a fan though.

    (4)

  • Amit K.

    I never yelp but for Lee I definitely will! First time we went to Hop Sing we had an amazing experience. The second time was even better! Great drinks in an absolutely exquisite atmosphere. Anyone who truly appreciates an authentic speakeasy will be in awe of this place. Highly recommend Hop Sing for great night out!

    (5)

  • David Z.

    Well, it was totally worth the wait for it to open. Where do I begin? I think the thing that shock me the most was how attentive the staff was. This place is extremely well staffed with very knowledgeable and polite individuals. They know when to show up at your table and when to leave you alone. I have always found this to be a difficult art, but they mastered it here. The staff were all extremely knowledgeable about not just the drink, but the alcohol that goes in it, where it comes from and its history. Another thing I noticed right off the bat is that you didn't hear conversations at other tables. It make it a great place for drinks for friends or on a date. Lastly and most importantly are the drinks. Wow. Everything we had was great and quite alcoholic. The most notable was the gin martini my friend had. I never liked a gin martini, but this thing was sooo smooth. Every drink we had was great. They were testing out a drink cart that night and it was very cool to have your drink prepared table side. All in all this place has me sold. This is the place to have a fine drink, relax, go on a date.....this is not the place to bing drink....though the drinks are strong enough to make you stumble.

    (5)

  • Grace N.

    Fall is upon us and' tis the time for warm tasty libation and there is no other place like Hop Sing. I have been back on average 2x a month with friends since my first review. Hop Sing does not disappoint. The drinks are fantastic, place remains very classy (thank you Lord!) and the bartenders are friendly with just the right amount of attitude. That's not an insult, that's actually a praise. Its just so cheesy when bartenders hit on their clienteles. That's not this kinda place. You want to have a great time with friends and be able to have a conversation uninterrupted. I like that. The token female bartender always reminds me of Sinead O'connor everytime I see her. The music selection has a wider selection and plays to whatever pleases Lee that evening in unison with the energy of the crowd. My little sister and I love this place! I still adore Lee's suits, cufflinks, and the shoes. Very classy man that Mr. Lee. His parents would be proud.

    (4)

  • Josh K.

    Because of the hype and the preponderance of 5-star reviews, I wondered whether this place was actually real. I went on 6/16 with two friends, figuring we could go somewhere else in Chinatown for dinner if we couldn't get in. We rang the bell and someone actually brought us in. We were asked to wait in the waiting area, then given an explanation of the rules, and finally brought into the main room. Plenty has been written about the aesthetics. I'll say that, though (mostly) everything looked cool, I don't know that I definitely preferred the aesthetic over the Ranstead Room or the Franklin. There's a clear, and different, stylistic vision--it's polished, but I'm more interested in the drinks and service. One thing (that someone else noted) was that the bathrooms are pretty utilitarian--the floor of the men's room was damp, too, which was unappealing. The amount of space and the noise level were a step up from other bars I consider similar. Our server was mostly helpful and enthusiastic, and she seemed knowledgeable. Lee walked by at one point and I think all of us were slightly weirded out by him. He said something indecipherable about how he was sure we'd be back or we wouldn't be able to get back in in the future. A little odd. Scout's review noted smelling smoke, which we did, too (it was barely noticeable, but still). Finally, the drinks. I wasn't terribly into my first two. One was the Thai chili/cream concoction. It was interesting, but it just seemed heavy given the weather. The second had mezcal and egg white, and the intensity of the liquors combined with the creaminess from the egg also just didn't seem appropriate for the season. I suppose part of it is my fault for ordering them, but I think the cocktail menu should be more conscious of seasons. For my third drink, I got a screwdriver on the server's recommendation. It was very smooth, but I almost couldn't tell there was alcohol in it. Again, maybe a fault of mine for ordering the wrong thing. I did like some of my friends' drinks a bit more--an Aviation had just the right amount of creme de violette to be noticeable without being overpowering, and a Negroni, while not my thing, was restrained enough in its use of Campari that it didn't turn me off. For a place that brags about its liquor selection, I was disappointed their oldest El Dorado rum was the 15-year (which is excellent, but I have a bottle and I was hoping to try something older). That's a pretty minor quibble. Overall, based on the drinks I had, I think the cocktails at the Franklin may be a bit more balanced and well-curated. The prices were all lower, at $12/drink, though, and the roominess and ability to have a conversation comfortably were appreciated. It's pretty close between this and the Franklin for my top cocktail bar in Philly. Hop Sing may not have lived up to the hype for me, but it's still a great addition to our bar scene.

    (4)

  • Haley W.

    I told the owner (Lee I guess) Hope Sing Laundromat had a "museum feel" to it and he was thoroughly offended haha. Oh well... best cocktails in the city. Definitely a great destination spot for people who are from out of town and want a classy, entertaining night out.

    (4)

  • Tim P.

    As I waited outside of Hop Sing on a cold and rainy night a couple of weeks ago to attend the soft opening of Hop Sing I was extremely nervous. I had literally been looking forward to it for the better part of a year. I was afraid that it would not live up to the impossibly high expectations I had developed for it. Things started out great. I was greeted at the door by owner himself who showed me to a spot at the bar so I could observe exactly how the drinks were being made. A note on the bar itself it is HUGE and full of the choicest most exotic booze that one can obtain in Pennsylvania. Another thing that should be noted is that all the fruit juices used in the drinks are prepared at the time the drink is ordered with bartenders using a couple industrial sized juicers to expedite the process ( Jack LaLanne would be very proud). The first drink that I was served that night was a screwdriver. I was real scared. I usually hate screwdrivers. I thought I was in for a colossal let down and then I tasted the drink. It was incredible. The orange juice was a fresh as you can get and the vodka was smooth as silk. The rest of the evening passed far to soon. Hop Sing Laundromat had done the impossible it had exceeded my every expectation of what a bar could be. The service was impeccable, the drinks were out of this world, and the decor and ambiance made you feel perfectly at ease in a way that few establishments do. I can not recommend this place enough. The scary thing is that is probably going to get even better with time. Do yourself a favor and go to Hop Sing as soon as you possibly can.

    (5)

  • Jason B.

    What can I say I had the highest expectations for this place and once I got in it was everything I could only have imagined. Great service, decor, and most importantly the drinks! I had a drink with a thai chilli with some cream on the top and rose petals in the drink. It was an incredible drink. Great time can't wait to visit again.

    (5)

  • Emma M.

    Let me start off by saying, this place is amazing. The atmosphere is mysterious yet inviting, the service is outstanding, and the drinks are absolutely fantastic. My boyfriend and I ventured over here for date night, when we arrived there was a small line outside and we were seated within a half hour. Both of us were very happy to wait and didn't see any issue with this, especially considering what awaited us inside. Lee was incredibly friendly and reminded everyone as they entered that there was no phone calls to be made and no pictures. And cash only. The no phone call rule is the best rule, and I think they should change it to no phones at all, people need to enjoy spending time with each other. Go home and text. Anyway, we were seated at the bar which was exactly what we had been hoping for, when we sat down we were promptly given drink menus to look over. My boyfriend opted for a tequila old fashioned, which was recommended to him by our very helpful bartender, and I went with something very minty thats name escapes me at this moment. We followed this up with two more recommendations from the bartender that were both outstanding. Half the fun for us was being able to watch them prepare the drinks! This lounge is the perfect couples place, there's no rowdy crowds, no one standing around or dancing wildly, everyone is sitting and enjoying conversation. It has become a new favorite. We will definitely be returning for many date nights in the future! Thank you Lee and your staff for the fantastic night!

    (5)

  • Yasamin M.

    I was initially turned off the idea of going to Hop Sing Laundromat because of everything I'd heard about how hard it is to get into - and I'm vehemently opposed to any kind of red-rope BS, especially when all you're trying to do is get into a bar. However, since it is literally 1 block from my front doorstep, I decided to give it a try last night - and I'm so glad I did! Maybe it's because everyone was at the shore this weekend, but my two friends and I waited all of 2 minutes to be let in, and the only question we were asked was how many in our party, and did we have ID. We were asked to wait a moment while the owner, Mr Lee, said he would check for space. A minute later Mr Lee came back, and led us to the "waiting room" where he explained the house rules (and there are only two): no photograhs, and no phone calls in the bar (texts are fine). If you really need to make a call you can do so in the waiting area (which, by the way, is a stunnning little room with, bizarrely, a shoe-shine stand, and multiple shelves stacked with books). This part of the process was a little tiresome, but lasts no more than a couple of minutes, and boy is it worth it when you get into the bar itself! It is honestly like being transported back in time - the decor is breathtaking, from the Victorian red walls covered in portraits sketched in pencil, to the chandeliers and candlelight that hang from the dark-wood panelled ceiling, to the nickels that embed every surface of the bar - and let's not forget the beautiful custom-made cast-iron ladder that leans against the extremely well-stocked shelves of liquor behind the bar. And the cocktails...oh my! There is a set price - $12 for the regular cocktails and $14 for the house specialties (the 'East Side' was particularly delicious). This sounds a little steep (especially when you consider it's cash only), but the cocktails (and we sampled several!) are chock-full of the finest liquor, and mixed to perfection. As an added bonus, any juices are pressed fresh at the bar. This is not a place for large groups, and not a place to mingle and meet new people; but it's the perfect place if you're craving a little sophistication with two or three good friends. And despite what you may hear, there is a surprising absence of pretention.

    (5)

  • Ernesto Hideyokidz C.

    This was my first speakeasy. We came to the door, looked around like idiots for a while for how to get in and then finally someone got us. You can't use cell phones for calls in the main room but you can text. It was dark. Like, really dark. Like, too dark to read the menu which made me just pick something random. Cocktails run between $12-$14. I ordered a whiskey sour (I think). It was decent. This place is for serious connoisseurs who know their liquor. Honestly, I didn't really understand the menu from what I read. It was full of words I didn't know and the explanations were hardly explanations at all (and thats saying a lot considering I'm very into liquor). For me, it was a cool experience. Decor was nice, staff was friendly. Generally though, I like to eat food when I drink so I won't be a regular. It's also too pricey for my taste. It's definitely a cool date spot though if you're looking for somewhere quiet and nice to talk and grab unique drinks.

    (4)

  • Matt H.

    Exquisite cocktails. Classy, mature, but fun atmosphere. Unparalleled experience. I have had the pleasure of attending two tastings at Hop Sing Laundromat and have walked away both times simply delighted with all of the above. The drinks served by owner Lee and his expert bartending staff are at once incredibly simple in their ingredients (when they choose to let you know what you are drinking, or you can playfully guess), yet complex and fascinating in their taste and texture. The combinations of the best, smoothest and most exquisite liquors to be found in the city with fresh juices and creams and ingredients makes for drinks you will never forget and will leave you amazed how you wouldn't have thought of the combinations yourselves. Grape juice is a favorite, but Mandarin orange juice, tangerine juice and muddled strawberries are just a few of the delights that await. But make no mistake, these juices have not been prepared the day before, or even an hour before, but the freshest fruits are juiced at the bar for your drinks that moment. How about an iced coffee drink with liquor, made with coffee brewed individually for you? (That one was even high-five worthy!) You will not have drinks made this fresh, with liquor this good anywhere else. (A drink with a particular kick of spice to each frothy sip was juxtaposed the smell of fragrant dried rose petals on the top of the froth in each glass. Betcha weren't ready for that!) The excellent liquor and fresh ingredients are the focus, and could carry this place all on their own, but combined with the atmosphere make you not want to leave. The crowds so far have been small and select, but even the larger crowd on Saturday was well served by two bartenders and Lee himself. The rules against cellphone conversations, taking photos, and not approaching strange women (among others, including the forbidding of wearing Green on St. Pattys Day) create a comfortable mature atmosphere. Everyone was having a good time and were more engaged with each other, conversations, and their cocktails than with Words with Friends or Draw Something. A welcome change. Add to all of this the gorgeous interior, dark woods, beautiful and plentiful candlelight and light, fun background music, and Hop Sing is just a place you do not want to leave. Come for the unparalleled drinks and stay for a night you will not soon forget. If you aren't excited for this place to open, you should be!

    (5)

  • Q Malik F.

    Came, saw and enjoyed the atmosphere.. Service was excellent and the drinks were way better than I thought... Thanks for allowing me in to embark on that magical journey...

    (5)

  • Diana L.

    Sorry, this is another overrated place in Philadelphia. The whole speak-easy thing is pretentious, the drinks are good but nothing you couldn't find anywhere else, the decor is a bit drab. Not the kind of place I would take anyone I want to impress.

    (3)

  • Paul C.

    on a cold winter night...we waited outside for 20 minutes...once we got in...we waited in the waiting area for another 10 minutes...ordered drinks at the bar...took another 15 minutes to get our drinks...ambiance was nice...drinks were tasty...but seriously....not going back here again...too much of time wasted...

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Tue

Specialities

  • Accepts Credit Cards : No
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : No
    Good for Groups : No
    Ambience : Classy
    Noise Level : Quiet
    Music : Background
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : No
    Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Has TV : No

Hop Sing Laundromat

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