SENSE 99

Sense 99 is an underground live music venue and chill-out lounge which is only open on weekends or on special occasions. The two story bar is in a pre-war building and has a charm specific to colonial-era Hong Kong. Climb the steep corrugated industrial staircase and you’ll find yourself in a place which could easily be the set of a Wong Kar Wai movie.

The first floor has super high ceilings and the building’s original tiled floors. A green neon light from the pawnshop across the street casts an atmospheric light onto a small balcony with French doors. The furniture is eclectic and vintage. There are mismatched leather chairs and couches, an antique chandelier a few antique mirrors near the toilet area. Revolving artworks are exhibited on the walls. The place almost feels like it could be a friend's living room.

The second floor is where the live music takes place. There’s a small stage in front with guitars and a drum set. On the weekends, the owner’s friends just stop by to jam. Here, the walls are painted either black or red and there are mod-looking couches for lounging on while listening to the jam sessions. There’s also a small terrace with red barstools that overlooks the neon over Wellington Street.
The crowd at Senses 99 is chilled. There are artists, musicians, and bohemian types- many of whom know the owner. It’s a fantastic place to have a small party or to jam if you are a musician.