Bar Leone Opened Amid Confusion in New York City

The venue in New York City is not affiliated with the award-winning bar of the same name based in Hong Kong.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Cocktails

The Hong Kong-based Bar Leone, ranked No. 1 globally in 2025, has confirmed it is not affiliated with the new venue operating under the same name in New York City. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A new establishment named Bar Leone opened in New York City on September 10, 2026. The original Hong Kong-based Bar Leone, ranked the No. 1 bar in the world in 2025, has clarified it has no association with the New York venue.

Why it matters

The confusion stems from the use of an identical logo, prompting the Hong Kong establishment to issue an official announcement distancing itself from the U.S. location. This highlights the complexities of brand protection in the global hospitality industry.

The New York City bar charges between $30 and $45 for its cocktails. Entry to the venue is strictly restricted to those with prior invitations and reservations.

The players

Bar Leone

This establishment is a world-renowned cocktail venue originally founded in Hong Kong that holds a prestigious top-ranking position on global lists.

Andres Diaz

He served as the director for the opening of the New York City bar location.

The details

Directed by Andres Diaz, the New York City location features a Martini lounge and an Italian disco room, utilizing a lion and martini tray logo that mimics the Hong Kong original. The Hong Kong bar, which expanded to Shanghai in 2025, has confirmed it has not licensed or endorsed the New York entity.

The original Bar Leone opened in Hong Kong in 2023.
News regarding a potential stateside opening emerged in May 2026.
The New York City bar officially opened on September 10, 2026.
The World's 50 Best Bars ranking was announced on October 7, 2026.

Roadmap

The rise of Bar Leone follows the industry influence established by the World's 50 Best Bars ranking, which highlights global cocktail excellence. This incident highlights how international hospitality brands often become targets for unauthorized replication as they attempt to expand into the U.S. market.

Patrons planning to visit the new venue should note the strict reservation and invitation-only access policy. Those looking for the acclaimed Hong Kong-style experience will find that this New York City location does not share any ownership or operational ties with the original brand.

The takeaway

Discerning travelers and cocktail enthusiasts should verify official social media or website announcements to confirm whether a bar has authentic international ties. Always check official brand communications before booking exclusive venues to avoid confusion in a crowded market.