When it comes to American cuisine, the phrase “go big or go home” has never been more apt. Hearty, meaty, comforting, and often deep-fried dishes are synonymous with States-side dining, whether it be a cheesy burger, plate of fiery Buffalo wings, or down-home BBQ platter.
For all-American dining at its finest in the city, here’s our guide to the most mouth-watering USA-inspired restaurants in Hong Kong, those that hit the spot with homesick expats hankering for a taste of home.
The best American restaurants Hong Kong
1. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a popular American chain first launched in Hong Kong in 2017, and the excitement has not yet died down – you’ll still often find queues out the door for the restaurant’s crazy cheesecake creations and vast comfort-food menu of American-sized proportions (there are over 200 items to choose from). Time-tested plates that keep us coming back for more include the avocado egg rolls (HKD168), fried mac & cheese (HKD168), Louisiana chicken pasta (HKD228), chicken madeira (HKD268), and, of course, a hefty slice of original cheesecake (HKD84). Be prepared to share all of the above with your tablemates and still have leftovers to take home afterwards.
The Cheesecake Factory, Shop G102, G/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2791 6628
2. Dan Ryan’s Chicago Grill
Dan Ryan’s is a stalwart of the family-friendly dining scene of Hong Kong, cherished by generations since the 1990s for the brand’s classic American comfort food and quirky decor, from a rolling train track on the ceiling to stuffed animals adorning the walls. Hong Kongers have a soft spot for Dan Ryan’s consistently executed indulgent dishes, lively yet relaxing atmosphere, and value-for-money portions. You can’t go wrong with the cheesy baked potato skins (HKD128/HKD198), roasted US baby pork ribs (HKD298/HKD498), and Philly cheesesteak bomb (HKD168). This chain has also given us the chance to accrue a lifetime’s supply of keychains (if you know, you know)!
Dan Ryan’s Chicago Grill, multiple locations across Hong Kong, book here
3. Graceland
As American as it gets in Hong Kong, Graceland is worth seeking out in Mong Kok when you’re in need of a comfort-food fix from the USA. This gastropub complete with vinyl-spinning jukebox serves up soulful American classics that never fail to put smiles on our faces. Go-tos include the chicken and waffles (HKD158), Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich (HKD98), and loaded nachos (HKD88). To wet your whistle, Graceland offers a great selection of signature highballs, interesting local craft beer on tap, shots, and the best (non-alcoholic) Arnold Palmer (HKD68) in town.
Graceland, Shop B, G/F, Lisa House, 12–14A Yim Po Fong Street, Mong Kok, 6112 9448, book here
4. Honky Tonks Tavern
The fun and friendly vibe of Honky Tonky Tavern, a neighbourhood bar just off Hollywood Road with a solid American-inspired food menu, can’t be beat. To go with Honky’s epic margarita (HKD110) and seasonal hard slushie (HKD85), the fried pickles (HKD60), chicken tenders (HKD110), and White Trash pizza (HKD199) loaded with chicken, bacon, blue cheese, jalapeño, and Doritos dust will see you singing the culinary praises of the good ol’ U S of A.
Honky Tonks Tavern, G/F, 75 Hollywood Road (enter via Man Hing Lane), Soho, Central, 9220 4344
5. Morty’s Delicatessen
Morty’s brings a slice of New York to our city, and boy, are they generous, American-sized sized slices. Morty’s specialises in deli sandwiches, and hands down, our favourite sandwich here is the legendary original Reuben (HKD145) – a tower of house-smoked pastrami, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and sauerkraut on toasted sourdough. The Reuben Challenge (HKD590) is a constant at the Wan Chai branch on Mondays after 5PM; if you manage to scarf down 1kg of Reuben meat plus fries within 30 minutes, your bill is on the house.
Morty’s Delicatessen, Shop 12–14, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, 3665 0900
Morty’s Delicatessen, Shop A–C, G/F, 8–10 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai, 3665 0890
6. Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s is a quintessential American steakhouse chain originating in Chicago in 1978. When it comes to grilling the perfect steak, Morton’s has been at the top of the game in Hong Kong for over two decades. The 24 oz porterhouse (HKD1,088), which can feed up to four diners, is a prime choice combining the tenderness of a filet mignon with the beefy flavour of a striploin. Couple the restaurant’s delicious steaks with comforting sides and desserts – we’re diehard devotees of both the creamed spinach (HKD120) and Morton’s legendary hot chocolate cake (HKD180) – a sophisticated wine list, and picture-perfect harbour views and we’ve got ourselves a restaurant that’s played host to countless special celebrations over the years.
Morton’s The Steakhouse, 4/F, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, 20 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2732 2343, book here
7. Smoke & Barrel
Smoke & Barrel is our pick when we’re seeking the best American BBQ eats to be found in Hong Kong. The restaurant’s imported wood-fired smoker, nicknamed “The Beast,” is the key to dishing out exceptional BBQ delicacies with their distinctive hearty, hickory-smoked flair. Meaty highlights of the à-la-carte menu, which has been delighting diners since the eatery’s opening in 2020, include the beef short rib (HKD688), spare ribs (HKD148/HKD288/HKD398), and pulled pork (HKD148/HKD278). The sides of mac & cheese (HKD88) and jalapeño cornbread (HKD68) with honey butter transport us straight to Texas.
Smoke & Barrel, 1/F & 2/F, Wyndham Mansion, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, 2866 2120, WhatsApp 5191 0117, book here
8. Burger Circus
A member of the Black Sheep Restaurants portfolio, Burger Circus is the personification of a vintage American diner, right down to the red leather-topped stools and servers’ white aprons and black bow ties. The burgers served up here, including our go-to American cheeseburger (HKD88), compete with the eatery’s chilli fries (HKD78), jalapeño poppers (HKD78), and milkshakes (from HKD68) to make Burger Circus a top choice for a dose of all things simple and good from the USA.
Burger Circus, G/F, 22 Hollywood Road, Central, 2878 7787
9. RightSideUp
RightSideUp is a relative newcomer to the trendy Peel Street pack, having opened in June 2024 with a charming retro American ambience that’s made it a quick hit with customers. The signature creative cocktails, like the miso sour (HKD100) and coconut old fashioned (HKD110), do not overshadow the bar’s short-but-sweet food menu. The RightSideUp wings (HKD88) come in a choice of sriracha buffalo or lemon yuzu butter, and both are delectable. We also adore the East Coast shrimp roll (HKD98) and, though not typically American, 53 Peel Street platter (HKD198), a glorious East-meets-West DIY mash-up of char siu pulled pork, toasted milk buns, pickles, fried shallot, and BBQ and ranch sauces.
RightSideUp, G/F, 53 Peel Street, Soho, Central, 3480 3019, book here
10. The Diner
Billed as Hong Kong’s only truly authentic American diner, The Diner is a particular favourite for breakfast and brunch, which is served till 4PM at the weekend. The blueberry pancakes (HKD138), breakfast burrito (HKD108), and eggs Benedict (HKD118) are daytime faves here. We’re also head over heels for the eatery’s newly unveiled loaded hash browns (from HKD98), which come topped up with the likes of garlic mayo, ranch dressing, or Buffalo and blue cheese sauces. The Diner is the type of spot you don’t want to overthink – just let yourself enjoy the overindulgence.
The Diner, G/F, Winning Centre, 48 Wyndham Street, Central, 3585 7455, book here
