A city of mesmerising contrasts, Shanghai is a place where history whispers through art deco facades while innovation pulses through its neon-lit streets. As night falls, this metropolis transforms into a playground for discerning drinkers, with a vibrant bar scene that brims with imaginative flair and magnetic energy. From clandestine speakeasies hidden behind unassuming doors to chic rooftop lounges with sweeping skyline views, each venue presents a different narrative.
Embark on a curated bar crawl that unveils the city’s most captivating watering holes, with inventive cocktails that celebrate Shanghai’s rich cultural tapestry and its unyielding pursuit of excellence. Whether you’re seeking timeless classics or avant-garde concoctions, prepare to savour, sip, and be seduced by the city’s unparalleled charm.
6.00 p.m. – Speak Low
Previously No.32 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021 list and No.35 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2019 list, kick off your bar crawl at Speak Low, a three-level speakeasy tucked behind a sliding bookcase in a cocktail tools store. Every level of the bar affords a varying and unique cocktail experience that’s sure to impress.
For a bold start, try the Speak Low cocktail, blending Bacardi Superior, sherry, and matcha for a nicely balanced tipple, or the Chamomile Gimlet featuring gin, chamomile, apple, kiwi, and elderflower.
Speak Low
579 Fuxing Zhong Road, Huangpu, Shanghai
Opening hours: 06:00 p.m. – 02:30 a.m. daily
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7.30 p.m. – Sober Company
Sober Company extends a journey through interconnected spaces comprising Sober Kissa, a coffee- and tea-infused cocktail lounge, Sober Izakaya, a global temaki sushi bar, Sober Sakaba, a bistro with 10 Classico cocktails with a Japanese twist, and Tipsy, a hidden speakeasy you will only be granted entry if you’ve visited all the other 3 locations in the same night.
It is another Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 honouree at No. 92 and it’s safe to say you’d want to spend a substantial amount of time there to delight in the brand’s playful sophistication whilst grabbing a bite for dinner. For a drink recommendation, try the Society Penicillin, a reinvention of the classic cocktail.
Sober Company
F106 -107, F201 – F202, No.109 Yandang Road, Huangpu, Shanghai
Opening hours: 06:00 p.m. – 02:00 a.m.
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8.30 p.m. – Coa
The sibling to Coa Hong Kong (No.4 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), Coa in Shanghai fuses the Latin American edge with the city’s modern edge. Inspired by owner Jay Khan’s passion for agave spirits, Coa, now housed in a four-storey building with themed experiences on each floor, specialises in tequila- and mezcal-forward cocktails.
The Mezcal Paloma, with fresh grapefruit and a smoky twist, is a must-try. A lively Taqueria and Cantina take up the ground and second floors respectively, while the Salon is on the third floor and Mezcaleria is housed on the fourth floor. A perennial favorite, this bar frequently sees patrons lining up well before opening times.
Coa
580 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu, Shanghai
Opening hours: 06:30 p.m. – 01:00 a.m. (Tuesdays to Thursdays and Sundays), 06:30 p.m. – 02:00 a.m. (Fridays and Saturdays), closed on Mondays
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10.00 p.m. – Epic
Epic is currently No.54 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, and lives up to its name with cocktails that rightfully push boundaries as per the establishment’s slogan: “Do epic shit!”. Located in the heart of Jing’an, the bar combines theatrical presentation with cutting-edge mixology, showcasing fun and vibrant hospitality with a little mischief.
Signature drinks like the Illusionist, featuring smoked whisky and truffle-infused honey, redefine what a cocktail can be. Expect a steady crowd eager to experience its imaginative creations.
Epic
17, Gao You Lu, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Opening hours: 06:00 p.m. – 02:00 a.m.
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11.30 p.m. – KEV (Previously Bar Rouge)
Once known as the iconic Bar Rouge, KEV has reimagined itself as a sleek, contemporary venue perched high above the Bund, located on the rooftop terrace of historical building Bund 18. With stunning views of Shanghai’s Lujiazui skyline and an upscale vibe, KEV is an obvious choice for your final stop on this bar crawl and boasts a futuristic aesthetic that is both sophisticated and chic.
Sip on their signature Skyline Spritz while taking in the breathtaking panorama to end your night–a quintessential Shanghai experience not to be missed.
KEV
7/F, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Nanjing Dong Lu, Shanghai
Opening hours: 08:00 p.m. – 04:00 a.m. daily
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Featured image: @sober_company via Instagram
