The best bars to visit in Shanghai

Shanghai is a playground for bar and drinks enthusiasts, and fast on its way to becoming a mecca of modern cocktail culture alongside London, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.

Whether you’re keen on tipples that champion local ingredients and Chinese flavours, or creative libations boasting the global bar scene’s most innovative methods, the menus you’ll find in the Paris of the East are anything but ordinary.

From internationally renowned speakeasies and award-winning neighborhood bars to edgy dives and hidden gems, these are some of Shanghai’s best bars to visit on your next night out.

1. The Union Trading Company

American Southern hospitality, a lively atmosphere and exceptional craft cocktails await at this longstanding and fiercely loved neighborhood bar. 

Previously ranked on The World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars lists, The Union Trading Company is adored by locals and out-of-town visitors for its memorable signature drinks, great music and welcoming, knowledgeable staff. If you only have one drink, make it the sour and smoky South China Iced Tea – an award-winning cocktail from the bar’s co-founder Yao Lu.  

2. Pony Up

Jump in the saddle for a lineup of unexpected twists on classics at this casual yet refined cocktail joint. Each of Pony Up ’s signature drinks is inspired by a namesake racing horse, with a clever blend of ingredients and flavours from the city it represents. 

The Singapore-inspired Rocket Man is both complex and savoury, combining Scotch and rum with umeshu, black garlic, chamomile tea and bak kut teh spices. When you’re nearing the night’s finish line, order the homemade chocolate chip cookies with hojicha milk foam for a first-place finish.

3. Healer

If you’re interested in exploring Chinese spirits, Healer is the place to be. This unique bar celebrates the Chinese Mainland’s drinking heritage and history through a modern cocktail lens. It is also a wonderful spot to discover countless wines and liquors you’re unlikely to have come across before and won’t find anywhere else.

Try the Mandarin, a twist on the classic Negroni featuring the country’s iconic baijiu, Campari, and kumis (a drink made from fermented horse-milk). Hot tip: pair a visit to the bar with excellent Shanghainese cuisine at Old Jesse just across the street.

4. Lucky Mart

This charming watering hole stays true to its “Highballs & Konbini” tagline with a simple menu of whiskey (or sake) and soda water iterations, as well as Japanese convenience store-inspired snacks. 

Pull up a stool, grab a no-frills House Highball and slurp on a Cup Noodle with your choice of accoutrements – and don’t be afraid to ask for more of their addictive furikake popcorn. Look out for the flavours of the month and the lineup of DJs, many from Tokyo. Best of all, it’s open till 4am.

5. Speak Low

Arguably the city’s most famous bar, this sophisticated Shanghai speakeasy from Shingo Gokan embodies the internationally renowned bartender’s ethos: American-style drinks, Japanese-style service and award-winning results.

Find the entrance inside a bar supply shop on Fuxing Road to discover a multi-storey temple of fabulous drinks, meticulous service and a trendy crowd. Busy seven days a week, it can be hard to get in even if you know how. Don’t miss signature classics including Pandan Milk Punch and Parmesan Sour. 

6. Specters

One of the last remaining spaces from Shanghai’s original punk scene (and now home to a growing neo-punk movement), Specters  is a venerable dive bar with a big personality. 

On any given night you’ll find an eclectic crowd of drinkers, dancers and foosball players with a shared love of alternative living amid Shanghai’s boom in luxury developments. You won’t find any pretentious pours here – just standard mixed drinks, beers, Fireball shots, as well as good company and vibrant tunes courtesy of a weekly lineup of live bands, artists and DJs.

7. Epic

Don’t be fooled by the historic lane house façade on quaint and quiet Wukang Road – it’s all funky disco vibes and karaoke-worthy playlists inside this legendary bar in Shanghai’s Old French Concession. 

Their motto, “Do EPIC Sh*t,” can be seen in its highly creative cocktail menu, the great vibes and the warm hospitality, served up by high-spirited staff. Not sure what to order? Just ask one of Epic’s skilled bartenders for a bespoke cocktail.

8. Bar Blanc

With only a dozen or so coveted seats in a sleek and warmly lit setting, the pocket-sized Bar Blanc on bustling Julu Road flawlessly executes its humble concept: a frequently rotating menu of deliciously minimal and uncomplicated drinks, served with absolute precision and speed. Intimate and impressive, Bar Blanc is the perfect date-night spot. Sometimes life is about simple things done right.