Whether you’re planning a romantic date with your crush or a cozy get-together with your besties, these trendy and diverse Shanghai bars are your go-to destinations!
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to six unique bars that you absolutely must check out!
DENTREE – A Sustainable Development Themed Bar
Rémy Cointreau Group has partnered with Spirits Architects to create their first global sustainable development themed bar, “DENTREE,” located in Shanghai. “DENTREE” not only offers a variety of innovative drinks, cocktails, and delicacies but also explores and interprets the practice of sustainability in the food and beverage industry in a fresh way.
It also provides consumers with exceptional offerings from the Rémy Cointreau Group, perfectly showcasing their pioneering concepts and unique flavors.
“DENTREE” is situated in a distinctive architectural redevelopment park.
The bar’s decor significantly reduces the use of building materials and opts for natural, sustainable materials whenever possible.
“DENTREE” also shares a vibrant rooftop garden with the community, helping the bar achieve partial self-sufficiency in ingredient supply.
Moreover, “DENTREE” carefully prepares non-alcoholic beverages and a variety of creative snacks, most of which are made from local ingredients and processed sustainably to minimize waste.
“DENTREE” sources coffee and tea from local farms and harvests ingredients from the shared rooftop garden for side dishes, adding local flavors and unique experiences to “DENTREE’s” dining offerings.
Address: Floor 1, Building 1, Ankeng, Lane 465, Zhenning Road
SHIMANTO – Creative Yakitori Bar
Nestled in a bustling corner of Daxue Road, the newly opened bar “SHIMANTO” takes its name from the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, known as “Japan’s last clear stream.”
The name evokes a sense of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle, a world apart from the ordinary.
A small lantern shaped like a broken bottle hangs beneath the eaves of the green-tiled sloping roof, guiding guests through the door and instantly transporting them to Japan.
“SHIMANTO” is a creative yakitori bar where the yakitori skills of head chef Zhong are unforgettable. Juicy tsukune (chicken meatballs), succulent pigeon legs, shiso plum meat, mentaiko zucchini, chicken gizzard and heart, and gooey cheese tteokbokki—before you know it, you’ve ordered everything on the menu.
At the enigmatic “SHIMANTO,” there’s no need to dwell on whether the yakitori or the drinks are the “servant” in the relationship; they complement each other perfectly.
Whether you prefer sake, whiskey, or cocktails, you can share your specific thoughts and preferences with the bartender, and they’ll satisfy both your taste buds and your visual cravings. After work, enjoy a few drinks until you’re pleasantly tipsy before heading home—a perfect end to the day.
Address: 30-48 Jinchuang Road
Fushu – A Chinese Scholarly Atmosphere Bar
Nanchang Road, a rather low-key street in Shanghai, has recently gained attention thanks to the emergence of several interesting new spots, such as the youth tea house Kaiji and the trendy cinnamon roll shop Sloppy Gin.
The newly opened “Fushu” on Nanchang Road is also quite stylish. It’s a quiet bar with a classical Chinese flair.
The entrance is small and easy to miss, but once you step inside, you’ll discover a hidden gem.
Paintings hanging on the walls, floral arrangements adorning various corners, dark wooden tables and chairs, screens, bamboo curtains, and even the menu design—elegant Chinese classical elements decorate every nook and cranny.
After sunset, take refuge in this cozy space, brimming with charm, for a lazy and warm evening.
“Fushu” specializes in wine-based cocktails, bestowing poetic Chinese names upon its creations.
The recommended hot drink “Peony Beneath” has a unique flavor, with an entire peony flower infused in the wine, filling it with fragrance.
The first sip is slightly astringent, followed by a warm, sweet, and sour sensation. “Pressing the Milky Way,” “Intoxicated,” and “Misty Rain” are also noteworthy.
Address: 92 Nanchang Road
SSOM – Seoul-style Coffee and Bar
The newly opened “SSOM” is another destination worth visiting on Nanchang Road for a slight buzz.
This Seoul-style establishment, owned by a Korean proprietor, functions as a daytime café (the Americano paired with Haribo gummy bears is excellent) and a nighttime bar.
The interior design is dominated by an industrial concrete style, featuring textured walls and a bold red and black color scheme.
With well-placed lighting and music, the atmosphere is incredibly chill, mysterious, and romantic.
“SSOM” specializes in natural wines, boasting an extensive wine list. The bar snacks at “SSOM” are also carefully crafted, with the ham and cheese balls being highly recommended.
If you’re not fond of alcohol, you can try “SSOM’s” homemade grapefruit tea, which is sweet and delightful. Interestingly, you can doodle on your wine glass with a marker and store it at the bar, ensuring that you have your own dedicated glass for future visits.
Address: 96 Nanchang Road
One Day Gallery – A Drink, A Painting
On the tranquil Xiangshan Road, “One Day Gallery” is a favorite among “art enthusiasts and wine lovers.” At the entrance, two small illuminated trees welcome you.
As you step inside, an array of paintings from various schools adorn the walls along the narrow space of the bar.
At the far end, there’s a small open-air courtyard where classic movies are occasionally screened on clear, pleasant days.
This is a niche, gallery-style quiet bar. In addition to the gallery-like ambiance of the interior design, each drink on the menu corresponds to a specific painting and poem.
While mulled red wine is common, at “One Day Gallery,” you can savor a warm white wine with a delicate, smooth, and sweet aftertaste. Under the hazy glow of the lights, “Reunion,” “Madrid,” watching movies, and engaging in quiet conversations—a romance exclusive to the night.
Address: No. 15 Xiangshan Road, Ruijin 2nd Road
Keep It Quiet Bar – A “Cultural Venue” in the Bar Scene
Located within the Yongfu Huiyuan at No. 200 Yongfu Road, “Keep It Quiet Bar” is the enchanting nighttime melody of Yongfu Hui’s garden and a definite “cultural venue” in Shanghai’s bar scene.
The bar adheres to humanistic contemplation and a pioneering spirit, hosting contemporary and classical music, dance theater, film screenings, cultural dialogues, experimental art exhibitions, and other forward-thinking cultural events.
The winding path leads to a secluded spot, where ancient trees, green willows, porcelain, and an open-air courtyard exude an antique charm.
Whether you’re alone or with a few good friends, sit quietly, listen to live performances or watch an outdoor movie, and quietly appreciate the bartender’s impromptu creations while sipping on the fragrant wine.
The mellow fragrance and the sparse shadows create an intoxicating atmosphere, even if the alcohol itself doesn’t. These experiences, hidden within a century-old foreign-style building, provide a temporary and poetic haven for Shanghai’s art and literature enthusiasts.
Address: Inside Yongfu Hui, No. 200 Yongfu Road
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