Shanghai’s nights have always been a dazzling display of lights, colors, and glamour. For those seeking a unique experience, the city’s iconic bars are where the stories unfold, and the drinks flow.
NT-D Bar
508 Changle Road, Jing’an District
NT-D BAR, a dark art-themed bar on Changle Road, exudes an aesthetic atmosphere in every corner. With its bold style and photogenic decor, it’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
The four-story bar features different themes on each floor, with tropical rainforest birdcage installations, rhinoceros sculptures, minotaur statues, Madonna figures, and dynamic electrocardiograms, all showcasing creative touches and modern art’s vibrancy.
The drink menu transports you back to the classical art era, with a strong sense of artistic flair. You can even customize your cocktail based on your preferences for spiciness, sourness, sweetness, and bitterness, or try your hand at DIY mixology under the guidance of professional bartenders. On a mysterious night, NT-D BAR’s dark aesthetics await your discovery.
Bar Limbo
2nd Floor, 100 Xiangyang North Road, Xuhui District
The Catholic Church created the concept of “limbo,” a temporary abode for souls. On Xiangyang North Road, there’s a place called “Bar Limbo·Jing,” where you can dream while slightly tipsy. I dare say it’s the most beautiful floor-to-ceiling window bar in Shanghai, an absolutely stunning bar ranked No.1!
Although seemingly hidden on the second floor, stepping through the door reveals a whole new world, secretive and romantic. The expansive floor-to-ceiling windows complement the lush sycamore trees lining the street, creating a unique ambiance.
The most popular drink is “Reflection Blue,” a mesmerizing “Aurora Cocktail” with a sweet and sour taste and a smooth, creamy flavor.
Surprisingly, the bar’s most popular snack is “Red Oil Wontons,” so delicious that it could warrant its own themed restaurant. Gather your friends and head to Limbo·Jing for a drink, where romance awaits you unexpectedly.
BOTANIC LAB
134 Nanchang Road, Huangpu District
“BOTANIC LAB,” a plant-themed bar that has captured countless hearts with the phrase “I want alcohol and coffee, flowers and perfume, love and you,” is a must-visit destination.
As the name suggests, stepping into the bar feels like stumbling into a botanist’s laboratory, with test tubes and bottles containing plant specimens, display cases showcasing perfumes and flowers, and preserved flowers scattered throughout, creating an immersive atmosphere.
BOTANIC LAB’s unique feature is its cocktails, which use naturally fermented and extracted plant ingredients, harmoniously blended and garnished with various plants, resulting in visually stunning creations.
The signature “Hawthorn Whisky Sour” is a favorite among many, perfectly combining the fruity aroma with whisky for a distinct layered taste. The bittersweet “Night Rain Plantain” is also worth trying, leaving a lingering and enchanting aftertaste. Seize the night and enjoy a drink amidst the plants.
One Day Gallery
Shop A, 15 Xiangshan Road, Huangpu District
One of Shanghai’s unique romantic charms lies in the old Western-style houses nestled among the longtang (alleyways) and sycamore trees. One Day Gallery is a hidden gem of a bar located in one such old house.
The interior maintains the gentle and restrained ambiance of the old residence while incorporating Western artistic elements. The shimmering crystal chandeliers and surrounding oil paintings create a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere, allowing you to appreciate art while enjoying a drink.
The drink menu features carefully selected wines or modified wine cocktails based on the mood of different paintings, with each drink seemingly telling a story.
Alcohol intertwined with art possesses a special allure when slightly inebriated, making it the top destination for the night.
COA
313 Jiaozhou Road, Jing’an District
COA, ranked seventh in the world and first in Asia, is hailed as the temple of agave spirits. The Shanghai branch houses over 200 varieties of tequila and mezcal, resembling a museum and a paradise for agave enthusiasts.
The bar’s interior is dominated by an industrial style, with details reflecting the rich regional characteristics.
The entire creative team hails from Hong Kong, ensuring a high degree of consistency in the menu and flavors with the Hong Kong branch, guaranteeing an authentic experience.
COA’s cocktail menu comprises classic Hong Kong drinks and brand-new Shanghai creations, offering a rich and diverse taste journey. You can also perceive the different interpretations and preferences of the bartenders, showcasing the charm of a top-ten global bar.
The Broken Dagger
B1, 93 Xiangyang North Road, Xuhui District
Hidden among the numerous bars on Xiangyang North Road, “THE BROKEN DAGGER” is a secret and understated bar that exudes a healing vibe. The menu changes with the seasons, introducing new creations and boasting the most innovative cocktail list, specializing in the flavors of everyday life.
From the graffiti-concealed entrance and Gothic-style stained glass to the thoughtful lighting and glassware, every detail reveals the designer’s dedication, evoking the feel of a European church and perfectly capturing the desired ambiance.
The mixology skills are top-notch, and the signature cocktail menu is truly intriguing. The two main sets, “Rice, Oil, Salt, Soy Sauce, Vinegar, and Tea” and “Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Indigo, Blue, and Violet,” each have their own unique and memorable characteristics, allowing you to experience the joys and sorrows of life in a single glass. Relieving anxiety and unwinding with friends over drinks is a wonderful way to relax.
Related Articles:
