Shanghai’s Liquid Kitchens: Where Cocktails Meet Culinary Alchemy

When night falls, Shanghai glows differently—lantern-lit izakayas, speakeasy bars, and tucked-away gastropubs invite you in. Here, every corner serves a new surprise: playful cocktails, smoky yakitori, fusion tapas, and neon-lit chatter. Step into the city’s after-dark dining world, where flavors and friendships flow as freely as the drinks.

Shanghai's boozy eateries are far more than just izakayas and yakitori stalls. True foodies and drinkers dine while clinking glasses at the bar counter! This time, we're tearing down the preconception that bars are solely for drinking. Instead, we're serving up the Ultimate Guide to Shanghai's Best Bar-Hopping Eats – dive straight into these bars tonight for top-notch drinks and delicious food all in one place!

• Why iconic: Asia’s top agave temple (ranked #85 Asia’s 50 Best 2025), housing 300+ tequila/mezcal varieties—from rare vintage bottles to "worm-infused" spirits.

• Must-try:

  • Crimson Swirl: Chili-infused mezcal + strawberry + Chinese black vinegar (¥120).

  • Melon Mirage: Butter-washed mezcal with Longjing tea & mint (¥130).

• Vibe: 4-floor Mexican journey—from taco shack (1F) to "agave museum" (4F, by appointment).

• Address: 2/F, 98 Yan’an East Rd (near The Bund). Metro: Line 10 → Yuyuan Rd Exit 1.

• Booking: Reserve via WeChat "COAShanghai" (walk-ins wait 1-2 hrs).

Having ranked fifth in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants in 2021, Sober Company returned to the scene at INS New Paradise in autumn 2023 and climbed to 81st place this year, maintaining its formidable standing. The 400-square-metre dual-level space is divided into four distinct zones, crafting an immersive journey from sobriety to gentle intoxication. Each floor features unique drink and food menus, offering a culinary voyage around the globe!

• Concept: 3-in-1 space—café (1F), jazz bar (2F), speakeasy (3F "Sober Society").

• Hidden gem: Order "Sakura Smoke" in the speakeasy—cognac poured over cherry wood ice.

  TIPSY's hidden bar also serves top-notch fare: their Wagyu steak sandwich features Japanese spicy soy sauce and mustard seeds, with beef so tender it practically melts in your mouth, while the sauce delivers a savoury, well-balanced flavour. Their Wagyu ramen boasts a Pu'er tea broth base, tender Wagyu beef, and mushrooms with a rich, umami depth. Each sip of the broth is so deliciously warming it washes away any lingering tipsiness.

• Address: 99 Yandang Rd (Huangpu). Metro: Line 1 → South Huangpi Rd Exit 3.

Pony Up on Jinxian Road, having opened less than two years ago, has shot straight into 97th place on the Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list. Beyond its intriguing bar concept and flavourful drinks menu, its food offerings are equally outstanding.

• Rising star: Debuted at #97 Asia’s 50 Best 2025.

• Theme: Horse-racing cocktails + afternoon drinking (opens 1 PM!).

• Must-try:

  • ENABLE: Wine-like cocktail with brandy & guava (zero grape used!) (¥110).

  • Pepper Smash: Tequila + Chinese yellow wine + soy sauce (¥95).

• Address: 230 Jinxian Rd (Jing’an). Metro: Line 1/10/12 → South Shaanxi Rd Exit 4.

The newly launched tea and spirits venue Mantang by Bar Choice centres on the concept of “terroir”, weaving West Lake Longjing tea into its cocktails and Chinese cuisine. It artfully transports the poetic essence of the West Lake shores to the banks of the Huangpu River.

• Signature dish: Drunken Crab Roe Noodles—shaoxing wine-marinated crab roe over hand-pulled noodles (¥188).

• Drink pairing: Jasmine Gin Sour (¥78) cuts through richness.

• Address: 88 Julu Rd (Jing’an). Metro: Line 2/7 → Jing’an Temple Exit 8.

The menu showcases fresh Minnan flavors with clever twists. First-harvest seaweed from Xiapu, Fujian, is tangy and appetizing, great with congee or drinks. Smoked pork intestine with century egg is smoky and rich, perfect with strong liquor. Green olive–marinated pork is tender, fried and coated in a secret sauce—irresistible.

• Concept: "Shanghai tapas"—lobster dumplings in champagne broth (¥158) + truffle beef "jianbing" (¥98).

• Hidden menu: Whisper "Night Market Skewers" for spicy lamb sticks (¥45).

• Address: B1, 1230 Huaihai Middle Rd (Xuhui). Metro: Line 10 → South Shaanxi Rd Exit 6.

The must-try braised platter is the soul of the menu—richly flavored and perfect with satay sauce and drinks. Mom’s homemade dumplings are warm and comforting, with thin skins and hearty fillings. Crispy fried chicken thighs are juicy and fragrant, a perfect pairing with Minnan-style snacks and drinks.

• Vibe: 1930s apothecary with "medicine cabinet" cocktail lists.

• Must-try: Five-Spice Old Fashioned—whiskey infused with star anise & cinnamon (¥92).

• Food highlight: Cognac-Glazed Duck Breast with hawthorn reduction (¥210).

• Address: 55 Sinan Rd (Huangpu). Metro: Line 13 → Madang Rd Exit 1.

This establishment neighbours the renowned Shanghai bar Speak Low and stands as the fourth member of SG GROUP Shanghai. It traces its origins to Swrl., the celebrated wine and cocktail bar in Tokyo's Shingo Gokan district. It's worth noting that its Hakata-style cold noodles have earned rave reviews online, with diners declaring them the ultimate cold noodle experience.

• Theme: ØZI concert-inspired pop-up (through Oct 2025)—vinyl records spin R&B tunes while neon lights pulse.

• Signature: Paranoia cocktail—lychee gin + butterfly pea foam (¥105, named after ØZI’s League of Legends song).

• Address: 7F, 158 Julu Rd (Jing’an). Metro: Line 2/7 → Jing’an Temple Exit 10.

1. Beat Crowds:

   • COA: Go Sundays—4F tasting room opens without appointment.

   • Pony Up: Afternoon slots (1-5 PM) avoid evening rushes 3.

2. Secret Orders:

   • At Sober Company, say "I seek the key" for speakeasy access.

   • At 宝物, request "Herbal Remedy No. 8" for a bespoke cocktail.

3. Budget Hack:

   • Food over drinks: 满堂’s noodles portion feeds two—split dish + drink.

4. Avoid:

   • Fridays at SWIRL—concert nights demand ¥200 cover charges 9.

   • Cash at COA (card/Alipay only).

• Anfu Road & Wukang Road: Perfect for pre- or post-drinks strolls, boutique shops, and indie coffee corners.

• Fumin Road & Changle Road: Known for buzzing nightlife and trendy restaurants.

• Xintiandi & Fuxing Park: Upscale dining and historic architecture, walkable from some bars.

Shanghai’s foodie bars are more than just drinks and snacks. Cheers at the bar while savoring every bite—that’s how true lovers of good booze and great food do it. With this guide, ditch the idea that bars are just for drinking, and dive straight into Shanghai’s best spots where cocktails, bites, and unforgettable nights come together in one seamless experience.