Hey travelers, let’s cut the fluff. If you’re heading to Shanghai and think “nightlife” only means sky-high rooftop bars or tourist traps, think again. As someone who’s wandered these streets for years—late nights, sticky floors, and way too many cocktail napkins stained with ink from scribbling my thoughts—I’m here to spill the real tea (or should I say, baijiu?) on the city’s best shanghai bistros. These aren’t just bars; they’re love letters to creativity, culture, and good old-fashioned fun. Whether you’re a cocktail nerd, a tea enthusiast, or just someone who likes sipping something tasty while people-watching, this list has your name on it. No ads, no filters—just my honest take on the spots I drag my friends to every time I’m back.
What Makes a Great Shanghai Bistro?
First off, let’s get real: a bistro in Shanghai isn’t just a place to drink. It’s a vibe. Maybe it’s a tiny corner spot in the French Concession where the bartender remembers your name (and your go-to order). Or a themed wonderland where every sip ties into a story—like a mazcal cocktail inspired by Oaxacan folklore, or a tea-based drink that tastes like your grandma’s garden. Shanghai’s bistros are all about heart. They’re run by passionate people—mixologists who treat cocktails like art, chefs who turn small plates into adventures, and owners who pour their souls into every detail. And trust me, that passion shows.
Themed Bistros: Where Imagination Meets the Menu
Let’s start with the fun stuff. Themed bistros are my jam—they turn a night out into an experience. Here are my top picks for places where the concept is as delicious as the drinks.
1. The Odd Couple (SG Group)
If you’re a 90s kid (or just love retro vibes), this SG Group gem is your happy place. Imagine: neon lights, a jukebox blaring 80s hits, and walls covered in pixelated art straight out of Pac-Man. The theme? Classic arcade games. But don’t let the nostalgia fool you—the drinks are serious. My go-to is the Coffee Vesper: espresso-infused vodka, Lillet Blanc, and a twist of lemon. It’s bitter-sweet, just like my teenage years (but way more delicious). Pro tip: Ask the bartenders for their “secret” game-themed cocktail—they’ll whip up something fun if you’re nice. Oh, and the fries? Crispy, salty, and perfect for soaking up the alcohol.
2. Pony Up
Horse lovers, rejoice. This Mid-Autumn Festival-themed bistro (yes, really!) is equal parts cute and cozy. The walls are covered in vintage posters of racehorses, and there’s a life-sized model of a thoroughbred named “Lucky” grazing by the bar. But the star? The food. Their beef sandwich is unreal—slow-cooked brisket, caramelized onions, and a secret sauce that makes you want to lick the plate. Pair it with a glass of Malbec, and you’ve got heaven. Bonus: Afternoon “happy hour” (3-6 PM) means $5 drinks and half-price sandwiches. Perfect for a pre-dinner warm-up.
3. Sugar Area
Calling all rum fans—this is your happy place. Sugar Area is a tropical escape hidden in a quiet lane off Fuxing Road. The decor? Think palm fronds, rattan chairs, and a wall of rum bottles that glows like a neon waterfall. The drinks? Let’s just say they’re creative. My favorite is the “Rum Rebellion”: dark rum, lime, and a dash of chili syrup. It’s spicy, sweet, and strong enough to make you forget your 9 AM meeting (but in a good way). And if you’re feeling brave, try their “Rum Flight”—six mini pours, each with a different flavor profile. Pro tip: Check out their weekly “Rum Tasting Nights” (Fridays) where the bartenders teach you how to mix like a pro.
Classic Cocktail Bars: Mixology with a Side of History
Not all heroics happen in themed spots. Some of Shanghai’s best bistros are quiet, unassuming, and dead serious about their craft. These are the places where mixologists treat cocktails like fine art—and they’re worth every yuan.
1. COA
If you’re a tequila or mezcal fan, stop reading and go here. COA is run by Robin, a former core member of COA Hong Kong, and his team. The bar feels like a cozy Mexican cantina—think exposed brick, string lights, and shelves lined with artisanal mezcal bottles. The menu? A love letter to Oaxaca. My personal favorite is the “Mezcal Sour Reimagined”: smoky mezcal, fresh lime, egg white, and a dash of chile de árbol syrup. It’s creamy, spicy, and has the perfect balance of bold and bright. Robin once told me, “A great cocktail tells a story.” At COA, every sip does—whether it’s a classic margarita or a wild experimental blend.
2. 12-Bar Blues
Music lovers, this one’s for you. 12-Bar Blues is exactly what it sounds like: a bar built around 12 iconic blues riffs. Each drink is named after a song—from “Sweet Home Chicago” (bourbon, maple, and blackberry) to “Stormy Monday” (gin, lemon, and a hint of smoke). The bartenders are musicians themselves—they’ll even play a tune on the piano if you ask nicely. My friend once said, “It’s like drinking in a jazz club, but with better snacks.” (She’s not wrong—their truffle popcorn is life-changing.)
3. The Tuxedo
If you’re into mazcal, this is your spiritual home. The Tuxedo’s menu reads like a love letter to Oaxacan culture: there’s “Tia Mia” (a smoky mezcal cocktail with pineapple and chili) and “La Llorona” (a spicy blend of tequila, grapefruit, and lime). The star, though, is the “Oaxacan Old Fashioned”—mezcal, tequila, agave syrup, and a dash of chocolate bitters. It’s rich, complex, and tastes like a campfire in a glass. Oh, and don’t miss the small plates: their chapulines (grasshopper) tacos are crispy, spicy, and surprisingly addictive.
Tea & Wine Bistros: Sips with a Side of Culture
Shanghai’s relationship with tea is deep—so it’s no surprise that some of the city’s coolest bistros blend it with wine, spirits, and creativity. These spots are perfect if you want something elegant but not stuffy.
1. HEDWIG (山海经主题)
Named after the ancient Chinese text Classic of Mountains and Seas, HEDWIG is a fairy-tale come to life. The bar is decked out in vintage maps, antique books, and a giant paper dragon coiled around the ceiling. The menu? A playful take on Chinese mythology. My favorite drink is “Jingwei Filling the Sea”: green tea-infused gin, lychee, and a splash of soda. It’s light, floral, and tastes like a summer breeze. The owner, a cat lover, has a resident feline named “Mao” who wanders the bar like a tiny sommelier. Pro tip: Try the “Eight Immortals” platter—eight small plates, each inspired by a mythological figure. My pick? The “Dragon’s Pearl” (truffle-infused tofu).
2. Bar Choice (满堂by Bar Choice)
If you’re a tea fanatic, this new bistro in the French Concession will blow your mind. Bar Choice’s sister spot, Bar Choice, is known for its tea cocktails, but this new location takes it up a notch with a West Lake Dragon Well theme. The walls are painted with ink-wash paintings of West Lake, and the menu features teas from Zhejiang province. My must-try is the “West Lake Dragon Well Highball”: Longjing tea, gin, and a slice of cucumber. It’s crisp, refreshing, and tastes like biting into a fresh spring pea. And don’t skip the food: their “West Lake Vinegar Fish” (a classic Hangzhou dish) is light, tangy, and perfect with a glass of Riesling.
3. Suzu
Suzu is the kind of place you want to take your parents when they visit—elegant, understated, and full of charm. Run by a Japanese mixologist, it’s a love letter to omakase-style drinking. The menu changes weekly, but you can always count on fresh, seasonal ingredients. My favorite was a sake-based cocktail with yuzu and shiso leaf—bright, zesty, and totally unique. The small plates are equally impressive: think tako wasabi (marinated octopus with wasabi) and uni toast (sea urchin on sourdough). Pro tip: Book a table by the window—you’ll get a view of the tree-lined street, which glows like a movie set at night.
Affordable Bistros: Sip Smart, Drink Happy
Let’s be real—not everyone wants to drop $50 on a cocktail. Shanghai has plenty of bistros where you can drink well without emptying your wallet. These are my go-to spots for a fun, budget-friendly night out.
1. Blac Blac (新天地)
Blac Blac is the definition of “hidden gem.” Tucked away in a basement in Xintiandi, this spot offers 90 yuan for 3 hours of unlimited wine. Yes, you read that right—unlimited red and white wine (plus snacks like chips and nuts). It’s the perfect spot for a girls’ night or a casual drink with friends. The vibe? Chill, laid-back, and full of locals. Pro tip: Go on a Thursday—they have live jazz from 8 PM to 10 PM.
2. Reply
Reply is the kind of place you stumble into and never want to leave. Housed in a tiny lane in the French Concession, it’s known for its “mystery” cocktails—you tell the bartender your mood, and they mix something up. My last drink? A “Sunset in the French Concession” (gin, elderflower liqueur, and a splash of soda). It was pink, fizzy, and tasted like a dream. And if you’re lucky, they might bring out a free gelato—my friend once got a mango sorbet that was life-changing.
3. Matto
Matto is a natural wine lover’s paradise. With 88 yuan cocktails (yes, that affordable) and a bottle list that’s half the price of most bars, it’s a no-brainer for budget-conscious drinkers. The space is cozy—exposed brick, mismatched chairs, and a shelf of vintage wine barrels. My favorite cocktail is the “Elderflower Fizz” (prosecco, elderflowers, and a twist of lemon). It’s light, floral, and perfect for a warm summer evening. And don’t miss their pizza—wood-fired, thin-crust, and topped with truffle honey. Divine.
Final Tips for Bistro Hopping in Shanghai
Now that you’ve got the list, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Timing is everything: Most bistros get busy on weekends (Fri-Sat), so aim for weeknights if you want a quieter vibe. Many open around 6 PM and stay open until 2 AM (or later!).
- Walk or take the metro: Shanghai’s best bistros are scattered across the French Concession, Xintiandi, and the Bund. Walking or taking the metro (lines 10, 12, or 13 are great for the French Concession) is the easiest way to hop between spots.
- Talk to the staff: Bartenders in Shanghai are usually happy to chat—they’ll recommend drinks based on your taste, and might even share behind-the-scenes stories about the bar.
- Cash is (sometimes) king: While most spots take WeChat Pay or Alipay, it’s good to have a little cash on hand for smaller bistros or late-night snacks.
Wrapping Up
Shanghai’s bistro scene is a melting pot of creativity, culture, and good vibes. Whether you’re sipping a mezcal cocktail in a mexican cantina, a tea highball in a west lake-inspired hideaway, or a $3 glass of wine in a basement, you’re not just drinking—you’re experiencing the heart of the city. So grab your friends, put on your comfiest shoes, and get ready to explore. And remember: the best stories start with a sip.
Cheers,
Your friendly neighborhood travel blogger 🍸✨
P.S. Got a favorite Shanghai bistro I missed? Drop it in the comments—I’m always hunting for new spots!
