Why Bother Trying to Pick the ‘Best’ Bars in Shanghai? (Spoiler: It’s Not Easy)

Let’s be real: Shanghai is a city where even the street vendors sell better cocktails than your last ex’s cooking. But picking the “best bars” is like trying to choose your favorite type of pain—no one wants to, but someone has to. Enter this guide, where we’ll save you from the existential crisis of scrolling through 5000 WeChat reviews and instead hand you a curated list of Shanghai’s most legendary watering holes. Bonus: we’ll even throw in tips on how to order a drink without ending up with a 30% alcohol-free “mocktail.”

Top 6 Shanghai Bars That Won’t Judge Your Life Choices

1. The Blind Pig (Hongkou District)

If you’re looking for a place where the bartender actually knows what a “dram” is and the lighting is just dim enough to hide your hangover, The Blind Pig is your spiritual home. They serve a peppercorn-infused Old Fashioned that tastes like it was made by a mad scientist with a PhD in flavor alchemy. Pro tip: Order the “Shanghai Special” and don’t question the three types of bitters in it. It’s either genius or regret, and you won’t know until it’s too late.

2. The Shanghai Bar (Pudong, The Peninsula Hotel)

Want to feel like a Bond villain with none of the moral ambiguity? The Shanghai Bar’s 89th-floor view of the city skyline is the ultimate flex. Their Lychee Martini is sweet enough to make your dentist weep, but hey, it’s Pudong. Who’s counting calories when you’re 300 meters above the chaos?

3. The Nest (Shangxianglu)

A hidden gem in the French Concession, The Nest is the type of bar where the menu is written in hieroglyphics (just kidding, it’s in English) and the bartender will quiz you on your wine knowledge. Their Duck Fat Margarita is a dare—order it and see if you can handle the heat.

4. Bar Rouge (Xuhui District)

Bar Rouge is the go-to spot for when you want to pretend you’re in Paris but forgot your French. The Blackcurrant Sidecar is as bold as a Shanghai Uber driver, and the ambiance is just right for that “I look like I belong in a film noir” vibe.

5. The Drift (Putuo District)

If you’re the type of person who needs to know the provenance of your olive brine, The Drift is your new best friend. Their Smoked Maple Bourbon is a masterclass in flavor. Just don’t ask for a “splash of water” unless you’re ready for a lecture on mineral content.

6. The Bar at Lujiazui (Lujiazui, Pudong)

For when you want to feel like you’re drinking in a spaceship. The Dragonfruit Mojito here is so sweet, it’ll make you re-evaluate your entire life. Just don’t mention the 30-minute wait for a table. We’ll pretend you’re a VIP.

Why These Bars (and Not the 9999 Others?)

Let’s cut through the hype: we narrowed it down by doing what all good bar reviewers do—listening to the people. Our sources? A mix of locals who’ve survived Shanghai’s bar scene for over a decade, expats who’ve tried every Tiki bar in Xuhui, and a guy who once ordered 12 different variations of a Negroni just to prove a point. The result? A list of bars that balance quality, ambiance, and the kind of service that makes you forget your life is a dumpster fire.

Pro Tips for Ordering Drinks Like a Local

• Don’t ask for “something strong.” You’ll get a drink that’s strong enough to knock out your waiter. Instead, ask for a “balanced cocktail” and hope for the best.
• Order by the “experience”, not the price. A $50 drink at The Shanghai Bar is worth it if it makes you feel like a Bond villain for a night.
• Ask for a “house recommendation.” If the bartender says “The Blind Pig Special,” just go with it. You’re not here to negotiate.

FAQ: Because You Probably Have Questions

1. Is it weird to visit all these bars in one night?

Yes. But if you’re weird enough to try it, you’ve already lost. Stick to one bar per night unless you’re 90% liquid by 9 PM.

2. Can I use WeChat Pay to order drinks?

Yes, but your wallet might weep when you see the total. Ordering custom beer is cheaper if you’re into that whole “saving money” thing.

3. What’s the dress code for Shanghai bars?

“Smart casual” means “not your gym clothes.” If you’re unsure, wear something that wouldn’t make a bartender side-eye you. Pro tip: A leather jacket always works, even if it’s from H&M.

Why You Should Care About These Bars (and What They Can Do for You)

Let’s face it: you’re here because you want to feel like you’re living the Shanghai dream. These bars don’t just serve drinks—they serve experiences. The Blind Pig will make you feel like you’re in a spy movie. The Shanghai Bar will make you question your life choices. And The Nest? It’ll make you wonder if you’ve been living in the wrong city your whole life.

But here’s the kicker: if you’re a business owner (or just someone with a side hustle), these bars are prime real estate for networking. Need to pitch a client? Do it at The Drift. Looking to meet potential investors? The Shanghai Bar’s your stage. Contact us if you want to turn your bar into a Shanghai legend.

Final Call to Action: Stop Reading, Start Drinking

There’s only one thing left to do: get out there and try these bars. Whether you’re sipping a Dragonfruit Mojito at The Bar at Lujiazui or pretending to be a Bond villain at The Shanghai Bar, remember: life’s too short for bad cocktails.

Want more Shanghai bar secrets? Check out our full guide to the city’s best drinking spots. And if you’re thinking of making your own beer, we’ve got you covered. Prost!

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