Flask

Tucked behind a retro Coke vending machine inside The Press, a minimalist sandwich shop on Shaanxi South Road, Flask Bar (also known historically as Flask & The Press) is a stylish nod to Prohibition-era intrigue, reimagined in modern Shanghai. Push open the vending machine and descend through a narrow brick-lined corridor, and you emerge into a dimly lit lounge where leather upholstery, copper accents, dark wooden floorboards, and exposed concrete walls set the mood for clandestine indulgence. The ceiling is scattered with abstract floating cubes, and mirrored art and a wall of large whiskey jars serve as dramatic focal points, giving the space an immersive, otherworldly feel. Founded by bourbon enthusiasts Kevin Yu and Jackson Cheng, Flask places a strong emphasis on American bourbon and rye whiskies, paying homage to the era’s clandestine drinking culture. Unlike many local bars spotlighting single malts, Flask aims to educate patrons on the nuanced character of these spirits—smooth, flavorful, and full of personality. The cocktail menu cleverly balances edgy, locally inspired flavors—like chrysanthemum infusion, sour plum, jujube, and osmanthus—with classic, Prohibition-era templates. Drinks can be tailor-made to personal tastes, offering both familiarity and creative novelty. Originally located at 432 Shaanxi Nan Lu, Flask later relocated to 108 Xiangyang Bei Lu, still tucked behind a sandwich shop beside Beef & Liberty in Shanghai’s Xuhui District. It operates late nights—Monday through Saturday from around 7 PM until early morning, and sometimes later on weekends. The vibe is equal parts exclusive, theatrical, and sophisticated—guests sink into vintage sofas or perch at the sleek bar as top-tier mixologists craft cocktails as visually striking as they are flavorful. It’s a night out for adventurers, design lovers, and bourbon aficionados alike.