Top Bars in Shanghai – Most Viewed (2025)

Speak Low is Shanghai’s quintessential multi‑level speakeasy sensation, masterminded by award‑winning bartender Shingo Gokan. Disguised behind the OCHO cocktail‑equipment boutique at 579 Fuxing Zhong Lu, the entrance opens via a sliding bookshelf—ushering guests into progressively secret and sophisticated drinking rooms Cocktails typically range from ~¥75–¥120 (≈US $11–19), reflecting their creativity and performance—like bacon‑flambéed Old Fashioneds, Thai tea Rum drinks, and matcha‑sherry fusions. Internationally acclaimed, Speak Low earned a spot (#50) on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2022 and ranked #35 in the 2019 World list. It marries Japanese precision, New York charisma, and Shanghai flair in every level—offering a layered, interactive cocktail journey.

FLAIR Rooftop Restaurant & Bar crowns The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, perched on the 58th floor of the IFC Tower. Since its 2010 launch and recent 2023 makeover, it’s widely acclaimed as the highest outdoor dining venue in China, offering jaw-dropping vistas of the Huangpu River, Oriental Pearl Tower, Bund, and Pudong skyline. The design blends loft-style, rustic contemporary interiors—dark woods, marble bars, metal lattices—with a multi-level terrace outfitted with lounge sofas and bar stools, ensuring all 232 seats (100 indoor, 132 outdoor) grant stunning views. Cuisine is a modern, pan-Asian journey crafted by Malaysian Chef Simone Yapp, spanning Singapore, Vietnam, India, China, Indonesia, and Japan—think wagyu samosas, Penang-style noodles, sushi, satay skewers. The drinks list excels with signature cocktails, over 40 vodkas, small-distillery rums, and champagnes—average cocktail prices hover near $29. Opening hours: lunch (Mon–Fri), afternoon tea (weekends), and dinner/bar nightly until 2 AM (1 AM Mon-Thurs). It caters to varied moods: business lunches, champagne brunches, afternoon tea, romantic dinners, and sunset cocktails. VIP day-bed packages with Ruinart and fruit platters add luxury to evening curves. Ambience is upscale yet relaxed, with a smart-casual dress code. It’s a hotspot among locals and expats; Reddit-forward, FLAIR is championed as "my favourite rooftop bar in the world" for ambiance, view, and high-end appeal. Ideal for those seeking high-altitude glam, inventive Asian-fusion bites, and premium drinks in a panoramic setting.

The Odd Couple is a standout cocktail bar nestled in Shanghai's vibrant Xintiandi district. Established in November 2018, it's the brainchild of renowned bartenders Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider. Gokan, known for his work at Speak Low and Sober Company, and Schneider, famed for New York's Employees Only, bring their distinct styles together in this collaborative venture.​ The bar's concept revolves around a playful duality, with a menu split between the two founders' unique interpretations of shared flavor profiles. This approach allows patrons to experience contrasting yet complementary cocktails, such as the 'Speak Loud'—a rum-infused milk tea with boba—and the 'Midnight Coffee Vesper,' a twist on the classic Espresso Martini.​ Stepping into The Odd Couple is like entering a retro-futuristic arcade. The interior boasts vibrant neon lights, silver compact discs adorning the walls, and projections of classic games like Pac-Man, creating an ambiance reminiscent of the 1980s' vision of the future. The space is intimate, with a narrow layout that encourages interaction and offers close-up views of the bartenders' craft.​ Operating daily from 6 PM to 4 AM, The Odd Couple has garnered acclaim, including a spot on Asia's 50 Best Bars list. It's a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts seeking innovative drinks in a uniquely themed environment.

Since opening in 2014, Epic has become a cornerstone of Shanghai’s craft cocktail movement, helmed by celebrated bartender Cross Yu. Nestled in the French Concession at Gaoyou Road, it sprawls across three floors filled with retro charm, city-style street art, and underground disco beats—creating a cozy, offbeat retreat where whimsy and warmth collide. Epic is unapologetically playful. The decor—exposed brick, vintage furnishings, neon signage, and murals by house artist “Ben”—sets the stage for a sensory experience that’s part speakeasy, part living room, part street gallery. Its disco‑funk soundtrack pulses through the space, making it as nostalgic as it is alive—a space that feels like your favorite after-hours home. Cocktail creativity runs deep. The menu defies predictability—centered around themes like astrology (e.g., Gemini Feel Good)—but Epic shines brightest in bespoke service. Half of the guests leave drink creation up to the bartender; the recipes are jotted on napkin backs, signed with guest’s name, and ready to be shown again when they reconnect with a taste of Shanghai. Epic’s reputation goes beyond flair—it earned the Campari One To Watch award in 2021 and ranked No. 41 in the World’s 50 Best Bars list the same year, marking it as the first bar from mainland China to receive that recognition. Despite the accolades, reviewers still praise its friendly, laid-back service. Many highlight the cozy vibe, street‑art visuals, and neighborhood‑named creative cocktails, while complimentary snacks and genuine hospitality elevate the experience. In essence, Epic isn’t just a night out—it’s a statement. A place where bar design, music, storytelling, and cocktail craft fuse into one memorable, living experience.

Union Trading Company is a celebrated cocktail bar located in Shanghai's Xuhui District. Co-founded by chef Austin Hu and mixologist Yao Lu, the bar has earned accolades including rankings in Asia's 50 Best Bars and The World's 50 Best Bars.​ Known for its inventive cocktails and warm hospitality, Union Trading Company offers a rotating menu that blends classic techniques with local ingredients. The bar's cozy atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.​ With a focus on quality and creativity, Union Trading Company continues to be a standout in Shanghai's vibrant bar scene.​

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.

Root Down is a stylish Japanese‑inspired vinyl cocktail bar tucked into a former antique furniture shop at 145 Nanchang Road in Shanghai’s Xuhui district. Founded by local DJ Gary Wang (a.k.a. DJ VNutz), the bar operates as a traditional Japanese Hi‑Fi listening lounge known as a “Jazz Kissa,” serving carefully curated mid‑century jazz and funk on vintage Tannoy speakers, all while guests enjoy custom‑crafted cocktails. Inside, the long and narrow space—seating around 40—features a warm, slightly bohemian décor with slanted ceilings, dark wood panelling, and rows of vinyl records, some for sale. The atmosphere encourages conversation at a respectful volume, with high staff‑to‑guest care and a cozy, relaxed vibe. Masato “Martsu” Hika, the head mixologist formerly of Ars & Delecto in Shanghai, leads the cocktail program. Signature drinks like the Piquant Mezcalita (¥115) and a Sazerac‑inspired “Root Down” cocktail (¥130) showcase complex techniques and premium ingredients. House classics range from ¥95 to ¥135 (approx. USD 12 cocktail average). A small yet thoughtful snack menu includes Shanghai wontons, roasted pork sandwiches, duck pâté plates, and xiaolongbao—perfect accompaniments to the drinks. The bar is discreetly marked with a moss green paneled façade and small courtyard. No overt signage makes it feel like a speakeasy for true insiders. Despite its subtle presence, it buzzes early on weekends and fills up quickly, so reservations or arriving early is advised.

Sober Company is an acclaimed cocktail destination in Shanghai, conceived by Shingo Gokan—renowned mixologist behind Speak Low. After relocating in 2023, it now resides within the INS complex at Fuxing Park, spanning two floors and four distinctive venues: Sober Kissa, Sober Izakaya, Sober Sakaba, and the secret Tipsy speakeasy. On the ground floor, Sober Kissa offers coffee‑shop vibes and soft‑serve ice cream by day, then transitions into a casual cocktail café by evening. Next to it, Sober Izakaya serves a U‑shaped sushi counter experience, featuring global cuisines and energetic bartending that shifts into bar mode after dark. Upstairs, Sober Sakaba is a sophisticated cocktail bar where inventive drinks await—think local ingredients like green tea, blue cheese, fruit, longjing gin, or winter melon. Cocktails take inspiration from Japanese cities and culinary tradition. And for those who can collect the “three‑venue token,” a hidden door opens into Tipsy, a speakeasy offering omakase‑style surprise cocktails in intimate setting among trophy displays. Sober Company has earned global recognition, placing No. 42 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2020 and No. 5 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021, and consistently ranked through recent years.

Bar Blanc is a sleek, intimate cocktail bar tucked on Julu Road near Shaanxi South Road in downtown Shanghai — an area known for its mix of classic shikumen streets and bustling nightlife. With only a handful of coveted seats, this pocket-sized venue is beloved by locals and expats for its quality drinks, warm lighting and relaxed yet sophisticated ambience. The bar’s aesthetic leans minimalist and stylish, with carefully arranged interiors that make it feel exclusive yet approachable — perfect for a date night, a quiet catch-up or starting off an evening in the city. Expert bartenders here focus on creative yet balanced cocktails, often combining international influences with seasonal elements and locally inspired twists. Despite its modest size, Bar Blanc has a reputation for punchy, well-crafted drinks — ranging from refined classics to signature house mixes — and an attentive bar experience where you can chat with the mixologists about your preferences. The crowd is typically a mix of cocktail aficionados, after-work locals, and visitors exploring Shanghai’s nightlife scene. By night the space comes alive: good music, a buzzy energy and a sense that you’ve discovered a local hidden gem. It’s the kind of bar you linger in once you sit down, cocktail after cocktail, soaking up the understated yet engaging atmosphere of Shanghai’s contemporary drinking culture.