Shanghai: Libation
Honestly, drinking is fun no matter where you are as long as long as you're with a good group. But just in case, here are the best places in Shanghai to have a good time.
Flair
The highest al-fresco dining venue in the world, and ranked as one of the top ten best bars in the world by Conde Naste, Flair is the gem of the city. Sitting atop the Ritz Carlton (easily the city's best hotel in my opinion), I felt like a king looking down on the entire city. At 256 meters above sea level, Flair is architecturally designed to maximize the view, especially that of the world famous Oriental Pearl Tower. The observation deck of the Oriental Pearl Tower is 257 meters above sea level, so when you stand up in Flair, you feel like you are looking directly into one of the most unique buildings in the world, and I can promise you, as an architecture major myself, that was not on accident. The angles and seating arrangement is all designed specifically to filter your perspective towards the beauty of the city, creating a remarkably imposing view on the Shanghai. And the interior décor is really beautiful, with the drinks being displayed in such an enticing way that it makes it difficult to stop ordering.
Drinks waaay above Shanghai
Shamelessly enjoyed this beautifully pink Blueberry Gin and Tonic
When it comes to drinks, Flair does not disappoint one bit. I went multiple times, once with friends and once with Michelle Tan, who is the PR Director of the Ritz (more on her and the hotel in my next blog post), and had two drinks each time. My personal favorite, maybe because I am somewhat of a girl when it comes to my drink of choice, was the Blueberry Gin and Tonic, which was just divine. And just to feel a bit manlier, I took a sip of Michelle's Smokey Whiskey, which went down so smooth it made me question my feminine preference.
This man knows what he's doing, one of the best sommelier's in the business!
On my first experience at this bar, we had a waiter who was the absolute man. He spoke great English, gave solid recommendations, and had no problems cracking jokes left and right. We even got into a heated debate about West Coast rappers vs. East Coast, and he fully threw down bars of Tupac and Kendrick. On the second visit, I was introduced to the sommelier who really knew his stuff. There was a large wine room in the back corner which included some of the rarest wines in the world. This man clearly had a passion for alcohol, and I envy his job.
Bar Rouge
The most famous bar in Shanghai is Bar Rouge, and it is very easy to see why. It is the first place I went to upon landing here and I ended up going several times during my time in the city. With red accents, beautiful people, and an even more beautiful view, Bar Rouge makes for a great night out, whether you're looking to just chill out with friends at a bar, party on the dance floor or mingle with a new and impressively diverse crowd.
A high-end, diverse crowd with incredible views
I will say though, there does tend to be a snobiness to Bar Rouge which occasionally got on my nerves. Felt almost a little too LA if I might. Going out to other clubs and bars, people are just down to have a good time and be spontaneous and have conversations. Here, more than a few times would there be an awkward interaction because someone thought they were better than someone else, who also thought they were better than that person who thought they were better. But hey, most high end clubs will have that vibe, you just have to understand how to navigate it.
Fusion
Easily the most fun I had dancing while exploring Shanghai's party scene was at Fusion. This place is set up beautifully, with an appropriately small dance floor, and easy to navigate layout, and a great DJ. I partied here until very late and enjoyed every minute of it. The crowd had a great mixture of diverse partiers and locals, which I found to be interesting in the way they combined to create an absolutely fantastic atmosphere. Fusion is the place to go for a party, and is much better than other clubs such as M2.
The Nest
A great place to hang out with a few drinks, but definitely not a place to mingle. The vibe is very isolationist, so go with good company otherwise this place will not be fun. Granted, we did end up meeting a Chinese brother and sister who were non-stop giving us wine and steaks and unfortunately oysters, which did not sit well with me for almost a week. They made a quick stop-in become a two hour stay and we loved it. Drinks here are nice, the décor is beautiful, and the outdoor terrace area is beautiful, although it's no Bar Rouge! Nevertheless, worth stopping by.
Beer Lady
Our choices of beer, all of which were solid
We went here on a weekday night just for a few beers, as it was relatively close to where we were staying. I'll leave you with these thoughts of my impression on Beer Lady.
The scent of smoke fills the air, coupled with a sense of freedom.
The sound of conversation overpowers, dominates, French to my left, Chinese in front of me, Russian behind me with Chinese filling the gaps.
A girls cheers with a group of guys, spilling everything down her arms, prompting one of the older Chinese men to proclaim his love.
Short shorts and pugs passing through a sea of umbrellas.
That's Beer Lady for you. A great selection of beer (I recommend a Delirium), and the most authentically free crowd in the city in my opinion makes for a great night.
Hanging out in the back alley revealed a more relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere
Shanghai Brewery
This is your classic pub/bar, with a great selection of beer and snacks in a very foreign setting. Here, and on this street by the South Saanxi metro stop, you'll find more Americans and foreigners than Chinese. If you want to feel like you're back in the States, cruise by Shanghai Brewery. Michael is the manager here and he's a good guy, very willing to help out wherever needed. Also, be sure to stop in next door at Elevator after a few drinks here, it is an awesome club/lounge with fantastic music and a laid back vibe.