Must Visit Bars in Shanghai in 2025

1. ROOF at The Shanghai EDITION 🌆🍹

Step into Roof, the open-air lounge bar at the Roof – the open-air lounge bar of The Shanghai Edition Hotel, located on the 29th floor of The Shanghai EDITION, ROOF offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bund and Pudong skyline. The romantic open-air terrace, modern decor, and expertly crafted cocktails make it an unforgettable destination. Whether for sunset drinks or a stylish night out, ROOF is a must-visit.

You can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Pudong skyline from the Roof, including iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower. You’ll also get a stunning view of the Huangpu River and the city’s modern skyscrapers. The combination of the shimmering skyline and the river below creates a truly unforgettable view. If the panoramic views aren’t enough to make you feel like you’re dreaming, the drinks will surely do the trick.

With limited sofa seating, getting a spot is quite the challenge but once there, settle in for a buzzing night out with a mix of classic and experimental cocktails. Need some nibbles to go with the view? Get the mezze platter with an assortment of olives and an overflowing bowl of well-seasoned skinny fries.

⏰ Opening Hours:
🕕 Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
🕕 Friday & Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM

🔗 Website

2. 1929 BY GUILLAUME GALLIOT BAR IN JIN JIANG HOTEL

The two-in-one concept includes not one but two distinct bar areas—an inviting lounge on the ground floor and a stylish salon upstairs. Both spaces are designed to provide an elegant yet relaxed environment, making it an ideal spot for a quiet evening or a celebratory night out.

What truly sets 1929 apart are its expertly crafted cocktails. Inspired by Asia’s ancient trade routes, the cocktail menu features creative drinks named after famous cities, like The “Bombay” is a unique take on the classic Americano, with a twist of saffron soda, while the “Hong Kong” offers a sweet and sour mix made with homemade plantation rum tea, Campari, and vermouth Rosso. These drinks, along with other innovative concoctions, showcase Galliot’s talent and flair for mixology.

Photo: 1929 by Guillaume Galliot)

📍 Address:
上海锦江酒店, 茂名路59号, 上海
Jin Jiang Hotel, 59 Maoming Road, Shanghai

⏰ Opening Hours:
🕕 Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
🕕 Friday & Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM

3. CAFE GRAY DELUXE AT THE MIDDLE HOUSE

Inside, the sleek, modern design seamlessly blends with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a chic brunch, an afternoon tea, or an elegant dinner. Café Gray Deluxe’s innovative menu combines global flavors with local ingredients, ensuring that each dish is a delightful experience.

Whether you’re here for the ambiance, the cocktails, or the culinary delights, Café Gray Deluxe promises an unforgettable experience where every visit feels like a little touch of luxury.

📍 Address:
上海静安区, 中环路366号, 上海
The Middle House, 366 Shi Men Yi Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

⏰ Opening Hours:
🕕 Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
🕕 Friday & Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM

4. UNION TRADING COMPANY

Having earned a spot on both the World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2021, Union Trading Company has been spoiling Shanghai with a rotating list of fun, tasty, and experimental cocktails for over a decade. Now located on Hengshan Lu in the French Concession, this neighborhood bar continues to impress with locally-inspired creations that never fail to delight. The menu features innovative cocktails such as the Flowers & Tonic, a tea-inspired concoction made with chrysanthemum, Blanco rum, fresh lime, osmanthus honey, maraschino, and tonic, or the Made in China, a Chinese take on the Bloody Mary made with Laoganma chili oil, Peddlers Gin, cherry tomato, olive brine, coriander, sesame oil, Sichuan chili, citrus, and clarified milk.

Made in China, a Chinese version of the Bloody Mary made with Laoganma chilli oil, Peddlers Gin, cherry tomato, olive brine, coriander, sesame oil. (Photo: Union Trading Company)

The bar’s stylish design features industrial elements paired with cozy, dimly lit interiors, providing the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed night out or an intimate gathering with friends. Whether you prefer to sip your cocktail at the bar or enjoy a seat in one of the intimate booths, Union Trading Company offers a versatile experience that suits any occasion.

What truly sets UNION apart is its passion for the craft of bartending. The team focuses on creating personalized drinks that match the preferences of each guest, ensuring that every visit feels unique. The bar also offers a selection of small plates and snacks, perfect for pairing with your drink of choice.

Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a great place to unwind, Union Trading Company is the place to be in Shanghai for a night of refined drinking, exceptional service, and a memorable atmosphere.

📍 Address:
上海市徐汇区永嘉路1号, 2F
1 Yongjia Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai

⏰ Opening Hours:
🕕 Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
🕕 Friday & Saturday: 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM

SOBER COMPANY + TIPSY

Nestled in the heart of Shanghai’s vibrant Fuxing Park, Sober Company stands as a testament to the city’s dynamic bar scene. This award-winning establishment offers a unique blend of culinary delights and inventive cocktails, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers.

A Multi-Concept Venue

Sober Company is thoughtfully divided into three distinct sections, each offering a unique experience:

• Sober Café- KISSA: Begin your day with a delightful brunch or indulge in their signature soft-serve ice cream.
• Sober Kitchen – iZAKAYA+ TEMAKI: Experience modern Chinese cuisine that complements the bar’s innovative cocktails.
• Sober Society – SAKABA: The highlight of the venue, offering a diverse cocktail menu that showcases the art of mixology.

Award-Winning Cocktails

Sober Company has earned its place among the world’s top bars, securing the 39th spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2021 and the 5th position on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in the same year.

📍 Address:

• English: 1 Yongjia Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
• Chinese: 上海市徐汇区永嘉路1号, 2F

⏰ Opening Hours:

• 🕕 Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• 🕕 Friday & Saturday: 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM

THE ODD COUPLE

Perch yourself on the open-air sky bridge for some good ol’ people-watching with the Retro Future Martini, made with gin, peat, Fino, pine needle and wild guava water, or the Tango Mango made with Bacardi rum, jasmine, mango, longan topped with an oversized aromatic bubble.

📍 Address:

• English: 123 Xingguo Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
• Chinese: 上海市徐汇区新国路123号

⏰ Opening Hours:

• 🕕 Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• 🕕 Friday & Saturday: 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM

COA

COA Shanghai, a cocktail destination that needs no introduction to aficionados, is a vibrant, multi-story bar that pays homage to agave-based spirits. Co-founded by Jay Khan, whose Hong Kong flagship has been thrice-awarded the top bar in Asia (according to Asia’s 50 Best), COA Shanghai extends this legacy with a unique cocktail experience spread across four distinct levels. The venue, located at 580 Fuxing Road in the bustling Jing’an district, occupies a renovated three-story lane house, offering guests a journey through Mexican-inspired flavors and settings.

The ground floor, known as Taqueria, brings the lively energy of Mexico City’s street eateries, offering margaritas and tacos alongside boozy slushies. One floor up is La Cantina, a traditional Mexican bar setting serving classic cocktails with a twist, complemented by more substantial dishes like quesadillas and chilaquiles. For a more refined experience, El Salon and Mezcaleria occupy the top two floors, reserved for intimate, invite-only tasting sessions that include a bespoke agave experience, featuring an Agave Bible and Baccarat glassware. These spaces offer an elevated, immersive environment, perfect for cocktail connoisseurs looking to explore the rich world of tequila and mezcal.

COA’s design, with elements like murals and a two-ton volcanic stone bar, creates a truly atmospheric setting for guests to discover the diverse world of agave spirits. Whether you’re starting with a basic margarita or diving into an exclusive tasting session, COA Shanghai provides an exceptional and dynamic space to experience Mexico’s agave culture.

📍 Address:

English: 580 Fuxing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Chinese: 上海市黄浦区复兴路580号

⏰ Opening Hours:

🕕 Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
🕕 Friday & Saturday: 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM

ROOT DOWN

Root Down, a humble hole-in-the-wall type cocktail bar on Nanchang Lu,  is a distinguished vinyl bar in Shanghai, offering a unique blend of high-quality craft cocktails and a curated selection of mid-century jazz and funk records. Founded by Gary Wang, also known as DJ VNutz, formerly of The Shelter and The Grumpy Pig, Root Down provides an atmospheric setting reminiscent of traditional Japanese listening bars. The bar features a high-quality sound system that delivers excellent mid-century jazz and funk, creating an immersive auditory experience.

Pull up a seat at the long and narrow bar inside, or face out onto the street to people-watch with a small selection of craft cocktails and savoury snacks. Must-try: The Old Fancy Dog Sour topped with grapefruit sorbet.

Drinks and Ambience:

The cocktail menu at Root Down is crafted by renowned Japanese mixologist Masato “Martsu” Hika, offering simple riffs on classic cocktails. The drinks are served at a long and narrow bar, complemented by a small selection of street-style snacks. The venue’s design, with its old-school aesthetic and vinyl records, enhances the relaxed and charming atmosphere.

Experience:

Root Down is ideal for those seeking a laid-back environment to enjoy quality cocktails while listening to carefully selected vinyl records. Whether you’re a connoisseur of jazz and funk or simply appreciate a well-crafted drink in a unique setting, Root Down offers a memorable experience.

📍 Address:

English: 145 Nanchang Lu, Shanghai
Chinese: 上海市南昌路145号

⏰ Opening Hours:

🕕 Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
🕕 Friday & Saturday: 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM

PONY UP

(Photo: Pony Up)

Giddy up for a fun night out at this intimate cocktail bar opened by Dre Yang, the former head bartender of The Odd Couple. Often packed with friends of Dre and open from 1pm to 1am daily, Pony Up makes day drinking not just acceptable but the norm.

Pony Up is a vibrant and dynamic cocktail bar in Shanghai, the brainchild of renowned bartender Dre Yang, who previously served as the head bartender at The Odd Couple. Located in the heart of Huangpu District, Pony Up offers an inviting space with a minimalist design that combines the sleekness of modernity with a touch of old-school charm. The bar features wood and dark leather accents throughout the interior, giving it a warm, welcoming vibe. Adding to its charm is a pop of color from the mural depicting a playful pony, which adds a unique character to the space and reflects the lively spirit of the bar.

The cozy location on Jinxian Lu places Pony Up in a central yet relaxed part of the city, making it an ideal spot for both casual after-work drinks and intimate gatherings. The bar’s design cleverly marries an American bar atmosphere with the essence of Shanghai’s traditional lane houses, offering guests a space that is both familiar and distinctly local. It’s the perfect blend of casual comfort and stylish sophistication, attracting a diverse crowd of Shanghai’s cocktail enthusiasts and those simply looking for a great night out.

Pony Up’s cocktail menu is a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. It offers a variety of classic drinks with a modern twist, each prepared with precision and flair by Dre Yang and his team. The cocktails here are designed not only to impress but also to provide a fun and engaging drinking experience. Among the standout offerings are the “one sip cocktails,” including timeless favorites like the Negroni and Martini. These drinks offer a new take on the familiar, turning every sip into a refreshing surprise.

General Pu’s Chicken (¥55) – Japanese plum sauce coated fried chicken, tangy and addictive.

Tailgate Chips (¥65) – Sichuan spiked beef chili sprinkled with huajiao and topped with tomato salsa, ladled into a bag of Ruffles. It’s messy, but worth it. For that point in the night when you need something to help with the booze.

Complementing the expertly crafted cocktails is an indulgent bar food menu designed to keep you satisfied throughout the night. You can enjoy a selection of comfort food classics with a twist, like the delicious Pony Dogs, crispy fried chicken, and loaded chips topped with a Sichuan-spiked beef chili. These tasty snacks are the perfect accompaniment to the bar’s drinks, offering something hearty and satisfying alongside the cocktails.

The atmosphere at Pony Up is both lively and laid-back, making it the perfect destination for any occasion. Whether you’re unwinding after a busy day, celebrating with friends, or enjoying an intimate night out, Pony Up offers a friendly and unpretentious environment where you can savor great cocktails and delicious food. The bar’s welcoming ambiance, combined with its creative cocktails and excellent service, makes it a standout in Shanghai’s bustling nightlife scene.

With its stylish design, unique drink offerings, and fantastic food, Pony Up quickly became a must-visit destination for cocktail lovers and anyone seeking a fun, lively spot to enjoy an evening out in Shanghai. For those looking to explore the best of Shanghai’s cocktail bars, Pony Up is the place to be.

The cocktail menu – split into “day” and “night” – offers classics with a twist, such as G&T with Sichuan peppercorn and bergamot, and the Far East Sangria made with curry leaf, mango and lemongrass-infused rum. A selection of “one sip cocktails” like negroni and martini are also available to whet the appetite, perfect for pairing with Pony Up’s indulgent selection of bar food (think Pony Dogs, fried chicken and loaded chips with Sichuan spiked beef chilli).