Old Manhattan
231 Huashan Rd, across from Hilton Shanghai
Laid-back, friendly atmosphere plus staff who know all the bar games.
6248 2777 No cards
On On Kangaroo Bar
33 Yongjia Rd, by Maoming Rd
Friendly neighborhood pub just around the corner from Maoming. Not quite the same since a change in management.
5466 6066 No cards
Pandora
18 Maoming Rd (S), by Julu Rd
Always a potential den of iniquity, at the axis of Maoming and Julu. House music and lots of private spots.
6215 0558 All cards
Paradise
Lane 123 Xingye Rd, by Huangpi Rd (S)
A tropical-themed bar that plays "Blue Hawaii" on their outdoor patio in the winter. Step inside and the temperature rises with fiery real McCoys and good-looking wait staff.
6387 7818 All cards
Plan B
33 Yongjia Rd, by Maoming Rd
A great relaxed bar run by friendly owners. Proof that you always need a Plan B; as Hannibal from the A-Team said "I love it when a plan comes together"
6120 4123 All cards
Q Bar
237 Hengshan Rd, by Gao'an Rd
Oysters, steak and booze, a fine combination of dine and wine.
6433 5710 All cards
Real Love
10 Hengshan Rd, by Gao'an Rd
Hot hangout for the very young and occasionally beautiful. Cover charge (includes one drink): RMB 30 Sun-Thu, RMB 40 Fri-Sat.
6474 6830 All cards
Red Room
2F, 139 Ruijin Rd (1), by Changle Rd
With all drinks priced at a reasonable RMB 20 and a soundtrack that covers all musical genres while offending no one, this place is as comfortable as the proverbial girl-next-door.
Jordan 130 03170171 No cards
Room with a View
12/F, Xianshi Bldg, 479 Nanjing Rd (E), next to the Hotel Sofitel on Fujian Rd
Enjoys a double life as both a gallery and a bar.
6352 0256 No cards
Sea Wolf
673 Shuicheng Rd, by Tianshan Rd
Bewildering bar with curious décor, peculiar music and expensive cocktails.
6234 2102 Domestic cards
Secret Garden
7 Hengshan Rd, by Dongping Rd
The massive purple neon sign sort of gives away the secret. Drinks around RMB 25-50.
6467 8031 All cards
Seventh Heaven
64 Wulumuqi Rd (S), by Hengshan Rd
Seventh Heaven has more than shimmering pink curtains, black walls and boudoir lighting; the dancers' enthusiasm is laudable, if not heavenly.
5465 8288 All cards
Sing Along
139 Tai'an Rd, by Huashan Rd
Simple establishment where local business types loiter drinking bottled beers (around RMB 25).
6283 3051 Domestic cards
Soho Pub
Unit 5, House 3, North Block Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Rd, by Madang Rd
Popular with Hong Kongers, Japanese and Korean tourists. Gets wild when it gets late.
3307 1000 All cards
Speedwell
29 Dongping Rd, by Wulumuqi Rd (S)
Happy hostess bar with a pool table. The beer is cheap (RMB 18) and the staff is outgoing.
135 0198 8650 All cards
Stadt Shanghai
4 Xiangshan Rd, by Sinan Rd
This is not the sort of bar where'll you find your dream girl or a rich and handsome lawyer. But in the company of a few good friends, you can enjoy convivial conversation and a no-hassle night.
6384 6089 Domestic cards
Studio 78
2/F 78-80 Tongren Rd, by Yan'an Rd
Unlike New York's infamous Studio 54, the "I'm a pretentious poseur and you're not" attitude just doesn't apply. Looks like Tongren's got its groove back. Eat your heart out Steve Rubell.
6289 5117 All cards
