The Best Bars In Huangpu District

Drinking in Huangpu district goes far beyond the Bund. While you can’t go wrong with a waterfront favorite, it’s also worth expanding your search for a watering hole to other district hot spots like Xintiandi and Tianzifang. Here is our guide to the 10 best bars in Huangpu, Shanghai.

1. Kaiba

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Pub Grub

Located in charming tourist-friendly, shopping and dining lane Tianzifang, Kaiba specializes in Belgian brews and has a staggering number on tap. The chain was recently acquired by alcohol giant Anheuser-Busch, so big things may be ahead for little Kaiba. The patio overlooking the bustling Taikang Terrace is perfect on warm days.

2. Dean's Bottle Shop

Wine Seller, Wine

Dean’s Bottle Shop may seem like little more than a bottle-o on the surface, but when you look closer, the shop and bar also sells everything from wine to rum, tequila, and whisky. There’s a table in the middle of the shop that’s great for gathering around with friends and cracking open a few brews (which the knowledgeable staff would be more than happy to tell you all about).

3. Captain's Bar

Bar, Pub Grub, British

On top of Bund-side backpackers haven Captain Hostel is one of Huangpu’s best bars. Its terrace looks out across the river to the Lujiazui skyline, offering imbibers a chance to economically experience something most people shell out big for. The drinks are nothing to write home about, but that’s not the reason people congregate here. Expect to meet expats and travelers from all around the world.

5. KABB

Bar, Restaurant, North American

Mid-range Xintiandi spot KABB is one of the city’s best places for a boozy brunch. The atmosphere is bright and cheery and the drinks taste like the weekend in liquid form. As such, it gets pretty crowded during brunch hours, so be sure to book ahead if you want to take advantage of their outdoor seating. Food is standard American fare like sandwiches, burgers, seafood, steaks, pastas, and salads.

6. Boxing Cat Brewery (Sinan Mansions)

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, American

Boxing Cat Brewery, one of China’s first microbreweries, is a Shanghai staple. And soon, you might be seeing Boxing Cat brand beer everywhere, as the label was also recently acquired by Anheuser-Busch. The bar offers a rotating selection of the brewery’s signature pilsners, lagers, stouts, and more, all of which are delightfully hoppy. There is a limited selection of food on offer as well, mostly Southwest-American style pub fare.

7. Bell Bar

Bar, Cafe, Pub Grub

Another Tianzifang favorite is friendly and cheap Bell Bar. When it opened in 2006, the place was tiny, just a bar with a dozen stools. Now it takes up an entire old Chinese house, all four floors of it. The vibe is bohemian: mismatched chairs, exposed brick, rickety stairs. The bar also has an extensive collection of English-language books, which you can purchase or take for free if you swap one out with two of your own.

8. The Nest

Bar, Restaurant, Steakhouse, Seafood

This popular Bund-area restaurant, bar, and lounge was founded in part by top shelf vodka brand Grey Goose. Unsurprisingly, they specialize in vodka-based cocktails. The vibe is nice but laid back. Unlike most Bund lounges, The Nest does not enforce a strict dress code. The music is classic indie rock.

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