Great Bars To Meet New Friends
Did your friends leave? Or, do they/you suck and you need to find a new circle of friends? Whatever your case, here are excellent bars with a welcoming crowd where you can ride solo and meet some new friends.
TIGHT KNIT & COZY
JACKIE'S BEER NEST
COZY UP WITH STRANGERS
Address: 76 Zhaozhou Rd
Hours: Daily 5-10pm
Tel: 138 1650 2260
Price: RMB 60 per pint
Jackie’s Beer Nest is small and intimate in a way that leaves you with no other options than to make some new friends. Their beer selection is great, and Jackie himself will probably be the one serving you, so be nice!
MOKKOS
CONVERSE & CHILL
Address: 1245 Wuding Xi Lu, Room 103
Hours: Daily 6pm-2am
Tel 021 6212 1114
Price: RMB200 per person
Hidden gem in Shanghai you need to go if you really want to be part of the panorama. Super tiny venue so meeting new people is easy. Their cocktails are renowned for being excellent for a decent price. Plus they have sweet peanuts for RMB5.
CO. CHEESE
EXTENDED FAMILY
Address: 32 Yuyuan Dong Lu
Hours: Daily 11.30 Am- 10 Pm
Tel: 1303 211 8036
Price: Around RMB100 per person
At Co.Cheese clients are regulars and know each other as a big family. Take a chance to be part of the fun. The bartender is super chatty and funny, so if other costumers suck you can talk with him. Cool vibes all around, they’ve got excellent sandwiches for RMB50 and craft beers from RMB35 to RMB50.
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
THE CAMEL
LIVE GAMES & QUIZ NIGHTS
Address: 1 Yue Yang Lu
Hours: Daily 11 Am- 12 Pm
Tel: 021 6437 9446
Price: Around RMB100 per person
Have you been to The Camel since their recent renovation? New design, new TV, new drink selection, same comforting atmosphere. It’s definitely still a sports bar, but a little bit cleaner this time around. The clientele is the same friendly sports loving crowd. Can’t imagine a better spot to go if you want to watch a game, and if you fancy something more intellectual go to quiz night and find another lonely person and be a team of two!
CAGES
SPORTS LEAGUES
Address: 428, Jiangning Lu
Tel: 021-52995273
Price: Around RMB100 per person
Fan of baseball, darts or pool? Here is the best address in town! You can do all of these activities while drinking a beer or two or three. You’re sure to find people in love with the same activities as you.
ARCADE
RETRO GAMES GEEK
Address: 57 Fuxing Xi Lu, 2/F
Hours: Mon-Thu 7:30pm-2am; Fri-Sat 7:30pm-4am; Sun 7:30pm-2am
Tel: 021 5404 7118
Price: Around RMB 100 per person
Retro Games and drinks, can’t imagine an easier way to meet people. Just ask somebody to join you for a round of street fighter and then take it over to the bar.
SEEKING EUROPEAN?
TRES PERROS
SPANISH HANGOUT
Address: 148 Fumin Lu, near Julu Lu
Tel: 13774383829
Price: Around RMB100 per person
“Hola, quiero una cerveza por favor” Tres Peros is always packed with Spanish people. If it is the kind of crowd you are looking for, this is the perfect spot. Especially if you are Spanish and miss a taste of home.
CAFE DES STAGIAIRES
FRENCH GATHERING SPOT
Address: 1085 Wuding Lu, near Jiaozhou Lu
Hours: Sun- Thu 5pm- 2 Am ; Fri-Sat 6 pm- 3am
Tel: 021 5270 6851
Price: Less than RMB100 per person
“Un pastis s’il-te-plait!” here we are, French people, all over the place. Pastis lovers nest. Go ahead and try to talk with them, if you can endure their accent. RMB35 for a Vedette during happy hour (before 8pm).
DE REFTER
BELGIUM KINDNESS
Address: 181 Jinxian Lu
Tel: 021 3230 2595
Price: Around RMB100 per person
De Refter is an “Authenticke Belgische Brasserie”. Belgium are known to be friendly, helpful and non-judgmental people. Go solo and talk to anybody, cheerful people in the place. Plus the food is excellent, 100% guaranteed.
NEIGHBORHOOD CROWD
JUST COOL
STUDENT STYLE
Address: 291 Panyu Lu
Tel: 021 5230 6188
Price: Around RMB100 per person
Grab a beer in a fridge, sit at the first table you notice and talk to your table companion. In order to not look odd just pretend they're aren’t enough spots available to get your own table. As the terrace is composed of four tables, it should be fine.
DOPE SHIFU
DINK (DOUBLE INCOME, NO KIDS)
Address: 317 Changping Lu, No 8, near Jiangning Lu
Price: Around RMB 80 per person
Whenever you go hangout at Dope Shifu, it doesn't matter if you go in solo or with a group, you are just welcomed. Sit outside and slurp on their amazing mixed drinks (Dope Bitch, anyone?) and befriend your neighbor, if you haven't already.
DOGTOWN
HIPSTER
Address: 409 Shaanxi Bei Lu
Hours: Daily 10 Am- 10 Pm
Price: Around RMB100 per person
Dog Town is a bar counter, that’s all. You literally sit on the street. It may sound weird, but it’s as cool as it gets. A great hipster magnet for anyone who is in the Jing'an neighborhood.
ROOSTER
PETER PAN IN YOU
Address: 455 Shaanxi Bei Lu
Hours: Daily 11 Am- 12 Pm
Tel: 156 1880 8692
Price: Around RMB 100 per person
Classic place for an after work sesh, the Rooster is a laid back, unpretentious bar onShaanxi Bei Lu. Take your valley accent and your best smile to meet some newfriends. Great drinks and possibly new friends await.
Any other idea about bars where to socialize in Shanghai? Tell us about!
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