Cool Coffee & Wifi Hangout Spots
There's nothing better than being inside on a rainy day, with a cup of coffee and a good book. We dug around to find the best downtown coffee spots for some good old lounging, somewhere with a bit more character than giant corporations Starbucks and Costa Coffee. How much, what to drink, the origins of the beans and even the Wifi password – we've got you covered. Enjoy, slackers.
Huaihai Lu Area
Café On Air
Where: Build 634, 650 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Sinan Lu
When: Mon-Fri (10:00-18:00), Sat-Sun (10:30-19:00)
How much: RMB 18-38
Wifi: CAFEONAIR-20150808
Hidden amongst the old alleyways of Huaihai Lu, Café On Air offers perhaps one of the best working atmospheres in the city (we all know how magical Huaihai's old lanes are). The owner Leo imports beans mainly from Indonesia and Columbia. And his recommended drink is a Flat White. You should trust Leo.
Paras
Where: 55 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Xinle Lu
When: Mon-Fri (8:30-20:30), Sat-Sun (10:30-20:30)
How much: RMB 18-38
Wifi: through Wechat or mobile phone
Paras is a great little spot that attracts loads of expats, not only for its delicious coffee but also for the dreamy cakes, which are super fresh. For a coffee machine the owner Mona uses the killer "Kees van der westen" (if that means anything to you).
Beautiful Concept
Where: 25 Yongkang Lu, near Jianshan Lu
When: Daily 8:00-20:00
How much: RMB 35
Wifi: beautifullife
This is a favorite Yongkang Lu spot, where you can sample all the specials brought to you from different places around the world. Also, you can leave the place wearing a pair of jeans from the brand.
Café del Volcán
Where: 80 Yongkang Lu, near Xiangyang Lu
When: Mon-Fri (08:00-20:00), Sat-Sun (10:00-20:00)
How much: RMB 36-40
Wifi: ilovecoffee
A petit coffee space which was probably one of the first to appear on Yongkang. It is another "Flat White" specialist, but this place is perhaps a bit pricy compared with its rivals.
Jing'an Area
Uncle No Name Espresso
Where: 931 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Taixing Lu
When: 08:00-21:00
How much: RMB 25-45
Wifi: uncle227
A tiny coffee space which is famous for its unique "uncle picks" and Flat White coffees. The Australian owner brings the beans from home - he goes back almost every month, so be assured the coffee is super fresh. They also import beans from Panama and South Africa and use a Mazzer KONY as a grinder.
Lanna Coffee
Where: 8 Yuyuan Dong Lu, near Tongren Lu
When: Mon-Fri (8:00-19:00), Sat-Sun (10:00-19:00)
How much: RMB 18-24
Wifi: Iannacke
The distinctive feature of Ianna Coffee is that all the beans come from their own coffee plantations in Yunnan province. And the owners are very strict in growing only the best quality products. The place itself is quite cozy, which makes a good atmosphere to escape from a busy day or get some work done with a good cup of Latte or Piccolo.
Manner Coffee
Where: 205 Nanyang Lu, near Tongren Lu
When: Mon-Fri 8:00-19:00
How much: RMB 10-25
Wifi: meiyou
Ok so you can't really sit in at Manner Coffee, it's probably one of the smallest cafes in town. But the 2sqm take-away coffee spot serves good quality coffee, at a surprisingly cheap price. They also have an attractive offer where you bring your own cup and pay RMB 5 less for your drink. Go for the Latte.
Coffee Groupies
Address: 723 Kangding Lu, near Changde Lu
When: Mon-Fri (8:00-17:00), Sat-Sun (10:00-17:00)
How much: RMB 22-30
Wifi: 123456789
Cozy coffee spot offering lots of seasonal brews as well as classic Americanos, Lattes and Cappuccinos. If you happen to pass by the place before 10am, you can get an RMB 10 discount. The beans are mainly imported from Kenya, Guatemala, Ethiopia and Costa Rica.
Release Coffee
Address: 531 Wuding Lu, near Shaanxi Bei Lu
When: 8:00-19:00
How much: RMB 25-25
Wifi: releasecoffee
Release Coffee has become quite famous amongst expats for the strong and unique taste of its coffee. For most of the drinks they use the special Aero Press technology which apparently gives the coffee roughly the same concentration as espresso and a higher pH than drip coffee. Most beans come from Philippines, Costa Rica, Kenya and Ethiopia. And their Latte is definitely a must try.
Shanghai North
Staytion
Where: F/1 CITIC Plaza, 859 Sichuan Bei Lu, near Haining Lu
When: Mon-Fri (8:00-22:00), Sat-Sun (10:00-22:00)
How much: RMB 10-50
Wifi: hellostaytion
Designed in a classic Nordic style, Staytion is especially famous for their home-made bread. Coffee is imported from different corners of South Africa, plus they also have lots of other foreign treats you can purchase. What to drink here? Well, the first on the list is definitely the Cappuccino or the Latte.
Undefine
Where: Build. 6, 50 Moganshan Lu, near Suzhou Xi Lu
When: Mon-Fri (10:00-18:00), Sat-Sun (10:00-20:00)
How much: RMB 12-33
Wifi: undefinem50
Undefine is a spacious art & coffee combo located in the much beloved Moganshan 50. With ceilings 10m high, this spot has recently hosted a few trendy art exhibitions in a bid to expand its creative outlook. Getting back to the coffee though, the lattes are especially delicious.
Chain Cafes
Seesaw Cafe
Where:
B2, K11, 300 Huaihai Zhong Lu
150 Hubing Lu
1601 Nanjing Xi Lu, Réel
433 Yuyuan Lu
775 Huaihai Zhong Lu
When: Daily, 10:00-22:00
How much: RMB 18-60
Wifi: seesawcoffee
Using a special method of light roasting, Seesaw founders Tom and Sally are determined to bring us different tastes and strengths of coffee. There are 5 branches around Shanghai, and they plan to expand. The must try? Latte is just amazing, but you will pay a pretty penny for it.
Seewant Coffee
Where:
175 Xiangyang Nan Lu
123 Nanyang Lu
215 Zhejiang Zhong Lu
989 Dongfang Lu
When: Daily, 08:00-22:00
How much: RMB 20-28
Wifi: Through mobile phone number
This chain already has 4 branches around the city. And it's been only 4 years since Simon, the founder from Taiwan, quit his job and decided to launch his cafe dream. Besides coffee, they also have a huge selection of teas and juice-mixes drinks. Is it expensive? Still cheaper than at Starbucks.
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