Below is a collection of restaurants, pubs, and bars that I’ve personally visited and tend to like. While this list will be updated and changed when new places open or existing places close, it should not be seen as definitive guide or 100% accurate on locations or hours. (Times are expressed using the 24 hour clock, omitting the am/pm designator.)

Ligongdi (李公堤)／ Water Alley Neighborhood

Ollie’s

• Opens early, around 10:30 daily
• Poker games multiple nights of the week
• Decent prices on beer, including a 3L small personal “keg” option for draft beers
• Pool table
• Live music at times on weekend nights
• Free wifi!

Amigos

• Opened 11:00-24:00 every day
• Happy hour 17:00-20:00 daily with 2-for-1 draught beer and margaritas
• Decent Mexican food
• All-you-can-eat Taco Tuesday option for 108rmb

Le Parisien

• Great French cafe with amazing food
• Definitely a hidden gem
• Chinese (Mandarin) and French are spoken by the staff, don’t expect to speak English
• Menu changes frequently and is presented on a chalkboard

Xinghai Square/星海广场

The Camel

• Open early and late, 10:00-01:00
• Near the Courtyard by Marriott
• Easy access via subway stop (exit to the left of #3 stop for Line 1 Xinghai Square/星海广场)
• Good happy hour prices on draft beer (ex, 20rmb for 0.5L of Carlsberg)
• Lots of TVs streaming sports
• Outside seating area with a huge projection screen
• Weekly events including Trivia Tuesday with bar tabs as prizes
• Food specials

Moon Bay

Coconut Bar

• Definitely open by 16:00, as that’s when Happy Hour starts (16:00-20:00)
• Decent food from a variety of cuisines (Italian, American, German, Salads, Asian)
• Friendly staff with waiters that speak great English
• Pool table, darts board, and TV streaming sports
• Live music on weekends should be happening soon
• Outdoor seating, weather depending (see waitstaff first)
• Free wifi!