Yuyintang

Yuyintang is one of the oldest underground live music houses in Shanghai, and has become a staple in the city. Featuring regular gigs every weekend, it brings in underground rock acts both worldwide and local.

Anadolu

You don't need to a wear a tux to get a get a good kebab - Anadolu's decor is crumbling - but the lamb, hummus and pita are all good quality for cheap. Expect to dine with crowds of slickly-dressed middle easterners most any night of the week.

Coolzey (Huashan Lu)

With three locations throughout the city, Coolzey's provides standard Western fare aimed primarily at the lunchtime crowd. Low-to-medium priced sandwiches and pasta cover most of the repertoire, while fast service affords a quick meal on the go. Deli..

Wagas (Thumb Plaza)

Wagas is a burgeoning chain of smoke-free chain that specializes in healthy foods including smoothies, big salads and wraps. The casual, order-at-the-counter atmosphere is complemented by simple but comfortable décor (table/chairs and some lounge se..

Shanghai Uncle (Tianyaoqiao)

The Uncle is known for its lively local atmosphere, traditional Chinese fare and a whole lot of it. Simple, dark red decor and large round tables cater to big group dinners. Spare ribs are an absolute must have.

Shanghai Uncle (Times Square)

The Uncle is known for its lively local atmosphere, traditional Chinese fare and a whole lot of it. Simple, dark red decor and large round tables cater to big group dinners. Spare ribs are an absolute must have.

The Shelter

The newest addition to Shanghai's alternative clubbing scene, The Shelter is a no-frills basement club offering up the cornerstones of a great night out: cheap drinks, great atmosphere, and creative music. Large dance floor for bigger events and a gr..

Macau Portuguese Restaurant

The Macao Portuguese Restaurant specializes in grilled, BBQ, and seafood dishes, but also offers a number of Filipino dishes at affordable rates. A diner-like atmosphere, The Macao is a favorite of the local Filipino expats, and a great option for b..

Flying Elephant Restaurant

Possibly the only Russian restaurant in the city, the Flying Elephant has been bringing Shanghailanders borscht for many a year. Decor is simple, but the experience is made truly authentic by the live Russian band performing nightly. This crew of mus..

Abbey Road

Named after that little street those wacky Beatles trotted across, Abbey Road has become one of the most popular summer venues in Shanghai. With patio seating, cheap beer on tap and lots of (at times unfortunate) classic rock, this bar/restaurant is ..

Kraze Burger

Little-to-no ambiance is okay if all you're looking for is a burger that reminds you of home. Kraze is actually pretty tame - but it's a good place to get traditional diner including grilled cheese on a freelancer's salary.

La Creperie

La Creperie does indeed serve crepes. From hum-drum Nutella filled dough to the tangy seafood/salad crepe, main courses run the gamut. Some crepes are more successful than others, but the all wood decor, fully bar and English speaking servers make fo..

Black Cafe

Known by many as "that blind restaurant," Black Cafe is the place where customers eat in the pitch black while being served by the sightless. The venue is shockingly clean. Although you won't ever know exactly what it is that you ate, it actually tas..

Blue Chair Cafe-Crepes-Galerie

It wouldn't be Shanghai without a combination creperie and furniture gallery. Yes, at Blue Chair you can fill up on chocolate crepes and purchase a, um, blue chair. Desserts are all fine; "meal" crepes are often runny - and in all the wrong places.

Boonna Cafe (Huaihai Lu)

Huaihau Lu Boonna is an improvement on its siblings with its outdoor patio carefully protected from the main drag's frenzy. With its shelf full of books to read while you drink coffee and available computers, Boonna has all the markings of bohemia, e..

Gourmet Burger Cafe

Gourmet Burger Cafe offers inventive gourmet hamburgers in a modern cafe environment. Over 30 different variations, such as the 'Crakajak' with premium beef, cracked black peppercorns and melted cheddar cheese or the 'L'Avorella' with prime beef, bu..

Dragonfly (Jingan)

Dragonfly is the westernized spa chain sweeping Shanghai with its assortment of foot/shoulder/body massages as well as nail treatments. Massages here are far gentler than the average walk-by Shanghainese foot rub place, the rooms are always dark and ..

Coconut Bar

Coconut bar is a small and relaxed venue located on the ground floor of Thumb Plaza in Pudong. It's one of the few places in town to serve New Zealand's Stienlarger, and what's more, ALL the food available is only 29rmb. With a live band playing some..

The Bulldog

Although it recently dropped the all to descriptive "British" from it's name, The Bulldog will always be a good place to hit up if it's pouring rain and you're in the mood for some London pub atmosphere.

Captain's Hostel

A Shanghai institution, the Captain Hostel offers some serious bang for your Bund. This ship-themed residence, be-speckled with buoys and portholes, is mildly gimmicky but unusually clean for a hostel. If you choose the Sailor Bunks be prepared to sh..

American Steak & Eggs

Johnny Moo (Hongfeng)