2024 killed off a few staples: Bonica and La Mezcalería among them. But that wasn't the end. They knocked down the walls, merged four separate spots —Bonica, La Mezcaleria, Tacos el Paisa, and La Barra — into one big open space. Now, it's all just La Barra: one venue, three vibes.
Downstairs is now the bistro and vinyl lounge (with shisha). Upstairs, past the spiral staircase, it's still a club. It's tighter than what Bonica was, and more affordable.
This Saturday La Barra will throw one giant party with their resident DJ's (Tom William, Roni Macedo, Blackjessi, and Zak upstairs— Rochaos Downstairs) and La Barra "crowd favorites". Dress code is chrome couture: Think metallic and shiny.
Dinner at La Barra
The restaurant is open 6-10:30pm, and everything's meant to share. The chefs, Aldo & Alex, created a menu that leans fusion. Some standouts: Charred Beef Tataki (98rmb), Marinated Mackerel Toasties (48rmb), Octopus Croquettas (48rmb).
There's also a late-night snacks menu if you don't plan on grabbing some shao kao after. Tacos, Burgers, Fries, and Fried Chicken available until 2:30am.
Cocktails are consistent and well-made. You won't find anything experimental here, but the bartenders know what they're doing. Dinner prices are lower than Bonica's. Two people can split a bottle and a meal for under 800rmb. (Bonus: if you do end up spending 200rmb or more per person on dinner, you get into the club upstairs for free.)
On weekends, brunch runs from 12-4pm. Aside from a three-hour free flow (178rmb), there are tacos, prosecco, and items ranging from yogurt bowls (68rmb) to frois gras chicken roulade (108rmb). The room fills up around 1 p.m. It's walk-in friendly before that.
The Vinyl Lounge
Music plays a bigger role now. Dinner is set to vinyl, and the dining area and the lounge are separated only by plants and that big spiral staircase. Around 10pm, the lights drop, the vibe shifts, and people fill the lounge, smoking shisha (it doesn't get too smoky, if you're wondering).
You don't have to be a vinyl lover to enjoy the music, but if you are, check the schedule. Flo and Spada are regulars. Flo— a resident, tends to play house while Spada's more in the underground scene — Alter, Tang. The vibe is relaxed. Not a bottle-service crowd. That's upstairs. It's one of the few places in Shanghai where a night out can be fun without changing venues.
The Club
When you're ready to level up, go upstairs. The club is a tighter space with low ceilings, a long bar right when you enter, a compact dance floor, and a clean bathroom with a massive mirror (ladies, it's nice).
You'll need a ticket, which includes one drink. The club, on the 2nd floor, starts at 11pm. The DJ lineup is house-heavy. Tom William, the music director of La Barra, plays afrohouse, tech house & house. Roni Macedo, from Brazil, does afrohouse & house sets. Blackjessi brings a fresh vibe, with afrohouse, house and techno. Zak, the newest resident DJ, spins house and techno depending on the night.
There's no stage or bottle girls. Just good music and a solid crowd. When the lineup is strong (it usually is), it gets packed.
La Barra 2.0
La Barra isn't trying to be everything. It's just doing what it used to, but better. Dinner transitions into dancing without the awkward shift. You'll still need a weekend reservation for dinner and a ticket for the club.
The crowd is mixed — industry people grabbing late bites, music heads who like vinyl downstairs, and people who want dinner before they dance. Design ties it all together. Downstairs feels like a dimly lit dinner party: soft lighting, polished concrete, dark wood, and low chairs. It's not precious, but it's not casual either.
Upstairs is fun — dark, tight, easy to dance and forget what time it is. The spiral staircase isn't just an improvement, it makes the night shift easily from dinner to something a little more high-energy. La Barra calls itself a "sharp concept," and it is. No QR codes. No gimmicks. No "experiential" anything. Just food, drinks, and music, all under one roof.
That's probably the best way to describe it: grown-up fun. You can eat well. You can stay late. You can dance without a phone flashlight in your face. And that's rare.
La Barra turns four this Friday, June 14, with a two-floor celebration running from 10:30pm until late. Upstairs, Tom William, Roni Macedo, Black Jessi, and Zak will be on the main stage. Downstairs in the lounge, DJ Rochaos will be playing vinyl sets, with shisha service available. The kitchen will be open from 11pm to 2:30am, serving tacos, burgers, and late-night snacks. Both bars will offer signature cocktails and champagne. Giveaways will be happening throughout the night. Dress code is Chrome Couture: metallics, mirrors, and futuristic looks encouraged. No reservations required; entry is first come, first served. Ticket is 120rmb, includes one drink.
