BAR BUD is a design-forward cocktail bar tucked away on the second floor of The Merchants in the Former French Concession. It started out as a private space but has since opened to the public. The vibe is sleek but unpretentious, centered around a Korean-style open grill built right into the bar. It’s backed by the team behind Bar Cham, bringing their Seoul-rooted cocktail craft and polished hospitality to Shanghai. Drinks are creative, the service is sharp, and the whole operation feels like it’s aiming to push the cocktail scene forward—without being flashy about it.