The consistent influx of new bars, paired with an equally consistent shutting down of said bars, can make Shanghai a tricky place to navigate when you’re looking to expand outside your usual watering holes. It is not unusual for a place to open and close before one even gets a chance to check it out. But you can always count on new bars to appear, and 2011 has been no exception. But which ones are actually worth all the buzz? And which ones could possibly survive long enough to have a long, successful run in this often fickle city? Check out this list for the top five new bars of 2011 – so far...

1) The AlchemistView In Map
Certainly the most unique bar on this list, The Alchemist makes having a cocktail feel like a science experiment – in a good way. Known as a “molecular gastro-bar,” its menu is chock full of drink concoctions that will make you do a double take. From sesame-glazed carrot foam to roasted red pepper-infused tequila, these cocktails draw on unique flavour combinations to heighten the act of drinking into an experience. And hence you think it is all about appearances, rest assured that The Alchemist has some of the most genuinely tasty drinks in town. And be sure not to pass up the La Flore Fixe – this drink is worth ordering for the Sauvignon Blanc fog alone.

Add: Block 32, Sinan Mansions, 45 Sinan Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市思南路45号32号楼， 近复兴西路
Tel: 021 6426 0660
Opening hours: Daily, 18:00-02:00

2) The BrewView In Map
When you are not in the mood for experimenting with off-the-wall but delicious flavours, The Brew may just hit the spot. Located waaay out in Pudong’s Kerry Hotel, this brewery is totally worth the trip. The abundance of light wood furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows lends an airy, casual feel to the place, providing the perfect backdrop with which to enjoy the six different brews offered on tap. While it is never a bad idea to try all six - just ask for the sampler - of particular note is the Skinny Grain (a low carb beer that tastes surprisingly full-bodied) and the Razorback Cider (possibly the best hard cider in the city). As the flavours rotate from season to season, I have a feeling that repeat trips will be necessary.

Add: 1388 Huamu Lu, near Fangdian Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市花木路1388号, 近芳甸路
Tel: 021 6169 8888
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-02:00

3) HorizenView In Map
While you can technically consider this as another Bund bar, Horizen is actually located on the Puxi side of the river – which literally gives it a double advantage. The huge windows allow you to glimpse the curve of the Huangpu on both your left and your right, making it feel as though you are surrounded by water; and luckily, this little “island” serves delicious cocktails. While the drink menu contains all the usual favourites, the bartender has said on multiple occasions that he can “make anything.” Sounds like a challenge to me…

Add: 22/F, 1 Jinling Dong Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市金陵路1号22楼, 近中山东路
Tel: 021 182 2160-2008
Open: Daily, 17:00-04:00

4) The RoofView In Map
Perhaps I am a bit influenced by the shock of warm, sunny weather we have been having lately, but The Roof’s delightfully large terrace is reason enough for this bar to make the list. While it is technically owned by a Taiwanese, the bar’s laid-back style and attitude is strictly Japanese. That means you get all the little touches that make Japanese bars so special – hand chipped ice, hand-squeezed juice in the cocktails, and even fresh herbs that are grown in the bar’s personal little garden. Quiet, relaxing, and serving quality drinks, The Roof is one of those places you can frit away an afternoon and not feel the least bit guilty about doing so. Oh, and did I mention it had a really big outdoor patio?

Add: 4/F, Bldg 4, 570 Yongjia Lu near Yueyang Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市永嘉路570号5号楼4楼, 近岳阳路
Tel: 021 6073 7628
Opening hours: Daily, 17:00-02:00

5) YuccaView In Map
For those unsure whether David Laris could sustain yet another drinking and dining institution in Shanghai, rest assured that Yucca has proven itself a fast favourite. You will now find it crowded almost every evening of the week – especially Thursdays, when it hosts Laris’s famed Martini Night. Standard cocktails are given fun little twists, like adding basil to their Caipirinhas or using tequila as a base for a Mexican Mule (instead of the usual vodka base for a Moscow Mule). The decor is crazy, the crowd is energetic, and it looks like this one is here to stay.

Add: 3/F, 26F Sinan Mansions, 45 Sinan Lu, near Fuxing Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市思南路45弄26F号3楼, 近复兴路
Tel: 021 3368 9525
Opening hours: Daily, 18:00-late

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Keywords: newly opened bars Shanghai New bars Shanghai 2011 5 best new bars Shanghai 2011