Is there anything better than this (oh so brief) respite between freezing cold and boiling hot weather – otherwise known as spring in Shanghai? The sun has come out to play, the breeze is downright balmy, and the masses want nothing more than to sip their summery cocktails on a killer outdoor patio. And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with the old favourites (Mesa, anyone?), there are plenty of newer establishments making their names in al fresco drinking. Here’s the 2011 roundup (in no particular order) of Shanghai’s best new patios. 

1) The ApartmentView In Map
Already a Shanghai mainstay, it’s hard to believe The Apartment has only been with us for a little over a year. Their rooftop patio is one of the best, with a view over the tree-lined French Concession and plenty of comfortable seating. Dotted with a liberal dose of potted trees and plants, this outdoor haven makes it easy to forget you’re in the middle of the city.

Add: 3F, 47 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xilu, Shanghai
地址：上海市永福路47号3楼, 近复兴西路
Tel: 021 6437 9478
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs, 11:00-02:00; Fri-Sat, 11:00-03:00

2) The Roof at WaterhouseView In Map
Brand spanking new and already a popular choice with the Bund crowd, the Waterhouse’s rooftop patio (aptly named “The Roof”) has some of the best views of the river and Pudong skyline since Bar Rouge. Drinks are expensive, as would be expected, but of excellent quality - with an on-site herb garden guaranteeing some fresh and unique drinks.

Add: 5/F The Waterhouse 1-3 Maojiayuan Lu, near Zhongshan Nan Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市毛家园路1-3号1楼， 近中山南路
Tel: 021 60802918
Opening hours: Daily, 17:00-01:00

3) The ShedView In Map
For those who like their outdoor space to be a bit more… down to earth, check out The Shed, the new Australian-owned pub located next to the always-popular Kaiba on Kangding Lu. Cheap drinks, a secluded patio, cheap drinks, plenty of outdoor seating – and did I mention they have cheap drinks? While there is no view to speak of, this is the place to go when you want to feel like you’re lounging outside a friend’s house.

Add: Lane 528 Kangding Lu, near Xikang Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市康定路528弄， 近西康路
Tel: 021 62881189
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 16:00-late; Sat-Sun, 12:00-late

4) ZealView In Map
One of the first inhabitants of the new South Bund 22 concept, it’s worth visiting simply for a breathless view of the Bund and its skyscrapers in all their glory. Described as a “Bund club/lounge” (and really, is there any other?), expect DJs galore, a small dance floor, and lots and lots of “pretty” people. Head directly to the outdoor terrace to absorb the views and soak in the city vibe.

Add: 6/F, South Bund 22, 22 Zhongshan Dong Lu, near Jinling Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市中山东路22号, 近金陵路
Tel: 021 6328 6768
Opening hours: Daily, 18:00-late

5) Stiller’sView In Map
One of the more impressive institutions in the Cool Docks conglomerate, head directly to the seventh floor terrace to enjoy Stiller’s cocktails and sample its extensive wine selection. You’ll be greeted by a view of the river you’ve never quite seen before, as the restaurant is located on the southern tip of the Bund. Oh, and the food happens to be amazing.

Add: 6/F, Blg 13, The Cool Docks, 505 Zhongshan Nan Lu, near Fuxing Dong Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市老码头, 中山南路505号6楼, 近复兴东路
Tel: 021 6152 6501
Opening hours: Daily, 18:00-22:30 (dinner); 12:00-14:30 (Sunday brunch)

6) CharView In Map
Technically located in the Hotel Indigo near Cool Docks, this steakhouse houses a bar on the roof that gives you one of the clearest views of the city you can find. Prices are reasonable for what you get (happy hour, which is 18:00-21:00 every day, offers 50 RMB glasses of wine and bottles of beer) and the view makes you want to sit and linger.

Add: Hotel Indigo, 29-31/F, 585 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, near Dongmen Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市中山东二路585号29-31楼, 近东门路
Tel: 021 3302-9995
Opening hours: Daily, 18:00-22:30 (dining room); 18:00-late (bar)

7) Greek TavernaView In Map
Housed in the space where Latitude Longitude once sat, faithful patrons of the Dongping Lu/Yueyang Lu bar strip will be happy to know that the rooftop patio is still alive and well. With views over the popular tree-lined intersection of the French Concession, you’ll enjoy lounging away the hours on this small, but sufficient, rooftop respite.

Add: 1 Yueyang Lu, near Dongping Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市岳阳路1号, 近东平路
Tel: 021 6431 7751
Opening hours: 08:00-22:30

8) Racks/MasseView In Map
While the name may change, the strip of rooftop outdoor seating remains the same. Racks, the infamous pool hall and bar, has recently undergone an image overhaul and now calls its upstairs cafe area “Masse.” Regardless, its small rooftop patio still has a shockingly good view of the local neighbourhood from which you can enjoy their half price happy hour every day from 14:00-20:00.

Add: 5/F, 219 Jinxian Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市进贤路221号5楼, 近陕西南路
Tel: 021 5212 5971
Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 17:00-late

9) DownstairsView In Map
Attached to the eco-friendly Urbn Hotel in the Jing’An area, Downstairs boasts a lush, leafy garden and slate stone patio that makes you feel absolutely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city. While the food has gotten decidedly mixed reviews, stop by for a creative cocktail (like their signature rhubarb martini) in this little garden sanctuary.

Add: 1/F, URBN Hotel, 183 Jiaozhou Lu, near Beijing Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市胶州路183号, 近北京路
Tel: 021 5172 1300
Opening hours: Sun-Wed, 18:00-22:00; Thurs-Fri, 18:00-22:30

10) Chicha & AlchemistView In Map
And now for a little something I like to call the Sinan Mansions Double Header. Yes, technically Chicha and the Alchemist share the same stretch of patio in the new all-encompassing Sinan Mansions. But each places has such a unique vibe (not to mention amazing cocktails – don’t miss Chicha’s Strawberry Cheesecake martini!) that they both deserve to be listed here.

Sinan Mansions, Lane 507 Fuxing Zhong Lu, near Chongqing Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市复兴中路507弄2号楼4楼, 近重庆路
Tel: 021 6418-0760 (Chica); 021 6426 0660 (Alchemist)
Opening hours: Daily, 18:00-02:00 (Alchemist)

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