This shoebox-sized bar/café, tucked away on a Nanshan side-street has been open less than a year but it’s already garnered a lot of attention from musicians, poets and those seeking a little more than dice-tumblers and DJs from their night out. The bar is named after the semi-autobiographical movie, written by Charles Bukowski, and the infamous poet’s photograph and one of his poems (somewhat fittingly) decorate the toilet walls. It would appear that sole-owner, Blanche Bai is a fan of the darker side of American pop culture. “We play a lot blues and jazz,” she told that’s PRD over the discordant ambience of Miles Davis. “But I like rock n roll, especially The Doors. Every Saturday we have performances. Sometimes live music from local performers like Eric and Manu (see p21). We also host Shenzhen and Hong Kong poets here.”
With so much culture packed in, it’s a surprise Barfly isn’t bursting at the seams. The joint might be the size of the average American’s fridge, but it’s got one of the biggest personalities in Shenzhen.
Drinks are inexpensive, with Tsingtao at RMB15 and wine ranging between RMB200 to 300, making Barfly an ideal haunt for those leading a Bukowski-esque lifestyle. And there’s a bookshelf and good coffee for anyone wishing to take things a little easier.
// No.3-12, Garden City Phase III, Gongye Ba Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District.(2667 2532) 南山区蛇口工业八路花园城三期3-12号
