The Place
Walking into Pop Corner feels like being dropped off by your mom at a friend’s house for a playdate in the 90s.
Partially because it’s set up to mimic an actual home: front entrance, living room, bedroom, dressing room, kitchen and all. And partially because it’s outfitted in quirky throwback toys: ninja turtle figurines, Mario Kart and Sailor Moon collectables, board games, multi-colored disco ball lighting and throwback gaming consoles abound.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Started as a passion project by ex-Union Trading Company veterans Lucky and Folen, as well as previous Flask bar manager Toutou, the team proffers a combined bar experience of nearly 30 years.
And that shows in the ingenious libation creations alone – ones that involve unprecedented flavor pairings, like clarified chicken broth, pumpkin powder, frozen sour cream ice cubes and condensed cream of corn soup.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
By day, Pop Corner – which gets its name from its casual, community-focused ‘pop in for a quick one’ vibe – serves up coffee and pastries in the front entrance. But after 7pm, you can walk through the Chinese retro fabric-lined hallway, push back the mirror and enter the living room and bedroom for a cocktail or two.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The kitchen offers a monthly changing menu of local bar fare; homecooked recipes from the team that feel like something your mom would bring you as an after-school snack: a Fujian-style sandwich; braised pork rice; chicken mushroom soup; and Shanghainese dumplings.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Drinks are selected from a Monopoly board menu, with each property representing the city whose ingredients are embodied in the bevvie. Roll the dice and land on your city of choice. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200...
Just kidding, there is no Go to Jail card – it’s all just fun and games here.
The Drinks
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The bedroom – as one would guess – is where the magic happens, with the bar made from a propped-up bedframe and extra glassware stored on a dresser.
The drink menu concept seems to start outside the box, throwing all rules and preconceptions out the window to showcase these creative minds’ playful take on pairing flavors.
There are no limits on what ingredients can be tossed into the mix.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Fuzho larou – or cured pork – infused Souchong tea mezcal is shaken with mustard, red dates, fermented pineapple, lemon and smoked water as the Chainsmoker (RMB98), a spiced and savory sip that is enhanced by the crispy cubes of salted pork fat garnish.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Chocolate overload comes in the form of the AK47 Chocolate Bomb (RMB98), highlighting dark chocolate and yogurt fat-washed Russian Zubrowka vodka – that hosts a lingering vanilla aftertaste – Talisker 10 year, Frangelico and conifer honey.
A punchier drink presented with crystalline clarity.
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As the frozen sour cream ice cubes of the Hawaiian Pizza (RMB98) melt, the already velvety liquid thickens further; a balance of clarified corn soup, bourbon infused with shrimp skin, pineapple and limoncello topped with a ‘pizza-shaped’ sesame biscuit and fig slice.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Pulling tastes from Mexican street bites, the Intoxicating Snacks (RMB98) features a clarified chicken soup and tequila base, accented by onion, pumpkin powder, nutty amaretto and cayenne pepper, topped with a pickled Mexican chili.
Smooth, spicy and oh-so-balanced, the most peculiar drink recipe adds up to the most addicting one.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
As for snacks, it’s all about comfort food for a homey vibe: thick slabs of fatty pork belly simmered in cinnamon and star anise atop sticky rice as the Luroufan; creamy Duck Tripe and sliced liver reminiscent of pate; umami-rich Taipei Chicken Mushroom Soup; Folen’s grandma’s recipe for garlic chip-studded Pork Tendon; and Shanghainese Pork and Mushroom Wontons, sprinkled with dried shrimps, cilantro and chilis.
The Vibe
The quaint venue offers seating for only 30-40 people, maintaining an air of approachable exclusivity – if you know, you know. But, the atmosphere is welcoming, relaxed; a feeling like you’re among friends.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Drinks arrive unexpectedly fast, despite how complicated they sound on paper. You can tell these guys have been around the bar block by how orderly the bar remains at all times – each aromatic spray, each infusion, each herbaceous garnish meticulously kept in its place.
After a visit, we wholeheartedly believe this place deserves a Chance (card). Plus, there’s Free Parking, so you can hang at will, until your next turn.
Price: RMB100-200
Who’s Going: Hipster locals, cocktail connoisseurs, the Xuhui expat contingency
Good For: Casual dates, noteworthy drinks, coffee by day and cocktails by night
See a listing for Pop Corner.
Read more Shanghai Bar Reviews.
[Cover Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s]
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