‘Value’ isn’t necessarily a word that springs to mind when we think of drinking near the expensive Bund area, but it does when we think of Waitan Yard, a new American-style 'backyard' rooftop bar on the corner of Sichuan Lu and Fuzhou Lu.
Menus are kept simple, with a selection of six cocktails for around the RMB78 mark, four beers from RMB48, five wines also from RMB48 and a large selection of straight liquors, including a well-curated separate menu of bourbon, Scotches and ryes from RMB68 per glass.
The drinks are good, our Bianco Negroni (RMB88, above), served with a twist of grapefruit, was refreshing without being watery. The Manhattan (RMB108) was made perfectly - with a black maraschino cherry at the bottom. Great, no-nonsense drinks at friendly prices are obviously a draw, but it’s the terrace that makes Waitan Yard a winner. Pretense-free but just nice enough to warrant bringing a date, this sunny, laid-back patio poses a credible option for pre-drinking and after work drinks near the Bund that won’t empty your pockets.
Another nice aspect is the attentive service – the fuwuyuan are all (paid) students from a local hospitality school getting work experience. A space like this is crying out for a BBQ, which might happen in the near future – expect weekend cookouts, hamburgers, hot dogs and a concise menu of bar snacks as well as 'drive-in' mid-week movie nights.
Currently there’s no sign outside, so look for a restaurant called ‘Dining Plus’ at the Sichuan and Fuzhou Lu intersection, and venture up to the third floor.
Price: RMB48-108 per drink
Who’s going: Passersby, for now
Good for: After work drinks, bund drinking, dates, casual drinks, al fresco, happy hour, whisky and bourbon
Happy Hour: Tues-Fri 5-7pm, buy one get one free on selected beers, house wines and cocktails.
> See a listing for Waitan Yard.
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