Albert Cabal's hair came out of an 80s rock video. It's past the Filipino musician’s shoulders, uncombed and compliments his black clothes to exude the rock ‘n’ roll attitude he hopes will make his new bar, Stage, a Shekou favorite.
Cabal bought a stake in Shekou’s promising but often empty Blue Bamboo and made some key improvements, including bringing his own band, veteran Shenzhen rockers Mind the Gap, in house. Six nights a week the six-member group plays mostly rock classics, along with a few recent radio favorites for good measure. It’s a very well-oiled show, a testament to their years performing together.
Despite a new sign out front, Stage has kept experienced hands on the payroll, so the cocktails don’t suffer from rookie mistakes. The tequila sunrise (RMB45) isn’t overwhelmed by grenadine, and the lime margarita’s (RMB50) smooth infusion of lime, alcohol and sugar goes down easy.
Beer selection is limited and typical for Shenzhen, with four on tap and a pint of Tiger running RMB35. The menu includes bar staples like chicken wings (RMB42), nachos (RMB45) and burgers (RMB68). But Stage isn't trying to be a restaurant – it wants to be locals’ favorite rock bar.
The lowered stage makes performances intimate, and a lighting system adds a dazzle that Blue Bamboo lacked. Speakers large enough to stand on flank performers, but thankfully aren’t put at full volume. “We want to make you feel the music but not blow out your eardrums,” says Cabal.
Stage has a full roster of weekly events, including a Monday billiards competition (also the band’s day off) and a Wednesday buy-one-get-one cocktail night. The huge floor space can feel empty without a solid crowd, but the bar has all the right ingredients to bring people out: great music, a respectable menu and well-kept pool tables. So the question is: will you come?
Price: RMB100
Who’s going: Rock fans, Shekou residents
Good for: Billiards, live music
// For address, see listing.
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