Despite neon signs pointing it out to passersby, Mon Saigon’s rooftop bar has an exclusive vibe. Or maybe that’s just because it’s deserted on the night we visit, for weather reasons.
Still, it’s easy to see the appeal. The open-air space is thickly populated with potted plants, clustered around tables and giving an air of privacy. While the brick terrace on one side has an uninspiring view of traffic and a coffee shop, the other shows off the best of Xiangmihu (‘Honey Lake’), complete with abandoned roller coaster ride. At night, its ghostly white framework is especially eye-catching against a backdrop of lit-up skyline.
All the outdoor scenery comes with a downside, at least in the summer: due to sultry temperatures, drinkers won’t want to linger too long over iced drinks.
Of the bar’s original cocktails, we sample a toffee tequila sour (RMB80) first; it handily straddles the line between sweet and tart drinks without skimping on liquor. Next, a blueberry mint julep (RMB80) goes down pleasantly minty, if not very fruity.
The disappointing gin-based Acid Melon (RMB80) reminds us of flavored cough syrup, but the Soul Singer at a Corner (RMB80) delivers a strong sour candy taste that falls somewhere between Jolly Rancher and Warhead. Even better, it’s still flavorful 10 minutes later, after the ice has melted.
Due to the recent popularity of whiskey in Shenzhen, a bartender informs us, Mon Saigon stocks a wide range of single malts. He’s not kidding – a brief scan of the menu reveals dozens of scotches subdivided by region (seven altogether).
There’s also a smaller selection of imported beers like Duvel or Firestone Walker, priced at RMB40 and RMB45 a bottle respectively.
Drinkers with the munchies can order BBQ to be delivered to their table. For a full meal, though, they’ll need to head downstairs to the restaurant, which offers AC, if not quite the same ambience.
Price: RMB80-160
Who’s going: adventurous drinkers, whiskey lovers
Good for: creative cocktails, hot dates
Nearest metro: Xiangmeibei (Exit B2), 5 minutes
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