Like reading bars reviews in That's PRD? We get it, there are a lot of them. Here's a list of the ones from 2016 we liked the best (so far), taking into account selection, atmosphere, service and value for money.
These are our favorites, but what places are we missing? Tell us about your favorite bar in the comments section below, and the most beguiling commenter will receive a bottle of Pearl Red yellow wine. That's better than a kick in the teeth, no?
A01
If you’ve ever imagined yourself as a secret agent, sneaking around corners or spying on another’s reflection, A01 is the place to do it. The venue is veiled in mystery, from the intriguing decor to the rather strict set of rules for the patrons – raise your voice too loud and security guards will escort you from the premises. If only we had something like that for the Shenzhen Metro… For ladies, we recommend sipping on ‘Jasmine likes it’ (RMB95), a vodka-based cocktail with fresh basil leaves. 'Dark haze' (RMB100) is our preferred gentleman’s drink, infused with a fierce aftertaste that suits serious talks and cigars.
Price: RMB200
Who’s going: Cocktail connoisseurs, wealthy partygoers, undercover spies
Good for: Whispering, drinking alone, a chic night out
Read our full review here. See listing for A01.
Juicy Jelly
Juicy Jelly is clearly not a common name for a bar – unless, of course, the bar itself is uncommon. It sits almost in the center of Sea World in the midst of establishments that are much easier to pin down. Open till 2am, a great deal of focus is on the cuisine. You will have the signature bar snack fish and chips (RMB118) right next to the rather unexpected Argentina red prawns and urchin with fettuccine (RMB138). Both dishes are way above bar quality – they are meticulously prepared by the chef, Tommy Yu, who has worked for the Hilton hotel chain and traveled through Europe to polish his skills.
Price: RMB150
Who's going: hungry party-goers, draft beer lovers
Good for: eating after midnight, cheap cocktails
Read our full review here. See listing for Juicy Jelly.
Magma
Magma is deep in the guts of northern Baishizhou and directly across from Bionic Brew’s latest incarnation. Located in a square surrounded by restaurants, its innards are lit by dimmed LED bulbs that hang over a bar, beer fridge and low stage. The bar is a hangout for artsy folk and the Italian co-owners stacked the wine list with eight favorites from the motherland: a range of whites, reds, sparkling wines and a rose (RMB35-50/glass). Each is listed with the names of a vineyard we’ve never heard of – but we’re promised they’re good.
Price: RMB100 for a healthy buzz
Who’s going: artsy folk and Bionic Brew wanderers
Good for: wine and cocktails, creative vibe, meeting people
Read our full review here. See listing for Magma.
Providence Cocktail Bar
If Coco Park is sex with a stranger, Providence is a first date with someone you’ll marry. Since opening earlier this year, Providence has positioned itself as the answer to what is wrong with nightlife in Shenzhen – offering guests a calm, cool environment and – of course – delightful cocktails. While we are admittedly big fans of Providence, we must state that the ambiance, cocktails, and service come at a price, with the most expensive cocktail on the menu running at RMB100.
Price: Approx. RMB200 per person
Who’s going: those who have all but given up hope on bars
Good for: meeting the cocktail love of your life
Read our full review here. See listing for Providence.
Whiskey Life
Likely costing more than Whisky Life’s eight months of renovation, the bar boasts a selection of whisky focused on aged single malts. They range from RMB60 glasses of 12-year-old Glenfiddich to the Laphroaig, which, aged 32 years, is older than the average Shenzhener and is sold by the bottle for RMB14,800. The evolving menu lists the usual cocktails – Singapore sling, mojito (both RMB68) and bloody mary (RMB78). The mint julep (RMB68) has a manly kick from a 12-year-old Balvenie whisky. There are also private rooms for high rollers that splash out a minimum RMB3,000 and seat mostly Japanese who make use of the carpeted, cigar friendly spaces about four times a week. Although pricey, there is no doubt this is Shenzhen’s elite whiskey hangout.
Price: Approx. RMB300 for a quality buzz
Who’s going: whisky pros, Japanese businessmen
Good for: whisky tasting, important negotiations
Read our full review here. See listing for Whiskey Life.
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