| CRAFT |Craft might be even harder to find than its Monkey Lounge neighbor (both sit on the same short street). To the left of the Donghu Hotel, a narrow passageway leads you straight into a restaurant kitchen. Take a left and ascend the stairs, past a seedy karaoke bar—you’ll be rewarded with a high-end vodka bar that serves up inventive cocktails and a fun atmosphere. The epitome of deconstructed chic, Craft boasts a striking bar, beautiful stools designed by the owner, wooden tables and bric-a-brac sofas. Try an earthy celery sipper, strong Vesper Martini or a seasonal house cocktail made using infused vodkas. Chamomile flowers, goji berries and in-season fruit often make an appearance. Purists can opt for the vodka tasting flights, which come in jade cups.
| PEOPLE’S 7 |
An entertaining entryway opens into a sleek cement, minimalist designed lounge and restaurant. Next door to Shintori Japanese Restaurant, People 7 is owned by the same group of Taiwanese investors and has a similar impression to it. Dim spot-lighting adds tot he charm of this ultra-modern Chinese restaurant. Some of the tables overlook an attractive garden filled with bamboo trees. The contemporary Chinese cuisine is tasty and not too oily – we like the grilled codfish. And the service is decent.
Note: There is not a sign for People 7 outside. It is down a up cement-walled staircase, with a light pointing at the ground with the distinctive People 7 logo. At the top of the staircase are lit round holes in the wall. Probably… look for some sleek mechanism like this! (:
| Monkey Lounge |
Duck down a dark Donghu Lu alleyway and pass a pile of trash. To your right, a single, glowing bulb marks a black door slightly etched with a monkey. Buzz the ringer and you’ll be admitted into a dark and surprisingly spacious bar with high glass ceilings and low, comfortable couches. A hip international crowd comes to this exclusive space for a laid-back drinking atmosphere and classically mixed cocktails. Pair your Old Fashioned with a couple of small plates of gastropub fare, like housemade sausages with mustard or oxtail sliders. The hip-hop and lounge music gets louder as the evening progresses (electronica blasts in the wee hours); long, quiet chats should be taken elsewhere.
| Bar Constellation(s) |
Constellation bar had an almost “Fight Club” veil of secrecy at its original location, behind a mysterious brick frontage on Xinle Lu. Drinkers were initiated through friends, and journos had a pact to keep it out of local listings mags lest the bijoux lounge lose its sophisticated, low-key vibe.
The secret is now out, but with a second (official) venue recently opened nearby, there is enough Constellation to go around. The trained in Japan and bow-tied owner Kin runs the show and ensures his long cocktail list is immaculately maintained.
Constellation II has a 1930s vibe with leather armchairs and deco antiques spread across two floors. The original (still our fave) is a bit edgier and gets going late — if the three lounges are occupied, squeeze onto the long bar. The two Constellation bars are worth a visit, be it late at night or for after dinner drinks.
Become a regular and see if you can pry out of Kin the location of the third unofficial branch of the bar — good luck.
Tagged: bars, cocktails, craft, hidden, Monkey Lounge, People's 7