Speak Low
Speak Low things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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We speak highly of Speak Low! No reservation can be made prior arrival. It is supposed to be a hidden speakeasy bar but no longer such a secret, with the constant inflow of customers. Speak Low deserves its position both The World’s and Asia’s 50 Best Bars lists. I have been to a number of Asia Top 50 bars in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and I must say that this one is on top of my list! We gained access through a sliding bookshelf inside a cocktail equipment outlet and head for the second floor where we were able to sit at the bar table. The third floor is a more popular choice but second floor is more lively. We started with a Fuxing Cooler and Serenity. The first one is some kind of chinese wine with oolong tea and a layer of cheese, while Serenity is very refreshing, combining Vodka with lichee cello. Both were great! The vibe was so good and welcoming, we shared our drinks flavour and experience with a couple beside us. Making new friends at a bar, why not! We didn’t want to leave and opted for another signature cocktail, which is Sawadee-cup, made with brown butter washed rum, Thai iced tea and apioca bubbles. Considering the taste, atmosphere and the creativity of the bartender, the prices of Speak Low Shanghai are surprisingly reasonable and definitely justifiable.
Joe The Explorer (識食)Joe The Explorer (識食)
00
Even though google maps is restricted in China, the bar is located correctly and worth a visit! This is one of four Shingo Gokan’s cocktail bars in Shanghai. And you can see his signature everywhere (glasses, liquor, pictures etc). Atmosphere 9/10 Hidden entrance behind a bookshelf of a bar tools shop “OCHO”. Very cool upscale-pub atmosphere. Intimate/dark lighting and great vibe. A lot of typical details for Shingo’s bars. Drinks 8.5/10 Recommendation: Quintessence #2 Stylish menu with a decent selection catered to western cocktail culture. Had the Quintessence and Earl Grey MarTEAni. Both delicious. Garnish is very simple. This speakeasy has the funniest coasters I have encountered! Love the fun element. Unique glasses and ice cubes for all drinks. Service 9/10 Friendly and attentive team. Water served on the spot. The seating system and waitlist logic could be improved - there is no way to reserve upfront and some people end up standing. Bar was #32 Asia’s best bars 2021 Since google maps doesn’t work properly in China, i can recommend an Instagram account with exhaustive review of all major cocktail bars for China: @aplus_barguide
Anton S.Anton S.
00
It was packed the Saturday night I came in, so I didn't get food and just had one cocktail, but I still walked away impressed. The bar felt plucked right out of the heights of of the cocktail renaissance of SF and NYC, complete with the suspender-wearing bartenders (but no waxed mustaches). The ice cubes were oversized and clear as glass, tiki drinks were swizzled with a bois lele, the bartenders stirred and shook with panache. And of course my drink was excellent. I had an interesting negroni riff loaded with spices. I wish I could've tried more. The vibe of the place was great. Service was excellent. The music they had going on the background was an especially fascinating throwback to 2010s big American city cocktail culture: a mix of minimal techno, deep house, and Brainfeeder-style hip hop beats. I can't recommend this place enough and I'm eager to come back when I can actually get a seat at the bar.
Taylor FifeTaylor Fife
10
Unfortunately the name of the bar resonates perfectly with my sentiment. Having been to speak easy bars around the world, this has got to be the e most abysmal experience ever. When we arrived the doorman mentioned there were only standing tables which is totally fine but when we got up there we were just brought to stand around with no standing tables, no space at the bar which we were just laughing at what was happening. Not too mention they just kept piling more people in so we were all standing together and given a menu to just stand in the middle of a tiny(no issues w the space) bar. We ordered couple of their signatures, weren’t bad but definitely not worth the hype of this place sadly. So after our first round, we decided to call for the tab given oxygen was scarce. So disappointing tho, the place had potential for so much more.
ElEl
00
Very very exceptional bar - had requested an impromptu cocktail with Chinese liquor. Got a very well mixed cocktail with Maotai and Rum base that combined the unique umami fragrant note from the Maotai and the sweetness of the rum. And since the cocktail had no name as yet, I had offered to name it Jiang Jin Jiu 将进酒 (An Invitation to Drink) in reference to the Li Bai poem of the same name 「人生得意须尽欢 莫使金樽空对月」 "The imperative in life is to indulge in the pleasure to one's satiation Let not the golden chalice lay empty 'neath the pale moonlight"
JunyiJunyi
00
Do not leave Shanghai without an evening at Speak Low! I promise you wont be disappointed. The unique drink menu and exclusivity makes for a wonderful evening. The entrance is disguised with bookshelves. Be sure to ask to go upstairs to the second bar and if youre lucky enough, youll be invited further up to a 3rd bar. Each drink is presented in a unique fashion. Each bar inside has a different menu.
Ellen BraboEllen Brabo
00
Nearby Attractions Of Speak Low
Tianzifang
Shaoxing Park
大韩民国临时政府旧址
Chinese Printed Blue Nankeen Exhibition Hall
Fuxing Park
上海新天地南里
Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai
Shanghai Pudi Boutique Hotel
Huaihai Lu
Jinjiang Hotel
Tianzifang
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(808)Click for details
Shaoxing Park
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大韩民国临时政府旧址
4.7
(235)Click for details
Chinese Printed Blue Nankeen Exhibition Hall
4.4
(190)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Speak Low
Weixiangzhai
Di Shui Dong
Boxing Cat Brewery
Liquid Laundry
Cha's Restaurant
Café del Volcán
Guang Ming Cun Restaurant
阿娘面馆
Lanxin Restaurant
Pasha Turkish Restaurant
Weixiangzhai
4.2
(165)Click for details
Di Shui Dong
4.4
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Boxing Cat Brewery
4.3
(70)Click for details
Liquid Laundry
4.3
(56)$$
Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(92 reviews)
Deep Dive
A deep dive into Speak Low
