Top Bars in June: Chinese Herb-Inspired Cocktail

When you wander along the tree-lined streets of the French Concession on a balmy summer night, you might easily miss the discreet doorway that leads to a herb-themed bar Rx 方子. 

Behind an unassuming wooden entrance, you'll step into a cozy, dimly lit space, infused with a warm, traditional Chinese ambiance. Think wooden screens, apothecary-style cabinets, and a mysterious, almost medicinal aesthetic.

Once inside, you'll discover a cocktail experience unlike any other in Shanghai.

14 Prescriptions, 14 States of Mind. Rx 方子 takes creativity to the next level. Its cocktail menu is presented like a traditional Chinese prescription book, with each drink designed to reflect a particular mindset or emotional state. With intriguing names like 躺平 ("Let It Be"), 自有 ("Freedom"), 有钱 ("Wealthy"), and 今日如旧 ("Same As Always"), each of the 14 cocktails - known as "prescriptions" (方子) - is carefully crafted using unique blends, sometimes incorporating Chinese medicinal herbs.

The presentation is as imaginative as the drinks themselves, and the menu feels like a poetic journey through moods and mindsets.

The bartenders here are true artisans. The lead mixologist previously worked at Speak Low, which has been ranked among Asia's Top 50 Bars.

While the highlight of Rx 方子 is undoubtedly the drinks, it's worth noting that they also operate as a full restaurant, not just a bar. Although we didn't get a chance to try the food ourselves, the menu includes a curated selection of dishes designed to pair well with the cocktails.

Keep an eye out at the entrance - you might be welcomed by a small robot dog! If the bar isn't too crowded, the owner will sometimes invite the mechanical pup to greet guests. Just one of those charming quirks that make this place even more unforgettable.

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📍 Address: No. 115 Ruijin Er Road (瑞金二路115号)

🕒 Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM

💸 Price Range: Cocktails are typically ¥70 - 100. If you're dining, expect to spend around ¥150 - 200 per person.