The Apartment
A French Concession institution occupying a converted apartment above a busy intersection. Balcony seating overlooking the streets, eclectic decor, and a loyal following among long-term Shanghai residents. Beer from 40 CNY.
What to Expect
Walk in and you'll find a relaxed space where conversations flow easily. The bar staff keep drinks moving, and the atmosphere builds gradually through the evening. By late night, the energy picks up without becoming overwhelming.
Casual and social. The kind of place where you can hear yourself think early in the evening and need to lean in to talk by midnight.
Background music that varies from indie to pop. Volume stays at conversation level.
Casual. Whatever you wore during the day works.
Casual drinks and socializing with friends or as a starting point for a longer evening.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are the default. Some venues accept international cards. Cash (CNY) works but mobile payment is preferred. International visitors should set up WeChat Pay or carry cash.
Price Range
Beer CNY 25-50, cocktails CNY 50-90
Beer ~$3.50-7, cocktails ~$7-12.60
Hours
Daily 17:00-02:00, weekends until 03:00
Insider Tip
Weekday evenings are less crowded and the bartenders have more time to chat. Grab a seat early on weekend nights. Standing room fills fast after 22:00.
Full Review
The entrance at 47 Yongfu Road opens into a space that makes its intentions clear from the first step. The bar itself is the focal point, with stools lining the counter and tables filling the remaining space. The decor shows personality without trying too hard, and the overall feel is a place that serves its regulars well while welcoming newcomers. Seating fills from the back forward, with the bar stools being the last to go on busy nights.
The crowd on a typical weekend night reflects the Former French Concession neighborhood's character. You'll see locals who come regularly, visitors who found the place through recommendations, and the occasional group discovering it for the first time. Service at the bar moves at a pace that depends on the night; weekday evenings mean personal attention and conversation, while Saturday nights test the staff's efficiency. Drink quality is consistent, which matters more than people realize when comparing venues in this area.
Compared to other options in Former French Concession, The Apartment holds its ground. It doesn't try to reinvent the bar experience, which is actually its strength. The drinks are well-made, the prices are fair, and the space does what a good bar should: provide a comfortable setting for drinking and conversation. The value proposition is solid, particularly compared to trendier spots that charge more for less substance.
Practical considerations: the venue fills from about 22:00 on weekends. Arriving earlier means better seating choices and more attentive service. Restrooms are maintained to a standard consistent with the venue's overall quality. The neighborhood around Former French Concession offers food options for late-night hunger and transport options for getting home.
The Neighborhood
The Apartment is located at 47 Yongfu Road, within the Former French Concession nightlife zone. The surrounding streets offer other nightlife options within walking distance, making it easy to combine with nearby venues for a longer evening. Late-night food options are available in the neighborhood, ranging from local street food to sit-down restaurants depending on the hour.
Getting There
The venue is at 47 Yongfu Road. Metro runs until 22:30-23:00. After that, use Didi (ride-hailing app). Taxis are abundant but harder to hail late at night.
Address
47 Yongfu Road
Other Venues in Former French Concession
Speak Low
Internationally acclaimed speakeasy hidden behind a fake cocktail supply shop. Four floors, each with a different character and drink menu. Regularly appears on Asia's 50 Best Bars. Cocktails from 90 CNY.
JZ Club
Shanghai's premier jazz venue hosting local and international acts. Intimate setting with excellent acoustics. The city's serious jazz audience gathers here regularly. Cover 50-150 CNY depending on the act.
Perry's
Dive bar and late-night staple on Yongfu Road. Cheap drinks, a pool table, and a crowd that shows up after everywhere else closes. Beer from 25 CNY. Open until 6 AM on weekends.
el Coctel
Spanish-themed cocktail bar with a cozy interior and creative drink menu. Less sceney than Speak Low but equally serious about its cocktails. Popular with cocktail enthusiasts. Drinks from 70 CNY.
Dada
Small basement club in the French Concession with bookings spanning techno, house, hip-hop, and experimental music. Sweaty, dark, and authentic. Cover 30-80 CNY.