Speak Low
Japanese-owned Speak Low is
Shanghai's speakeasy nonpareil. Once you’ve made your way in—we won’t spoil how to do so—head up to the pint-size but raucous second floor, where you can sip cocktails like the Sawadee-Cup (Thai iced tea, brown-butter-washed rum, and tapioca bubbles) and share bar snacks like Korean-style fried chicken or skewered quail eggs. Climb one more flight of stairs for a quieter vibe and even more interesting drinks. The East of the Sun is one of the best—kaffir lime leaf–infused gin, chili, basil, and ginger—delivered to you with a mortar and pestle so you can crush your own lemongrass.
