Sometimes drinking in Shanghai can be so expensive that settling a bar tab effectively neutralizes any of the night’s fun (even faster than the ensuing hangover). Happy hours are just the ticket, and most venues offer one. We love a good happy hour, and as such we’ve compiled a list of our very favorites in Shanghai.

Be it old or new, dive-y or classy, sports bar or hipster hangout, now you can enjoy the best Shanghai’s bars have to offer – one discounted pint at a time.

1. Waitan Yard

Waitan Yard

The buy-one-get-one-free deal helps some to mitigate the pain necessary when dropping 48 RMB on a Stella, but there you have it. Craft draughts can be had for 68 RMB, and house wines come from 48 RMB. Cocktails, like mojitos and negronis, come more to the order of 78 RMB. Either way, it’s two-for-one.

Waitan Yard is a chilled out, comfortable and surprisingly affordable spot considering its proximity to the Bund. With a leafy terrace and outdoor sofas in the bargain, it’s easy to let a couple of hours slip by while enjoying city views and bargain-priced brews.

When: Mon – Fri 17:00 – 19:00
Where: Third Floor, 166 Sichuan Central Road

2. Kakadu

Kakadu

Offering two for one deals not once but twice a day, Kakadu is a bit of a local hero. It’s upscale but comfortable, so you can relax as you sip away on comfortable couches under the aboriginal art. There’s an excellent Australian wine menu and, for that matter, beer selection, both of which make it a prime spot to meet up with friends before dinner, or to linger afterwards.

When: daily 16:00 – 19:00; 22:00 – midnight
Where: 8 Jianguo Central Road

3. El Luchador

El Luchador

Luchador has its own considerable buy-one-get-one-free deal, with frozen margaritas for 40 RMB, house wine for 25 RMB, and beer starting at 30 RMB for a Corona.

Decent drinks are obligatory but do not provide the heights of appeal afforded by the tacos at this Yongkang Lu spot. The guacamole and chips go for 45 RMB and are really, really tasty. Also good drinking food.

When: daily 17:00 – 19:00
Add: 83 Yongkang Road

4. Kartel Wine Bar

Kartel Wine Bar

The happy hour discount brings the Asahi lager here down to 25 RMB, which isn’t bad all things considered. House wines can be had for 25 RMB a glass, and if you want Aperol spritz in there it’s going to be 30.

Kartel’s happy hour is all about bagging a primo spot on their expansive rooftop terrace. On warm Shanghai evenings, this is a buzzing destination with great views over the Jingan and Xuhui skylines. From 6:00 to 8:00 PM you can take it all in while sipping cheap red or white wine, or a glass of Ricard if you’re into that.

When: daily 18:00 – 20:00
Where: Fifth Floor, 1 Xiangyang North Road

5. Morton’s Steak and Seafood

Morton's Steak and Seafood

“Mortinis,” beers and wines are 45 RMB each, but everything’s 10% off for happy hour. The real deal comes to you in the form of tiny free flowing filet mignon sandwiches. Yeah, so that’s how you’re soaking up your alcohol. The drinks may not be at bargain basement prices, but the free steak sandwiches more than make up for it. Oh, and their terraces at Puxi’s IAPM mall and PUdong’s IFC mall are pretty impressive too.

When: Mon-Fri 17:00 – 19:00
Where: Unit 403, Fourth Floor, IAPM Mall, 999 Huaihai Central Road

6. Le Café des Stagiaires

Le Café des Stagiaires

The Le Café des Stagiaires is a great bar for French folk looking to mix with their own kind. It’s also a top destination for affordable drinks. Happy hour cocktails start at 45 RMB, and there’s a solid range of beers from 15 RMB. Wines start at 20 RMB and are pretty good. The Yongkang Lu bar gets pretty crazy most nights, so if you’re looking for a quiet evening, head for the Dagu Lu sister branch instead.

When: daily 17:00 – 20:00
Where: 86 Dagu Road

7. Boxing Cat Brewery

Boxing Cat Brewery

Pitchers here start at 75 RMB and pints, wine and house pours all go for 35 RMB. All things considered this is probably a beer lover’s happy hour of choice: brewed on-site, Boxing Cat’s long list of available microbrews is ever-changing and consistently delicious. The rotations have been known to confound and irritate those who get hooked on some particular ale, but it’s all for the best. For a malty pint, go for the Right Hook Helles. The Standing 8 Pilsner is deliciously hoppy and still on tap. If it’s a buzz you’re after, check the board for the Big Boy Double IPA. At 9.4% ABV, it’s a bit of a commitment, like downing three Tsingtaos at once.

When: daily 15:00 – 20:00
Where: 82 Fuxing West Road

8. Blue Frog

Blue Frog

Go for the Monday buy-one-get-one-free burger deal and stay for the same on all drinks. With extremely attentive servers – a rarity in this town perhaps – and a solid bar selection (nothing overly fancy, but quality martinis and a menu of imported beers are available), get your table early: all locations get packed fast. Draft Tiger or Heineken goes great with a towering Montana burger.

When: daily 16:00 – 20:00
Where: 207-6 Maoming South Road

9. Zapata’s

Zapata's

Zapata’s boasts Shanghai’s original ladies night, and anyone who has been here a few years has a few stories to tell from blurry nights at Zapata’s. Women enjoy as many frozen lime margaritas as they want (real alcohol): free all night. Mexican-themed tasting plates are great and start at 65 RMB. These include mini empanadas and burritos. Think of it as an investment, for soaking up the endless drinks on the patio they share with sister-bar Sasha’s (also a pleasure). Dancing on the bar inside is optional, but be real: it’s going to happen.

When: every Wednesday 17:00 until clos
Where: 5 Hengshan Road

10. Bell Bar

Bell Bar

Buy-one-get-one-free deal applies to all beers and cocktails. This cozy and low lit establishment sits at the end of one of the Tianzifang lanes, and offers up an intimate spot to chill with friends over draft Vedett or Stella, or cocktails. The small, loft-like second floor’s windows overlook the street traffic, providing the spot’s best seating. Try an old fashioned here if you’re at a loss. Bell Bar is also a great spot to reserve if you’re contemplating a private party.

When: daily 17:00 – 20:00
Where: No. 11 Lane 248 Taikang Road

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