Jam

Sooner or later (better later), all of us encounter one of those irritating foreigners who speak in an affected, cartoonish hutong croak. You’ll probably run into that guy here. But that’s a risk worth taking, because Jam is one of Gulou's most dependable cocktail bars. Located at the top of a rickety spiral staircase, this bar and restaurant uses a good space well and serves good-quality drinks. The drinks don’t rival Mao Mao Chong, but you’ve more chance of finding a seat at Jam. There's Vedett on tap, and a menu of “Japanese-style Italian” dishes. However, go primarily for the drinks.