Inside Shanghai's Speak Low

Photo © Algirdas Bakas

Shanghai’s new speakeasies specialize in showmanship—secret passageways, retro themes—and stellar drinks with Asian flavors.

Start Slideshow

1 of 8

Speak Low

Photo © Bianca Jackson

Speak Low is a speakeasy on steroids, with hidden passageways connecting all four levels. Created by Shingo Gokan of New York City’s pioneering Angel’s Share, the place offers a different drinks experience on each floor. 579 Fuxing Zhong Rd.; 6416-0133.

Best Speakeasy Bars and Lounges

2 of 8

Floor 1: The Secret Entrance

Photo © Algirdas Bakas

Visitors to Speak Low must pass through Ocho, a shop that displays swizzle spoons and cocktail books alongside slushie machines dispensing piña coladas in paper cups.

Gifts for Cocktail Connoisseurs

3 of 8

Floor 2: Simple Cocktails

Photo © Algirdas Bakas

The most casual, rowdy scene is on this floor. Customers crowd around the bar snacking on pickled eggs topped with aioli while friendly, aproned barkeeps mix twists on familiar cocktails, like an English Mule made with tea-infused gin.

Bar Foods

4 of 8

Floor 2: Hidden Staircase

Photo © Algirdas Bakas

A bookcase at the back of Ocho slides open to reveal a secret brick passageway and stairs leading up.

Best Speakeasy Bars and Lounges

5 of 8

Floor 3: Complex Cocktails

Photo © Algirdas Bakas

More serene than the space on the second floor; experts behind a copper-top bar make ambitious cocktails like the Speak Low, a matcha drink paired with dark chocolate slivers.

High-Tech Cocktails

6 of 8

Floor 3: Secret Door

For third-floor access, find the map posted in a dead-end hallway and press Shanghai.

World's Best Bars

7 of 8

Floor 4: Whiskey

Past an “Employees Only” sign lies this exclusive bar outfitted with a 1920s organ. But just knowing where the entrance is won’t get you in—you must be one of the 32 club members to enter.

Whiskey Drinks

8 of 8

Floor 4: Storage for Regulars

Lockers store rare Japanese whiskeys and Scotch that belong to club members.

Scotch Whiskey Drinks

Replay gallery

F&W Cooks

Our 22 Best Crock Pot and Slow-Cooker Recipes

50 Affordable Wines You Can Always Trust

Inside Shanghai's Speak Low

1 of 8

Speak Low

1 of 8

2 of 8

Floor 1: The Secret Entrance

2 of 8

3 of 8

Floor 2: Simple Cocktails

3 of 8

4 of 8

Floor 2: Hidden Staircase

4 of 8

5 of 8

Floor 3: Complex Cocktails

5 of 8

6 of 8

Floor 3: Secret Door

6 of 8

7 of 8

Floor 4: Whiskey

7 of 8

8 of 8

Floor 4: Storage for Regulars

8 of 8

Up Next

Everything in This Slideshow

Your Profile

Inside Shanghai's Speak Low

1 of 8

Speak Low

1 of 8

2 of 8

Floor 1: The Secret Entrance

2 of 8

3 of 8

Floor 2: Simple Cocktails

3 of 8

4 of 8

Floor 2: Hidden Staircase

4 of 8

5 of 8

Floor 3: Complex Cocktails

5 of 8

6 of 8

Floor 3: Secret Door

6 of 8

7 of 8

Floor 4: Whiskey

7 of 8

8 of 8

Floor 4: Storage for Regulars

8 of 8

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery