Many western homes have a porch from which to quaff a summer brew. Sadly, porches are not common fixtures in Shanghai's abodes, and balconies usually provide little more than a view of the neighboring building. Fortunately, four places give solace to the balcony bereaved, with verandas overlooking the closest thing to nature the city has to offer.

A departure from the Bund's more glamorous bars, the Captain Bar (bar) above the Captain Hostel has a definite seafaring touch, but more importantly it treats patrons to a balcony view of the mud-hued Huangpu and bright lights of the Pudong skyline. Though its clientele consists mostly of European passersby, Tsingdao drafts for RMB 35 should be enough to entice most local expats to drop by.

Overlooking Xujiahui Park, Cameo (italian and bars) has a wine bar upstairs. House wines by the glass come at RMB 50; patrons can bring their own wine at a RMB 100 corkage fee per bottle. Coupled with laid-back jazz and a balcony overlooking the park, Cameo makes a nice place for a relaxing pre-dinner glass. Two other restaurant/bars worth checking out that offer park-view pours are ZIN Wine Bar & Grill (continental and bar) and Kathleen's 5 (American).
 
While Shanghai may never become a porch paradise, one can still rise above the street-level smog for a leisurely libation and find the perfect remedy for a sticky summer.

1. Captain Bar
Location: 6F, Captain Hostel, No. 37, Fuzhoulu, Huangpu
Tel: 021-63237869/021-32231561

2. Cameo
Location: 5F & Balcony, No. 392, Tianpinglu (inbetween Zhaojiabanglu and Hengshanlu), Xuhui
Tel: 021-64484678

3. ZIN Wine Bar & Grill
Location: No. 2, Lane 66, Danshuilu, Huangpu
Tel:021-63858123

4. Kathleen's 5
Location: Shanghai Art Museum, No. 325, Nanjing Xilu, Huangpu
Tel: 021-63272221