(That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2007-11-07 10:11

This isn't a brand new bar; rather, momentum has been building at this neighborhood watering hole for several months.

Which is to say that the owner's efforts are paying off, as she appears to be on a first-name basis with almost half of her customers. That personal touch provides an irrepressibly homey vibe. Indeed, one regular proudly told me that the evening's playlist came from his iPod and that the art on display was courtesy of another loyal patron. Thus, even with stiff Long Island Iced Teas (RMB 45) and a standing policy of 'buy two get one free' on all cocktails, Avenue stands far apart from the crowd of sleazy Jing'an bars.

So if you're game to listen to a shuffled set of reggae and rock in the company of low-key locals and young, fresh-faced English teachers, well, this bar is right up your avenue.

Avenue
Open: Daily 2pm-2am.
Location: 101 Wuning Nan Lu, by Wuding Lu
Tel: 021-52562276