Bar Review: Copeo

What: Spanish tapas bar in Xintiandi

Why: You’re a YoPro with a craving for Iberian ham and cava

How much: Bottled beers, including Estrella Galicia from RMB 45; Standard cocktails from RMB 50; Tapas around RMB 35

Where: 1F, 373 Huangpi Nan Lu, near Xingye Lu, 5. Tel: 5383 2998

The Spanish invasion continues with the reinvention of the first floor of the Spanish fine-dining restaurant, La Finca. It’s the brainchild of two young Spanish professionals from Barcelona, looking to bring reasonably priced tapas and drinks (especially cava) to Shanghai. While La Finca upstairs caters towards a more mature clientele interested in fine dining, Copeo is made to cater to the more price-conscious yuppie crowd interested in casual drinks. The bar features a happy hour daily from 6-9pm, a ladies night on Thursday and a DJ on the weekends.

The name for the bar and lounge comes from the Spanish word for ‘cup’, meaning ‘the experience of having a drink with friends.’ As the name implies, the décor of the lounge revolves mostly around grabbing a drink. A row of high bar tables sits perpendicular to a long purple velvet couch that lines the back wall decorated with a silhouette of the Shanghai skyline. Outside you’ll find a contiguous string of tables set up under an awning bistro-style which, by the grace of space heaters, will stay open all year long. 

For drinks, you’ll find a selection of beers and cocktails, including a small selection of martinis. It’s a straightforward offering, made for ready consumption, not for exercising the palate. More adventurous drinkers should go for the sangria or inquire about the large selection of cava, impressively displayed in a large wine case in the corner. Still, the real trip for your tongue comes from the tapas menu. While Copeo has its own kitchen separate from La Finca, it shares staff with the restaurant, ensuring the quality of tapas like Spanish tortillas, gazpacho Andaluz and crispy fried calamari.