Bar Review: Handle Bar

What: Low-key bicycle bar with an emphasis on imported beers
Why: The night ride is over and it’s time to celebrate with a brew or two
How much: Bottled beers and draughts from RMB 40 upwards 
Where: 50 Yongkang Lu, near Jiashan Lu

The recent loss of Bikes and Friends has left Shanghai’s cyclists bereft of a bar to call their own. And while all Shanghai’s bike crews really need is a convenience store to drop kickstand and pitch a party, getting their gloved hands on a decently priced craft beer is something different entirely. Luckily for them comes Handle Bar, one of Yongkang Lu’s newest offerings. 

To find it, look for the small neon sign that says ‘Handle Bar’ framed by an eponymous moustache. (The owner sometimes gives free drinks to those sporting handle bar moustaches.) Inside it’s a small place capable of comfortably seating around twenty people before spilling out onto the tables set up on sidewalk or even into the street (par the course for all bars on Yongkang Lu). 

The walls and floors of polished concrete are austere, but they help to emphasise the playful touches to the interior: custom bikes mounted on the wall, chairs fashioned out of bicycle seats and a large chalkboard with the latest beer offerings. The plan is to have fifteen standard imported bottled beers like Acme, Dead Guy Ale, Brooklyn IPA (all RMB 40) and five seasonal beers on rotation. On tap, they've got Stella (RMB 40, RMB 30 until 8pm) and Chimay (RMB 50, RMB 40 until 8pm). 

It’s also in the works for there to be snacks like gourmet hot dogs or trail mix as well as drinks, with a chef freshly imported from Brooklyn to provide the know-how. Cycling paraphernalia will also feature more and more prominently as the bar kicks into high gear, and in an aim to sponsor the fixed-gear community, those participating on a fixed-gear ride can stop in for buy one get one free deals on draft beers.

 Shanghai’s cyclists, you’ve got a new place to take a brake.