Shingo Gokan's four-floor speakeasy hidden behind a bar-tools shop on Fuxing Road, and one of Asia's most awarded cocktail bars. The drinks genuinely earn the hype. Find the secret door, climb the floors, and reserve ahead for the quieter upper levels.
Key facts
| Hours | Sun-Thu 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM Fri-Sat 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | South Shaanxi Road Station (Metro Line 1/10/12), ~8 min walk |
| Time needed | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Arrive near opening (~7pm) for a walk-in seat; weekends need a reservation |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.0/10- Value7.0
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.5
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility6.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is it good for a group?
- Small groups of two to four work best. Large groups struggle with the tight floors and are hard to seat together without a reservation. For a bigger party, book well ahead and expect to split across a floor.
- How do I actually get in?
- Walk into OCHO, a small shop selling bar equipment on Fuxing Road. Look for the hidden door disguised in the shelving - staff will point you if you look lost. Push through and you're in the bar. It's a real speakeasy entrance, not just marketing.
- Who is behind it?
- It's part of Shingo Gokan's SG Group, the same acclaimed team behind Angel's Share and other award-winning bars. That pedigree is why Speak Low consistently ranks on Asia's and the World's 50 Best Bars lists.
- What should I order?
- The originals are the draw - ask the bartender to guide you, and look for creative local twists like their Wang Lao Ji herbal-tea cocktail. Classics like the Corpse Reviver and Negroni Sbagliato are also done beautifully.
- Do I need a reservation?
- For weekends, strongly yes, especially if you want the calmer upper floors. On weeknights you can often walk in if you arrive near opening. Booking is the safe move any night the city is busy.
- What's the vibe on each floor?
- Each of the four floors has its own concept and energy. The second floor is the liveliest, house-party feel; upper floors are quieter and more intimate. Tell the host what mood you want when you arrive.
- Is it very crowded?
- It gets packed, particularly the second floor on weekend nights, and can feel cramped. If crowds bother you, book an upper floor or come on a Sunday or Monday. Early arrival always helps.
- How much are cocktails?
- Cocktails start around RMB 90-120. It's not cheap by Shanghai standards, but for a bar of this global caliber the value is fair. Budget RMB 250-350 per person for a proper evening.
Nearby in Ask Shanghai
- TianzifangNeighborhood0.47 km · 6 min walk
- Fuxing ParkPark0.52 km · 7 min walk
- Din Tai Fung XintiandiRestaurant0.92 km · 11 min walk
- XintiandiNeighborhood0.95 km · 12 min walk
- Yè Shanghai (夜上海)Restaurant0.97 km · 12 min walk
Where to stay near Speak Low
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