In the last few years, Yongkang Road has transformed from being a sleepy street in the heart of downtown to becoming a drinking and nightlife hot spot.

The strip of bars and restaurants is particularly pleasant in the spring sunshine, when patrons can enjoy a craft beer and snacks in the open air. Indeed, with many of the bars closing before midnight, Yongkang Road is more suitable for an idle daytime. Due to well-publicized conflicts with some local residents over noise from the street, most of the bars close before midnight. That said, the street still makes a great launching pad for a big night out, as well as a place for some collective hangover recovery the next day. 
 

Yongkang Road is a drinking and nightlife hot spot in downtown Shanghai.Photos: CFP
 

Yongkang Road is a drinking and nightlife hot spot in downtown Shanghai.Photos: CFP
 

Yongkang Road is a drinking and nightlife hot spot in downtown Shanghai.Photos: CFP 

 Revolution Cocktail

This small bar on the east end of the street (58 Yongkang Road) was founded by a French traveler who was fascinated by the culture of Cuba. Most cocktails are innovative twists on tried-and-tested classics. The bar's signature drink, Revolution Cocktail, uses puree twists. It generally stays open until 1 am, although closes its doors to new customers at 10 pm, unless you call for a reservation in advance. 

Magpie Cocktail Bar

Magpie Cocktail Bar (Unit 1, 189 Yongkang Road) can be found on the comparatively quiet west end of the street. The owner, who was already a leading bartender in Shanghai when he founded the bar, told the Global Times that it was the dense foliage and dim streetlights that initially attracted him to open his first venue here. Its relative isolation also means more ample outdoor seating. The bar has over 100 types of cocktail, including its own concoctions inspired by patrons. These include "Never Stop Sonja," a pink cocktail that manages to be both tart and sweet. Other favorites include cocktails made with vodka infused with ginger and sanqi, a traditional Chinese herb. 

Tap House

As the name suggests, this one-room bar at 74 Yongkang Road is famed for its wide selection of draft beers, which includes varieties that can usually only be found in bottles in the city, such as Dead Guy Ale. Since the proprietor of this bar also owns a beverage trade firm, Tap House is able to offer fresh beers of different types. Beers are categorized on the menu according to brewing method. Up to 18 are on tap at any one time - enough to satisfy even the biggest of ale nerds.

While the focus is heavily on beers from the US, other countries are not totally neglected. Of particular note is the availability of Bombardier Ale, marketed as the "ale of England" by its brewer.

Anyone needing a little ballast can also choose from the fine pies on offer.