Agave spirits cocktail bar COA Shanghai has reopened on Fuxing Zhong Lu, around the corner from Speak Low and Swirl. The concept comes via Hong Kong, where it currently ranks #4 in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Previously it ranked #1, and was the first-ever bar to be thrice-awarded the #1 position.
COA Shanghai first opened early 2022 in Jing’an and closed this January due to lease issues. After a quick turnaround, it reopened at the end of May in a slightly bigger space in Huangpu district.
About New COA Shanghai
There are four concepts within COA Shanghai’s new lanehouse home: Taqueria, Cantina, Salon, and Mezcaleria. Each concept on its own floor with its own menu and theme, all centered around agave spirits, alcoholic beverages made from the agave plant like mezcal like tequila.
The ground floor Taqueria, as its namesake states, serves half a dozen tacos and other Mexican street foods like quesadillas. The drinks are casual sippers like Micheladas and Margaritas.
Above that is Cantina, “a bar with food.” Drinks here are easy-going highball-style cocktails. The food is more substantial than Taqueria, but still simple fare like chilaquiles and guac with chips.
The staircase spirals up to Salon, the lounge, the beating heart of the entire concept where their signature cocktails can be found. It’s an intimate room with cozy seating — a short bar and low lounge seats.
Finally, on the top floor is Mezcaleria, a vault where they keep their top-of-the-line spirits. Those seeking out rare (and expensive) agave spirits can head on up.
The Drinks
As for the drinks, I sampled a few at Taqueria and Cantina. The Michelada (¥88) at Taqueria was delicious, made with house Michelada mix, clamato, and lime, a carafe of lager to top up on the side. The Oaxaca Sunrise (¥88), made with Campari, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, and orange juice, was thick and fruity, and not for me.
The Bitter Melon Collins (¥108) at Cantina is a classic COA drink and did not disappoint. It is made with white bitter melon, Ocho Blanco, coconut, green curry, elderflower, and blood orange tonic. It’s fresh with a hint of bitterness and goes down easy.
Food options are a little scarce, but then again, it’s just bar food. The tacos were OK, as was the chicken chilaquiles.
In Summary
COA is just as popular as before, and there is a constant queue to get in — there is a ticket system.
Therefore, each floor is constantly packed, and the space channels a lively and energetic vibe. People going seem to be on the hype-train for COA Hong Kong’s 50 Best ranking, as well as agave nerds on the top-most floor.
Great atmosphere, but it is a bit too cramped for my liking. I suggest to wait it out and get a table or a seat at one of the bars, as opposed to standing.
COA Shanghai
Address: 580 Fuxing Zhong Lu 复兴中路580号
Tel: 13310166773
Hours: Tue-Thu & Sun, 6:30pm-1am; Fri-Sat, 6:30pm-2am
WeChat: coashanghai
