Root Down

Root Down is a Japanese vinyl bar in Shanghai located on Nanchang Lu, a street that’s quickly becoming a cocktail strip for some of the city’s most beloved drinking establishments. Root Down is an oddly slanted, atmospheric listening lounge dedicated to three things: vinyl, high-quality craft cocktails, and an old-school aesthetic. It was founded in 2021 by Gary Wang, a prominent restaurateur and nightlife persona (and DJ), formerly of The Shelter and The Grumpy Pig (now-closed, though fondly remembered). Expect soothing nightcaps set to a good soundtrack.