American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence

Parlay American Barbecue Restaurant & Sports Bar

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Parlay is a sports bar and an American-style barbecue restaurant located in Shankang Li, Jing’an. Gut-busting portions of juicy overnight-smoked brisket and fat stacked burgers and sandwiches ahead.

About Parlay

American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence

Shanghai’s seen a little surge of American BBQ joints lately, but Parlay is one that’s been a long time coming. In the kitchen is Matty Waters, the pit-master who went from catering house parties to pop-ups to consulting, and finally, to open his own brick and mortar with business partner Aaron Choi.

American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence

Parlay took over Bubba’s, a now retired institution, located at the back of Shankang Li. The space underwent a major facelift, and now emanates a proper sports bar complete with plenty of high-top tables, multiple TV screens, darts, and a pool table. Side note: There are leagues for both pool and darts, inquire at the bar.

American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence

Let’s not forget the outdoor area, a spacious corridor with plenty of seating that’s a big draw for many patrons. Venue is also dog-friendly in and out.

The Food

American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence

Barbecue takes precedence. The selection of house-smoked American-style barbecued meats feature brisket, pork ribs, sausages, spring chicken, and even a charsiu variation of pork belly. Platters, plates, combos, and sides aplenty.

I’ve had Matty’s barbecue plenty of times before, and he does some solid stuff. The brisket was glorious — juicy, flavorful, and smoky.

American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence
Beef Brisket (¥168/250g) – All individual orders of barbecue include a choice of two sides.
American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence
Coleslaw (¥38)
American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence
Pimento Mac n Cheese (¥48)
American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence
Cauliflower au Gratin (¥38)

That’s not all — there are a dozen sandwiches and burgers, too. Some of those are ginormous in portion, though, I expect some might undergo a bit of trimming.

American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence
Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich (¥78)

The lesser seen chicken breast is used for the Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich, deep-fried crispy and stacked with house pickles, coleslaw, and a heavy squirt of mayo on a brioche bun. It scores a 10/10 for seasoning, crunch, and pure enjoyment. Another sando worth getting is the Hot Ham & Cheese. House-cured smoked ham is served on brioche and drowned with a rich beer cheese sauce, topped with Dijon and KCQ BBQ sauce.

American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence
Hot Ham & Cheese (¥78)

For burgers, some integrate cuts from the barbecue selection, like the Burnt Ends Burger (¥88). Parlay also does a Classic Smash Burger, a double patty stack with a house sauce, pickles, grilled onions, and American cheese. What really ties in this burger is the sauce, a piquant and tangy house concoction with a creeping heat that’s highly addictive. All burgers and sandwiches come with a side of fries or salad.

American barbecue restaurant and sports bar Parlay in Shanghai. Photo @ Nomfluence
Classic Smash Burger (¥68)

For snacks, there’s nachos, smoked shrimp, fried chicken, wings, and fried pickles, but also numerous healthy salads.

On the drinks front, there are classic cocktails (from ¥45), a few signature cocktails, draft beer (from ¥40), wine, and mojitos, with approachable prices. And there’s happy hour, too.

Great atmosphere all-round friendly vibes. Those who live nearby would be proud to call Parlay “their local”.


Parlay
Address: 103, Bldg 18, Shankang Li, 358 Kangding Lu 康定路358弄锦和越界陕康里18幢103室
Tel: 13262993919
Hours: Daily, 11am-2am

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