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

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.

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.

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

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.




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.

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.

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.

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