Eye on Gay Shanghai: The coolest bar you’ve never heard of

Ever heard of Space Bar? Not many people have. It’s a well-kept secret in the gay community that just opened up a couple of months ago.

322 Space’s decor is simple and classy. The pub immediately catches the eye from the street due to the special sidewalk illumination. Inside is a large bar in the center of the establishment. Nooks and crannies branch off of the main room and provide intimate corners where customers can enjoy a quiet drink with friends or a young, friendly bar boy.

The night we were there, the patrons were primarily good-looking young men. As Shanghaiist understands, many are available to enjoy a rousing round of drinks, game of dice, or a song or two in the KTV rooms. Although their presence is obvious, it isn’t intrusive and, one may say, even adds to the ambiance. You can check it out for yourself this Saturday on Shanghai's 1st LGBT Pub Crawl (see below for details)!

If you’re looking for an out-of-the way place to relax with friends or you’re lonely for some company, then Space is the place to be. Andy, the manager, is also a sweety that knows how to cook!

Space Bar, 332 Xinfeng Lu (Near Shaanxi Bei Lu)

In other brief gay news

• Shanghai’s 1st LGBT (lesbian, gay, transsexual, and bisexual) and LGBT friendly pub crawl is on for this Saturday, November 4th! We’re planning on visiting nine of the most popular gay/lesbian bars in Shanghai. We’ve got 30 or so people already signed up and another 15 spaces open. Most of the bars have waved the entrance feel and/or offered us discounts. The cost of the bus will be about 100 RMB and drinks are the responsibility of each person.

  We start at 8 pm and will be visiting the following bars: XXX bar (naughty sounding), Space, Frangipani, Club Deep, PinkHome (if open), Shanghai Studio, Eddie's, Bobo’s Bear Bar, and Max Club (if they wave the cover!). Hurry and email shanghaifaghag (at) gmail.com if you want to join!

Photo from manifesto.