Shikumen Escape 3D
By S.Congdon-Martin (City Weekend)
Updated: 2004-02-18 16:13

Nestled in the long park between Yan'an and Huaihai, 3D is a vaguely rustic hideaway. The name 3D is unclear, since the bar displays moreNever-Never Landmystique than it doesCaptain Emospectacle.

The entrance offers a patio with strategically placed tables and trees, for those who want to gaze at the whizzing cars on Jinling Lu. On the backside of the reproduction shikumen is a wooden deck adjacent to a pleasant bubbling creek, enjoyed by patrons and mosquitos alike. The backdrop for this whole scene is the lush park.

Gray marble and tones of mauve balance the many massive--and functional--laughing Buddha doorknockers that line the interior, preventing any hint of gothic creepiness. But take care not to walk into 3D's hyper-reflective black walls, which could give you quite a scare.

3D's beverage offerings include the usual drinks at a range of prices; they have aperitifs, sherries, and port for Y35/550 (glass/bottle); Irish, Scotch, Rye, and Burbon whiskeys for Y40-150/155-3200; cognacs for Y60-120/900-19000; a standard selection of cocktails for Y48; standard shooters for Y30; Tiger and Bud on draft for Y30; and Tsing Tao for an exorbitant Y38.

They also have "mocktails," with names like "3D's fantasy", "'Benz' Sports Car," and "Sweet Bird," for Y40. Though 3D may sometimes succumb to canned dance music, they have a stage inside and a live jazz band that plays on the front patio.

Away from Hengshan and Maoming, not in Xintiandi or Fuxing, but still centrally located, 3D could be the smoothest place in town to spend a late-summer's evening.  

Address: 2 Danshui Lu, Lane 66 (Jinling Lu and Chongqing Lu)

Tel: 6386-5888