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Shamrock Bar & Restaurant

Foreigners in China's big cities are presented with two options: seek the comforts of Western food, drink, music, and company in expensive establishments, OR explore the mysterious, inexplicable, and never-ending variety that is Chinese culture. Those who frequent Shamrock choose t...

Foreigners in China's big cities are presented with two options: seek the comforts of Western food, drink, music, and company in expensive establishments, OR explore the mysterious, inexplicable, and never-ending variety that is Chinese culture. Those who frequent Shamrock choose the former.

Blaring Western pop music and a mix of foreigners adorn this supposedly "Irish pub". The only aspect reminiscient of a true Irish pub is the draught Guiness, sold at a staggering 60 RMB/pint. Yes, 60 RMB, likely more than the 7.50$ or 6 euros one pays at your local Irish pub back home. Chinese beers are cheaper at Y10-30. Upon my last visit, the bar "conveniently" ran out of Chinese beers by 11:30, forcing me to choose from an expensive, albeit impressive range of imports. Entrees range from Y25-120. They include a range of salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and uncreative international dishes.

Fridays are dance parties. Saturdays feature live bands.

Directions: Renmin Nanlu Si Duan, no. 15. The bar is on the east side of Renmin Nanlu, a few blocks south of the first ring road.

http://www.shamrockinchengdu.com/

Dave's Oasis

If you seek a friendly locale to kick back, chat with friendly foreigners, and listen to Western Music head for this tiny bar on Binjiang Zhonglu. A well known spot for backpackers, Dave’s Oasis is a great place to share stories and advice on trips to less commonly visited pa...

If you seek a friendly locale to kick back, chat with friendly foreigners, and listen to Western Music head for this tiny bar on Binjiang Zhonglu. A well known spot for backpackers, Dave’s Oasis is a great place to share stories and advice on trips to less commonly visited parts of China such as Tibet and western Sichuan.  Heineken pints are an affordable Y12 and 528 ml Chinese beers are only Y7. Dave, the Chinese manager and owner, speaks English and can answer any of your Chengdu queries. Graffiti and visitors’ signatures cover the walls transporting you back to your favorite hole-in-the-wall bar back home. An extensive menu of Western food is also available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Go for the pizza. 

Directions: 21 Binjiang Zhonglu / 21 滨江中路. Walk east along Binjiang Lu (along the river) from Renmin Nanlu. It is a couple hundred meters past the Sofitel Hotel which is impossible to miss.

Dave, the man, the myth, the legend