Shanghai Lil’s

A great little swing jazz venue in eye middle of Ponsonby Road. Rainbow friendly and often full of colorful characters, Shanghai Lil’s is a Mecca for the jaded and the more mature partygoers on the street. The cocktails can be a bit hit and miss and the wine list needs improving, but the drinks are unlikely to be the main reason for visiting. It’s a fun place for a nightcap or to listen to some live music. And even more so to people watch!

A quirky establishment situated on Parnell Rise, unbeknown to those who already do not know of its existence.
Shanghai Lil’s quirkiness is attributed to its décor, with some sort of oriental Asian theme. We were looking for a place in Parnell to have a drink, with a bustling sort of atmosphere. However this was not the case on a Wednesday night, as I think with most places in Parnell these days. However, we enjoyed a Litte Creatures beer, with the rest of their beer range a premium selection also.
There is a dainty outdoor area through to the rear, with garden chairs similar to your grandmother’s placed around a small courtyard, sheltered by a trellis hedge.

Shanghai Lil’s is one of the places that the city will be much poorer off for not having if it ever closes down. It’s absolutely imprinted with the exuberant personalities of its owners, and it’s so great to have places that aren’t the massive clean corporate spaces that seemed designed just to make money rather than actually entertain people.
I’ve been here before when these owners have fought with each other about what music they are playing, and once we were asked to leave because the barman’s son had been taken ill and there was no-​one to serve (it was a Monday night, so understandable they were lightly staffed). The cocktails here are the definition of good cocktails. Just go there — it won’t be like any other place in the city.

There’s a sense of old-​world charm that Shanghai Lil’s exudes. Walking into this underground Parnell sanctuary feels like walking into an opium den — it’s warm and inviting with comfortable chairs and amusing people throughout the establishment who are there for punters’ entertainment… well, not just for the punters. Proprietor Russel Green and muso-​in-​charge Billy Farnell have wiled away many hours at this quirky restaurant and lounge — whether the place is packed or empty, you’ll see Billy on the piano and Russel dancing with a pair of maracas; they’re having fun regardless. Russel creates both the food and drinks menus himself and will happily guide you when making your decision. I recommend anything the bar makes with apple sours in it, if only to have something bitter in a place that’s oh-​so sweet.

Tucked away in an underground corner of the swanky Parnell area, Shanghai Lil’s isn’t as Asian as it makes out, but it’s certainly a unique experience. Once wondering down the stairs, you are greeted by some lovely staff who offer you a drink while you wait for your dinner compadres. There’s a delightful lounge, moodily lit and decorated like it was the roaring ‘20s. Antique leather couches, precious lights, gorgeous paintings and soothing Jazzy music, this place makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Once you’re done with the lounge, you venture into the restaurant for a scrummy dinner. It becomes much lighter with open french windows and a decidedly European menu. The portions are small and incredibly pricey, but not bad if you’re wanting something a little special. They were delicious, I have to admit! Otherwise, if you’re on a budget, drinks are the way to go for this quaint establishment.