Bar S-Otto

There was a time when hidden, secret speakeasy bars were everywhere and people could impress friends with their insider knowledge of such places. I think the craze died down a little bit (although during the dark days of COVID-19, many bars opened secretly), I recently discovered that there is a newly opened "secret" bar that is inside of Atelier No 3, itself a cocktail bar-restaurant on the busy street corner that is Fumin Lu / Changle Lu. Bar S-Otto has barely been open a week, so for once, I am early to the party. Access is via a door inside Atelier No 3 (opposite the washrooms) where you will find a spiral staircase which leads to the basement bar.

There's 360 degree circular bar as well as an additional space at the rear. The menu is fairly limited, but that's not really an issue for me. There are 8 signatures and 8 classic cocktails, all priced at 88 RMB. Mr Boring went for a classic Negroni (in fact, I had two) and each drink automatically came with a glass of water - a nice touch.

Pricing I think is fair. You can certainly pay a lot more at other venues and the quality of the spirits is undoubtedly toward the premium end of the spectrum. I imagine both prices and menu could change as the business becomes more established, but let's see.

I can imagine this place getting busier as more people discover it, so I would suggest stopping by soon while it's still in its infancy and seats are relatively easy to come by.