Horrific experience!
Food was awful!Nothing Asian at all!
I had Duck but goodness only knows if it was.
A friend had the steak and this had an inch of fat on it!
Saturday night in Parnell - we were the only people eating at Shanghai Lil's? All 6 of us?!
Bar was OK if you shut your eyes!
The ecclectic collection of Asian Momentoes did give Shanghai Lil's a good ambience - but that was the best of it!
The Piano Player was talented , but after 80 + years of playing so he should be!
Reminded me of a Hobbit!
VERY WEIRD PLACE!

A cosy place to sit back and relax, or to catch up with friends.

Spent my Friday evening at Shanghai Lil's Bar with cocktails in hand, and feet tapping to the live music. Also indulged in a dessert, the apple crumble.

The apple crumble was alright. Served piping hot with ice-cream, the way it should be.

Cocktails weren't too bad either. Some cocktails had interesting flavours going on. Loved the one with apple and butterscotch flavours (went well with the apple crumble). Also had a lychee and feijoa flavoured cocktail which was surprisingly, really refreshing.

The staff and owner are really friendly and make you feel at home. It was quite entertaining to watching the owner dance away with some patrons. Included in his routine were some very limber high kicks.

Definitely recommend Shanghai Lil's as a place to chill out if you enjoy music from the bygone era, surrounded by interesting oriental themed decor.

Music isn't overly loud so you can have a decent conversation with someone whom you haven't seen for a while.

Tip: Careful going down the stairs, particularly if you're in heels.

They got a new menu soon,love the feeling in the bar very relaxing very grown up too

Shanghai Lil's is fantastic, great atmosphere and wonderful staff. We tried the new menu and although short, we were spoilt for choice, I highly recommend a night out at Shanghais Lils, and the cocktails were fabulous!!!!!

Shanghai Lils is one of the most unique, entertaining venues in Auckland without doubt. It's been closed for a while - far too long if you ask me - and I for one can't wait till the place re-opens!

I couldn't agree with your reviewer more - if only there was still an active Opium trade to prove just how authentic Shanghai Lil's is!
We visited last night and had a cracking time - mates of mine bailed up Oscar Keightly...all honkies stressing how well they speak Samoan...sorry Oscar, bloody usos!
Anyway - back to the venue - well worth the visit I say - 5 stars!

This place is absolutely awesome. Eclectic interior with cool areas to kick back with a wine or cocktail. It's always busy in here with a really interesting group of people - no posers and no leachorous men; just a bunch of Aucklanders enjoying Shanghai Lil's very cool vibe.


The owner, Russell, treats everyone as a friend and has ensured that the crowd hanging out here will be staying at Shanghai Lil's Bar & Lounge for a while!


Only downside is the wine list, which could do with a bit of spicing up ... but the cocktails are to die for!!