Brown Sugar: Jazzing up Xintiandi

Brown Sugar, a Taiwanese import, is the glitziest of Shanghai's live jazz bars, fittingly located in Xintiandi and comes complete with marble staircase, ornate chandeliers, and VIP areas galore -- as well as high table minimums.

The live entertainment is provided by a rotating cast of international guest performers, with backing provided by the resident Brown Sugar All Stars. Don't underestimate Brown Sugar's residents, they're often the highlights of the show.

It's Xintiandi, so expect nothing less than polished performances, quality cocktails and a crowd looking to be seen.

A word of warning though, if you decide to dine on the gourmet fare (hard to believe but this "bar" food is actually good), make it a late dinner as the first of the nightly performances at Brown Sugar usually starts around 9pm.