Best food to drink by

Recommended: el Coctel

The people lining up outside el Coctel's door might claim they're there for the drinks, but we think they have an ulterior motive: the ham and emmental cheese sandwich.

One word: sammies. They are as good here as the bar’s premium, Japanese-inspired cocktails, each deemed perfect by bartender Munenori Harada.

The snack menu includes lots of el Willy-style, bite-sized goodies, like Iberian ham, cured meats, olives and anchovies. Not your average pub fare to say the least.

“El Coctel is an extension of el Willy, which is well known for quality food and service. The tapas format fits perfectly for the drinking, talking, snacking environment,” explains General Manager Marty Campaign.

He says that the 36-month aged Iberico ham plate, paired with a well-aged single malt whisky is “better than therapy.”

People are also raving about three hot sandwiches on buttered toast.

Our favorite is the ham with melted gruyere cheese, which is absolutely delicious -- and free before 7 p.m. when you order two cocktails.

“I think many people arrive at el Coctel with a particular craving in mind. Yes, it’s often the sandwiches,” says Campaign.

Cityweekend.com.cn user HiBeverly says, “Who ever knew that the simple ham and cheese sammie could be so damn fantastic?” Our sentiments exactly.

el Coctel, 2/F, 47 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu 永福路47号, 近复兴西路 +86 21 6433 6511, hours: 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Click through to see more Shanghai restaurants to drink by.