Outstanding outside patio. Undoubtedly the best painkillers in Austin. I believe this was the first bar east of 35 on 6th.

I'll cut straight to the chase. Shangri-La is my favorite bar in Austin. It's not for everyone. And, if you're not of the hipster persuasion, you may as well stop reading right now. If you are, though, and have never been here, what are you waiting for? Honestly, I don't even really feel all that great writing a review, because it's one of those places that you just want to keep to yourself and all your friends. I remember the first time I came here, I felt like I'd just walked into the best house party ever with hundreds of future friends to be made. I strongly prefer Shang to Beauty Bar and Creekside, and all the other stereotypical hipster dives, because the crowd here is usually a lot more chill, which is generally the case with most Eastside establishments. There's a huge outdoor patio with picnic tables where you can actually chat with friends and lounge around. There's also pool tables and arcade games inside. The drinks are strong and cheap. Bathrooms are decent, meaning they're not unspeakably gross...oh, and there's usually no cramped quarters...looking at you, Beauty Bar. If you know what I mean. I hate to stereotype, but here we go...if you're into nothing but djs, pretentious bs, and all dancing, no talk, then stick to the regulars downtown, but if you're looking for a relaxed bar to hang out with good friends, shoot the shit, maybe dance a lil and meet a cute indie boy or girl, this place is where it's at. read more

Shangri-La has cleaned up its backyard over the past few years, unfortunately this included the loss of an East Side King food truck. The interior is still pretty divey and the bathrooms are certainly included in that descriptor. The last time I went there wasn't even a functioning men's bathroom. I'm pretty sure there's also only a single woman's bathroom if you exclude the (likely disgusting) portapotties out back. The bar is cheap even for downtown Austin and the bartenders are friendly. Facial hair seems to be a prerequisite for employment, which makes total sense given its location. Music selection varies across a wide range from hip-hop to metal, so don't be surprised if you encounter music you might not enjoy. read more

So, I know I am like the 63rd person to review this place and all, but I can't stop myself. My fingers have been begging me all weekend to write about my new favorite bar. I have been hearing forever now how awesome this place is. For some reason, however, the first time I was able to step foot into Shangri-la was this past Friday. I loved it instantly. The indoor area is pretty spacious compared to it's neighborhood counterparts with crankin' AC. The bar is big and there wasn't much of a wait for drinks. There's a couple of pool tables and some arcade games for those wanting to explore the child in them. Decor is simple and just right. Outside is huge, and another little bar is packed away in the corner for those not wanting to go inside to restock on a beverage. A++++ for Shangri-la. With the door guy that shook my boyfriend's hand on the way out, and the random guy on the street we met who was willing to sell his truck to buy us tacos (don't worry, we didn't take him up on the offer) made this night muy perfecto. read more

A great bloody mary mix on hand at all times - I'm smiling. Gauntlet and Pacman - I'm cheering. Mortal Kombat that's impossible to win no matter how many random buttons I push as fast as my feeble fingers allow - I'm hanging my head and humming the sad Charlie Brown theme a la George Michael Bluth. Friendly staff who, instead of laughing hysterically when we leave our IDs in the dryer at home or try to sneak in unrecognized after failing to close our tabs, welcome us back with open arms - I'm dancing like freaking Snoopy. read more

I had passed Shangri-La many times walking, scooting and driving down East Sixth, however I was not ready for what laid beyond that teal blue wall of wonder. I had absolutely no clue how much fun this place was going to be! Enormous back patio? Check! Tons of tables and chairs for all? Check! Awesome pool tables and games for all to enjoy inside? Check! Nice, dark interior bar with great tunes blasting out the speakers? Check! Lots of cool kids hanging out to mingle with? Check! You will not go wrong heading out to Shangri-La; both the interior bar and the back patio are much larger than you might expect, so go check it out and let me know what you think! read more

After reading other reviews I've noticed a pattern, and if the bar cared about its quality of service rather than keeping its hipster regulars happy it would read these reviews and take action in response. My suggestion: fire the bouncer that people keep complaining about, as well as the rude bartenders. I was asked to leave, told "I think you've had enough" after ringing a service bell too many times. Are you serious? I hadn't even had a drink yet. I pointed this out, along with the fact that I was busing home, not driving, and I was more interested in playing pool than having a drink anyway, but I was ignored and escorted out. Being kicked out of a bar because they think you've been drinking makes NO sense. IT'S A BAR! TL;DR- bouncer is an ass, firing him and rude bartenders will improve the bar tremendously. read more

I hear your cries of 'hipster.' There is a certain crowd in attendance on busy nights. But there's no denying that, aside from the crowd, Shangri La is pretty much an east 6th landmark going into it's second year. Move past the standard Friday and Saturday night crowd. It's the same crews you'll find at Beauty Bar. Shangri should be evaluated based on prices, service, music, drink availability, etc., like any other bar. Let's take the crowd out of the picture, because - let's be honest - most bars in this area are plagued with the same problem. In the aforementioned areas of evaluation, Shangri La is a winner. Liquor prices, especially during the day, are hard and potentially illegal to beat. They aren't known for their cocktails - they're known for mixed drinks. Yes, the slurry - and by slurry I don't mean a suspension of solids in liquid but rather how it makes you speak - concoction of soda pop and hard liquor that is most commonly served at crappy 6th Street bars. (I don't care how much of a cocktail snob you are - a well-mixed gin and tonic or a rum and coke is nothing at which to turn your nose up. If you really want an old-fashioned or a sidecar, go next door to the Showroom.) Services is alright and improves, like at any bar, as the bartenders recognize you. They've got one of the best jukeboxes in town. They've got a wide selection of liquors and a solid beer selection as well, including Brooklyn Lager on draft. Strangely, the back bar (open only on busy, hipster-filled nights) has more beer on draft than the front bar does. Factor in two somewhat-well-maintained pool tables, a smattering of old school video game cabinets, and the rarely used back stage, and you've got yourself one of the best bars on sixth street. Note: you've got to be understanding about the door guys. This place gets lots of traffic on the weekends, which means they've had at least one or two visits from the TABC. Those dudes are devious. They will use expired IDs, boldfaced lies and a variety of other tactics to get in and hit a bar with a hefty fine. read more

As a resident of the East side, I have been anxiously awaiting another place to go on this side of 35. And this is the place! The juke box is one of the best I've heard in Austin (sure I've only been here a year but still), there are video games - PacMan and Mortal Kombat 2 to name a few. There are pool tables, not just one. The bartenders are all super cool and nice. The pool cue nautical star clock on the wall is a nice touch. And the beer garden is amazing. I forsee many a Spring evening out back in my future. read more

Went here on a saturday night for a friends going away party. okay place with a good backyard patio. Would've been a great time except for when a friend got up on a chair for a going away toast, an employee was rude and said " get off the f&^%$inf=g chair" then told him he had to leave. He shouts "you don't work here, i work here and your'e leaving" then he went out front to smoke a cigarette. Really rude, and this guy is lucky our 20 person party went elsewhere quietly, the guy he insulted is a jiujitsu blackbelt. MGMT: fire the overweight bar-back with the attitude problemr. hes spending his hours here insulting patrons and smoking. read more

After living in Austin coming back for a friend's wedding. Came in to the bar for old times sake. It's good to know it's still here from what looks like a gutting of East 6th into an upper class urban dream. Drinks are cheap and stiff and the bar staff hustles hard. Unfortunately the guy who made the burgers in a box is long gone but food is still on site. read more

Sure you may get a similar vibe from other bars on east sixth, but just because the bartender isn't wearing a gorilla suit and handing out sparklers instead of drinks doesn't mean this place isn't unique. Walk in here on any given Sunday if you like to dance (I personally hate to move or enjoy myself in public) and there's a good chance you'll end up throwing some girl in a poodle skirt between your legs as you guys pull off a perfect impromptu dance montage to "sing sing sing" by Benny Goodman. (relevant link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGlIqjszsR8) They also hosts Geeks Who Drink on Mondays if you want your figurin' bone tickled. They feature pretty off the wall questions including bonus rounds for free beers. Personally I enjoy the netflix gems these guys serve up. I've played countless games of pool (they have two tables, plenty of sticks, and chalk for your sweaty palms) to zombie gore, ninja cheerleaders, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. On the subject of games, they do have a pretty nifty Mrs. Pacman for all you gender equality advocates, and a classic Mortal Kombat machine so you can yell "FINISH HIM" if you feel like you aren't getting enough attention. Pro Tip: stick to the right side controls. the left side has been ruined by someone thinking the buttons were thirsty. Pro Pro Tip: pick scorpion and do his "get over here" move over and over by pressing back, back, Low Punch. As you head up the stairs to the patio/outdoor area keep in mind how many steps you are taking. Your drunk self will thank you later. When you get outside you'll realize this place has room to spare. The patio leads into an even larger outdoor area that has an outside bar (typically open on weekends), a few outhouses (with a public sink you will use out of shame), the occasional puppy (dogs allowed), and a delicious food trailer (which shines like a beacon of steamed bun salvation). The trailer is one of many East Side King pop ups and will definitely influence your visit. This food is from the mind of Paul Qui, a local celebrity around here. He won top chef Texas and owns one of the most prolific sushi joints in town and in his spare time he loves feeding the inebriated. What a guy! Final thought, this place is a madhouse on the weekends. If you have a problem with a bunch of opportunities to meet new and potentially life changing individuals I'd recommend staying at home. With your cat. And your John Grisham novels. read more

I've lived in Austin for a while, so when friends took me here one night I was happy to discover a cool bar I'd never been to before. It's in an odd location, but I guess that's part of why I liked it. The patio is huge, drinks are cheap and its diversity makes for great people watching. It's crazy hot inside, and there's only one women's stall for the entire bar, so be prepared to wait in line. But hey, there's porta-potties outside if you're brave enough. read more

A hubbub was a brewing when we got to patio. Standing up on the picnic tables gave us a good view of the pinata bashing that was going on. Big, nice backyard. Heading in we encountered a goat, yes, a goat. Inside the walls have all kinds of cool pictures. Shangri-La most definitely has character. A great east side hangout. read more

Oh this place is so fun! Juke box, video games, awesome outside space. Okay, I'm not saying anything new. But definitely worth checking out if you're into the Rio Rita vibe. A long time Austin service industry friend has informed me that after just 3 weeks of being open it's already "ruined" by the "hipsters" so take half a point off, but i'm not an in-the-know industry person so i don't really care about that. Plus I accidently went to a photo art event at Shangri-La one friday and there were LOTS of cute boys, so, you know, half a star up again! Warning: be careful on the rail-less stairs! read more

This is the "go to" spot amongst my friends and I. Their outdoor patio is humongous, and inside has several tables and seating options. There's two pool tables, and I love all the guys that work here. They're all super friendly and do their jobs well. It's just a chill, comfortable spot to be at. Drinks are a fair price, and while I can't deny it's becoming more and more popular and known (do I say mainstream?) to the newcomers of Austin, I still love coming out to Shangs any night of the week. read more

Shangri-La - Big trees everywhere. - Lounges Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The last time I visited Shangri-La I fell head over heals in love again and again with so many "love at first sight" moments in one night. Mia (my Pup) and I headed over to Shangi-La for a "Pints for Pits" Party and were greeted with over 30 happy Pit Bulls wiggling their whole bodies so excited to greet us and say "hi" and sniff some butt. This is my kind of place love love love the huge dog friendly patio! Shangri-La donated a keg with all the 2.00 draws going straight to www.Love-A-Bull.org (a 501 nonprofit that advocates on behalf of Pit Bulls and promotes responsible dog ownership). The keg was empty by the time we got there and from the looks of the full donation jar it was a success! Thank you to Shangri-La for letting our group of crazy Pit Bull lovers over run your patio for the night - we had so much fun! And thank you to the cute young hipster dude young enough to be my son (Damian) who flirted with my dog (yes my pup flips over and spreads her legs for anyone - for a belly rub:) I kicked your ass at a game of pool - who are you fooling? not me;) read more

The latest beerland incarnation on E 6th. The outside is lovely. I really can't wait for summer to hang out back there. The juke box is also pretty worthy. There are a few random curve balls in there, like disbanded Austin bands from several years ago. The drink prices are also reasonable. read more

Very Austin. I know some people get kinda pissy when you describe things as being "very Austin" but I don't know how else to describe it. Shangri-la is laid back with some quirky twists. The crowd definitely leans toward the more hipster as everyone else has pointed out, but there was definitely a good mix of peeps (and animals!) The set-up is great with an indoor bar, a lower lever patio, and an upper level yard/patio/bar with picnic tables and other seating. It was much bigger than it looks from the outside and on a Friday night this place was bumping! There were a whole lot of cuties- both boys and girls (and animals!) And the drinks were nice and strong and inexpensive. I believe my rum and cokes were $2.75! I definitely will try to make a sock-hop next time I'm in Austin! read more

Me: "What's the name of this place?" Dude:"Shangri-La. Man, I just got kicked out of here". Me:"What?" Dude:"I was doing my artwork and hanging with friends. I guess some folks didn't like it". Me:"That sucks". Dude:"gdjhfekske8phmp" If you can pronounce the Dude's last statement, then you too must be familiar with what it's like to have been decked and knocked in to the gutter. No, I didn't do it. I rarely kick a guy when he's down. But some leather jacketed white Mo really laid him out. And he was precise. Totally missed me. I'd say my Shangri-La experience up to that moment was pretty good: Hanging with friends, talking about art, work, bosses and life. On furlough from the wife and baby from the evening. Having the least hip "day job" of probably everyone in there but still wanting to close the place down. It's a larger Club DeVille. Or what it "used to be". The outdoor, New East Austin Bier Garten. BUT. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! What's with the fake edginess? No one was calling someones bitch a ho. It was all peace and love....but I guess the white collar Wild West is now on the East Side. read more

Friday night I visited the Shangri-La for the third time ... here I am finally writing a review. The first time I went was as a first stop before going on to bigger and better things later in the evening. Don't actually remember what I got or where I went afterward, so nothing really to note, other than that I liked the decor and the clientele seemed alright. The second time I went was for the New Year's Eve sock hop. It was super-cold outside, but that's not the venue's fault of course. The heat lamps helped a bit. It is the venue's fault that they only have one toilet per gender ... the bathroom lines were crazy-long on New Year's (there were port-a-potties outside and the lines for those were almost just as long, so I chose waiting in the warmer-temperatured inside instead). The music was good though and the drinks were good and cheap. Last night my husband and I showed up with a friend after we tried to go to East Side Showroom and that didn't work out (it was really hot inside, and super-crowded with people who were apparently eating late dinner there ... who knew?). We ordered two tequila and tonics to begin with and started a tab, my friend got a 3 olives grape and tonic (I think, might have been "and soda") and also started a tab. I think the 2 tequila and tonics added up to some tiny amount like 5.50. I could barely drink mine though, and I'm not very picky ... their well tequila must be really bad. I decided to actually order a known brand of alcohol for the next drink, so I switched to 7&7. That was better, kinda more sweet and syrupy than it usually is though. My husband liked his t&t well enough to order another one. During this time we put money in the jukebox and picked out songs. My friend was disappointed because the bartenders apparently turned off one of the Smiths songs that she played. It did have an odd, classical-sounding intro, but that was still uncalled for. My husband also thought he picked a different Elvis Costello song than the one that was ultimately played, and then the bartender put on a bunch of screamy/depressed-sounding music that we had a hard time talking over. We got tired of that and wanted to move on down the street, and my friend wanted to finish out her tab, so ordered a shot of Patron. She was surprised to see that it wasn't rimmed with salt, though at least she got some lime with it. Then she tried the shot and decided not to finish it, so I got most of the shot (had never had a shot of Patron before, it was quite nice) and let her have some of my 7&7. I'm sure we'll end up back at Shangri-La ... like I said earlier, I'll order my liquor by name, and I'll hope the jukebox works out better next time. read more

This place is right around the corner from my studio, so for location points it scores high. Generally speaking though, when I'm hanging out east side I prefer to be able to chat with my friends. The last couple of times I've gone here it wasn't super conducive to a good conversation. The music was just a tad loud. Maybe I'm getting too old... But the crowd is cool, and the drinks seem reasonably priced. I've gone a few times, including once when they were holding a photo slide show event that was pretty cool. There's a lot of space, so it is definitely cool for the occasional event. read more

The east side has been booming with new places 6 weeks, and Shangri La is one of my favorite editions over the past 2 years. A club for those poor hipsters who formerly hung out near ARC on east 7th, now they've got a refuge east of the interstate. Jorts dominate, PBR flows endlessly, and the drinks are cheap and strong as hell. The upstairs seating area is massive, and a nice breath of literal fresh air after spending some time inside. Old school arcade machines, two pool tables, and a sizeable seating area, the AC system could use an upgrade, but once the hipster bods get bumpin in there, just no keeping the heat down. Just you wait until winter rolls around, those 2 weeks will be glorious. Also, if you want to only give it one shot, go on the second sunday night of any month, you'll encounter the glory that is the Second Sunday Sock Hop (SSSH). So, if you can stand a small bit of sweatiness and weather permits, start your east 6th crawl at the Shangri-La. read more

Formerly "Club Impact" (for what, about a week?), I'm glad Shangri-la didn't turn into another sketchy east side sports bar. I walk by this place every morning on my way to work, so I was intrigued to see the teal paint go up. Honestly, I wouldn't shut up about it for the couple of weeks before it opened, and I was there within the first three days. Its expansive interior was thankfully uncrowded, although we got there early. Two bar-sized pool tables and what may be best-described as 'nouveau retro' interior makes you feel kind of like you're hanging out in your grandparents' basement, if your grandparents are the type to have a great jukebox and pictures of guns on the wall (it's classier than it sounds). Beer prices are comparable to anywhere else in this neighborhood, which is to say, perfectly reasonable. The biggest selling point, most likely, is the enormous back yard - not terribly amenable to winter weather, but bigger than Rio Rita's (by far) and replete with picnic tables. Plus there were guys out there telling me they'd watch my bike for me because the bike racks hadn't arrived yet. Back in Brooklyn I would have walked out at that, but these guys actually meant it. In a nutshell: If you must walk west down 6th St., this is as far as you need go. No kids and no white hats, just plenty of room and a relaxing atmosphere. read more

Its a great place to go if you'd like to stare at young hot hipsters and young hot not-so-hipsters, but its definitely not a very engaging or confident crowd. You'd be hard pressed to actually meet and have a conversation with any of Shangri-La's typical clientele. They are more likely to choose vanity and obscurity than realness. Drink prices are....typical. Arcade/Pool are oddly lit. Decor is lame and thrown together. read more

A surprisingly rude set of bartenders given the fact they work in a service industry. I don't understand how they feel it is okay to talk rudely to customers. I've never felt like I've had to deal with drama from bartenders until my last visit here. Our group quickly left but the bartenders left a bad taste of this place. read more

Good: Jukebox has The Smiths and My Bloody Valentine Cute alt-girls Big patio They use TabbedOut (iPhone App) Packman Cheap Gin & Tonics Bad: AltBags every night of the week (Douchebag+ Alt-bro = AltBag) Poor IPA selection SockHops get good, but the Alt-Girls dress up like Marsha Brady. read more

Would have been a an easy 5 if the jukebox wasn't crap and the half the bar filled with bros. Great bartenders and atmosphere. The other half of the bar filled with is tattooed sub/counter culture types made me feel right at home. We went on a Thursday. No idea what this place is like on a weekend. Might be totally different but I would try it. read more

If it's your first time to venture out for a night on East 6th, I would recommend going to Shangri-La! My friends and I had never been to east 6th, and decided to come here. It is more of a hipster scene, but something to the extent of Beauty Bar I would say. The great thing about Shangri-La is that there is a patio outside to hang out, there are tables and chairs inside, as well as standing room around the half circle of a bar. There are also two pool tables where you can get your game on! The bartenders are cool, and everyone tends to be there for a good time with their friends! The music was great, but not so loud that you can't talk to your friends. I would highly recommend this place. read more

Shangri-La is a cool bar. They always have interesting events happening there. They have 2 pool tables and a large back yard. They are dog friendly and they serve drinks at a good pace so there's little waiting. AND Dog Friendly (Inside the bar!) My dog always sits at the bar. Yeah Ava the big eared dog with eye dots ^..^ - they always give her treats and make sure she has water and I love them for this. I might add - the staff is as friendly and hard working as it gets. They really make sure everyone gets drinks without waiting long, and it's amazing how fast they sling drinks even when it's packed. This is probably my favorite bar other than Brixton and Grackle. read more

I guess it just didn't have much of a draw for me... I mean, I'd probably actually give it 2.5 stars, because its okay, and has a back 'patio' area, but most of East Austin has back patio areas (which are more like former dirt parking lots), so that's not too much of a determining factor for me. Basically, If you are really into bare bones dive bars, just looking to drink a Lone Star or something, and really like East Austin and happen to be in the area, then you will probably like it; but you will also find dozens of similar places in a few blocks surrounding it. But if you want to have drinks in a place with a much nicer ambiance, and have a mixologist make you a strong/unique cocktail or two (or still opt for a beer), try Whistlers or Eastside Showroom a few minute walk away. read more

British diplomat Robert Conway and a small group of civilians crash land in the Himalayas, and are rescued by the people of the mysterious, Eden-like valley of Shangri-la. Protected by the mountains from the world outside, where the clouds of World War II are gathering, Shangri-la provides a seductive escape for the world-weary Conway. And for me. The drinks are strong. The bartenders good looking and friendly. The space generous. The bathrooms are pretty crappy and there's only ONE (because a portojohn does not count as a bathroom), which is ridiculous and i should take away that "s". People watching is great because there's a little bit of everything. Over all, it was much better than Cats and i will see it again and again. read more

Neat Place. Indoor, Outdoor seating. Cheap Drinks. Near other bars. Pros: Medium Groups Small Groups Good place on a Bar Hopping list Night-Time 1on1 Dates Social Atmosphere large Venue indoor and outdoor seating Cheap Drinks Cons: Avg Service Limited Indoor Seating read more

Stopped in during girls weekend for my birthday. Like other reviews said, terrible service. Since they didnt have much on the menu, I asked for a sweeter drink since it was my birthday. Her reply was "pretty limited there". Based on reviews I wouldn't think so. She made me an Old Fashioned. I know when you dont know what to order is the most annoying for a bartender, but having never been there I had no clue on availability. Wont go back. read more

I review Shangri-La with the caveat that, besides Rio Rita, I think every bar on E. 6th is about the same in atmosphere and content. But I keep going back to Shangri-La for the wonderful, unbelievably cool bartenders (who very rarely get flustered when mega-slammed), the excitement of Aaron Savage sous chefing at their ESK, and the cheap drinks. I try to avoid it on Friday and Saturday nights, as it gets mega-crowded, but most other nights it's a fun bar with an endearingly/annoyingly limited jukebox. Seriously. If you're going to have an Against Me! record, at least have it be Reinventing Axl Rose. I still love you, Shangri-La. read more

Since it's opening last weekend, I've been to Shangri-la twice... it's so nice to find a bar to go to, where the people are cool and chill... and you don't have to worry about the over-crowding and traffic that's on the other side of 35... The entrance is on the side street Medina.. and it opens to a huge out door patio that is two levels... there is an outdoor bar.... and there is enough outdoor seating for several large groups to sit outside, chat, drink and smoke cigs. It's got a great atmosphere... it's chill.... inside they've got pool tables... great music on the jukebox, and both times they've been playing cool movies... The owners are awesome! It's definitely my new favorite bar in Austin... read more

Just got home from this place. I had a fantastic time. It wasn't crowded when i first got there, so i wasn't surprised that the bar service was good and that there was plenty of places to sit. but as the night went on, it got PACKED! The staff was still really great and there was plenty of room for everyone. I played pool and had no trouble getting a table. We had a place to sit inside, and even though we had to wait a little we got a place to sit outside. The drinks are really cheap and the music on the jukebox is great. My only complaints are the lack of restrooms and l wish there was a little more outside seating. but overall pretty great. read more

This is a great weekday hangout. I don't normally go out on weekdays, but two times that I have recently, I have ended up here. So hence, it is great on the weekdays! The patio was actually packed on a Thursday night around 10pm even in this heat, so I imagine it would be crazy crowded on weekends. Service is great, drinks decent (though my whiskey diet cokes tasted as if they had either tonic or gin in them, it was really odd), patio is lovely and expansive, the porta potties are a nice touch if you don't want to go inside, and the inside is way cool too though I haven't spent much time there. There are a lot of things to watch out for navigationwise though - the stairs up to the patio are STEEP and NARROW. There is a big step up from the dirt to the bottom patio area when you first walk in. To get inside you have a big step up and then stairs. It is not drunk friendly, but we will forgive them for such a nice place to imbibe. I'll take my eventually lumps and bruises gracefully. :) We love their patio chairs and want to steal them. I hatched a drunk plan but unfortunately are too honest to go through with it. Bummer. read more

Although the bar itself is enjoyable and spacious, I was disappointed by two factors. 1. I was told this bar was known for cocktails. Yet, the bartender was unable to produce a Shoulder Season or an Old Fashioned. 2. The door guy asked if I had alcohol on me. I told him I had a flask I would surrender if he would hold it for me. He agree. When I was ready to leave, he said he had thrown it away. The flask had sentimental value, and I wouldn't have entered the bar if he had been honest and told me he would toss it. read more

"[Shangri-La] I love you, but you're freaking me out" ...I'm serious. This place is getting pretty overwhelming! Its always packed with over-the-top hipsters - who, I'll admit, I usually love for people watching (I learned here the other day that ridiculous thigh-high-encroaching-on-crotch-high boots are totally in this season). But there are so many! And they're ALL smoking! So much so I can't tolerate being outside for long. OUTSIDE. I have to go INSIDE for fresh air. I'm not against smoking (it IS terribly unhealthy), its just that there are so many people chain smoking in one spot. I think I got used to coming here with a group of friends and having a chill night out - sitting under the stars in a mellow beer garden. Now you're fighting for standing room out there. I still love it, though. Its still a cool crowd - very friendly. It has a great juke box and the joysticks on all the arcade games are broken. It makes Mortal Combat II so much more interesting when you can't advance forward or jump. Hit low and hard! You might see me there yelling at Ms. Pacman because she won't go up. read more