/ Reviews
Reloading Racks
While attempting to be a fusion of lounge and recreational center, the new owners of Racks are not afraid to call it a bar. Racks’ interior is sterile, concrete, and classy. The first floor features a bar, four pool tables, darts, and even some foosball. The style is upgraded on the second floor with the white main event pool table, a more elegant bar, and a glass-enclosed seating area where one can enjoy classic bar food with a twist. Of course, private tables line the walls of both floors for the more affluent customers.
Racks not only attracts Shanghai locals who find the pool table as their second home but also many Hong Kongese and Europeans. If one is a true lover of pool, then this is the perfect place to relax in a fashionable environment and blow off some steam after a long day of work. However, I would advise getting there early since it can easily become difficult to play pool in the tight quarters once the bar gets crowded.
Not being much of a pool player myself, I had a hard time relating to Racks. Often when venues overextend themselves in trying to provide everything, they overlook the details. Like any pool hall, the tables themselves took up most of the floor space, leaving little standing room to socialize with fellow drinkers. While drinking, I enjoy nodding my head to beats that are loud enough to hear. I was perplexed when I asked why the music at Racks was so quiet and the manager replied that they would rather not have any “ringing ears”.
All and all, if you are a big time pool player, I have yet to find a better place in Shanghai to play. In addition, if you and the boys want to bring your ladies out for the night, Racks offers a great environment for both socializing and recreation. However, if you are just looking for a drink, there are plenty of places in Shanghai that provide a more suitable setting.