The Place
Shanghai’s most successful all-in-one live sports bar, Cages has just expanded with a second location at One East. Expect the same Cages vibes you know and love, just in a smaller space. And by ‘smaller,’ we still mean seating for around 400 spread across 1,500 square meters.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
With over 30 games to choose from – including batting cages, basketball, softball, Frisbee toss, football throw and more – patrons simply download the Cages App to purchase digital coins that can be used at both Cages locations, giving them access to everything, with rounds going for just RMB5-20, depending on the game.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
There’s also a kid-friendly zone sporting colorful plastic tables and games for the younger ones that aren’t quite ready to shoot hoops with the big dogs, as well as three VIP rooms for private outings.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Essentially, this outpost is just the first step in expanding the sports entertainment empire, one Cages behemoth at a time. We are looking forward for more to come in Shanghai and across China.
(We’ve heard good things about Changsha *wink*)
The Food and Drinks
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Our go-to fix for elevated American pub grub cravings, the food is just as solid as before – a collaboration between longstanding Cages chef Jason Oakley and new Cages addition (but Shanghai OG) Sean Jorgensen (most recently of The Cannery).
The menu sees a lot of the favorites from Cages’ original location plus some newbies.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
A must for sport event watching, the Tailgate Platter (RMB458) features a lineup of Cages’ signatures: four mini cheeseburger BLT sliders; two corned beef pretzel rolls; buffalo popcorn chicken; grilled corn aka ‘Asian elotes’; pulled pork taquitos; and crispy coconut shrimp sticks.
Ideal for day-long snacking and sipping.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Stacked layers of marinated beef are shmeared with duck liver mousse and sriracha aioli in the Shaved Beef Bahn Mi (RMB98). A tangy drizzle of peanut dressing, pickles and mint and basil salad tie in flavors of Vietnam, beefing up the Asian fusion side of the menu, literally.
Lobster on a Roll (RMB168), Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Like a handheld version of a Jimmy John’s Italian Night Club, the Italian Torpedos (RMB68) are layered with ham, pepperoni, capicola, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, Dijonnaise and cheese, all nestled inside a plush roll.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Customize your perfect nachos with the Not-Chos (RMB98).
Instead of a mountain of chips coated in cheese, beans, guacamole and salsa, the version at Cages One East comes deconstructed – toasted corn tortilla rounds coated fully in cheese (so you never get stuck with that dreaded barren chip), a bowl of chorizo black bean chili, guacamole, melted cheese dip and assorted salsas.
Stack the toppings high, break the shell and go to town. These are also an ideal for groups that comprise both herbivores and carnivores alike, as one plate of nachos can satisfy both.
Not into meat? No worries – just skip the chili bowl.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Cages offers handcrafted pizzas made to order with a number of options – from the Meatballer (RMB108) to Pepperoni (RMB108) to Supreme (RMB128) to Ultimate Cheese (RMB88) and loads more besides.
But, the fairest of them all is the carb-heavy, stomach liner known as the Pepperoni Pan Pizza (RMB128), a deep pan-toasted crust, topped heavily with cheese, pepperoni and more sauce.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
For those not on a warpath towards meat-fueled gluttony, the Seared Ahi Tuna (RMB98) sits on a bed of peanut lime dressed mixed greens, avocado, pea shoots and carrots, and the Wedge (RMB88) salad comes with poached prawns surrounding a chunk of iceberg lettuce topped with cucumber, tomato, feta and goddess dressing.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Other meal options span The New Yorker (RMB68) – a bacon-wrapped foot long hot dog with sauerkraut, relish, mustard and skinny fries...
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
... and Spaghetti & Meatballs (RMB128) – oversized pork and beef meatballs ‘Sunday gravy’ and a generous sprinkle of shredded parmesan, ideally consumed with Krazy Bread (RMB48) – an homage to Little Caesars’ garlic cheese bread.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
BBQ Pork Ribs (RMB168), Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Dessert is like a cake-centric alternative to the Cheesecake Factory. Triple layered confectionaries of Toasted Coconut & Cherry (RMB68), Strawberries & Cream (RMB58) and Yuzu Lemon Chiffon (RMB58).
Our personal favorite is the Dark Chocolate Caramel (RMB68), that arrives dripping with frosting, shmeared with mascarpone cream and sprinkled with fruit, cocoa nibs and – get this – actual sprinkles (aka ‘hundreds and thousands’ for you Brits and your cousins from Down Under).
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Drinks run the gambit from tap beers to wine to bubbles, and cocktails to mixer to shots. There are top shelf spirits by the glass and the bottle, aperitifs, imported bottled beers and seasonal sippers – everything you could ever dream of to lubricate the sporting experience, and then some.
The Vibe
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
This is sports entertainment heaven, fitting for celebrations, team outings, family fun, professional sports screening and everything in between.
This style of active entertainment offers up a viable alternative to the customary work gathering of hotpot and KTV; a more social way to drink, eat and engage in friendly competition, even for those with little to no hand-eye coordination.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The Price: RMB150-350
Who’s Going: Cages lovers that live near West Bund, families seeking fun for both kids and parents, friendly competitors
Good For: Celebrations of any kind, team outings, family fun, professional sports screening
See listings for Cages.
Read more Shanghai Restaurant Reviews.
[Cover image by Sophie Steiner/That's]
0 User Comments