After-hours parties are often spontaneous affairs, with a group of drunken revelers wanting a change of atmosphere–a more comfortable spot to end a wild night and keep the party going.

We often end up taking our after-party to Xin Wang or City Diner or Charmant (much to the delight of the very sober waitstaff–sorry guys!) but never, heaven forbid, to Bi Feng Tang (the food sucks even when you're drunk and starving). Or we've often found ourselves trying to sober up at one of those secret dive restaurants hidden down some alley, only to end up drinking ten more bottles of cheap beer–hey! Gotta wash down that grease with something, right!?

However, there are a few reliable spots around town that usually stay open late (early) to cater to us after-3 a.m. hardcore-party types. The Dragon Club is one of the longest running after-hours clubs in Shanghai. For years, Dragon has produced many goofy stories from desperate singles who "haven't found a date yet and the sun is coming up!" However entertaining the stories might be, this place is hit or miss with cheesy tunes and some shady clientele (who isn't a bit of a freak, out drinking at 5 a.m., hmm?).

For years, the notoriously skanky Julu Lu has been a reliable place to look for trouble in the wee hours. Goodfellas is a favorite, with a casual music policy. And the more upscale Velvet Lounge is a good bet, especially if you have a bona fide date to buy another cocktail–they mix respectable drinks, play good tunes, and have a classy decor. Furthermore, the party group Magic Garden throws down some killer after-hours affairs at various locations, with psychedelic trance music and tweaked-out, day-glo decorations. Look for some all-night raves from these boys this summer.

The new kid on the block is La La Land, along Tongren Lu's notorious bar strip. They've carved a niche with electro/tech-house DJs going well past sunrise on weekend nights and occasionally weekdays as well. However, if nothing else is happening, there's always KTV. Many of these are open 24 hours, seven days a week. Get a group of party people, a large private room, and become the entertainment! Some of the rooms come with bouncing dance floors and bumpin' sound systems. If the music selection were only better ...