Cold Drinks
A hidden lounge blending Shanghai glamour with cinematic futurism.
Recognition: Newsweek’s “Six Best Cocktail Bars in San Francisco”; TimeOut San Francisco’s “Best Bars in San Francisco”
Project Type: Hospitality
Location: San Francisco, CA
Scope: Hospitality Interior & Custom Millwork Detailing
Tucked on the second floor of China Live, Cold Drinks is an intimate cocktail bar inspired by the speakeasies of 1930s Shanghai and the dystopian cityscapes of Blade Runner. The design merges Art Deco detailing with industrial grit—black marble, mirrored ceilings, carved concrete, and angular woodwork stained deep brown.
The space is dark, polished, and deliberately theatrical. Gold-painted pipes glint behind black glass. Custom concrete tiles carry hidden Chinese symbols. Through the windows, Chinatown flickers beyond the bar’s cinematic glow.
Mirrored Ceiling with Exposed Systems
A black mirrored ceiling conceals and reveals—reflecting light while exposing gold-painted pipes above. The effect is both cinematic and industrial, giving the room depth without clutter.
Material Contrast
Dark stone, angular woodwork, and mirrored surfaces create a palette that’s sharp but tactile. A ’70s-style brown stain warms the space without softening its edge.
