I came to Shanghai thinking I’d squeeze in a little AI inspiration… turns out what I really needed was a damn good slider and a tall glass of berry cider.

Nestled in an older part of the city, I wandered past the usual suspects—noodle shops that smelled incredible, locals slurping bowls of broth that looked like they’d been simmering for hours. But today, I wasn’t craving noodles. I was on a mission.

After a few weeks in China, I’ll be honest—I hadn’t had a real burger since landing. And then, there it was: Goose Island Brewhouse. The promise of juicy sliders and a familiar American-style pub vibe was too tempting to pass up.

The moment I stepped inside, I knew I’d made the right call. A couple of other foreigners—maybe American, probably Australian—were sitting at tables, nursing pints and chatting like they’d been here before. I went straight to the bar. I needed to see the taps.

Now, I’ve always had a soft spot for a good Hefeweizen… but deep down, cider is where my heart is. And wouldn’t you know it—they had a sour berry cider on tap that hit every note just right. Tart, refreshing, and perfect for a Shanghai afternoon.

The menu had a few fancier options (steak looked solid), but prices were a bit steep. I landed on the slider trio with fries—still a splurge, but not unreasonable.

Sipping my cider, I waited for the food, watching the bartenders work their rhythm under the glow of green lights and chrome taps. When the sliders arrived, I smiled. They were everything I’d hoped for—juicy patties, melted cheese, tangy marinated cabbage, and fresh mint leaves tucked inside soft buns. Paired with crispy fries and a side of ketchup, I was one happy American in China.

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that hit the hardest. Sliders. Cider. A quiet moment halfway around the world.

Back to the hotel now—still one more call to take before I can properly unwind. But this little detour? Totally worth it.