There are many small Shanghainese restaurants on Jinxian Lu, and we were fortunate enough to come across tiny Mao Long recently. And we do mean tiny - with only 4 tables - reservations are essential (if they take them), otherwise, get in line and wait outside until it's your turn.
The menus are actually underneath the glass tabletop and dishes are numbered to expedite ordering, but no English menus are provided.
We sampled the delicious (#1) Hongshao Rou (pork w/ soy sauce), a staple in most Shanghainese restaurants, and were pleasantly surprised by the (#2) Hongshao Rou Jia Jiao (pork w/ soy sauce & peppers), which was spicier than the typical Shanghai fare.
The (#53) shengbian caotou (sauteed greens) are also recommended, as is the (#75) Yan Du Xian (salted pork soup w/ bamboo) - especially on a cold, winter night.
If you are looking for fancy digs, Mao Long is definitely not the place to go, but if you are looking for some down-home Shanghainese in spartan surroundings, then Mao Long just might hit the spot.