Downtown on Nanjing Xi Lu near Tongren Lu there is an area some people refer to as "Little America". Even though McDonalds, KFC, and now Starbucks dot the city in all the key high traffic areas, this area around the Portman Ritz Carlton and Shanghai Center gets special mention. A lot foreign businesses, the Welcome Market, the American Chamber of Commerce, and western style restaurants draw westerners seeking a respite from Shanghai culture shock. As much we say we like Shanghai cuisine, as a westerner we are more likely than not to seek out a cheeseburger or a pizza on occasion.
In the Shanghai center complex, there are couple of staples to western diet - BBQ at Tony Romas or Burgers and other American fare at the Hard Rock Cafe. If you collect Hard Rock T-shirts, I guess you must pay them a visit. While these places have reasonably well prepared fare at and very premium western price, you can do better.
If you have a hankering for BBQ ribs, pass Tony's and walk around the corner on Tongren Lu to Henry's. It is smaller, cozier, and tastier. Their set lunch special is terrific. Soup, Salad, vegies, tea, ice cream and huge slab of tasty BBQ ribs for RMB 38. At Tony's you would pay over 100 and it wouldn't be as good. If you need a cheeseburger fix, don't waste your time on McDonalds or pay over $10 at the Hard Rock. Talk a couple blocks west on Nanjing to the Always Cafe and get a fairly tasty burger and fries there for $3. The food is fresh, well prepared, the menu is extensive and reasonable and they obviously have had experience with what westerners are looking for.