In Beijing, IKEA has an AKIA, Ya Show has a Yue Xiu and Lotus Blue now has a bizarro name buddy: Blue Lotus. In Blue Lotus' defense, their name comes from the 15-piece Chinese instrumental orchestra that performs there on the weekends.

Located in the far reaches of Xihai, nestled between slightly delapidated hutong homes, Blue Lotus is a Chinese bar attempting to be "Western" but not quite figuring out the line between tasteful and kitchy.

The decor is a strange hodgepodge of 70's retro and modern influences. On the walls hang a mix of oil paintings from both Baroque and Impressionist traditions. There is a Chinese orchestra whose instruments run the gamut from pipa to guzhen. During the downtime, slow rock ballads play. The drinks are cheap(RMB 10-40) and there is an impressive second floor balcony.

Location: No.1 Shichahai, Xihaidongyan
Tel: 010-64064688/64000168
Perfect for: cheap lakeside drinks