By Erik Nilsson (Beijing Weekend)
Updated: 2008-01-14 10:34

When architect and designer Yang Zilie leased a hutong home on Beiluoguxiang, he planned to renovate it into a furniture-design studio. But by the time the sawdust had settled, he'd instead built a bar. If Bar is the first nightspot on Beilouguxiang and Yang's second bar. He set up his first If Bar in Yangshuo, Guilin five years ago.

The establishment's mostly wooden furnishings are daring experiments in geometry that make for comfortable spots to sit and swill. Many come complete with secret compartments for stashing reading materials and are also convertible, transforming from a table into a chair, or from a bench to a sofa with ease. These creations demonstrate Yang's Midas touch with all things wooden, as does the spatially confounding stairway - a fun spot to watch inebriated patrons attempt to negotiate. If Bar's walls are acoustic ceiling tiles pocked with circles behind which blue and green light shines, while much of the flooring is glass, including the area just above the bar.

DJ Moeba spins electronic, hip-hop and reggae tunes in the basement dance floor area - made unique among the other floors by multilingual graffiti and ordinary furniture - on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10 pm.

Affable staffers serve up specialty cocktails ranging from 30-40 yuan. Most patrons here are bohemian Beijingers - artists, musicians and their friends - who pack the place, even on weeknights. These regulars insist there's no better place to be - no ifs, ands or buts about it.

If Bar
Location: 67 Beilouguxiang, Dongcheng District
Tel: 1365-138-1586