By Erik Nilsson (Beijing Weekend)
Updated: 2008-01-28 11:55

Obiwan takes its namesake from the triad-run bar in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom - a concept cooked up by observant couch potatoes who noticed George Lucas' and Steven Spielberg's tongue-in-cheek references to each others' films in their own.

But rather than tommy-gun toting Lao She thugs, the place is packed with locals from the neighboring hutongs and the music loving laowai set.

The two-storey water-heater factory cum bar is known for its rooftop terrace overlooking Houhai's quieter counterpart, Xihai and the surrounding hutong.

Despite its relatively remote location, Obiwan has become a central hub of Beijing nightlife since opening last July by organizing a full calendar of events.

Free Jamaican BBQ begins at 3 pm every Sunday. Monday is Pasta Night; Tuesday is Cocktail Night; and Wednesday is Chick Flick Night.

The 10-DJ reggae outfit Meiwenti Sound hosts the One Step Forward dance event on the last Saturday of every month, while on the first Saturday, a UK funk DJ crew stages Superfreak dance nights. Yet to settle upon regular calendar date, a monthly Indie Night is sandwiched somewhere in between.

About a dozen DJs hailing from nearly as many countries take to the turntables on various nights, including local legend BB from Taiwan.

On movie nights, staff arranges sofas in rows and reworks the lighting to recreate a cinema feel, made complete with complimentary popcorn and cuisine matching the cultural context of the film. In summertime, flicks are projected on a massive screen outside, and patrons can bring their own DVDs.

The building's first floor centers around the dance floor, and climbing the fire escape leads to the bar and caf on the second storey. A red and black color theme complements a minimalist decorating scheme to create a relaxing and modern vibe.

Friendly, bilingual staffers serve well-concocted cocktails (35-50 yuan), five varieties of beer (12-45 yuan) and house infusions that include copious pours of absinthe (25-50 straight, 60-75 mixed).

Club Obiwan
Location: 4 Xiyan, Xihai, Dongcheng District
Tel: 010-6617-3231