Place to be for classy drinks and beer

Hidden along the edge of Chaoyang Theater, Ichikura has long provided an intimate atmosphere for patrons looking to escape the loud, active nightlife of most Beijing bars. A classy whiskey and cocktail joint, the wall behind the bar has more than 150 bottles of top-shelf scotch, bourbon and single-malt whiskeys, along with nearly 150 other liquors.

Be serenaded by piano and jazz music, as your drinks are prepared by owner Kuroki Koji, who spares no attention to detail. The baseball-sized ice spheres filling each glass of whiskey are even hand-carved.

Ichikura is a place for quiet conversations while enjoying quality drinks in a relaxed setting. The bar seats 12, and two small, private rooms, filled with red leather sofas and marble top tables, are available for groups.