 Beijing bars
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-12 08:59 Top shelf Centro Ultra chic Centro has a certain je ne cest quoi that draws the society's movers and shakers. Take your money! Foyer of the Shangri-La Hotel (Kerry Center). 6561-8833 Ext 42. Zeta Bar It's a joint that James Bond would feel at home in: high ceilings, balcony to leer from, dimmed lights and somber dcor. Mon-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sun 5pm-3am. 6466-2288. 2/F, Hilton Beijing, Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. Face Bar School-turned-bar and restaurant. Stocked with Asian antiques that create an atmospheric, travel-themed place in which to kick back. 26 Dongcaoyuan, Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District. 6551-6788. Suzie Wongs A 1930s opium den-look happening here and one of the most iconic bars in the capital. Will be buzzing. 1A South Nongzhanguan Lu, Chaoyang Park West Gate. 6593-6049. Cool and casual Liana 30 In the shadow of the Bell Tower, if offers a contemporary feel, video games installed in tabletops, location in heart of the city. 34 Yandaixiejie, Houhai, Xicheng District. Michael at 136-2121-1978. Shuiguiqi The antiquated bar houses a unique fountain, a bamboo spout and an old tree, which shades the courtyard during the day. 183 Jiugulou Dajie, Dongcheng District. 6403-4723. Bed & Tapas Bar Sprawls of cushions and bed-type booths make this a relaxed hangout. Mon-Tue 4pm-late; Wed-Sun 12pm-late, 17 Zhangwang Hutong, Xicheng District. 8400-1554. Drum and Bell Homey atmosphere built in an old courtyard, with roof terrace seating area. Very cool. Daily Noon-2am. 41 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District. 8403-3600 Candy Floss Cafe Featuring in childhood fairytale themes with spiral stairs, rooftop terrace, rustic wood tables and chairs. 3pm-midnight. Candy Floss Cafe, 35 Dongmianhua Hutong, Dongcheng District. 6405-5775. The Hidden Tree Famous for foreign, mainly Belgian, beers and wood-stove-cooked pizzas. 43 Sanlitun Beijie (behind Poachers and Fish Nation), 6415-1954. Rain Bar The bar is sliced into three styles: the dark wood furniture marks the drawing room, the light green sofas and drapes make up a modern lounge, and tested route to comfort. Daily 2pm-late, 4 Xihai Xiyan, off Xiaotongjing Hutong, Jishuitan subway, south down Xinjiekou Beidajie, Xicheng District. 6617-3231. Cheap and cheerful Nanjie The slogan "Shut up, just drink" goes with cheap booze to the sound of British indie tunes. Young and distinctly happy crowd. Daily 5pm-late. Gongti Beilu (opposite the Workers' Stadium north gate), Chaoyang District. 6413-0963. Kai Club A fave for those getting started before going elsewhere. Mon-Fri 6pm-2am; Sat-Sun 6pm-4am. Sanlitun Beijie (around the corner from Poachers Inn), Chaoyang District. 6416-6254. Sports bars Goose 'n' Duck Sports fans paradise and ex-pat favorite. Pub-cum-sports bar, even features a batting cage, basketball court, and simulated archery and golf. One of the best steaks in town. 1 Bi Hu Ju South Road, Chao Yang District, 6538 1691 Daily 24 hours. Frank's Place Sports bar with clean, light, comfortable wood-paneled interior and no frills patio area. 10 am to 2 am, Jiangtai Lu, west of Rosedale Hotel, Lido area, Chaoyang District. 6437-8839, 1343-979-6359. Rickshaw This 24-hour sports bar decorated with photographs that match its namesake has become an expat favorite. 10am-late. Nansanlitun Lu (near The Bookworm), Chaoyang District. 6500-4330. The Den Popular with football, rugby and cricket fans and decent western food. Daily 24 hours. 4 Gongti Donglu, (next to City Hotel main entrance), Chaoyang District. 6592-6290. Clubbing Banana Three floors of glass walled seating surround a packed dance floor, tended by some of the world's top DJs. Weekdays 8:30pm-4:30am; weekends 8:30pm-5am. Scitech Hotel, 22 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. 6528-3636. Tango This massive club, divided into three areas, is replete with another - Mango - on top and a KTV in the basement and can suit all tastes. Daily 24 hours. South gate of Ditan Park, (next to Jindingxuan Restaurant), Dongcheng District. 6428-2288. Propaganda Young foreign students pack this hormonally drenched nightspot to practice their Chinese on the locals. 100m north of Huaqing Jiayuan east gate, Wudaokou, Haidian District. 8286-3991 Poachers Inn Bar in the early evening, a younger raging party crowd at night. Poachers takes full advantage of the transient population but does so well. Daily 8pm-late. 43 Bei Sanlitun Lu Chaoyang District. 6417-2632 ext 8506. White Rabbit Club A big boom, boom for electronic music lovers with a non-stop nocturnal passion for dancing. C2 Haoyun Jie (Lucky Street), 29 Zaoying Lu, Maizidian, Chaoyang District. 13321123678. Live music D-22 Run by music lovers for music lovers, the bar plays live jazz and rock music. Daily, 13 Chengfu Lu, Wudaokou, (between Wudaokou Subway and Peking University), Haidian District. 6265-3177. www.d22beijing.com. 2 Kolegas Listen to live jams while lounging with friends in this reasonably priced venue. 9pm-late. 21 Liangmaqiao Lu (north of Chaoyang Park). Souk Bar and Restaurant Spacious bar serving Mediterranean bites, cluttered with dark wooden tables, cupboards, plant pots, hookah pipes, colorful cushions and red lanterns. Daily. Chaoyang Park West Gate (behind Annie's). 6506-7309. Sangria Club Spanning two floors beneath Elisa's Italian Restaurant, shimmers with the style of southern Spain. 5867-0248. 29 Zaoying Lu, Chaoyang District. Club Yugong Yishan One of the best, small live venues, featuring large stage with big and small local acts. 3-2 West Courtyard Duanqi Ruifu Zhang Zizhong Lu, Dongcheng District. 6404-2711. Local favorites Behome Caf Among the top hutong haunts, offers some of the best-valued cocktails in town and a great rooftop terrace. No 2 Nanlouguxiang. 8402-0835 Paddy O'Sheas This two-story sports bar proffers an Irish appeal with its menu and dcor. Features a multitude of plasma screens and affordable imported beers. 28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. 6415-6389. Alfa Features relaxing lounge with translucent ceiling and gurgling fountain, as well as a sizeable dance floor flanked with booths and a wrap-around loft. Fridays' '80s nights are particularly popular. 6 Xingfu Yicun (in the alley opposite the north gate of Workers' Stadium), Chaoyang District. 6413-0086. OT Lounge Posh nightspot proffers nightly jazz performances with dcor matching the music. Reservations necessary. 6 Ritan Lou. 6502-5722. Stone Boat This stone edifice is shaped like an ancient watercraft docked near the bank of one of Ritan Park's lakes. Known for pleasant views and relaxed vibe. Inside Ritan Park (near southwest corner) 6501-9986. (China Daily 08/12/2008 page36) |
