 Beijing bars
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-20 08:39
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. 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. 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 The Hidden Tree Famous for foreign, mainly Belgian, beers and wood-stove-cooked pizzas. 43 Sanlitun Beijie (behind Poachers and Fish Nation), 6415-1954. Candy Floss Cafe Featuring in childhood fairytale themes with spiral stairs, rooftop terrace, rustic wood tables and chairs. 3pm-midnight. Candy Floss Caf, 35 Dongmianhua Hutong, Dongcheng District. 6405-5775. 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. No Name Bar The first Houhai Lake bar and this Yunnan-themed nightspot has maintained its legacy. Great location. Daily Noon-2am. 3 Qianhai Dongyan, (next to Kaorouji Restaurant), Xicheng District. 6401-8541. Clubbing 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. 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. The Den Popular with football, rugby and cricket fans and has decent western food. Daily 24 hours. 4 Gongti Donglu, (next to City Hotel main entrance), Chaoyang District. 6592-6290. Klubbrouge This newly opened champagne bar and lounge in the heart of the Gongti area blazes the trail to new heights of top-end nightlife in Beijing. Party Floor, Blk 3, China View, Gongti East Road, Chaoyang District, 6500-3333 Local favorites Desert Oasis This three-story nightspot spans three floors and features a Xinjiang cultural theme. 3 Shajing Hutong, off Nanlouguxiang. 6403-7856. 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. Desert Oasis This three-story nightspot spans three floors and features a Xinjiang cultural theme. 3 Shajing Hutong, off Nanlouguxiang. 6403-7856. Behome Cafe Among the top hutong haunts, offers some of the best-valued cocktails in town and a great rooftop terrace. No 2 Nanlouguxiang. 8402-0835 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. 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. Live music Jiangjinjiu Where musicians, artists and all of the quirky people of Beijing hang out. Known for ethnic minority and rock music acts. 2 Zhongku Hutong, (just doors south of The Drum and Bell in the plaza of the drum and bell towers), Dongcheng District. 8405-0124. 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. Star Live Features big-name international bands and top local talent. South Gate of Ditan Park, Dongcheng district. 6425 5166. 2 Kolegas Listen to live jams while lounging with friends in this reasonably priced venue. 9pm-late. 21 Liangmaqiao Lu (north of Chaoyang Park). Salud Touches of Mediterranean coastline add to the Southern European atmosphere of the otherwise Francophilic caf, as does the live improve music. 9am-2am. 66 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. 6402-5086 Sports bars 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. 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. (China Daily 08/20/2008 page36) |
