 Beijing bars
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-23 10:38
Top shelf 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. China Doll A hip home for Beijing's playthings with a charge for the avant-garde, the double-floor China Doll features depictions of sexily submerged underwater women in the form of wall-sized light-box photos and film projections. Daily 6pm (lounge) and 10pm (second floor) "until the last person leaves." 2/F, Tongli Studios, Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang District. 6417-4699. LAN Club This place will blow your mind. Lavish setting wrapped in red velvet gothic. Check out the oil paintings on the ceiling. Fourth floor of the Twin Towers B-12 on Jianguomenwai Av 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. 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 Caf 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 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. 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. 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. 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 Mesh Ideal for those seeking cocktail-culture and design - draped metal, wood and leather mix in this refreshingly contemporary space. Inside The Opposite House on Sanlitu Lu. Daily 2pm-1am. 6417-6688 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 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 OT Lounge Posh nightspot proffers nightly jazz performances with dcor matching the music. Reservations necessary. 6 Ritan Lou. 6502-5722. 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. 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. 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. East Shore Live Jazz Caf Low lighting, dark wood furnishings and an exceptional panoramic view of Houhai Lake. Jazz performances from 10pm. 2/F, 2 Qianhai Nanyanlu, Xicheng District. 8403-2131 Star Live Features big-name international bands and top local talent. South Gate of Ditan Park, Dongcheng district. 6425 5166. 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 2 Kolegas Listen to live jams while lounging with friends in this reasonably priced venue. 9pm-late. 21 Liangmaqiao Lu (north of Chaoyang Park). 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. 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. (China Daily 08/23/2008 page29) |
