With comfy chairs, a fully stocked bar and a small, charming patio, Bar No. 3 had us off to a good start. The space is small, but didn’t feel crowded despite being busy with patrons. There’s jazz in the background, a bartender who takes the job seriously and a clientele sporting stylish garb along with the occasional hipster beard.
The menu has classic cocktails in abundance, as well as many in-house concoctions. The Bar No. 3 Martinez (RMB90) is your typical gin martini with a surprising dash of Absinthe bitters, a combination that – after our first hesitant sip – played very well together. Strong and refreshing, the Martinez came topped with a sprig of rosemary instead of the customary olive.
Another notable beverage was the Bar No. 3 iced tea (RMB86). This isn’t just a cocktail spiked with tea as an afterthought; this is Earl Grey-infused rum, mixed with plenty of crushed ice. The infusion means that both the rum and the tea pack a flavorful punch, putting the ‘ol Long Island iced tea to shame.
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Any space that keeps its kitchen open late is a friend of ours, and Bar No. 3’s culinary creations paired perfectly with the drinks. Bacon wrapped honey dates (RMB35) are as delicious as they sound, with a crunchy outer layer and tantalizingly sweet inners. The honey-roasted mushrooms with green beans and pork (RMB35) pack a punch of rich, flavorful goodness that had us clamoring for more.
The folks behind Bar No. 3 know their way around a cocktail; the recipes are unique in a ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ way, and the home-made bitters and liqueurs give old familiar drinks a new lease of life. Next time we’re looking for a good new drink and maybe a light snack, you’ll know where to find us.
Price: Cocktails RMB70 upward, food from RMB30
Who’s going: Hip young crowd of locals and expats
Good for: Drinks with friends, pre-drinking
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