It seems like for the past few Fridays we’ve been writing a lot about drinking. Perhaps we have a problem? Nah, Beijing just has a great bar culture. And, well, it’s Friday. This time around we’re highlighting some of the best hutong bars in Beijing.
1. 8-Bit
Game on, Beiluoguxiang: video game-themed bar 8-Bit comes with two bonus levels (a second floor and a rooftop), and the tastiest gold coins we’ve ever collected (Arrow Factory brews on tap).
See a listing for 8-Bit.
2. Mao Mao Chong
The cocktails at Mao Mao Chong – which include a sublime ‘Mala’ Mule, a Sichuan peppercorn-infused vodka drink that’s a long way from Moscow – are unique infusions using local ingredients and know-how. Grungey without being grimey, Mao eschews flash while still keeping it real. And those pizzas.
See a listing for Mao Mao Chong.
3. The Tiki Bungalow
It’s always island time at The Tiki Bungalow. Their expert bartenders mix up some killer cocktails by combining all manner of unlikely ingredients to create delicious, fruity and rum-infused treats. Make sure to try one of our favorites, the Jet Pilot (click here for the full recipe).
See a listing for The Tiki Bungalow.
4. Capital Spirits
Four friends – including long-time China residents, former bar owners and an award-winning vodka distiller – opened Capital Spirits. It was born not only through a respect for baijiu culture, but also from a desire to create an authentic, foreigner-accessible Chinese drinking experience. There’s not a whiff of a cheap gimmick and the small hutong space is beautifully decorated. Chinese beers (and plenty of water) also available.
See a listing for Capital Spirits.
5. Great Leap Brewing Original #6
The bar that began the whole Beijing microbrewing frenzy (yes, frenzy) specializes in idiosyncratic, local-style brews with intriguing flavors. The Honey Ma Gold is a Beijing classic.
See a listing for Great Leap Brewing Original #6.
6. Más
If you’ve got a hankering for a taste of the tropics, Más’ rum-infused cocktails will do just the trick. Bartenders mix up mojitos, daiquiris, caipirinhas and lots more for around RMB40-60.
See as listing for Más.
7. Modernista
The hipsters love this little brasserie-themed absinthe bar. Regular live shows mean it can often get pretty crowded. That should piss off the hipsters, yet still they keep coming.
See a listing for Modernista.
8. 4Corners
It’s difficult to write objectively about somewhere like 4Corners – a place that has provided the setting for some of the greatest nights we’ve had in Beijing, or just about anywhere, for that matter. Known for its legendary after-hours gatherings, a night at 4Corners often has the look and feel of an out-of-control house party. Less a regular bar, more an alternative social club, it remains one of the few places in Beijing where everyone knows everyone else.
See a listing for 4Corners.
9. The Distillery
Nestled in a quiet hutong and decorated elegantly, The Distillery epitomizes craft. Everything is dripping with the piney, bearded essence of that word, from the beautiful hardwood surfaces, to the old-timey framed artwork and the shelves upon shelves of fine liquors.
See a listing for The Distillery.
0 User Comments