What is the difference between a rug and a carpet? Some would say it’s size – a carpet does, after all, cover the entire floor of a room, a rug only a portion.
If this is indeed the definitive difference, then perhaps The Rug Café ought to consider re-branding to The Carpet Café. Because this space is huge.
The Rug Café opened last month in Wangfujing’s ritzy WF Central – though at the base of the connected tower behind the mall, an altogether quieter and more relaxed location. Yes, we just used the words ‘quieter’ and ‘relaxed’ to describe a Wangfujing address. Hear us out. The Rug Café is not along the tour-group-riddled main drag, but rather, behind it and next to a gorgeous new park and event space, with views of a restored hutong. The Café itself features a patio, a massive kids’ play area and a wide array of seating options including couches and long tables. This being so close to the Forbidden City, however, The Rug’s typically-trendy décor is infused with local touches: lions’ head door handles, hutong tiles along the wall, vintage cricket cages hanging from the ceiling.
Food, however, is classic Rug – and by that we mean not classic at all. The Rug has always put their own creative spins on contemporary, multicultural favorites, and The Rug Café is no different. What is different in this outlet, however, is an emphasis on smaller plates – think lunch items like poke bowls and pizzas – and shareables meant to be paired with drinks. Our lobster roll, featuring hunks of lobster drizzled in a buttery sauce, is delightful. Diners also have the option to have their pasta made from scratch, which we recommend – the house-made noodles make for a satisfying, heartier texture.
You could also simply stop by for a drink. The Rug’s bar is spacious and well-appointed, and its food menu is the perfect accompaniment to your wine. With a location this close to high-end shopping and office towers, chances are you’ll end up here soon. And soon again thereafter.
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