The Vending Machine is a new speakeasy-style bar (here we go again) and the latest buzzed-about spot in town – with good reason.
You come to expect a certain level of debauchery in Gongti establishments, most of which have a frattier, party-centric vibe going on. The Vending Machine subverts all those expectations. It’s unassuming from the street – no flashy marquee announcing it – with just a small decal on a glass door. It slides open to reveal a small room with a few stools by the window and four vending machines awash in fluorescent light.
We first assume it’s a kitschy no-staff “bar,” offering gin, mixers, and snacks in vending machines – a DIY hangout spot to get a beer or two. Upon closer inspection, we find that one of the vending machine is not functional and contains only cocktail shakers. Very suspicious. After playing around, we realize this is actually a door (a real speakeasy?!) that leads us into an hallway lit in a shade of red reminiscent of an '80s sci-fi film.
Once inside, the actual bar tries to continue the retro-futurism, to varying degrees of success. The decor is sleek and cool, though not revolutionary, and there is a separate room with four arcade games available to play. The seating is like any other dark and intimate cocktail lounge.
What sets this establishment apart, other than the novelty of the entrance of course, are the cocktails themselves. The Pina Colada 2.0 (RMB150) comes highly recommended, but beware – the price is exorbitant, and if you are expecting the typical tropical treat, you might be disappointed when the waitress places a lowball glass in front of you and pours a milky liquid into it from a flask (a serving touch that feels somewhat unnecessary). The drink is an extremely boozy reinvention of the classic, containing only rum fat-washed with coconut oil, pineapple-infused tequila, agave syrup, and bitters. We have to admit – no matter how unconventional – it’s delicious, and with quite a kick, this drink is sure to become the bar’s signature.
Image via Curtis Dunn
If you’re looking for a classy, hip escape from the typical thrum of Gongti, this is the place to impress all of your friends. You pay extra for the novelty, but the expertly made cocktails and low-key atmosphere make it a nice spot in a lively district for stylish pre-drinks with friends or a post-dinner nightcap with a date.
[Images via Andrew Braun/That's]
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