Like reading bars reviews in That's PRD? We get it, there are a lot of them. Here's a list of the ones from 2016 we liked the best (so far), taking into account selection, atmosphere, service and value for money.
These are our favorites, but what places are we missing? Tell us about your favorite bar in the comments section below, and the most beguiling commenter will receive a bottle of Pearl Red yellow wine. That's better than a kick in the teeth, no?
1874
Modeled after a typical hostel in Yunnan or Chengdu, 1874 is adorned with hanging backpacks, old travel photos, colorful pennants, hookah and a stage for live music. The menu is a mix of hiker’s grub, standard cafe beverages and a pleasantly broad selection of booze. Everything is buy-one-get-one-free until 6pm. The bar’s beer selection is particularly impressive, offering rare labels from Lhasa, Lijiang, Tibet and Xinjiang (RMB30 each), as well as the very fitting ‘1874 Yuppies’ bottle imported from the US (RMB30).
Price: RMB30
Who’s going: those looking for a place to crash
Good for: sharing travel stories, sipping cocktails, live
Read our full review here. See listing for 1874.
GN78 Bowling Bar
Half bowling alley, half bar, GN78 Bowling Bar offers patrons an experience that is hard to rival in Guangzhou – combining games and full-throttle boozing. Every corner of the bar has been turned into a gaming area with pool tables, darts, arcade games and race car machines. Open until 4am, GN78 is primed to enrich Guangzhou’s lackluster nightlife.
Price: RMB150-250
Who’s going: fashionistas, fab bowling teams
Good for: interactive date nights, upping your game
Read our full review here. See listing for GN78 Bowling Bar.
Go Green
Occupying some 2,000 square meters in GT Land Winter Plaza across from the W Hotel, Go Green is where drinks and food are served while customers turn into closeted Tigers (or tigresses). Golf simulators have been with us since the 1970s, but these state-of-the-art versions from GolfZon are taking the golf boom in full swing. 3D-cameras positioned around the green capture your technique, while sensors record the speed, direction and spin of the ball. If you’ve had a few swills and are looking to recover your game face, try any of the top-notch, superbly priced meals – all of which are delivered directly, whether you’re swinging or schmoozing. The Tom Yam seafood pasta (RMB54) is a well-seasoned and spicy mix of spaghetti, prawns and crab. The French egg sandwich (RMB48) is also great to wash down those flutes of champagne you may be popping after a victory on the green.
Price: RMB80/RMB300 (if playing)
Who’s going: greenhorns, well-suited fuerdai
Good for: stress release, urban tee times
Read our full review here. See listing for Go Green.
Hope & Sesame
Hidden away in a narrow passage on Miaoqian Xi Lu, this bar’s subtle entrance blends right in – look for a fridge and little curios like brass doorknockers and lucky cats. Featuring an artistic menu of nouveau signature cocktails, this bar is one of Guangzhou's hottest new hangouts. Hope & Sesame (RMB78) is the most celebrated drink; order it for a welcome surprise or try deciphering the secret recipe on the menu (if you know Morse code). For something out of the blue, sip on a Mr. Chang (RMB88), made with infused Scotch, homemade bitters, Xinjiang dates and goji berries.
Price: RMB90
Who’s going: covert alliances, highbrows, bootleggers
Good for: weeknight adventures, crafty concoctions
Read our full review here. See listing for Hope & Sesame.
The Hub
Founded by a rock-climbing enthusiast from Washington state, this bar/coffee shop offers great (and we mean great) beer, an eclectic range of coffee and imported spirits. Open in early June, the location is notable for its decidedly Seattle (read: cool) vibes, which are capped off with handmade furniture and Seahawk and Mariners paraphernalia. The beer here alone is worth the journey to Haizhu. Brewed in Zhuhai by our humble Seattle proprietor Austin Stringham, the selection is small but on point. Our favorite is the Red Rider (RMB30), a flavorful, intense and authentic craft beer. Other options include Taplin’s English Ale and Summer Session Ale, both of which will only set you back RMB30 (absurdly affordable even with the additional taxi fare to Haizhu).
Price: RMB60
Who’s going: homesick Seattleites, beer cafe aficionados
Good for: local craft beer, great conversation
Read our full review here. See listing for The Hub.
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