Channeling the vintage appeal that’s prominently displayed in AMC’s award-winning series Mad Men, Out of Office (called 老板不在 in Chinese) is a welcome haven for the after-work drinking crowd. Tucked away on the 10th floor of China Plaza in Yuexiu, patrons will find this speakeasy accessible through a small office with floor-to-ceiling windows and a typewriter sitting on a large wooden desk. (You’ll first need to enter Hoppo House and turn right, the ’60s themed office will be on the left.)
Image provided by Out of Office
Once you venture into the office and through the door, you’ll see a well-lit bar on the right-hand side of the space, and office-style furnishings filling the cozy establishment. Along the back wall are desk-inspired tables for private chats, while the middle of the room consists of comfy, cushioned chairs. A private corner office space is also available for smokers – or executives pitching the next big advertisement campaign. (If you haven’t watched Mad Men, you should probably check it out before coming here.)
Image provided by Out of Office
Moving on to Out of Office’s menu, guests will find a range of signature cocktails, spirits, wine and a couple beer options on hand. But, being a classy joint and having clocked out after a long workday, we sample the Mr. Draper (RMB95) and Live or Let Rye (RMB110). Both drinks come finely crafted, meeting our expectations for artisanal alcoholic beverages. Presented in a small box-like briefcase with a flask to pour the drink and vapor flowing out upon opening, Mr. Draper is a take on advertising guru Don Draper’s cocktail of choice: the Old Fashioned.
Image via @Out of Office/WeChat
With Oreo cereal-infused Rebel Yell bourbon, we’re not sure what to expect, but are pleasantly surprised – indulging in a hint of cherry and orange zest that’s beloved by fans of this time-honored drink. The Live or Let Rye is another option to write home about – Rebel Yell bourbon is matched with Campari and orange juice to create a powerful concoction full of boozy goodness, and is notably one of their stronger selections, alcohol-wise. The bar also serves edibles, ranging from fried chicken wings to fries and other small eats.
At Out of Office, the vibe is just right, with dim lighting throughout the space and classic tunes playing overhead to recreate both the visual and auditory experience of drinking in the office during the ’60s.
Image via @Out of Office/WeChat
As a whole, Out of Office comes off less like a gimmick and more like a proper drinking establishment that’s picked a theme and executed it well. We’ll certainly be back again – next time the laoban clocks out early.
Price: RMB100 per drink
Who’s going: people with jobs, cocktail connoisseurs
Good for: vintage vibes, quality drinks
Nearest Metro: Martyrs Park (Line 1), 7 minutes’ walk
Daily 6.30pm-2.30am; see listing for Out of Office.
[Cover image via @Out of Office/WeChat]
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