It has been a while since we have encountered a fresh, new bar concept. Perhaps this is because cookie-cutter speakeasies have taken over. With their classy décor and rediscovered Prohibition-era drinks the trend is starting to feel as old as the decade that inspires it.
Enter RIINK, a bar and roller-skating rink concept occupying the old Inferno space where nostalgia finally visits another era. Where the stage once stood are a skate rental counter and lockers, while most of the remaining space has been converted into a small skating area with neon lighting. The bar is at the back with additional seating along the sides.
After signing a waiver, you choose between blah black skates for RMB45 and paying RMB5 more for gorgeous white ones with light-up wheels. A full selection of padding is available, because you might have killed it at the neighborhood rink back in the day, but this small venue makes for fast and dicey turns.
Your favorite childhood activity has been aged up with some fantastic “nibbles and slurps,” featuring Chef Austin Hu’s (Diner, Madison Kitchen) gourmet junk food of the fried and seafood variety – think fries with Lebanese yogurt dip (RMB48) or poke crisps (RMB68) with tiki-inspired cocktails by Geo Valdivieso (formerly of UNICO and The Captain).
Drinks start at RMB50 for draft beer and most cocktails are around RMB70. Our favorite is the Hot Paloma (RMB70) with chili-infused Sierra Tequila bringing a much-appreciated heat to the grapefruit-flavored drink. The Tikki Riink (RMB90) is a well-balanced mix of Camus cognac, Plantation pineapple rum, lemon and coconut with chocolate and orange bitters.
If spinning in tiny circles makes you hungry, go for the decadent cheese fritters (RMB38) with miso mustard dip or the chicken wing popsicles (RMB48), which are marinated in baijiu before being coated in an airy, super crisp batter.
In addition to the well-made refreshments and fun skating, RIINK’s playlist is filled with Chingy, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé and the Def Leopard classic, ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me.’ So no matter your age, this place will bring back memories of your youth.
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