Jam: Gulou's Newest Hutong Hideout

Sooner or later (better later), all of us encounter one of those irritating foreigners who speak in an affected, cartoonish hutong croak. You’ll probably run into that guy here. But that’s a risk worth taking, because this looks like it may become a favorite of Gulou regulars. Located at the top of a rickety spiral staircase, this bar and restaurant uses a good space well and serves some good cocktails (RMB 40-50).

The drinks don’t rival Mao Mao Chong, but you’ve more chance of finding a seat at Jam. The increasingly ubiquitous Vedett is on tap (RMB 35-50), and there’s Asahi for RMB 25. They’re also introducing a menu of “Japanese-style Italian” dishes. I’ll have another drink instead.

Good for: Cocktails
Also try: Mao Mao Chong

JAM.
Daily 7pm-2am. 2/F, Bldg C, 206 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (6424 8218) 东城区鼓楼东大街206号C座2层

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Photos: Sui and Nature Zhang