Commix Bar and Restaurant: The Unexpected Rival

Popping up between close friends Frost Nails and Back Alley Bistro, an unlikely third wheel emerged recently in the form of the surprisingly prim Commix Bar and Restaurant. Rumor had swirled about what would emerge from behind the plastic sheeting after a few weeks of construction. Some said it was to be a take on the popular Bob's Wine blueprint just a couple of doors south (who would have blamed them?). Others suggested another disappointingly sterile effort in the mould of Friend Bar which resides in the crumbling detritus left behind by Heaven Supermarket mark I. A tidy, bright space with a bold drinks list and a sizable food menu was never a consideration.

The beer fridge alone provides food for thought for the other players on Xingfucun, and is a nod to the uncle's competitive pricing back towards the main road. RMB 8 bottles of Tsingtao and RMB 10 Tiger are sure to be draw enough for a Bob's crowd looking to migrate indoors for the winter. While a sizable selection of imported Belgians and English ales all weighing in at 25 kuai and under might just bring some fresh custom to the area as natural summer habitats are lost.

Aside from beer, a fleshy whiskey collection joins some high-grade vodka options amid the usual pours, all well priced between RMB 30-55, and two pages of special and classic cocktail mixes (RMB 30-40). Veracity of the management's claim that all the spirits are genuine could not be attained by our small party on a single early evening sortie. But we weren't blind after a couple of tight White Russians, so there's a start at least.

High tables and a larger seating area in the rear could be Commix's trump card, although the quality and value of the drinks list make up a strong enough opening hand already.

Commix Bar and Restaurant
Daily 11am-2am. Xikou Hutong, Jiezuo plaza, Chunxiu Lu, Chaoyang District (8405 9130)
朝阳区春秀路杰作大厦西口胡同

Also try: Heaven Supermarket, Luga’s Villa

This article originally appeared in the November issue of the Beijinger. Read it online.

Photos: the Beijinger