Hidden Gems: Uncovering Some the City's Most Covert Bars

In the city, we're always on the hunt for hidden bars that are mysterious and unconventional. Judging a bar by its cover is never a safe bet because you never know what unique experience lies within!

Anchor Bar

Hidden behind a cocktail shaker “vending machine” in Gongti, Anchor Bar is one of the oldest bars on this list. Having opened in 2015, they’ve been at their current location – their fifth in total – for eight years running, and haven’t shown any signs of slowing down. Come here for good cocktails, and be sure to ask for owner Sherry during your visit.

Anchor Bar 安可二丁目
1F, Fanghengtianhe Building, 7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工人体育场西路7号方恒天和大厦1层
Hours: 7pm-2am (Sun-Thurs); 7pm-4am (Fri-Sat)
Phone: 18601037207

Vimi

Upon first glance, Vimi appears to be a bustling beer emporium, its entrance adorned with the prominent characters 便利店. One could easily mistake it for a self-service beer haven. However, concealed within its walls lies a vibrant music bar where spirited gigs are hosted nightly.

Vimi offers an array of delectable late-night snacks, including Fried Chicken (RMB 52), French Fries (RMB 32), and Chicken Nuggets (RMB 42). Paired with their handcrafted cocktails, Vimi is great for a good night out.

Vimi Supermarket Pub vimi便利店酒吧
16-9 Fangzhuang Huandao North Hongjian Parking Bldg, Fangguan Lu, Fengtai District
丰台区芳古路方庄环岛北红剑综合停车楼16-9号
Hours: Daily, 6pm-3am
Phone: 13901204413; 13911717853

Hanabi Bar

Hanabi, which translates to "fireworks" in Japanese, is discreetly nestled within an office building, requiring visitors to venture past a security guard booth and into a dimly lit alcove to discover its hidden charm.

We highly recommend the exquisite Baicha Qinghuan 白茶清欢, aka White Tea Pure Joy (RMB 90), which has a pleasant tea-like aftertaste thanks to its use of fenjiu, a lighter, sweet-tasting baijiu from Shanxi province.

Hanabi Bar
Inside Fuxing Office Bldg, 30 Guandongdian Beijie Hutao Yuan, Chaoyang District
朝阳区关东店北街核桃园30号孚兴写字楼院内右侧
Hours: Daily, 6pm-1am
Phone: 13126866389

All Star Bar

This establishment features a sleek, modern design with expansive windows that offer a glimpse of its inviting interior. However, locating the entrance can be a challenge, as the door seamlessly blends with the adjacent lime wall. To assist patrons, a projection lamp illuminates the door at night, adding an air of mystery to the venue.

This versatile space transitions seamlessly from a cozy coffee shop in the morning to a lively bar by evening. During its daytime café hours, the entrance becomes even more inconspicuous without the projection light.

To enter, simply search for a lime wall with a subtle handle, give it a push, and prepare to be welcomed into a captivating new world.

All Star Bar
Inside 24 Hour Gear Yard, 24 Caoyang Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳路24号24小时齿轮场内
Hours: Daily, 6pm-2am
Phone: 16600056970

Lift Bar

Nestled within Huaxi Live Wukesong, Lift Bar is a hidden gem that can easily go unnoticed if you happen to stroll by too quickly. Its inconspicuous entrance, featuring a metal door, seamlessly blends into the wall, giving the illusion of an elevator leading to the first floor. Situated in the underground space of Huaxi Live, this discreet haven truly lives up to its name - Lift Bar.

Lift Bar
127, B1, Huaxi Live West, 69 Fuxing Lu, Haidian District
海淀区复兴路69号华熙LIVE西区B1层127号
Hours: 6.30pm-1am (Mon-Thurs, Sun); 6.30pm-2am (Fri-Sat)
Phone: 18635727779; 17276423726

Wenyuzhou 文宇宙纹身酒吧

If the promise of tattoos and beer isn't enough to get you inside, the futuristic design certainly will. The presence of a robot wielding a tattoo gun near the doorway hints at the bar's dual identity as a tattoo parlor. Indeed, this unique fusion of a bar and tattoo studio creates an intriguing atmosphere. One might wonder, with a few extra drinks under their belt, will the temptation to get inked become too strong to resist?

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Wenyuzhou Tattoo & Pub 文宇宙纹身酒吧
207, 1-03, Block C, Wangjing Vanke Times Center, Wangjing Street, Chaoyang District
朝阳区望京街望京万科时代中心C座1-03号207
Hours: Daily, 6pm-2am
Phone: 15810348843

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Images: Courtesy of the venues, Wangtian, Unsplash