The Empire Expands: Luga's Basement Lures Sports Fans

It was only a matter of time before the hopeless Boutique Wine Cellar popped its last cork. With the king of the Sanlitun jungle keenly observing from upstairs, Boutique’s 18-month run was an epic feat of survival. Nature being what it is, though, the wine bar’s luck expired. And big cat Luga pounced.

The Basement is a useful companion to Luga’s Villa, which has never been convincing as a “sports bar.” Ball games now have a proper home downstairs, where five mid-sized flat-screens broadcast live sport. Pool, darts and table football invite active participation, adding to the student union feel.

There are Villa-priced drinks – as with upstairs, happy hour is 4-9pm – with an enhanced beer selection (RMB 20-50) in place of frozen margaritas. Hot dogs, three types of wings and burritos are among the edibles.

A Saturday night exodus from the established sports bars is unlikely – but you know the Basement will do well regardless.

Good for: Sports fans, nostalgic ex-students
Also try: Paddy O’Shea’s, Pyro Pizza

Luga's Basement
Daily 6pm-late. 1/F (below Luga’s Villa), 7 Sanlitun Houjie (behind 3.3 Mall), Chaoyang District (6416 2575)
朝阳区三里屯后街7号3.3购物中心后

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