What's Your Favorite Terrace? Vote Now
With Migas unveiling its now-enormous rooftop for the summer this weekend (Apr 27-28), outdoor drinking season shifts into first gear. And remember, though Migas’ rooftop may be great, it’s far from being your only option – so here’s a list of our favourite spots for outdoor drinking.
As ever, feel free to leave your own comments in the space below, but you can also have your say on the terrace bars by voting in the Beijinger’s 2012 Reader Bar & Club Awards! We’ve indicated the bars that have been nominated in our “Best Outdoor Drinking” category to help you weigh up your options before you vote. Click here when you're ready to lodge your opinions.
Bar Blu
Not as popular as it used to be, but during the summertime Bar Blu’s rooftop remains a good choice for a drink and a glance over Sanlitun.
Drum and Bell (NOMINATED)
With a perfect location just between the Drum and Bell Towers, this is the place to go for a laid-back evening with friends. It might be quite ordinary, but the drinks are good and the rooftop offers a unique view of Beijing’s disappearing hutongs.
Eudora Station (NOMINATED)
If you live around Lido, this bar and restaurant’s large ground-level terrace is a nice little spot for an early evening drink.
Great Leap Brewing (NOMINATED)
The craft brewer’s Doujiao Hutong bar is now open again, albeit only from Thursday to Sunday. Drinking around an upturned keg in the yard is sure to be as popular a pursuit this summer as it was last year.
Kokomo (NOMINATED)
The view isn’t particularly stunning compared to that at Migas, but with simple and laid-back décor and strong drinks, Kokomo is an old favorite for spending a good summer night in Beijing. It’s relaxed in the afternoons, but when the sun sets and the party tunes come on there’s no turning back.
Migas (NOMINATED)
Featuring hip décor and nights with local DJs such as Bitesize Buddha, Nassdak and more, there’s no doubt that Migas will double on last year’s success, not least because the rooftop has been expanded – it’s now enormous. To make the most of the warm weather, pop in during the Strawberry Festival after-party on April 30 and May 1.
Park Side Bar & Grill (NOMINATED)
Along with Eudora, Park Side is one of only a few places in Lido offering outdoor drinking opportunities. Stop by for a pint in their pleasant little garden terrace.
Paulaner Brauhaus, Kempinski Hotel (NOMINATED)
Paulaner’s terrace is shielded from the mania of Liangmaqiao traffic by the towering Kempinski and Lufthansa Center, making it a good place to find solace for an hour or two. Order a large glass of German beer and relax.
Q Bar (NOMINATED)
Q Bar is another beloved summer destination, appreciated in equal parts for its intricately designed rooftop terrace and well-made drinks, which are relatively cheap compared to some of Q Bar’s current competitors. Whiskey lovers shouldn’t miss their “whiskey Wednesday” discounts on single malts.
The Saddle Cantina
Where else could you get authentic Mexican food, great margaritas and a large, lively terrace? As a plus, drinks are half price all day long on the fifth day of every month.
The Stumble Inn
The winner of “Best New Bar” in the 2011 Reader Bar & Club Awards offers a huge list of beers, cocktails and liquors, along with a pool table, live TV sports, classic pub food and, obviously, a pleasant terrace. Enjoy the daily happy hours or turn up for their weekly quiz night, where you can win a gallon of beer.
Xiu, Park Hyatt Beijing
The winner of the best terrace awards at last year’s Reader Bar & Club Awards is renowned for its refined patio. The drink list includes worth-the-price classic cocktails and a list of famous wines and liquors. As a plus, it also offers live music, frequent discount nights and food, including barbecue and Beijing Duck.
Yin Bar, The Emperor Hotel
Right in the center of the city, Yin Bar has one of Beijing’s most astonishing views. The drinks are quite expensive, but who wouldn’t pay a little more for such a view of the Forbidden City?
Voting couldn't be easier. Just click away in the survey below. You have until May 9 to do so ... but well, you're here already and so's the survey. It seems like the perfect time to vote.
What? You haven't voted yet? If you need an incentive, here are a few:
You could win vouchers from:
Senz Wellness & Spa Therapy
Ganges Indian Restaurant
Green Bites To Go Dumpling Bar
Sherpa’s Home Delivery
Radegast Lake View Hotel
Plus beer packs from Chimay.
Get voting!