Main Street: American Food in Shuangjing

Main Street has made waves since opening its doors in Shuangjing. But how much of that excitement consists of the voice of desperate Shuangjingers? Does this space actually offer anything for the rest of us?

To begin with, the food menu – a range of American fast-casual favorites – seems a bit at odds with the trendy, neon-lit nightclub feel. The extensive list of appetizers, burgers, entrees, mussels, pizzas seems geared towards appeasing families with lots of different tastes to satisfy. Nachos (RMB 25) and a blooming onion (RMB 48) will take the edge off your hunger but they’re rather bland. Similarly, a buffalo chicken salad (small RMB 43, large RMB 68) lacked any real hot-sauce punch; moreover, we had to make a special request for the pungent and creamy blue cheese dressing. A meatball parmigiana sub sandwich (small RMB 40, large RMB 56) was massive but dry, thanks to a lack of sauce and a disproportionate bread-to-filling ratio. In other words, our meal provided no compelling reasons to choose this spot over any other dining option on the strip, much less make a special trip.

Main Street’s saving grace may be its hangout value. They have an extensive and well-priced list of bottled beers (RMB 25-50) as well as Slow Boat and Vedett on draft. At the far back, a variety of game tables (pool, air hockey and foosball) provide incentive to linger after dinner with a drink or friends.

Also try: TGI Fridays, Union Bar and Grill

Main Street Restaurant and Bar. 1/F, 108 Dongbai Jie, Bldg 5 (across from The Brick), Shuangjing Qiao, Chaoyang District (5624 9706) 朝阳区双井桥东柏街5号楼108号底商

By subway: 400m northeast of Shuangjing station (Line 10)

Photo: Mitchell Pe Masilun