Soloist Coffee Brings Personality and Artisan Beans to Beijing's Financial Street

After making a name for itself at Dashilar, Soloist Coffee Co. has since branched out Beijing's Financial Street, bringing its artisanal java and retro chic aesthetic to a neighborhood that is too often dismissed as corporate and cookie-cutter. Indeed, the trendiest of hutong dwellers, and business people looking for an alternative to the local Starbucks and other chain shops, will delight in this café's offbeat offerings.

The speciality coffees are brewed in three styles: steampunk for RMB 35 a cup, drip filter for RMB 55 and tasting flight for RMB 120, the latter consisting of "three coffees brewed by immersion at a time, full bodied and rich in flavor," according to the café's menu. A range of iced coffees, which are perfect for muggy summer days, are also on offer, including RMB 35 cold brew on tap, RMB 40 draft lattes, RMB 30 iced americanos, RMB 40 fat americanos, and RMB 55 ice cream-infused affogatos.

We started with a cup of steampunked Ethiopian coffee. It had rich texture that lead its bitterness to ripple and tantalize, but never overwhelm (a claim that many lesser local cafés can't make). It's a strong, exotic cup of joe that will perk you up and tickle your tastebuds.

Unfortunately the cold brew on tap was not as satisfying, especially at first. In fact, that initial sip left us with a wince-inducing tartness. However, we stuck with it – mainly because it was served in a wine glass, and had darkly enticing aroma that left us more than a little curious. Once our palates adjusted, it proved to be a refreshingly cool, bitter treat that is by no means for the faint of heart, but will satisfy curious patrons.

The creative coffees are complimented by the café's distinctive decor, which is sleek but subtle, thanks to its concrete walls, wooden benches and tables, and the glowingly lit counters. There's also a small range of dishes on hand, many of which are priced at RMB 70, including a chicken basil salad, a salmon salad, a beef burger, a chicken avocado panini, and a smoked salmon bagel.

After visiting this chic café, the financial district's working stiffs will no longer complain about having to hike it to Sanlitun or Gulou for creative coffee options.

Soloist Coffee Co. Financial Street
Daily 10am-10pm. 2/F, 3 Jingchengfang Jie, Xicheng district (6606 1622)
西城区金城坊街3号2层

Photos: Kyle Mullin