Beijing's Most Interesting Themed Bars
Beijing is blessed with a fast-moving and pretty diverse bar scene, but one that is nevertheless still dominated by craft breweries and upscale cocktail bars. However, there are unique imbibing experiences to be found if you look hard enough with distinctive bars to suit all tastes, whether you are looking to enjoy a cinematically-themed cocktail or indulge in some video game button mashing as you and your pals knock a few cold ones.
Related: 20 Bars That Should Be on Your Beijing Drinking Itinerary
The one with all the baijiu: Capital Spirits
This cozy hutong bar is dedicated to China’s most famous alcoholic export: baijiu. You can order tasting flights of this oft-misunderstood spirit, as well as baijiu-based cocktails. The knowledgeable owner and staff will be happy to offer tasting notes. There are also local craft beers and other spirits for the baijiu averse.
Tue-Sun 8pm-12.30am. 3 Daju Hutong, Dongcheng District (138 1108 9547)
东城区大菊胡同3号
Retro games night: 8-Bit
8-Bit is Beijing’s primo video game bar. The walls of the space on Beiluogu Xiang are lined with Nintendo, Sega, and Playstation consoles, with plenty of games to go along with them. The third floor has a rooftop terrace with views of the surrounding hutongs. Drinks are reasonably priced, including a selection of local craft beers on tap and cocktails at around RMB 50 each.
Tue-Sun 6pm-2am. 13 Beiluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (134 8878 3848)
东城区北锣鼓巷13号
The beer museum: C2H60
With over 700 imported beers being displayed including 300 beers in the fridge, C2H6O has the ambition to bill itself as a beer museum. Just check the beer wall, on which the suds are separated into 18 different categories, as well as Chinese, beers for friends and the C2H6O collection. The stylish interior is worthy of a museum, too.
Sun-Thu 6pm-12.30am, Fri-Sat 6pm-2am. 3 Shatan Beijie, Dongcheng District
东城区沙滩北街3号
Read all about it: Press Release
Speakeasies are dime a dozen in Beijing nowadays but Press Release sets itself apart with its literary/journalism-themed decor and sous vide cocktails with names inspired by quotes from authors such as Ernest Hemingway. There is also a well-curated list of affordable wines by the glass and bottle, many hailing from Italy. The space is decorated with vintage typewriters and pages from famous novels.
Daily 6pm-late. B1-10 Topwin Mall, Inside L'Epasar Restaurant, Chaoyang District (through the Blue Walls and push the blue button)
朝阳区三里屯通盈中心商场B1-10乐芭莎美食共和国蓝墙内
Silverscreen sipping: Cinker Pictures
This classy screening room and bar/restaurant is the perfect spot for a date or intimate gathering of friends. Tickets for screenings on indie/retro films cost RMB 150, including a cocktail, which will be delivered to your plush seat. The menu boasts several film-themed cocktails like the White Russian (inspired by The Big Lebowski, of course), French 75 (inspired by Casablanca, made with chamomile-infused Hendrick's gin), and more.
Daily 3-10pm (restaurant); 3pm-1am (bar); films are screened at 5.30pm and 8pm. N4-40B North Taikooli (6409 4577)
北京市朝阳区三里屯太古里北区N4-40B
Aim higher: Jian Club
You may not think that archery and alcoholic drinks go together but if that is the case, then, friend, you just have not lived. Sanlitun Soho's Jian Club specializes in just that, offering archery sessions alongside a limited menu of simple cocktails and bottled imported beers. An hour-long archery session costs around RMB 160, although the price is substantially cheaper if you buy a pre-paid membership card. There is a second branch in Shuangjing, near the Pingod residence compound.
Daily 11am-midnight. B1-308, Bldg 3, Sanlitun Soho, 8 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (5290 2981)
朝阳区工体北路8号三里屯soho 3号商城B1-308
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Photos: Kyle Mullin, courtesy of the venues
