Double-Fist Coffee and Beer at Baiziwan’s Best-Kept Secret: Craft Secret

You could easily start your morning with a latte at Craft Secret and finish off with an IPA at Happy Hour. And with action movies screening on the walls, is there really any reason to leave?

This hybrid taproom/coffee house off Baiziwan Road east of Shuangjing is among an untapped, expat-free crop of killer spots. Nearby you’ll find the charming coffeeshop Ono’s Cafe, craft-bottle haven Pink Elephant Beer House, and the new whisky-and-wine lounge GoldenDrop.

Craft Secret is the coziest of the bunch, a place for unwinding and sampling a bit of everything. They rotate a tap menu of 21 beers, mostly hoppy and ranging from classic IPA standbys like Stone to more obscure selections like Sweden’s Omnipollo Double Peach Candy Popcorn Sour Ale (RMB 60). We weren’t feeling that ambitious (or flush with kuai), so we went for a cheaper American Pale Ale — which made us rethink our choice.

While waiting for your drink, scan the walls for the odd collection of assorted coffee-makers and throwback beer labels from Australia, Europe, the U.S., and elsewhere.

You know those heavy-duty Spirit Duette espresso machines? They’ve got one of those babies behind the counter. So if you’ve had your fill of beer, Craft Secret also churns out a mean coffee. The Americano (RMB 25) is dark and earthy, with a slight froth. Can’t beat the price, considering most cups around Beijing cost you more and taste half as good.

Craft Secret is a chill place with an R&B soundtrack, and a perfect shelter from the brutal temperatures. Good for camping out and killing time while sampling the endless craft-caffeine-and-ale menu. But let’s keep this place between us.  

Craft Secret Taproom & Coffee
Daily, 9am-2am. Room 102, Block C, Building 4, Postmodern City, 16 Baiziwan Road
百子湾路16号后现代城4号楼C座102室

Photos: Dianping