A Few Spots To Grab Food and Drink Around Xingfucun, Pt. 1
Xingfucun, located just west of the main Sanlitun area, is a bustling spot with numerous places to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. From long established eateries that have been around for over ten years to new spots that have only opened in the last year or two, there is plenty to explore. In this first part we’re going to start off with a look at the places surrounding Xindong Lu, then will move further west in our next post.
With the long May holiday kicking off today it’s the perfect time to go out there and try something new or perhaps visit an old forgotten friend! Please note as it is the holiday some places may have adjusted opening hours so it’s best to check ahead to make sure they’re open.
Mai Steak and Brunch
Opened by Jeff Ji of Mai Bar and Mai Fresh fame, Mai Steak and Brunch, as you might guess from the name, has a primary focus on steak. The restaurant may look a little underwhelming from the outside but inside it’s all elegance with white table cloths, warm wood panelling and a lovely hidden courtyard and rooftop out back. Aside from their steaks, a must order on the menu has to be their Beef Wellington (RMB 398) which they claim to be the best in the capital. We’ll let you be the judge of that one, of course.
Mai Steak and Brunch 麦牛排
39-9 Xingfu Ercun, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路幸福二村39-9
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat and Sun 11am-3pm, 5-10pm
Phone: 138 1006 9173, 180 3186 7215
Revolution
Originally located in the Yashow area, Revolution was forced to move location to Xingfu Ercun back in 2017 following one of many major renovations in Sanlitun. A cozy bar with a revolution theme – hence the name – which encompasses everything from the ceiling adorned with old propaganda posters to the cocktail names like the gin based Revolution Sling (RMB 75) or whiskey based Revolutionary (RMB 75). The cocktails here really are top notch and can easily be selected by your spirit of choice.
Revolution
12-13, 39 Xingfu Ercun, International Wonderland, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路首开幸福广场幸福二村39号楼12-13
Hours: Sun-Mon 6pm-1am, Tue-Sat 6pm-2am
Phone: 132 4045 4130
Buona Bocca
Italian wine bar Buona Bocca has been a firm favorite in Xingfucun since it opened back in 2016. It’s a cozy space that has been carefully designed with plenty or artistic touches like the tiled back wall and quirky lip wall paper. They serve up a range of excellent Italian wines, cocktails, and authentic Italian dishes, plus it's just a lovely place to spend an evening or afternoon.
Some must try dishes are the Pesto Lasagna (RMB 98), Melanzana Parmigan (RMB 98) and Mussels Pasta (RMB 108), or if you’re looking for something to share you can’t go wrong with their Cold Cuts Platter (RMB 98/small, RMB 208/large). Out front it has a terrace area which is perfect for enjoying the warm May weather with one of their signature Aperol Spritzes (RMB 60) in hand.
Buona Bocca
1/F, Bldg 4, South Area, Shoukai Bojun, Xingfu Sancun Sixiang, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路幸福三村四巷首开铂郡南区4号楼1层
Hours: 10.30-00.30am
Phone: 010 5365 3566
Greek Freak
Located in an unassuming space along Xindong Lu, Greek Freak opened up last year bringing authentic Greek Gyros to the capital. You can choose from either Chicken (RMB 33/wrap, RMB 39/plate), Pork (RMB 36/wrap, RMB 52/plate) or a Chicken & Pork Plate (RMB 48). They also have Hungarian Goulash Soup (RMB 48) and a range of sides such as Hummus (RMB 22) and Calamari (RMB 36).
Greek Freak 希腊怪人
14 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳 区新东路14号
Hours: 9.30am-10.30pm
Phone: 133 7011 6102
Blue Star
Taking over the space formerly occupied by XL bar in 2022, Blue Star restaurant and catering serves you traditional German fare. It's run by Lucy, a former manager of Schindler's Tankstelle, another famous German Restaurant. They offer up a range of German and East European classics like schnitzel, sausages, goulash and flammkuchen, aka German pizza.
As it's currently spring which is also white asparagus season, they've also currently got a whole variety of dishes featuring said vegetable like White Asparagus with Beef Fillet and Boiled Potatoes (RMB 168) and White Asparagus Salad with Tomato and Mozzarella (RMB 78).
Blue Star Restaurant & Bar
1-022, 1F, Bldg 4, 12 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路12号院 4号楼1层1-022
Hours: 10am-midnight
Phone: 010 8424 3765
Lily's American Diner
Beijing stalwart Lily’s has long been a firm favorite bringing a taste of home to many American and other expats here in the capital. Their Xingfucun branch, their second in Beijing, has now been open for over ten years and it still going strong! This location has a large indoor area with plenty of seating, as well as a few tables out front and a lovely hidden terrace area out back that is a great sun trap come the afternoon. It’s a great spot to hit up for brunch with classics like the Jumbo Breakfast (RMB 95), American Pancakes (RMB 59 for two, RMB 69 for three) or the Eye Opener Sandwich (RMB 55). For non-brunch options they’ve got burgers, Tex-Mex, salads, pasta, pizza and more.
Lily's American Diner
1-037, Bldg 5, Shoukai Bojun, 8 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路8号院手开铂郡小区底商5号楼1-037号
Hours: 7am-10pm
Phone: 010 8418 5497, 137 1838 9020
Lazy Bar
Popping out thanks to its bright neon lights, Lazy Bar doesn’t exactly come across as a “lazy” place to enjoy a few drinks. However, name aside, they offer up a nice array of cocktails which you can select from their key chain menu which have some rather interesting names like No One Left (RMB 68), Destination (RMB 39) and Spring Fever (RMB 48), along with a selection of wine, beer and spirits.
Lazy Bar
55 Xinfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区幸福村中路55号
Hours: 6pm-2am
Phone: 185 1106 6693
Drinking Fish
This Japanese style bistro specializes in wine, seafood and shabu-shabu, aka a type of Japanese hot pot. It’s a super cozy space with the wood panelling and decor giving strong izakaya vibes. On the menu they’ve got a variety of fresh seafood like clams, oysters, shrimp and crab; around ten different types of shabu-shabu as well numerous smaller side dishes. For drinks they’ve got over 100 different types of wine, draft beer, highballs and other cocktails.
Drinking Fish 醉鱼葡萄酒火锅酒肆
23, 39, International Wonderland, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路首开幸福广场39号楼23号
Hours: 5.30-11.30pm
Phone: 131 2109 5892, 138 1033 2084
Pho House
With tons of natural light and minimalistic decor, Pho House is an ideal spot for lunch or a casual evening meal. As you can guess from the name, they serve up a range of pho like the Beef Combo (RMB 78) or Cooked Beef Brisket (RMB 78); as well as different types of bahn mi such as Classic Pork (RMB 38), Grilled Chicken (RMB 35) and Vegetarian (RMB 25); and salads.
Pho House 弗号
West Side, 39, International Wonderland, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路首开幸福广场39号楼西侧底商
Hours: 8am-9pm
Phone: 131 4101 9022
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Images: Uni You, Margaux Schreurs
