A Few More Hutong Bars Worth Their Mixology Salt

Vincent R. Vinci, Contributing Editor | Aug 29, 2024 3:19 pm | Add a comment | 228 reads

A few weeks ago, following the release of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, we set about putting together a list of bars in and around the hutongs of Gulou we felt were worth stopping by for a tipple or two. Now, we’re setting out to document some of the best cocktail bars across the capital – kicking things off once again in Gulou.

This time we’re looking at a few more bars in the area, plus one or two that are in between as the series moves from Gulou and into the surrounding areas and beyond. Whatever the location may be, we think these spots are all well worth a visit, so drop by when you get the chance.

B.A.r.

Short for "Brand new Age", this is the former second location of now shuttered B.A., which shared a space with the also shuttered Fenzi Coffee near Andingmen. The new iteration has a larger space but keeps the attitude and drinks style championed by B.A. alive.

That being said, the menu is more extensive here. B.A. did things on a flashcard-like menu, whereas B.A.r. breaks drinks into categories with a few varieties for each, like different martini variations and all that. Plus some signatures seem to still be in the mix as well.

B.A.r.
64 Donggong Jie, Yibei Shop, Dongcheng District
东城区东公街64号迤北商铺
Hours: Daily, 5pm-1am

Fang Lang

Fang Lang is another cozy spot, noted by its green doors and sign not too far from Nanluo and Jiaodaokou. It has a red brick and bare concrete walled interior, with art on the walls and bare wooden tables making it probably one of the more laid back venues on the list. Laid back though it may be, the drinks are as complex and mind blowing as they come.

Take for instance the God of Enjoyment (RMB 90), which is made with dark rum, cold brew coffee, lemon, pineapple, simple enough? More to come, though, with the addition of peanut butter and toast for a sweet savory beastie.

It only goes up from there, with From the Love of Beibei (RMB 90, pictured above), another rum drink – this time with white rum – with egg white, pineapple, toasted rice, and White Rabbit milk (yes, White Rabbit candy makes milk, too). Finally, there’s the Southern Girl (RMB 90), a drink that combines pisco, rice wine, and sweet potato shochu with pineapple and lychee for a refreshing and thoughtful sipper.

Fang Lang
33 Zhangzizhong Lu, Dongcheng District
东城区张自忠路33号
Hours: Daily, 7pm-1am

Alley Diagon

This bar, which sits not too far from Andingmen, does pay a bit of homage to Harry Potter, but not to the point where it becomes obnoxious. What we like best about Alley Diagon is the fact they’ve got a print by Dominic Johnson-Hill of Plastered 8 hanging above the bar. Oh, and the drinks.

There’s a lot to pick from here, including their own take on Butterbeer, but we enjoy the drinks here that take inspiration from the city we call home, Beijing. If we had to pick one, it’d be the Ancient Peking (RMB 90). This drink is made with a split base of pisco, apple brandy, and fino sherry, with the Beijing elements coming into play being plum soup, Old Beijing yogurt, cranberry, and tanghulu. Nearly all the things we love about the capital in a glass.

Alley Diagon 角巷
A11 Fensi Ting Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区分司厅胡同甲11号
Hours: Mon-Thurs & Sun, 6pm-1.30am; Fri-Sat, 6pm-2am

Oh Mary

This newbie is just up the street from Obst Zimmer on Jiaodaokou Nandajie, and does drinks from within a sort of '80s-themed establishment. Pull up a shiny foldable metal chair and peruse their menu, printed on CDs all packed into a CD carrying case (can probably throw the '90s in there, too).

Drinks to try include the Today Should Be Happy (RMB 70) made with white peach oolong-infused vodka, peach juice, dry vermouth, and lemon; and another tea drink the Happy Together (RMB 70), with Earl Gray tea-infused gin, orange, lemon, and honey.