Quiz Nights

In the heart of the capital, Paddy O’Shea’s caters to all things Irish. With the best-poured Guinness in town, and an afternoon long happy hour, you can easily get trapped into what may be the first genuine Irish pub to hit Beijing. Free quiz nights every Wed from 8pm, with well-sponsored prizes.

This meat-eater-friendly restaurant and sports bar is gussied up with authentic high-plains kitsch flown in from the Lonestar State, making you wonder: just how do you get a steer skull through customs? Chomp into slow-cooked, wood-fired beef brisket, ribs, chicken, steaks and more served in a Texas-sized portions and slathered in home-made barbecue sauce based on the owner's family recipe, and enjoy side dishes (coleslaw), sandwiches (including a great beef brisket) and other dishes (shrimp creole). Wash it all down with over 20 different types of bottled beer and 5 beers on tap.

One of Wudaokou's hot spots, Lush provides students with a caffeinated study spot by day, and by night becomes a place to cut loose. Try homemade foccacia sandwiches or special desserts, or show up for events packed with foreign students soaking up local beer with their culture. Good breakfast food too. Happy hour daily 8-10pm: buy 2 get 1 free, bucket of 7 Tsingtao for RMB 70. Quiz night every Wednesday at 8pm, and on Sunday nights Lush puts on the most vital and eclectic open-mic night in town.