Basic Element

Plenty of Beijing businesses strive for an easy breezy vibe. But one of the few to literally attain that quality is Basic Element. This cafe, only a few short blocks north of Wukesong's Live Hi-Up complex, boasts a sprawling floor space and huge picture windows that let plenty of air in. One of those huge windows has an outside counter for patrons that want to go alfresco but still be in shouting distance of the staff.

The menu includes fancy imports like Costa Rican Geisha for a bargain RMB 39 (a price you'd never find at a more central cafe).