Mai Bar
Hutong classic, but up a notch from the bars mentioned in the budget section, Mai Bar is a cosy courtyard style bar, easily spottable in the dark by the red lanterns. The cocktails are delicious, and the menu is interesting — many classics, but also a lot of Beijing-named and themed cocktails that you just wouldn’t get anywhere else. The crowd here is generally young and a little bit alternative — but a great mix of Chinese and foreign customers, as is the staff. This bar is also walking distance from popular tourist destination, Nanluoguxiang.
Classy and sassy little bar with heady cocktails
Opened by ex-Apothecary bartender Jeff Ji, this place has brought the Gulou drinking scene up a notch or two with its insanely good cocktails. Tipple of choice: Try the queen’s park swizzle, a refreshing mix of caramel-like rum, dark sugar, bruised mint and lime. If you’re planing on going incognito on your trip to Beijing, this ain’t the place to come. Jeff has the delightful knack of remembering the names of most people that pass through his sultry, spartan addition to the the Gulou bar scene. Much like the owner, the bar itself is super sweet and laid back. Strategic up-lighting and tea lights cast a a surreal glow over the glass fronted little bar that lures you in at once. With creative takes on classic cocktails, in-house mixes, plenty of whiskey, and hot rice wine to warm your bones in winter, you’ll be wishing this was the place you brought every first date.
Own or work here?