Face Bar
School-turned-bar and restaurant. A pool table stands by the entrance and outside, clumps of bamboo, a man-made stream and carved wood stools create a surprisingly atmospheric place in which to kick back. 26 Dongcaoyuan, Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District. 6551-6788.
Suzie Wongs
A 1930s opium den, it offers dimly lit curtained alcoves along with spacious main seating areas, ornately furnished with antique Chinese furniture and hanging lanterns. 1A South Nongzhanguan Lu, Chaoyang Park West Gate. 6593-6049.
Rickshaw
Rickshaw' complete menus are available at their masterminds' latest installation, with the addition of site-specific servings, including breakfast. The downstairs is a utilitarian arrangement of wooden tables and orange couches, while the upstairs is the same plus a bar, open balcony and four plasma TVs.10am-late. Nansanlitun Lu (near Browns and the alleyway to The Bookworm), Chaoyang District. 6500-4330.
Guangfu Forcing House
It is a 600-year-old Taoist sanctuary turned into a terrific temple of tipple. Upon entering this establishment, visitors pass through a large arched entryway painted with murals of women in flowing dresses scattering flower petals and toting zithers. Traditional-styled screens, and Buddhist sculptures, Cubist paintings and potted plants line the walls of these dimly lit rooms.Daily, 5pm-late. 36 Yandai Xiejie, Houhai, Xicheng District. 131-2182-5633.
The Houhai Zoo
The intimate interior offers high-standing cocktail tables, cozy booths and a semi-private room which is ideal for private parties. It shares the "Shut Up, Just Drink" philosophy with its popular siblings. In addition to its picture-perfect location, the venue offers affordable drinks, a full food menu, and a good-sized dance space. Daily, 10am-late, Houhai Zoo, Bldg 2, Qianhai (next to East Shore Live Jazz). 6403-6690.
No Name
Boasting great Yunnan cuisine and a lush atmosphere, the bar is so named because it had no sign but still found fame through word of mouth. Tropical waterfall, bright sofas, wicker furniture, and Dai ethinc-group textiles constitute a comfortable atmosphere, withood range of cocktails, imported wine and beer as well as herb and fruit tea and an exotic selection of juices. 11am-1am. 1 Dajinsi Hutong, Xicheng District. 6618-6061.
Cosmo
The bar lives up to both meanings of its namesake - alluring Beijing's "citizens of the world" and capturing the essence of the classic cocktail. The use of miniature furniture, tiny tables and small sofas, knee-high to the average adult scatter in a spacious room with conspicuously high ceilings. 8pm-late.
Room 78 of Grand Rock Plaza (accessed through east entryway), Gongti Bei Lu, opposite Asia Hotel. 5190-8918.
Liangma Lounge
The dcor here is a fusion of geometrically experimental modern design theory and antiquated European adornment. Full-range of wine and posh nosh are available. Third floor of Liangma Bogong. 53 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang District.
Liana
Liana is conspicuous among the surrounding unassuming structures. It place has a contemporary feel cinched by the fact that its black plastic tables are inset with touch-screen videogame systems. Spiral staircase, rooftop terrace, hanging red lanterns and string lights add to the imposing profile of the bell tower. 34 Yandaixiejie, Houhai, Xicheng District. Michael at 136-2121-1978.
SIT AND CHAT
Pass By Bar
Intimate atmosphere and a comprehensive Italian menu. Known for its (often inaccessible and unorganised) book collection until Bookworm came along and stole the show. Daily 9am-2am. 108 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. 8403-8004.
Souk Bar and Restaurant
Spacious bar, cluttered with dark wooden tables, cupboards, plant pots, hookah pipes, colourful cushions and red lanterns. Daily. Chaoyang Park West Gate (behind Annie's). 6506-7309.
Stone Boat Bar
Overlooks the manicured park gardens and the lake. Inside, the roof, crossbeams and windowsills are elegantly painted in traditional Chinese style. Daily 10am-late. Lakeside, southeast corner of Ritan Park, Chaoyang District. 6501-9986.
Goldfish Home Bar
Lakeside-drinking spot looks like an elegant gentleman's club plucked straight from 1920s Shanghai. Daily. 5 Lotus Lane (or Lotus Market, hehua shichang), Houhai, Dongcheng District. 6615-8966.
The Pavillion
Has a 90 wine cellar, 40 scotches, range of cigars, Guinness and leather sofas. Good place for networking. 10am to late, seven days a week. Opposite the west gate of the Workers' Stadium, Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. www.pavillionbeijing.com. 6507-2617.
Bus bar
Two buses gutted out and welded together for your evening of entertainment pleasure. Dirt cheap drinks and scruffy atmosphere appeal to the crowds. Edge of the parking lot across from the north gate of the Workers' Stadium, Chaoyang District.
Ball House
A red door in a secluded alleyway is home to this pool haven. Pool costs 50 yuan an hour, drinks are on the pricey side. 2pm-late, East of the Drum Tower, Zhonglouwan Hutong (next to Hosanna Caf), behind Gu Lou Xidajie. 6407-4051.
Candy Floss Caf
Featuring in childhood fairytales, the bar's natural, shady setting is highlighted by weeping willow, pretty ponds, steppingstones, spiral stairs, rooftop terrace, rustic wood tables and chairs. Guests can choose from a selection of books and games, while enjoying the friendly service and reasonable-priced drinks and home-style meals and snacks. 3pm-midnight. Candy Floss Caf, 35 Dongmianhua Hutong, Dongcheng District. 6405-5775.
SPORTS BARS
Bla Bla Bar
Situated inside the BLCU campus, offers cheap booze, and international crowd. Good sports coverage. Daily 2pm-2am. Beijing Language and Culture University, Haidian District. 6239-7033.
Goose and Duck Pub
A mainly expat crowd in this pub cum sportsbar venue. Nice beer and great food served in spacious seating area. Daily 24 hours. 1 Bihuju Nanlu, Chaoyang Park west gate, Chaoyang District. 6538-1691.
The Den
Popular with foreigner sports fans into football, rugby and cricket. Dancefloor upstairs. Daily 24 hours. 4 Gongti Donglu, (next to City Hotel main entrance), Chaoyang District. 6592-6290.
Frank's Place
Sports bar with clean, light, comfortable wood-paneled interior and no frills patio area with mostly a male, middle-aged customer base. Daily, 10 am to 2 am, Jiangtai Lu, west of Rosedale Hotel, Lido area, Chaoyang District. 6437-8839, 1343-979-6359.
The Pomegranate
Situated in an old hutong, sport is the focus with some charcoal black and white surrealist artworks hang on brick walls capped with a timber ceiling. Daily 11am-midnight. 19 Kaifa Lu, Xibaixinzhuang, Houshayu, Shunyi District. 8046-2558.
Red Football Club & Bar
It's a simple idea: take one free-standing bar, add a couple of Astroturf five-a-side pitches, put some shower facilities on the side, and sprinkle generously with tables. Pitches available daily 7am - 11pm. Gongti Beilu (in car park between Bus Bar and Yugong Yi Shan). 6413 - 2848. info@redball.com.cn.
5:19 Bar
The 5:19 Bar claims to serve Beijing's best value-for-money Bloody Mary. It may also hold a title in the stakes of the city's friendliest watering hole. It has the lived-in feel of a local pub where all the patrons know one another. On the walls is paraphernalia relating to the various sporting associations for which 5:19 serves as base. All three chapters of Beijing's Hash House Harriers meet here (the owner co-chairs the Full Moon chapter) while it also hosts two expat dart teams. 8448-0896. 26 Xingba Lu, Nuren Jie, Chaoyang District, next to PiliPili.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Browns
Extremely popular bar/club with foreigners, who make up 80 per cent of the crowd. Fun, vibe with 80s, 90s upbeats hits the mainstream musical diet. 2am till late. 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. 6591-2717.
Poachers Inn
With the same tunes every week, Poachers takes full advantage of the transient population but does it well. Daily 8pm-late. 43 Bei Sanlitun Lu Chaoyang District. 6417-2632 ext 8506.
Banana
Three floors of glass walled seating surround a packed dancefloor, tended by some of the world's top DJs. It is big, bold and brash, with a mammoth sound system you could shake a filling at. Weekdays 8:30pm-4:30am; weekends 8:30pm-5am. Scitech Hotel, 22 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. 6528-3636.
Tango
This massive club, divided into three areas, is replete with another - Mango - on top and a KTV in the basement. The venue provides something to suit all tastes. Daily 24 hours. South gate of Ditan Park, (next to Jindingxuan Restaurant), Dongcheng District. 6428-2288.
Alfa
Stylish dcor and seated gallery. Hosts a mixed crowd, a fountain and private tables. 80s night on Fridays. Daily 11am-2am. 5 Xingfu Yicun, (in the alley opposite the Workers' Stadium north gate), Chaoyang District. 6413-0086.
Cargo
A packed dance floor and ultramodern dcor put Cargo light years ahead of the other mega-clubs lining the Gongti Xilu strip. Daily 8pm-late.6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. 6551-6898.
Babyface
A popular nightclub surrounded by a pack of others. Foreigners enjoy this club. Lots of money flying about in this cavernous venue. Daily 8pm-4am. 6 Gongti Xilu (next to the Gongti 100 Bowling Lanes), Chaoyang District. 6551-9081.
Mix
Big, brash night club with foreign DJs and a hip-hop crowd. Daily 8pm-late. Inside Workers' Stadium north gate, Chaoyang District. 6530-2889.
Vics
A young, mostly expat crowd getting it down to the wee hours to a mix of hip-hop, funk, soul and reggae. Daily 8:30pm-late. Inside Workers' Stadium north gate, Chaoyang District. 6593-6215.
Kai Club
A fave for those getting tanked up on the cheap before going elsewhere. Mon-Fri 6pm-2am; Sat-Sun 6pm-4am. Sanlitun Beijie (around the corner from Poachers Inn), Chaoyang District. 6416-6254.
LIVE MUSIC
D-22
Run by music lovers for music lovers, the bar plays live jazz and rock music. Daily, 13 Chengfu Lu, Wudaokou, (between Wudaokou Subway and Peking University), Haidian District. 6265-3177. www.d22beijing.com.
Star Live
Features big name international bands and top local talent. South Gate of Ditan Park, Dongcheng district. 6425 5166.
2 Kolegas
Listen to live jams while lounging with friends in this reasonably priced venue. 9pm-late. 21 Liangmaqiao Lu (north of Chaoyang Park).
Chic
Decorated with omnipresent neon, bountiful box-lights and a VIP balcony, the bar's main claim to fame comes from its fantastic bashes, such as its infamous 007 Parties. And even on non-party nights, professional dancers don crazy costumes to excite throngs by shaking what's in their thongs. Daily, 8pm-late. Jiahui International Center, 14 Jiqingli, Chaoyang District. 6552-7519.
Nameless Highland
Portable military hardware decorates each table, surrounded by robust wood and canvas chairs. National Flag and camouflaged sheets, the curious martial theme the bar the perfect setting for a laid-back arms bazaar. The music is great and beer is cheap. Daily. 14, Area 1, Anhuili, Yayuncun, Chaoyang District. 6489-1613.
Zeta Bar
It's a joint that James Bond would feel at home in: high ceilings, balcony to leer from, dimmed lights and somber dcor. It actually reminded one of the inside of Bond's escape hatch in Moonraker (minus the balcony). A jazz band was on hand to complete this scene of sophistication and the resident DJ, a snakeskin boot and leather pant-wearing Australian with a medieval haircut, lent the room a certain synthetic hipness. Mon-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sun 5pm-3am. 6466-2288. 2/F, Hilton Beijing, Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District.
EXOTIC FLAVOR
Sangria Club
Spanning two floors beneath Elisa's Italian Restaurant, this new nightspot shimmers with the style of southern Spain. Here, dark-wood furniture and plenty of plants create more-or-less Moorish environs. Boozers can belly up to the bar and perch on square-shaped wooden stools, grab seats on the pillow-lined wooden benches or stretch out on the establishment's traditional kang beds. 5867-0248. 29 Zaoying Lu, Chaoyang District.
Salud
The festive food and drink menu, relaxed ambiance, and international patrons of Salud set it apart from all the rest. Touches of Mediterranean coastline add to the Southern European atmosphere of the caf. A range of live music acts have been booked for performance at Salud on Wednesday nights throughout the summer. 9am-2am. 66 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. 6402-5086.
Shuiguiqi
The antiquated establishment houses a unique fountain, a bamboo spout and an old tree, which shades the courtyard during the day. Across the yard, vines twine interlacing tendrils around a rough-hewn atrium. The establishment serves manically minty mojitos and particularly piquant daiquiris. 183 Jiugulou Dajie, Dongcheng District. 6403-4723.
Buffalo Club
The lavishly designed three-story bar and restaurant, channeling the glamor of Shanghai in the 1930s with stunning views over the water, boasts about an extensive range of imported wines. The restaurant is decorated in lush, tropical style, with slate floors, plenty of greenery and water features, and soft lighting, the mood meant to be, "mysterious and romantic". 5 Lotus Lane, Shichahai, Xicheng District. 6617-1666.
Club Yugong Yishan
The new amenities of the club are like an ugly duckling's makeover dream come true. The palatial setting is divided into two levels with stately ceilings and a quiet terrace. The full stage, impressive acoustics, and updated sound and lighting system will finally be able to adequately showcase the quality talent booked at the club. 3-2 West Courtyard Duanqi Ruifu Zhang Zizhong Lu, Dongcheng District. 6404-2711.
(China Daily November 28, 2007)