Yin bar: Roof with a view

The Emperor Hotel’s rooftop Yin Bar is donating all revenue from May 13 to May 16 to the earthquake relief effort in Sichuan, so I popped by last night to check out the scene. When I left around midnight, I would guess about 30 to 40 patrons were still there enjoying drinks and music by Acupuncture.

Yin includes a bar, a goldfish pond, and seating on its main level, and table seating (and a hot tub) on two elevated areas that offer excellent views of The Forbidden City and environs. Expect a decor heavy on wood and illuminated with Chinese lanterns and fixed lighting, some of the latter being a bit too bright.

I stuck to Samuel Adams at RMB47 a bottle, a reasonable price given the surroundings (I’d put this place in the same category as Face).

The service gets mixed reviews: while the drinks came quickly, the food took ages (I didn’t eat, but others at my table were unhappy with their order). Overall, though, the staff did a decent job (and special thanks to Stephanie for helping me get a taxi).

Tonight is the last night of the charity fund-raiser and Acupuncture will be on hand again. To get directions to the hotel, call 6526-5566

About the author

Get my Beijing bars and restaurants newsletter by using the sign up form on the blog. I also write about the China wine scene at grapewallofchina.com.