Beijing Boyce

My haunts tend to be around Sanlitun, Workers Stadium, and Chaoyang Park, but I have found myself drawn more and more to Nanluoguxiang during the past year. Here’s why:

• The “hutong” vibe of many of the bars and cafes, not to mention the buildings.
• These spot tend to be small and cozy, with friendly owners and staffs.
• They also tend to keep the music turned low enough for people to easily chat.
• The patrons tend to be an unpretentious and fun mix of locals, expatriate residents, and tourists (with the occasional loud raging drunk thrown in).
• Prices are reasonable, starting with budget-friendly beers and drinks at RMB10 and working up to pricier cocktails and single malts, with a growing number of spots offering nice beer and spirit menus.
• The absence of those annoying “lady bar” touts found in Houhai (Lotus Lane) and Sanlitun (north strip) as well as CD sellers, beggars, and bar touts (so far).
• Three different homemade rum shots at Salud versus one cocktail at Mesh, The Saddle, or Q Bar in Sanlitun. Hmmm…

Four years ago, I hunted for an apartment in NLGX and don’t remember seeing any bar other than Passby. Now, the area bustles and I would guess the number of bars, cafes, and restaurants has doubled in the past 18 months alone. Let’s hope it doesn’t become Houhai-ized.

NLGX already has the issue of cars bullying down the narrow street and many of the bars and cafes feel as though they came from the same factory if not the same mold (as opposed to Sanlitun North where places such as Mesh, China Doll, The Saddle Cantina, The Tree, Cheers, Shooters, Kokomo, Swing, Luga’s, Bar Blu, and so on all offer something different). Nevertheless, for a no hassles night of fun that stays within budget, this is a superb place and I headed there last night with Beijingdaze. I’ll have more soon on our little tour.