Beijing Boyce

Some notes from the last week or so…

But first a Lady Bar Report. My record for being solicited while walking Sanlitun bar street proper stands at 13. If Friday night is any indication, that number is thankfully not in danger. I traversed the stretch with Sir Swofford and we received but four solicitations. In addition, the pitch had been compressed from “sir, lady bar, sexy massage” to a simple “lady bar“. I don’t know if this is due to the heat, the economy, or a drop in tourism, but I can only hope that the number soon reaches zero.

Q Bar (map): That big new deck – about triple the size of the old one – that some people thought might be hard to fill? We were lucky to get the last table there on Thursday night around midnight. And while it took some time to flag down a waiter, we had our drinks in under ten minutes. And it looks like the new soundproofing is keeping complaints by neighbors at bay.

Cheers (map): It sounded like Saturday would be the finale for this Tongli Studio old-timer, so I popped by to catch the Xinjiang band (I also heard them earlier that night at Red Rose Xinjiang restaurant – map). Interestingly, Cheers was open again last night, though the face of the place, Leo, now seems to be out of the picture…

Salud II: Word has it that the second branch of this Nanluoguxiang spot will open within the next two weeks beside the new Pure Girl across from Tongli Studio. Expect plenty of homemade infused rum.

Cosmo (map): After three false starts this place, and Muse next door, opened on Saturday. A regular dog is RMB12 and – some might find this good or bad – the cook squirts on the ketchup and mustard for you. Condiments – from sauerkraut to relish – range from RMB2 to RMB3, while Yanjing and soft drinks are RMB5 and other beers are RMB15 and up. It is OK as filler food…

Danger Doyle’s (map): Speaking of decks, this place is attracting a good number of parties on its spacious rooftop – and the pair of bars up top means it can handle two events at once. Note: The burger is decent, particularly the combination of melted cheese and caramelized onion.

Tun (map): A little less packed than usual on Friday at midnight, which meant you didn’t have to tuck your elbows against your sides to fit in. The RMB20 fee at the door still applies for the gents, while the ladies get in free and drink for the same from 9 PM to Midnight.

Rupa in China View is now Indonesia Street (map) restaurant and there is yet another lounge / bar preparing to open in Workers Stadium, just down from where Fubar (map), Stadium Dog, and Amigo are opening.

Finally, Sneaky Pete’s Secret Hideaway: This rooftop above the Sneaky One’s apartment would qualify as among the best in the city if only he converted it into a bar. In any case, he and T-Metz served up plate after plate of grilled beef, chicken, and kebabs for a belated Canada Day party on Saturday night that also, if memory serves, featured quite a bit of beer…