Maggie’s: The longest soft opening ever?
Maggie’s is fully open. That might not sound like a big deal except that the Ritan Park edition of this twenty-year-old instituation first cracked its doors in the fall of… 2006. Since then, various parts have been under construction or blocked off and, at times–most notably those involving the Olympics–the place closed altogether.
Late last year, the back section finally opened with an L-shaped bar and two small rooms, each of them with a pool table. And now the entire main section, with its four-sided bar–the centerpiece of this place–has been reopened. As far as I know, this is the first time the full space has been utilized.
Anyway, even if you remove the element that makes this the most famous / infamous bar in Beijing, namely, the number of ‘short-term joint ventures‘ that occur here, this place still gets high marks for excellent service, a superb design (check out the painted rafters), excellent lighting, and spotless toilets.
Plus, watching arrogant male pool players get their asses handed to them by the female clientele provides for endless unintentional comedy.
Patrons will be unhappy to know that bottled Tsingtao is now RMB40, an increase of RMB10,the first boost since it jumped from RMB20 to RMB30 three years ago. (On the other hand, this place could probably charge RMB50 or RMB60 or more, and get away with it). The hot dogs served from the cart outside remain at RMB30.
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See also:
- The Golden Horde in Beijing: A History of Maggie’s Bar
- The best little hot dog stand in Beijing…
- The search continues: Maggie’s – gone but not forgotten
- Maggies re-opens… then closes
- Maggie’s: See and (Don’t) Be Seen
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