It opened in 1990 about the same time as Frank’s Place, is the longest-standing non-hotel bar in the city (I’m talking about spots that have not changed locations), and has arguably served more margaritas than any other establishment in the city. The Mexican Wave is an institution. It also appears to be history as the section of the street it sits on, and that is home to Take 5 and Bleu Marine, faces redevelopment. (Note: Both Take 5 and Bleu Marine are open today.)
Mexican Wave held a small party over the weekend, with customers sharing some final drinks and some picking up memorabilia, and is closed at least for now. And while there are rumors of a possible suitor for the place, owner Greg Elliot said the most likely date is with a wrecking ball.
Sadly for fans of the city’s older bar brands, this is just the latest of a number of changes: the sale of Poacher’s earlier this year saw that spot renamed Youth Club while there are plans to rename Frank’s Place as Johnny Duck’s come the new year.
(Hat tip to Mr Brau)
Boyce: I normally don’t get emotional reading these posts but this story made me misty-eyed.
Many good memories (spanning into the 90s) at Mexican Wave.
I also enjoyed Blue Marine…wasn’t that the “probably the best steak in Beijing” place?
I remember when the Italian restaurant Adria II was at the corner of that street (next to where Tim’s is now).
@ daniel,
i think more than a few people are going to feel choked up about this…
cheers, boyce
Wow, I’m choked up about all those places…. best not to get too attached to anything in Beijing, as the nature of the place is transient. As for Poacher’s, is the bar kinda the same still despite the name change? Or did they renovate it and make it some crappy cookie-cutter bar?