Beijing Boyce

Here is a selection of sports bar, or places that frequently show sports, in Beijing – the asterisks denote my favorites. I have included pop-up maps for and links to previous posts about each place. Suggestions for other spots to add to the list are welcomed. (The date after each listing indicates when I posted or updated it.)

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** The Den (map)
Open 24 hours, the place has five screens, good pub grub (four-cheese pizza, deep-fried combo, nasi goreng, and bangers and mash), a reasonably efficient staff, and an excellent happy hour (5 to 10 PM daily, with half-price drinks and pizzas). Some downsides: the coffee is weak, there is no free water, and the place is a bit dingy. The Den attracts a diverse clientele, particularly after midnight. See posts about The Den. (06/05/09)

* The Rickshaw (map)
With screens upstairs and downstairs, The Rickshaw can keep sports fans with conflicting viewing needs happy and can be a raucous place given its modest size. The place offers a solid menu of wings, burgers, breakfasts, and more, though food consistency – as well as service – varies considerably (most annoying are those times when no one on staff is able to figure out how to put the game on). See posts about The Rickshaw. (06/05/09)

* The Goose and Duck (map) UNDER RENOVATIONS
A 24-hour sports bar with loads of paraphernalia and screens, a diverse menu (the steak breakfast special is tasty), and plenty of interactive features, including a batting cage, tabletop hockey and shuffleboard, pool tables, and dart boards. Host of the best Super Bowl party each year. The location is an issue for many people as is the at-times lackluster service. See posts about The Goose and Duck. (06/05/09)

* The Stumble Inn (map) New spot due to open in mid-June
In the former Sangria space, The Stumble Inn offers more than nearly 100 kinds of bottled beer, a good design with the foosball table and dart boards located in pockets, and cheeky promotions. While not strictly a sports bar, it is nevertheless a good spot to catch a game. The lower level is now open for events.  See posts about The Stumble Inn. (06/05/09)

Paddy O’Shea’s (map)
A two-floor sports joint near the Sanlitun North embassy district that draws an after-work drain-a-pint crowd. This Irish pub endeared itself to regulars during The Olympics by serving up not only The Games, but also a healthy dose of regular sport broadcasts, including football and hurling. Arguably the best bar for European sports fans. See posts about Paddy O’Shea’s. (06/05/09)

The Irish Volunteer (map)
While not a sports bar, during the NHL playoffs this year it became the unofficial home of Vancouver Canucks fans. A small but good selection of beers are paired with RMB30 breakfasts and other pub grub. See posts about The Irish Volunteer (06/05/09).

Danger Doyle’s (map)
Formerly known as Stadium, this two-floor Irish bar, with back and rooftop decks, offers plenty of screens for sports fans. The idea is to reserve the upstairs for games shown with commentary. A wide selection of beers are available, as is pizza from a wood-fired oven, though the staff is struggles to fill orders. See posts about Danger Doyle’s. (06/05/09)

The Pomegranate (map)
Shunyi-based sibling establishment of Paddy O’Shea’s. See posts about The Pomegranate. (06/05/09)

Eudora Station (map)
Located in the Lido area, this place shows sports, has a vast menu (the lunch buffet is decent value), and includes a lounge area out back and a nice patio up front. See posts about Eudora Station. (06/05/09)

Pavillion (map)
Run by a former co-owner of Frank’s Place, this spot offers a big screen, numerous smaller TVs (though many are at an angle guaranteed to produce a sore neck), and, when the weather is good, screens in the large and nicely designed patio out back. See posts about The Pavillion. (06/05/09)

Hooters (map)
The only Beijing outlet of this U.S. franchise: expect pricey passable food, a handful of screens, and waitresses dancing and singing to songs such as “You Are My Sunshine.” See posts about Hooters. (06/05/09)

Tim’s Texas BBQ (map)
Home of a wide range of Tex-Mex food, including a decent “Mexican burger”, this place also shows sports. See posts about Tim’s Texas BBQ. (06/05/09)

Tim’s Texas Roadhouse (map)
Sibling establishment of Tim’s Texas BBQ, this place is slated, along with all of Super Bar Street, for destruction in June. See posts about Tim’s Texas Roadhouse. (06/05/09)

Blue Frog (map)
More restaurant and bar than sports joint, it nevertheless has a big screen and a few smaller ones for viewing games. The food is pricey compared to many of its competitors, though burgers are two-for-one on Mondays, and the deck is increasingly popular. See posts about Blue Frog. (06/05/09)

Frank’s Place (map)
The Lido reincarnation of what is widely considered the first non-hotel bar to open in Beijing. See posts about  Frank’s Place. (06/05/09)

All-Star (map)
Sans sports paraphernalia, the decor includes booth and table seating, a four-sized bar, and dozens of flat screens in what I guess is supposed to be an upscale setting but comes off to me as having the feel of a hair salon and lounge. See posts about All Star. (06/05/09)