DK Travel : Beijing : North of the Forbidden City : Bars & Nightclubs

North of the Forbidden City : Bars & Nightclubs

Bed Tapas & Bar

A short walk north of the Drum and Bell Towers, Bed makes the absolute most of its old courtyard house setting (see Bed Tapas & Bar).
Drum & Bell

A modest bar in the shadow of antiquity offering refreshment and a gentle respite from sightseeing (see Drum & Bell).
East Shore Live Jazz Café

Opened by legendary jazzman Liu Yuan. Climb steep wooden stairs to four walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and a roof terrace, plus live music.
Guan Tang

Cozy bar with a tranquil atmosphere, although with cocktails at just ¥30 things often don’t stay that tranquil for long.
Huxley’s

The house motto is “Shut up and drink.” Compliance is encouraged with cheap beer and cut-price cocktails.
Jia Fu Teahouse

Modeled after a Qing-era home, this teahouse is filled with antique furniture and often has live Chinese music.
Lotus Bar

Another fine Yandai Xie Jie bar, this one squeezed into a narrow, two-story house with a compact, boho interior and roof terrace.
No Name Bar

The perfect lakeside drinking den. Expect stiff competition from the house cat for the best seats (see No Name Bar).
Pass By Bar

It may be book-filled but the atmosphere is anything but hushed at this lending library-cum-café/bar (see Pass By Bar).
Xin Bar

This little gem has colorful Yunnan decorations, leafy foliage, and a roof terrace overlooking the surrounding hutongs. As well as cheap beer there are ten types of tea.