Where to Feast on Al Fresco Chuan'r
Sun's out, guns out. That's our general rule. And considering the fact that Saturday is going to be 31 degrees Celsius (!!!) according to our trusty weather app, this couldn't ring truer. It's time to sit outside on tiny stools, give your belly a polish, order way too much chuan'r, overestimate your ability to stand mala, and wash it all down with a mug of delicious draft beer.
Outdoor chuan'r and beer restaurants aren't only the perfect way to enjoy summer in Beijing, but they're a great way to save money during an otherwise expensive travel and holiday season, and make friends, too.
Bear in mind that none of these joints have official opening times, as most of them will stay open until the last patron has finally had enough. Also note that this year things are a little different on account of the fact that demolition and reconstruction has torn through Nanluogu Xiang, Houhai, Baochao Hutong, Guijie, Wudaoying Hutong, and Xingfucun, leaving us uncertain whether all our favorites still exist, or if they do, whether they'll even survive the remainder of the summer.
Beer Garden, Guizhou Hotel
Located just off the North Third Ring Road, this chuan'r-and-beer garden is a perfect rendezvous point for friends dotted across the city, and is worth the trip in itself. The long, long list of chuan'r options is bolstered by glasses, or even meters, of refreshing beer. The garden is located just outside Guizhou Hotel, which means you can actually use the swish facilities of the hotel (rejoice, ladies!) once you've broken the seal.
Guizhou Dasha, 1 Yinghua Xijie, Chaoyang District
Chuan'r Restaurant, Jianchang Hutong
Having had to say goodbye to our usual chuan'r restaurant on the southeast corner of Andingmen Bridge, we're glad that the smaller barbecue spot directly opposite Arrow Factory Taproom and Stuff'd is still going strong. Prices here are relatively low, and the skewers are kept on the chuan'rbecue 'til late. Get ready to fight for a spot though, as this place has been buzzing since the sun returned to our lives.
Jianchang Hutong, Dongcheng District
Another Chuan'r Restaurant, Beiluogu Xiang
Similar to the spot above, this streetside low-stooled chuan'r and Yanjing spot located at the north end of Beiluogu Xiang has avoided demolition unlike its Baochao Hutong brethren and remains popular with the locals. Credit for this tip goes to the owners of The Dirty Duck (which has awesome fish and chips if you're not feeling like chuan'r), located just a stone's throw south.
Beiluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District
Chuan'r and Beer Garden, Asian Games Village, Huixinxijie Beikou
Open 24-hours, this is a huge chuan'r-and-beer garden that has a good range of cold dishes and warm dishes too, on top of their extensive chuan'r menu. All bases covered, this is a great option if you're with a group of hungry friends hunting for some late night grub. This joint also has a bathroom at the back, which is more than what we can say for the average chuan'r stand. And if all that wasn't enough, draft beer costs a mere RMB 4.
Xiaoyingxilu, Chaoyang District
Xinjiang Fenwei, Beixinqiao
In true Xinjiang style, this restaurant by Beixinqiao is authentic. The only downside is that the restaurant's al fresco seating is located right next to the main road, which makes for some lovely sides of exhaust fumes with your chuan'r. Alternatively, walk down Xiang'er Hutong, there are a few more hangouts to be found, but none of them have as many outside tables.
3 Xiang'er Hutong, Dongcheng District
Tanhua Kaochuan, Jiugulou
With a reasonably-sized rooftop in the middle of Jiugulou, this chuan'r place is a little bit fancier than the ones with the stools out on the street. The menu is extensive, in English, and accompanied by pictures, making it a winner if you're not too confident with characters.
141 Jiugulou Dajie, Xicheng District
Editor's Note: Chuan'r like that in the photo not guaranteed at any of these locations. We can dream, though.
Photo: Pixnet.net
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