Double-Fist Coffee and Beer at Baiziwan’s Craft Secret
You could easily start your morning with a latte at Craft Secret and finish off with an IPA at Happy Hour. And with action movies screening on the walls, is there really any reason to leave?
This
hybrid taproom/coffee house off Baiziwan Road east of Shuangjing is
among an untapped, expat-free crop of killer spots. Nearby, you’ll find
the charming coffeeshop Ono’s Cafe, craft-bottle haven Pink Elephant Beer House, and the new whisky-and-wine lounge GoldenDrop.
The bar has 21 taps
Craft
Secret is the coziest of the bunch, a place for unwinding and sampling a
bit of everything. They rotate a tap menu of 21 beers, mostly hoppy and
ranging from classic IPA standbys like Stone to more obscure selections like Sweden’s Omnipollo Double Peach Candy Popcorn Sour Ale (RMB 60). We weren’t feeling that ambitious (or flush with kuai), so we went for a cheaper American Pale Ale — which made us rethink our choice.
While
waiting for your drink, scan the walls for the odd collection of
assorted coffee-makers and throwback beer labels from Australia, Europe,
the U.S., and elsewhere.
The atmosphere (along with plenty of coffee and beer options) will make you want to stay all day
You
know those heavy-duty Spirit Duette espresso machines? They’ve got one
of those babies behind the counter. So if you’ve had your fill of beer,
Craft Secret also churns out a mean coffee. The Americano (RMB
25) is dark and earthy, with a slight froth. Can’t beat the price,
considering most cups around Beijing cost you more and taste half as
good.
Craft Secret is a chill place with an R&B soundtrack,
and a perfect shelter from the brutal temperatures. Good for camping out
and killing time while sampling the endless craft-caffeine-and-ale
menu. But let’s keep this place between us.
Daily, 9am-2am
Room 102, Block C, Building 4, Postmodern City, 16 Baiziwan Road
百子湾路16号后现代城4号楼C座102室
Photos: Dianping
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