Beijing's Best Outdoor Bars and Restaurants: 2019 Edition
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The
sun is out, the mercury is rising, and the cry has gone up: where can
we have dinner outside? Whether you want to grab an al fresco lunch, a
long dinner with friends or dance the night away under the stars, there
are dozens of great venues spread out across the city. We've pulled
together a few of our favorites, organized by popular areas. We've also
added a handy price guide.
Key
$ = under RMB 100 per person
$$ = RMB 100-200 per person
$$$ = over RMB 200 per person
Sanlitun
The first Mexican
venture from the team behind Bottega, El Barrio has two terraces, one
that lies in wait for tequila-fueled summer parties, the other an
outdoor dining area fashioned with Mexican baroque and ornamental
arches. Expect both to be packed all summer long.
2/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯北路81号那里花园2楼
(010) 6416 1716
Home Plate's
Sanlitun location has an outdoor patio for about 24 people which they
open up once the sun is shining and the weather is warm. Pro tip: you
can book the whole terrace out for parties (if you're popular enough).
Courtyard 4, Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区机电院10号南三里屯路
400 0967 670
Already one of the
most talked about openings of the year, the completion of Hulu's
terrace has only made it hotter. The terrace is expansive and tastefully
furnished in white, the perfect place to sip a bottle from their
well-priced wine list.
3/F, Taikoo Li South, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯太古里南区3层
(010) 6512 5701
Sitting
on the west side of Gongti, Legend Beer is a hulking 400sqm venue with a
patio just begging to be filled through Beijing’s elongated summer
months. To tempt patrons in, the terrace – filled with large
picnic-style wooden tables – comes equipped with massive screens for
sporting events as well as a special spit, big enough to roast an entire
cow!
West Gate of Workers' Stadium, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体西门
(010) 6551 9026
The
courtyard of Nali Patio might not be the first place that comes to mind
when you think "Sanlitun" and "al fresco," but the shaded space at the
back makes for great outdoor dining. Moka Bros is our pick of the bunch
because there's both healthy food to be found if you're trying to
absolve your weekend sins or strong drinks if you want to prolong your
debauchery.
1/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园1层
(010) 5208 6061
Mosto's
outside tables are perfect for a lazy dinner that lingers long into
their after-dinner happy hour (cocktails and house wine are RMB 40
between 9-11pm). Book ahead to guarantee a spot.
3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园3层
(010) 5208 6030
Just south of
Gongti west gate, French-styled wine bar and restaurant Paradox has a
roomy terrace that offers a nightly outside kitchen.
7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体西路7号
(010) 6551 8967
The terrace
outside Q Mex may be small but it provides a welcome respite from the
crowds inside. The classic margaritas are delicious but strong – you
have been warned.
Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu (nearby The Bookworm and D Lounge), Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体北路4号院
(010) 6585 3828
It's not an
eloquent patio with a captivating view or a mind-blowing design, but
that's the appeal of Taco Bar's no-frills, front porch vibe. Its outdoor
seating is prime for people-watching over brunch or evening tacos and
cocktails.
Courtyard 4, Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区机电院10号南三里屯路
(010) 6501 6026
The VPlus team
partnered with Bacardi to create this slick, tropical lounge in the
heart of Sanlitun. This space has always been one of Beijing's most
iconic terraces and Terrazza fills it with aplomb.
7/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路81号7层
Set on the roof of
Taikooli North, above the original Cinker Pictures, the Garden is part
open-air lounge, part screening space, with 30 seats for cinema goers
and a spacious bar area.
5/F, West Tower N4, Taikooli North, Chaoyang District
朝阳区太古里北区西座N4-5层
(010) 6409 4577
The Roof & Unico $$$
The
Roof bags the Topwin Center’s most coveted spot as well as the
complex’s least original name, a fitting motif as you overlook the south
side of Sanlitun among the area’s young elite. A fine spot for a
cocktail, a serene evening with a hookah, or even a bowlful of oysters.
You get the idea.
Unit 567, 5/F, Topwin Center, 1 Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区南三里屯路1号通盈中心5层567室
(010) 5718 1999
TiensTiens $
French
café TiensTiens boasts one of the biggest rooftop spaces in the
Sanlitun area, the perfect place to grab brunch, hole up with a coffee
and a book for the afternoon or sit and sip a glass of imported French
cider.
Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (next to Rouge)
朝阳区工体北路4号院(Rouge旁边)
(010) 8587 8897
If you want to
fill up on pizza, there are few better options than Tube Station's huge
pies. The Gongti location has a small, shady terrace, perfect for
fuelling up before a night at the clubs in the area.
Inside Workers' Stadium North Gate (next to Vics), Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体北门内
(010) 6553 5253
Most
of Swire's venues in Beijing have excellent outdoor seating but with
its bamboo screens and wooden bench seating, The Opposite House's
Village Cafe is our favorite. A good place to have lunch, work through
the afternoon on your laptop or grab a quick drink after work.
1/F, The Opposite House, Bldg 1, Sanlitun Village, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯Village1号楼瑜舍1层
(010) 6410 5210
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CBD
Bistrot B (at Rosewood Beijing) $$$
Bistrot
B's terrace is meters away from the Third Ring Road but somehow manages
to feel worlds away from the city hustle and bustle. The food is
classic French; the house-made charcuterie, in particular, is
outstanding.
1/F, Rosewood Beijing, Jingguang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District
朝阳区呼家楼京广中心北京瑰丽酒店一层
(010) 6536 0066
Blue Frog has
managed to bag one of the best seats in the house on the sixth floor of
Guomao's new, glitzy China World Mall. The spacious terrace and
superlative views of the CCTV Headquarters and surrounding CBD have
diners lingering outside well past dusk.
NL6005, 6/F, China World Mall (North Zone), Bldg 17, 1 Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号院17号楼国贸商城北区6层NL6005
(010) 8535 1186
Caravan $
Caravan
brings life to the otherwise-quiet western end of Guanghua Lu. An
all-day happy hour, daily food and drink promos, and tasty Moroccan and
Cajun food make Caravan's terrace a great place to hang out any time of
the week.
44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区光华路44号
(010) 8563 0801
One of Beijing's
longest-running hotel bars has a few nice tables outside, the perfect
place to enjoy their great value daily happy hour (buy-one-get-one-free
drinks, 5-9pm). It's quieter than inside once the band gets going, too.
1/F, Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区光华路光华路1号(嘉里大酒店)
(010) 6561 8833
Hana by Hatsune $$
Offering
unparalleled views of the iconic CCTV Tower, Hana impresses with
creative ingredient-led Japanese dishes, including sashimi, sushi rolls,
and grilled premium meats and seafood.
6/F, China World Mall North Building, 1 Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城北区6层
(010) 8599 6131
Perhaps not
surprisingly from the people who brought us Sanlitun's most Instagrammed
terrace (RIP), we're loving everything about the terrace at Migas
Mercado, from the striking yellow and purple color
scheme to the panoramic CBD views.
7/F, China World Mall, 1 Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城7层
(010) 6500 7579
Set
right in the middle of Central Park and the Office Park, Pak Pak's
terrace is perfect for business lunches or the after-work drinks crowd.
The Thai dishes are spicy and authentic, and the Thai-inspired cocktails
are not to be missed, either.
1/F, Bldg AB, Ocean International, 10 Jintong Xilu (opposite the east side of The Place), Chaoyang District
朝阳区金桐西路10号远洋光华国际AB座1层(世贸天阶东门对面)
(010) 8590 6956
Liangmaqiao/Sanyuanqiao
Arrow Factory's
Liangma River-facing deck consists of a fully-stocked bar, wooden
benches, and a panoramic view of the embassy area. The menu is also
worth salivating over, with its upgraded take on British pub food; think
ale pies, sausages, a pita stuffed with pulled pork, salads, and a
bunch of snacks for sharing.
Tayuan DRC, 1 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路1号塔园外交公寓亮马河南岸
(010) 8532 1977
Deep in the
embassy district, down an alleyway opposite the US embassy, lies one of
Beijing's best terraces. Casual French restaurant Bistro 108 and its
neighboring restaurants (including Italian trattoria La Villa) share a
long terrace that we feel is going to become one of the city's biggest
hotspots this summer.
104 Cao Chang Plaza (across from the American Embassy), 19 Tianze Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区天泽路19号草场商业广场一层104室 (美国大使馆对面)
(010) 5710 8106
Bottega (Xinyuanli) $$
Bottega
Nali Patio has a few tables outside but it is the Xinyuanli location
that takes the prize for best outside seating. Last year they ran
frequent barbecue and drinks parties on the terrace, which we expect
them to bring back this year.
1/F, Jinshang, 20 Xinyuanli Xi, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新源里西20号1层01
(010) 6410 9800
Great Leap's
Xinyuanli location has a shady terrace, the perfect place to enjoy a few
brews and a pizza on a hot summer day. The weekend fried chicken brunch
is not to be missed, either.
45-1 Xinyuan Jie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区大跃啤酒45号新源街店
(010) 5947 6984
Home Plate's
Sanyuanqiao location may be smaller on the inside but its outdoor
seating beats the Sanlitun location with picnic tables being able to sit
30 people easily. Don't miss the liberally-poured Long Island iced
teas.
35 Xiaoyun Lu courtyard (from Dongsanhuan Beilu, head 20m
north of Xiaoyun Lu intersection and take the first right), Chaoyang
District
朝阳区霄云路35号院(东三环北路,过霄云路路口,往北走20米,到第一个路口右转)
(010) 5128 5584
On the lobby level
of the elegant Bulgari hotel, the interior of Il Bar is attractive
enough but it is the recently-opened terrace on the banks of the Liangma
River that will be drawing the biggest crowds this summer. Look for a
pop-up gin bar to open on the terrace soon.
1/F, Bulgari Hotel, 8 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新源南路8号1层
Gourmet
pizzas and a quiet spot facing the Liangma River make Lievito a great
spot for al fresco Italian. Downstairs, Fiume (from the same owners)
also has a few shady tables by the riverside.
1/F, FX Hotel, 39 Maizidian Xijie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区麦子店西街39号富驿时尚酒店1层
(010) 6585 8927
Paulaner's
abundantly lush greenery and the friendly staff, dressed in traditional
Bavarian uniforms, help patrons feel like they've been transported to a
warm and inviting German hamlet. The brewed-on-site pints and beer
garden make it appealing for lazy summer day drinking.
1/F, Kempinski Hotel, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区亮马桥路50号凯宾斯基酒店1层
(010) 6465 3388 ext 4212
Element Fresh (Lido) $$
Shanghai’s
greenest import, Element Fresh, brings healthy American food to Beijing
at its many locations. Our favorite branch for this season’s lounging
is in Lido, on the second floor. Their menu boasts salads, pasta, wraps,
and a smattering of Asian standards.
6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区将台路6号
(010) 6433 5058
Several
terraces and a shady beer garden, where they host occasional barbecue
parties, make Eudora Station an excellent choice in the area.
Serviceable American food and a wide selection of beers and cocktails.
6 Fangyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区芳园西路6号
(010) 6437 8331
Maison Flo $$$
Maison
Flo may seem a bit out of the way perched at the northeast end of
Xiaoyun Lu, but their choice of location becomes clear when you see the
extensive outside terrace and garden. A popular venue for spring/summer
weddings.
18 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区霄云路18号
(010) 6595 5135
NUO Hotel Beijing's bar has a 500-square-meter outdoor terrace where you can sip cocktails, wine, and premium spirits.
5/F, NUO Hotel Beijing, 2A Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区将台路甲2号北京诺金酒店五层
(010) 5926 8888 ext 8278
Xian (at EAST Beijing) $$
The
bar at EAST Hotel offers something for pretty much everyone, with great
cocktails, a live band, wood-fired pizzas, an oyster bar, and a craft
beer bar. The sunken booths on the terrace are great for groups.
Upstairs, all-day dining restaurant Feast also has a terrace.
1/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8414 9810), Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅北京酒店1层
(010) 8414 9810
Beixinqiao/Gulou/Nanluogu Xiang
Dali Courtyard
offers diners the chance to explore flavors most often commonly found in
Yunnan from a rotating seven-course set menu. The restaurant is located
in a beautifully renovated hutong courtyard, equally suitable for a
romantic date or the perfect spot to impress visitors.
67 Xiaojingchang Hutong, Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
东城区鼓楼东大街小经厂胡同67号
(010) 8404 1430
Young and funky
Italian owned restaurant Eatalia boasts a nice terrace at their Di'anmen
location. The menu has recently had a revamp.
18 Xilou Xiang, Xicheng District
西城区西楼巷18号(近秋栗香)
(010) 6401 3263
GLB's original
Doujiao Hutong venue remains a favorite, not only for its brews but also
its charming Beijing hutong vibes. The only downside is that it doesn't
have a food menu, but that doesn't stop you from ordering chuan'r from
one of the many restaurants nearby who deliver (ask the bar for menus).
6 Doujiao Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区豆角胡同6号
(010) 5717 1399
Le Little Saigon $$
Le
Little Saigon can be easy to overlook, tucked away just west of the
Drum Tower and surrounding hutongs. Perched high up amidst the trees and
vines, this Vietnamese-French bistro serves a unique range of dishes
from pho to beef bourguignon, guaranteeing to satisfy all tastes, and
solidifying its place as a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
141 Jiugulou Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区旧鼓楼大街141号
(010) 6401 8465
From
the owner of Mai Bar comes Mai Fresh, a breezy all-day dining
restaurant on Beiluogu Xiang. A sunny courtyard and a terrace make this
hutong spot a great place to enjoy a healthy brunch overlooking the
surrounding slate rooftops.
44 Beiluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District
东城区北锣鼓巷44号
151 1795 6682
Susu is like the
courtyard home we wish we had. The trek down Qianliang Hutong to find it
only makes the excellent Vietnamese cuisine that much better.
10 Qianliang Hutong Xixiang, Dongcheng District
东城区钱粮胡同西巷10号
(010) 8400 2699
Set on the far north
end of Beiluogu Xiang, The Other Place's homely courtyard is now home to
the post-brickening incarnation of El Nido and offers a selection of
tasty Mexican food thanks to Palms LA off-shoot Taco Stop.
1 Langjia Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区郎家胡同1号
(010) 6401 3269
The terrace at
Toast, at The Orchid hotel, features pleasant views over the nearby
hutong roofs. The menu is loosely Middle Eastern-inspired, using local
Beijing ingredients where possible. The kitchen is open for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner.
65 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同65号
(010) 8565 9295
A favorite of
Beijing's freelance crowd, a table in the sunny courtyard is a coveted
spot. Zarah offers healthy breakfasts, great coffee, and – once the sun
goes down – a good value range of drinks and wines by the glass.
46 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
东城区鼓楼东大街42号
(010) 8403 9807
Andingmen/Lama Temple
Aotu $
Minimalist
Aotu has a small rooftop terrace and whips up a mean Aperol spritz or
gin and tonic, making it the perfect venue to start a night out in the
hutongs before the sun goes down.
67 Beixinqiao Toutiao, Dongcheng District
东城区北新桥头条67号
(010) 8408 4189
Sip strong
Margaritas and sample some of Beijing's best Mexican cuisine on the
rooftop terrace at Pebbles, which offers nice views of the surrounding
hutong rooftops.
74 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区五道营胡同74号
(010) 8404 8767
Bringing to mind
Fangjia Hutong's former glory days, The Great Outdoors sports a nice
rooftop terrace (complete with complaining neighbors), a number of local
beers on tap, and several well-stocked beer fridges.
12 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区方家胡同12号
(010) 6994 5950
Other
Perched on the
18th floor of the Pan Pacific Hotel in Xidan, Amber Lounge's Sky Bar
offers views of the city skyline and the Forbidden City.
2 Huayuan Jie, Xidan, Xicheng District
西城区西单华远街2号
(010) 6623 9866
Bear Brew $
A
gem among the city's café scene, Bear Brew not only offers great coffee
for good prices, it comes equipped with one of the best views in the
city, directly overlooking Miaoying Temple's white pagoda.
26 Baitasi East Street, Xicheng District
西城区白塔寺东街道26号
Neighborhood sports bar with sunny outside seating in the Pingod community in Shuangjing. Having ceased production on burgers etc. they now do a mean line of baked sandwiches and pizzas that pair great with a day out on the patio.
2-012, 22 International Art Plaza, Pingod, 32 Baiziwan Lu, (east of the Today Art Museum), Chaoyang District
朝阳区百子湾路32号苹果社区22院街艺术区2-012(今日美术馆东侧)
(010) 5821 1353
Beijing's
newest luxury hotel, the Mandarin Oriental in Wangfujing, boasts a
classicaly-styled bar and grill with a spacious garden terrace
overlooking the Forbidden City.
269 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区王府井大街269号北京文华东方酒店
(010) 8509 8810
The
Solana branch of Moka Bros has a sun-drenched south facing terrace that
makes a great spot for weekend brunch/lunch, especially for families.
Lakeside Dining Street (East of Element Fresh), Solana, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾商业区湖边美食街
(010) 5905 6259
Muji Diner (at Muji Hotel) $$
Located
in the Muji Hotel, Muji Diner serves dishes made from locally-sourced
ingredients that incorporate a hint of home-made cooking of the world.
At night, relax and enjoy drinks on the terrace, where you can take in a
spectacular view of Tiananmen Square.
Bldg 2, 21 Langfang Toutiao, Meishi Jie, Xicheng District
西城区煤市街廊房头条21号院2号楼
(010) 6316 9199
Rive Gauche's
terrace boasts stunning views over Jingshan Park, the perfect place to
enjoy a smart lunch or a sunset glass of wine. The kitchen, headed by
executive chef Ivan Miguez, turns out modern French-style cuisine with
inspired creative twists.
2/F, The Puxuan Hotel and Spa, 1 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District
东城区王府井大街1号璞瑄酒店2层
(010) 5393 6688
Set in a quiet
residential compound on the south side of Chaoyang Park, The Rug's
Lishui Jiayuan location has earned its reputation as one of the city's
hottest spots for brunch over the years. Busy on weekends.
Bldg 4, Lishui Jiayuan, Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu (opposite South Gate of Chaoyang Park), Chaoyang District
朝阳公园南路丽水嘉园4号楼(朝阳公园南门对面)
(010) 6325 7152
One of the most
exciting recent openings in the new WF Central mall, The Rug Cafe is
beautiful inside and out, so there's no need to worry if the rains set
in. Expect Instagrammable dishes and creative drinks.
112, West Side, 1/F, WF Central, Daruanfu Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区大阮府胡同王府中环1层西座112室
(010) 6528 3966
Set on the - you
guessed it - 12th floor of New World Beijing Hotel in Chongwenmen, Yin
on 12 is a little off the beaten path for most bar hoppers but rewards
those who venture there with a huge roof terrace and views as far as the
Forbidden City on a clear day.
8 Qinian Street, Dongcheng District
东城区崇文门祈年大街8号
(010) 5960 8866
Photos courtesy of New World Beijing Hotel and other venues, Uni You, Joey Guo, Ken Liu, respective venues
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