If you don’t think that fall is the best season to be in Beijing then a meal or a drink on one of these under-appreciated terraces is sure to change your mind. There are plenty of well-known (dare we say, even iconic) alfresco spots around town but we thought we'd shed some light on a few venues that might not be the first to spring to mind when you think "outdoor dining."
A gem among Beijing's many cafés, Bear Brew not only offers great coffee (espresso-based drinks, pour-over, and more) at non-third wave coffee prices; it also comes complete with a terrace that boasts one of the best views in the city, directly overlooking Miaoying Temple's white pagoda. The temple is currently closed for repairs, so Bear Brew may actually be one of the best places to see it at the moment.
With so many changes and chai-ings in the hutongs in recent years, it's somewhat of a miracle to see humble Yunnan restaurant Dali Renjia still going strong and with a two-tier terrace no less. Go with a group of friends and order plenty of classic Yunnan dishes such as spicy beef and mint salad and fried prawns with tea leaves. Pair your meal with a bottle of strong beer from Shangri-La Brewing — just don't blame us if you find it harder to get down the steep steps to the terrace than it was to get up.
Just south of Gongti west gate, French restaurant La Taverne has a roomy, leafy terrace that seems worlds away from the bustle of Gongti and Sanlitun nearby. Classic checked tablecloths and wrought iron patio chairs create a sociable bistro feel, which is further enhanced by amiable staff. Expect hearty portions of authentic French cuisine, which you can finish up with a sweet crêpe from the mini crêpe stand on the terrace.
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. Their latest menu continues to push the boundaries of what we expect from Mexican cuisine in Beijing, once again refreshing the menu with a selection of delicious regional Mexican dishes. Try the tlacoyos, a popular street-food dish in Mexico City that is rarely seen in restaurants outside of the country, let alone in Beijing. The oval-shaped masa pancakes (for want of a better word) are filled with refried beans and served with a punchy salsa verde.
French café TiensTiens boasts one of the biggest rooftop spaces in the Sanlitun area yet is somehow usually mercifully free from the crowds that throng the surrounding area (except perhaps during weekend brunch hours). With a variety of seating, from standard tables to comfy sofas, TiensTiens is the perfect place to grab a French-influenced lunch (try the buckwheat galettes), hole up with a coffee and a book for the afternoon or sit and sip a glass of imported French cider as the sun goes down. They also have a resident DJ, DJ Peter Stone, who plays sets on the rooftop on Friday and Saturday nights (until the weather gets too cold).
Photos courtesy of TiensTiens, La Taverne, Pebbles, Dazhong Dianping