Former Sanlitun Bar Street Reopens With New Look

Sanlitun Bar Street is back, and it’s… definitely different. It’s as if the old Sanlitun Bar Street got itself together, went to school, moved to the big city, and came out thinking conformity is a good thing.

Gone are many of the bars, replaced by bistros and coffee shops

That’s not to say the street looks bad, but just not as bright and bombastic when compared to the Sanlitun Bar Street of old.

The street now has a completely different feel to it

To recap what’s happened to the street since last year: venues on the street east of Taikooli were given a notice in late December of 2022 to get ready to move shop. What looked like the end of the strip had a bit of a silver lining, with district officials saying all venues would be welcome to return to a newly redesigned Sanlitun Bar Street.

Some old Sanlitun Bar Street spots like Red Moon have returned

The results are in, and while the former street featured mostly bars and nightclubs, this one is more focused on restaurants and cafés with a few bars – notably Red Moon and Boys and Girls – having made a return. Even the old convenience store and framing shop are there, too.

As well as the old convenience store

Of the new restaurants and cafés to take up residence along the street, the most notable would have to be Carmen Tapas, which by all accounts is the latest iteration of Carmen Spanish Restaurant from Nali Patio.

And Carmen Tapas, the latest iteration of Carmen Spanish Restaurant

As of press time, most all of the bars and restaurants on the street are open, so if you fancy going to see the new Sanlitun Bar Street, check it out. What do you think of the new street, is it an improvement or a downgrade in character? Let us know in the comments!

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Images: Uni You

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