Three Chic Bars That Redefine the Cocktail Lounge

Fashionable, modern, dynamic – words that could easily describe a great many of the cocktail and whiskey bars you’ll find across the capital. But doing a roundup of all the notable bars in Beijing would be quite the task, so this list of lounges with likeable libations instead focuses on three you might not yet have heard of, but really should go out of your way to try.

HouLang Whiskey & Cocktail
Nestled in the Gaobeidian area not far from Qingnian Lu, HouLang transcends the traditional cocktail bar, incorporating bright colors and neon lighting, and everything from greenery to black and white tiled floors to embrace a sort of ‘90s vaporwave aesthetic. Building upon this unexpected theme, the drinks menu is filled with classics that head bartender Bateer makes all his own with little tweaks and additions – like a smoky take on the Sazerac (lead image) or a Godfather made irresistibly smooth with a Nikka Whisky base.

Also available are top-shelf bottles of whiskey – Bateer recommends the Kurayoshi 12-year Sherry Cask and vintage editions of Yamazaki – plus exclusive craft beers infused with notes of thyme and other spices, as well as signature snacks like grilled sausages, chips, and more.

HouLang Whiskey & Cocktail Bar 后浪酒吧
108, Bldg 19, Yacheng Sanli, Swan Bay South, Chaoyang District
朝阳区天鹅湾南区三里19号108底墒
Hours: Daily, 6pm-2am
Contact: 184 0061 2268

Hanya & Desire
More than just a bar, Hanya & Desire is designed like an art gallery, with its tan, muted interior setting the stage for art pieces, silverware, and designer jewelry on display. Extending from the jewelry aspect, you’ll find jewelry-inspired drinks on the menu, like Pigeon Blood, Emerald, Royal Blue, and Paraiba to name a few. The classics can also all be found here, done up elegantly to keep in step with their surroundings. Plus, with artists, designers, and more as regulars, Hanya makes for a nice spot to people-watch and listen.

Hanya & Desire
2-68, 22 Arts District, 32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区百子湾路32号院二十二艺术街区2-68号
Hours: Tues-Sun, 10-2am
Contact: 130 5124 6247

The Bond by Hide & Seek
From the team behind award-winning bar and restaurant Hide & Seek comes The Bond by Hide & Seek. It’s a smaller and more relaxed version of Hide & Seek, with ascending to the second floor feeling like entering a mythical paradise. Along with quality cocktails, the food also doesn’t disappoint - from crispy, tender fried chicken to truffle fries and superb cheesecake to finish things off. Pair it with a drink from the menu or, perhaps, one made on the fly by the Bond team, and it’s a good way to start or end the evening on a high note.

The Bond by Hide & Seek
202, 2/F, Bldg 1, A9 Nongzhanguan Nanlu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区农展馆南路甲9号1幢2层202室
Hours: Daily, 5pm-2am
Contact: 132 4046 8245

Images: Vincent R. Vinci, Uni You, courtesy of the venues

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