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Mix of spots in Beijing that I frequent. I do admit that there is a lot of foreign fare, but they're worth taking comfort in. One of the unique things of Beijing is how international it is.
252 Andingmen Inner St (Jiaodaokou E Rd), 北京市, 北京市
Chinese Restaurant · Běixīn qiáo · 23 tips and reviews
Ross WS: Classic Beijing restaurant in the hutongs, good for groups English menus. Order the "Ma Doufu" for a real Beijing dish. Also enjoy the "strange taste" aubergine and some dumplings.
Ross WS: This bookshop/coffee shop/library has a great atmosphere and often hosts talks by well known speakers. It also has a good collection of books on history & politics that are difficult to buy in the PRC
Ross WS: Close to a very interesting and well preserved hutong area, truely old Beijing. This modern Hunan restaurant really shines (a little on the spicy side).
1 Tiantan E Rd | 天坛东路1号 (Tiantan N Rd | 天坛北路), 北京市, 北京市
Temple · 124 tips and reviews
Ross WS: Go from 6 am and enter from the South Gate, as you wind your way north be sure to explore beyond the main drag. The beauty is in watching the local elderly generation sing, dance (feel free to join)
Ross WS: The perfect combination of cocktails and pizza both executed expertly. Come Tues for Pizza deals and Wed for drink deals (note: no food on Mondays!), super friendly staff! My hangout in Beijing.
Yunnan Restaurant · Āndìng mén · 38 tips and reviews
Ross WS: Romantic, rustic hutong setting. This Yunnan restaurant takes all the fuss out of ordering by giving a set menu (even the cheapest is more than filling). They will also cater to dietary needs/dislikes
Ross WS: Laptop/all day sitting friendly cafe, relaxing vibe. Go here for some decent healthy breakfast / lunch options and a top setting (less so for the coffee). I've whittled away many a day in this spot
Ross WS: One of Beijing's Hidden Gems, housed in a 111 year old building that used to be a dormitory for Catholic missionaries to the Xishiku Catholic church 3 mins walk away.
Ross WS: Hipster coffee joint, one of the first to really kick this scene off in Beijing. Located just off Dashila/Qianmen Walking Street. Nice pit stop on a day out.
French Restaurant · Dōngchéng qū · 85 tips and reviews
Ross WS: This high-end restaurant is located in a former temple and Communist television factory (Winner of UNESCO Heritage Preservation). Service is outstanding and the lunch offerings are an absolute steal.
Ross WS: Read about this area, if you have a time read "Midnight in Peking" it will bring this area to life. Fascinating old buildings. If you read the book, download the tour on his website. Best day out
Italian Restaurant · De ān mén · 29 tips and reviews
Ross WS: A little piece of northern Italy just got very lost in the form of this rustic trattoria, a perfect fit for old hutongs. Freshly made tortellini is the order of the day.
Ross WS: Simple design, delicious food. A little safe haven just off the main drag of Sanlitun. Reasonable prices, can't go wrong with anything on the menu but I recommend the mezze platter and some hummus.
Mexican Restaurant · Āndìng mén · 20 tips and reviews
Ross WS: Korean-Mexican Fusion a slice of Californian sunshine right in the middle of old China. Kimchi Quesadilla is a must try. Short walk from the Drum and Bell tower.
Ross WS: Certainly a key stop on the tourist map but still worth a wander. Modern art galleries and interesting temporary exhibitions. I enjoy visiting in the evening for photography when all is closed
34 Jiao Dao Kou Bei San Tiao (Fangjia hutong), 北京市, 北京市
Tiki Bar · Běixīn qiáo · 14 tips and reviews
Ross WS: Fun all round, great little tiki bar hidden away. Good quality fun drinks, think tropical but can also make something with a kick =) one of my favorite bars in Beijing. .
Mexican Restaurant · Běixīn qiáo · 20 tips and reviews
Ross WS: Nice little rooftop in Wudaoying hutong. The chef Ray studied at culinary school in the states and travels to Mexico to bring back updated flavors. Try enchiladas, also has tamale. Laid back vibe.
Spanish Restaurant · Yong'anli · 6 tips and reviews
Ross WS: Classy place with great Spanish food and decent cocktails (on the higher end of the spectrum). The star of the venue is the terrace overlooking the CCTV tower. Enjoy!
40 Zhonglouwan Hutong (Down alley E of Bell Tower), 北京市, 北京市
Bar · Āndìng mén · 4 tips and reviews
Olly Stedall: This place has no sign and can be tricky to find the first time. The entrance is at the very end of the small alley on the East side of the Bell Tower. #40 Zhonglouwan Hutong.
Ross WS: Fun little exhibit from the Barbican (London). Double check this is still on when reading. Follows the history of computer entertainment and games. Fun and visual.
Ross WS: Makes for a rather strange/interesting day out, bring a fun group with you and travel the world (in a down-scaled version). Small versions of many famous landmarks.
Ross WS: One of the finest pizza establishments in China, family run with a Napoli tradition of pizza. Don't leave without ordering the arancini though (pizzas with the rich marina base are the standouts).
Ross WS: Tucked up by the airport, good for some healthy mains and not so healthy bakery selection. Really enjoyed the Vegetarian Chili on the specials the last time I was here.
Ross WS: Like a super trendy foodcourt. Expect a good mix of international fare and even a cocktail bar from the brains behind acclaimed Janes and Hooch (CANVAS)