Take 5: Time For a Drink

Take 5 has proven to be quite popular in the Chaoyangmenwai neighborhood – and why not? Bounded by a Starbucks, a Burger King and a T.G.I. Friday’s, it’s a pleasant, gentrified venue in a well-groomed part of town. Before the big freeze set in, expats could regularly be seen thronging the vast piazza-style seating area out front, the likes of which we rarely see in downtown Beijing.

It’s slightly harder to figure out exactly what Take 5 is. A sizable menu is split equally between food and drink options. The décor is as polite and tidy as the staff. Its proximity to a bustling and upscale shopping district is reflected in the prices – beers can run a dizzying RMB 50 per bottle, the cocktail collection tops out at RMB 70 (though most are RMB 30-50), the house wine begins at RMB 40 by the glass, and a plate of beef quesadillas set me back RMB 58.

Ultimately, it’s a struggle to picture Take 5 as anything more than a quick respite from an afternoon of retail therapy. A raucous party destination it is not. Whether that’s down to a lack of confidence – or its precise intention – remains to be seen.

Also try: The Den

Take 5 Bldg 8, World City, 8-9 Jinhui Lu, Chaoyang District (137 0100 9170) 朝阳区金汇路8-9号世界城商业街8号楼

Photo: Sui