15 Kuai Burgers in Wudaokou? Stop in at Steps

There are many locations in this city where it seems impossible to stay in business. We all know Beijing's a transient place, but some areas are ridiculous, changing owners and undergoing renovations every few months. I often find myself wondering why. Is the address haunted? Does the building have bad feng shui? Or is it simply a terrible location? As the latest entrepreneur takes a shot at one of those precarious Wudaokou locations, I decided to try to answer these questions.

Above the 7-Eleven at Huaqing Jiayuan lies the graveyard of past prospects. But the ghosts of Laowai’s Lounge and Five Spot did not deter me from checking out the latest incarnation, Steps Bar.

As the name hints, ascending the steps leads you to two entrances. So which do you chose?

To the right, you enter the bustling bar, where cushioned kegs will provide your seating for the evening. Channel your inner footballer at the foosball table while enjoying the happy hour specials of RMB 5 beers and whiskey cokes. Then wipe your sweaty brow, grab one of Monday's RMB 15 burgers, and allow the juicy, cheesy goodness to help you regain your strength for round two.

If you're interested in sitting and enjoying the breeze, turn left and enjoy the Friday night special of RMB 15 chicken hummus pita and a hookah in the comfort of a leather-clad booth near the window.

Though the cacophony of collegiate voices may intimidate the Wudaokou neophyte, the attentive staff will clue you in on their specials and promptly bring out orders and change. Thus far, with no ghosts in sight, a location connected to the sporadically popular La Bamba, and food ranging from Mexican to Mediterranean, it seems that Steps Bar is a step up from its predecessors.

Also try: Lush

Steps Bar 2/F, Door 4, Bldg 12, Huaqing Jiayuan, 35 Chengfu Lu, Haidian District (8286 0279) 海淀区成府路35号华清嘉园12号楼4门2层

Photos: Ariana Rizzato