First Glance: Godfathers Bar, Ritan Park

Fresh out of the gate, Godfathers sits adjacent to Caravan on Guanghua Lu and despite the name there's no need to be afraid of getting whacked, as they didn’t brandish any slapjacks or try to fit us with a pair of concrete shoes. We all have our lucky days. What they did do is load us up with enough fish and chips and cold beer to make us feel like gangsters.

Set in the middle of embassy town and Ritan Park, this area lacks meal options and often forces the diplomatic community to migrate to other areas for their lunchtime and dinner concessions. We ended up ordering the fish and chips (RMB 50), which were everything we hoped they would be. This fish fry was served with a starter salad sprinkled with roasted pine nuts and also came with a side of fries mixed with calamari and made a pretty good deal for the price.

Everything else on the menu is pretty much straight up bar food, such as chicken drum sticks (RMB 50), bangers (RMB 50), and spaghetti bolognese (RMB 50). We overheard that soon they will be making their own Australian style meat pies and sausages on site. 

While this place isn't quite doing anything new, they are certainly providing a classic service in a comfortable atmosphere and that will never go out of style. Show up during their happy hour (5-7pm) for some first class discounts, including half price on drafts, spirits and house wines. Now that's an offer we could not refuse.

Godfathers
44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (135 5292 5022)
光华路44号

Photos: Kipp Whittaker, Godfathers