SOS: Great New Buzz in Gulou

Having lived in Tokyo for a bit, one of the first things I noticed about the nightlife scene is how there was a bar for every type of subculture. While Beijing isn’t exactly there yet, it does seem to be moving in that direction. SOS may just be the first watering hole meant for noise heads and other musically-minded degenerates, on the exterior to popular musical culture.
 

They have a selection of both beers and cocktails at moderate prices. We very much liked their specialty cocktails, which included the Acid Mothers Temple (RMB 45), named after the infamously banned-in-China Japanese psychedelic group, and rocking a concoction of red wine, crème de cassis, lime juice, and Calpis. We also downed a Moment for a True Man (RMB 55), served in a giant glass goblet, the receptacle of choice for any true man. Filled with fresh pear juice, beer, vodka, gin, and rum, it proved tasty, and a little girly, the pear juice masking the taste of the strong spirits within.}
 

The space has a casual vibe with picnic tables stretching across the length of the room. There’s also an amazing roof terrace for barbecuing and such. Erotic material and soft hentai adorns the walls and a giant Japanese folk mask with a big phallic nose hangs from the ceiling, making me realize that I sometimes enjoy subtle displays of virility in a watering hole. Expect great music any time of the day, ranging from noise rock and jazz to even a selection from Beijing’s top music minds. We feel that SOS will soon become an essential hangout for music or creative heads of all kinds.

SOS
Wed-Mon 7pm-2am. 77 nameless alley next to Xiaojingchang Hutong south entrance, Dongcheng District (186 0020 6778)
东城区小经厂胡同口旁边77号进去即到
 

Photos: Kipp Whittaker