Coffee, Hot Dogs, Beer: Three New Places to Try in Beijing

Another week and a few mostly new places (we just can't keep up) around town to try. Coffee to beer and coffee to hot dogs, french fries, and coffee, there's a little something for everyone... especially if you really love coffee.

Potato Brain

A rarity in Beijing, this stand not far from Line 4’s Xisi Subway Station has two specialties: fried potatoes and hot dogs – and coffee… so three things. The menu is simple, first, you pick your potatoes, which range from classic French fries to tater tots to those smiley face tater tots; then choose a hot dog.

For dogs there are five to choose from, including a double hot dog, dubbed the “Double Sausage Double Happy” (RMB 18); the New York Dog (RMB 25), which comes loaded with onions, green peppers, ketchup, mustard, and white sauce; and, another worth mentioning, the Fries Party Dog (RMB 32), topped with French fries (in case you want fries on the dog instead of on the side), ketchup, chopped bacon and cheese.

Potato Brain
217 Xisi Beidajie, Xicheng District
西城区西四北大街217号
Hours: Daily, 10am-8pm
Phone: 15811231016; 13121151282

Pepper Café

This newly opened coffee shop inside Sanlitun SOHO is as simple as a coffee shop can get – which is saying something considering all the cafés to be found here opt for style over substance. Pepper has a counter, coffee-making area, seating, and walls plastered with what looks to be manga covers, nuff said. For coffee, it’s just Americanos (RMB 25, iced or hot), Latte (RMB 33), etc. They do have seasonal flavors and an affogato coming to the menu soon – worth a try.

Pepper Café
B1232, Sunken Plaza, Sanlitun SOHO Bldg 2, 8 Gongti Beilu
朝阳区工人体育场北路8号2号商场下沉广场临街B1232室
Hours: Daily, 8am-8pm
Phone: 13636346516

Blue Ark & DAO Coffee

DAO Coffee has opened yet another branch, this time connected with a brand new restaurant and beer bar: Blue Ark. DAO brings what they’re known for to this new location – damn good coffee, so let’s turn to Blue Ark. From the looks of it, they serve typical bar fare, including beef tacos, rib platters, various snacks, and even a truffle burger. As for beers, the menu is split into four sections with lots to choose from, including a few IPAs, pilsners, fruit-flavored beer, and the like. If you can’t decide there’s the option for a four-glass flight (RMB 89/four 150 ml glasses of beer).

Blue Ark Pub & DAO Coffee
Inside Dongfeng Intl. Sports Park (South Gate), A9 Nongzhan Nanlu
朝阳区农展南路甲9号东枫国际体育园内
Hours: 10am-6pm (DAO); 5.30pm-1.30am (Blue Ark)
Phone: 18515892837 (DAO); 18311470148 (Blue Ark)

READ: Subway Aims to Open 4000 New Locations in China

Images: Unsplash, Dianping