Springtime Sippin': New Drinking Terraces Opening Up This Weekend
If this weekend’s weather holds up – and it’s looking like it’s going to be nice, warm, and sunny to follow up some nasty sandstorms! – then it’s officially the beginning of the best time in Beijing: terrace drinking season! You already know the local favorites like Migas Mercado, Mosto, Beersmith, Hulu, and all the rest. They’ve been around for a while and already earned their place in our hearts. But, since this city never stops hustling and bustling, the beginning of outdoor drinking season brings about the opening and reopening of terraces all over the city. Introducing a few happy hour newbies in town:
Sanlitun
The Opposite House is getting ready for a super busy summer. This Saturday is the grand opening of Superfly’s terrace. While the indoor dining area of Superfly will continue to be its trendy self, the outdoor area has a chilled-out vibe reminiscent of a backyard party with twinkling lights and creative cocktails.
They’ve opened up a dabao window that offers cocktails and snacks to go. Think of it as one of those little island hut bars, but instead of rum & cokes, you’re getting a whole array of creative cocktails.
Opening hours: Daily, 12 – late
Tel: 6410 5220
A few steps down from Superfly is a whole different feel at Frasca. This casual Italian restaurant’s terrace is surrounded by a wall of bamboo trees that offer you a sense of privacy smack dab in the middle of Sanlitun. While it’s not my personal favorite for late-night drinks, Frasca is my go-to spot for brunch and day drinking. Their Spritz O’Clock offers BOGO on any of their six spritzes for RMB 88, Monday-Thursday from 3-7pm.
Frasca has a popular brunch on the weekends so if you’re planning on stopping by just for drinks, I recommend calling ahead and booking a table to make sure you get a spot outside.
Opening hours: Daily, 6.30am-10.30pm
Tel: 6410 5210
Union is the little-known lobby bar at The Opposite House, and they’ve got a private terrace overlooking Taikooli South. As Union describes it, it’s the place to sip Champagne, see, and be seen.
Not only does Union have a revolving list of cocktails and a heavy-duty wine list, but it also seems like they really love their Champagne at Union. They’re offering 30 percent of magnum bottles and a free charcuterie plate for those who want to get in some Champagne bubble trouble.
Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 1am
Tel: 6410 5180
Lido
Xian Bar at East Hotel is reopening its Craft Beer Container this weekend. This Lido favorite features live music, food, and a whole lot of craft beers. When the weather is nice, grabbing a beer outside in one of their sunken seating pits is like a mini-vacation from the city.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 5pm-1am Sunday, 11am-11pm
Tel: 8414 9898
Dongcheng
There’s a little slice of hidden paradise for beer drinkers looking for something a bit less hipster in Dongcheng. The BBQ Terrace Garden at the Grand Mercure Dongcheng will be reopening this weekend. Surrounded by a thin wall of bamboo, the Terrace Garden offers Jing-A craft beer and authentic local barbecue. We’re not talking chicken breasts and corn here, we’re talking classic chargrilled lamb chuar, honey roasted chicken wings, and spice boiled peanuts – the classic Beijing local drinking snack.
Opening hours: Daily, 5-11pm
Tel: 8403 1188 ext. 6709
READ: Booze News: Beijing Beer Expo, Superfly Terrace Opening, BOGOF G&Ts at De Refter
Images courtesy of the venues
