Mao Livehouse was the first rock venue I ever visited in Beijing and it's still my favorite. From the rusted sheet metal door to the foosball table to the grungy decor this place just reeks of rock. They may not attract the line-up of international talent that their nearest rival Yugong Yishan manages to pull in, but for my money they leave YGYS for dead when it comes to atmosphere.
They've been keeping a low profile since a run in with the local boys in blue over "fire regulations" (which in this town could mean anything) saw them close for a while in early 2010. They seem to be gradually getting their act together again and have had a few big local acts take the stage since they re-opened.
The room where the bands play is a good size for local acts - big enough to pack in a decent crowd, but not so large you need hundreds to make the place feel crowded. Good sound system too.
Mao is also conveniently located on Guloudong Dajie, close to lots of restaurants and other bars around the Drum Tower and Nanluogu Xiang.
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