Pass on Pass By

The neighborhood is terrific, the atmosphere is amazing, but some things are unforgivable. Fake booze and watered down tea are sins I can't overlook.

Pass By Bar is in a comfortable courtyard location, warm inside with a comfortably decorated atmosphere and a collection of probably every Lonely Planet ever published. We didn't order any food from the menu, mostly standard Western fare. It was the usual pizzas and sandwiches and so forth that you'll find at any place that gets popular mention in the Lonely Planet, and the Pass By Bar has been featured prominently there for years. The drink menu is extensive although a big red flag is charging separately for the booze and the mixer, just another way to jam you for another 5 kuai hoping you won't notice.

Fine, scotch then. I ordered a Johnny Walker black, and my friend ordered a vodka cocktail that didn't seem to cost extra. He thought it was a little off but being younger and more adventurous than me didn't really care. I picked up the scotch, gave it a sniff, and was nearly knocked over by the smell of rubbing alcohol. I called the waiter and asked to see the bottle, and the bartender pulled it off the shelf. It looked moderately suspicious, but the booze in the bottle had the same rubbing alcohol smell. "Same," said the waiter.

I was very clearly not happy, but wasn't going to get anywhere without a big argument so I went and sat back down. Took a tiny taste, just to confirm my suspicions - ever had scotch mixed with cheap bai jiu? Couldn't swallow, spat it out, and didn't touch the rest of the drink.

The bill arrived, 38 kuai for something undrinkable. As we were paying the bill, two restaurant staffers started watering down tea in full view of everyone (it was a slow night). Strikes one and two, doesn't matter, I won't allow a third to happen. Recommend you pass on Pass By Bar.