Off the beaten path

[RLBeijing]

Apart from the Sanlitun/Ho Hai area, what other areas are there that you could recommend to foreigners here in Beijing? 55RMB for a drink can be expensive after a while.

Thanks,

RL

[roddy]

You could try the student bars in Haidian, but it might be a bit of a trek. Plenty of cheap drink promotions up that way though. Gulou / Nanluoguxiang are worth a try. Otherwise, set up on plastic tables outside any local restaurant and drink the night away.

Depends what you're really looking for. If you're looking for cheap drinks, easy. If you're looking for cheap drinks AND big flashy nightclubs, you might be asking too much.

[icebear]

Otherwise, set up on plastic tables outside any local restaurant and drink the night away.

Do this for a couple hours before the nightclub or fancy bar.

[RLBeijing]

Thanks for the answers.

I was actually looking for entertainment spots (restaurants, music, and - yes - bars) for a project that I am working on. Difficult to convince our readers to come to Beijing, sit at plastic tables and start pre-drinking.

Maybe I should be more detailed: where, on a Friday/Saturday night, can you get quality entertainment in Beijing without paying an arm and a leg?

("Quality Entertainment" includes: movies, theater, live music, drinks, lounges, dining, rooftops etc.)

Now, I know that compared to Western capitals, Beijing's nightlife is still cheap; but maybe (like in NYC, Berlin, or London) there are a few places that still deserve our attention. For example, I could take you out for lunch/dinner with a couple of drinks for less than $20 in NYC/Berlin, street music incl.

Thanks for your help,

RL

[icebear]

There are numerous options that provide a good nights fun/entertainment/food/drinking while modestly priced by international standards (which is what you should accept if expect quality at international standards). You might want to browse websites like The Beijinger or CityWeekend for a better idea of what is out there and what is in your target price range.

[roddy]

If you're bringing a bunch of people you should be able to negotiate better deals. If you're just writing an article you can probably pinch some ideas from the expat mags...

[Brian US]

I found that the small bottles of 二锅头 baijiu fit perfectly behind a belt+waistband and pass a pat down entering a club.

Some people may judge you for it, but it's an acquired taste. Doesn't get cheaper than a couple shots of 50%+ alcohol for less than a dollar.

[RLBeijing]

Thanks for all the responses (helpful and otherwise!).

I was thinking along the lines of music bars that serve food, hidden noodle stands behind a community theater, or little cafés that have poetry readings - the bustle of Hai Ho excluded.

Looking into the expat magazines is an idea which I pursued; and the majority of the places mentioned in them are great if you earn an "expat" salary.

...

Any other takers, esp. native Beijingers that steer clear of tourist traps, university clubs or 5-star restaurants?

[icebear]

Any other takers, esp. native Beijingers that steer clear of tourist traps, university clubs or 5-star restaurants?

Not a native Beijinger, but seriously, there is such a wealth of rich experiences in this city's nightlife that don't cost an arm and a leg. You can find it in the Beijinger and other online resources, which I think you should refer to first before asking this forum to do your research for you. (My impression is you're trying to write a guide/article to Beijing without having actually been there. That's problematic.)

One suggestion: Fangjia Hutong.

Edit: Also, I think the "$20 for a good night in NYC" is a hard comparison if you are only permitting foreign-style venues. A few friends could have an amazing few hours at a local hutong restaurant with a full meal and get roaring drunk for that much, before moving onto whatever local venue where all we pay is a pittance of a cover (if that). Excluding local eats before your main venue seriously limits your options and strains your budget, and very very few expats living here would insist on that. Plastic chairs and fold out tables with great BBQ and cheap cold beers in a lively hutong defines Beijing's summer between 8pm and midnight.

[roddy]

Music bars with food... ok, the clientele will kill me for giving away this unknown gem, but try the 硬石餐厅.

[imron]

Shhhhh!

[WestTexas]

There is this bar called "The Smugglers" that is in a tiny side alley off a side street of Sanlitun (really). It costs 10 for a drink, or maybe they raised it to 15.

[RLBeijing]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think, I agree with the Chuanr during the summer nights. A guitar from somewhere and - most importantly - good friends.

Unless there are any discounts for student tickets/cheaper seats in the Opera (as you would find, say, in Vienna for students), are there any other "distractions" that I haven't come across yet? I miss music jam sessions like in Berlin.

[Lu]

Seats at the opera (Western or Peking) come for all kinds of prices. For 200-300 you can usually get a fine seat, I've been told by friends who see operas abroad that that is a very good deal. Book 1-2 weeks in advance or they may be sold out.