Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.
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Bar Blu
"A packed-to-the-rafters haven for pretty young things ready to groove to commercial chart hits or chill out on the spacious terrace. Weekly events include the popular quiz night."—Ross Goulding, nightlife editor, Time Out Beijing. No cover charge. Tongli Studio, 4th floor, Sanlitun Beilu; tel. +86 10 6416 7567.
Babyface
"China's unstoppable club juggernaut has spawned imitators aplenty, with frequent visits by international DJs."—Ross Goulding. Multi-tiered nightclub is one of the most exciting—and most consistently packed—along Sanlitun Lu ("bar street"). Butlers and karaoke available in private rooms. 6 Gongti Xilu; tel. +86 10 6551 9081.
Mao Livehouse
"A concrete bunker that looks fabulous and sounds even better."—Ian Sherman, music editor, Time Out Beijing. New, mid-sized venue in gutted movie theater, which means great views of the stage by most audience members. Bands run the gamut from highly tuneful to highly noisy. 111 Gulou Dongdajie; tel. +86 10 6402 5080.
Press Club Bar
All class, with marble fireplace, leather club seats, light hors d'oeuvres, expertly mixed martinis, and jazz piano. St. Regis Hotel, 21 Jianguomenwai Dajie; tel. +86 10 6460 6688.
Stone Boat Café
"A great place to get a drink any time of day."—Leon Lee, former managing editor, That's Beijing. Peaceful atmosphere on a stone pavilion overlooking a lake, ducks, and trees in Ritan Park, near the Sanlitun Embassy District; also serves bar food. Southwest corner of Ritan Park; tel. +86 10 6501 9986.
