Sanlitun is a section of Beijing famed for its bars, restaurants, night clubs and shopping.
The January 2009 Beijing collective continued its crawl through Sanlitun’s streets. By 8pm it is getting pretty busy, as high school students join the throng. At 10pm the streests are packed and at 12pm the clubbers take over. It can be absolute crush in summer and there’s at least 10 bars with outdoor seating.
We decided to try a bar that had only been open a week – the First Floor bar. In Beijing, the First Floor bar is actually the Ground Floor. A big open space greeted us and the usual array of European tap beer and a pretty eclectic range of British and Euro bottles was presented. We went with the Happy Hour option of Kilkenny or Stella and viewed the surrounds. Wasn’t packed enough to be on fire, but nonetheless you could see this becoming a popular place. Not enough tellies for mine – but does the job.
We were getting peckish and foolishly eschewed the sizzling sticks on the street and tried to get a spot at Saddle Cantina. A long standing fixture in Sanlitun – seemingly permanently open for a Mexican feed, Margarita or Corona. Great outdoor space – but absolutely packed. Note to self – don’t make the same mistakes. Grab the sizzling stick or book.
Regards
back of the ferry 