Top Bars in Beijing – Most Viewed (2025)

Hidden House is one of Beijing’s more elusive cocktail dens, tucked away behind a low-key storefront that disguises its true nature. The façade appears to be a glassware shop or teahouse; insiders say you press a button or slide aside a bookcase to access the bar beyond. Inside, the décor blends intimate charm with vintage touches: exposed brick, moody lighting, wood, brass accents, and snug alcoves for quiet conversations. It’s not flashy — the design leans toward understated elegance, letting the drinks and atmosphere speak. The cocktail program is solid but not ostentatious. Many drinks are reinterpretations of classics with a twist — for example, their Bourbon Mai Tai (bourbon instead of rum), London Mule (fresh ginger + local citrus), and Secret of Nolita (pink vodka, Beijing yogurt, white rum, brown sugar) are frequently named in reviews. Despite its hidden status, it’s well regarded by locals and expat nightlife aficionados. On Reddit: “Hidden House is great. It's in Sanlitun, doesn’t have signs outside … you have to go inside the tea shop and find the secret button to open a wall that leads to the bar.” Another user adds: “Hidden House (you have to enter through a fake front shop called: La petite cave)” Because of its clandestine nature, many guests emphasize arriving early, knowing the alleyways, and embracing the treasure hunt. Overall, Hidden House delivers a cocktail experience layered with intrigue — the kind of bar you remember not only for a drink but for the sensation of discovery.

Located in an historic warehouse directly beside the iconic Drum Tower and Bell Tower complex in the heart of Beijing’s back-alley Hutong district, Timekeepers is a rare blend of local heritage and friendly bar culture. Set at No. 40 Zhonglou Wan Hutong, Dongcheng District, the venue occupies a former storage space—its thick walls and high ceilings preserving a sense of history while inside is relaxed, informal and inviting. As you enter, you’ll find multiple cosy nooks on the main floor and mezzanines — plush sofas, low lighting, wooden beams and comfortable seating make it easy to settle in for an evening. A full-sized pool table stands as centre-piece to the room: Timekeepers runs weekly pool competitions, adding a playful layer to the social scene. Across the bar’s small stage (equipped with professional music gear thanks to one owner being a musician), there are regular live open-mic nights and intimate shows — populated by both expatriates and local artists. Whether you’re there for a mellow acoustic set or a friends’ gathering, the sound-system and set-up deliver. The drink menu is generous but not overwhelming: local Chinese beers alongside imported bottles, mixed drinks and a rotating seasonal cocktail list. The food menu is simple but solid — ideal for pairing with drinks without over-complication. Service is bilingual (Chinese/English), making Timekeepers a comfortable choice for both locals and non-locals. In short: Timekeepers isn’t about flashing lights or massive crowds—it thrives on character, social ease and evening quality. Whether you drop by for a quiet drink, join a pool night or stay for music, it offers one of the more unique bar experiences in central Beijing’s historic core.

Janes & Hooch is one of Beijing’s cocktail institutions, located in the Gongti Bei / Sanlitun area of Chaoyang District. It blends the spirit of a vintage dive bar with modern craft sensibilities, aiming for substance over flash. The interior leans into exposed brick, wood panels, polished cement floors, and aged brass ceilings. Candlelight, moody shadows, and ambient lighting evoke a cozy, intimate feel. The bar is said to focus on doing the classics right—keeping recipes to a maximum of four ingredients, letting the base spirits shine, and avoiding overcomplication. Cocktails are a highlight: you’ll see interpretations of New Fashioned, Earl Grey Collins, Boulevardier, Dark & Fruity, Hanky Panky, Campari Cobbler, and more. The menu rotates monthly, incorporating local, seasonal ingredients and subtle twists on familiar formats. On weekends, the energy can ramp up with a DJ playing acid jazz, swing, or funk, giving a late-night lift to the atmosphere. Food is light and complementary—small plates and “modern Asian twists” are offered rather than a full heavy menu. Patrons appreciate the bar for its consistency, attitude, and the way it feels like a grown-up place for drinking rather than spectacle. With a relatively modest exterior, entering Janes & Hooch feels like stepping into a hidden retreat from the bustle outside. It is lauded as Beijing’s closest version of a New York speakeasy.

Confidential Bar & Lounge is a hidden gem in Beijing’s nightlife scene, embracing the mystique of old-world speakeasy design combined with modern cocktail artistry. It operates behind a discreet entrance—rumor has it you enter through what seems like a barber shop, press a hidden button or move a mirror, and reveal a bar tucked away in Shuangjing. Inside, the décor leans strongly vintage: dark woods, velvet touches, low ambient lighting, leather seating, and brass accents. The bar feels intimate and immersive, ideal for conversations over carefully crafted drinks. According to a travel blogger's June 2023 recap, “Confidential brings a 1920s speakeasy vibe to Beijing with a bar hidden behind a barber shop!” Live music and private event hosting are also part of its offering (Confidential Bar & Lounge’s Facebook page mentions “Live Music & Private Events”). Because of its hidden nature and low signage, many visitors emphasize arriving with directions, and expect a certain “treasure hunt” feel to locating the place.

Perched on the 80th floor of the China World Summit Wing hotel at 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, the Atmosphere Lounge & Bar offers a striking night-out in Beijing that’s equal parts skyline spectacle and sophisticated lounge. As elevators whisk you up to level 80, the glass walls open to dramatic panoramic vistas of the city below—especially memorable at dusk when the lights of Beijing awaken. Inside, the décor blends understated elegance with atmospheric flair: a ceiling patterned like a constellation, soothing lighting, sleek furnishings and plush seating. The bar’s drink menu leans premium: a well-curated collection of single malts, high-end spirits, and creative cocktails each crafted with fresh ingredients. Adding to the allure, evenings often feature live jazz music or DJ sets, giving the space a lively yet refined energy. Dress code and ambiance reflect the upscale level: smart-casual attire is expected (no shorts or slippers), and the crowd skews toward business professionals, stylish visitors and those looking for a memorable cocktail experience. It’s not the place for loud clubbing; instead it’s ideal for an elegant evening drink with a view, perhaps a date night or special occasion in Beijing. A couple of tips: As it’s in a premium space and with such a view, pricing is on the high side relative to typical bars in Beijing (one source lists approx. US$20 per cocktail). Arrive around sunset to experience the skyline in daylight, twilight and after dark. Sitting by the window enhances the view—reservations or early arrival are advisable. While service is polished, some reviews mentioned they found service a little slow during very busy periods.

Tucked away at No. 12 Banchang Hutong in the Dongcheng District (near Nanluogu Xiang / Jiaodaokou), Mao Mao Chong is a neighbourhood gem that balances craft-cocktail sophistication with hutong charm. Step inside and you’re greeted by mulled lighting, compact space, and a bartender genuinely glad to tailor a drink to your taste. The bar is the creation of mixologist Eric Liu and boasts cocktails that weave local Chinese ingredients into global forms—Sichuan pepper-infused tequila in the “Sichuan Highway”, or a smoother “Earl Grey Martini” blending Earl Grey-infused gin, grapefruit bitters, egg white and lemon zest. Food-wise, the wood-fired pizzas are a standout—perfect fuel for a drink session—and the atmosphere carries a late-night lounge feel rather than party chaos. From reviews: “great bar and good cocktails… their own infused vodkas!” The location in a hutong means the entrance isn’t flashy—and that’s part of the charm. It leans more relaxed than slick rooftop bars, which makes it suitable for both casual nights out and deeper drinks with someone special. A few tips: arrive early to snag a seat in the small bar area, expect cash or mobile payment (some reviews mention “cash only” in past) and wear something comfortable but tidy.

Tucked inside the Chaoyang District near the vibrant Sanlitun and Workers’ Stadium area, Great Leap Brewing’s #45 branch on Xinyuan Street is a cornerstone of Beijing’s craft-beer revolution. From its visible fermenters to the chalkboard tap list, the brewpub offers a genuine “grain-to-glass” experience: the slender tanks, the copper piping, the wood tables—all contribute to the authenticity of the place. At #45 the beers on tap include staples from the brewery’s roster—such as the acclaimed Honey Ma Gold, Pale Ale #6 and Banana Wheat—alongside rotating seasonal experiments using local Chinese ingredients like Sichuan pepper or Tieguanyin tea. The ethos: craft beer that says “Beijing” as much as it says “beer.” The food menu supports the drinking: expect New York-style pizzas, wings, burgers and hearty pub fare—ideal companions to a crisp IPA or rich porter. With its upstairs and downstairs spaces, the atmosphere ranges from lively and social to comfortable and settled; it's ideal for a pre-night-out beer, a casual hang-out or even a relaxed solo session with a book and a pint. Located on the 45th floor? Not literally—but at “#45 Xinyuan Street” you’re still very central, reachable via subway and well-placed among Beijing’s nightlife and expat-friendly zones. The crowd is local, international, mix of craft-beer aficionados and visitors seeking something beyond the standard beer bar. A few tips: Arrive early evening if you want a seat at the bar; it gets busy later. Ask the bartender about the latest seasonal beer—something unique will likely be on. Food orders will help, especially if you plan to linger. Some visitors note that while the atmosphere remains great, the vibe has shifted compared to its early hutong days.