Four Craft Breweries Open New Locations in Beijing

Beer lovers rejoice! Four craft breweries recently opened new branches in the capital so now you’ve got a whole slew of drinking spots to check out in the coming days and weeks. From new residents in 798 to nearby Wangjing and then down south to the Liangma River, here’s the lowdown of the latest places to taste a tipple or two. 

COMMUNE recently opened up a new RESERVE branch in the 798 Art District. Located inside one of 798’s iconic Bauhaus style buildings, it’s a large space with two floors and they’ve embraced a 20th-century French Art Deco theme with elegant touches like leather chairs, natural wood decor and hand-painted murals. However, it's perhaps the outside area that is most intriguing, with an enclosed courtyard that is incredibly reminiscent of the now demolished Nali Patio, it’s sure to be a big hit once the warmer weather returns to the capital.

At this branch, you can get COMMUNE’s usual selection of delicious brunch options, burgers, pizzas, snacks and more. Some personal recommendations of ours are the Oxtail Grilled Cheese Sandwich (RMB 88), Tartufata Pizza (RMB 138), Our Wagyu Cheeseburger (RMB 88) and Commune Crispy Chicken Wings (RMB 68). There is also an array of 20+ craft beers on tap as well as cocktails, wine and other drinks, many of which can be enjoyed for a variety of deals such as their daily happy hour from 2pm-5pm where all craft beer, wine and sparkling wine is buy one get one free or three hours free flow for RMB 188 Sunday to Thursday or RMB 238 on Fridays, Saturdays and during holidays.

Another new addition to the 798 Art District is NBeer’s newest branch, located in the 751·798 Train Street area. Their fourth branch in the capital it’s housed inside one of the renovated train cars, making it a quirky and perhaps at times rather cozy experience. 

Drinks-wise, they’ve got a number of their signature craft beers on tap which can all be enjoyed for 20 percent off during their daily happy hour which runs until 7pm. On the food menu, they have a number of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan dishes plus Western dishes like burgers, American style barbecue, German sausages and more. 

There is good news for anyone who is a fan of DOSH’s burgers but didn’t fancy a trek over to Haidian: they’ve now got a gastropub in Wangjing! Situated in the Hopson Lane shopping mall it’s decked out with neon lights set against dark walls giving it a strong bar vibe. It also boasts a great terrace area with stunning views of Wangjing SOHO. 

Enough with the decor though, what we’re really excited about is the burgers which, in a surprise turn, won them second place in this year’s Juicy Burger Cup. They’ve got a staggering 11 different burgers on the menu including fan favorites the Stout & Smoked Cheese Burger (RMB 72) and the Parma Ham Cheese Burger (RMB 78) plus some of their more experimental options like the Peanut Butter and Pineapple Burger (RMB 62) and Maryland Crab Cake Burger (RMB 98). Along with burgers they’ve got a range of other dishes such as Fish and Chips (RMB 56) and American Style Pork Ribs (RMB 228). Aside from food they’ve got six beers on tap, a wide selection of bottled beers, cocktails, soft drinks and shisha available. 

Ye Brewing recently spread its wings east and opened its first Chaoyang branch in the capital. Located in the Maizidian area near right by the Liangma River, it looks to be an especially good spot during the warmer months with a large seating area out front. Inside it’s got floor to ceiling windows to let in plenty of natural light and green colored corrugated metal walls give it a relaxed casual vibe. They’ve got an impressive 16 beers on tap, plus a menu of Western and Chinese dishes like burgers, barbecue, baojiang tofu, chicken wings and more. 

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To Try List: Brunch & Bistro, New Tacos, Burgers and More