The name of the restaurant, In & Out, reminds me of the fast-food joints in the US. There may be a chain called In and Out – or maybe that’s Come and Go? At any rate, this Lijiang-themed In & Out on Beixiao street is no fast-food joint, the menu has a wide variety of Yunnan food, and lively entertainment, and it’s not a place you’ll want to rush out of.
I hadn’t seen my friend Justine all summer, since we both spent our vacation in the US. For a night out Justine suggested we go to In & Out in Sanlitun. The restaurant was crowded, a good sign when you go somewhere for the first time. We felt a mixture of relief and dread when we noticed the line of people waiting to get in.
We were seated at an outdoor table, which was perfect for that balmy summer night. It took us awhile to go through the extensive Yunnan menu, but we were in no rush. The alcoholic drinks we ordered were small but the food – like the fried potato balls, fried fish, and cheese – were delicious. While we ate, a fire dancer danced in front of the tables and later some waitresses sang a song.
Like we always do, Justine and I ordered too much food. But we left the restaurant satisfied; our bellies full, our spirits high.
In & Out
Daily 11am-2pm, 4-11pm. 1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (8454 0086) 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号
