Oh, the weary educator! We love our jobs but between runny noses, late homework, overprotective parents, and overbearing administrators sometimes we just need a night to let loose. Luckily Beijing offers plenty of options, from wholly extravagant to cool and relaxed, for the expat teacher to regroup and revive. Here are a few of my favorites.
For a summer breeze and an upscale cocktail: If you need to feel like a grown-up without worrying about a dress code, Hulu by TRB in Taikoo Li is my spring and summer go-to! Ask to be seated on their terrace to catch a breeze and some gossip with your besties. They greet you with a welcome glass of bubbly (who doesn’t love a freebie?) and you can find a solid menu of well-made European dishes from pasta and risotto to salad and soufflé.
My go-to order: Leechy Martini (BOGOF happy hour!) and a spinach Boazza, which is basically pizza filling in a fried dumpling…trust me, it’s worth the calories!
For good beer and unpretentious food: As I recently told our Managing Editor Mina Yan, I’m not a fan of beer. I want to be. It’s cool and low maintenance… unfortunately, however, I am neither of those things. But if you need a lazy afternoon playing card games with friends, Great Leap Brewing is a great place to be. For those of us who are beer averse they offer a full bar and solid house wines. The laid-back vibe, plenty of what I am assured by my German friends are good quality beers on tap, and unpretentious classic bar fair makes for a much-needed recharge.
My go-to order? Glass of house wine (very solid) and a double cheeseburger… because who really wants to fit into their skinny jeans anyway? With six locations around town, there’s likely one a mere hop, skip, and a jump away.
Because I feel better when I’m dancing: Sometimes I need to feel classy and irresponsible at the same time. If you are ready to dance it out with your girls, get dressed up and head to Mei Bar at the Rose Wood Hotel. The drinks are pricey but the real reason to go is the band. A great mix of pop, R&B, and Latin music performed by musicians who are doubtlessly having as great a time as you are. Ladies’ night is Thursday. Be warned though, it kicks off pretty late for a school night. The band begins around 11pm, meaning you’ll have sore feet and quite possibly a slight headache during first period on Friday, but once in a while…#worthit!
For a taste of home: Teachers get homesick too and sometimes you just need comfort food. I’m an American so for me that means BBQ. Homeplate is the most authentic I have found in Beijing. In addition to a large assortment of American BBQ styles, (think Memphis ribs, Carolina pulled pork or classic Texas brisket) they also have tons of different sauces from various regions and more than enough stick-to-your-ribs sides to properly fill out your plate. There are two locations, Sanlitun and Sanyuanli.
My go-to order: Carolina pulled pork, horseradish potato salad, and a Bourbon-filled Kentucky Mule. However, an honorable mention definitely goes to my friend’s favorites: Annie loves the BBQ quesadilla and Paul dreams about their fried Okra.
Hutong Fusion: One of my favorite things about expat life is the all strange fusions you can find about town. I love Pebbles Courtyard for this reason. The food is amazing authentic Mexican but it’s nestled in one of Beijing’s oldest neighborhoods, Wudaoying Hutong, giving it lots of personality and local color. The menu is always evolving because they use what’s fresh and local, and the tequila selection is unbeatable. Be warned, the margaritas are strong and hit you with little to no warning.
My go-to order? Anything with slow-roasted and adobo in the description paired with a Paloma and a slice of Dulce de Leche cheesecake.
OK teachers, I’m always ready to try something new. What are your favorite R&R spots in our fair city?
KEEP READING: What’s New in Beijing
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