Date: Mar 3rd 2014 2:26p.m.

Contributed by:
gpwilson

High-quality cocktails and excellent service are the hallmarks of this hidden gem on Xindong Lu. Soft lighting, dark wood, leather club chairs and the bar’s friendly, well-trained staff create a cozy and welcoming vibe.

Parlor is the third Beijing bar opened by Jeff Ji and wife Connie Guan, who also own Mai Bar and Malty Dog in Gulou. While many of Parlor’s drinks are tried and tested Mai Bar favorites, the menu also includes a good selection of Jeff’s newest creations.

The bar’s two mala cocktails both deserve special mention. The Sichuan Beauty (RMB60) is notable for its successful combination of Sichuan peppercorn and chili flavors with passion fruit, while the Mala Old Fashioned (RMB65) uses both fresh chili and chili-infused bourbon to provide a spicy kick and a smooth finish. The Jasmine Sour (RMB70) also stood out, combining jasmine tea-infused vodka with ginger and citrus flavors to great effect.

Jeff and his staff create many of their own infused spirits in-house, along with bitters, specialty syrups and mijiu. Fans of mijiu will find Parlor’s chilled and naturally sparkling home brew to be crisper and fruiter than commercially bottled versions.

Shrimp, oysters, octopus and salmon join the more traditional potato wedges on Parlor’s ambitious snack menu. Our oysters, served in the shell with grapefruit and champagne jelly were a delicious treat between drinks.

The second floor is accessible with a membership card and offers private quarters for entertaining by appointment only. An initial payment of RMB50,000 grants upstairs access and can be spent on meals and drinks on future visits. Benefits include a bottle service with personal bottle lockers, cigar rooms, a karaoke suite, and a weekly degustation with matching drinks.

Our Rating: 4/5 stars

Find it:

What: Parlor

Where: 39-9 Xingfu …