Guomao’s eastern neighbor, Dawanglu, is not usually the first place that comes to mind when planning a night out. The limit usually levels at CBD’s lofty China World Summit Wing, and god forbid if someone lives in Shuangjing (we kid – we love their pubs and grub too). But we’re guessing there’s a working crowd in the Beijinger’s old stomping grounds at Wanda Plaza who are more than thankful that The View 3912 has settled atop Xiandai Soho.
Their cocktails are whipped up behind an elegant, wood paneled bar, and an extensive menu has a little something for everyone. For a twist on the classics, try a Jack Rose (RMB 70) with apple brandy, grenadine and lime juice, or the Kiwi Mojito (RMB 90) with passion fruit syrup for a pricy but trendy treat. More inventive sips include the Puer Dry Gin Martini (RMB 90), but it tends toward the sweet side, leaving earthy tea tones to be desired. “Understanding” (RMB 95), with its charming, benign name, tames the bitterness of Jagermeister, with swirls of cranberry, lemon and pomegranate juices.
But if you were sipping with owner and manager Lisa Guo, you’d make a beeline for the wine. It’s her longtime expertise and she can probably tell you what goes best with the items on the exhaustive lunch and dinner menus that cover not just bar snacks, but dishes with influences from countries around the globe. When it comes to after-work drinks, we suggest skipping the bar pizza, and going straight for the good stuff, like the Foie Gras Prawn Salad (RMB 98).
Keep an eye here for more on their dining menus, but in the meantime, save a clear day for The View – its panoramic windows allow one to see all the way to Tiananmen Square.
The View 3912
Daily 10.30am-2am. 3912-A Xiandai Soho, 88 Dawanglu, Chaoyang District (8589 2524)
朝阳区北京市朝阳区建国路88号SOHO现代城A座3912
Also try: Twilight, Atmosphere
Photos: Sui, Jessica Rapp, and The View 3912