Mao Mao Chong

12 Banchang Hutong, off Nanluogu Hutong
10/6405-5718
www.maomaochongstore.com [1]

HOURS: Wed.-Mon. 6:30 p.m.-midnight

METRO: Zhangzizhonglu (Line 5)

Mao Chong means caterpillar in Mandarin (literally “furry insect”), and this award-winning bar in a hutong (alley) off Nanluogu is something of an institution. It’s run by a husband and wife team and is a haven for local artists and hipsters who come for well-mixed drinks and cheap, tasty pizza.

There’s modern art by co-owner Steven Rocard on the walls and funky decorations throughout, like the swirly writing on the blackboard above the bar.

Wednesday nights see cocktail prices slashed, with innovative concoctions like Tail of the Dragon and African Queen. Mao Mao Chong creates its own infused vodka using ingredients like lemongrass, honey, ginger, and cinnamon.