2010 Mar 02 A Hidden Gem: Lucky Man Whiskey Bar

Little known despite being open for nine months, Lucky Man has all the “hidden gem” appeal of a Japanese whiskey bar, infused by an informal Gulou type of cool.
Sit around the U-shaped bar and peruse the Scotch and Japanese single malts, including a sweet 17-year Suntory Hibiki (RMB 100) and ten-year Ardbeg (RMB 90), served with hand-chipped spheres of ice. Beer drinkers are limited to choosing either draft or bottled Asahi, while most cocktails and mixed drinks are RMB 40-60.
Marinated meat skewers (RMB 30-50) and other Japanese snacks offer a twist on the neighborhood chuan’r joint. The owner’s other restaurant, Shaorou Ren, offers a free portion of barbecued beef if you kiss your dining partner for ten seconds. Lucky Man hardly needs such gimmickry.
Lucky Man
Daily 6pm-1am. 157 Gulou Dongdajie (north side, inside second alleyway west of Nanluogu Xiang), Dongcheng District (no tel)
东城区鼓楼东大街157号
Search for more Beijing bars by name and neighborhood or share your opinions with the rest of Beijing by adding a user review of any of the bars in our online directory of venues.
You might also be interested in :
Twilo: Hidden Drinks and Dancing at Guanghua Lu

If Twilo existed in a cartoon, it would probably be hidden inside a seemingly innocuous tree trunk. As with Haze, a few meters away, an extremely steep staircase leads you to the basement dance floor – although at Twilo you emerge awkwardly behind the DJ booth. At least it looks good, thanks to a futuristic, contoured design.
Doron: Suntory Time on Dongzhimen

Accessed via struggling Italian restaurant Abella, Doron falls short of the impressive standards set by other Japanese bars. The shabby, threadbare carpeted stairs up to the bar inspire little confidence, and the decor does nothing to alleviate those doubts. The space is split between a lounge with deep couches, and a fully stocked but uninspiring bar area whose design appears inspired by a back-alley pool hall.
Wu: Wudaokou's Latest Club

When I go out with friends on a Friday night, I want a good bar with cheap drinks and plenty of space to dance. This new club answers on both counts. Inheriting the space most recently used by the short-lived Mango Club, Wu is all black and red decor, with raw, unplastered walls. (Designer Paul Gelinas also worked on The Bridge Cafe and owns Guozijian store Lost & Found.)
The Drive-Thru: Beers (and More) On the Go

The first thing you should understand about The Drive-Thru is that it’s not a bar. They do have a great selection of beers, starting with Kingfisher at RMB 19, but it’s intended primarily for you to take home. There are a few seats, though, and you’re welcome to stay for a beer. Owner Ryan Johnston (founder of The Brick) expects to have Slow Boat Brewery’s beers on tap soon, and wants to operate a tasting bar offering a regularly rotated lineup of draft brews.
Mai Is Yours

Owner Jeff wants you to treat Mai like home. That’s partly why the name sounds like “My.” That’s also why the beer fridge is out front, El Nido-style – so you can grab your own drink. The beer selection isn’t huge, but offers a variety that has become essential for any aspiring bar: Rogue, Chimay, BrewDog and more.
Mai is really about the cocktails, though. An Old Fashioned or Queen’s Park Swizzle (both RMB 40) here is a great way to start the year. The whiskey list is also good for Gulou. The selection is comparable to Amilal’s, and marginally cheaper – Highland Park is a bargain at RMB 45. As a bonus, they make a sweet mijiu (rice wine), served hot for RMB 40 per pot.



