2010 Mar 03 Laidback Living: Helen’s Cafe Opens at Wudaokou
Beijing is an unconventional backpacker destination. There’s no beach. (If you’re thinking “But what about Tuanjiehu Park?” … take a long, hard look at yourself.)
There’s hardly any sun. And don’t even talk about monks. But Beijing has her backpackers – in many guises – relaxing in the face of every hassle the capital can throw up.
Helen’s Cafe makes laidback living easier – not to mention cheaper. A 3-liter tube of Yanjing costs RMB 45, bottles start from RMB 10 and cocktails from RMB 15.
The menu’s American diner fare is similarly economical. They’ve got the requisite red, gold and green color scheme and we-don’t-give-a-shit graffiti. Jack Johnson no doubt pops up on the soundtrack. There are people studying, which is a bit weird. I guess the backpackers will just have to get used to not being in Bangkok anymore.
Helen’s Cafe
Daily 11am-late. 200m south of Wudaokou subway station intersection, Chengfu Lu, Haidian District (8286 7558)
海淀区成府路五道口城铁站路口往南走200米
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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.
yellowcherry
Re: Laidback Living: Helen’s Cafe Opens at Wudaokou
Helen's is my dig! I, too, have scrawlings on the wall at the table closest to the bar on the right hand side of the picture.
House wine is also 25 for a glass and my favorite are the coconut juice shakes for 10.