Cu Ju: Sports in the Hutongs

The idea is very simple: Cu Ju is very much a sports bar, but sport doesn’t define its identity. Get it? You won’t see replica jerseys and team scarves adorning the walls or ceilings. But then, you won’t find anything other than sport on the sizable TVs.

There are no pool tables or dart boards. You will find up to 12 different types of reasonably priced bottled beer, and a selection of spirits, generously priced and apportioned at RMB 25 for 40ml blasts. But no cocktails. And somewhat surprisingly, given proprietor Badr Benjelloun’s musical background, no live music: “Anyone brings a guitar in here, they can leave it in the kitchen!”

Plans are afoot to introduce some of Badr’s native flavor to the hutong spot; Moroccan sausage sandwiches and stews will be on the menu once the kitchen’s finished. Good value drinks, sandwiches and satellite TV sports suggest Cu Ju knows exactly what Beijing’s sports fans are after.

Also try: Black Sun Bar

Cu Ju 蹴鞠 Daily 6pm-late. 28 Xiguan Hutong (opposite No. 5 Middle School), Dongsi Beidajie, Dongsi Shisitiao, Dongcheng District 东城区东四北大街东四十四条细管胡同28号(北京五中斜对面)

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Photo: Mitchell Pe Masilun