Al fresco options here disappear and reappear at the whims of the chengguang. The whole stretch of al fresco spots on Xingfucun Lu to Shizipo including Great Leap have taken their outdoor seating down this week because of "new regulations". No news when they will be back.
Fresco, Party of Four, Al Fresco: Great Outdoor Dining Options, Part 2
We apologize that the second part of our outdoor dining feature was delayed due to inclement weather (mostly, the worst heat and humidity of the summer). Regular service may now resume.
Element Fresh: See and be seen on the deck at the Taikoo Li location, outside at the Lido location, or at a few of their other outlets where you can sit outside. The mix of sun, fresh air (at least on these blue sky days), fresh juice, and fresh salads is pretty tough to beat as we ease into the beginning of autumn.
Great Leap Brewing: Although Great Leap Brewpub, which opened at the beginning of the summer, has some outdoor seating, it's their original location on Doujiao Hutong that's more closely associated with the al fresco experience. Technically not a restaurant, "No. 6" still offers pizza delivery from Vineyard Cafe, and chuan'r from the local chuan'r guy.
Home Plate Bar-B-Que: Especially while the weather's still hot, the folding-chair and card table set-up will be preferable to the rather warm interior. Coming off a repeat as the Beijinger's Burger Cup champion, there's no time like the present to try their award-winning cheeseburger for only RMB 30, or their signature pulled pork sandwich. Why would anyone want to eat barbecue indoors, anyway?
Migas: Although thought of by many as a lounge, Migas is quite serious about being a restaurant. Whether dining or drinking, the place has one of the most popular decks in Beijing. Migas took home the Beijinger's 2013 Reader Restaurant Award for Best Spanish/Tapas and an outstanding award for Best Place for Celebration (Fine Dining). Those awards should give you an idea of where to start when ordering.
Modo Urban Deli: More of a half-in, half-out model, the new incarnation of the venue formerly known simply as Modo offers some of the best people-watching in Taikoo Li. Try a cold Thai noodle chicken salad if it's hot outside, or a deli sandwich with Italian salami for more all-around fare.
Stay tuned for more outdoor options in Part 3 of our al fresco dining guide. Have a place you love that we haven't mentioned? Let us know in the Comments section below.
Photo: the Beijinger
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Re: Fresco, Party of Four, Al Fresco: Great Outdoor Dining ...
Element Fresh's "fresh juice" is part fresh, part kiwi and pineapple and apple of the plastic bottle variety (read: Hi-C). I was enthused when I saw the juicers atop the bar and then let down when I saw the same stuff I can buy at any convenience shop filling up the other half of my collins glass. And charging ¥50 on top of it has helped me learn my lesson. But yes, beautiful deck.