Mash: New Sanlitun Bar to Concoct More Murky Nights

Hello Mash, we’ll have all the Sanlitun Houjie clichés to start: the hive, plus the scum, plus the villainy. Nights fueled on fake booze. Nights which culminate into that very anti-climactic moment when kebab juice dribbles down the front of your shirt. Ah yes, here we are, just across the street from First Floor. We are in that mysterious space that was once called Big Live, now revamped by the dive bar masters behind Luga's.

Oh yes, the indulgent elements are all here – the elements that semi-crystallize into weighty expat memories, the strings of nights out that will sit like thick murk in the backs of our heads forever.

A giant pool table greets customers at the entrance, just before the long bar, sweeping floor of high tables and balconies with rows of seating. Following the steep staircase to the right of the door, we were led up onto a grand rooftop space where the seating is just as plentiful and comfortable.

Another bar, pool table and ambient light on the roof clearly signify that this is the spot, if there were any, to spend Mash Hour. The bar’s happy hour offers two-for-one cocktails and beer specials from 5:00 to 10:00 pm every day. Wash down the views of steaming excess on the street below with a Carlsberg for RMB 20 or two Mojitos (RMB 50), the ones we tried went down nicely.

Mash Hour will undoubtedly lead to mass munchies, of which there are plenty. The menu consists of an impressive variety of western and eastern fare with an emphasis on Turkish staples and half-price specials from Monday to Thursday. Scrapping the debauched plan of soaking up the drinks with a Spanish tortilla (RMB 30) to start and a slice of pumpkin pie (RMB 28) to end we went straight for the Chicken Doner Kebab (RMB 36). The wrap’s light simplicity did just what we needed, soaking up the cheap booze that burped up from our bellies. A bit more flavor would have been welcomed, but the dish is a steal at that price.

Before winding down completely, a precautionary shooter (RMB 30) to prep for the tussle of the late-night Sanlitun scene is just right. Just watch a taxi doesn’t flatten your foot as you lunge out into the crowded alley.

Mash
Daily 5pm-3am. Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District (185 1117 8108)
朝阳区三里屯侯街(近3.3服装大厦)

600m west of Tuanjiehu station (Line 10)

Also try: First Floor, Luga's Villa

Photos: Nick Richards