Houhai's 31 Bar has what you want in spades. You want music? You want vistas? You want a rooftop deck? How about live music? Do you want all that? Of course you do! How about a cozy, little bar where you can see everyone else in the bar and the band at all times?

But wait... I haven't mentioned that 31 Bar shares its location with a tenacious tree that snakes through the rafters and up to the roof deck (without blocking any views or barricading the bar), but this is my favorite aspect of the place.

31Bar has even more great features. Since they are working with a limited interior, the main source of light in the place emanates from the bar which wraps everyone in that oh-so attractive neon drinking glow. As if that weren't a friendly-enough welcome to hard-boiled drinkers, 31 Bar's three meter entrance way is lined (stacked high, really) with 9,999 bottles of beer on the wall. Welcome to the jungle, indeed!

If all that is too raucous for you, please don't forget you can always make your escape to the rooftop to chill in the lake breeze. And perhaps remind yourself that 31 Bar is still just far enough from the craziness of Houhai to catch your breath and people-watch in relative calm.

A quick note on the staff: they are amazing and pliant. Negotiating your way to cheaper drinks or a moment on the mic is not unheard of. They aim to please.