Same thing happened to me back in 2010. I was introduced to this place by an American friend and always went there with some foreign friends the first couple of times, each time I was let in though the bar owner didn't seem very friendly to me. One day I was with some Chinese and foreign friends and I ended up arriving there earlier with another Chinese. As soon as we got in and were looking for seats, he came over and told us that Amilal was a private club and open to members　ｏｎｌｙ. I was very surprised to hear that and asked him since when it has become a private club as I was there only a few days ago and I was positive that he recognized me. He lied to my face saying that it has always been private and he’s never seen me there before. He then pointed at a foreign guy in the next room and said to me “do you know who he is? He works for the British Embassy”. My friend was infuriated by this and started to argue with him, he shouted at us saying “leave now, we are closed, we never welcome people like you”. At this point the American friend arrived, the owner had no choice but to deny he didn’t know my friend either. We were basically kicked out of the bar. I’ve actually been back once due to peer pressure, luckily I was with about 20 foreigners and had no problem getting in or getting served. I hate to say this but I think the owner is somewhat racist against Chinese though we are actually the same race.

I am a foreigner and have lived in BJ for the last 3 years. I've been to Amilal a few times before and have always
enjoyed the special atmosphere of this place. The hidden location, hutong atmosphere and the warm wooden
decor made it one of the nicest places to go for a quiet chat. The owner, though
a bit peculiar always seemed nice and hospitable.

It has all changed recently. Before, I always came with foreign friends, but recently I decided to show it to my Chinese friends, all working people in our thirties. We didn't even sit down, before the owner said that we are not welcome. He didn't give any particular reason and refused to even talk to us. Then I thought that something must have happened, and there must be some kind of a reason we were treated that way, but a week later I found out that one of my Chinese colleagues, who has been in Amilal before with other foreigners was also not allowed (he came with two Chinese friends - also quiet and nice people in their thirties) I decided I will never visit this place again!!

Other than the nice setting, there is nothing else good about this place. They no longer serve any mixed drinks and have only 2 selections of wine. The service is the shittiest I've ever received in a bar. Our table lamp died and we asked the boss's brother, who was the only one on duty at the time, to help fix it so we could get some light at our table. He didn't fix it, yelled insults at us and told us to never come back again. If this is how they treat their customers I rate it the "worst service" in Beijing.

This has to be one of the cosiest bars in all of Beijing. Tucked down a little hutong, it has a tiny courtyard (but its own bathroom!) and three small rooms, one of which houses the bar. The furniture and decorations are all of the vintage variety and individual lamps provide the lighting which is subdued and warm, it’s very homey but in a bohemian-rather-than-nanna kind of way. It’s lovely place to surround yourself with friends and if alone, the resident cat may befriend you…

This is such a groovy little hideaway decked out in a mismatched yet lovable array of heavy wooden furniture and leather couches set upon polished wood floors.
The folding carved wooden doors, lamps perched upon side tables and framed photographs gives you the feeling that you've been invited over to a friends house for drinks. You're in luck...you're friend has an impressive selection of whiskey, knows how to mix a killer mojito and has great taste in music!
You'll love the outdoor courtyard with stone benches and candle light.
Intimate seating means it perfect for a chat with some close friends...can see the stars on a clear night, oh la la!

I agree, it's a small place and announcing how great it is might spoil it all.
As you enter, there's a little courtyard with benches and stone ledges to sit around. You snake inside pass the bar and there's sections of indoor seating areas. Come summer it'll be great to stop by after strolling around Nanluoguxiang and sitting in the courtyard to have drinks with your buddies. Also, good space to possibly hold a cocktail get together.