Aperitivo is nothing to write home about as a bar, but it's a convenient, pleasant enough place to stop in for a drink either by day or night.

The outdoor seating is probably its most appealing aspect, especially in the warmer months. The outdoor area is ringed by bushes, which gives some shelter from the hurly burly of Sanlitun Hou Jie, while still allowing enough of a view to provide visual entertainment. And there's always something entertaining, whether it's the international drug dealers, the 15 year-old drunks or the locals out for a bit of fisticuffs on a Saturday night.

The drinks selection is nothing special, but beverages are reasonably priced and if you're just looking for something standard like a local beer you can't go wrong.

Not a place I generally plan to hang out in, but a very handy spot to drop in to if I'm in the area and feeling dry.

You could find the concept by its name "Aperitivo"... It's not a typical "friendly" place, most of people here are frequent customers. I like hanging out there because there are 5 times chances more than the other places to meet people I know without make any appointment. Pretty much like a small bar at any corner close to your home in Italy, where you can find friends for a drink after finishing work. If you don't often visit there or you don't belong to their community, you might find a little bit uncomfortable. But if you get close to the bar you could immediately making some new friends. With the reasonable price you can find the nice wine selection and Italian appetizer, and the great music collection there would be able to warm up your body if you are ready for a late party.

I've been an occasional customer at Aperitivo for at least the last three years, but never again.

I wandered in a couple of weeks ago, looking for 'The Saddle'. The conversation went something like this (in Chinese)

'Excuse me, do you know where 'The Saddle' is, it is a Mexican restaurant near here?'
'No'
'Do you have a copy of 'That's Beijing'?'
'No'
(I then saw some copies of 'City Weekend', and picked one up)
'Those magazines are only for customers'
'Thank you, you've been very helpful'

That level of customer service can only exist where the business doesn't depend on repeat custom. Aperitivo, don't fret, I will never darken your door again.

I've given one star, but only because I couldn't go any lower.