The drinks are simple and nothing to rave about, and the prices have crept up over the past few years - it seems they're trying to milk this place's popularity for all they can get. It's often busy, but if you're lucky you'll get a pool table and the peace to enjoy game after game with a beer. The privacy this bar affords is one of its biggest assets - although it's often full, most of the spaces are quite secluded, so you and your friends can feel like you have the place all to yourself. Not only one of Gulou's best bars - this is one of Beijing's most unique. If you haven't been, go.