This place certainly has an amazing range of cocktails that I've never heard of. The fact that none of the four of us liked our cocktails (or each others') was probably due to our unrefined tastes rather than poor cocktail construction - and it's not like the menu doesn't go into quite some detail about the attributes of each drink.

It ain't cheap, though. And try to avoid the rather soulless corridor at the back of the bar where you'll be seated once the main bar area gets full.

Saturday night. Apothecary gets loud - atmosphere aiming for intimate (low light, candles, dark woods everywhere) but the amount of noise kills it as a date spot for me. Book before you go, definitely. Drinks were good - I tried an Earl Grey cocktail inspired by something called a MarTEAni and a recreation of a Dale DeGroff cocktail. The latter was not as good as something actually mixed by Dale DeGroff, but both were still quite good. I don't know if they're 25-kuai-better-than-Mao-Mao-Chong good, but they've got way more options. Every drink has an introduction and a description, a nice touch.

Food-wise, I had the pulled pork baguette and a black-eyed pea soup. Pulled pork was lukewarm and not particularly juicy - Home Plate does it much better. Soup was well-spiced but brothy rather than creamy, which made me sad in the mouthparts. This would be more OK if they (a) didn't charge so exorbitantly for bar food and (2) didn't pre-prep everything, and just heat before serving. I wouldn't come back for the food.

Service was patchy - lack of cutlery, difficulty getting a waitress, difficulty making myself heard to a waitress - but all was forgiven when we left and our waiter came rushing out after us, brandishing my partner's smartphone. I'd give it a 3.5 - it's too loud, they overcharge and if even my local at home cooked to order, surely Apothecary should do too.

This place oozes class. The cocktails are sublime and made with care - Hot buttered rum, try it, it's like Christmas in a glass! The only reason I've not given it five stars is because when it's busy, you don't get served that quickly and because of the stupid no standing policy - I understand it's to make it less crowded but still, annoying.

Overall though, love Apothecary.

I went to Apothecary 2 days ago...... of course without any reservation, as i never did a booking to go for drinks.
At the door, we didn't even open the door and the waitress told us that if we didn't have a reservation we can get in.
I was so upset and i tried to get in again yesterday without reservation and i can say that is one of the best cocktails i never had
in Beijing.
Too many rules to have a drink guys !!
But great cocktails.

The subject line tells my first two feelings about this place, next, the buttermilk biscuits are a treat and the fried chicken is on point, was only available on Sundays, not sure about now.

What don't I like? The prices hit home a little bit, but I am willing to pay extra for the ambiance of the place, I just wish the drink process was about 30% faster. When the customer notices that drinks are taking a long time, it just shows me there is a problem, we know its high class so 5-7 mins longer is ok, but 20-25 mins for a drink...at a bar...that's just ridiculous IMO. So, I love the place, never had a problem with the managers or anything, so I give it 4.2 stars.

Whoever is the owner they have inculcated an attitude .Something like if we are good why should we care so much for customers !
The wait for the drinks can be too long. The bartender sure does a good job of mixing and making good cocktails but the prices hit the roof.
You cant drink too much here. Thats the problem else you will be ripped off.
They try to sell the food too much. If you say you dont need the food ,they get disappointed perhaps the waitstaff or the supervisor has a target to sell ?
Not a place for me where I will go to drink regularly .
Yes they make good cocktails.

Depends on what you want from a bar, if you only want quality drinks that are very pricy, you should go there. But if you want good drinks and good service, this is not a place where will make you happy.

What will you do if people complain about your bar - drinks are too small, barmen who work for you are not able to make some simple drinks etc. Ignore and not change anything or do some changed in order to make your customers happy?

If you want regulars to come back, you MUST make them happy, if you always make them happy, you will only get one time customers.

Of course, some people just don't give a damn.

I heard a lot of good things about this place, and being tired of shit drinks that many places in beijing serve, gave it a try for after dinner drinks. Nice atmosphere, great with few friends. Drinks are fantastic and meticulously made. I asked one of the staff what her recommendation was, I tried the a strawberry infused tequila. Yummy!

Go on a Wednesday for the 100 rmb Tasmanian oysters (for 6)…and to try the rest of the interesting Creole menu. The bread basket (25 rmb) was a surprising treat with corn bread, sweet potato buns, biscuits (the American kind...) as well as baguette slices. (The latter being slightly redundant.) The pea soup was superb, flavoursome and hearty with slices of homemade sausage in it. The ribs were tasty. And we had an excellent endive salad too. For a different and rewarding Sanlitun dining experience, Apothecary is definitely worth trying.

Great bar. It's my favorite place to get a drink in BJ. You will be very satisfied by the attention to detail in all drinks they mix. It's a great bar to drink and talk. You can hear yourself think clearly and with the warm atmosphere there, you actually want to hear what you're thinking.

One issue I have is that there are TOO many drinks to choose from. Reading the menu thoroughly takes about 45 minutes and after about 20 drinks everything becomes a blur (pun intended).

They snootiness of the service is somewhat uncalled for, but it's part of the concept of the bar. They have a great product and they know it. They are sophisticated and have thought out everything, your opinion and needs don't matter.They know best. So, don't fight the current, let it sweep you along and you'll be out to sea in no time.