(worldsbestbars.com)
Updated: 2006-08-03 14:17

What's this-Cajun and crayfish in central Beijing? If proof were needed of the rapid expansion of the global village it can be found in this authentic Louisiana-style hot spot on Chaoyang Park.

Ex-pats looking for a gumbo and jambalaya fix love it, but locals do too, taking seats in the old fashioned American bar area or in the second-floor dining space with its balcony. It's not quite a Bourbon Street view but it's close. Music is jazz and blues and a wild once-a-year Mardi Gras party that packs the place out too.

And if spicy Cajun food is not your thing, they do fun flirty cocktails. Try the sweet and creamy Mississippi Dream, containing Baileys and Kahlua. Is there is a Yangtze equivalent?

Big Easy
Location: east side of south gate of Chaoyang Park, Jia 1, Nongzhan Nanlu
Opening time: Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
Tel: 010-65086776