By Simon Lim, Judy Zhou and Rob Patterson (that's beijng)
Updated: 2006-08-24 08:58

 Best Outdoor Terrace - Bar Blu

Being "away from the noise and dirtiness of the street" is just part of the charm of Beijing's outdoor terraces and no one has it better than Bar Blu. Readers say it is “never overcrowded" and a "great place to chill out and enjoy the warm summer air."

Runners-up - Pavillion, Stone Boat Cafe

Editor's Pick - Stone Boat Cafe
Tucked away in Ritan Park, the Stone Boat Bar was made for lazy afternoon cocktails by the lake. It was also made for post-work drinks, pre-party rendezvous and late nightcaps. Hope they don't start serving the hard stuff in the mornings, because we'd be there.

Best Decor - Bed

Bed Bar's unique hutong locale, multiple room courtyard layout and old-fashioned kangs make it a comfy and stylish favorite. "It might not be a flashy place, but it has a genuine atmosphere," says one reader. Another response praised the "sense of coziness and warmth, marked by friendly intimacy."

Runners-up - Redmoon, Suzie Wong's

Editor's Pick - East Shore Live Jazz Cafe
Designed by musicians for musicians, the newly opened East Shore Live Jazz Cafe gets our vote for style: a gig-battered guitar in the display case, and images of jazz giants side-by-side on wooden walls stained so dark it makes the jazzy haze sweeter.

Best Live Music - Yugong Yishan

While the responses were far from articulate, the sentiments were clear: Yugong Yishan is the place for live music. "They play good music, have good bands or whatever," slurred one insightful rocker. "Sorry I’m not more helpful, but I would like to win some free swag for responding." Rock on.

Runners-up - D-22, Icehouse

Editor's Pick - D-22
Taking risks on experimental performances and championing young unknowns, D-22 does its part in sounding the chimes of musical freedom. Owner Michael Pettis, an old New York hand who knows his clubs and music, aims at a Beijing underground revival with Wudaokou as its home.

Best Dance Club - Vics

"Vics Vics Vics!" says Phil Coulins, having forgotten he had said the word once already. "People dance from the minute it opens 'til everything else is closed. Even after Maggie's is dead, you can come back to Vics." Note: Phil admits he goes to Maggie's.
Runners-up - Coco Banana, Destination

Editor's Pick - Destination
There is a bevy of dance clubs in Beijing, though, sadly, nearly all are rubbish. Destination gets our vote on the basis that it is unpretentious and unabashedly cheesy, while the majority of the punters won't hassle the girls.

Best Place to Find a Date - Suzie Wong's

"Being a married man I have to rely on what I have heard," says Kevin McCartan with a wicked glint in his eye. "Suzie Wong's is known to be a meat market where young ladies strut their stuff." At least, that's what he's "heard."
Runners-up - Browns, Destination

Editor's Pick - Vics
When you're dignity's hanging by a thread and you're feeling lonely, low and desperate, head over to Vics, which is full of similarly inclined people. Everyone's a winner.

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