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

Best Place to Bring a Date - Bed

The number of "take your date to bed … not literally!" responses we received had our sides splitting … not literally! Mirth aside, Bed was the resounding winner in this category. As one lothario remarked, Bed’s romantic quality lies in the "mix of modern urbanity and ancient China … that stinks of romanticism." Well, that's certainly one way to put it.

Runners-up-No Name Bar, Souk

Editor's Pick - Candyfloss
Impress your romantic interest with your hutong know-how when you lead the way to this bar's out of the way location; the whimsical little garden is also the perfect place to cultivate intimacy. Seeking privacy amongst the lush foliage, seat yourselves on one of the tiny little wooden benches and let the quiet breeze encourage the whispering of sweet nothings.

Best for Business Networking - Centro

Last year's winner in this category scoops up again, thanks to its classy surrounds and "elegant"atmosphere. Plus, "you know for a fact that anyone you meet at Centro will have some money to spend."

Runners-up - Aria, Pavillion, The Bookworm

Editor's Pick - Aria
Plush armchairs, carpets, ambient lighting, soft jazz in the background and if you get there between 5 and 7pm, damn fine free antipasto. But the clincher is the exclusivity of the wines, spirits and cocktails on offer, not all of which cost a fortune.

Best Bar Snacks - The Tree
"What goes better with a great beer than pizza?" asks one reader. "The ingredients are fresh, the crust is thin and crispy, and the combinations and toppings are simple and delicious." The bitterballen are pretty good too.
Runners-up - Souk, The Den

Editor's Pick - Club Football
It's 2am, you've been drinking for four hours and your team sucks. It's time for some nutrition. Sirloin steak in black pepper sauce, perhaps? Maybe a jalapeno pizza? No? Then how about the veggie samosas, hummus, or the falafel.

Best For Cheap Drinks - Nanjie

Nanjie's 10 kuai tipples win out this year but it isn't the price alone that draws in the masses. Readers say, "it's because the drinks are cheap and the men are easy." Unpretentious, and the place to go for the Beijing laowai on a budget.
Runners-up - Black Sun Bar, Kai Club

Editor's Pick - Black Sun Bar 1
The drinks at this down and dirty drinking hole are among the cheapest in town, the atmosphere is fun, the management are easygoing, and the memories (the ones that remain, that is) are priceless. Which is why Black Sun is such a winner. And yes, they also have a pole.

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