(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-08-28 10:20

Beijing needs more bars like Sino-Chu, an intimate hole-in-the-wall venue, situated on a whimsical tree-lined street, away from dance floors stuffed with inebriated youngsters and bars dedicated to keeping them buzzed.

If you're the type who'd rather sip a smart cocktail without worrying about getting tequila sloshed on your pumps, this two-year-old bar is likely to become a usual stop on your to-go list.

Sino-Chu is cosy, with six tables, candlelight and an impressive wine selection that makes even the staunchest beer drinker willing to sniff and swirl.

Falling somewhere between Pass-by Bar and Centro, it replaces trendy and slick with warmth and maturity, without being pretentious.

Woo a date with a well-mixed cocktail (38 yuan) or grab a few Coronas with a co-worker (most bottled beer is 25 yuan). The three house wines are 38-58 yuan a glass, and weekly wine specials are available as well.

The surprisingly reasonably priced menu features a tempting Italian-inspired selection, like gorgonzola penne (30 yuan) and vegetarian sandwiches (28 yuan), in addition to pizzas, steak and a bit of seafood (average 50 yuan).

The outdoor seating is charming and casual, while the English staff is helpful and genuinely knowledgeable about what they're serving up.

While most of the scant clientele comes from employees at the nearby Australian and Canadian embassies, it would be nice to see more than suits and ties at this gem that's conveniently close to, but refreshingly different than, Sanlitun's typical bar scene.

Sino-Chu
Location: No.18 Liangmahe Nanlu, Chaoyang District
Opening time: 11am-2am
Tel: 010-85322418