Beijing's nightlife has matured considerably over the last two decades. Sanlitun, the long-established expat area east of the Workers' Stadium, remains the densest concentration of bars — from the touristy corridor of Bar Street to the more interesting cocktail bars and live-music venues tucked into the hutongs behind. Gulou and Nanluoguxiang, in the old city centre, have the best independent bars and coffee shops — atmospheric little places carved out of grey-brick courtyards. The Houhai lake district is popular with Chinese tourists for its cluster of bars lining the water, though most have become tacky and loud.
Coffee culture has exploded since the mid-2010s; specialty roasters are everywhere, particularly around the hutong neighbourhoods and Beixinqiao. For traditional Chinese tea houses, try Lao She Teahouse near Tiananmen or the Great Leap Brewing locations around the city for craft beer.