VIBE

Charmingly scruffy Belgian pub that’s legendary on the Beijing expat scene for its mind-boggling selection of European beers and fresh-from-oven thin crust pizzas. Hidden in a discreet courtyard on a quiet Sanlitun side street, the centerpiece of The Tree’s warren of dark, intimate oak-beamed rooms is the wood-fired brick pizza oven; customers can chill with a stein of something refreshing at the bustling bar and watch as expert chefs whip up fresh pies.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s really casual–try jeans and a funky t-shirt or sweater.

GO HERE WITH

A date; friends; yourself

CROWD

An eclectic mix of expats from all walks of life–expect everyone from young professionals and starving students to well-coiffed business and diplomatic types.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The convivial pubby vibes, excellent beers, and yummy pizzas are the big draw. It’s easy to see how The Tree has become one of the longest-lasting foreign bars in the city–it’s a consistently ideal spot for a laidback pint and pizza with pals.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

When it gets crowded on weekends, waits are long, noise levels are deafening, and the service is grumpy.

GOOD TO KNOW

The original location (The Hidden Tree) was located in the now-destroyed (or “chai’ed”) Sanlitun Nan Jie and featured a lovely tree on its premise. The new location/venue, The Tree, can be a little tricky to find. Head north on the small bar street behind the 3.3 Mall in Sanlitun, and take a left onto the tiny alley with Fish Nation and Kai Bar. Follow the alley around (it makes a 90º turn) and then look for The Tree on your left (it’s just behind Poachers Inn). If you’re looking to branch out from pizza, sister location The Tree Nearby offers the same beer selection as The Tree plus an expanded dinner menu of salads and pastas.

OTHER LOCATIONS

The Tree Nearby, Sanlitun (Beijing)

CLOSEST COMPS

Blue Frog (Beijing)