VIBE

Tortured artists and enthusiastic buyers hobnob over perfectly foamed cappuccinos at this sunny industrial-chic coffee shop in the buzzing Dashanzi Art District. Huge windows and a profusion of potted plants add cheer to the exposed-brick and espresso-machine minimalism of the space. Also on site are a boutique hotel and a contemporary art gallery.

CROWD

Creative types from the galleries and studios of the surrounding Dashanzi Art District.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s really casual, but in an artsy boho-chic kind of way. We’d wear a casual cool skirt and a conversation-piece top with sandals. Of course, if you’re not in the mood to go for the gallery-hopping look, you could always go for a pared-down starving artist aesthetic (think black, basic, and possibly paint-spattered).

GO HERE WITH

A friend – for a break from gallery-hopping

WHY WE LIKE IT

Dashanzi is chock-a-block with cafés, but we head directly here for light bites or hits of caffeine; ambiance and quality of coffee put Loft 3 ahead of the competition. We really dig the friendly art-world-insider vibes too–they make us feel like we’re part of the in-crowd.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

There’s no metro nearby–you have to take a taxi to get here.

GOOD TO KNOW

The attached Loft 3 Gallery often exhibits the work of up-and-coming students from some of the country’s best art schools, so this is a good place to get a feel for China’s newest creative talent. The café often runs special events, like music nights and opening parties for gallery exhibitions–check their website for the latest listings.

CLOSEST COMPS

The Bookworm (Beijing)

Read more about Loft 3 Cafe in The Diary