VIBE

On one of the few remaining alleyways in Sanlitun to have escaped the bulldozers and the gentrifiers, dive bar Kai Club is a vivid (albeit rather scruffy) reminder of Beijing’s raucous, cheap-as-chips expat nightlife scene of the 1990s. Downstairs, the dim, ever-crowded bar dishes up dirt cheap cocktails, a DJ spins pop-tastic dance favorites, and the pole in the center of the dance floor gets more than its fair share of action from boozy revelers. Upstairs, comfy sofas and fewer speakers create a more chill atmosphere, though on weekends you’ll need to fork out for bottle service if you want the privilege of sitting up there.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s casual. If you’re planning on moving on to glammer pastures after a few drinks, feel free to show up in something slinky, but trendy jeans and a cute top are really all that’s required.

GO HERE WITH

Girlfriends

CROWD

A young clubbers-on-a-budget crowd–expect students, backpackers, and young professionals.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The drinks are cheap and the scene is hopping–great spot to get pumped up for a night out. Also, if you’re feeling nostalgic for Beijing’s old school expat dive scene, Kai is the place to come.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The quality of the alcohol. When the drinks are going for RMB 10, you know it’s not top-of-the-line booze.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you get the late-night munchies, authentic fish-n’-chip shop Fish Nation is just across the street. Bring cash because most international cards are not accepted here.

CLOSEST COMPS

Bar Blu (Beijing)