Great Leap Brewing

 

This is the kind of place where you wonder if the owner would hang out with the people that occupy it on a given night. It could be in an any administrative city (Washington, Moscow, Paris) but what makes it so different is the brewers use of native and different ingredients. These brews have flavor and a good range of strength. Try the sampler of whatever they have on tap.

The only reason I don't rate the service higher is not because I received poor service. The German bartender treated me really well as I slotted in at the bar. But the floor can be so crowded that you are bound to wait a little bit because of the volume of people.

If you are in Beijing and want whatever kind of beer you like, go there. The map on the site is accurate enough. If you get off on the correct side of the main road you'll eventually run into someone who can help you find it.

The newer of the two Great Leap locations in Beijing. The space is very big, with lots of dark wood decor, and tv's with American sports on throughout the bar. The food here is definitely improved. Vegetarian options are also available. There is always a huge selection of beers to pick from that are in constant rotation. The only downsides are it can get super busy, which is expected near Sanlitun, and good beer in China is expensive.

A decent go in Beijing. A bit pricy but quality beers. The carbonation seemed to be an issues as it seemed to take 10 min to pour one beer. Great and attentive staff and very friendly. However get yourself a native speaker to guide you through the hutongs. Took a long time to find this place.