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Bingjiang Xi Lu is the street for barhopping. The area is very popular with a younger crowd and has great views. For another view of the river, you can always cross the bridge to Yanjiang Xi Lu and drink at some of the bars on that side.
This Bavarian-themed bar is known for its decent selection of imported wheat beers, ale (there are about a dozen), and beverages like Champagne, wine, and cocktails that are best enjoyed on the lovely, spacious outdoor patio. The atmosphere inside is chic but cozy, with a long bar and warm lighting.
Bingjiang Xi Lu is the street for barhopping. Very popular with a younger crowd, it has great views of the Pearl River. You can always cross the bridge to Yanjiang Xi Lu and pay a visit to some of the venues on that side.
The Café Lounge has a mellow vibe, big comfortable bar stools, quiet tables for two, live music on weekends, and a fine selection of cigars.
This cool dance club is located in a building that was a theater back in the days of Sun Yat-sen. Lounge lizards and history buffs will enjoy sipping a beer here.
If you're looking for a low-key atmosphere and outdoor seating, head to The Happy Monk. On the drinks menu, you'll find a mix of fruity cocktails and a decent wine selection, as well as the likes of Guinness and Stella Artois on tap. The basic pub grub here isn't going to blow your mind, but the friendly ambience, tucked-away location and funky copper-and-wood interiors make it a popular choice among locals and expats.
It doesn't get much classier than the low-lit surrounds, rare whiskeys, crystal glassware, cigars and private booths at The Loft in the Mandarin Oriental. The extensive and informative whiskey list is impressive, as is the service staff's encyclopedic knowledge of each pour. The food is a draw too, with talked-about wagyu beef tataki, chocolate wontons, and big, fat burgers.
For one of the private booths, be sure to make a reservation.
The games of darts, pints of Guinness and Kilkenny, and football matches on a massive screen make you long for Ireland. It's a popular gathering spot for Guangzhou's expat community.
Inspired by New Zealand's friendly restaurant and bar culture, Social & Co is one of the most cosmopolitan bars in Guangzhou. Indoors, there's an eclectic feel—as evidenced by kitschy garden gnomes, plump leather furniture, and polished-concrete walls—while outdoors, a spacious seating area fills up quickly for Sunday brunch (11:30 am–3 pm). On the menu, you'll find a carefully selected list of bottled beers and wine, as well as a handful of modern Aussie and New Zealand sharing plates.
The biggest and hippest dance and live music venue in Guangzhou, Soho Bar lets you get your jive on to house and electronica. When the sound gets to be too much, chill out on the outdoor terrace. Admission is Y50 to Y100, depending on the night.
