Lost in a maze of alleys east of Houhai, this tumbledown courtyard is where Beijing's craft-beer scene first burped into life back in the heady, pre-Xi days of 2010. The bar, with its lovely walled yard, remains Beijing's most atmospheric spot for a pint. Choose from a chalkboard list of locally inspired creations such as Honey Ma Gold, with its Sichuan peppercorns and Shandong honey.
Food is limited to spicy peanuts (free, as is bottled water), although local restaurants deliver direct to the yard – just ask at the bar. For more robust eats, including pizzas and burgers, seek out the flashier GLB branches in Sanlitun and Lido.
To get here, go south out of Shichahai subway station, left on to Mao'er Hutong, then left again on to Doujiao Hutong, and you'll soon wind your way to the bar.