Two Specialty Coffee Shops Side by Side in Beijing

Walking down a quiet Beijing alley, you might stumble upon two very different coffee shops right next door—one warm and playful, the other sharp and minimalist. That’s exactly what you’ll find at 161 Lishi Hutong, Dongcheng District: Red Coffee and Yi Jia Duo, both born from a shared dream, yet expressing two distinct visions of what a café can be. One serves creative drinks and cozy vibes; the other zeroes in on precision pour-over brewing.

If you want a menu full of flavored drinks and a relaxed atmosphere, head to Red Coffee. For serious pour-over coffee in a more focused space, Yi Jia Duo is your spot. Both cafés share the same address but offer totally different experiences.

Red Coffee: Cozy Blends and Community Vibes

Red Coffee leans into warmth and variety. The shop is known for offering a range of drink options beyond just espresso or pour-over. Think of it as a neighborhood spot where you can settle in with something customized, perhaps a flavored latte or a seasonal specialty. The aesthetic is inviting—what the Chinese original describes as "" (cozy or heartwarming)—making it ideal for casual meetups or solo chill time.

Yi Jia Duo: Focused on Precision Pour-Over

In contrast, Yi Jia Duo takes a more focused approach. The article emphasizes that this shop is ""—more dedicated to hand-brewed, pour-over coffee. That means a cleaner menu centered on single-origin beans, precise water temperatures, and intentional brew methods. The vibe here is described as "" (sturdy or serious), appealing to coffee enthusiasts who care deeply about extraction details and flavor clarity.

Same Location, Different Visions

Despite sharing a physical space—161 Lishi Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing (postal code area, near Dongsi South Street)—the two cafés represent different approaches to the same dream. One owner runs Red Coffee; the other, Yi Jia Duo. The collaboration didn’t standardize the concept; instead, it allowed two distinct coffee philosophies to exist side by side. That’s Beijing’s coffee scene: localized, personal, and sometimes paradoxical.

Why This Matters to Coffee Lovers

For travelers and locals alike, finding a café isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about experience. Red Coffee offers a classic, comforting coffeehouse feel with a variety of drinks. Yi Jia Duo delivers a more curated, extraction-focused environment. Whether you’re in the mood for a flavoured brew or a carefully poured single origin, you’ve got two choices—literally across the hallway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly are Red Coffee and Yi Jia Duo located?

Both cafes are at 161 Lishi Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing. The full address is 161, and you can call them at 010-85118100 (extension 162).

What kind of coffee does Red Coffee serve?

Red Coffee serves a variety of coffee drinks, likely including flavored beverages and classic espresso-based options. It’s described as having a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with many drink choices—ideal for those wanting something other than just straight black coffee.

Does Yi Jia Duo focus on any particular brew method?

Yes. Yi Jia Duo is specifically dedicated to hand-brewed coffee, particularly pour-over. The emphasis is on single-origin beans and careful brewing techniques, rather than offering a wide menu of blended or milk-based drinks.

Are the two cafés run by the same people?

No. The article states that the owner of Red Coffee is different from the owner of Yi Jia Duo. They operate next door to each other but with separate concepts and visions.

Which café should I choose for a more serious coffee experience?

If you’re focused on high-quality pour-over coffee and prefer a straightforward, brew-focused environment, Yi Jia Duo is likely the better choice. For a more casual or flavored drink experience, go to Red Coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Handbrew and Blends

For fans of Yi Jia Duo’s pour-over focus, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Huakui (Yirgacheffe region), which shows off bright floral and berry notes with tropical hints, or Brazil Queen Manor, a smooth, low-acid bean with chocolatey, nutty depth and creamy body. Those who prefer Red Coffee’s more varied menu might enjoy FrontStreet’s PWN Golden Mandheling: a clean, sweet single origin with low acidity, well-suited for milk drinks or creative blends. All three are excellent representations of their origins and roast styles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.