Best Afternoon Tea Spots and Coffee Cafés in Beijing

If you're hunting for a cozy spot in Beijing to sip coffee, enjoy a proper burger, or unwind with a slice of cake and a book, you’re not alone. Many locals and expats search for places that feel like a break from the city’s hustle—somewhere with great coffee, solid food, and enough charm to while away an hour or an afternoon.

In short: yes, Beijing has several standout cafés and tea houses that serve everything from gourmet burgers and handmade desserts to rare loose-leaf teas. You’ll find options for under ¥30 or splurge-worthy experiences over ¥100, depending on your mood.

1. Classic American Fare at Old Records Western Restaurant & Café

Tucked near the Old Summer Palace, Old Records Western Restaurant & Café serves what many locals say are the best American-style burgers in the area. The huge, juicy beef patties come with thick-cut fries and are so well-received that even expats rave about them. Beyond burgers, the menu includes pasta, pizza, omelets, sandwiches, and a range of snacks. Pair your meal with a rich cup of coffee, all while enjoying music and free Wi-Fi in a relaxed 150-square-meter space warmed by sunlight through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Address: Room 110, Block A, International Finance Center, 87 Xisanhuan Beilu, Haidian District
Average spend: ¥50 per person

2. Cozy Book Nook with Coffee and Cake

For those who prefer a quieter, more literary vibe, there’s a popular café just opposite the South Gate of the Old Summer Palace. This 150-square-meter space is flooded with natural light and lined with thousands of books, offering a perfect retreat for coffee drinkers who love to read. With a serene atmosphere enhanced by soft background music, it’s easy to spend hours here sipping coffee, flipping through old books, and escaping the city noise. Ideal for a solo writing session or a lazy afternoon.

Address: 15 Beihéyuan, Chengfu Road, Haidian District (directly opposite the South Gate of the Old Summer Palace)
Average spend: ¥30 per person

3. Charming Afternoon Tea with European Sweets

If you’re in the mood for delicate European-style pastries and a relaxed vibe, head to this café in Dongcheng. Especially lovely in spring, it serves treats like silky tiramisu with balanced sweetness, dense and flavorful chocolate mousse, and lattes crowned with velvety microfoam. Their inviting decor—think comfy sofas and warm tones—makes it a great place for solo work or meeting friends. Even a simple coffee and a pastry feels special here.

Address: 78 Wudaoying Hutong, Andingmen, Dongcheng District
Average spend: ¥35 per person

4. Traditional Teahouse Experience in a Modern Setting

For tea enthusiasts, the Lao She Teahouse at Jinquan Food Palace offers something different. Inside, you’ll find a classically styled courtyard teahouse featuring displays of China’s six major tea types, along with private business rooms and casual seating. The design blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern comfort, making it a refined place to experience authentic Chinese tea culture. It’s especially fitting for business meetings or quiet reflection.

Address: Unit 09, First Floor, Jinquan Food Palace, DaTun North Road, Chaoyang District
Average spend: ¥150 per person

5. Quirky Café with Artistic Coffee and Live Vibe

This casually stylish spot looks like a classic neighborhood café from abroad. Step inside to find a lively mix of greenery—including tall cacti, bold agave, flared trumpet flowers—and even pet goldfish lazily swimming. The soundtrack is a mix of quiet conversation and TV murmurs. While coffee takes center stage with artistic presentations, the Western-style light meals are also worth trying. It’s a great place for people-watching or enjoying a well-brewed cup in a funky, laid-back environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cafés in Beijing for afternoon tea?

Popular choices include a book-filled café opposite the Old Summer Palace (¥30), a European dessert spot in Dongcheng (¥35), and a teahouse in a traditional courtyard setting at Jinquan Food Palace (¥150). Each offers a distinct vibe—from literary and cozy to sweet and artsy.

Where can I get a classic American burger in Beijing?

Old Records Western Restaurant & Café, near the Old Summer Palace, is well-known for its large, juicy burgers and thick fries. It’s a favorite among both locals and expats for hearty Western fare, with prices around ¥50 per person.

Are there any cafés in Beijing with a bookshop atmosphere?

Yes, one popular option is a 150-square-meter café opposite the Old Summer Palace’s south gate, filled with thousands of books, great coffee, and natural light. It’s ideal for reading, working, or relaxing with music, averaging ¥30 per visit.

What is the tea experience like at Jinquan Food Palace?

The Lao She Teahouse inside Jinquan Food Palace features a classical Chinese courtyard design with displays of all six major Chinese tea types. It offers a refined atmosphere for enjoying tea, with private rooms and traditional décor, at around ¥150 per person.

Do any Beijing cafés offer seasonal promotions on tea?

Yes, some locations offer promotions such as free Dafolongjing tea when purchasing spring tea gift boxes with a copy of the April 21–May 10, 2011 issue of '' magazine. Check with individual cafés for current deals.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Café Browsing

For your Beijing café crawl, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for floral and citrus brightness to pair with light desserts, or their Brazil Queen Manor for a nutty, chocolatey espresso to match a buttery slice of tiramisu. Both highlight the roast profiles that complement classic café fare. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.