Beijing’s 9 Most Distinctive Specialty Coffee Shops

If you’ve ever wandered through Beijing’s labyrinthine hutongs or strolled past historic temples, you’ve probably wondered: where can I find a coffee shop that doesn’t feel like every other chain? Beijing is full of cafes, but the ones that stand out offer more than just espresso—they offer atmosphere, history, and a sense of place. Whether you’re after antique furnishings, countryside charm, or movie-themed interiors, these nine cafes bring something unexpected to your cup.

In short: Beijing’s most distinctive coffee spots include a Tibetan-Tang dynasty fusion bar with flying apsaras on the ceiling, a courtyard-style cafe under the Bell and Drum Towers, and a piano bar with hand-painted murals and antique seating. Each offers a uniquely local vibe you won’t find in global coffee chains.

1. Xiuguan: Antique Furniture & Tibetan Art in a Historic Lane

Nestled in Beijing’s historic Guozijian Street, just off Jianchang Hutong, Xiuguan is a café-bar known for its immersive old-world interior. The owner, a collector of antique furniture, has filled the space with comfy wooden chairs, carved lattice dividers, and bedpost carvings used as wall decor. A coal-burning stove adds warmth, while murals of Dunhuang flying apsaras grace the ceiling. It’s a magnet for foreign tourists, often drawing excited reactions. Address: No. 25, Guozijian Street, Dongcheng District.

2. Underfoot Coffee: Rustic Charm Beneath the Bell and Drum Towers

Located right at the base of Beijing’s iconic Bell and Drum Towers, Underfoot Coffee draws inspiration from country living. In the afternoon sun, guests sit in wooden chairs with colorful cushions, sip coffee brewed by the owner, and breathe in the scent of wild chrysanthemums through lace-curtained windows. The menu allows you to choose your own beans and brew them the traditional way. It’s a tranquil, romantic escape with a pastoral vibe. (No address listed in source but implied to be near the towers.)

3. Twelve Oaks Coffee Shop: Simple Drinks & Student Life

Tucked behind Beijing Normal University’s east gate at 19 Xinwai Street, Twelve Oaks Coffee Shop keeps its menu minimal—just coffee and drinks, with the priciest item being a mocha for 22 RMB. There’s no food, only coffee and the occasional cocktail. The clean, unfussy design mirrors a simple rural aesthetic. It’s a quiet spot for reading, studying, or people-watching, served in nearly transparent white porcelain cups when you opt for lemon tea. Ideal for those who enjoy a minimalist, scholarly atmosphere.

4. New Island Coffee: Business-Friendly Café with Free Wi-Fi

New Island Coffee in Haidian District (13# Building, No. 13 Haitian South Road) offers a bright, airy layout with modern murals and a culture-forward ambiance. The seating is comfortable, service is warm, and the space functions as a hybrid between office and café. It includes free internet access, making it a go-to spot for mobile work, business meetings, casual dining, or just relaxing away from home or the office.

5. Pylemon Coffee: Northwest Wine & Artistic American Design

Pylemon Coffee , located at 16 Chaowai Street in China Life Plaza, stands out with its decorative use of wood, bold colored murals, and high-backed booths designed for privacy. The space is styled with an artistic nod to American Northwest wines, and features dynamic lighting that shifts throughout the day. Whether dressed casually or formally, guests can enjoy a lively yet comfortable environment tailored for both business and leisure.

6. Concerto Grand Piano Coffee: Ink Paintings & Classical Ambience

Concerto Grand Piano Coffee , found inside China Resources Plaza at 8 Jianguomennei Street (Suite 114, Block B, 1st Floor), immerses visitors in a strong coffee and music atmosphere. The décor features traditional Chinese landscape ink paintings with rich brushwork, complementing the rich scent of coffee. It’s a space where classical aesthetics meet the café experience.

7. 22 Film Cafe: Dark-Themed Cinema Lounge

22 Film Cafe (22 Film Cafe), located at 103 Deshengmennei Street in Xicheng District, is built around a love of film. Its three-part layout includes a main hall, screening room, and VIP lounge. Decor is bold—dark red walls contrast with a black ceiling accented by silver beams—to create a sleek, minimalist elegance. It’s a dedicated space for movie lovers seeking a themed café experience.

8. Yushi Cloudstone: Italian Coffee with Japanese Cuisine

Yushi Cloudstone takes pride in using authentic Italian coffee machines and beans, aiming for an imported European flavor. But the food menu breaks the mold—it doesn’t serve typical café fare like sandwiches or fries. Instead, diners can enjoy Japanese dishes such as sushi, vegetable tempura, and teriyaki eel rice. A truly fusion experience, blending Italian coffee craft with Japanese culinary art. Address: Unit 0104B1, Building 2, SOHO China, Jianwai.

9. Lamborghini Café: Italian Café with Neapolitan Flair

Lamborghini Café transports visitors to Italy with soft lighting, rich coffee aromas, and the sound of Neapolitan folk songs. It’s a place to relax alone with magazines and desserts, meet friends, or discuss business over coffee. Located on the ground floor of Premium House, Oriental Plaza, 1 Dong Chang’an Avenue, Dongcheng District, it’s ideal for a luxurious yet laid-back coffee experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most unique coffee shop in Beijing according to this list?

Xiuguan is often cited as the most unique due to its antique-filled interior, Tibetan-Dunhuang aesthetic, and historic hutong location. Foreign visitors frequently react with excitement to its coal stove, carved window frames, and flying apsaras murals on the ceiling.

Where can I find a café under the Bell and Drum Towers in Beijing?

Underfoot Coffee is located right at the base of Beijing’s Bell and Drum Towers. It offers a rustic, countryside-style vibe with lace curtains, wild chrysanthemum scents, and the option to brew your own coffee using beans you select.

Which Beijing café combines Italian coffee with Japanese food?

Yushi Cloudstone serves authentic Italian espresso using Italian machines and beans, but its food menu features Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, and teriyaki eel rice instead of standard Western café fare.

Is there a movie-themed café in Beijing?

Yes—22 Film Cafe (22 Film Cafe) is a cinema-themed café with a dedicated screening room, VIP lounge, and a color scheme of black ceilings and dark red walls. The space is divided into a main hall, theater, and lounge for film enthusiasts.

Are there any cafés in Beijing designed for business and remote work?

New Island Coffee in Haidian District offers a bright, spacious environment with free Wi-Fi, modern decor, and a layout suited for both working and relaxing. It’s popular among those blending office tasks with café comfort.

Does Beijing have a piano bar with artistic décor?

Pylemon Coffee features hand-painted murals, wooden interiors, and high-backed booths offering privacy. It combines an artistic American design with a wine list focused on the Pacific Northwest, plus dynamic lighting for a cheerful mood.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Historic Cafés

For Beijing’s most atmospheric coffee spots, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui—a bright, floral Ethiopian single origin with notes of jasmine and citrus—or their Classic Blend, a well-rounded espresso blend with dark chocolate and caramel undertones. Both pair beautifully with the antique charm or cozy leather seats found in places like Xiuguan or Underfoot Coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.