Vineyard Cafe
Located in the maze of Beijing’s hutongs, this cool cafe is a favorite for both families and trendy students craving some Western comfort food. Prices range from RMB 52 to RMB 60, from the standard veggie burger to the slightly more adventurous veggie “bur”-fect burger with mushrooms and blue cheese. All their veggie burgers include a side salad and crinkle cut fries. Book ahead if you’re planning on going during the weekend to beat the crowd of hungry customers.
Tue-Sun 11.30am-11.30pm. 31 Wudaoying Hutong (just north of the Confucius temple), Dongcheng District (6402 7961) 东城区五道营胡同31号
Lily’s American Diner
This Chinese-owned, American-style diner offers a friendly eating environment and a range of burgers. The classic vegetarian burger (a bargain at RMB 35) is made from a grilled vegetable and chickpea base and topped off with garlic mayonnaise. Add a side salad or fries to any burger for an extra RMB 10. Best of all, Lily’s extensive delivery hours and quick service mean you don’t have to wait for too long.
Daily 8am-midnight. Unit 2-18, Bldg 2, Tianzhi Jiaozi, 31 Guangqu Lu (northeast corner of Shuangjing Qiao), Chaoyang District (6592 5548) 朝阳区双井桥东北角广渠路31号院天之骄子2号楼底商2-18
See Directory for more locations.
First Floor Cafe
This Sanlitun cafe-pub is a lively destination that boasts typical pub grub favorites. Because of its central location, it tends to get pretty packed, especially on weekends. The vegetarian mushroom burger (RMB 50) is a safe choice, but indecisive eaters can also mix and match flavors for a set of mini-burgers (RMB 65). Food is half price on Monday evenings, but families are advised to head there early to avoid the crowds of merrymakers that flock there later at night.
Sun-Thu 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11am-4am. 1/F, Tongli Studio (southwest of 3.3 Shopping Mall), Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District (6413 0587) 朝阳区三里屯后街同里1层
The Veggie Table
This bright and comfortable vegan restaurant provides a relaxing setting to enjoy some colorful and healthy veggie dishes. Try the hearty mushroom burger, served with delicious home-cooked fries and side salad; prices range from RMB 50 to RMB 80. You won’t find any mass-produced products, including ketchup, but the homemade vegan mayonnaise is the perfect addition to an order of sweet potato fries.
Wed-Mon 11am-11pm, 19 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District (6446 2073) 东城区五道营胡同19号
Blue Frog
This comfortable American-style chain from Shanghai offers a variety of burger-centric menu options. The portobello burger includes chunky mushrooms and a variety of vegetables topped off with hummus (RMB 75). Blue Frog offers a two-for-one deal on burgers every Monday from 4pm till late. Spend some of that extra cash on one of their sides, such as the curly fries or onion rings. There is also a kids’ menu with bite-sized portions.
Daily 10am-midnight. 1/F Bdg 1, U-Town, Sanfeng Beili, Chaoyang District (8561 2665) 朝阳区三丰北里悠唐生活广场1号楼1层
This article is excerpted from beijingkids March 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.