The best (and worst) of Beijing brauhauses

October 2, 2013 By Nick Yates

The Paulaner Bräuhaus Backed by the eponymous Munich brewery, this brauhaus is the granddaddy of the Chinese capital, having run Oktoberfests since 1992.

Drei Kronen 1308 The German family brewer that oversees this site also jointly owns two other Beijing bars (Hopfenstube and Ellingen Brauhaus). Drei Kronen is easily the most atmospheric of the bunch, especially during its wildly popular Oktoberfest.

Villa Castanea Set in the suburban Fragrant Hills, this brewpub is a luxurious amalgam of European culture surrounded by stunning scenery and close to the historic Summer Palace.

Schindler’s Tankstelle Doesn’t brew but has an interesting selection of imports to be enjoyed on the terrace or under the arched brick roof of the beer hall.

Golden Hans The ownership spotted an opportunity in the wake of Paulaner and started this chain offering German-style beers at Chinese prices. Among other cost-cutting shortcuts, rushed fermentation is the chief culprit for the brews’ unique tastes.