When it comes to the Beijing Craft Beer Scene, Jing-A is one of the OGs. And, perhaps, the most ‘G’ – they do have a Wu Tang-inspired beer called Hutong Clan.
But it says a lot about the scene that Jing-A only opened its now-famous taproom in 2014, after a stint operating out of the space formerly home to Big Smoke. Now, they’re back to their old fermenting grounds with location No. 2: Jing-A Brewpub, Xingfucun.
For anyone who frequents its first taproom – we’re guessing most of you, judging by the number of drinkers there every night – this can only be good news. There is a lot to like about the new spot: it is damn big, with dining tables in the front, a taproom in the middle and a bar near the back. There’s even hallway seating, because why the hell not?
Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better – except in this case, it kind of does. Essentially, the brewpub takes all the good stuff from the original taproom – delicious beer, red bricks – and adds a heap of other great stuff, like Texas-style barbecue, room to move and double the number of bathrooms.
Beer varieties include the usual suspects (Flying Fist IPA, Koji Red Ale) as well as small batch and seasonal brews. But if you’re not into beer, there’s whisky, rum, wine and even cocktails on tap (RMB50, including mixes by Mao Mao Chong and the Tiki Bungalow). What may seem gimmicky is actually so fresh and on point – the Mala Mule is a tingly ginger sensation.
But really, we’re here for the food, and you should be too. The star-spangled banner of the menu is the barbecue meat (RMB70-400). Slow-smoked, the meat comes with plenty of accompaniments, including grilled mantou – an inspired choice.
If the pork ribs are good – and they are – then the sandwiches are great. We have heretofore anointed the BBQ brisket sandwich (RMB70) the ‘Best in Beijing.’ Other dishes are hit or miss. The mac’n’ cheese (RMB40) is revelatory, but the crispy Brussels sprouts (RMB30) are deep-fried within an inch of their lives. Definitely don’t order them under any pretense of being ‘healthy.’
With all the other OGs seemingly upping their game this past year – Slow Boat’s Sanlitun taproom just turned one, and even Shanghai's Boxing Cat has made its Beijing debut – it was about time that Jing-A joined the big bois with a big brewpub.
See a listing for Jing-A Brewpub and read more Beijing Restaurant Reviews
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