Beijing has a sexy new Speakeasy, and it specializes in something surprising: delicious fresh tacos.
Hidden away behind an unmarked, locked door in the hutongs near the Lama Temple, it’s the kind of place only insiders know about. And that now includes you. Designed by the team behind the popular Apothecary bar and MODO and Mosto restaurants, the interior has been kept nice and simple, with a smattering of wood tables, a wall-sized chalkboard for writing up orders and a handful of industrial chic lamps and stools to secure the restaurant a place in the so-hip-it-hurts category.
As for the food… there’s always something to be said for a restaurant that focuses on one thing and does it really well – and the Taco Bar doesn’t disappoint. Everything is made fresh on-site each day, from the totopos (fried to order tortilla chips) to the salsa, slow simmered black beans and of course, the tacos.
The tacos themselves boast mouthwateringly fresh fillings and are served in baskets in portions of three. The menu features everything from Hongos Tacos (tempura flashed seasonal mushroom with roasted lime ’slaw and garlic aioli) to Carnitas (roasted pork shoulder and pickled red onion tacos) and a delicious Pescado Taco (crispy tilapia fish, tomato, cilantro and lime).
And since this is the kind of place you’d bring a small group of friends for a gossip, you’d be wise to pre-order a bottle of the Bar’s knockout fruity sangria or La Paloma (gin and grapefruit cocktails) for the table.
Small but perfectly formed, this is one pint-sized pop up restaurant you don’t want to miss.
The Taco Bar have now moved to a new location in Sanlitun. To make a reservation, you can contact them directly on +86 (10) 6501 6026 or email them at thetacobarbeijing@gmail.com.