"We want people to come for the music," says owner Mike Pettis. Well, with a no-frills interior and drinks limited to the bare basics, there isn't much more to go for.

Dim lighting, bare walls and simple wooden booths make D-22 divey, but that seems intentional. It's a venue run by music lovers for music lovers and what it lacks in flair, it makes up for in heart.The centerpiece is a stage for live music. A balcony overlooking the performance area gives patrons breathing room while still allowing for an intimate view of bands.

Cocktails (RMB 20), are mixed by inexperienced, albeit sweet and chatty, bartenders and beers go for RMB 10-15. But none of that matters once the music kicks up. Pettis, the man who brought Elliot Sharp to the capital, is lining up local favorites like Car Sick Cars and importing avant jazz musicians from France. With this diversity, he might just get his wish to attract Beijing's music crowd.

Location: No. 13, Chengfulu, Haidian (between Wudaokou Subway Station and Peking Univ. East Gate)
Tel: 010-62653177
Perfect for: getting close to the band