Blink and you'll miss it as you're traveling down Sanlitun South Street just south of the Beer Mug. I'm talking about the First Cafe, a tiny bar tucked behind a bar and restaurant.

It might seem like owner Keiko wasn't doing herself any favors by opening her business so close to Bar Street, but two years after its opening, the First Cafe is alive and its clientele is growing. This is thanks to some of the most fabulous martinis and mixed drinks in town, served up by friendly bartenders who are serious about the science of cocktail concoction. You might not know about the First Cafe, but there are plenty of reasons to get acquainted.

The bar's decor and ambience are inviting and elegant, with soft red walls, low lighting, and jazz on the stereo. This is a small place-the upstairs bar can feel crowded with just a dozen customers.

While the standard mixed drinks and the monthly specials are very good, it's the martinis (all YY50) that make the First Cafe stand out. Don't let the price put you off-these are worth every single RMB. Sipping one of George or Echo's martinis makes you feel a bit like James Bond (007 being a notorious martini aficionado.) These martinis are classic, crisp, and, true to tradition, strong. Many folks have good reason to be suspicious of flavored martinis, most being sugary sweet. The First Cafe's will change your mind. The chocolate martinis (both white and dark) have a true, clean chocolate flavor that doesn't compete with the bite of high quality alcohol. The Lychee martini, made with fragrant Dita liqueur, suggests rather than screams fruit. The First Cafe's martinis, both the classic and flavored versions, are sure to be favorites.

All in all the First Cafe combines great ambience, service, and wonderful interpretations of classic drinks. For sure, it's going to get crowded in there.

First Cafe
Location: Nansanlitun Lu, 50 meters south of the Beer Mug
Tel: 010-65018812