Though the name implies otherwise, Club Obi Wan has nothing to do with "Star Wars." It's actually named after the bar in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom." Housed in a hutong off Jishuitan, this three-story affair is all dim red lighting and polished wooden floors, true to its classy namesake. Removed from the aggressive "marketing" of the Houhai pack, Obi Wan is comfy couches and spacious dance floors.

With DJ booths on two floors and an imported sound system, the club has ambition, hosting theme nights like the Capoeira party that went down last month, featuring a Brazilian group demonstrating the lethal dance art.

Obi Wan's managers have over 20 years of nightlife experience in Europe and are intent on maintaining a high standard for both service and booze. Vodka shots (RMB15) are the real deal and the absinthe (RMB50) is imported from Germany. Cocktails (RMB30-45) have less ice, more booze and better mixology than your average Houhai dive.

There are no Jedi mind tricks or Chewbacca-dressed bartenders here, though your disappointment will be more than amply cushioned by their mean Long Island iced tea (RMB50).

Club Obi Wan
Perfect for: A Houhai chill-out
Address: 4 Xihai Xiyan, Xicheng 300 m from Jiushuitan subway station
Tel: 011-5876-6753