It seemed that the name of Element Fresh became not so fresh overnight because its great food, service and location combined have made it an instant success in Beijing.The posh gays had been praying for a place for a cruisy brunch for quite a while before the arrival of Element Fresh. At long last, we all know where there is a view on Sunday afternoon.

Address: Sanlitun 3rd floor, 三里屯3楼

Tel: 010 64171318

www.elementfresh.com

Surrounded by bars, clubs, shops and cafes in Sanlitun, the Mexican restaurant Lugas affords arguably one of the best cruising spots. Housing a small outdoor area, in summer, Lugas paints this borderline between the Village and Tongli quite pink. If you are lucky to get a good seat, I assure you the chicken burrito will not be the only thing delicious.

Address: Sanlitun Tongli front, north of the village, 三里屯后街

Long before the monopoly of Destination, Blue Lotus tried to host some gay events in Houhai area. Because of or despite the owner’s personal taste in men, their waitors once served in skirts, which has not been copied much in a city where there are thousands of bars and restaurants. Although Blue Lotus has lost some of its exclusivity as Lotus Street becomes an increasingly touristy scene, it remains one of the most gay-friendly establishments in the area. And come on, you know you want to eat Thai by the lake in summer.

Address: Houhai Lotus Street 西城区地安门大街51-6号, 北海北门对面

Tel: 010-66172599‎

There is so much to say and gay about Cafe Pause. Our unofficial gay icon in China Honghuang, whose magazine iLOOK had the first ever gay issue in Mainland, among other Beijing celebrities, is a patron to this family-owned cafe, bar and restaurant. When you feel like sitting down for a nice coffee inside 798 art district, you know where to go.

Address: 798 Art District, Dashanzi, B01酒仙桥2号大山子798艺术区B01

Tel: 010-64316214‎

Muse is a “family” business that has expanded from Chaoyang west gate to Guanghua road and Sanlitun area. Anyone who loves taste of “pho”, misses some authentic Vietnamese coffee or simply is sick of Chinese food for the time being, can stop by at any of their establishments. The hot manager might just be the one who owns it. Remember to check it/him out.

Sanlitun: Tongli Studio, Sanlitun 三里屯店： 三里屯北街43号同里‎ 010-64156388‎

Guanghua Rd: 10 Guanghua Rd 光华路店: 朝阳区光华路10号 010-65815060‎

Chaoyang Park: Chaoyang Park west gate 朝阳公园店：朝阳区朝阳公园西门 010-65863188‎

The world missed the chance to see China’s first Mr. Gay China pageant, but anyone coming to Beijing can stop by at this family-run restaurant to look up Xuefei, one of the eight contestants. Xuefei’s business is located in Qianliang Hutong, which is another attraction to visitors to enjoy the authentic Beijing neighborhood ambience. Its Sichuan specialties are hot as its owner, Xuefei. So be careful with what you order.

Tel: 58546376
Address: Qianliang Hutong, Dongsi north street
地址：东四北大街钱粮胡同内30米

You might have to spend some time finding this “family” owned Italian Cuisine and Bar the first time, hidden deep in the Hutong in the area of Sanlitun, but it would be well worth it. The cozy environment, the authentic Italian food and the modest prices have already made it hard for people not to love it at [...]

Lan Club is certainly one of the most luxious clubs in the modest Beijing. All Phillip Starke design pieces and supposedly 300 million rmb invested on its decoration sure have impressed both the locals and the internationals. Now with the second established on the Bund and many more in Taiwan and the US, Lan Club is on its way to conquer the world as one of the first higher brands from China.

The 1st Mr. Gay China pageant was canceled. However, it has made Lan Club a name known to many who would probably never have. Its contribution as the venue of the first ever Mr. Gay China was and has made history.

Tel: 010 59096012

Address: Floor F, Twin Towers, Jianguomen Wai, Chaoyang Dist.

地址: 朝阳区建国门外大街双子座F层

www.lan-global.com

Bellagio is a 24-hour Taiwanese chain restaurant and there are more than just one in the capital. The one right across the street from the biggest gay club Destination is certainly more gay, especially on busy nights of Destination both before and after the party. For some reason, its whole female staff look lesbian and carry obvious butchy hairdo. If you do go there to grab a bite, Dandanmian is highly recommended.

Tel: 010 6551 3533

Address: No. 6, Gong Ti Xi Lu, Chaoyang District

地址: 朝阳区工体西路6号

www.bellagiocafe.com.cn

Lantung Thai Bar & Bistro is a “family” owned business. Its authentic Thai food and exotic decorations attract people from all over town. Lantung isn’t just a gay-friendly establishment, but a partially gay establishment. Since April 30, 2009, it has been organizing the most successful gay Thursday events in Beijing. The last Thursday of each month is for lesbians in town called La La Lantung.

Tel: 010 59056213

Address: Bar Street, Solana, Chaoyang Park West Street, Chaoyang District

地址: 朝阳区朝阳公园西路兰色港湾酒吧街

www.lantungbar.com