Comradeship and Camaraderie

Moscow Central Army (Ying Ding Ye Se), Houhai Area

Daytime provides a view of a placid lake and an ever-changing regiment of people bustling around and coming and going as though bent on some important business. One suspects they just use the place as a short cut to wherever, witness the clutched briefcases and shopping bags. But many pause for “elevenses” or something more substantial.

Night presents a breathtaking view of the myriad colored lights that reflect from the lake and further illuminate most of the endless rows of cheek-by-jowl bars and restaurants that comprise the widely popular Houhai perimeter, an “in” Beijing dining conglomerate if ever there was. The whole area is both a gourmets’ paradise and a fun place for food-lovers out on the town, whether they wish to eat formally or alfresco. All the alternatives are here.

Moscow Central Army (Ying Ding Ye Se) may have an odd name in the restaurant firmament, but in reality it’s a hip Russian alternative looking to be a triple threat to competitors. Triple? For which read a restaurant, bar and club. Combined, they represent a one-stop venue for anyone who likes everything under one roof. 

The restaurant is open from11am. to midnight.  While I recommend the evening atmosphere, daytime still offers a good quiet retreat to eat, chat, read or just switch off.  With a “modern rustic” interior, the restaurant’s ambience is reminiscent of a comfy lounge.  Though the food is pretty average,  the prices are appropriately modest. It’s the atmosphere and diverse entertainment that really grab the visitor.

Moscow Central Army diversity ensures that it can seamlessly cater to the needs of many tastes and interests.  Services currently include two full-scale bars, nightly live music, dancers and adequate KTV rooms.  The restaurant, on the first floor, offers duos and trios of classical musicians from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., followed at 9:30 p.m. by a reasonably talented Chinese pop band.  The restaurant has a quiet area for those not too interested in music.

The second floor is an after-hours bar/club open from 8 p.m.-2 p.m. offering see-through glass flooring, Russian and Chinese pole dancers, a spacious dance area and DJs spinning hip-hop and techno music.  Popular featured DJs are provided by sponsors at least thrice monthly. Drink specials are also a highlight of the restaurant while, on Mondays, ladies have their first drink on the house. 

Plans include the opening of a third-level terrace at the end of this month.  With a spectacular view, it will feature an open-air bar. For regular customers, or for a fee, a VIP discount card offers 30 percent off drinks and 20 percent off food.  The card is offered in unique packaging designed for insertion into a replica of a Chinese driving license holder. Whatever turns you on. Anyway, it’s different and fun. 

Moscow Central Army can be found on the north side of Houhai in front of Ying Ding Qiao.  I have no serious reservations in recommending this interesting addition to this vibrant part of town.

Address: A No.75, Yandaixie Street, Xicheng District

Tel:  +86 10 8404 0616