De Refter
Among the other Belgian bars and restaurants in Beijing, De Refter is the youngest, see also:
Exploring new food in De Refter (Sanlitun)
https://www.beijing1980.com/2016/04/29/exploring-new-food-in-de-refter-sanlitun/
The place is small, cozy and food choices are limited. I find their beer prices a bit on the high side. Music can be pretty nice. In summer sitting outside, also for lunch, is a plus.
What the place lacks is a good manager who takes care of the customers. When our friend Steve is around, perfect, but he spends a lot of time in the other De Refter in Shanghai.
Nice place to organize a small party.
The Tree
The Tree has been around since 2005, after the original The Hidden Tree was leveled in what is now SOHO Sanlitun. It is now the only one left as the two other locations such as Nearby The Tree closed.
Famous for its pizza but some regret the quality is not as before, and competition is fierce: La Pizza around the corner is very popular and so is Luga’s.
I tried once their “Belgian Beef Stew” but wa disappointed: the meat was tough, that means they chose the wrong type of meat and/or did not cook it properly (it requires many hours).
Still a good place to hang out with a wide choice of beers and I can still recommend the pizza.
See also:
https://www.beijing1980.com/2016/05/19/rotaract-east-elections-and-party-at-the-tree/