I've visited Xi'an a number of times over the past year, and each time I've made a point of stopping by The Belgian Bar. Besides the good food and great beer selection, it's always been easy to meet people and enjoy interesting conversations. The relaxed atmosphere and crowd mix allow a person to be as social as they wish. I happily recommend checking this place out when in Xi'an.
I often visit this bar which is an international attraction in Xian , Shaanxi China. The drinks are great especially the beers, and some cool music and events too. Real friendly staff , and nice food too. Best part its at the Xian South Gate , a key tourist attraction in Xian. So whether you are local in Xian or just visiting this place is a great relaxation venue for all tastes with a great mixture of customers too. A " Classic"
I lived in Xi'an for 2 years and the Belgian Bar was one of my regular watering holes. Not only does it have an impressive collection of Belgian beers, including different types of draft Vedett, but also less regular beers like my favourite 11% Kasteel Beer. In a country where most of the local beers contain no more than 3,5% alcohol, the Belgian Bar helped me survive. ;-)The owner of the bar, Bart, is always up for a chat with customers and the bar frequently holds events together with local organisations, like pub quiz nights and charity evenings. They also have a small stage where musicians sometimes perform and some simple pub food for the hungry customers.The Belgian Bar is frequented by both Chinese people and expats, which creates a unique and multicultural atmosphere. There are comfortable benches and corners that will suit any type of company you're in. The bar is easy to find. Come in through Xi'an's beautiful South Gate in the city wall and head right for about 100 meters. It's an excellent spot to chill out after cycling the city walls, climbing the bell and drum towers or sampling the Hui cuisine in the muslim quarter. Indeed, within Xi'an's city walls it's probably the best bar for residents and tourists alike.
We, two middleaged women, were literally attacted by a drunk, very rude man, who claimed that we had tried to pay our food with fake money - and it showed to be the owner!! We had got the bills from an ATM in Beijing and had no problems at all paying neither before or after that evening. The bills that the owner refused to accept passed easily through the security machines at another place, the day after... Terrible experience!
I've lived in Xi'an for 8 years, and the Belgium was the first foreign owned and well run bar to ditch the usual Chinese nastiness of dishonest service and terrible music washed down by warm beer. Great choice of ales, decent food, and a friendly landlord to chat away with, or to solve any problems you might have. I'm not sure what a Belgium bar is supposed to be like, but for me this is the closest to an English boozer in the city and I could not recommend it more.
I lived in Xian for 3 years and occasionally visited the Belgian Bar. From my experience it is a great place to relax and unwind after a week of hard and to meet new friends.The variety of imported beers, the tasteful pub style food and the convenient location make it the place to get together with friends. I especially liked in the summer times, when we sat outside and enjoyed a Vedett draft beer.The Belgian bar is conveniently located nearby the famous city wall of Xian, just inside the south gate, which makes easy to reach for people who live and work in Xian and easy to find for those who come to Xian as a traveller. In addition to that, there is great live rock music on Friday night and hospitable atmosphere which makes great for both foreign people living in Xian as well as Chinese nationals.
As a frequent traveller to China and Xian it never ceases to amaze me that people complain about staff not speaking Chinese!!! Seriously people, this is a different country. I have tried a number of bars in Xian and must say that the Belgian Bar is the best. You can get a pint of Belgian beer here for 40 kuai, some bars next door tried to charge me 60 kuai for a bottle of China-brewed Carlsberg... seriouslee??? The staff are friendly and the burgers are great and served with hand cut chips. What more can you want?
I live in Xi'an since 4 years now and The Belgian bar is the place for find a real good belgian beer, one for the large choice (the largest in Xi'an) and second for the atmosphere, every week end a really good chinese rock band and each month you the special pub quizz ( you can win some goodies or some drink ) . After you can to order some western or Xi'an food ( french fries really hand made and really good ). and finally that is the BAR at you can have 6 différents drafts imports beers, for beer lover you must run to this bar to taste it .
Being located at the entrance of the south gate makes it easy to discover, and convenient for taxi .moreover, they have a well presented menu, with huge variety of Belgian beers hard to find else where in Xian. they also, have good music and friendly waiters. I am quite satisfied and hope to be back soon.
As a student, having lived around this area for a while; knowing my way in an around the city, the Belgian Bar has always kept the repute and distinction.It's an exceptional place whether it's your first time in Xian, or whether you have lived there for a while. Why? The crowd is sterling, you would definitely get the positive vibe of the city, the food is tasty and is a great escort to the wonderful assortment of beers in the bar, and the location is centralised, there will be no trouble getting there or leaving after a great night.All in all, while in Xian take your time to enjoy this marvel.