Before Beijing had brewpubs and bustling taprooms, Slowboat had its humble beginnings tucked away in a cozy hutong in Beijing. For those who never made it before the city swept it away, imagine a small, white tiled lined, space packed with character - wooden tables, beer flowing from 20 taps barely keeping up with demand, and a community of craft beer lovers squeezed together, swapping stories over pints.
The original Slowboat in Dongsi was more than just a bar - it was an experience. Hidden in a maze of ancient alleys, those who found it knew they had stumbled upon something special. The kitchen was tiny, but the burgers were legendary. The beer list was written on a chalkboard, and the walls soaked up years of laughter, music, and late-night debates over fresh beer.
Though the hutong space is gone, the spirit lives on in every pint we pour. Whether you were there from the beginning or you’re just discovering Slowboat now, you’re part of the journey. Here’s to the little bar that started it all.
Slowboat's Founding Location Has Ceased Operations