Dalian's Hidden Gem, Sunday, 02 September 2007
If you're not looking for it, you're not going to find it, because Bug Bar (www.bugbarchina.com) is tucked away in the newly-renovated, mostly-empty Minzhu Square and not visible from the street. But once you find it, you'll be in for a pleasant surprise.
A great alternative to other options available in Dalian, Bug Bar is a hip place to go if you want to talk to and actually hear what your friends are saying. Music is lounge-chic, that compliments the trendy interior design. On a couple of the nights I've been there, an acoustic guitarist was playing upstairs (this bar has three levels).
Looking for a up-an-coming trendy place to impress a date? This would be the place to go. The spacious, mostly-dark interior provides an intimate environment for those looking to chill out after dinner.
The bar is stocked with a variety of the staples for any cocktail lounge, but still has a few gaps mainly because the management is still trying to understand the tastes of their clientele. However if you make a request for a certain type of alcohol, they'll try their best to find it.
Because if its location, it is still relatively unknown. On my several nights there, it was mostly empty. One night, my co-workers and I outnumbered the staff. But don't let this discourage you. The friendly and attentive staff are always happy talk with whomever walks in the door. Once Minzhu Square picks up with more businesses and more clientele, it's not hard to see that Bug Bar will become a good anchor to the entire neighborhood.
Those of us who have relocated to Dalian after an extended stay in Shanghai, Bug Bar provides hints and reminders of Shanghai without the pretentiousness or the price tag.
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