Tango for Two
Find a quiet, secluded area in this urban madness, toss in a couple Argentines, a Turkish tango dancer and a handful of bohemian Chinese, and the result is Hidden Dreams. Tucked into the Social Science Institute compound just east of Yugong Yishan, the bar is a comfortable setting for a tango-themed brasserie. Dozens of potted plants, from the exotic to the ordinary, compose the most alluring part of the café's classic decor. Patrons can gaze out the large bay windows over an espresso (￥15) or Qingdao (￥18). A wide array of specialty coffees (Irish Coffee is ￥28), clichéd cocktails (Pink Lady is ￥30) and imaginative infusions (Dark Plum is ￥25) could reel in almost any palate, as could the sandwich and pasta menu. Even if not in attendance for the Friday night Argentine tango parties, patrons can enjoy South American melodies throughout the week. The owner says “romántico.” We say “romantic.”

Michael Engstrom

Tel: 6403-0688
Address: 3 Zhang Zi Zhong Road, Dongcheng, 张自忠路3号