Recently opened by the creator of Sakura — the popular "back packer" catered bar/restaurants scattered throughout China and southeast Asia — Helen's Cafe features the same setup, decor and food-style. Think of it as the same restaurant, different name. Stationed near the Wudaokou subway stop, Helen's is the ideal place for a lazy afternoon, or if you're a student a great way to end the day. But for all the wooden tables, taupe-colored walls and relaxing atmosphere, the miniature stage for live music on the weekends is a sure sign Helen's can take on a completely different form. Helen's features a full menu of options — full breakfasts for YY25, salads starting at YY15, pastas for YY20 and burgers for YY22 — in addition to some of the cheapest beer in town. Both Tsingtao and Beijing Draught go for YY10, but during happy hour both "big bottles" are just YY5. CW recommends trying "the tube," three liters of beer for YY45.