Cocktail Culture: China Beach Bistro combines period vibe and elegance

The bar: China Beach Bistro

The vibe: Is gorgeous a vibe? If so, that sums up the one at China Beach Bistro. If you could live in a restaurant, you might want it to be this one – sparkling chandeliers hung from high pressed tin ceilings, neat brick and dark wood, and pretty embroidered chairs that your grandmother would have covered in plastic to keep you off. Take a seat at the bar overlooking the patio, or head outside to that patio and enjoy the Northwood breeze. It’s a combination of period vibe and elegance, all without being cheesy or literal.

The cocktail: The pomegranate martini ($10), a refreshing and deeply pretty splash of lemon, pomegranate (check the fresh seeds!) and Absolut. You’ve probably had them before, but this one’s particularly good, because it’s not cloyingly sweet .

Other noteworthy libations: The Lychee Martini ($11), another familiar but particularly tasty tini, and a full bar.

Bar bites: There’s a lot of tastiness going on at China Beach (owner T.K. Kaytmaz’s, also responsible for Cafe Centro, opened it because he couldn’t get good Chinese locally) but it’s all about the dim sum. Oh, so deliciously about dim sum – those simple but fantastic dumplings either steamed, wok or deep-fried ($5) the classic egg roll ($4.50) or, for the more adventurous, the lamb dumplings ($5) and beef potsticker ($5). Bring some friends so you can order a bunch and switch plates. Just make sure you give them back.

Deals: The Happy Hour is 5 to 7:30 p.m. every day, featuring half price dim-sum, house beer, wine and well drinks. Yum.