Barista Specialty Lives up to Its Name With New Nali Patio Café

The straightforward exterior is a strong indication of what you'll find inside

Instead, Barista is better suited for the Sanlitun set hoping to quickly order a quality cup of joe on the go. Their RMB 35 "dirty," for instance, is creamy enough to go down smooth but still packs enough potency to keep you caffeinated long after the last drop (a measure of the quality beans they use to brew).

Their RMB 30 soda iced Americano – a longtime favorite at the Wudaoying location – is an even more unique must-try thanks to the creative combination of ingredients summed up in its moniker (once again, Liu lets the name say it all).

Though frills by no means abound at Barista Speciality, there are a few fun toys for coffee nerds like this sci-fi style siphon

And while Barista is devoid of pretty much any ambiance, some of its high-end hardware is at least pleasing to the eye. Aside from a mammoth coffee machine for lattes (RMB 35) and double espressos (RMB 25), there are also glowing futuristic siphon machines, plus an antique-looking siphon with wood trim adorning the corner by the entryway.

Those fancy gadgets are complemented by the imported specialty beans that Liu will have on a rotating basis. For now, that portion of the menu includes a couple of pretty cheap options like Costa Rica Perla Negra and Sumatra Golden Mandheling (both RMB 45) along with a pricier RMB 88 Panama Geisha.

Yes, quality at the expense of frivolity seems to be Barista Specialty's signature style – which will leave coffee nerds copious options to pore over – but just like a jet-black shot of espresso, this new Nali Patio café will more than satiate your daily fix.

Photos: Kyle Mullin, courtesy of Barista Specialty