Photo: cavedirectresources.com

The combination of Dalian's mild weather in the spring, summer and fall and its location on the coast make it an ideal place to enjoy a drink outside. Indeed, during the summer it's not hard to find Dalian residents sitting outside their homes enjoying the weather with a cool drink and some snacks. Dalian's al fresco drinking options for the expat or traveler are every bit as friendly and warm. Below is the list of the most popular al fresco drinking spots.

Paulaner Brauhaus Biergarten 普拉那啤酒坊 View In Map
Located at the back of the Kempinski Hotel and within walking distance of Dalian's Zhongshan Square, Victory Plaza and Labor Park, the Paulaner Beer Garden is a welcome respite for people working downtown or staying in one of the area’s many hotels. Following the model of Paulaner bars across the world, the Dalian Biergarten is a worthy replication of an authentic Bavarian beer garden right down to the traditional uniforms of the staff. As for drinks, the Dalian Biergarten offers two types of beer made on the premises, including a classic Paulaner Lager (Paulaner Hell) and a less common but equally tasty Munich dark ale (Munich Dunkel), all served in three sizes of the traditional German beer mug. In addition, the Dalian Biergarten has a full bar with a wide range of wines, liquors and local beers. Moreover, depending on the time of year, the biergarten also offers special, limited time only craft beers to compliment its lager and dark ale selection, such as its annual Oktoberfest beer.

Add: B1 Kempinski Hotel Dalian, Paulaner Brauhaus, 92 Jiefang Lu, Zhongshan District, Dalian
地址：大连市中山区解放路92号凯宾斯基饭店B1楼 
Tel: 0411 8259 8888 etx. 8138
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 1: 30

I-55 Coffeestop and Bakery爱伍伍咖啡 View In Map
Don't let the name fool you; while there's plenty of coffee and baked goods to be had during the day, once the sun goes down, I-55 transforms into one of the most well known outdoor drinking spots in the city. What makes I-55 so popular is its extensive outside seating area which includes cozy tables for two as well as booth seating and larger group-style picnic tables. Moreover, I-55's location just behind Renmin Square offers a quiet tree-lined street that is perfect for conversations with friends over a beer or a glass of wine. The drink list offers an adequate selection of local and international beers such as Tsingtao, Kailong and Budweiser. There is also a limited selection of wines and a few mixed drink options. I-55 stays is open till midnight but will often stay open later if there are enough customers.

Add: I-55 Coffeestop and Bakery, 67 Gaoerji Road, Xigang District, Dalian
地址：大连市西岗区高尔基路67号 
Tel: 0411 8369 5755
Opening hours: 09:00-00:00

Xiang Lu Jiao Snack Streets 香炉礁街 View In Map
If you're really looking for a local al fresco drinking experience consider the Xiang Lu Jiao snack street. Rather than an organized endeavor, the barbecue street is a chaotic mix of "beer and snack" spots composed of over 20 individual barbecue vendors and restaurants on the side streets off of Xiang Lu Jiao Street. Vendors set up outside drinking areas along the streets either in front of their restaurant or if they don't own a restaurant at independent locations in the area. While there is little variety in the drinks, snacks and food offered (beer, soft drinks, bar snacks and barbecued meats), there is a large variety in styles of the vendors. Where one establishment might offer you a sit down at a table experience, another may just offer a stool, a plastic cup for your drink and a tray of boiled peanuts and/or green beans. If you like you can also order a range of dishes including barbecue lamb or chicken. Whether you go to drink, eat or both, it is a great way escape the heat with friends. The barbecue street runs each night from about 18:00 till midnight, between June and September 

Add: Xiang Lu Jiao Street, Xigang District, Dalian
地址：大连市西岗区香炉礁街
Opening hours: 18:00-00:00

Furama Nanshan Guesthouse, Lobby Lounge富丽华南山花园酒店 View In Map
Tucked away in leafy suburban hills above Zhongshan Square, the Nanshan Guesthouse offers a decidedly Japanese take on the outdoor drinking experience with wooden floors and tatami mats. The bar which looks out onto a lush Japanese garden which includes a waterfalls and small trickling stream is a great way to unwind after a busy day of work or travel. You can have your drinks either inside or on a small patio area that connects to the garden. There is also a small Japanese style drinking area where you can enjoy a drink and the natural environment while seated comfortably on wooden floors and tatami mats. The lounge offers a full selection of beers, wines and liquors, but lounges specialties include a range of Japanese whiskeys and Sake. The lounge is open till 23:00 but will stay open longer if there are guests.

Add: Furama Nanshan Hotel, 56 Fenglin Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian
地址：大连市中山区枫林街56号
Tel: 0411 8271 5555 

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Keywords: Outdoor drinking Dalian outdoor bars Dalian outdoor drinking spots Dalian al fresco drinking Dalian