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Beijing Specialty Coffee Hidden in the Hutongs - Metal Hands Café

  • Feb 15
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 10

If you’re exploring Beijing’s café scene, Metal Hands Café’s Dongsi branch is one of the most charming places to experience Beijing specialty coffee. Tucked inside a quiet hutong near Nanyang Theater, this shop blends local neighborhood energy with a calm, creative atmosphere. It’s spacious, full of cozy corners, and perfect for slow weekends, conversations, or getting work done without rushing.


A Quick Look at Metal Hands Café (Dongsi Branch)



Address: 

Dongsi Branch: No.6 Nanyang Hutong, Dongcheng District

Qianmen Branch: No. 228, Xidamochang Street, Beijing

Wudongying Branch: No. 61 & No. 65, Wudaoying Hutong, Beijing

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 19:00


Surrounded by hand-drawn graffiti walls and leafy hutong paths, this café feels like a true Beijing hidden gem. Warm lights, multi-level seating, and a relaxed vibe make it an easy place to settle in and stay a while.


Brand Story – From Hutong Beginnings to Global Recognition


How Metal Hands Became a Beijing Specialty Coffee Favorite


Metal Hands Coffee Manufacturing Bureau started in 2016 in Beijing’s Wudaoying Hutong. Founded by Ding Jiangtao, the brand was inspired by vintage metal lever espresso machines and a clean, industrial aesthetic.


Its consistent quality quickly earned a loyal following. The brand expanded to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, and in 2019, it was recognized as one of the Top 50 coffee shops in the world. Despite its growth, the Dongsi shop still keeps the warmth and character of its hutong roots.


What to Try – Signature Drinks and Desserts


1. “Happy Ghost Dirty”（45 RMB）



This is the drink everyone orders. Rich, balanced, and topped with a ring of buttery fruit crumble, it feels like a creamy dessert with a smooth coffee base.If you’re visiting for the first time, start with this one.


2. “Guava Dirty” – Summer Special（48 RMB）



A soft pink drink with a refreshing guava burst. Sweet, fruity, and playful, it’s perfect for hot days.Compared to the deeper, richer “Happy Ghost,” this version feels lighter and more refreshing — more like a seasonal fruit-coffee crossover.


3. Viennese Coffee（45 RMB）



Sweet, comforting, and creamy.Because it’s served without ice, the texture stays thick throughout, with a pleasant balance between cream and espresso. It can feel slightly rich toward the end, but it’s a safe and enjoyable choice for anyone who loves dessert-style drinks.


4. Tenghuang Wuhua Saffron Cheesecake（65 RMB）



A tiny but delicious cheesecake. Light, not overly sweet, and not dense — just a clean, gentle flavor that pairs beautifully with espresso or Dirty.Small portion, great taste.


What Makes This Café Stand Out


Metal Hands Dongsi offers a mix of creativity and calm that feels very “Beijing.”Sunlight filters through the windows, handwritten graffiti decorates the alley, and the hutong setting adds a quiet charm. It’s stylish without trying too hard and remains one of the city’s best places for Beijing specialty coffee.


Whether you’re exploring the area or just need a relaxing coffee break, this café is an easy place to enjoy a slow, peaceful moment.


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