北京 时间: 簋街 Bright Lights Big City

What: Gui Street, Dongzhimen

So the tourists complain that the food is too greasy and overly spicy, and that the toilets are "squatters" and are dirty.... 

All I can say is this: you're in China, people! Geez Louise, it's like going to Texas and then complaining about everything being battered and deep fried.....

FYI, most of the restaurants lining the street seem to be Sichuan style, where the food is typically floating a hot chilli oil "soup". Pick a restaurant that is filled with Chinese people and you can't go wrong. A., M. and I had a tasty meal of Sichuan frog. Soak up the sauce with pieces of 馒头 (mán​tou), and you can genuinely say that you've had a true local China experience.

Best for: Pretty pictures at night with the many red lanterns lining the streets; Vibrant night life people watching; The Chinese's answer to the kebab after a night of drinking and KTV.