As the weather gets colder, we are moving into the time of year where we long for nice, cozy places to relax and unwind. Brownstone, an upscale bar and tapas restaurant located at the base of Zifeng Tower, offers one such respite.
Billing itself as a lounge just as much as an eatery, Brownstone boasts a warm red-brick interior (perhaps it should be called redstone?) and friendly staff, the majority of whom speak English. The lounge area here is a standout, featuring comfy booth style seating as well as candle-lit dining at night. The atmosphere toes the line between cool and cozy, and often somehow manages to be both at once. It would be very easy to sit back, order a drink and a few tapas, and pass the time with good company, and indeed this reviewer has done just that on several occasions.
The bar area offers an exciting change of pace, with a DJ playing on select nights, video clips being projected on the wall behind the booth, and, on occasion, fireworks. Yes, you read that right! On the chance you go on a special occasion, the bartender may set off sparklers the size of road flares to add an extra spark to your celebration. Though Brownstone serves Spanish cuisine, this touch feels distinctly Chinese.
The tapas menu is vast, and ranges from simple delights; the traditional tortilla Española, or Spanish omelette; to the more advanced, with various seafood options and vegetable dishes also available. While some are excellent, such as the seared tuna and avocado, others including the chorizo are a bit underwhelming. Fortunately, tapas are best ordered to share, and you are more likely than not to receive a good selection if ordering a few varieties.
Brownstone features a number of other choices, including flatbreads, soups, salads and full entrees, although the latter is nothing that cannot be found at any higher-end Western restaurant in Nanjing. Given the variety on offer, it is natural that prices also vary. Tapas are the cheapest option, ranging from ¥30 to ¥80 apiece, while full entrees can go for upwards of ¥200. Those wishing to get more yum for their yuan should look into going on a Monday, when all tapas are half price. Based on personal experience, this is a real bargain!
While the lounge’s ambiance, food, and drink are mostly excellent, it should be noted that every inch of the space is used. So much so, in fact, that there is no bathroom within the premises, though there is one accessible through the neighbouring Zifeng mall. Yet, if this is the biggest shortcoming of what is ultimately a very enjoyable dining experience, it is a small price to pay.
Brownstone is located at 1F, Greenland Square, Zifeng Tower, 6 Zhongshan Bei Lu. Tel: 18205094615.
