A combination of a bar, cafe, restaurant, library and bookshop, the Bookworm is a Běijīng institution and a mainstay of the capital's cultural life. Much more than just a cafe, there are 16,000-plus books here you can browse while sipping your coffee. For freelancers, it's a popular workspace. The food is reasonably priced (mains from ¥60), if uninspired, but there's a decent wine list.
The Bookworm also hosts lectures, poetry readings, a Monday-night quiz and a very well-regarded annual book festival. Any author of note passing through town gives a talk here. Check the website for upcoming events. There’s a roof terrace with bar and hammocks in summer.