Who'd have thought that a little barbeque joint could capture the hearts of Beijing's expat community? But that's just what happened with the first branch of Home Plate BBQ in Sanyuanqiao. Safe in the knowledge they're on to a good thing, the management has erected a sister venue in Sanlitun that keeps the original's hicks-in-the-sticks vibe. Pig and chicken murals adorn corrugated metal walls alongside vintage-looking gas station signs. It'd be downright cosy if it weren't the size of an aircraft carrier. And with a stage for bands and projector for movies, all they need is a dusting of peanut shells and sawdust for a rollicking yeehaw time; they've gone large on the concept without losing the charm. Address: Unit 10, Electrical Research Institute (walk 100m past entrance of The Bookworm), Nan Sanlitun Lu, Sanlitun, Chaoyang district.

Delivering gargantuan pizzas and an exhaustive list of other American favorites like funnel cakes, onion rings and curly fries, this restaurant has gone through quite a few incarnations and retains a very loyal following. The pizzas at Kro's nest come in two sizes: large and epically large. Putting the fear of God into all but professional eaters is not the only feather in local pizza maverick Kro's chef's hat however. The man can throw a mean pie. Light, soft dough caressed by quality ingredients bubbles happily under an imported track oven's glare until each serving is shunted onto tables of clamouring diners. Location : 35 Xiaoyun Lu, Opposite Renaissance Beijing Chaoyang hotel, Chaoyang district.