This wonderful new café near Shanxi Road satisfies all of my requirements: a GREAT look, perfect atmosphere, good lattes, friendly staff, yummy food, and a drink menu so impressive and extensive that you might have a hard time making a decision. Citizen is located a little off the beaten track, but near shopping on Changle Lu and not far from Xiang Yang market. Make the effort to find it, and you will be very pleased!

 

Red velvet curtains and cushions on bench seating  combined with dark wood accents and white walls give the café a very European feel. This description is despite the fact that the owners are from Portland, Oregon and San Francisco.  Citizen Cafe’s American West Coast influence is evident in the menu which offers a delicious variety of choices from nachos and tuna tartar to cheeseburgers (40RMB).  Another cool aspect of the menu is the “create your own” pasta, which lists a variety of sauces to pair with several types of pastas.  The drink menu is equally varied and well priced for the upscale feel. Cocktails include Mojitos (45RMB), Planters Punch (45RMB), and Long Island Ice Teas (55RMB) among others.  Citizen also boasts a healthy international wine list with a few choices by the glass (50-55RMB).  As of February 10, 2006, Citizen will also offer brunch on weekends.

 

Citizen is proud to offer free WiFi and comfy seating for those that are interested in sitting for a while – without any trace of pressure from the wait staff to leave or order more.  The restaurant is two stories with a definite café/bar feel on the first floor and restaurant feel on the second floor.  A fantastic upstairs porch is an awesome feature in the summertime.