Reviews

• chocolatlover

  Friday, 25th December 2009

  Its a bar,thats all i need to say.Don t order any type of food here because its pricy and you definitly wont get your moneys worth.
  
  Just go to some other place and bring your food.If you order something be sure that it will be cold and wont be tasty.
• Andorra

  Thursday, 8th October 2009

  I know this place for since 2005 and think its a pity that there nearly havent been any changes since - despite even new owner earlier this year. Went there recently a few times and the fuyuan still drive me mad. Being the only customer on first floor, seeing at least 3 fuyuan behind and infront of the counter and each time a pain to order something or make them coming to the table (why going to the table if the customer could just get up and get his own things?). Reminded me entirely of the service in French cafe (where for that reason havent been in ages). A pity, because the location is not bad and there could be much more done with little effort - so hope that happens when from next year on those wenlin street places are not able anymore to serve food and only rely on beverage (and service).
• Pombar

  Sunday, 24th May 2009

  Chapter One is the number one retreat for expats and students after 11 or so when the local restaurant/bars (such as Salvador's, The Box, and French Cafe) are closing up. It's not pristinely kept, but it's a fun, down to earth drinking hole, with plenty of nearby noodle bars to slink off to once you've had your fill of booze. The food is not especially recommendable, but they do serve chips and (oddly enough) popcorn that is serviceable enough.
• redrosez

  Saturday, 27th December 2008
• shelley

  Saturday, 8th November 2008

  The last time I went by Chapter One there were two large dogs inside the restaurant mingling with food and customers. I can't eat in an environment like that.
• banishedimmortal

  Wednesday, 22nd October 2008

  chapter one has the best happy hour beer specials in kunming right now... and since they own indian kitchen a couple doors down, it's no problem to get samosas or even curry brought to your table
• Ocean

  Monday, 9th June 2008

  The last few times I've been the service has been slow, the atmosphere very smokey and the worst coffee I've had in years. Sorry!
• Debbie

  Thursday, 27th March 2008

  This is not a review of Chapter One but a way of saying 'thank you'.
  
  Thank you Piers for all your recent assistance and for your help in obtaining tickets for the China v Australia game. Great atmosphere, mediocre game but a good time had by all.
  
  Anyone that is ready to help other visitors in this way should surely have a successful business - good luck with your rennovation/review of Chapter One.
• Bernie

  Saturday, 29th December 2007

  I would agree with everything that Jared said, but I should add that the importance of always having a cook in the kitchen -- certainly at midday -- goes without saying.
• WeiXue

  Thursday, 11th October 2007

  I would just say it depends what you are looking for from Chapter One. The food is not great and it's often hard to find a fuwuyuan to order another beer, but there is no place better than Chapter 1 to hang out on a Friday or Saturday night (they're even showing the Rugby World Cup!), or to spend an afternoon studying. Don't order a cup of coffee, though. If you must eat there, the hamburgers are usually decent, but the fries are soggy. As far as drinks go, as Jared mentioned they have Beer Lao (a bit expensive, but good), but I prefer the wine by the glass, which is often hard to find in Kunming.
• Kevin

  Monday, 8th October 2007

  I have found this place to be sub-par in customer service and food quality. The three times i have eaten there, I have had to repeatedly question the fuwuyuans where my food was. If you don't order at the front desk, forget about it. The food is bad in general. The last time I was there, thinking I would give them a "third" chance, I ordered the chicken salad sandwich. It was more of a mayonnaise sandwich. I expect more from a western restaurant.
• Jared

  Friday, 5th October 2007

  Library by day, pub by night, Chapter One is great for both weekday studying or Friday night libation. Despite its mediocre food offerings, Chapter One has a solid drink menu and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.
  
  Food. Last spring I'd come in several times a week for the inexpensive but tasty Indian curry. Over the summer, however, the Indian menu was spun off to create Indian Kitchen (two shops down on Wenlin Jie). Besides the decent burgers, the remaining food leaves a lot to be desired. A cheese pizza I ate a couple of weeks back had an almost milky consistency and had the aftertaste of some kind of fruit.
  
  Drinks. Chapter One has a comparatively good selection of alcohol. You can choose between slightly up-market imports like Beer Lao (¥16) and old standbys like Dali or Qingdao (both a reasonable ¥8). The bar has at least two or three options for popular liquors like whiskey or vodka. Non-alcoholic options are pretty standard, though I wouldn't recommend the coffee.
  
  Ambiance & Service. With its comfy lounge-like set-up, Chapter One is one of my favorite places in Kunming. The second floor features cushy-couches and sturdy large wooden tables. I've spent countless hours reading and studying there. The servers are friendlier than average, and while helpful generally leave you alone.
  
  Unique Feature. Unlike some other expat restaurants lined book shelves, Chapter One's book collection is definitely worth browsing.

• Rate
• Review
• Categorize