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Step 1
Start with McDonald's. They are all over the city, and have good cheap coffee and very clean toilets. Try the McDonald's just to the east of the Forbidden City, and look across Tiananmen Square at the portrait of Chairman Mao on the wall of the Forbidden City. This is also a popular place for people to approach to practice their English, so sit at one of the outside tables and chat with local college students, but expect a few to offer art for sale.
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Step 2
Visit any one of the other famous American chain restaurants. Kentucky Fried Chicken is especially popular with Chinese people, and the chicken is spicier, fresher and more flavorful. Starbucks is available in several locations, but the coffee costs about the same as in America, which is quite expensive for the average Chinese person. Kenny Roger's Roasters has several Beijing locations.
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Step 3
Enjoy a more upscale American restaurant and visit T.G.I. Fridays in the Chaoyang District. This favorite of suburban America serves up good American food with a distinctively Chinese flair. For a really upscale meal, go to "One East On Third" at the Beijing Hilton. It is decorated like a Louisiana mansion and has excellent food.
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Step 4
Drop by the Hard Rock Café Beijing. The restaurant is located at 8, **** Sanhuan Bei Lu (West Hall of Liangmahe Dasha), Chaoyang District. Expect to be hurried a bit by the wait staff as Hard Rock is a very popular place with Westerners and Chinese alike. There is a guitar shaped bar and live music is offered frequently.
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Step 5
Find many American foods at the local supermarkets. The localized familiar American brands make great souvenirs also. There are three Wal-Marts in Beijing, and the grocery stocks a lot of Western foods. China is a food loving nation, and Western food has been readily accepted and is available in all major cities.
