What began as the owner's "moment of insanity" became this new joint serving up big portions of cheap Yankee eats.

From a burger (RMB 25, RMB 8 for each extra topping) to a basket of sweet potato fries (RMB 8), the All Star Cafe delivers the standard all-American flavors. Order the two-pork chop sandwich with a chili-lime marinade (RMB 30) for a tasty twist and chow down on a huge bowl of meaty chili (RMB 35).

Don’t miss the Buffalo wings (RMB 20 for a small basket) with a sauce recipe straight from the New York restaurant that made the snack famous. Top off the hefty meal with a heaping of brownie sundae (RMB 18) and you’ll have had the complete American dining experience.

The atmosphere is reminiscent of American diners – complete with checkered tablecloths and ketchup bottles – where everybody knows each other, and the owner shares a beer with his customers.

All Star Cafe

Daily 11am-9pm.

12 Nuren Jie (next to Lai Tai flower market), Chaoyang District

134 3955 9903

(thatsbj.com March 19, 2008)