Put on your blue suede shoes and soak up the atmosphere! Reminiscent of American diners from the 1950s, 86 Cafe shrugs off everything Chinese to provide as authentic a retro-American experience as is possible in Taipei. From subs to milkshakes (and signs prohibiting majong, wearing of slippers or betel nut chewing), 86 Cafe provides a slice of Americana where you least expect it. The cafe's decor plays a major role in enhancing the 86's nostalgic reality, taking customers back to the diners of yesteryear.
Overlooking Ximen Red Building, Midtown lounge is strategically located at the heart of the youthful Ximen. Seats are available both indoor and outdoor and alcoholic drinks are served. Interior is neat and the ambiance is quite cozy, with their closing time on weekends being flexible. This lounge normally closes at 2p, but can open longer to cater to its patrons. It's a perfect place to kick back and have a drink or two. With its convenient location, one can also opt to have dinner around Ximen first, then come over for an after-dinner treat.
Located in the Wenshan District of Taipei, The Wall Livehouse is a popular concert venue known for its great acoustic sound. Having attracted both local as well as international acts, the venue is just the perfect place to unwind, make new friends and have fun. This medium-sized space also has a well stocked bar. The Wall Livehouse plays hosts to the Megaport Music Festival which brings some of the best acts in town together to perform on one platform. So the next time you're in Taipei, you know where to go for live music. Call ahead for hours of operation.
For anyone hankering for a taste of the West, On Tap is the perfect remedy. It's a typical English pub, with an enviable selection of beers and spirits, welcoming staff, and an eclectic, entertaining clientele. On Tap's menu includes the finest English fare, from pies to pasties. Sausages and mash is particularly satisfying on one of those wet, damp days when the weather is like England's. When it's warm, the decent-sized patio is a perfect place to enjoy a cold lager. All major sports are shown live, and you can play darts and pool downstairs. -Alice Davis
Opened in April 2009 and set within the world's tallest building, the Spark Club has left an indelible mark on Taipei's throbbing nightlife. The decor's revolutionary concept includes a translucent glowing dance floor and ceiling, accentuated by a array of LCD screens showing music video montages. Surreal and hypnotic are 2 words to define your experience at this club which attracts the city's hottest people. Check website for details.
Back Yard is a place that belongs to the night. Here, you can enjoy a bottle of cool beer, a tasty meal and a view over Taipei City enhanced by the twinkle of stars and streetlights. Mysterious and romantic, it is has a wooden balcony with seats—the best place to enjoy the view. The menu features mostly Taiwanese cuisine including fried rice and noodles and hot pot. The bar serves local and imported beers, wine and cocktails.
A popular music venue with many in Taipei's expatriate community, this small jazz bar offers frequent live jazz performances and is conveniently located in the Shi Da University area, close to the Shi Da night market and a number of bars and cafes. Because it is small, get here before 9pm to ensure a place to sit. The interior is cozy and comfortable, while the music is hot.
Back Yard is a place that belongs to the night. Here, you can enjoy a bottle of cool beer, a tasty meal and a view over Taipei City enhanced by the twinkle of stars and streetlights. Mysterious and romantic, it is has a wooden balcony with seats—the best place to enjoy the view. The menu features mostly Taiwanese cuisine including fried rice and noodles and hot pot. The bar serves local and imported beers, wine and cocktails.
J.W. Teres welcomes gourmands to relish authentic Bulgarian fare in an inviting setting. The wisely-crafted menu features staple Bulgarian standards like kyufte, gyuvetch, baklava and other specialties prepared to perfection. The on-site sommelier has curated a stellar selection of nearly 181 red and white wines that accompany the restaurant's hearty bites. Alongside, diners can also choose from their impressive collection of cognac and premium whiskey labels. Book a table and soak in the memorable Bulgarian dining experience at this city eatery.
If you're looking to be surprised, the Fourplay is the way to go. This fascinating bar in the eastern section of the city features a non-menu concept, encouraging patrons to order drinks as per whatever catches their fancy. The bartenders here love the challenge, a feeling they duly demonstrate by creatively mixing drinks before you, and presenting concoctions that are both visually striking and amazingly delicious. The ambiance is both classy and relaxed, replete with leather couches and a bar area if you decide to walk in solo. A smattering of bar snacks are available to nosh on.
Discreet hardwood doors, dim lights and a stellar selection of fine spirits and inventive cocktails render Ounce as a quintessential speakeasy bar dating back to the iconic Prohibition era. It comes across a contemporary face of speakeasies that ruled the bar scene during the 1920s. Its acclaimed mixologist Lee Peare churns up some of the most exotic and delectable cocktails in Taipei, no doubt the place welcomes cocktail enthusiasts from far and beyond.
Eddy's Cantina is a lively city spot to devour classic Mexican eats and sip on frothy brews. Mexican-born Eddy Gonzales started this Latin eatery after marrying his Taiwanese spouse Jo. Together, they have set up a family-friendly eatery that serves up appetizing Mexican standards like fish tacos, chicken enchiladas, papas fritas and those flavorsome burritos. Alongside, diners can choose to wash down those wholesome portions with delectable local craft brews available here.