FRANK

Address: No.12 Songshuo Rd., Xinyi Dist.,Taipei City, Taiwan, Taipei, Taiwan 110 / 松壽路12號10樓(ATT 4 FUN 10F), Taipei, Taiwan 110

MRT: Taipei 101 / World Trade Center

Hours: Mon-Sun 21:00-03:00

Ten stories above the Xinyi district, perched atop the ATTforFun building is a glamorous nightspot with a chill atmosphere. Frank's figurehead, is, well, a figure without a head. The sharply dressed gentleman with a lampshade for a head embodies the party-hard spirit of Frank.

Frank's location in the Att4fun building makes it a nice pre-drinking spot or even a place to waste a whole night away. The outdoor balcony, with bar, is an excellent place to get some fresh air while overlooking the lights and sounds of the vibrant Xinyi nightclub district below.

Frank's drinks and prices are the standard fare of the neighborhood, with the cheapest drinks, bottled Heineken, starting at NT$200. While drinks are not cheap, Frank charges no entry fee. The bar tenders are skilled and friendly, as are the servers, though they will expect you to purchase at least one drink.

Frank has a very stylish interior decor, but it is quite dimly lit,  Whether their intention or not, it may be a good place to take a less attractive date for a night on the town.

This trendy loungerbar, which sits a top the summit of the ATT4Fun building is a good place for a drink with a view.  To be, well, frank, for a night out in Xinyi, you could do a hell of a lot worse than Frank,

Friendliness: 3 / 5

Ambiance: 4 / 5

Drink Selection: 2 / 3

Value: 1 / 3

Overall Impression: 3 / 4

Total: 13 / 20

A So-so Saloon.

BeerGeek

Address: No.8,Yongji Rd., Xinyi Dist.,Taipei City, Taiwan, Taipei, Taiwan 110 / 永吉路8號一樓

MRT: Taipei City Hall

Hours:  Tues-Sun 18:00-00:00

Beer Geek is the most recent venture of one of the one of the originators of the Taipei craft beer scene. This little bar, or "Micro pub", as it's been named is not the easiest bar to find; however, once discovered, you'll be sure to return for the warm and friendly service in additionto the great beer selection.

A beer-geek is someone who loves beer who does everything they can to expand their knowledge of, and explore the limits of beer.   BeerGeek MicroPub provides an excellent study and socialization space for geeks and aspiring beer-geeks to expand their knowledge.

BeerGeek stock two fridges full of imported and domestic craft beers as well as a few ciders for non-beergeeks.  In addition the bar has six taps pouring a range of styles, both domestic and imported.  For anyone looking for something a little stronger, fine whiskeys span the shelves behind the bar.

While the space may be small, Beer Geek has comfortable decor with plenty of seating for geeks and non geeks alike.   Old telephone handsets that hang from the ceiling give a unique charm to the small space that not only comforts customers but also educates them with diagrams of the brewing process scribbled on the wall.

BeerGeek MicroPub is another great addition to Taipei's exploding craft beer scene. What this micro-pub lacks in size it makes up for in friendliness and charm.   BeerGeek is a must visit for beer-geeks, friends of geeks, and all aspiring beer-geeks in Taipei.

BeerGeek on Facebook

Friendliness: 5 / 5

Ambiance: 4 / 5

Drink Selection: 3 / 3

Value: 3 / 3

Overall Impression: 4 / 4

Total: 19 / 20

A Damn Good Drinkery!

Roxy Rocker + Party Room

Address: B1, No. 177 Heping E. Rd., Sec. 1, DaAn District, Taipei  / 和平東路一段177號B1

MRT: Guting

Hours: Mon - Sun: 20:00 - 04:00


Roxy 99 has closed it's doors for good, but in it's place Roxy Rocker has had a makeover and expanded.

The Roxy bar and nightclub empire that may once have dominated the Taipei student bar scene has been reduced to just one solitary location. This single location, however, packs in three rooms with individual atmospheres.

Roxy rocker has long inhabited it's current location one block away from the NTNU campus, but since the recent closing of Roxy99, Rocker has greatly expanded and added a 'party room'. The new party room compliments the original Roxy Rocker Rock room and the chilled of vinyl room. The Party Room brings the heavy party vibe of Roxy 99 to Roxy Rocker. Rocker's new party room plays host dj's spinning party classics and a large dancefloor in front of well-stocked bar.

With an entry fee of only $200NT including 1 drink, the value of Roxy Rocker exceeds that of most other venues in Taipei. Roxy Rocker is a classic and awesome nightspot for students and any other partiers who want to stay out late into the night.


Friendliness: 3 / 5


Ambiance: 4 / 5

Drink Selection: 2 / 3

Value: 3 / 3

Overall Impression: 3 / 4

Total: 15 / 20

A Worthy Watering Hole.

Eleven Beer House

Address: 大安區羅斯福路三段283巷36號, Taipei, Taiwan 106

MRT: Taipower Building / Gongguan

Hours Mon-Sun: 15:00-23:00

Craft beer lovers in the Gongguan and Shida area can rejoice, as another new craft beer bar has opened. Eleven Beer House aims to bring craft beer from around the world to the well-known student area of Gongguan.

Located between Taipower building and Gongguan MRT stations, Eleven is excellently positioned to serve craft beer starved students of both NTU and NTNU. Owned and run by a friendly Taiwanese couple, the bar's name is comes from the date of both, their anniversary, and one of their birthdays (11/11).


Eleven has a warm interior with few seats at the bar and enough tables to meet their needs. Additionally, Eleven Beer House has pleasant patio out front with covered outdoor seating.  Eleven stocks a an excellent and ever expanding selection of craft beers alongside one tap for draught. The beers are very reasonably priced and take-away beers come at a $30NT discount.

Eleven is a another great little craft beer bar in Taipei and it's comfortable and friendly environment ensure that it's a great place for local university students looking for a place to relax after a stressful class, or any beer enthusiast in the neighborhood.

On Facebook


Friendliness: 5 / 5

Ambiance: 3 / 5

Drink Selection: 3 / 3

Value: 3 / 3

Overall Impression: 3 / 4

Total: 17 / 20

A Damn Good Drinkery!

窖父 HideOut

Address: No. 280 Heping Road, DaAn District, Taipei / 台北市大安區和平東路一段280號, Taipei, Taiwan 110

MRT: DaAn Park / GuTing

Hours: Sun - Thurs  20:00–02:00
             Fri - Sat        20:00–03:00
         
A safe and hidden place to escape your woes, fears, or responsibilities, HideOut is an ultra-cool bar and hookah lounge footsteps away from DaAn Park.  While the bar's English name is HideOut, it's Chinese name 窖父 (meaning cellar father), is a homonym of the name of the celebrated mobster movie-series, The Godfather (教父).   As the Chinese name suggests, HideOut is nothing but Gangster!

Hideout is dark and dimly lit space with charcoal painted walls and dark concrete floors, yet the lack of colour doesn't take away from the vibrancy of the atmosphere at HideOut.  The main floor is where the bar and some limited window-side seating are located, but the real 'Hideout' is down the stairs to the cellar, where ample seating on lush, leather furniture and incandescent lighting create a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Despite dark and stylish decor, HideOut's drinks are surprisingly reasonably priced.  Beers start at just $150NT and spirits are priced between $150NT and $300 per shot.   The selection of beers is limited to macro imports and the standard, Taiwan Beer, which is available on draft, alongside 1664 Blanc.   The spirits are well stocked, including good range of whiskeys.

In addition to Hideout's drinks, hookah pipes are also on offer for looking too add a little middle-eastern flair to their night.

Hideout is a bar worthy of it's Godfather (教父) namesake.   A visit to this dark and mysterious little drinking hole is highly recommended.   A nice place for solo drinkers, dating couples or partying groups.

Friendliness: 3 / 5

Ambiance: 5 / 5

Drink Selection: 2 / 3

Value: 3 / 3

Overall Impression: 3 / 4

Total: 16 / 20

A Worthy Watering Hole!

Pipe Live House

Address: No. 1 Siyuan Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, (Riverside Park) / 台北市中正區思源街1號(自來水園區/公館水岸)

MRT: Gongguan 

Hours: Check listings for event hours.

When was the last time you partied in a water-pumping station?  If your answer is 'never', then you're due for a visit to Gongguan's Pipe Live House!  Located in the Gongguan Riverside Park, Pipe is aptly named as it is actual historical pumping station; complete with pumps and, of course, pipes. The archaic pumping equipment give Pipe Livehouse an excellent industrial atmosphere that fuels the parties hosted there.


Pipe hosts a range of musical acts; however, the industrial setting is particularly great for the electronic music DJ's that are frequently found jockeying Pipe's turntables.

A relatively small space, at just 10 meters wide, and 20 meters long, Pipe has a unique advantage in Taipei of completely avoiding any noise restrictions.  It's location in the Gonguan Riverside park insures that the pounding bass at Pipe is far from disturbing any neighbors.

Pipe has a limited drink selection, but nobody is headed there for the drinks.    Cover charge varies according to the event but it is usually quite reasonable.

As one of Taipei's live-houses that survived the recent crackdown on such venues, Pipe is must visit.  Pipe is the only club in Taipei that is not only historical site, but also an awesome place to party.


Check Pipe on Facebook 

Friendliness: 3 / 5

Ambiance: 5 / 5

Drink Selection: 1 / 3

Value:  2 / 3

Overall Impression: 4/ 4

Total: 15 / 20

A Worthy Watering Hole.

The Bottle Shop

!!update: Closed permanently!! 

Address: Zhongxiao East Road, Sec 6 , Lane 553 , Lane 14-1 / 忠孝東路四段553巷6弄14-1號  Taipei, Taiwan

MRT: Taipei City Hall

Hours: Tues - Thurs: 12:00–00:00
             Fri - Sat:  12:00–02:00
             Sun:  12:00–20:00

Retail craft beer store, café, bar; The Bottle Shop has many identities, the most notable of which may be "craft beer aficionado clubhouse".  Located in the backstreets between SongShan Cultural Park and Taipei City Hall MRT Station, The Bottle Shop is a perfect stop-off for those en-route to the Xinyi nightlife district. Whether you're in the mood for a bottle to enjoy at home, a caffeinated pick-me up, or a draft beer and a chat with a friendly and knowledgeable barman, The Bottle Shop has what you're looking for.

The Bottle Shop is by no-means large, with just two tables and limited bar seating; however, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beer-selection.   The Bottle Shop stocks a large bar fridge of imported beers alongside a range of shelved take-away beers.  In addition to the bottled beer, a keg of craft beer is always on tap, and they maintain an excellent range of whiskeys.

Where The Bottle Shop's greatest strengths lie are in the knowledge and friendliness of their staff.   Those serving the beers at The Bottle Shop are well-informed about their products and cheerful as they serve them.

In addition to being a great place to pick up a reasonably priced six-pack of craft beer, The Bottle Shop is an extremely pleasant place to have a beer or whiskey at just about anytime of day.   The beer selection and long hours, alone, make The Bottle Shop a must visit location for any craft beer lover visiting or living in Taipei.

On Facebook

Friendliness: 5 / 5

Ambiance: 3 / 5

Drink Selection: 3 / 3

Value:  3 / 3

Overall Impression: 4/ 4

Total: 18 / 20

A Damn Good Drinkery!

ABV Bar & Kitchen

Address: No. 39, Lane 260, 1st Floor, Guangfu South Road, Da-an District / 大安區光復南路260巷39號1樓 Taipei

MRT: Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

Hours: Mon - Sun: 11:30–1:30

Abbreviated as ABV, alcohol by volume, is a standard measure of how much alcohol is contained in drink.  By choosing to name their establishment after a measure of alcoholic potency, ABV Bar and Kitchen has firmly positioned themselves as an eatery for drinkers who dine, as opposed to diners who drink,

A gastro-pub in the DongQu (東區) area, ABV offers a range of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine to accompany they assortment of imported beers that fill their three-door fridge. In addition to beers A solid selection of wines, whiskeys and other spirits are also on-hand.  

While ABV Bar & Kitchen presents itself as a Gastropub, the brightly lit restaurant provides little pub-like atmosphere.



As another addition to Taipei's growing craft beer scene, ABV is a cool new place to grab a meal and a great beer.














On Facebook

Friendliness: 3 / 5

Ambiance: 2 / 5

Drink Selection: 3 / 3

Value:  2 / 3

Overall Impression: 3/ 4

Total: 13 / 20

A So-So Saloon!

The Station **closed

Update: Closed

Address: No.50, Section 1,  Zhongxiao West Road, Zhongzheng District/ 台北市忠孝西路一段50號  

MRT: MRT Taipei Main Station

Hours: Mon - Fri:  16:00–00:00
             Sat:          12:00–02:00
             Sun:            14:00–23:00

It's commonly known that a warm and tropical city like Taipei could benefit greatly from more outdoor bars and lounges.    The Station provides a relaxed outdoor escape amongst the hustle and bustle of the Taipei Main-Station area,

The Station a unique bar, in that it has no interior seating and it's property is limited to a small bar alongside a pedestrian area and a pair of adjacent tent's.  The lack of indoor seating should serve as no deterrent, as Taipei's warm weather is highly conducive to enjoying a cold drink outside.

The Station offers several simple food items in addition bar selection.  Imported bottled beers are available for as little as $140NT and Asahi Draft is priced at $160NT.  The cocktails featured on their menu are somewhat limited; however, the prices are very reasonable.

Given that there are few other bars in the area, The Station should be a stop on the route of any traveler spending a night at one of the many hotels surrounding Taipei Main-station.

Friendliness: 3 / 5

Ambiance: 2 / 5

Drink Selection: 1 / 3

Value:  2 / 3

Overall Impression: 3/ 4

Total: 11 / 20

If you're in the area.

Tickle My Fantasy

Address: No. 8, Section 2 Anhe Road, DaAn District, Taipei / 安和路二段8號, 大安區， Taipei

MRT: MRT Xinyi-Anhe

Hours: Mon - Sun: 18:00 - 03:00

While the name likely conjures up images of a sleazy strip-club for most Westerners, Tickle My Fantasy has gained a long-standing reputation in Taipei for being an excellent little lounge for a casual drink or for the city's strongest Long Island iced-tea.

Located on the well-known bar and foreign business street of Anhe Road, Tickle My Fantasy has provided a comfortable drinking environment for locals and visitors for nearly 15 years.

Tickle My Fantasy is a lounge style bar with an excellent selection of wines and spirits; however, beers are limited to Heineken, Guinness, and other foreign macros.  Tickle My Fantasy's most famous drink is their potent Long Island iced-tea.  The drinks are priced very fairly for a Taipei lounge bar.

As it's open seven days a week, there's no reason not pay a visit to classic Taipei-bar like Tickle my Fantasy.  


Friendliness: 3 / 5

Ambiance: 4 / 5

Drink Selection: 2 / 3

Value:  3 / 3

Overall Impression: 3/ 4

Total: 15 / 20

A Worthy Watering Hole.

LMNT [Element] Drink & Eat

Address:  1F, No. 28, SongShou Rd. / 信義區松壽路28號1F (大門位於Neo19 松仁路)

MRT:  MRT Taipei City Hall / Taipei 101-WTC

Hours: Sun-Thurs: 8:30pm-2am
             Fri-Sat: 8:30pm-3am.

An element is an essential part of something, perhaps, that's why LMNT has been an essential part of the Xinyi lounge scene since it opened in the Neo19 building.   LMNT is a long-time favorite of Taipei partiers in the Xinyi district for many good reasons.

Xinyi is ground-zero for trendy lounges in Taipei, and LMNT is among the trendiest and most popular.   LMNT is a stylishly decorated lounge that gets very crowded on weekends for both those who are pre-clubbing and others looking for a comfortable club alternative.

LMNT has a constant rotation of excellent DJs spinning electronic or hip-hop, as well as a healthy supply of guest international DJ's.   The music is loud on weekends; really loud, don't expect a pleasant conversation with friends.

Drinks don't come particularly cheap, but that's standard for bar's and lounges in the area, that have no entry fee.    The expert bartenders mix superb cocktails with all of the finest top-shelf spirits on offer.   Beers are, for the most part, limited to European macro-beers.

If you're having a night out in Taipei's most prominent nightlife district, LMNT is well-worth a visit.


Friendliness: 3 / 5

Ambiance: 4 / 5

Drink Selection: 2 / 3

Value:  2 / 3

Overall Impression: 3/ 4

Total: 14 / 20

A Worthy Watering Hole.

**closed 貓王音樂酒吧 Elvis Bar

Update: Unfortunately Now Closed! 

Address: No. 16, Section 1, Lane 107, Alley 5, Fuxing South Road,  Daan District, Taipei / 台北市復興南路一段107巷5弄16號

MRT: MRT Zhongxiao - Fuxing 

Hours: Mon - Sun: 19:30–03:00


With the cozy vibe of your alcoholic, Elvis-loving grandmother's home, Elvis American Bar is a lesser-known gem of the DongQu bar scene.  Complete with roaming cats, as a bar named for the the Cat King (Elvis' Chinese name) should be, Elvis bar is an old-school dive bar with charm.

Elvis Bar is equipped with an old-school karaoke featuring Mandarin, Japanese and English songs, which, of course, include the best of Elvis' hits.

The drinks at Elvis Bar are limited to a tight range of imported spirits and bottles of Taiwan beer.

Unfortunately, not unlike many of the older bars in Taipei, Elvis bar strictly enforces a 200NT minimum, making it unsuitable for sharing a bottle of 台啤 with a friend.  

All in all, Elvis bar is a more than suitable pub to sing everything for "Blue Suede Shoes" to "Suspicious Minds" into the early hours of the morning.

Friendliness: 4 / 5

Ambiance: 3 / 5

Drink Selection: 1 / 3

Value:  2 / 3

Overall Impression: 2/ 4

Total: 12 / 20

A so-so saloon.

Spring Break on the Beach 2015 : Kenting

Beaches, booze, bikinis, and bass; spring-break in Kenting is Taiwan's best place to party with multiple massive parties packed into one epic 4-day weekend.   At the beginning every year, thousands of music fans, nightlife lovers and partiers migrate to the south to the southern tip of Taiwan for the biggest party events of the year.  

For the past 20 years the beach resort town of Kenting has played host to Taiwan’s largest music festival Spring Scream.   Since it’s first year in 1995, the massive rock music festival has grown and spawned numerous other seaside parties throughout the southern tip of Taiwan.  Parties cater to a range of music lovers with some showcasing on rock or reggae, with others focus on dance and electronic music. 

Among the rowdiest of these parties in 2015 was the 夏都春宴 SPRING BREAK on the BEACH at the Chateau beach resort.   Organized by one of Kaohsiung’s most popular bars, Brickyard, Spring Break on the Beach featured DJs, live performances and beach activities in the daytime.  The headlining act to kickoff the event was internationally renowned Dj Bl3nd.  The 3 days and nights of partying retained the high-tempo set by DJ Bl3nd with excellent dj's taking the stage all weekend long.  

Spring Break on the Beach is an experience that everyone who likes to party in Taiwan should have. The party rages throughout the weekend and this year they supplied free Taiwan Beer from 7:00-11pm every night for those who bought tickets.  The tickets were very reasonably priced with early-bird tickets starting at just $900NT for the whole weekend.   

Thirsty in Taipei highly recommends Spring Break on the Beach as a party destination for 2016 and hopefully many years to come. 

For more 2015 party pictures, check out On The Beach's Facebook Photos

Circle Bar 圈圈吧

Address: No. 31-1, Section 5, Roosevelt Road, WenShan District, Taipei / 台北市文山區羅斯福路五段31-1號

MRT: between GongGuan and WanLong MRT

Hours: Mon - Thurs  20:00–03:00
             Fri - Sat          20:00–04:00
             Sun                 20:00–03:00

Just south of Gongguan, is a small but lively bar that seems out of place on the busy stretch on Roosevelt Rd.

Once through the doors of Circle Bar, one finds a warmly decorated little pub with famed European monuments adorning the walls. The cozy little bar is dimly lit and often crowded with a loyal contingent of regulars.

Circle Bar stocks a range of spirits and mixes all the standard cocktails. They also feature a range of imported whiskys. Beers are limited to Budweiser, Heineken and Guinness, and a minimum expenditure of 200NT ensures that customers are likely to have more than one.

The service at this pleasant little pub was surprising cold and unfriendly, and bartenders acted inconvenienced to be called away from their conversations with regular patrons. Perhaps Circle Bar is a place where one benefits from being a part of the inner social circle.

Overall, Circle bar would be a nice place for a drink if you live in the neighborhood, which has few other options.
   

Friendliness: 2 / 5

Ambiance: 3 / 5

Drink Selection: 2 / 3

Value:  1 / 3

Overall Impression: 2/ 4

Total: 10 / 20

If you're in the area....

Piccolo Parco 小公園

Address: Tonghua Street, No. 1, Lane 184, Da’an District, Taipei / 通化街184巷1號, 台北

MRT: Liuzhangli 

Hours: Mon - Sun 18:00–01:00


Piccolo Parco is one of Taipei's many Japanese izakaya inspired bars.   Piccolo Parco is a beautiful little bar occupies a small corner space in a quiet neighborhood.    

The compact interior is beautifully hand built by the owner and bartender to make the most of the small space and provide a comfortable ambiance to thirsty patrons.

Piccolo Parco has a nice range of imported craft beers from American, European and Japanese brewers in addition to a good selection of spirits.   Japanese tapas, or typical izakaya offerings are available to complement the drinks.

Piccolo Parca is an excellent little bar with friendly service and a pleasant atmosphere.    A visit to this comfy little corner bar is highly recommended.

Friendliness: 5 / 5

Ambiance: 4 / 5

Drink Selection: 3 / 3

Value:  2 / 3

Overall Impression: 3/ 4

Total: 17 / 20
A worthy watering hole.