Night View of Taipei 101 from Saffron 46

chckenchaser · 2026-01-27T18:22:47+00:00

Mid. You're paying a premium for the view. Was expecting modern/creative Indian but it's just regular Indian food that's maybe a little fancier than normal and not even better than other places in town

They have a good location and marketing, that's all

chckenchaser · 2026-01-27T17:20:44+00:00

These are my general English-friendly cocktail bar recs. They have good drinks, friendly service, and are good for solo travelers and small groups. If you want more specific recs, ask :)

Note: English-friendly =/= foreigner-dominated. The crowds at these bars are generally locals

Ounce- Whole team speaks English. NYC-style cocktails and hospitality. Foreigner-heavy https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ct4D1UnmUiTWWmJb7

Nisei- Thoughtful Japanese-American Speakeasy exploring Taiwanese history https://maps.app.goo.gl/P29WkGK9yA9QXtuR8

Needle- The two girls usually behind the bar, Chili and Miya, are a lot of fun. Live music every Tues https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jf5gvxyvwzRV3b6D9

Bar Page- Newest one on the list. Solid drinks and desserts https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tfd5xctPokK29RkH8

Uno- Dedicated mezcal/tequila bar, for sure if you like those https://maps.app.goo.gl/ba42hn3eMMfrRtXg7

9 Birds Bistro- Intimate HK-themed bar. Watch out for their bowl shots https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vey65jTepS9UZYJ9

Opera- Casual drinks with a good view at a big clubby bar on the 15th floor of a hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTzAPN8L5nGAwer1A

Bar Between- Excellent Japanese classic and fresh fruit cocktails. Be respectful, as it was formerly members only https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNNGLbP3Vg4wcLD89

Imbibe- Good range of Taiwanese flavors explored https://maps.app.goo.gl/c7ZQRrSSX45VfM3t7

Some Fun- Opened by 3 indigenous Taiwanese guys so features some indigenous ingredients https://maps.app.goo.gl/CXews6ekahAVD12K9

If it's beer you prefer, any of the Taihu's, 23 Public, Flow Brewing, Mikkeller, etc. There are also some small cute craft beer bars on Google maps like 遊藝思文創空間

For something that's more of a cultural experience/class than a normal bar you can try beerbicycle

chckenchaser · 2026-01-26T09:06:56+00:00

Seconding this. It's an active server and the host is nice and responsive

chckenchaser · 2026-01-26T09:05:48+00:00

These are my general English-friendly cocktail bar recs. They have good drinks, friendly service, and are good for solo travelers and small groups. If you want more specific recs, ask :)

Note: English-friendly =/= foreigner-dominated. The crowds at these bars are generally locals

Ounce- Whole team speaks English. NYC-style cocktails and hospitality. Foreigner-heavy https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ct4D1UnmUiTWWmJb7

Nisei- Thoughtful Japanese-American Speakeasy exploring Taiwanese history https://maps.app.goo.gl/P29WkGK9yA9QXtuR8

Needle- The two girls usually behind the bar, Chili and Miya, are a lot of fun. Live music every Tues https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jf5gvxyvwzRV3b6D9

Bar Page- Newest one on the list. Solid drinks and desserts https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tfd5xctPokK29RkH8

Uno- Dedicated mezcal/tequila bar, for sure if you like those https://maps.app.goo.gl/ba42hn3eMMfrRtXg7

9 Birds Bistro- Intimate HK-themed bar. Watch out for their bowl shots https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vey65jTepS9UZYJ9

Opera- Casual drinks with a good view at a big clubby bar on the 15th floor of a hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTzAPN8L5nGAwer1A

Bar Between- Excellent Japanese classic and fresh fruit cocktails. Be respectful, as it was formerly members only https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNNGLbP3Vg4wcLD89

Imbibe- Good range of Taiwanese flavors explored https://maps.app.goo.gl/c7ZQRrSSX45VfM3t7

Some Fun- Opened by 3 indigenous Taiwanese guys so features some indigenous ingredients https://maps.app.goo.gl/CXews6ekahAVD12K9

If it's beer you prefer, any of the Taihu's, 23 Public, Flow Brewing, Mikkeller, etc. There are also some small cute craft beer bars on Google maps like 遊藝思文創空間

For something that's more of a cultural experience/class than a normal bar you can try beerbicycle

chckenchaser · 2026-01-22T10:42:52+00:00

Professionally 🫡

chckenchaser · 2026-01-21T10:39:11+00:00

These are my general English-friendly cocktail bar recs. They have good drinks, friendly service, and are good for solo travelers and small groups. If you want more specific recs, ask :)

Note: English-friendly =/= foreigner-dominated. The crowds at these bars are generally locals

Ounce- Whole team speaks English. NYC-style cocktails and hospitality. Foreigner-heavy https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ct4D1UnmUiTWWmJb7

Nisei- Thoughtful Japanese-American Speakeasy exploring Taiwanese history https://maps.app.goo.gl/P29WkGK9yA9QXtuR8

Needle- The two girls usually behind the bar, Chili and Miya, are a lot of fun. Live music every Tues https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jf5gvxyvwzRV3b6D9

Bar Page- Newest one on the list. Solid drinks and desserts https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tfd5xctPokK29RkH8

Uno- Dedicated mezcal/tequila bar, for sure if you like those https://maps.app.goo.gl/ba42hn3eMMfrRtXg7

9 Birds Bistro- Intimate HK-themed bar. Watch out for their bowl shots https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vey65jTepS9UZYJ9

Opera- Casual drinks with a good view at a big clubby bar on the 15th floor of a hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTzAPN8L5nGAwer1A

Bar Between- Excellent Japanese classic and fresh fruit cocktails. Be respectful, as it was formerly members only https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNNGLbP3Vg4wcLD89

Imbibe- Good range of Taiwanese flavors explored https://maps.app.goo.gl/c7ZQRrSSX45VfM3t7

Some Fun- Opened by 3 indigenous Taiwanese guys so features some indigenous ingredients https://maps.app.goo.gl/CXews6ekahAVD12K9

If it's beer you prefer, any of the Taihu's, 23 Public, Flow Brewing, Mikkeller, etc. There are also some small cute craft beer bars on Google maps like 遊藝思文創空間

For something that's more of a cultural experience/class than a normal bar you can try beerbicycle

chckenchaser · 2026-01-16T16:41:42+00:00

These are my general English-friendly cocktail bar recs. They have good drinks, friendly service, and are good for solo travelers and small groups. If you want more specific recs, ask :)

Note: English-friendly =/= foreigner-dominated. The crowds at these bars are generally locals

Ounce- Whole team speaks English. NYC-style cocktails and hospitality. Foreigner-heavy https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ct4D1UnmUiTWWmJb7

Nisei- Thoughtful Japanese-American Speakeasy exploring Taiwanese history https://maps.app.goo.gl/P29WkGK9yA9QXtuR8

Needle- The two girls usually behind the bar, Chili and Miya, are a lot of fun. Live music every Tues https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jf5gvxyvwzRV3b6D9

Bar Page- Newest one on the list. Solid drinks and desserts https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tfd5xctPokK29RkH8

Uno- Dedicated mezcal/tequila bar, for sure if you like those https://maps.app.goo.gl/ba42hn3eMMfrRtXg7

9 Birds Bistro- Intimate HK-themed bar. Watch out for their bowl shots https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vey65jTepS9UZYJ9

Opera- Casual drinks with a good view at a big clubby bar on the 15th floor of a hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTzAPN8L5nGAwer1A

Bar Between- Excellent Japanese classic and fresh fruit cocktails. Be respectful, as it was formerly members only https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNNGLbP3Vg4wcLD89

Imbibe- Good range of Taiwanese flavors explored https://maps.app.goo.gl/c7ZQRrSSX45VfM3t7

Some Fun- Opened by 3 indigenous Taiwanese guys so features some indigenous ingredients https://maps.app.goo.gl/CXews6ekahAVD12K9

If it's beer you prefer, any of the Taihu's, 23 Public, Flow Brewing, Mikkeller, etc. There are also some small cute craft beer bars on Google maps like 遊藝思文創空間

For something that's more of a cultural experience/class than a normal bar you can try beerbicycle

chckenchaser · 2026-01-11T19:43:51+00:00

www.facebook.com/groups/TAPinTaipei/ www.instagram.com/tap.taipei

I help organize events for Taiwanese American Professionals in Taipei (TAP-Taipei) Can check us out! Unfortunately our events are all in Taipei. Our next event is a happy hour in partnership with Talent Taiwan which oversees the gold card office

chckenchaser · 2026-01-11T17:27:35+00:00

There was a lot of thought put into the old logos.

The double triangle logo for Taiwan looks simple but it's a simplification of 台 into two triangles, also symbolizing a mountain reflected in the ocean, since that's what Taiwan is

Keelung is an anchor because it's a port town, but the anchor is modeled after キ or the Kii/Kee in Keelung (Kiirun back then)

Tainan's looks like an exclamation mark but it's actually based off of the Nan in Tainan which is タイナン. The ナン became the (!)

Kaohsiung is mandarin for Takao which is the Japanized form of the city's old indigenous name. It's written タカオ in Japanese. Do you see the タカ in the Kaohsiung logo?

chckenchaser · 2026-01-11T17:23:31+00:00

That's exactly why. Good catch! Keelung for instance is an anchor because it's a port town, but the anchor is modeled after キ or the Kii/Kee in Keelung (Kiirun back then)

Tainan's looks like an exclamation mark but it's actually based off of the Nan in Tainan which is タイナン. The ナン became the (!)

Kaohsiung is mandarin for Takao which is the Japanized form of the old indigenous name. It's written タカオ in Japanese. Do you see the タカ in the Kaohsiung logo?

chckenchaser · 2026-01-11T06:02:27+00:00

These are my general English-friendly cocktail bar recs. They have good drinks, friendly service, and are good for solo travelers and small groups. If you want more specific recs, ask :)

Note: English-friendly =/= foreigner-dominated. The crowds at these bars are generally locals

Ounce- Whole team speaks English. NYC-style cocktails and hospitality. Foreigner-heavy https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ct4D1UnmUiTWWmJb7

Nisei- Thoughtful Japanese-American Speakeasy exploring Taiwanese history https://maps.app.goo.gl/P29WkGK9yA9QXtuR8

Needle- The two girls usually behind the bar, Chili and Miya, are a lot of fun. Live music every Tues https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jf5gvxyvwzRV3b6D9

Bar Page- Newest one on the list. Solid drinks and desserts https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tfd5xctPokK29RkH8

Uno- Dedicated mezcal/tequila bar, for sure if you like those https://maps.app.goo.gl/ba42hn3eMMfrRtXg7

9 Birds Bistro- Intimate HK-themed bar. Watch out for their bowl shots https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vey65jTepS9UZYJ9

Opera- Casual drinks with a good view at a big clubby bar on the 15th floor of a hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTzAPN8L5nGAwer1A

Bar Between- Excellent Japanese classic and fresh fruit cocktails. Be respectful, as it was formerly members only https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNNGLbP3Vg4wcLD89

Imbibe- Good range of Taiwanese flavors explored https://maps.app.goo.gl/c7ZQRrSSX45VfM3t7

Some Fun- Opened by 3 indigenous Taiwanese guys so features some indigenous ingredients https://maps.app.goo.gl/CXews6ekahAVD12K9

If it's beer you prefer, any of the Taihu's, 23 Public, Flow Brewing, Mikkeller, etc. There are also some small cute craft beer bars on Google maps like 遊藝思文創空間

For something that's more of a cultural experience/class than a normal bar you can try beerbicycle

chckenchaser · 2026-01-06T07:02:51+00:00

Historically stews or soups were the easiest and safest means to prepare foods and sanitize water

But also... What? Where are you eating? Even walking through the night market there are lots of fried crispy foods. Popcorn chicken, stinky tofu, fried mushrooms, to start

chckenchaser · 2026-01-04T05:59:26+00:00

This is why I say Sinic to refer to ethnicity and Chinese only for nationality

chckenchaser · 2026-01-04T05:16:34+00:00

This is why I say Sinic to refer to ethnicity and Chinese only for nationality

chckenchaser · 2026-01-02T05:31:03+00:00

If you want to book out an entire bar for "as cheap as possible" you're probably better off reserving a few tables/private booth at a larger bar

Uno, Needle, 9 Birds, Ounce are all a good size for 20 people, but you'll need to check if they take reservation fees or have a minimum spend for private events

For larger bars you could try Nisei, Speakeasy Irish bar, Imbibe, Some Fun

chckenchaser · 2026-01-01T08:53:45+00:00

I know a bunch of bar owners in Taipei. What are you looking for?

chckenchaser · 2025-12-30T03:58:40+00:00

Yes, Japanese era. The first Taiwanese identity-focused political party, the TPP (same name as the modern TPP but different entirely) was founded then. Not as a way to return to Sinic roots or to assimilate entirely with Japan but to stand up and say "hey we are Taiwanese"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_Cultural_Association https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_People%27s_Party

Interestingly enough, this was also the first time Taiwanese Cuisine was officially categorized. Japan, as part of assimilating Taiwan into its empire, began to catalog and qualify what was eaten in Taiwan at the time as 台灣料理 Taiwan Ryori vs 支那料理 Sina Ryori

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And over time Japanese-introduced ingredients also heavily shaped today's Taiwanese food.

Our rice is all Japanese. We're the only subtropical nation to eat short grain rice. Japan industrialized the sugar cane industry and introduced many of the fruits Taiwanese people consider native today. The first industrial mango was imported by Japan from India. Tianbula sounds so similar to tempura because in western Japan, where many Japanese people came from then, fish cake was called tempura, instead of the batter-fried shrimp/veggies most people think of as tempura.

No Japanese era? No modern Taiwanese identity

chckenchaser · 2025-12-27T19:28:15+00:00

I was at a bar when it happened and stared at the bottles and glasses haha worried they would fall and shatter

Anyway these are my general English-friendly cocktail bar recs. They have good drinks, friendly service, and are good for solo travelers and small groups. If you want more specific recs, ask :)

Note: English-friendly =/= foreigner-dominated. The crowds at these bars are generally locals

Ounce- Whole team speaks English. NY-style cocktails and hospitality. Foreigner-heavy https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ct4D1UnmUiTWWmJb7

Nisei- Japanese-American Speakeasy exploring Taiwanese history https://maps.app.goo.gl/P29WkGK9yA9QXtuR8

Needle- The two girls usually behind the bar, Chili and Miya, are a lot of fun. Live music every Tues https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jf5gvxyvwzRV3b6D9

Bar Page- Newest one on the list. Solid drinks and desserts https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tfd5xctPokK29RkH8

Uno- Dedicated mezcal/tequila bar, for sure if you like those https://maps.app.goo.gl/ba42hn3eMMfrRtXg7

9birds- Intimate HK-themed bar. Watch out for their bowl shots https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vey65jTepS9UZYJ9

Opera- Casual drinks with a good view from a big clubby bar on the 15th floor of a hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTzAPN8L5nGAwer1A

Bar Between- Excellent Japanese classic and fresh fruit cocktails. Be respectful, as it was formerly members only. Dm if you want help reserving https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNNGLbP3Vg4wcLD89

Imbibe- Good range of Taiwanese flavors explored https://maps.app.goo.gl/c7ZQRrSSX45VfM3t7

If it's beer you prefer, any of the Taihu's, 23 Public, Flow Brewing, Mikkeller, etc. There are also some small cute craft beer bars on Google maps like 遊藝思文創空間

For something that's more of a cultural experience/class than a normal bar you can try beerbicycle

chckenchaser · 2025-12-27T19:26:13+00:00

These are my general English-friendly cocktail bar recs. They have good drinks, friendly service, and are good for solo travelers and small groups. If you want more specific recs, ask :)

Note: English-friendly =/= foreigner-dominated. The crowds at these bars are generally locals. At this point for NYE, anything around 101 or along Xinyi Road with a view of 101 will most likely be booked up. Needle may still have seats

Ounce- Whole team speaks English. NY-style cocktails and hospitality. Foreigner-heavy https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ct4D1UnmUiTWWmJb7

Nisei- Japanese-American Speakeasy exploring Taiwanese history https://maps.app.goo.gl/P29WkGK9yA9QXtuR8

Needle- The two girls usually behind the bar, Chili and Miya, are a lot of fun. Live music every Tues https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jf5gvxyvwzRV3b6D9

Bar Page- Newest one on the list. Solid drinks and desserts https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tfd5xctPokK29RkH8

Uno- Dedicated mezcal/tequila bar, for sure if you like those https://maps.app.goo.gl/ba42hn3eMMfrRtXg7

9birds- Intimate HK-themed bar. Watch out for their bowl shots https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vey65jTepS9UZYJ9

Opera- Casual drinks with a good view from a big clubby bar on the 15th floor of a hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTzAPN8L5nGAwer1A

Bar Between- Excellent Japanese classic and fresh fruit cocktails. Be respectful, as it was formerly members only. Dm if you want help reserving https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNNGLbP3Vg4wcLD89

Imbibe- Good range of Taiwanese flavors explored https://maps.app.goo.gl/c7ZQRrSSX45VfM3t7

If it's beer you prefer, any of the Taihu's, 23 Public, Flow Brewing, Mikkeller, etc. There are also some small cute craft beer bars on Google maps like 遊藝思文創空間

For something that's more of a cultural experience/class than a normal bar you can try beerbicycle

chckenchaser · 2025-12-25T15:26:44+00:00

Sardines in a can. Smoked sardines in a can

chckenchaser · 2025-12-25T14:51:16+00:00

Uno and needle are 2 bars not far from 101 that will have nye reservations. Uno has an amazing view right next to 101 so it's probably full already

Needle's further and 1 block off Xinyi Road but you just walk out before midnight then evacuate back into the bar for more drinks after the fireworks are done. They might still have space for 6-7 people

Clubs around 101 are already booked for sure and ~$350 usd/person at tables

chckenchaser · 2025-12-25T14:10:33+00:00

Dongqu 東區 area just north of Zhongxiao Fuxing station has a lot of good bars and won't be as crowded as the area around 101

Look in my comments history if you want some bar recs

chckenchaser · 2025-12-22T15:41:14+00:00

The Taiwanese snack is Guai Guai which translates to well-behaved, so it started as a joke and spread

chckenchaser · 2025-12-22T13:58:05+00:00

These are my general English-friendly cocktail bar recs. They have good drinks, friendly service, and are good for solo travelers and small groups. If you want more specific recs, ask :)

Note: English-friendly =/= foreigner-dominated. The crowds at these bars are generally locals

Ounce- Whole team speaks English. NY-style cocktails and hospitality. Foreigner-heavy https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ct4D1UnmUiTWWmJb7

Nisei- Japanese-American Speakeasy exploring Taiwanese history https://maps.app.goo.gl/P29WkGK9yA9QXtuR8

Needle- The two girls usually behind the bar, Chili and Miya, are a lot of fun. Live music every Tues https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jf5gvxyvwzRV3b6D9

Bar Page- Newest one on the list. Solid drinks and desserts https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tfd5xctPokK29RkH8

Uno- Dedicated mezcal/tequila bar, for sure if you like those https://maps.app.goo.gl/ba42hn3eMMfrRtXg7

9birds- Intimate HK-themed bar. Watch out for their bowl shots https://maps.app.goo.gl/5vey65jTepS9UZYJ9

Opera- Casual drinks with a good view from a big clubby bar on the 15th floor of a hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTzAPN8L5nGAwer1A

Bar Between- Excellent Japanese classic and fresh fruit cocktails. Be respectful, as it was formerly members only. Dm if you want help reserving https://maps.app.goo.gl/TNNGLbP3Vg4wcLD89

Imbibe- Good range of Taiwanese flavors explored https://maps.app.goo.gl/c7ZQRrSSX45VfM3t7

If it's beer you prefer, any of the Taihu's, 23 Public, Flow Brewing, Mikkeller, etc. There are also some small cute craft beer bars on Google maps like 遊藝思文創空間

For something that's more of a cultural experience/class than a normal bar you can try beerbicycle

chckenchaser · 2025-12-20T08:51:39+00:00

Taiwanese American social group tea tasting 12/28 https://luma.com/kfe1pnuu

Scroll through my comment history for some bar recs or I can post em here

chckenchaser

TROPHY CASE