Taipei’s bar scene is quickly gaining international recognition, offering a blend of innovation, creativity, and local flavours. From cosy speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors to futuristic bars pushing the boundaries of mixology, the city has something for every cocktail lover. The vibrant bar culture is fuelled by passionate bartenders and unique venues, each with its own style and signature drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or someone simply looking for a fun night out, Taipei’s bars promise an unforgettable experience.
Protip: Drinking On A Night Out In Taipei
When exploring Taipei’s bar scene, reservations are a good idea, especially at smaller, more intimate venues. Be open to trying cocktails made with Taiwanese ingredients, as many bars highlight local flavours in their creations such as tea. Don’t rush; these drinks are designed to be savoured. And if a bar appears hidden or unmarked, don’t hesitate—some of the best spots in the city are behind those inconspicuous doors through hard to reach alleys. Download Uber as it will be your best way of getting around in the predominantly Mandarin speaking city.
Celebrating Asia’s 50 Best Bars Through Taiwan Can Drink
The Taiwan Can Drink Event was an energetic celebration of Taiwan’s cocktail scene, featuring a dynamic lineup of bars from the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. Held at Knock Knock Taipei, the event showcased over ten bars, each offering limited-edition cocktails during one-hour time slots. The night kicked off with creative concoctions from #94 無, #72 unDer Lab, and Tei by O’bond, setting the tone from 20:00 to 21:00. Between 21:30 and 22:30, the crowd enjoyed drinks from Bar Mood, Moonrock, Room by Le Kief, and Nest by PUN. From 23:00 to 00:00, Han Jia, To Infinity & Beyond, and Hiboru wowed guests with their skills, and the final session from 00:30 to 01:30 featured stellar performances from Vender, The Public House, and Indulge Experimental Bis, capping the night with style. The event highlighted Taiwan’s creativity and passion for mixology, making it clear that Taiwan can indeed drink.
Futura
Modern and elegant take on fermentation-based cocktails
Opened by William Wu of The Public House, Futura is all about refined fermentation. The sleek, modern design reflects Taipei’s urban edge, with subtle lighting and comfortable seating that invites relaxation. Their menu is centred around the concept of fermentations, with standout drinks like the Mead Knees, a honey-infused twist on the classic. Don’t miss their smoky platter of roast pork and quail eggs, a perfect accompaniment to the cocktails. Futura is where modern mixology meets tradition.
Hiboru
Japanese izakaya vibes and Taiwanese street food culture
Located in Taipei’s Zhongshan District, Hiboru, founded by bartender Mark Huang, seamlessly blends retro and modern elements. The bar’s extensive highball menu is its main draw, featuring drinks like the Hillside Tea Shop, a refreshing mix of gin, grapefruit, and jasmine tea. Other unique cocktails, such as Love, Is A Serious Sickness, made with Wild Turkey Rye Whiskey, cacao tea, beetroot, and cherry, showcase the bar’s playful yet balanced approach to flavours. With its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Taiwanese street food, Hiboru offers a lively and engaging night out.
Knock Knock
A playful speakeasy where the experience begins the moment you find the door
Knock Knock, led by Kevin Luo, has quickly gained popularity for its interactive cocktails and fun atmosphere. The bar’s dual-level design offers a dynamic first floor with more energetic vibes, while the upstairs space is reserved for a quieter, more intimate experience. Signature drinks include the Consomme, featuring Bombay Sapphire Gin, tomato, bay leaf, thyme, and Campari, as well as the bold Green Curry, which combines Bacardi Carta Blanca, green curry, pink guava, and coconut mung bean milk. The cocktails merge Eastern and Western flavours in a way that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Mad Men
A sophisticated ramen bar where tea-forward cocktails steal the spotlight
Helmed by legendary bartender Seven Yi, Mad Men channels the spirit of 1960s New York while incorporating Taiwanese elements. Known for its tea-forward cocktails, Mad Men’s standout drink, the Kailan Tea 006, combines cucumber juice, miso, and truffle for a complex, refreshing flavour. The bar’s cosy, dimly lit interior is perfect for small groups looking to enjoy strong drinks and great conversation. For something with a touch of luxury, try the Truffle, a unique blend of honey, juniper berry, and green tea.
Nest by PUN
A multi-award-winning bar where precision and innovation meet
|Nest by PUN, led by head bartender Mason Zheng, is known for its creative approach to cocktails, having won the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award. Located below Bar Pun, this subterranean venue features a moody, intimate setting with honeycomb-patterned décor. The menu, titled Tales of Nest* is divided into nine categories, each featuring two drinks connected by a shared ingredient or technique. Notable offerings include the Breakfast G&T, which combines classic gin with breakfast flavours, and Madagascar, a tropical twist that transports your palate.
Tei by O’bond
Taiwan’s tea culture elevates through innovative cocktails
Tei by O’bond focuses on Taiwan’s rich tea traditions, using exclusively local ingredients in their cocktails. The journey begins with guests walking through a traditional Taiwanese alley before entering a pavilion-like bar. Signature cocktails like the No. 5 Hungyan Yellow Tea feature gin, zucchini, honey vinegar, and passionfruit, while the No. 6 Magnolia Oolong Tea blends rum with osmanthus honey and peach. Every drink at Tei by O’bond tells a story, deeply rooted in Taiwanese terroir and traditions.
The Public House
A contemporary bar with a focus on locally inspired cocktails
The Public House blends modern design with touches of Taiwanese heritage. Dim lighting and plush seating provide a warm, intimate ambiance, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The bar’s menu features a variety of innovative cocktails, such as the Public #1, a refreshing mix of London No.3 Dry Gin, Paochong tea, and Chardonnay. For a bolder option, try the Moky Mary, a Taiwanese twist on the classic Bloody Mary, featuring lacto-fermented tomato and passionfruit for a tangy, savoury flavour.
To Infinity & Beyond
A futuristic bar that takes innovation with cutting-edge techniques
Known for its quirky and geeky Contemporary Meow menu, To Infinity & Beyond has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of mixology. The menu is divided into sections based on texture, clarification, and carbonation, with signature cocktails like (WATERMELON)3, EGG NOG – EGG, and ∞LONG!. Head bartender uses advanced techniques like Rotovap and Centrifuge to craft drinks that are as fun as they are flavourful. The modern and sleek ambiance, combined with its forward-thinking approach to cocktails, makes it a must-visit for adventurous drinkers.
UnDer Lab
A speakeasy bar with a focus on savoury cocktails
Tucked away in Taipei’s Da’an District, UnDer Lab offers an underground vibe with an industrial, minimalist design. The bar is known for its unique D shaped seating arrangement, allowing guests to interact closely with bartenders. Signature drinks like the Suan Cai Martini—a savoury take on the Gibson—highlight the bar’s creative flair, while the You Got Beef? delivers a more robust yet balanced cocktail experience. The intimate setting and personalised service make Under Lab a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Indulge Experimental Bistro
A bar that has stood the test of time as Taiwan’s most well-known cocktail destination
Indulge Experimental Bistro, created by Taiwan’s bar legend Aki Wang, is not just known for its cocktails but also as a culinary destination. The cocktails here, though simple on the menu, reveal layers of complexity once tasted. The dedicated tea cocktail section stands out, offering drinks that highlight Taiwanese flavours. With its rich culinary offerings and thoughtful drink pairings, Indulge Experimental Bistro has earned its reputation as one of Taiwan’s finest cocktail bars.
| Photography credit: Tariq Widarso and Elliot Wang |