Ximending is a tourist hotspot and a popular nightspot among Taipei’s younger crowd; known for its countless shopping streets, street food stalls, entertainment venues and nightclubs nearby.
In the ‘Shibuya’ of Taipei, it’s near-impossible to fully explore the district in a day—let alone a week. But what you may be able to succeed in, given that short time frame, is nailing down the best bars in the area.
From hidden bars to craft beer dens, here is a list of 8 notable bars in Ximending to check out.
1. Beerbicycle – Living Room-style Bar With Over 100 Craft Beers
The confines of Beerbicycle resembles that of a cosy living room, complete with random, uncoordinated furniture, comfortable couches, shelves containing over a hundred varieties of bottled craft beer and bicycles strewn all over the shop. There’s nothing about the place that shouts glamour. But what you will find here are friendly hosts with an acute knowledge of beer (and bicycles) who will make you feel right at home.
Address: No. 9, Alley 8, Lane 90, Section 2, Hankou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Opening Hours: 8PM – 1AM (Daily)
Contact: +886 975 551 156
2. Geography Bar – Cleverly Crafted Cocktails with Flair & Finesse
Hailed as one of Taipei’s top ten must-visit bars, Geography Bar is a cosy speakeasy-type bar located in the heart of the lively Ximending district. Home to some of the city’s most talented bartenders and mixologists, guests can expect an ever-changing repertoire of cocktail creations created using fresh fruits, local tea and a plethora of spirits.
Here, resident bartenders take pride in their craft, creating all sorts of fancy drinks and presenting them in an elegant fashion. A testament to their commitment to topnotch service, they even go as far as to carve and shape their own ice by hand specifically to fit each cocktail.
Address: 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Kunming Street, 92-2號4樓號4樓
Opening Hours: 7PM – 2AM (Daily)
Contact: +886 2 2331 0255
3. HANKO 60 – A Speakeasy Bar Hidden Behind An Old Cinema
This hidden cocktail bar in Ximending is one of Taipei’s most popular hangouts. What started out as an exclusive nightspot for in-the-know folks, is not much of a secret anymore—save for its elusive entrance that may require a little fiddling around to uncover. It’s hard to miss. When you eventually get to a wall with movie posters, enter the sealed door by pressing a tiny button on the right-hand side of the door.
Hanko 60 is known for its innovative and downright exotic cocktails—some going as far as incorporating unusual ingredients such as asparagus juice.
Address: No. 60, Section 2, Hankou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Opening Hours: 8PM – 2AM (Sun to Thu), 8PM – 3AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +886 2 2381 0808
4. Driftwood – Craft Beer Bar with Gorgeous Japanese Aesthetics
Besides boasting a gorgeous Japanese-inspired aesthetic, Driftwood in Ximending is one that oozes with super-cool vibes, perfect for both dates and casual get-togethers with friends. Driftwood serves anything from craft cocktails, craft beer on tap and a pretty impressive selection of food as well. While their cocktail offerings may seem enticing, we urge you to pass on the cocktails and go for their beers instead.
Address: No. 46, Kunming Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Opening Hours: 5PM – 11.30PM (Mon to Thu), 5PM – 1.30AM (Fri), 3PM – 1.30AM (Sat & Sun)
Contact: +886 2 2388 3699
5. Republic of Chester – Tiny Speakeasy with Innovative Cocktail List
Hidden behind what appears to be an ordinary old apartment in Ximen, Republic of Chester is a cocktail speakeasy that oozes with a classic yet contemporary charm armed with comfy seats, swanky interiors and old-school music.
Their cocktail menu frequently changes, showcasing the very best of Taipei’s seasonal produce and premium-quality spirits. All their cocktails are original concoctions, created by owner and resident mixology maestro, Chester.
Address: 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Section 2, Wuchang St, No132
Opening Hours: 6PM – 2AM (Fri to Sun), Closed on Mondays to Thursdays
6. The 58 Bar – A Great Place to Try Local Craft Beer
This American-style beer den curates a specific list of drinks which mostly includes locally brewed craft beer and whisky. A popular hangout among the younger crowd, the bar is often packed to the brim on weekends.
At any one time, the bar stocks just over 50 kinds of Taiwanese craft beer and rare whiskies originating from every corner of Taiwan which is perfect if you’d like to sample a huge variety of local tipples. If you do, however, overdo it on the drinks, they have a guesthouse on the third level for you to crash in.
Address: No. 58, Section 2, Kaifeng St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Opening Hours: 6.30PM – 1AM (Mon to Fri), 2PM – 1AM (Sat & Sun)
Contact: +886 2 2388 8580
7. Tingba Lounge – This Hotel Bar Curates Excellent Music
A must-visit nightspot for music lovers and cocktail enthusiasts, Tingba lounge on level 5 of amba Taipei Ximending hotel is where it’s at to experience Taipei’s up and coming local musicians.
At the music lounge, enjoy an uplifting mix of contemporary music from R&B and hip-hop to jazz fusion by Taiwan’s young and budding artists, accompanied by the bar’s signature drinks. Created by internationally renowned mixologist, Jean-Marc Nolant, expect contemporary abbreviations of classic drinks, many of which involve the use of their house-infused liqueurs and local ingredients.
Address: Eslite Spectrum Wuchang Store, 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Section 2, Wuchang St, 77 號
Opening Hours: 6PM – 12AM (Daily)
Contact: +886 2 2375 5152
8. Ximen Beer Bar – Ximending’s Most Popular Craft Beer Bar
Ask any local where to find the best craft beer bar in the city and many will point you in the direction of Ximen Beer Bar. It’s undisputed, the bar has every vital component on lock—a massive selection of both imported and local craft beer, rotating taps and a certain chaotic yet comfortable vibe thats synonymous with any good beer den. Located along Ximen’s famed movie theatre street, the bar’s a hard one to miss.
Address: No. 83-2號, Section 2, Wuchang St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Opening Hours: 6PM – 1AM (Sun to Thu), 5PM – 2.30AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +886 2 2331 1145
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