The bar scene in Taichung has made leaps and bounds. From having just a handful of bistros and pubs to being home to some of Taiwan’s most intriguing drinking spots; from coffee shops that transform into bars at the stroke of dusk, to speakeasies hidden within speakeasies.
Keen on drinking your way through Taiwan’s cultural epicentre? Here are 6 Taichung bars that will surely impress.
1. Art aNew – Art Gallery/Cafe by Day, Bar & Live Music by Night
Located among a cluster of art spaces, galleries and hip cafes, this hidden speakeasy bar is a great place for excellently crafted cocktails, art appreciation and for the occasional live music.
In the day, the bar functions as a coffee shop but transforms into a proper speakeasy once the sun goes down. Their team of bartenders are a convivial crew who are always game to come up with something new. We recommend the Royal Oolong Iced Tea, a twist on a classic Long Island with an earthier, more aromatic note.
Address: No. 32, Jingcheng 5th Street, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403
Opening Hours: 4PM – 2AM (Thu to Mon), Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays?
Contact: +886 4 2320 3590
2. Captain Joker – Pirate-themed Speakeasy with Killer Rum Cocktails
Ahoy mateys! This pirate-themed speakeasy called Captain Joker focuses on rum-based cocktails and even go as far as to curate rare, exotic rums from around the world which they utilise in many of their house signatures. Mai Tai’s are a classic Caribbean-esque drink but by all means, get experimental and request for something with a little more kick to really shiver your timbers.
Address: No. 9號, Lane 498, Huamei Street, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403
Opening Hours: 6PM – 2AM (Sun to Thu), 6PM – 3AM (Fri & Sat), closed on Tuesdays
Contact: +886 4 2326 5438
3. Goût Bar – Opens till 1AM Daily
Hidden behind a bookshelf within a space that operates as a noodle shop in the day, Goût Bar is a swanky but cosy speakeasy where one can come to savour a myriad of inventive, next-level cocktails crafted by two passionate mixologists, Jacko and Calvin.
To enter, you’ll need to ring the doorbell to be let into the restaurant; once inside, head towards the bookshelf on the right. Lift the jars from the second-from-top shelf to find the secret button to get in. The process seems complicated, but it’s well worth it!
Address: No. 46號, Cunzhong Street, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403
Opening Hours: 6PM – 1AM (Daily)
Contact: +886 4 2376 3203
4. ISMAN – A Speakeasy Hidden within a Speakeasy
Stylish and sophisticated, stepping into bar ISMAN is like walking into the set of a British spy movie—from the outside, it’s disguised to look like a bespoke tailor. Before being granted entry, you must first enter a password before proceeding through a secret mirror door. Beyond the full-length mirror is an amazing, intimate bar fitted with swanky decor and a bar menu that’ll impress. Think, craft cocktails, rare whiskies and a curated list of local and imported craft beer. Venture deeper beyond their wall of craft beer and you’ll unlock a hidden lounge area cum smoking room.
Address: No. 731, Section 2, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407
Opening Hours: 7PM – 3AM (Wed to Mon), Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: +886 926 933 116
5. Ruler Bar – Founded by Former Bar Alchemy Bartender
Easily missable—unless you’re deliberately looking for it—Ruler Bar is located in the Xitun District, sandwiched in-between an apartment complex and a shop selling wigs. Hailed as one of Taichung’s most prized cocktail gems, this hidden spot—founded by one of the original maestros behind one of Taiwan;’s top bars, Bar Alchemy—is known for its meticulously crafted cocktails that boast age-old favourites such as the Negroni and reimagined classics.
Address: No. 38號, Section 3, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407
Opening Hours: 8PM – 3AM (Daily)
Contact: +886 4 2312 2979
6. Taihu TapRoom Taichung – Craft Beer Bar Boasts 20 Taps
As one of Taiwan’s leading craft beer brewers, you’ll almost never find a craft beer joint without a couple of their brews available. They set up their Taichung outpost in a charming old government housing complex, sporting rustic, brick-lined walls and wooden textures. The bar boasts 20 taps featuring 15 creative brews by Taihu as well as an additional 5 taps that are constantly on rotation—mostly American-imported craft beer.
Unsure of what to order? Feel free to chat up any one of their bar crew who has all obtained the Level 1 Cicerone Beer Certification.
Address: No. 22號, No. 403中興一巷 West District, Taichung City, Taiwan
Opening Hours: 5PM – 11.30PM (Mon to Thu), 5PM – 1AM (Fri), 11.30AM – 1AM (Sat), 11.30AM – 11.30PM (Sun)
Contact: +886 4 2305 5568
Read our guide to nightlife in Taiwan.
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