Nowadays, whenever I travel, I’ve gotten into the habit of stopping by a bar for something to eat and drink.
As a single, child-free middle-aged woman, these are the bars in Taipei that I often return to for a solo night out on weekends.
And just a small reminder: please make a reservation when you can, and try not to cancel at the last minute, it’s simply basic courtesy to the bar. 🍸
Bar Zeshan 澤山
Tucked away in a small alley in Zhongshan District. A high-level cocktail bar with a Japanese-inspired atmosphere and true craftsmanship. The menu is designed around food and cocktail pairings. One visit, and I was already in love.
Everything here is incredibly delicious, featuring refined and refreshing contemporary small plates. Paired with the recommended cocktails, every bite and sip feels almost perfect.
In my opinion, the best espresso martini in Taipei is at Zeshan, and the red velvet paired with it will absolutely amaze your palate.
Zeshan holds a firm standard and dedication when it comes to both their drinks and food, showing a true craftsman’s spirit. If you enjoy cocktail bars where atmosphere and skill exist side by side, I highly recommend that you make a visit.
Shochu Sake Bar 小酒日本清酒吧
This is a bar I have been visiting for ten years. It is also a low-key little spot tucked away in the alleys of Zhongshan. I have at least fifty different bottles of sake here without repeating.
The sake is wonderful on its own, and pairing it with the food makes the experience even better. The menu features Taiwanese-style izakaya small plates, perfect for sharing between two or three people.
The owner has the same craftsman spirit and an absolute passion for sake. Every time I visit, while exploring new bottles of sake, I also end up learning more about it. 🍶
Each week, the osusume(おすすめ) chalkboard features a different selection of recommended sake, all served by the glass.
It allows you to experience a wide range of styles and flavors in one place, from sparkling sake to sweet, dry, aged, and cloudy varieties. By the end of the night, you will almost certainly leave feeling happy and lightly buzzed.
Third floor 弎樓
This is a Taiwanese bar with a nostalgic, retro charm, tucked away on Yanji Street in the East District.
The food at Third floor is incredibly delicious, especially when paired with their signature mushroom rice.
I recommend going with friends and sharing the dishes, as it can be difficult to order when you are alone. Their cocktails also feature unique drinks with Taiwanese-inspired flavors.
Every time I bring foreign friends here, it always receives glowing reviews. Great food and great drinks, paired with nostalgic romantic old songs, create a wonderful atmosphere.
Spending an easy, relaxed evening here with friends always feels special. We once even held a company gathering here, and everyone had a fantastic time and truly enjoyed it. Please note that the bar is currently cash only.
WA-SHU 和酒
Located in the East District, this is a Japanese-style cocktail bar that has been in Taiwan for more than ten years. It specializes in creative Japanese-style cocktails.
You can simply choose the flavor you like when ordering, with options ranging from fruits, spices, flowers, food-inspired notes to herbs.
I highly recommend the edamame. It has a slightly sweet and savory milk tea-like taste and is incredibly delicious. It has become a cocktail that I always order at least two of every time I visit.
Wa-Shu is a cocktail bar where every flavor I have tried has been delicious. They also offer some small bites, though the food really comes down to personal preference. When you visit, just order three different cocktails and give them a try. You will enjoy them all. The drinks are both creative and very crafted.
Futura by TPH
Located near Liuzhangli MRT Station, this is the sister bar of the well-known Taipei bar The Public House. After my first visit, I became a regular instantly.
The food is excellent and the cocktails are refreshing and very easy to enjoy.
Overall, it would suit the taste of many women. I especially recommend the duck breast soba soup noodles. For me, having this bowl together with a cocktail is simply perfect.
The cocktails lean toward tea-inspired flavors. The overall atmosphere feels romantic and works well whether you are spending time with close friends, going on a date, or simply enjoying a drink on your own. Personally, I like Futura even more than The Public House.
Bar Hinoki
A refined cocktail bar near Tonghua Night Market, where you can simply focus on enjoying the drinks.
Every cocktail here is delicate and beautifully made. There is no food served here. It is purely a cocktail bar. You may need a little patience when waiting in line, but it is absolutely worth it.
The matcha cocktail was the best I have ever had, and it is the reason I would return as a matcha lover. Unfortunately, it has recently been discontinued, but I hope it will return someday.
From time to time, they also release limited cocktails like the strawberry one mentioned above. Their classic chocolate martini is also highly recommended.
Their cocktails might feel slightly strong for some people, but I really enjoy them. The drinks often carry dessert-like flavors while not being overly sweet. I recommend ordering two or three different cocktails to try when you visit.
These are my personal recommendations for cocktail bars in Taipei. I am continuing to explore more bars around the city. If you have any favorites to recommend, feel free to leave a comment and share.
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!
Contributor: Rachael Chiang
