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Taipei may be the ultimate hidden gem. Somehow managing to stay off the radar for Western tourists Taipei merges the efficiency of Tokyo with the creative energy of Hong kong, all under the guise of a uniquely Taiwanese cultural framework. In short, Taipei should be at the top of every travel bucket list.
For those who have been paying attention, Taipei has long been famous for its vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re just getting started with our ultimate curated guide to Taipei night markets or you’re already expertly navigating the gargantuan Shilin market, you’ll soon realise Taipei truly comes to life after dark.
But rest assured there’s more to Taipei’s nightlife than the often-overwhelming night markets. From some of the best restaurants in East Asia (including a number of vegan must-eat spots) to rooftops and glitzy cocktail bars. Much like Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo, Taipei has attracted some of the world’s best mixologists. As you would expect from a major metropolis, cocktail bars in Taipei are truly world-class.
With that, here are my 5 best cocktail bars in Taipei (in no particular order).
1. Mood Bar
The unquestionable king of Taipei’s cocktail scene, no list of the best cocktail bars in Taipei is complete without Mood Bar. Year after year, Mood earns the top spot for Taiwan on a number of famous cocktail ranking lists, and, if you ask me, for good reason. I often describe Mood as the old-school style cocktail bar. Don’t expect a hidden speakeasy entrance or anything too exclusive. Rather, mood exudes the confidence of a well established cocktail bar who know exactly what they’re good at.
As you enter, you’ll see a waiting area for the ‘high bowlers’. Don’t worry too much because once they take you to your seat, you’ll be more than comfortable.
Now, the reason you come to Mood is for their famous ‘Tea Series’ cocktails. In an extremely colourful menu, you’ll be run through a number of Taiwan’s famous tea types, alongside various indigenous plants and herbs. For example, the Royal Court which merges Taiwan‘s deep roasted oolong tea, with clarified soy milk, creme de cacao and cognac. Or the Presents of God which fuses Taiwanese plum liquor with earl grey cardamom extract and gin. After one or two drinks you’ll quickly understand how Mood consistently earns its place on every list of the best cocktail bars in Taipei.
2. HiBoRu
Stepping into HiBoRu is like walking into a time capsule which immediately transports you to 1980s Tokyo. The decor here is electro Japanese vintage, with fluorescent lights, charismatic paneling, and portraits of East Asian celebrities. Unlike some of the other best cocktail bars in Taipei, HiBoRu leans into a more fun, edgy side of Taipei.
The cocktail menu at HiBoRu is split between the highball cocktails, which have a lower alcohol intake and a bit more of a fizzy vibe, and the more serious HiBoRu signature cocktails. My favourite cocktail here is the Cursed Fountain, featuring a Bacardi base, hojicha, ginger and fermented pineapple. Best of all, the cocktail comes with a little ginger candy palate cleanser stuck to the side of the glass.
HiBoRu is also famous for a great food menu featuring the best of Japanese and Taiwanese street food. Whether you’re after a full dinner or just some fun Taipei-style bar snacks, you’ll probably find yourself drawn to the truffle edamame and their signature Japanese fried chicken.
3. tei by O’bond
Every now and then you come across the cocktail bar which truly takes the mixology experience to the next level. I pride myself on knowing a good cocktail bar when I see one, but tei by O’bond took me completely by surprise. I can gladly say that tei by O’bond has now firmly earned a place among my favorite cocktail bars in the world – and you’ll soon understand why.
First made famous by the one-Michelin star Wok by O’bond, tei by O’bond leans into the exclusivity of the Bond brand. Guests are asked to book into a specific set timed entry (8 pm or 10 pm). Upon arrival, you’ll wait in the waiting room with the other guests for your timed entry, before being briefed by one of the tei mixologists. I won’t give away the surprise, but keep your eyes open for the entry door to the main bar.
The decor at tei by O’bond is extremely tasteful. Imagine a traditional Taiwanese tea house meets the sleek cocktail bars of East Asia.
Once you sit down, your waiter will run you through the menu. The first twelve cocktails on the menu are based on seasonal Taiwanese teas. In true seasonal fashion, this means they’re not always available and the cocktail will depend on what the Taipei tea vendors are selling at that particular time of year.
In my opinion, you can’t really go wrong with any drink here. I personally love the Sanxia, with its Longing Green Tea base, rum, papaya, plum vinegar and green peppercorn. This is very much a tropical cocktail, with a very earthy twist. If you enjoy liquors, tei by O’bond has collection of home-made liquors including my favourite: a roasted pineapple liquor, made with dark teas (similar to pu’er) from central Taiwan.
At this point, it should come as no surprise that tei also offer a high quality food menu. If I’m having dinner at tei, I’ll often order a bowl of Grandma Nai Nai’s spicy noodles which are the perfect (albeit slightly tongue numbing) cocktail accompaniment. If you’re after something a little different, I’d recommend trying the mozzarella ice cream served with a Yuzu jam.
4. Wu (Nothingness)
Every time I speak to a bartender in any city in the world, I ask them: ‘apart from your bar where is your favourite cocktail bar in [your city]?‘ During my last trip to Taipei, I couldn’t believe how often I was met with the exact same answer – Wu (nothingness).
Now Wu isn’t a cocktail bar which is trying to gain attention. Rather, Wu is a cocktail bar with attitude. No reservations, no menus and, most interestingly, you’ll find no signature drinks here. Wu prides itself on ‘getting the classics right’. If you can’t name your cocktail, you won’t be able to order it. Adding to the eccentricity, Wu regularly close (when it suits them). But don’t stress too much, as they usually share the details on their Instagram.
I won’t recommend any drinks here precisely because that goes against the purpose of this cocktail bar. You come to Wu so that you can have your favourite drink. And its in that spirit – getting it right – which Wu earns its place on any list of the best cocktail bars in Taipei.
6. To Infinity & Beyond
There are many reasons to love the cocktail scene in Taipei. But, for me, its the sheer innovation in style which consistently impresses me. Yes, you will find the usual mix of traditional suave cocktail bars and hidden speakeasies. To Infinity & Beyond fits into neither of these characteristics.
Rather, as the name suggests, this cocktail bars is like stepping into a time capsule into the future. The automated doorways, lighting and stark white decor means this cocktail bar is essentially a mini spaceship – and I’m here for it. I often find themed cocktail bars are lacking in other areas, with the drinks not living up to the kitsch. However, To Infinity & Beyond maintains an almost obsessive attention-to-detail with the decor and style, all complimented by one of Taipei’s best cocktail menus.
The cocktail menu is split into categories by ingredient (gas, anyone?), while the signature drinks are named after planets. I generally go for the Mars, but the Earth 2024 is also extremely popular. You’ll also find a solar system-style map which sets out the strength and flavor gradient of the cocktails (light, heavy, sweet, sour) to help you choose the perfect drink for your night out.
To Infinity & Beyond is undergoing maintenance in January 2025, so we are expecting even bigger and better things from this cocktail bar in 2025.
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