Ben's Guide to Taipei and Taiwan

AIT is located on Xinyi Rd., Sec. 3, No. 134. It is just east of Jianguo Rd. Most services will require that you make an appointment online. If you are American you won't need to wait in the oppressive line being formed out front, just join the line to go through security. You will have to turn off and check in your mobile phone, and any other electronic devices such as a notebook computer or mp3 player. You will need an ID other than your passport to leave with your checked items. You will need your passport to take care of your business. Proceed to the back of the building and up to the 2nd floor. At the time of your appointment, they will announce that everyone with an appointment at that time should come to the window to check in. They will take your passport and documents and then send you to the cashiers window to pay any fees. Then you will wait for your name to be called. If you need a document notarized make an appointment online, it will cost approx. NTD 1000 (USD 30.00

I have not yet checked this out, but it seems like an interesting concept: "...the tables look like sleek hospital beds, there are a few wheelchairs and crutches sitting around, backlit X-rays decorate some walls, and above each table hangs a big "IV drip," which functions like a small keg. And then, of course, there are nurses everywhere you look." http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2006/03/31/2003300218 Restaurant: DS Music Restaurant Address : 7 Xinsheng N Rd Sec 3, Zhongshan Dist, Taipei (台北市中山區新生北路三段７號) Telephone: (02) 2587 3226 Open: 6pm to 2:30am; Fri, Sat 6pm to 4am Average meal: NT$300 to NT$500 per person Details: English and Chinese menu; major credit cards accepted Web site: www.drs.com.tw (Chinese only) road, not restaurant, is one block west of the Ritz Landis Hotel. This is near the highway bridge which crosses the river to access Shilin and Tianmu.

Din Tai Fung Dumpling Restaurant is a very nice dumpling restaurant. It is always busy but you shouldn't have to wait too long. There are NO RESERVATIONS, upon arrival take a number and you will be given a menu / order slip (in Chinese only) so you are ready to order as soon as you are seated. Open daily until 9:00 PM. XinYi Road, Sec. 2, No. 194 / 台北市 , 信義路 , 二段 , 194 號 / Xìnyì Lù, 2 duàn, 194 hào West of Daan Park, between JinShan S. Rd and XinSheng S. Rd. Remember Xinyi is one-way, eastbound traffic only. They have other branches around Taipei, Taiwan, and internationally. http://www.dintaifung.com.tw/eng/ Go to main restaurant listings page: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/09/restaurants-in-taipei.html

The MRT underground & elevated train network MRT=Metro Rapid Transit. Chinese: 捷運 jié yùn While you are here you may want to make use of Taipei’s public transit system. The subway known as the MRT is very efficient and easy to use. All stops are labeled and announced in English. If you use the MRT on a regular basis you will want to buy an Easy Card. This is a prepaid debit card. You simply touch it to the sensor on the turnstile as you enter and leave the MRT station. You will hear a high-pitched beep and the turnstile will unlock. If you are using a one-time use ticket, feed the ticket into the slot and it will come out on top. Take the ticket, as you will need it to exit. One-time use tickets may be purchased from vending machines located in each station. Check the map on the vending machine to determine the proper fare for your destination. Easy Cards can be purchased at any MRT station ticket window and some automated vending machines in the stat

If you live in an apartment, then you may have trash removal as part of your maintenance fee. Even so, to stay on good terms with your building staff, you should realize that some garbage must be separated and recycling has been mandated by the city. Follow the link for trash and recycling schedules in Taipei City. If you have to take out your own trash, there are typically two pick-up times per day, which will vary depending on your location, except for Wednesday and Sunday when there is no pick up. Listen for the musical garbage truck, it should come at the same times every day. You will also need special tax stamped bags in Taipei City, which are sold at most supermarkets and convenience stores. Recycling does not need to be in the tax stamped bag, any bag will do. For up to date information, recycling schedules, and more details go to http://www.epb.taipei.gov.tw/

The Miramar (美麗華 Měi L ì Hu ā ) is most notable for it's Ferris Wheel. Besides all of the shopping attractions the Miramar has regular movies, Imax, and Imax 3D movies . Movie and Ferris Wheel combos are available. There is a Wellcome Supermarket in the basement which has a better selection than most, it has offerings similar to what can be found in Wellcome's premium supermarket chain, Jason's . The food court has many different options. For casual western dining there is a Le blé d'or Brewery Restaurant and a TGIFriday's . Located North of the the river from central Taipei in Neihu District. No. 20, Jingye 3rd Rd./ 敬業三路20號 / J ì ng Y è Sān Lù, 20 hào Links: Official Website Tourism Bureau Taipei Site Seeing Index

Luxy is a nightclub with a posh interior, two different music rooms, and plenty of attractive young people dressed to be noticed. While casual attire is tolerated, they draw the line at sandals and you may be turned away if you’re shoes are judged to be inappropriate. The cover charge is $400 if you arrive before 10pm. After that the cover charge is $700. This is one of the few places in Taipei that actually asked for my ID, so be prepared. Getting to Luxy: Luxy is located about 20 meters from Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT Station Exit 2 on Zhongxiao Rd. Go to main Pub listing page: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/05/pubs-bars-nightclubs-in-taipei.html

My Other Place Of all of the pubs at www.taipeipubs.com this is the worst. While it is not bad, the atmosphere is a bit sterile. There is little to make this pub stand out from any other. Another complaint is that even if you are ordering alcoholic drinks, they will not give you water. Location: Fuxing North Rd. near the northeast corner of the Minsheng East Rd. intersection. 復興北路, 民生東路口 / Fùxīng Běi Lù, Mínshēng Dōng Lù kǒu This is accross the street from and on the same block as the Zhongshan Junior High School MRT Station which for now is the northernmost station on the Brown-Muzha Line. Go to main Pub listing page: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/05/pubs-bars-nightclubs-in-taipei.html

Hooters is a fun diversion for some comfort food and girl watching. They are true to the theme of their franchise, including the decor, table settings, and especially the waitresses in tight t-shirts and short orange shorts. Service was good even on a busy Saturday night. They also put on a hula-hoop and limbo performance. Their website is only in Chinese, but you can preview the waitresses at http://www.hooters.com.tw/ Getting to Hooters: Located on Qingcheng St. a short distance from the Nanjing East MRT Station on the Brown-Muzha Line, walk straight out of the exit and it will be on your right. Address: Taipei City, Songshan District, Qingcheng Street, No. 18 / 台北市松山區慶城街18號 / Táiběi Shì, Qìngchéng Jiē 18 hào Go to main Pub listing page: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/05/pubs-bars-nightclubs-in-taipei.html Go to main restaurant listings page: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/09/restaurants-in-taipei.html

Citizen Cain is a small bar and restaurant with a DJ. Food is good and the menu includes pizza. There are a few other bars nearby. Official website at www.citizencain.com Location: 67 Dongfeng St, No. 67 / 東豐街67號 / Dōngfēng Jiē 67 hào Map to Citizen Cain: http://wiki.forumosa.org/wiki/index.php?title=Citizen_Cain Go to main Pub listing page: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/05/pubs-bars-nightclubs-in-taipei.html Go to main restaurant listings page: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/09/restaurants-in-taipei.html

Saints and Sinners is a comfortable pub but nothing special. It closes at 2:00 am, which is early for Taipei. Located down the street from Carnegies. You can check out their website at www.taipeipubs.com Go to main Pub listing page: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/05/pubs-bars-nightclubs-in-taipei.html

UPDATE: OUT OF BUSINESS The Shannon bill themselves as an Irish pub; this is a nice pub with good ambiance and drinks. They have a back room that is separated by a curtain which is supposed to be smoke free. It is next to Dan Ryan’s Restaurant. It is across the street from Asiaworld Plaza and the Municipal Stadium. The closest MRT Station is Nanjing East Road MRT Station on the Brown-Muzha Line. Go East on Nanjing Road and then turn right (South) on Dunhua Rd. It is about a ten minute walk. Location: Dunhua North Rd., No. 6 / 敦化北路6號 / Dūnhuà Běi Lù, 6 hào just South of the Nanjing East Rd. intersection The Shannon Website: http://shannon-taipei.com/ Taiwan Fun: www.taiwanfun.com/north/taipei/dining/0210/0210wnShannon.htm MAP: http://wiki.forumosa.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Shannon Go to main Pub listing page

Update June 2008: The Living Room has a new owner, will have a new name, and is being remodeled. The new owner has previously run The Space Man and On Tap. Location: Nanjing East Rd., Sec. 5, No. 8, 3F (Guangfu North Rd. intersection) / 臺北市,南京東路,五段,8號,3樓 ( 光復北路口)/ Nánjīng Dōng Lù (Guāngfù Běi Lù kǒu) It is on the south-east corner of the intersection. There is no large storefront sign so you'll have to look for the address. The closest MRT Stations are Nanjing East Road on the Muzha-Brown Line or Sun Yet Sun Memorial on the Blue Line, but these are probably 15-20 minutes away on foot or a 5 minute taxi ride. Map in English and Chinese: http://wiki.forumosa.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Living_Room Map in Chinese Only www.livingroomtaipei.com/uploads/map.php> Their Official Website: http://www.livingroomtaipei.com Taipei Times Review: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2005/02/04/2003222243 Taiwan Fun Review: http://www.taiwanfun.com/north/taipei/recreation/0404/040

In-House DJ Lounge Restaurant is an upscale bar and restaurant with techno music and back lit bars. The ambiance is good if you enjoy this style. It is in the shadow of Taipei 101 just around the corner from Theater (formerly Warner village) behind the Neo 19 building. Location: Song Ren Rd. #90 /松仁路90號 / Sōngrén Lù 90 hào. Go to main Pub listing page: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/05/pubs-bars-nightclubs-in-taipei.html Xinyi District / Taipei 101 area main page with map: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/05/taipei-101-and-surrounding-area.html

The Brass Monkey is a good pub with predominately expatriate patrons. The Brass Monkey has good pub food such as nachos, burgers, and meat pies. They feature international sporting events on a projection screen. There is easy access to the MRT. They are open from 5:00 pm until 1:00 am, except for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday when they are open until 3:00am. Thursday is ladies night when ladies can down all of the cocktails they can stomach. Check out their website for a schedule of special events at www.brassmonkeytaipei.com Location: Fuxing North Rd, No. 166 / 復興北路166號 / Fùxīng Běi Lù 166 hào just North of the Nanjing East Rd. intersection (南京東路口) Getting to the Brass Monkey: From the Nanjing East MRT Station on the Brown-Muzha Line, cross to the west side of Fuxing Road (MRT is on the north-east corner) and go north on Fuxing Road. About half a block up it will be on your left hand side on the first floor. See the map at http://wiki.forumosa.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Brass_

Website for all of the Roxy locations: http://www.roxy.com.tw/new/ Roxy 99 This is a basement nightclub near the Shida University area. It doesn't have much ambiance but attracts a young crowd with its reasonable prices and good location near Heping East Rd . Location: Jinshan S. Rd., Sec. 2, #218, B1 / 台北市 金山南路 二段 218號 B1 / Jīnshān Nán Lù, 2 duàn, 218 hào B1. The closest MRT station is Guting on the Red-Danshui Line. Roxy Jr. (the sign reads Cafe Jr.) This is an actual pub located near Shida University. They have a few sofas and some games such as billiards and foosball. There is another nice bar/restaurant next door which has 2nd floor outdoor seating. Update 4/2009: I recently was back at Roxie Jr. and I was disappointed to see that they were not enforcing the new smoking ban. While this is clearly great news to everyone there who was smoking, there are plenty of bars that do follow the rules and they are more likely to get my future business. Location: Shida Rd., Lane 80, #1

If you are having trouble finding beer with any flavor this may be the place for you. They have 3 different varieties, lager, wheat, and dark. The food is ok but nothing special and a little bit expensive by Taipei standards. They have dart boards (at least in the Xinyi location). Dart Boards are coin operated electronic boards using plastic tipped darts. The service is friendly despite the fact that the servers have their dignity stripped away and replaced with a German lederhosen style uniform. official website: www.lebledor.com.tw Multiple locations in Taipei and Taiwan. The Xinyi District location is located in the basement of the building that holds the new Eslite bookstore. It is walking distance to the Taipei City Hall MRT Station and Taipei 101 . The Xinyi location has Happy Hour on weekdays from 3:30-5:30 PM featuring half price mugs of beer (up to one liter sizes). Address: Songgao Rd, No. 11, B1 / 松高路11號 B1 / Sōnggāo Lù 11 hào B1 The Neihu location is at the Miramar sho

NY bagels serve more than just bagels. This is the western breakfast you've been craving and on the weekend you can get it anytime you like. It's definitely more expensive than the average breakfast shop here but it's worth it. Free refills on coffee and soft drinks. Renai Location: Renai Rd, Sec 4, No. 147 / 北市仁愛路四段147號 / Rén'ài Lù, 4 duàn, 147 hào It's on the North-east corner of the Anhe Rd. intersection / 安和路口 / Ānhé Lù kǒu Xinyi District Location: Xinyi Rd, Sec. 5, No. 122 (corner of Songren Rd.) / 信義路,5段 122號 ( 松仁路口) / Xìnyì Lù, 5 duàn, 122 hào (Sōngrén Lù kǒu) In the Jasper Villa Xinyi building Taiwan Fun Review Taipei Times review Another blog's review Main Restaurant Listings Page

Jogoya Japanese Buffet Restaurant 上閤屋 (shàng gé wū) multiple locations in Taipei and Taiwan. Reviewed Location: Taipei City, Xinyi District, same building as Neo 19, near the Theater (formerly Warner Village). Songshou Rd., No. 22, 3F / 台北市,信義區,松壽路22號, 三樓 Hours: 11:00~03:00, reservations recommended. TEL: (02)8789-5678 This buffet features sushi, steak, and much more. It's a very good meal and the price includes unlimited drinks. As with all buffets that include alcohol, it is best to stick with the beer. They also have an assortment of mixed drinks and wines but these taste terrible. They are open later than most of the other buffet style restaurants, so you can have a late dinner and make a night of it. Pricing is determined by the time of your meal and you can stay until the next meal time or if it's not too crowded they won't pressure you to leave. UPDATE 6/2008 : I recently ate here again, and was not as impressed this time. They still offer a wide selection of f

Ju Li Yue Pizza , Minquan West Road, near the Ritz Landis Hotel. They make a good thin crust pizza, but don't serve beer.

A lot of people like Carnegies, but I am not a fan. This is a bar with ambitions of being a nightclub, featuring dancing on the bar. There are some good-looking women, but a lot more of the women benefit from the dim lighting. It also attracts a regular crowd of expatriate businessmen. Wednesday is ladies night featuring free champagne for the ladies from 9:00 pm. There may be a cover charge in the evenings. Their food gets good reviews especially their Sunday Brunch. I did enjoy the food, but I still didn't care for their atmosphere. Even with the front windows removed the open air environment was not enough to cover up the smokey odor in the air and the dim lighting was a bit depressing on a Sunday afternoon. Getting to Carnegies: Anhe Rd, Section 2, No. 100 / 安和路,2段,100號 / Ānhé Lù, 2 duàn, 100 hào It is South of Xinyi Rd. and Just East of Dunhua Rd. on Anhe Rd., Section 2. It's also very near the Far Eastern Hotel. It is possible to walk from the MRT but it is easier to

This is a small lounge bar with sofas and even a bed. They have hookah style water pipes available with flavored smoke, which seems to be a growing trend in Taipei. On Friday and Saturday nights they have a belly dancer perform. Keelung Rd.,Sec. 1, No. 133-2 / 基隆路1段133之2號 / Jīlóng Lù yī duàn 133 zhī èr èr (02) 2749-5495 Reservations can be made if you speak Chinese. Hours: 8 pm-3 am (open until 4 am on Fri, Sat closed Mondays) nearest MRT: Taipei City Hall Their website is in Chinese only: www.playing.com.tw Taiwan Fun: http://www.taiwanfun.com Main Taipei Bar List

Update: They have remodeled and the entrance is no longer on Weishui Rd. Now go through the main factory entrance and walk straight. This is a great place and a cheap night out as long as you like to drink Taiwan Beer, because that's all they serve. They do have some varieties which are not typically available elsewhere, and all the beer is made in the adjoining brewery. They use a strange but simple ticket system here. First go to the register and pre-pay for the type and quanity of your beer, then go to either the bottle bar or the draft bar to get your beer. Indoor and outdoor seating are available. They have an appetizer menu consisting of Chinese food. It is on the section of Bade Rd. that is between Civic Blvd. (Shiming Dadao) and Jian Guo Rd.and intersects them both. Civic Blvd. and Jian Guo Rd. then intersect with each other. Jian Guo Rd. runs North to South, Civic Blvd. runs East to West. Bade Rd. is in the Northeast quadrant of this intersection running at an approximate

Dr. Mark Griffin, Doctor of Chiropractic, USA Zhongxiao East Rd. Sec. 4, #250, 11F-5 忠孝東路,四段,250號,11樓, Suite 5 entry at Lane 248 0927-183388 (02) 8771-3516 I would have gone a lot sooner if I'd known what a difference it made. After one session I could feel the difference and the healing process was accelerated. In the last few years my back tends to give out about every six months. I know if I ignore the pain and take it easy it will eventually clear up but I also know it will be back. I went to an MD and they just gave me a load of pain killers to see me through. Dr. Mark seems to have actually resolved the issue. Dr. Mark also does custom orthopedic insoles: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/11/customs-insoles-by-dr-mark.html Here's my account to date: 9/12 My back hurt and I'd had enough. I saw Dr. Mark and he put me on a mechanical table which folds you gently to loosen you up for the real thing. He then has some industrial strength mechanical massage devices before

BREEZE CENTER 復興南路1段39號,市民大道口 Fùxīng Nán Lù Shìmín Dàdào at the intersection of Civic Boulevard (Shiming Dadao) and Fuxing South Road No. 39, Sec. 1, Fuxing S. Rd., Taipei 台北市復興南路一段39號 Take MRT to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, then walk 10-min or take Breeze shuttle bus to Breeze Center. http://www.breezecenter.com.tw/ Bellini Tokyo Italian Cafe: This is expensive relative to the quality of the food, which I didn't care for. The food seemed to be Asianed up a bit to suit local tastes so I hope they like it, but I won't be back. They have other branches in Taipei as well.

Living Mall Bade Road, Sec. 4, No. 138, on the North-west corner of Civic Blvd. (Shiming Dadao) 台北市105松山區八德路四段138號 Official Website in English: http://web01.livingmall.com.tw/about.asp?pgid=en0101 map with bus routes: http://web01.livingmall.com.tw/about.asp?pgid=en0109 Restaurant List: http://web01.livingmall.com.tw/about.asp?pgid=en0105 Yakiniku House This is a Japanese barbeque. It is very good as long as you don't mind cooking for yourself. 11 F Bird Taipei Very good Thai restaurant. 11F Lawry's The Prime Rib 12 F, Lawry's is good but it is over priced and over rated. Coyote This is a mediocre nightclub featuring mediocre live music that no one dances to. They do have their own group of dancers that give a performance later in the evening. Cinemark Theater : http://www.cinemark.com.tw/cmspecial.asp Most of the movies shown are English with Chinese subtitles. Their website is in Chine

Pariss Buffet, in Shin Kong (Xin Guang) Dept. Store in the Xinyi District of Taipei City. Another branch on corner of Guangfu N. Rd, one block North of Nanjing East Rd. Sec 5. As with all buffets that include unlimited alcohol, I advise you stick to drinking the Tiger Beer on tap. Or at least the whiskey, as the house wines and the assorted premixed drinks are crap. The buffet features sushi, steak, crab, and more and alcohol is included. It closes at 10:00 PM, but starts shutting down at 9:30 PM. Pricing is based on the time of day you dine. I prefer the other buffets such as Splendor and Jogoyo, but this is not bad. PARIS Buffet http://www.pariss.com.tw/ http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/viewtopic.php?t=10332

Alleycats Pizza : http://www.alleycatstaipei.com/ Excellent thin crust pizza. Reservations are advised especially for weekend evenings and can be made on-line or by phone. While the food is good, the service can be questionable. I have had my reservations lost and my orders lost. Original Location: LiShui Street, No. 6, B1 / 麗水街 , 6 路 , B1 / Lìshuǐ Jiē, 6 hào, B1 Near the XinYi Rd. Sec.2 / JinShan South Rd. intersection. Phone: (02) 2321-8949 Neihu Location: ChengGong Road, Sec. 5, No. 67-1 / 內湖區 , 成功路 , 5 段 , 67-1 號 / Nèihú qū, Chénggōng Lù, 5 duàn, 67-1 hào New branch now open on Zhongxiao East Rd. Sec. 4, Lane 248 11/2007 Now another branch open in Tianmu. Ju Li Yue Pizza http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/10/ju-li-yue-pizza.html Minquan West Road, near the Ritz Landis Hotel. They make a good thin crust pizza, but don't serve beer. Parco http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/11/parco-pasta-au-gratin-and-pizza.html They have excellent thin crust pizza and they do serve

Cafe Grazie is a reasonably priced Italian restaurant with reasonalby good food. They have a group special which is ideal for four people. Everyone can choose one entree, 2 appetizers, and either desert or 2 glasses of beer. Total cost is $1430. The branch I went to is located at Linsen N. Road, Sec. 2, No. 247 inside of the Shin Shin Dept. Store. 林森北路, 2 段 , 247 號 Línsēn Běi Lù, èr duàn, 247 hào. This is within walking distance of the Zhongshan MRT.

Formerly Warner Village there is a theater in the heart of the Xinyi District and in the shadow of Taipei 101. It is a good, modern, comfortable theater, but often has long lines and crowded theaters. I advise going to one of the other theaters as the theater quality is the same but the crowds are not as bad. No. 18, Songshou Road, Taipei Online Tickets in Chinese: http://www.vscinemas.com.tw/index.asp Xinyi District Office, Taipei City: http://english.taipei.gov.tw/xinyi/index.jsp?recordid=802 Living Mall Bade Road, Sec. 4, No. 138, on the North-west corner of Civic Blvd. (Shiming Dadao) 台北市105松山區八德路四段138號 Official Website in English: http://web01.livingmall.com.tw/about.asp?pgid=en0101 map with bus routes: http://web01.livingmall.com.tw/about.asp?pgid=en0109 The Cinemark Theater has a Chinese only website: http://www.cinemark.com.tw/cmspecial.asp Breezecenter Taipei City, Fuxing South Road, Sec. 1, No. 39 on the North-east corner of Civic Blvd. (Shiming Dadao) 台北市復興南路一段39號 The ti