If you like the idea of a place that provides all the comfort of home and the company of a happy crowd then check out Zau Dan.
Relaxation is the key word, from the subdued lighting and lampshades to comfy chairs and sofas. The color scheme is monotone and tan, with strokes of red, and a week-old refurbishment has added a nice touch by exposing breeze block. The bar's slightly odd moto is: is Bar. Is Room. Is Paradise.
A popular hangout for people in their 20s right up to their 40s, the bar's regulars say they come back because the place is o friendly. Nicole Han (韓錦業), who works at the Westin hotels, says "It's just like being in my living room. It's safe, if you get drunk they will make you sure you get a taxi. It's like a second home."
Most people come here for a long drink before or after dinner, or for a nightcap on the way home. They can order from a reasonable selection of wines, including Cotes du Rhone at NT$1,500 per bottle, and spirits or beers, by the glass or bottle. Mixers for spirits are free if you buy a bottle. If you don't finish a bottle barman Andy will label and rack it for the next time you come.
Andy will also mix you an American Sour (sugar, lemon juice and amaretto), which is a teasing little drink, the bitterness of the lemon eliminating the sweetness. You can order sparkling wines ranging from Asti Spumante Martini for NT$1,200 or splurge on the NT$6,000 19-year-old Dom Perignon.
If you feel like food then you can order it form the bar Tickle my Fantasy around the corner and eat it in Zau Dan. Every night one of the bar's owners does the Djing. There are turntables, but CDs are played most of the time. The music is a mix of mellow dance tunes and requests go down well. Guest DJs are also welcome.
Zau Dan is open from 8pm to 3am.
Address: 112 Wenchang St., Taipei (台北市文昌街112號); tel: (02) 2709-5519.
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