In the maze of alleys behind the heart of Chunghsiao E. Rd. are dozens of
boutiques and cafes of all flavors catering to Taipei's young night-owls.
Twenty-something non-nine-to-five workers do their shopping well after
department stores close and hang out in 24-hour tea houses.
Lounge Cafe and Clothes, a relative newcomer on the vibrant late-night
scene, has successfully drawn in loungers and dedicated followers of fashion
alike with its smart combination of food and fashion. From 9pm to its
closing time at 3am, the cafe part is often full of fashion-conscious
students and media workers, who go check out the clothes displayed next to
the tables from time to time.
The style of its clothes - undiluted Japanese cutesy - is similar to that
of many boutiques in the area. It's the cafe's cozy atmosphere that you
seldom find elsewhere. "Compared with the many late-night cafes and tea
houses in the area, we distinguish ourselves by a leisurely atmosphere.
People can just relax here," said Hsiao Pang (小胖), owner of Lounge.
The comfortable setting makes the place seem spacious and quiet even when
it's full. The music, at moderate volume, is nicely lounge-like. It's easy
to sit back on the sofa chatting or browsing through the fashion magazines
for hours without noticing the time.
Lounge is located at 60, Lane 187, Tunhua S. Rd, Sec. 1. (敦化南路187巷60號)
and opens daily at noon. Apart from a variety of teas, soft drinks and beers
(all start at NT$100), it offers American-style burgers and snacks, with its
secret-recipe french fries with cheese topping a favorite of customers.
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