I n our fast food, prepackaged culture, it is refreshing to discover something completely homemade.
Tin Pan Alley, which opened on July 18 in laid-back, sunny Tainan, is homemade through and through, from the brick wall built by owner Rock Starkey’s father who came to Taiwan from the US to help him out, to the paintings that adorn the outside of the restaurant, to the gourmet pizzas that Starkey makes from scratch.
Building the place was a labor of love with three generations — Starkey, his father, and his son who is a toddler — on hand during the creation process.
The Super Milkmen play there tonight starting at 7pm. An extended happy hour from 7pm to 10pm includes shots for NT$70, with specials on beer and margaritas.
The venue is an outdoor courtyard enclosed on three sides by high brick walls. A central open kitchen is surrounded by hand-made bar stools. Tables and chairs encircle the structure, which also has a rooftop area.
The food is delish: gourmet herb crust pizzas with toppings like goat cheese, lamb, spinach and curry salmon. Specialty sausage hot dogs, Mexican dishes and burgers run around NT$180.
Tin Pan Alley is located at 28, Beimen Rd Sec 2, Tainan City (台南市北門路二段28號) and opens from 5pm to 2am Tuesdays through Fridays and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3am.
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