Vivian Huang used to manage Wonder, the imposing two-storey jazz bar that
was once once of the major players in Taipei's bar scene. When it became a
Dunhill boutique last year, Huang decided it was time to realize her ideal
of setting up a simple and relaxing space for whoever happens to find it.
Since its opening in October, Airport Inn has provided a quiet alternative
to its many sports-bar neighbors on Tongfeng St. It's not a theme bar and
there's nothing in sight to remind you of an airport, just nice music and
tasty drinks.
The extremely dark bar is often quiet until around two in the morning, when
the main clientele of media workers appears in droves. Uninterested in
self-promotion, Airport Inn relies instead on a steady stream of faithful
patrons.
"We're certainly not trying to cater to every kind of customer. Attracting
rowdy bunches of teenagers is the last thing we want to do. As Vivian is
familiar with many of the clientele, we know that they just want a nice
place to have a relaxing drink after work - some very simple pleasures," said Rex, the bartender who also used to work at Wonder.
Apart from the nice lounge music handpicked by Huang on her trips abroad,
the bar excels at its drinks, many of which were invented during the days of
Wonder and improved over the years. Try the Airport Special (NT$300), that
mixes tropical fruit with vodka, or the popular Long Island iced tea
(NT$330) - among the smoothest in town. Airport Inn isn't located anywhere
near the airport, but at 300 Tunhua S. Rd. Sec. 1, in Taipei
(北市敦化南路一段300號) and is open until 3am weekdays and 4am Friday and
Saturday (02) 2700-0702.
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