PHAN-TOM

(02) 8768-2155
59, DongXing Rd.
Hours:Sun-Tue, Thu 5 pm-1 am;
Wed, Fri-Sat 7 pm-3 am
Credit cards accepted. 10% service charge.
No smoking. Parking available.
Nearest MRT: Taipei City Hall
www.phan-tom.com.tw

Just off JiLong Road next to Carrefour is Taipei's newest posh nightspot, Phan-tom. Although the door tickets are a bit high (NT$800 on Wednesdays and weekends), inside you can drink wine, champagne, and cocktails to your heart's content. If your stomach is rumbling, it's definitely worth it to get there early to dine and then stay for the entertainment. Starting in December, Phan-tom is hosting different performances every night, from violin soloists to Latin dancing. Check out their opening party on December 8.

A. This ain't your fries and popcorn kind of joint. A former Grand Formosa Regent chef slices up melt-in-your-mouth seared Filet Mignon (NT$620) and some uber-creative items like Japanese Salad with Oolong Noodles (NT$320), a refreshing meal with lots of veggies. On Phan-tom's menu is a testament to the quality of their ingredients, down to the juice in the Long Island Iced Tea or the kind of salt on the table.
B. The decor has the couch-y comfiness of a lounge bar while still leaving room for a dance floor and a long bar.

--By Julia Koprak, translated by Mei Lee