By Courtney Donovan Smith Translated by Blankie

      Ladies Nights the world over come in two varieties. There are those that aim to generate a big party where women go and the men follow and, when successful, the air is charged with the exciting potential of meeting someone new, flirting with someone attractive or just watching what happens. The second kind is the "ladies night out", when it is time to get away from the guys for a night and spend some quality time with friends. Some establishments manage to offer a bit of both at the same time, with a little entertainment thrown in along the way.

      As a member of the male gender, this writer set out with a purely anthropological interest (totally unrelated to my single status) to provide the definitive guide where ladies can congregate in the city and get a little special treatment and attention from local establishments. To my surprise, there is a Ladies Night every day of the week but one--Sunday--which is surely the day to rest after such a long week out on the town.

--MONDAY--

      To avoid the minimum charge, and possibly win some small gifts, it is time to put on something sexy and head down to Concession (170, WuQuan [WuChiuan] West 4th St.; 04-2378-3576; WuQuan Parkway Map: #WP1) for Short Skirt Night. This event was scheduled to start after this article was written, so I wasn't able to check it out, but it is a certain bet that it will be popular with the guys as well. We'll be coming back to Concession on Tuesday (see below). I forgot to ask if guys in kilts are eligible for Short Skirt night.

      After getting warmed up at Concession, it is time to head down to late-night haunt, Buddy's (48, JingCheng 21st St.; 04-2320-1983) for their newly-minted Ladies Night. Small but safe and friendly, Buddy's offers tables downstairs and more private tables upstairs, as well as some great late-night eats. With NT$50 cocktails for women, it is most definitely a place that won't strain the budget. Usually, around half or more of the crowd in Buddy's is women, so this will likely be popular with regulars. Wednesdays are also ladies night at Buddy's, so we'll be back!

--TUESDAY--

      It's back to Concession on Tuesday night for the Manpower Show. This sexy performance focuses on a very healthy-looking man, with a supporting female performer so us guys don't get too intimidated. They pole dance, strip down to their underwear, do lap dances and bring up members of the audience onto the stage and dance suggestively with them. One woman at my table was so honored and, when asked what she thought of the experience, smiled mischievously and said it was "fun". Mercifully, the guy didn't want to dance with me, though it was a somewhat embarrassing to chase a nearly-naked man around with a camera.

--WEDNESDAY--

      Wednesday is really the night to party! I suggest getting started at fM (185, BoGuan Rd.; 04-2329-6400; Canal District Map: #CD2). fM's new Ladies Night has just started and, with every drink ordered, the lady gets a lucky draw. Winning prizes range from World Gym memberships to free meals and drinks to a whole range of goodies bought from a list of suggestions by female regulars of things they want (a good thing, considering how un-original most of us guys are when buying things for women). Another unique feature of fM's Ladies Night is that the special applies to all drinks women order, including non-alcoholic drinks.

      Now that the evening is well underway, it is time to get out and dance. Ladies Night at The Pig Pen (41, DaGuan Rd.; 04-2383-4456; Full Taichung Map #T1) is legendary and attracts quite a crowd. Ladies enter free, and are given an "all-you-can-drink" coupon redeemable on Sunday nights. Additionally in July, women are offered 20 percent off on meals in the downstairs restaurant. On the night I dropped by for my research, the crowd was over half female, but included enough men to keep things interesting. This is definitely a party spot and party night that many look forward to all week.

      Similarly, across town in the Taichung Central Department Store is Mint 27 (186, FuXing [FuShing] Rd., sec. 4, 10F; 04- 3611-8888) a fairly new dancing hotspot. With a large dance floor, lounge and KTV areas, Mint 27 offers a little something for everyone. On Ladies Night, there is no cover charge for women.

      After all that excitement, it is now time to wind down with more of Buddy's NT$50 cocktails (see Monday for details).

--THURSDAY--

      After a hopping Wednesday, it is good to relax, take it easy and dress up for a visit to one of the top cool lounge spots: Escape (45-2, TaiZhongGang [Taichung Harbor] Rd., sec. 2; 04-2328-0768; Little Europe Map #LE5). Small, comfortable, upscale and featuring DJ music, Escape offers one free cocktail to ladies. The cocktail is chosen by the bartender, and she impressed my female friend with how well her choice matched my friend's taste.

      For a more laid-back option, check out La Bodega (3, JingCheng 2nd St.; 04-2310-7006; Little Europe Map: #LE4). On the night of my visit, over two-thirds of the crowd was female, some at tables and some around the bar. Dropping by to say hi to some friends at one of those tables, it quickly became apparent it was their "ladies night out" and I quickly beat a retreat to the more sociable confines of the bar area. All drinks for women on Thursdays are NT$100, and their legendary Sangria seemed a popular choice.

      Yet another option is small-but-cozy Whirlpool (85, ZhongCheng [JongCheng] Rd.; 04-2329-1699). With fun and funky decor, comfy sofas and friendly service, Whirlpool is a nice relaxing spot to talk with friends. Offers for Ladies Night vary, but usually come in a "something + 1 free cocktail" pattern. Check out our "What's On" listings for month-to-month details.

--FRIDAY--

      To kick off the weekend, there is no better spot than Chubby's (11, JingMing Rd.; 04-2329-3327; Little Europe Map: #LE3), located in the heart of Little Europe. Rising up three floors and including an attractive garden area, Chubby's offers the opportunity to party or to relax. On offer at Chubby's for Ladies Night are NT$50 cocktails, though it is recommended you check our "What's On" for special events.

--SATURDAY--

      With the weekend well underway, it is time to dress up and return to Escape for a night of lounge cool (see Thursday details).

--SPECIAL EVENTS--

      Often, places have one-off special events or parties. Two locations that periodically have Manpower shows (sometimes with men not allowed in until after a certain time) are the Londoner (68, GongYi Rd.; 04-2325-3174; Canal District Map: #CD1) and Chubby's. Be sure to check our "What's On" for their activities and for other locations.

      REMEMBER: Ladies Night offerings and events periodically change, so keep an eye on our "What's On" for the latest details.