Up All Night: A Taichung nightlife sampler

Translated by Sho Huang
Photos by Pedro Lucas Teixeira Pinho

While Taipei tends to be the place that pops into the head of anyone in Taiwan looking for a lively night out, there are thankfully a growing number of good options right here in the heart of the island. Taichung's nightlife is making a comeback after an unfortunate fire tragedy at local Ala Pub in 2011, which saw many nightclubs and bars shut down immediately afterwards because of safety and other government-regulation issues.

Today, this city is returning to offering a significant variety of evening destinations for enjoying your sleepless nights, especially on weekends, when neon and LED lights beckon you into local bars and clubs, offering a more relaxing alternative to raucous crowds and glaring lights of local night markets. The variety ranges from bars where you can chill out with friends after a long day over a good pint and perhaps a corner pool table, to clubs promoting "'all you can drink" deals and dance floors where you can go crazy with old and brand-new acquaintances until the early hours of morning. Clearly, Taichung's nightlife is ready to welcome anyone who isn't quite ready to "hit the sack" just yet.

Following is a mere sampling of some businesses that represent what's available to the Taichung night owl these days....

Apex Nightclub

(04) 2223-3520
99, GuangFu Rd, 2F, Central Dist.
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 pm-4 am
Ticket Prices: ladies NT$200-400, men NT$600-700
18+ age requirement--ID required.
Credit cards accepted.

Located in the older downtown area near Taichung Park and the railway station, this club was recently-opened with the goal of bringing a new nightlife experience to town. Themed events with DJs and singers from around Taiwan and overseas are often held here and the crowd is mostly college students and other young people looking for a big dance venue. Apex definitely offers this with a spacious dance floor, two bars, private sofas and tables, a lounge, and standing areas comfortably accommodating 1,500 guests. There's a single music genre/theme on any given day, depending on the event (or DJ) . However, one certainty is that whenever the electronic music starts up you can expect someone to start showing off some sick moves, as Apex is a popular spot for break dancers.

There's an all-you-can-drink offer here--as long as you keep track of your own cup. The bartenders all speak English and often entertain guests with their bartending flair (like bottle flipping). The two bars have different menus, with one serving more sophisticated drinks and cocktails such as absinthe or tequila shots, plus Apex Special Cocktails. The more complicated drinks aren't covered in the entrance ticket, but they're well worth the money (around NT$250 each). --By Pedro Lucas Teixeira Pinho

Spin Dance Club

1567, HuanZhong Rd, Sec 2, Xitun Dist.

For lovers of tasty beats and exquisite music, Spin is the place to be. After getting in with your stamp and drink tickets, the circular bar is just one of many things here that will leave you impressed, together with the 3D stage design and fantastic laser show that runs all night long alongside videos projected on the big screen behind the DJs. The dance floor is surrounded by private sofa areas with glass tables. At regular intervals, guests are treated to shots that are sent around, courtesy of Spin. If you need a break from all the energy and want a better, birds-eye view of the action, Spin's second-floor has a balcony, smaller second dance floor and, conveniently, a second bar. The stage on the second floor seems to be the perfect size for performances and dancing more geared towards women, again courtesy of Spin. The daily themed events, wild and diverse music, customer-friendly, English-speaking staff, approachable and talented DJs, and all-you-can-drink offer makes Spin an excellent choice for any night owl looking for a place to perch. --By Pedro Lucas Teixeira Pinho

Orgasmo

1, ShiZheng N 1st Rd, 1F, Xitun Dist.; (04) 2251-0005
Hours: 9 pm-3 am
English menu available.
Credit cards accepted.

The slogan at Orgasmo reads, "Don't waste your life on cheap beer", in a clear expression of this establishment's pride at its wide selection of high-end beers. This business also provides a relaxing space with a massage chair--one of owner Clifton's ideas. There's also food and wine, but the main focus is on the great beer variety on display here, not unlike some kind of beer museum or shrine. Many popular and award-winning brews can be relished here, including the top 30 Belgian beers, seven types of Trappist ales, beers from Elysian Brewery in the U.S., Dutch beers and many others from Italy, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Brazil and other corners of the planet. Five kinds of draft beer--three premium and two Belgian--are also available for around NT$300 (500cc). Clifton is currently raving about a newly-arrived beer from Danish microbrewer Mikkeller with an IBU (International Bitterness Unit) rating that is completely off the charts (he claims it's 1,000!) and priced at NT$880 for a small 375ml bottle. Tempted to find out what it tastes like? Stop by Orgasmo. --By Uvia Chang

Lobby Hip Hop & Music Restaurant

(04) 2706-2295
59, QingHai S St, Xitun Dist.
Hours: 10 pm-4:30 am (closed Tuesdays)
Ticket Prices: ladies NT$200-400, men NT$600-700
18+ age requirement--ID required. Storage lockers.
Cash only.
Parking lot available.

Among Taichung's longest-running clubs, Lobby was also shut down after the Ala Pub fire, but was resurrected--much bigger and better--in a more convenient location. People party hard here, helped along by a very well laid-out dance floor, big sound system, awesome lights and effects and stage girls. On weekends, the line to get inside is long so a reservation is advised. Private seating areas are found on the first floor but most are on the second. In addition to high-quality service and a variety of good foods such as Bacon with Clams, Spicy Roasted Chicken, Mexican Pork Chop..etc. there are plenty of special-order drinks (not part of the 'all-you-can-drink' deal; NT$250-400 each) like the exotic-tasting Rose Cherry Belize and Sakura Love cocktails and Hoegaarden beer, available at the first floor. Customers across a wide age range crowd the bar and dance floor quickly. Non-Chinese-speaking foreign guests should be aware that Lobby's house policy requires them to show up with Chinese-speaking friends in order to avoid any misunderstandings, as the staff doesn't speak English. And, if you drink too much, they'll help you call a taxi. You can also go to the counter and ask for a taxi discount voucher. --By Pedro Lucas Teixeira Pinho

Sensation Lounge Bar

(04) 2202-1881
96, WuQuan Rd, 2F, West Dist.
Hours: 9:30 pm-4 am (closed Sundays)
English menu available.
NT$300/person minimum bill.
Credit cards accepted.

Sensation Lounge Bar provides top-quality wine, relaxing tunes and music videos. The ambiance is designed to allow white-collar types to chill out on a roomy, comfortable couch area showered with soft revolving lights, as HD music videos are constantly played on a huge wall screen. If you come alone, the amicable bartenders are great company. A wide range of drinks is available here, including popular cocktails, whiskies, beer and close to 10 special Red Bull drinks (NT$250-300/each) that are hard to find elsewhere. The bartenders are constantly introducing new cocktail varieties and flavors, such as an exotic mix of Red Bull and fennel, which provides a sweet, yet spicy, taste. Their drink recipes also include local ingredients such as Taiwanese bay leaves, which fill these innovative concoctions with a unique fragrance. In addition, a series of alcohol-free cocktails has been specially created, allowing "teetotalers" to enjoy the bar atmosphere without drinking alcohol. --By Uvia Chang