(02) 2368-6571
152, Roosevelt Road, Sec. 3, 2F, Taipei
Hours: Mon-Thur opens 8:30 pm, Fri/Sat opens 8 pm, Sunday opens 9 pm.
no set closing time
Credit cards accepted. Smoking allowed.
MRT: Tai power

Bushiban

-- By Claire Tyrell Translated by Liu Fang Ru

Long ago, before a time when lounge bars filled the streets, when the glitzy bars of today were nothing but a twinkle in Taipei's eye, there was Bushiban. Not one of the ever-convenient educational establishments that abound, but the unique bar in the ShiDa area.

Having been around for 25 years, the atmosphere is very much lived-in. The original wooden furniture remains, the floor boards creak reassuringly underfoot, and a well-used dart board hangs in the corner. Aged and intriguing murals add colour to the walls, and surrounding wall space is covered with years of bilingual "I woz ere"s. It has certainly retained an old-style English bar feel and like the best of that breed, is a place where conversation flows freely between patrons and the friendly staff alike, not just limited to those you came with.

A place where people fast become regulars, Bushiban returns the loyalty by keeping drinks reasonably-priced. Bottled beers range from NT$130 to NT$150; scotch whiskeys or bourbons are NT$130 to NT$300 by the glass; and vodka, gins and brandies are around NT$200 to NT$300. There is also a good list of cocktails containing most of the familiar names and costing a mere NT$100 to NT$150. Or try the Bushiban special, "Scent of a Woman", a combination of martini, gin, Cointreau and mixer (NT$200).

Like the pubs of old, there are no fancy meals here, but snacks aplenty to keep off the hunger pangs, from smoked cheese, squid or sausage to soybean curd with soy sauce or spicy fish with peanuts (all NT$100-150).

The closing time is also relaxed, waiting until the last customers are ready to head off down the narrow stairs and wend their weary ways home, making this a great late night hang-out.
So, if you feel your drinking skills need a little brushing up on, rest assured that this is the right bushiban for you!
Current regulations require Taiwan Fun to remind readers not to drink and drive.