Maybe
The last oasis for classic rock fanatics in Taipei
Written and translated by Diva
Photos by Andy Lin
15, Lane 253, FuXing S Rd, Sec 1
(02) 2705-7399
Hours: weekdays 8 pm-3 am; weekends 8 pm-4 am
Credit cards accepted.
10% service charge.
Three years ago, Bruce and a few good friends took over a storefront and turned it into Maybe, a simple, down-to-earth lounge bar. Bruce had dreamt about opening a place since his college days and is now the proud proprietor of an establishment where you'll feel comfortable in your best suit or board shorts. At Maybe, you can sit back and enjoy rock from around the world, or take a spin around the mic yourself.
Every lounge bar has a designated house DJ and at Maybe Bruce mans the wheel. He'll take your request as long as it follows his two rules: 1) No Mandarin or Taiwanese music; 2) No Hip Hop or techno music. If you want to learn more about classic rock 'n' roll, a night at Maybe could be your musical baptism. And though you can sing along, don't worry about the "shower singers" that usually flood KTVs; Bruce will ask them nicely to give up the microphone and then buy them a round of drinks before a real tragedy begins.
Maybe attracts many rock 'n' roll fanatics and most of them range in age from 25 to 40. Bruce claims that most people like Maybe not just because they can listen to rock all night, but also because it is a place where people with similar interests can get together, meet and become friends in a non-hostile environment.
The first time I visited Maybe was for my friend's 40th birthday party. It was a very special birthday celebration and the birthday cake was a bikini made out of sticky rice and topped with two candles. This was also my first time trying Maybe's signature drink, Baby Sleeps for Three Days (NT$350). Nine types of hard liquor are thrown in this more-than-generous cocktail. This drink is so popular that the best record so far was 100 orders in one night, and Maybe's capacity is only 80 people!
The night I went to interview Bruce was Maybe's third anniversary. Every year Bruce goes out of his way to celebrate the anniversary and this year was no exception. To celebrate the third year, a cross-dressing party was in order and when Bruce appeared all eyes were on him as he imitated the legendary female singer Tiger Huang.
Besides sing-alongs, hot drinks and cross-dressing parties, Maybe also holds a host of themed parties and special events throughout the year. There are also talent contests and music quiz nights. Maybe is like one big family and every member is passionate about rock 'n' roll, drinks and food. They all tell me that Maybe's Signature Fries (NT$180) are the best home-cooked taters in all of Taipei. Their Beef Noodles (NT$260) come from an ancient family secret that is off-limits to non-family members. So, if you're feeling a bit bored and need some color in your life, give Maybe a whirl--you'll feel right at home.
 
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August 2008
