Great spots under the stars for a beer
Three outdoor bar areas that give Taipei’s drinking culture a breath of fresh air
Taiwan's drinking culture often involves shots of strong liquor at formal banquets, bottles of Taiwan Beer at stir-fry spots, convenience store cans, and dimly lit cocktail bars.
But for those used to alfresco drinking, Taiwan’s warm summer evenings are ideal for sitting outside with a cold pint after a day of sightseeing, working, or studying.
This Is Taipei visited three popular open-air spots, where locals and tourists alike head to grab drinks and relax.
#1: Dadaocheng Wharf
Sunset views, street food, and riverside beers
Set against the slow-moving Tamsui River, Dadaocheng Wharf is a good shout for those wanting to watch the sunset while enjoying a drink.
The area is lined with colorful stalls and food trucks offering a mix of small bites, including Korean snacks, loaded fries, and wood-fired pizza.
While it’s relaxed during the day, with people sipping coffee or having a rest, it gets busier as the sun goes down. If you arrive before dusk, try to grab a table on top of one of the container stalls.
Many of the bars offer buy-three-get-one-free deals on beers, which works out to about NT$100 a glass. A few places also serve cocktails.
When This Is Taipei visited on a Sunday summer evening, the communal seating area, lined with long wooden benches, was packed. It tends to stay lively until around midnight, and if you’re not ready to leave, numerous clubs in the Ximending area are a short taxi ride away.
Dadaocheng Wharf is about a 15-minute walk from either Beimen or Daqiaotou MRT stations.
#2: Gongguan Waterfront Plaza
A riverside hangout for late-night beers and live music
Gongguan Waterfront Plaza offers another setting for drinks by the river.
Unlike Dadaocheng, the area is generally quiet throughout the day. Most bars don't open until around 7:30 PM, but the space can quickly get busy, especially on weekends when live bands often perform.
Plastic chairs are pulled up around tables, and music from different bars blasts loudly. The whole area is under a bridge, so it's a good spot to visit even during the rainy season.
When This Is Taipei visited, we found a range of beers starting from around NT$150, with craft brews and cocktails also on offer. Some bars serve snacks too.
The waterfront plaza is about a 10-minute walk from Gongguan MRT Station. Most bars are open from Tuesday to Sunday until 1 AM, and closed on Mondays.
#3: Red House outdoor bar area
LGBTQ+ nightlife, strong drinks, and late-night fried food
Around the historic Red House in the busy Ximending area, a cluster of about a dozen bars decked out with fairy lights, plants, and shared seating has become Taipei’s biggest LGBTQ+ hangout.
The bars serve beer and cocktails, and some have "Taiwanese-style" fried food — think onion rings and chicken skin.
Promoters will try to entice you with buy-one-get-one-free deals, though prices are often inflated. It’s worth comparing bars before choosing where you want to go.
Cafe Dalida is one of the most famous bars in the Red House area. It's the birthplace of Taipei's drag scene and is often packed.
If you can't get a seat, there are lots of other options. This Is Taipei recommends The Garden and Red House No. 27 for their large range of cocktails.
The Red House Bar Area is a few minutes’ walk from Ximen MRT Station Exit 2. Between the station and the bars, a weekend artisanal market sets up in the North Square from 2 PM to 9:30 PM, which is worth a visit if you're looking for souvenirs.
In conclusion...
Whether it’s riverside sunsets, live music under a bridge, or drinks in one of Asia’s most welcoming LGBTQ+ spaces, these open air spots are all great choices for a night out.
