Ounce

Looking for Ounce? Following the directions and address given on their website, you'll find yourself at the doorway of R/X (Relax Espresso) cafe. This minimal, chic space is fitted for the urban-dweller's espresso-on-the-go needs and might be a good place to stop for a light meal and cuppa caffeine kick before moving onto the night's antics. Hidden away through a secret entrance of Taipei's RELAX cafe, is the beautiful, speakeasy-style bar Ounce.

Decked out in the dark wood and bow-tied barmen of the 1920's prohibition era, Ounce is a wonderful place to sneak into for an exquisitely crafted cocktail. Behind the bar is a treasure trove of specialty spirits and liquers that are rare to Taipei. For a further schooling in spirits, Ounce regularly offers extra tuition in whisky tastings, tequila tastings, rum tastings, etc.

This classy joint is both gorgeous and unpretentious and the barmen, who really know their way around a glass, will gladly shake up a specialty cocktail off-menu just for you. In fact, there isn't a menu but if given a guide on spirit and taste (fruity, floral, herbal, etc.) the highly capable barmen will recommend something to shake up just for you. For those nervous about navigating their own drink order, the Bourbon Blossom and Zubrowka & Elderflower Martini are popular among patrons.

Ounce is a comfy, little venue that is charming in its cosiness, open Mondays - Saturdays 7PM - 2AM. Seats are snatched up quickly on weekends, and with a maximum capacity of thirty, reservations are recommended. Ounce does have a reputation for being a bit sticky about it's patrons - trying to maintain the propriety of the establishment and keep the rowdy crowd out. Ounce does note on their website that groups larger than four may be required to split and request that the full party is present when seated. Patrons are asked to dress respectably and keep the volume down.

Take note that for fine liquors and a hideaway drinking experience among these bow-tied barmen, the pricetag is on the heavy side. Although prices are notably absent, expect to be paying around 400NT per drink.