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Since its debut in 2016, the annual Asia’s 50 Best Bars has become a major event in the cocktail world. Voted on by 265 bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and cocktail experts from across the region, the ninth edition of the list was recently announced. This year, the top spot was claimed by Bar Leone in Hong Kong, while Zest from Seoul, which ranked fifth last year, rose to second place. Long-time champion COA dropped slightly to fourth.Taiwan saw three bars make the list this year. Vender in Taichung earned the highest ranking at No. 30, rising from No. 41 in 2023 and becoming the only bar in Taichung to enter the top 50. Meanwhile, Bar Mood in Taipei jumped from No. 93 to No. 37, making a huge 54-place leap. The Public House, also in Taipei, slipped slightly from No. 43 to No. 44. Notably absent from this year’s list is the award-winning Indulge Experimental Bistro, which has often ranked near the top.Want to experience the magic of Taiwan’s top bars? Follow ReadyGo’s lead into a delightfully buzzed world of cocktails.

Taiwan Bars｜2024 Asia’s 50 Best – The 3 Ranked Bars in Taiwan

Vender｜Ranked No. 30

As the only Taichung bar to make the list, Vender features a giant vending machine façade and is all about serving happiness. After debuting at No. 41 last year, it leaped 11 spots to No. 30, making it Taiwan’s top-ranked bar this year.

Inspired by the rainforests of Singapore, Vender incorporates lush green tones and a colonial-style retro atmosphere to create a modern take on Peranakan culture. The food draws from classic Singaporean dishes, enhanced with bold Southeast Asian spices. A must-try is the Black Pepper Crab, made with fresh crab meat, homemade black pepper sauce, caramelized onions, and butter, served with fried silver thread buns that elevate both aroma and heat. The Beef Tongue Satay uses tender chunks of marinated tongue, grilled over charcoal to infuse a smoky flavor,r and served with calamansi and house-made pickles for a balanced bite.

Vender’s drink menu is fun and interactive. Inspired by Southeast Asian flavors, the menu comes in the form of a wooden 12-grid box, each slot representing a signature cocktail with labeled ingredients and flavor notes for easy selection. Signature cocktails are inspired by Singaporean street foods and drinks, transforming local herbs and spices into creative beverages that preserve their cultural identity. Can’t decide? Use the capsule toy machine to randomly choose your drink, or let the award-winning bartenders customize something special for you.

Next time you’re in Taichung, don’t hesitate to push open that vending machine door at Vender—happiness is waiting inside.

• Address: No. 118, Wuquan W. 4th St., West District, Taichung City
• Phone: +886-4-2372-5875
• Hours: Sun to Thu 18:00–02:00 / Fri, Sat 18:00–03:00
• More info: Vender

Bar Mood Taipei｜Ranked No. 37

Located in the prime area of Dunhua South Road, Bar Mood Taipei has made a strong return to the Asia’s 50 Best list, jumping from No. 93 to No. 37. The bar’s entrance is low-key, but inside it features warm wood furnishings and weekly flower arrangements that bring a rare sense of natural calm to the city. The contrast between the modern, well-lit front high bar and the intimate, serene inner bar space keeps guests entertained while they wait to enter the main bar area. A surround sound system plays immersive music, showing the bar’s attention to sensory detail.

Easy hotel stays after a night out

Bar Mood is known for infusing tea into cocktails. The bar creatively uses local Taiwanese ingredients such as edamame, bitter melon, cassia seeds, Thai basil, and shallots to craft surprising flavor combinations. Their approach blends Eastern and Western ingredients in analog pairings to highlight each component’s character, resulting in drinks that are as artistic as they are flavorful.

The food is just as thoughtfully prepared. From ingredient pairing and cooking methods to presentation, every dish is a refined and aesthetic creation. Highlights include the Grilled Beef Skewers, made with richly marbled beef grilled over open flame and paired with smoky harissa sauce and coarse peppered salt. The Charred Cuttlefish is grilled to medium doneness, sprinkled with red chili powder for extra flavor. The Truffle Garlic Fries are intensely garlicky, with a truffle sauce that deepens the taste.

Bar Mood invites guests not only to enjoy cocktails but also to unwind in a restorative environment with exceptional cuisine, leaving you with a memorable night.

• Address: No. 53, Lane 160, Sec. 1, Dunhua S. Rd., Taipei
• Phone: +886-905-773-621
• Hours: Sun–Thu 18:00–01:00 / Fri–Sat 18:00–02:00
• More info: Bar Mood Taipei

The Public House｜Ranked No. 44

Nicknamed “Gongwu” by regulars, The Public House has long been a weekend favorite in Taipei. Known as a haven for city-dwellers, this bar feels like the perfect late-night retreat for those who love the nightlife. Named as a nod to traditional “pubs,” the bar excels in blending cocktails, food, atmosphere, and hospitality. Before 9 p.m., it offers cozy jazz-filled vibes; after 9, it kicks into high gear and keeps the energy going until early morning.

Recommended stays nearby

With its matte black façade and gold signage, the bar glows warmly at night. Its English-style interior, curated by its old-soul owner, features wood decor, European wall lamps, and deep red leather seats. The result is a cozy British vintage vibe that invites you to sip and relax.

The cocktail menu blends local teas and fruits. Their Public Signature series features cocktails with depth and personality. The bar also boasts a wide selection of gin, letting guests explore diverse flavor profiles. The food menu leans toward bold-flavored dishes from various global cuisines—perfect for drinking and dining alike. The best-kept secret? Their rich Midnight Chicken Soup, served only after midnight. Its aromatic flavor warms not just your body, but your soul after a long day.

• Address: 1F, No. 143, Sec. 4, Xinyi Rd., Taipei City
• Phone: +886-2-2701-0053
• Hours: 19:00–04:00
• More info: The Public House

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