Kaohsiung Bar RecommendationsDon't Miss These 6 Kaohsiung Bars and Bistros!

Bar Iki is a must-visit Kaohsiung Bar. Itatata and a colleague went out for dinner and drinks, ending up at Bar Iki. We were skeptical as we walked down the alley, but eventually found the unassuming venue and were lucky enough to snag the last available table without a reservation.

Upon entering, we were greeted by a fresh, pleasant aroma, a custom scent blended by bartender Toku for the bar. The decor was distinctly Japanese, and the liquor cabinet behind the bartender was neatly arranged with a wide selection of Japanese spirits, immediately conveying a sense of professionalism. After we were seated, the staff brought complimentary snacks and hot towels, a thoughtful touch reminiscent of an izakaya.

The cocktails at Bar Iki are mostly classic drinks with a Japanese twist, focusing on aromatic balance, which perfectly suits Itatata's preferred style. That evening, Itatata and her colleague ordered three drinks. Since most of the names were in Japanese, we don't remember them, but we generally chose based on criteria like no milk, no matcha, medium to strong alcohol content, and no vodka. We also ordered a Basque cheesecake.

Itatata was incredibly impressed by the Basque cheesecake; it had a molten center, rich and sweet. Eating it late at night felt wonderfully indulgent, but it was quite rich, so sharing it between two people is ideal.

To sum it up, this Kaohsiung Bar is a must-visit! The Japanese style and Zen-like bartender are captivating; just watching Toku prepare and stir drinks is incredibly therapeutic, showcasing the meticulous spirit of a Japanese artisan. Most importantly, the drinks are delicious—layered, distinctive, and with a good alcohol presence. If it hadn't been our third stop that night, I would have ordered everything on the menu. It's a shame I didn't get to try the matcha series; I'll have to save that for next time. I hope those who read Itatata's review will go and try it for me, fulfilling my unfinished dream.

My friends and I visited Marley Saloon, and the venue's entrance is designed like an old American barn door, all in a consistent, subdued wood tone. It was a bit puzzling, almost like a haunted house at a theme park, and we hesitated to go in.

But pushing open the barn doors, we were instantly transported to the American Wild West. The decor, furniture, flooring, and overall ambiance all exude a strong American country style, creating a truly atmospheric saloon! That day, my friends and I went all out, ordering truffle fries, New Orleans fried chicken wings, and Mexican chicken and cheese quesadillas. For cocktails, we chose "Witch" and "Sunset Rollercoaster," both highly recommended online.

The "Witch" cocktail has a spectacular presentation. This signature drink, with a gin base, features elderflower and green apple for a floral note. Absinthe is then burned and poured into the drink, creating a mysterious blue flame for a cool visual feast while you sip. It's a must-try for first-time visitors! The "Sunset Rollercoaster," also gin-based, blends Taiwanese passion fruit and Earl Grey tea. It's sweet, smooth, and incredibly drinkable, with a lovely depth of flavor and romantic petals sprinkled on top.

As for the food, every dish was excellent, with no duds. The Mexican chicken and cheese quesadillas were the standout, with the chicken and cheese perfectly baked together for rich flavor.

Overall, this Kaohsiung bar has a distinct style, great cocktails, and delicious food. It's perfect for group gatherings, and if you're looking for a fantastic dinner after a weekend visit to Pier-2 Art Center, this is the place!

When Itata and her colleague arrived at the venue's entrance, guided by Google Maps, they were completely stumped — where was the place? It turns out you have to make a call, and on an old-fashioned landline at that. It took them three tries to get it right, and the moment the basement door opened, it felt like a real adventure.

The stairs were a bit dim, so they had to be careful walking down. Upon reaching the basement, they were greeted by a nightclub-like atmosphere, which was a bit disorienting. A server quickly came to seat them. They hadn't done their homework before coming and didn't realize sandals weren't allowed. The server spotted Itata's colleague in sandals and made him change into a pair of rather ugly sneakers. Itata, however, was wearing heeled sandals and was told they were fine, leaving them a bit confused about the standard.

Once seated, the server provided a QR code to scan for the menu, and they placed their order for two cocktails: one berry-based and one with a slightly stronger alcohol content. Unfortunately, they found both drinks to be quite disappointing. Only the first sip was acceptable; they got progressively worse. The berry cocktail was too sweet and became cloying with each sip, while the stronger drink lacked complexity. As the ice melted and the drink evolved, it only became less palatable.

Overall, the drinks at Lil gaz might not have suited Itata and her colleague's tastes. The general atmosphere leaned heavily towards a nightclub, with lighting so dim they needed to use their phone flashlights to see anything, which they found quite uncomfortable. If you're looking for a speakeasy bar in Kaohsiung, you might enjoy the novelty of this one, but it's best not to have high expectations for the cocktails.

Bar dip is a Kaohsiung bar that I've visited many times, and I'm always impressed by its strong and creative cocktail skills, as well as the venue's dedication evident in every drink and dish. Before coming to this Kaohsiung bar, I never imagined Hakka elements could merge so coolly with modern mixology.

The cocktail that left the deepest impression on me is "Dip"—seriously, everyone who comes here must order it! It arrives as a clear liquid, then the bartender adds butterfly pea flower, slowly spreading blue hues and creating unique gradients and ripples throughout the drink, like a flowing painting. This drink isn't just pretty; it tastes amazing too! It's not too boozy, with a hint of fruitiness that isn't overly sweet. This cocktail, inspired by Hakka indigo dyeing, is stunning every time I see it, and it's one of the few drinks that truly embodies "perfect in color, aroma, and taste."

Besides "Dip," other excellent and highly recommended options include "Three Lives Soup," which requires you to grind your own sesame powder; "Dong Dong Long Dong Dong," a sweet and savory blend of Capparidaceae sauce and winter melon; and "Night Dew," which tastes like taro sago. Drinking and dining go hand-in-hand, and Bar dip, this Kaohsiung bar, offers various meats like fish, chicken, and pork. I highly recommend "Southern Gentleman's Chicken," an elevated version of Taiwanese fried chicken, especially with Bar dip's special dipping sauce—it's so good I practically licked the plate, it's dangerously delicious.

If you're looking for a bar in Kaohsiung, I highly recommend Bar dip, this Hakka-style bar; its cocktails and food will absolutely amaze you!

Bar Doorlight is a Kaohsiung Bar that offers creative cocktails. Last time, after dinner with friends near the Far Eastern Department Store, I wanted a drink and headed to Bar Doorlight. This Kaohsiung Bar is tucked away in a small alley, but it's not hard to find; it's the only brightly lit venue on the quiet street. From outside, you can see the lively atmosphere within, with bartenders, staff, and guests all mingling and having a great time.

The soundproofing is excellent; stepping inside feels like entering a different world. A staff member immediately greeted us, asked if we had a reservation, led us to our table, poured water, and introduced the menu. We then ordered using a QR code. That day, I wasn't sure what to drink, so I asked the bartender, Ah-Si.

Ah-Si was very attentive, asking about our preferred flavors—strong, light, sour, sweet—all customizable to our mood and preferences. Based on the bartender's recommendation, we chose the "Early Spring Plum Rain" and "The Fool." For snacks, we picked truffle fries, a cheese and ham platter, and diced German sausage and cheese to accompany our drinks.

The "Early Spring Plum Rain" has a base of dried tangerine peel and gin soda, garnished with lily leaves and olive slices. It's a sweet and sour, refreshing, and appetizing drink. "The Fool" is inspired by the tarot card, symbolizing the fool's innocence with vodka, orange, rose, white cocoa, and a floating milk foam topped with rose petals. It's a very romantic drink that isn't overly sweet. The food was also excellent; the portions weren't too large, but everything paired well with the drinks.

A unique feature of Bar Doorlight is its tarot card series of cocktails. This is because bartender Ah-Si has been involved in tarot divination for over ten years and felt a deep connection to it, leading him to combine this concept with the cards. Each drink has its own story, which is truly fascinating!

Overall, Bar Doorlight is a bar with highly skilled bartenders, creative cocktails, and a cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for dates or gatherings with friends. You shouldn't miss such an interesting venue! I highly recommend everyone come here for a drink.

Daisy Villa is a remarkably spacious venue with excellent flow. Its exterior is captivating; by day, it has an influencer-chic vibe, but at night, it transforms into a regal, palatial setting. Upon entering, I was immediately immersed in the bar and dining atmosphere, with perfectly designed lighting and decor that gave the entire bar a fantastic feel—like being at a party on a Southeast Asian vacation.

In addition to indoor dining, Daisy Villa also offers outdoor seating. The entire venue is incredibly photogenic, with influencer-friendly decor that I couldn't resist, making my friend take countless photos. This Kaohsiung venue’s evening menu differs from its daytime offerings, featuring a wide array of creative cocktails, as well as Japanese sake, whiskey, gin, sparkling wine, vodka, shots, and more—a truly extensive selection of beverages.

That night, we ordered "Clear You and Me," "Don't Come Unless It's Plum," "This Is Not a Mojito," and "Piña Colada." With a group, you can try them all, but don't expect professional mixology; it's a dining bar, not a dedicated cocktail bar. As long as the drinks are smooth and enjoyable, I'm happy.

I hadn't planned on ordering so much food, but it was truly addictive! I highly recommend the "Best Supporting Cast Platter"—it's fantastic, with excellent chicken, cheese sticks, and fries, perfect for pairing with drinks and conversation.

If you're looking for a fun night out with friends, this dining bar is an excellent choice. They also offer many non-alcoholic drinks, so even if you don't drink, you can still enjoy the party atmosphere!