I went to a live music bar!!

2026-09-04

Hello, everyone! It’s Takky here.

The other day, a friend invited me to a live music bar for the first time. The idea of being able to drink while listening to live music made it feel like some kind of exclusive adults-only hideaway, and even before I walked in, my heart was filled with excitement and a little nervousness.

However, the moment I opened the door, that nervousness instantly turned into a pleasant sense of excitement. The live sound of the instruments resonating right before my eyes, the vocalist’s overwhelming voice—and a warm atmosphere where everyone was relaxing and enjoying the music with a delicious drink in hand. “I can’t believe there’s a place where I can experience music this up close!” It was an amazing night, filled with a fresh sense of wonder, as if I’d discovered a whole new world.

TOC

The bar we’re featuring this time

南方酒館
Hours: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Closed: Every Monday
It’s a bit far from Hamuya! The taxi fare was 160 yuan!

This is what the inside of the restaurant looked like. It has a sort of stylish vibe. I didn’t go up there this time, but there’s also seating on the second floor, and the interior is very spacious. Since my friends had told me it was a live music bar, I’d imagined it would be a small place. If anything, it’s a place where you can enjoy a proper meal while listening to music.

There was plenty of beer in the fridge, but instead of the Taiwanese style where you help yourself, you had to order it.

There were also photos of people who are considered legends in Taiwan.

Since I went around noon this time, it was already past the last call for food orders. The dishes on the menu looked really delicious, so if I go again, I’d definitely like to try them.

Live Performance

There’s a stage in the center of the venue, so you can enjoy the performance right in front of you. I thought the set list was fixed, but more than half of the songs were requests.

I requested “Eggplant Egg,” but since the vocalist was Malaysian, I was told she couldn’t sing songs in Taiwanese, so my request was turned down… By the way, I was told English songs would be fine. The guitarist was playing little bits of Guns N’ Roses and stuff between songs, so it felt like they might be able to pull off some old-school rock.

I started off with a beer, but I forgot to take a picture of it. By the way, it was Premium Malts Ale. I’ve seen it in cans here and there in Taiwan, but this was the first time I’d seen it on tap. The picture below shows my second drink—a mysterious gin-based cocktail. It was sweet and sour.

By the way, the owner is apparently a heavy metal fan and is still active in a band; I hear he’s even performed live in Japan.

In Conclusion

My first visit to a live music bar instantly dispelled any preconceptions I had about it being intimidating; it was an amazing escape from everyday life where I could enjoy music and drinks at the same time. Completely different from CDs or live recordings, the overwhelming power and warm sense of unity unique to live performances remain an unforgettable experience that still lingers in my heart. That luxurious time—forgetting the hustle and bustle of daily life and simply letting myself be carried away by the music—gently soothed my stiffened heart. It was a night when I discovered yet another way to enjoy life as an adult and became completely captivated by the charm of live music bars. I highly recommend you all pay a visit.

Well then, everyone, stay safe today!