LOUNGE BAR 15, Hua Mei West Street, section 1 (04) 2319-6027; Hours: 8:30 pm-2:30 am

Anyone looking for a funky-looking, upscale place to chill out with a good drink and some great lounge or acid jazz music should head straight to this new bar, located in the Canal District. Jewelry designer and cafe owner Lauren Juan and her friends have created this modish-looking bar and lounge, where the emphasis is on relaxation and good music. The main colors are a striking dark blue and red--the color of the far-out seats and bar stools. The luminous bar serves up an exotic selection of beers, including the La Fin du monde (NT$220) from Quebec,Canada, and Delirium Tremens, Bruegel (NT$160), Steendonk and Chapeau Apricot from Belgium. More common beers, like Budweiser or Beck's, are NT$140, and there are a variety of fine wines, champagne (Taittinger Brut Reserve), cocktails (NT$180-250), and whiskys, from Spey's or Aberlow single malts to Jack Daniel's. Minimum charge is NT$180/person. The bar is located 50 meters up the road from Shark Den and 89K.--By Douglas Habecker