There's a new hangout in town, and it's about time, too. Those in the know lamented the closure of The Shark Den--a tiny hole-in-the-wall which ceased pulling pints about a year ago. It was a good place to drink. The Shark's proprietor, the heavy-pouring Hammer Tan, is back in the game, with a new joint called Buddy. You'll find it from the intersection of Hsiang Shang and Chung Ming South Roads. Cross the bridge and immediately turn right, down the alley parallel to the canal. Buddy is on the corner at the next bridge. This pub is a small, but spacious joint with spartan--but very cool--interior decor. Check out the motorcycle on the exposed I-beams. There are private party rooms
on the second floor, and the kitchen cranks out a variety of hot snacks. But the best feature of Buddy is behind the bar. Large bottles of beer go for NT$150 to NT$180 and there's a big-screen projection TV that shows sports broadcasts. Hammer's back, so go on down and say hello because, like it says on the business card, "Any time at Buddy always is Buddy". --by A.S. Keller