"We
are not a lounge bar." That is the first distinction
that J&J Bar owner Alex likes to make about his
establishment. However, a single glance around the place
initially left me a bit puzzled. After all, the well-known
lounge bar elements were nicely in place here: the dark,
blue-neon lit atmosphere; the comfortable, plush sofas;
the cool, swanky, minimalist decor with plenty of glass
and marble; the long bar serving 12-year, single-malt
Scotch.
I soon found out, however, there is a difference at
J&J, not by virtue of what you see, but of what
you don't. For everyone who's wanted to enjoy the upscale
luxury of a sofa bar without putting on airs, this is
the place. As Alex notes, customers are welcomed to
lose the ties, suites and cocktail dresses, and instead
show up in T-shirts and similar attire. The Taipei architect,
who has designed a number of Taichung's cooler bars,
says this approach is much more suitable to Taichung's
laid-back residents, versus their northern cousins who
dress up for work and after-hours relaxation.
"We provide a relaxing
atmosphere where people can enjoy a sofa bar without
the extra pressure," he said, noting that 80 percent
of customers were regulars between the ages of 26 and
50.
The medium-sized bar does
breed relaxation with its spacious layout that includes
small circular tables in an open area, six sofa cubicles
for six to 25 people (minimum NT$2,000 bill per cubicle)
and the center of attention--a really nice, long, blue-lit
bar. From Sunday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to midnight,
customers can enjoy NT$100 "Happy Hour" deals
on Budweisers. There is a minimum charge of NT$200 per
person.
Other drinks include bottled
beers from Kirin to Erdinger. Very popular are the NT$500
racks of 30 test tubes, filled with a choice of grape,
mango and other fruit liquours. Heading up the long
cocktail list (NT$150-220) is another house specialty,
the Long Island Ice Tea (NT$350), containing seven different
spirits. Among the high-end spirits selection is Macallan
12-year single-malt Scotch, which J&J sells more
of than any other Taichung outlet, according to Alex.
The Western/Chinese snack menu includes favorites like
Smoked Salmon Wraps (NT$300), Cold Chicken Slices (NT$250),
Italian Beef Rolls (NT$200) and Pork Oil Rice (NT$60).
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