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COMPASS MAGAZINE, February 2005

Something for everyone at Butthead 1028, JianXing (Jian Shing) Road Tel: (04) 2319-2828 Hours¡G9:30 am-1:30 am

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By Megan Thow Translated by Yvonne Chen

When visiting a bar for the first time with friends in Taichung, I tend to find myself worrying about whether everyone is enjoying themselves and having a good time. I shouldn't really care, but it's just my nature. And, with many acquaintances hailing from different parts of the world, it really is quite a feat to find a place that measures up to everyone's standards and expectations.

When I suggested heading out to Butthead Coffee & Tea one night, many were initially a little reluctant. Sure, the name is a little bizarre, but don't be fooled. Not only did we not encounter any buttheads while we were there, more importantly (to my friends, of course), they served much more than coffee and tea.

The two-story bar, restaurant, coffee and tea establishment opened in 1998 almost opposite The Splendor Hotel and has great atmosphere. With its hardwood floors and walls decorated with beer posters, sports memorabilia and the odd Christmas ornament, Butthead felt like a cross between a well-lit, not-too-smoky British pub and somebody's very spacious recreation room. This made many of my friends who have spent time in both the former and the latter places feel right at home.

The music, which consisted mainly of R&B and some popular dance music from Beyonce, Nelly and Black Sheep, kept others who were looking for somewhere a little more upbeat than the typical pub happy and grooving in their seats. And the foosball table on the third floor and the stage where bands play on special occasions kept the jocks and the live-music lovers satisfied.

As for the drinks, the variety of non-alcoholic beverages, such as the Banana Shake (NT$100), Passionfruit Tea (NT$80) and Mocha Frappuccino (NT$120), kept the teetotalers happy. And, for those in search of something a little stronger, Butthead offers a number of mixed drinks--Whiskey Sour, Long Island Ice Tea, Kamikaze--for NT$150 each. There are also pitchers of Carlsberg (NT$750) available, as well as cans of Boddington's (NT$120), and bottles of Heineken and Corona (NT$100). I also highly recommend the Bailey's Shake (NT$110).

With seating for 30 on the main floor, which includes three very comfortable couches and armchairs, and room for 40 upstairs, Butthead Coffee & Tea is the ideal place for large groups to hang out and have a great time, especially on the weekends, which are their busiest nights. The kitchen is open until around midnight and there are a number of reasonably-priced appetizers and meals. The manager recommends the Baked Potato Skins and the Bacon or Beef Pizza as well as the baked rice for those who are looking for a little late-night fare.