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COMPASS MAGAZINE, November 2005

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--By Alice Wu Translated by Chou NaiXien

If you're looking for a place that serves alcohol, atmosphere and music, but doesn't force you to yell across the table, then look no further than the creatively-named Totem Bear. Opening in May, 2004, owner J.K. Huang has quietly carved a comfortable niche in a little alley off Art Street. His lounge bar is less "lounge" and more "bar" but what sets it apart from many other bars is the fact that it is immaculately clean.

Aside from holding the top score in cleanliness, Totem Bear serves up the usual bar beverages. The regular beers are all available, starting at NT$150. For more sophisticated taste buds, the bar has a wide array of red and white wines, which are also sold by the bottle. It's a great place to purchase a bottle as a gift, and the owner is more than happy to help you select a particular label.

For the hungry customers, Totem Bear works in conjunction with a restaurant across the street to provide the famished with edible nourishment. There are several set meals from which to choose: the Broiled Boneless Chicken Steak and the Teppanyaki Pork Filet (both NT$220) are delectable. All meals come with soup, fresh fruit, hot/cold coffee or tea, or hot green tea.
To prove that Totem Bear is a step above its competition, the bar offers the cigar smoker a place to buy--what else--cigars. They have several brands available, but you'll have to make a trip over there to learn the names. Interested parties may buy anywhere from one cigar to an entire box, but beware--the prices for these babies range from NT$100 per cigar to NT$3,500 per box.

So, if you're looking for something new, head for Totem Bear. The owner is there practically every night, ready to greet customers. As an added bonus for the ladies, the establishment has a Ladies' Night every Thursday, when every female is granted their choice of any two beers in their fridge at only NT$1 a pop! Definitely bring friends.