PoPiN Live Band

186, FuXing Road, Sec. 4, 10F
(Taichung Central mall)
(04) 3608-0559 or (04) 3611-8888 ext. 2176
Hours: 9 pm-3 am
(ood stops at 2 am)

--Written and translated by Sho Huang

Conveniently situated near the Taichung train station on Taichung Central's 10th floor, PoPin is serious about being a top dance/party venue, boasting NT$40 million worth of stereo equipment and special lighting, a regular variety popular live bands, and a spacious, 350-ping location.

"We want to be able to provide a place where people can enjoy live music that's just like their own living rooms, and yet be pampered with great food and drinks like a five-star hotel," says manager Albert.

The stage is in the center of this place. Energetic, well-known live bands perform daily, except Mondays, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. (with a NT$300 minimum charge for customers). On Tuesdays, there's an all-you-can-drink-beer night for only NT$350. For food, tasty, traditional stir-fried Taiwanese dishes, like three-cups chicken and salted pork are offered. The long drinks list has all sorts of cocktail, whiskies and other spirits. Highly recommended ladies drinks are the Lamborghini and Paris Strawberry by A-Mei. All-red, comfortable couches help ensure that guests have a comfortable, enjoyable time, whether they turn up in big or small groups.

PoPin emphasizes fun events and regularly hosts a variety of theme parties, such as the recent Halloween Party which featured great music from talented DJs, who kept the crowd swinging. With Christmas coming up this month, PoPin has come up with a three-day celebration party on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Special DJs have been invited on the 22nd to warm up the party, followed by Hip-Hop music on the 23rd and, finally, the White Christmas Night on the 24th. Great presents are also being offered that night, including the possibility of winning yourself an MP3 player just for showing up.
It goes without saying that PoPin is all about providing the best music, delivered by the talented bands, which are also willing to play your requests. However, if you're looking for a break, you can also retreat to quieter locations to chat with your friends, such as the 18-person private rooms which don't require reservations or special fees.