LAB

19, Alley 35, Lane 81, ZhongXiao East Road, section 4

--By Shanzi Chen, translated by Cara Steenstra

Two young Taiwanese who grew up in California came back a few years ago and discovered that there weren't any true hip hop clubs in Taipei. Being fervent followers of hip hop culture, they decided to open their own club, named Lab, right behind Tong Ling Department Store, near the Citizen's Boulevard. "Lab" is from the word laboratory, indicating that life is like a series of experiments where you live and learn, an aspect of hip hop culture, which focuses on spontaneity, experimentation and creativity. There are superb DJs playing real hip hop music. Lab also has American, Mexican, Southeast Asian, Indian and even a few Taiwanese food dishes to choose from. Among the dishes, the Sloppy Joe (NT$250) is an all-American meal--a mixed beef and pork burger with a serving of veggies--that you won't find at other American-style restaurants. Lab's happy hours are set between 5 and 7 p.m. and feature specials for certain drinks. The Friday night Party Time, between 8 and 11 p.m., is even livelier with special weekly activities. If you fancy a taste of hip hop entertainment and culture, check this place out.