Darts Bars– Double Bull, Duck Bill, Darts Life

---By Hsiang Ray Lee and Shanzi Chen Translated by Ann Lee

Darts is a traditional pub game commonly played in America and England. Steel-tipped English-style darts can kill a board quickly, whereas the American-style darts have a softer tip. In the last year or so, the American variety, featuring electronic dart boards, have become very popular in pubs and restaurants around Taiwan. In this "Roundup" edition, we introduce four different venues where you can enjoy this growing form of entertainment.

Double Bull

45, Alley 4, Lane 345, RenAi Rd, Sec 4
(02) 2775-4128
Hours: 7 pm-3 am
(4 am open to 4 am weekends)
NT$150/person minimum charge.

Double Bull is a pub known for its dart board games. Those not familiar with the game may be confused with the meaning and significance of the pub's name. In the game of darts, "double bull" is jargon used to describe the player hitting the dot in the ring of the bull's eye. Double Bull and the Darts Association of Taiwan are cooperating in an effort to popularize this sport. Towards this end, professional coaches from the association come to the bar and give lessons to customers on every Wednesday and Friday. In addition, the owners also encourage their guests to play by giving away free beers if they beat the staff at darts. Of course, customers can choose to compete at different levels against the staff here (this happens every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). If you happen to throw a bull's eye three times in a row, you get to take home a bottle of whiskey for free. Double Bull has a sports bar/restaurant ambiance and you may be surprised at how well the staff and guests get along here. We recommend the cocktail Sky Explosion, blended with 12 types of alcohol. When the bartender ignites this drink, you'll be treated to a small fire show. After your first sip, dab a lemon slice with a little bit of sugar and put it into this drink for an indescribably good flavor.

Duck Bill

21, Lane 49, AnHe Rd, Sec 1
(02) 8771-8283
Hours: 6:30 pm-2:30 am
Credit cards accepted.
10% service charge.
Competitions held at the pub every Mondays; group competitions run for a duration of 10 weeks, singles for 4 weeks.

Duck Bill was the first Taipei pub to import American-style dart board games from Japan. The owners decided they were going to run this bar with the goal of popularizing these games. Therefore, they also encouraged their staff to learn how to throw darts. Whenever they get some free time at the bar, you will see them taking turns playing with the customers. There are six electronic dartboards in this place, with one in the VIP room. The seating style is also quite unique, as you will find some antique sofas in one corner, and bar stool tables and chairs in another. There are three big plasma-screen TVs hanging on the walls, showing international dart competitions. When a crowd lines up to play the games, staff will organize the customers to use the machines in order. While you're waiting, it's a good idea to fill up on food, and the management recommends the Cumin Spicy (Kong Bao) Beef (NT$180), or the Osaka-style Octopus Ball (NT$120) from the over 20 dishes available. Whether you're a darts pro or not, you're guaranteed a fabulous time here, thanks to the entertaining staff and owners and friendly atmosphere. Hopefully, all this will help you grow to love the sport.

Darts Life

98, ZhongXiao E Rd, Sec 4, 11F
(02) 6638-9988
Hour: 6:30 pm-3 am
minimum NT$200 bill per person

Located on the top floor of the Bistro 98 building, Darts Life has a modern setting that conveys the feeling of a trendy nightclub. You can see glamorous-looking darts and related accessories in the display window as you walk into this place, quite different than any sports bar/restaurant in Taipei. The owners are agents for electronic dart machines and, in hopes of promoting the game and providing customers with a new option, they decided to open up this dart-themed restaurant. Staff are available to answer any questions about operating the machines and the rules of the game, or to even challenge you. The darts you see in the display window belong to regular visitors here. This place also can arrange custom-made individual darts for customers, as well sell other imported accessories from the U.K., U.S. and Japan. Apart from comfortable setting and entertainment, Darts Life offers great food and drinks. Braised Beef Stew with Red Wine (NT$280), Japanese-style Chicken Salad (NT$200) and Salt & Pepper Chicken Cartilage (NT$180) are all affordable and worth trying. As far as drinks go, you can try the Bacchus (NT$320), which is as smooth as sorbet, or the Grape Flavored Mojito (NT$280).