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Roxy Jr. Caf'e
Taipei's 24-7 rock 'n' roll landmark
By Josie Wu
Translated by Ann Lee
Photos by Andy Lin
(02) 2366-1799
1, Lane 80, ShiDa Rd
Hours:
24 hours/day
Credit cards accepted. No service charge.
MRT:
Closest MRT Stop: Taipower Bldg Station, Exit 3
According to several Taipei friends, the only thing to do on a sleepless night is visit Roxy Jr., where they can surf the Internet and enjoy a cup of coffee. Since 1995, this has been one of those rare 24-hour restaurants that offers night owls a place to hang out and enjoy a nice little meal. In addition, Roxy Jr. occupies another special place in the hearts of Taipei-ers, as DJ Ling-wei's first rock 'n' roll stage and a place that, like its sister Roxy branch, helps keep the spirit of '70s rock alive.
Walk in and you'll feel the urge to pause and take a closer look at decorations, which illustrate Roxy's history and unique culture with depth and taste. Manager Poan says that 24 hours a day his cafe serves brunch, afternoon tea, all-day meal sets and snacks. There are four different time slots daily that each feature different menu sets. Just as interesting are the changing styles of music played here at different times throughout the day, each providing a unique ambiance. This helps satisfy a variety of customers and their tastes. Among these are many foreigners who see it as a good hang-out. Thanks to a laid-back living room with free wireless Internet and live TV sports broadcasts, it's easy to spend an entire day here.
Among the family-style entrees are dishes well worth recommending, like the Cheese Baked German Sausages (NT$200), popular with a pint of beer. Although the ingredients resemble something from a pizza, the sausages are first stir-fried and then baked to bring out the fragrance of the jalepenos and olives. The Mexican-Style Smoked Chicken Pancake (NT$180) is another great option, with good-sized portions making it suitable as a teatime snack or regular meal. The pancake is grilled and then baked, along with the chef's special, appetizing salsa dressing.
Another delectable entree is the Assorted Grilled Ribs and Chicken (NT$580). This colorful food combination includes baked chicken with mango sauce, pork ribs, fries and salad, and can be shared by three to five people. The Indian-style mango sauce makes the chicken skin ultra-sweet and fruity, while the tender pork ribs are covered with a tangy honey sauce that accentuates the meat flavors.
Apart from outdoor seating next to a park, Roxy Jr. has a first-floor bar, a sofa area and pool, and a foosball table on the basement level. This ideal combination of atmosphere, food, drinks and facilities makes it a perfect place to linger, and helps explain its enduring popularity with patrons in the Shida area all these years.
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February 2009 
