Cotton Tree Restaurant

149, NanMen Rd., B1, Tainan City
(06) 214-2030
Hours: 6 pm-3 am;
live music 9 pm-1 am

Cotton Tree is new and yet not new: For 20 years previously there was a very popular folk music restaurant/music bar with this name at this address. New owners have invested in a makeover: The old rustic wood look has been replaced by the popular modern lounge look and the drinks menu has been updated to include a large selection of liquors as well as Taiwan, Heineken, and Budweiser beers for NT$120. The menu is a mix of French and Chinese food; most dishes are priced around NT$250. One of the new bosses says they are trying to stay true to the folk/classic rock theme, and that thirty-something patrons will feel right at home. This writer fits right into that category, and thought the live music was great. The service is polished with lovely hostesses quick to the queue. There's lots of room with five cozy booths, four tables, a large bar, and a dance floor. The live music features a different singer every hour until 1 am; then it's karaoke until closing time.

--By Richard Matheson, translated by Annie Liu