Zero Bar

---By Yuta Lee Translated by Annie Liu

48, ShaoChuan Street, Gushan District, Kaohsiung
(07) 532-0392
Hours:Tuesday - Sunday
6 pm-3 am (Closed Mondays.)
Visa and Mastercards accepted.

Appropriate to its seaside setting, Zero Bar is nestled in a corner of ShaoChuan Street at the Kaohsiung harbor. It is a tempting stop on the way back from a day at the beach near Jhongshan University, or from a day of sailing (a relatively new and fast-growing hobby in Kaohsiung). Zero Bar is a two-tiered establishment with a stage for live music, a fully-stocked main bar, ample seating and a giant projector on the main floor. The outdoor seating on the second floor overlooks the harbor and is a great place to pass an afternoon on a nice autumn day. The decor is maritime, highlighted by a steering wheel, round porthole windows and a bell to be rung after big tips.

Pictures of professional sailing yachts adorn the walls. This is entirely understandable, as both the owners (Hans Gollek and John Chui) are avid sailors, with their yachts parked just down the street in the harbor. Zero Bar is also home to the Kaohsiung International Sailing School and Dockside Culture Club. If you are interested in learning to sail, drop by for a drink, get something to eat and meet the instructors.
Along with their other offerings Zero Bar also serves decent food, which includes a great currywurst and a fantastically creamy pasta salad. They are open throughout the week, only closing for a break on Mondays. Tuesday evenings are Nautical Nights, when the sailing club and potential sailing hobbyists meet. Wednesdays are Band Jam nights, with regular competitions held for local rock bands. Thursdays are comedy nights, where local comedians get a chance to showcase their talents. Fridays and Saturdays are party nights, with the themes of parties varying weekly, so keep an eye out for flyers. Sunday nights are Rainbow Nights, an evening of activities for gay and lesbian patrons.