The Public House, Taipei

Venues & Concepts

Nov 30

Inside the Experience

The first thing you notice about The Public House is how familiar it feels, even before you’ve taken a seat. Inspired by classic British pubs but unmistakably shaped by Taipei’s cocktail culture, the bar blends warm wood, dim lighting and an energetic soundtrack of indie and rock into an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and distinctly modern. It’s the kind of room where laughter builds steadily through the night and strangers feel close enough to become drinking companions by last call.

Despite the pub-inspired design, this is not a place for predictable pours. The bartending philosophy leans heavily into East Asian precision, with an attention to detail that elevates even the humblest drink. The gin and tonic arrives with hand-carved ice, perfectly proportioned, clean and crisp. It’s a quiet reminder that here, technique substitutes for spectacle.

The bar’s heartbeat comes from its founder, William Wu, who brings experience from Taipei’s well-respected Le Petite Chambre. You sense that influence in the way the team moves behind the counter: focused but approachable, quick with recommendations, and dedicated to balancing a lively atmosphere with thoughtful craftsmanship. On quieter nights, conversations with the bartenders flow easily. On busier ones, especially after midnight, the room takes on a louder, more celebratory rhythm.

Signature cocktails anchor the menu, and many locals come specifically for The Public 1. It blends gin, paochong tea, osmanthus syrup and chardonnay into a drink that is bright, floral and subtly winelike. It feels quintessentially Taiwanese yet internationally familiar. Equally impressive is the Autumn Mosaic, where rum, ginger lily, tea and fermented apple form a warm, gently spiced cocktail that lingers beautifully.

Other favourites appear across reviews:
Yellow Watermelon.
Plum & Rose.
Gustoroni, a twisted Negroni with rounded edges and Taiwanese flair.
Smoky Mary, a spicy, soup-like riff that sounds strange but tastes surprisingly refreshing.

Food plays a larger role here than in many cocktail bars. The truffle fries, fried chicken and seafood risotto arrive hot, satisfying and generously portioned. It’s easy to settle in for a long evening. And if you stay past 2am, you might be handed a steaming cup of complimentary chicken soup, a warm, unexpected gesture that regulars talk about with particular fondness.

The bar can get crowded, and on weekends the music climbs to a volume that approaches party-mode. But even in its loudest moments, The Public House retains a charm that feels rooted in community rather than chaos. It’s open until 4am and often becomes a final stop for those who aren’t ready to end the night.

While opinions differ—some guests find the cocktails simple compared to more conceptual bars—most agree that the combination of atmosphere, late-night food, strong signatures and genuine hospitality makes The Public House a staple of the Da’an nightlife scene.

What People Say Most Often

A polished late-night experience blending British-pub warmth with Taipei cocktail craftsmanship
Signature drinks like The Public 1, Gustoroni and Plum & Rose consistently praised
Friendly, professional staff with strong recommendations and attention to detail
Lively late-night crowd, with noise levels rising as the night progresses
Excellent food menu, including truffle fries, spicy lasagna, charcuterie and risotto
Complimentary chicken soup after 2am, a much-loved tradition
Open until 4am, making it ideal for nightcaps and long evenings
Good value, with generous portions and well-crafted drinks

Editorial Snapshot

Overview

Located along Xinyi Road in Da’an, The Public House is a hybrid pub-cocktail bar where British-inspired comfort meets Taiwanese bartending finesse. Open until the early hours of the morning, it has earned a place on Asia’s 50 Best Bars while remaining welcoming, approachable and full of character.

The Experience

Expect warm lighting, bar chatter and an atmosphere that grows more energetic as the night unfolds. Drinks range from simple classics elevated by careful technique to house signatures built around tea, botanicals and seasonal ingredients. The bar balances refinement with accessibility, making it equally comfortable for casual walk-ins and cocktail enthusiasts.

Signature Drinks to Try

The Public 1
A floral, refreshing blend of gin, paochong tea, osmanthus syrup and chardonnay. Light yet layered.

Autumn Mosaic
Rum, tea, fermented apple and ginger lily create a cozy, aromatic cocktail with depth.

Gustoroni
A Taiwanese twist on a Negroni, rounded and fragrant.

Plum & Rose
Easy-drinking and delicately perfumed.

Smoky Mary
A spicy, soup-like twist that surprises in the best way.

Why People Love It

Guests appreciate the lively, comfortable atmosphere, the strong signature cocktails and the consistent hospitality. The late-night food, long operating hours and small personal touches make it one of Taipei’s most beloved night-out staples.