Taihu Tasting Room - Da'an — Restaurant in Da'an District

We decided to stop by for some food and beer after staying in the area a couple of weeks prior. In our first visit to Taipei and staying in Da'An, we heard from many people that Taihu was the place to go for good beer. Visiting from San Diego, and originally from New England in the US, we are no strangers to world class brewpubs (Stone, Maine Beer, Hill Farmstead, etc). It takes quite a bit to reach the level of greatness set forth by Stone Brewing to make a great brewery. Great beer, great food, a great environment, and great people are the 4 things that are needed, and while many succeed in making great beer, they tend to lack in the remaining categories.

Taihu? They have it all. Before we even step foot in their Da'An location, we were welcomed with world class hospitality by one of their employees, greeting us outside while leading us into the building. We were very promptly seated, and the staff were extremely helpful in both giving suggestions and next level service. Unlike some restaurants and breweries that seemingly lack interaction and service, Taihu has an "all hands on deck" mindset for service. No one server or employee is assigned to you, their staff moves throughout the dining room in a fluid like motion to ensure that not only is everyone taken care of, but that they are also having a great time.

The food? A perfect blend of options, ranging from typical bar-fare comfort food to local dishes, each option having a quality that pairs excellently with any of their beers on tap.

The Beer? Taihu does not shy away from a particular style, nor do they gravitate toward one in particular. Their list features a wide offering of tried and true styles (IPAs, lagers, ales), while blending in unique ingredients that are a rarity elsewhere. When was the last time you had a kumquat lager? Or a long island iced beer?

Pricing was on par with nearby restaurants and bars, and portions were generous but not excessive. We look forward to our next trip to this must...

The service here is awful.

The kitchen has botched my order requests numerous times. I've put up with this because they always fix the issue and I like the burgers but my last visit was a disaster.

First, even though the bar was more than half empty, the heavyset employee with glasses made a fuss about seating and wouldn't let me and my friend sit on the same side of a table, which we wanted to do for social distancing purposes.

Second, at one of the long tables, there was a group with a very young kid (probably under 5 years old) putting together a puzzle on the table. It appeared the toddler was the son of one of the employees, who kept coming over to see him. The toddler was periodically coughing. I'm guessing toddlers in bars is legal in Taiwan (because why not?), but it's still strange to see a kid in a bar and certainly not in line with the vibe of the place or the price of the beers and food. Is this a taproom or a daycare?

Finally, the heavyset employee swooped in almost immediately after I was done to pick up my plate. It was disruptive to my conversation and totally unnecessary as my friend was still eating and the bar was still not busy. Shortly after, we realized that in his unnecessary haste to clear the area, he had also taken away and disposed of my friend's mask.

Before leaving, we complained to one of the other employees, who claimed she couldn't understand any of this.

There are way too many places with decent brews in Taipei to put up with this type of service. Next time I want one of the burgers, I'll probably just wait for a trip to Taichung. The Taihu location there is much nicer and has always had better service the times...

If you love craft beer, hearty American-style food, and a buzzing atmosphere, Taihu Brewing Da'an is your spot in Taipei. This popular brewpub is a favorite among locals and expats alike, delivering great brews and tasty eats.

The Vibe

Casual and Social: Expect a lively, friendly crowd and a casual setting. Taihu Da'an is perfect for groups, after-work drinks, or just a fun night out.

Can Get Busy: The place can get packed, especially on weekends. Book in advance if possible, or be prepared for a bit of a wait.

Downstairs Fun: There's a games area downstairs with darts and other amusements, adding to the social atmosphere.

The Beer

Taihu's Finest: As the flagship location of a popular Taiwanese craft brewery, the star of the show is the beer. They offer a rotating selection of their own brews with a focus on IPAs, stouts, seasonal specials, and more.

Something for Everyone: While the beer list leans towards the hop-forward, there are usually less bitter options and even some guest taps for variety.

Flights Available: If you can't decide, sample a few different brews in a tasting flight.

The Food

American Comfort Classics: The food menu is all about satisfying burgers, wings, tacos, and other pub grub favorites. Portions are generous!

Vegetarian Options: While meat-heavy, there are a few vegetarian choices to keep everyone happy.

Overall

Taihu Brewing Da'an is a winner if you're looking for a fun night out with a focus on great craft beer. It's lively, a bit loud, and the food and beer selection...