Alchemy

Tucked discreetly above a bar in Taipei’s Xinyi District, Alchemy Speakeasy Bar Taipei is less a destination than a discovery. To enter, guests must pass through the front bar (Marquee / “MQ”), find an inconspicuous staircase, walk a corridor lined with black-and-white photos, and then slide open a hidden wall or bookshelf door to reveal a moody, intimate cocktail chamber. Inside, the lighting is low, the décor vintage, and the air scented with mystery. Dark wood, leather seating, antique accents, and jazz or blues playing softly in the background compose a setting that feels lifted straight from the 1920s. The bartenders lean into both classic prohibition drinks and inventive house signatures — expect flavors infused with local touches like oolong tea, chrysanthemum, or Asian botanicals. One regular favorite is Beginning of Prohibition, a drink theatrically wrapped in newspaper, embracing the spirit of secrecy. Another is Aloe No.12, which blends oolong-infused rum, white wine, aloe liqueur, honey, lime, and often delicate floral or local garnish accents. The crowd tilts towards cocktail devotees, night owls, and couples seeking something beyond the ordinary. On weekday evenings it can be calm and lingering, but on weekends the discreet room may fill up. Service is usually professional (some reviews note bartenders explain the menu in English, others say the staff is less chatty). One interesting point: while the MQ bar (under which Alchemy is hidden) is reportedly closing, Alchemy is expected to remain open. Visiting Alchemy feels like stepping into a secret society: the thrill of discovering the entrance, the hush of the inner room, the reverence given to each cocktail, and the way time seems to slow. For those who love storytelling through ambiance and flavor, it’s a must-see in Taipei’s nightlife.