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If you've had a Roxie-sized hole in your heart since the cocktail club shuttered this June, you can cheer up quite a bit at this new place, TaKo. The same owners behind Shanghai's beloved L venue are back in the exact same space with a brand new concept. Familiar faces are starting to trickle back to the spot, and you can remember the happy times past and toast a wonderful new future with a list of really great and really unique craft cocktails at Tako.
There are no tacos at TaKo-it's a bait and switch! But there are tattoos (Ta) and cocktails (K). The main layout of Roxie is unchanged--long bar and seating at the righthand side upon entry, with most of the venue comprised of lounge space. There's a DJ booth and a bit of dancing room at the back. They've spiffied it up a bit, but there's still a welcome undercurrent of classic, friendly Roxie vibes. Newly installed in the front of the venue, however, is a tattoo and piercing studio. They've enlisted the services of two tattoo artists and one piercer in a standalone operation for people who want to mod their body.
The Tattoo and Piercing Side of It
The tattoo parlor is a standalone operation, which means you can't wander on over from the bar after a few cocktails and get that tramp stamp that seems like a really good idea right then for some reason. You have to make an appointment and go in for a consultation, like any other tattoo parlor. Their two tattoo artists are Lisa and Daxiong, both with decades of experience in tattooing and capable in multiple styles. We had a quick perusal of their portfolios, and the work is really strong. Lots of diversity, great line work, creativity, and personal point of view. They're legit. If you're looking to get larger pieces and to work with tattoo artists who are going to bring their own style and creativity to it, you should look into TaKo. Prices are generally 1500rmb per hour for Lisa's services and 2000rmb per hour for Daxiong's.
For piercing, they've got Lion, who is basically this city s most famous, dependable, and experienced piercing artist. She's pierced at least 15 people I know personally, and they're roundly emphatic with their praise of her work. If you want a usual or an unusual place on your body stabbed through with a needle, you must go see Lion.
The Cocktails and Community Side of It
For drinks, you're looking at 10 craft cocktails, all mercifully priced at 75rmb. And this is the main draw of TaKo. They're mostly variations on cocktail bar standards -- a whiskey sour here and negroni there -- and are very, very awesome. Super awesome. I did 9 out of 10 of these, and each one was seriously a revelation. Really amazing. The recipes are from owner
Ting Ting (of Riink and Inferno fame) and are meticulously concocted with homemade ingredients to modify your basic bar staple classic cocktail in fun, complex, and spicy new directions. They're all super fucking decent, but my top three are the "Coffee Negroni" (Campari, dry red, gin, coffee, cream, zest); the "Old Fashioned Gone Bananas" (bourbon, banana, chocolate, fennel); and the "Mary Not Bloody" (variation tomato, spice, vodka, sour).
For events, they've got quest DJs on the weekend with a heavy R&B leaningon the music. Look out for their community events, drinks and draws, film screenings, and whatnot.
And there you have it. The only two good things in life--tattoos and cocktails - in one venue. Pay them a visit and give them all your money.
Tako is on the second floor at 777 Shaanxi Bei Lu, near Kangding Lu.
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