Cocktails happen to be the end all be all for me especially when I’m out on the town. Sure, some folks really love their pale ales, dark brews, or white zinfandel but for me it all comes down to finding a perfect gin and tonic or a tasty Moscow Mule. Happily my quest for that holy grail of cocktails has stopped. Since 2013 Southside Parlor, in the HBC/ Gyeongridan neighborhood, has been serving up cocktail magic. I’ve always known about the spot, but I just never quite made it up those Everest like flight of stairs. My bad. Because no amount of stairs should keep you from the alcoholic wonderment to be found inside.
The trio of American expats who opened Southside Parlor (Johnny Yu, Robbie Nguyen and Mr. Abowd) know their stuff. The menu lists unique drinks such as a Corpse Reviver (Gin, Vermouth, Cointreau, Lemon, Absinthe), Aviation (Gin, Maraschino, Lemon, Parfait Amour), Bruce Lee (Citrus Infused Vodka, Perilla Leaves, Simple Syrup, Club Soda) or The Legend (Cinnamon infused rum, Maesil, Lemon, Apple, Ginger) just to name a few of the staggering list of options. Even better? Each one sounds more tantalizing than the last. Now to forewarn you these babies cost between 10 to 18,000 KRW but considering Southside’s team really brings meaning to the word mixology it’s worth it. They put a personal touch on what they do with infused spirits, homemade bitters, and the freshest of fresh ingredients. I haven’t enjoyed cocktails this much since my old jaunts to Liquid S0ul in Banpo Dong.
At Southside Parlor you come for the cocktails and you stay for the food. Don’t get me wrong. The menu is slim pickings, but what you have to pick makes the saying quality of quantity ring true. First up is the Southside burger. Burgers are my favorite bar food. There’s oozed with caramelized onions on a perfectly cooked burger. You’ll never look at fries again after trying sweet potato chips that come as a side. One criticism? More chips! The smoked brisket sandwich also wins. The BBQ meat melts in the mouth and the espresso BBQ sauce they use really packs a unique taste. There’s also a pulled pork sandwich and chicken tacos as well as Smoked Queso and Piggy Chip appetizers. Those I’ll have to sample at a later date, but the track record so far tells me to expect good things.
Southside maintains a down home relaxed atmosphere. It’s a place to hang out, chill, and catch up with friends over drinks and hookah! Did I mention they have hookah? The flavors change with the season but past choices include strawberry, apple, and grape. There’s even a space for performances and Wordsmiths puts on a show every second Sunday from 5-9pm. You can hear singers strut their stuff, comics working for laughs, and poets waxing on about life. Good stuff.
When you go and I hope you do, don’t mind me, in the corner, sipping on my Moscow Mule.
Sadly, from March 12th 2017 for a month onward Southside will be closed for renovations. But Be sure to check out their Facebook page for Pop Up Events around Seoul.
The Good:
Awesomely fantastic cocktails in a trendy hip space. Plus Happy Hour Everyday 6 to 7:30.
The Bad:
Small portions with sides, sometimes it gets crowded so come early for spots!
The Weird:
What’s up with that chess board???
Prices:
5,000 and up!
Hours:
Tues–Thurs 6pm–midnight, Fri–Sat 6pm–2am, Sun 6pm–midnight
Phone:
02-749-9522
Address:
218, I tae won 2 dong, Seoul, South Korea; 용산구 녹사평대로
Website:
Directions:
From Noksapyeoung Station take exit two walk straight until the underground tunnel, cross and take the right stairs, walk straight for a couple minutes and it will be on your left on the third floor.
You’re talking my language – Moscow Mules (in the right cups of course) are chronic and have me begging for more when I’m stateside. Great to know that Seoul (2 hrs away from this Daejeonite) has them as well, but for 10,000+ ouch! I guess I’ll be begging my hubby to make more ginger beer…
It’s my new favorite cocktail although my GnT’s remain close to my heart!
I’ll have to remember Southside Parlor next time I’m around Noksapyeung. Thanks for the useful directions on how to find the location too. I’m a fan of whiskey sours, and I image this place would have their own version. I also like how your presented the “good”, the “bad” and the “weird” at the end of your write-up. I’ll be forwarding this blog to friends who live in Itaewon.^^ Nice blog!
Thanks Natasha! Whiskey Sours take me back to my college days 🙂
I thought, this is perfect! My husband is into craft beers and has just bought this barrel set for making craft beers. It would be great to check out the place. But then, they’re closed for renovation. Oh well, comes April or May maybe.
In the meantime they are doing pop ups at other restaurants around Seoul! Check their Facebook page for the next one.
I visited here last year and loved it! What an epic cocktail list! Although I found it a little pricy – but it’s worth it considering the quality! Love coming here for a special occasion. Never tried the food so i’ll have to give it a go!
It’s definitely a bit on the high side. That’s why I try to nurse my cocktail and thoroughly enjoy it instead of my usual chugging.
I would be happy to join you in the corner sipping on a moscow mule as I LOVE moscow mules! Seems like a great place to just chill without having to compromise atmosphere. And espresso flavored BBQ sauce? This I have to try!
Aren’t they heavenly? I can’t believe I just discovered them not too long ago.
I’m absolutely a craft beer drinker, and I’ll almost always take a beer over a cocktail. The only exception is a fancy night out. So, if I made it to the Southside Parlor on a fancy night, The Legend has my name written all over it. That sounds tasty!
But really, you sold me on this place with two words: smoked brisket.
*Drools*
I want to do a write up on the craft beer craze here, but I abhor beer immensely so it’s kind of a tough one. Ha!
I love me a good cocktail! My preferred alcoholic beverage is craft beer but currently, wine is securing a special place in my heart as Korea is a disappointment with the lack of affordable craft beer options. But, there are times when I crave a proper cocktail, exactly like the ones you sipped at Southside Parlor. Like why is it so damn hard to find a decent Manhattan or Old Fashioned, or just to find it in general?! I do live in Daegu, so that’s probably the reason haha. Despite the high prices at this joint, I’d still treat myself to it occasionally to satisfy the cravings for a mixologist-crafted cocktail.
Wine will forever be my darling. Though a good cocktail catches my eye easily.
Oh wow, we’ve never heard of this place! Next time we’re in Seoul, we’ll just have to swing by and test their menu out! Stephanie is a sucker for Bloody Marys and they’re surprisingly hard to find (a good one, that is) so this place might just be, as you said, the Holy Grail!
I’ts really a place I need to spend more time in as well. I know the cocktails seem a bit pricey and they are but they’re worth it. Of course maybe I should take the time to sip and enjoy more instead of guzzling them down so fast, ha!
Sounds like a great place to hang out. That Legend cocktail with a burger would make the perfect evening on payday. Second and third floor restaurants and bars in Korea have always intimidated me. I like to see through the windows or door what the crowd and interior look like before I commit. Walking up stairs mean I have to already know. Write ups like these help a lot.
It’s definitely worth a visit. Go once and you’ll probably find yourself a regular in no time. 🙂