Best bars in Itaewon

Is there any expression more sensual or fierce than “eat me?” In keeping with the name, the owner is no modest killjoy. Located across from the sweatbox that is Queen, Eat Me is the perfect place for break from the popular gay club, to sit down for a cool drink and meet people. Doors open from evening through 6am. Gay, straight, and every variety in between—all are welcome here.

Made in Pongdang... At the Noksapyeong branch of Pongdang, all of the recipes for the beers on the menu were made by the owner himself. Although Pongdang is located in three different areas of Seoul (Noksapyeong, Yongsan and Sinsa), each have a different concept. The vibe... An employee from the Sinsa branch comes in for a drink on his day off. Seung-yong asks, “What are you doing here?” and he answers that he just wants a drink. The feeling is casual and amicable. There's baseball on silently while hits from Jack Johnson and the Backstreet Boys play in the background. Always busy from 8 to 11pm, it's a place where a lot of customers (especially women in their 20s) come to wind down, have a beer and chat.

While it seems that there are new venues popping up in Itaewon all the time, most of them are too… predictable: fancy lights, hipster furniture and whatever sound that's "in." But this one, let me tell you, is different. With its rough, warehouse-like atmosphere and dim lighting, Beton Brut brings coziness and, most importantly, good music. It's surely a place you can "hang," unlike many of the clubs in the area that are just too much while lacking character. Perhaps that's why you can occasionally spot older crowds here, but of course, that certainly doesn't mean this place isn't hot. With 2 dance floors inside, you can go for drum n base, dub step and trap, or choose to roll with techno and house at any point of your night. If these options still don't satisfy your diverse taste, visit Beton Brut before 10pm for some jazz, acoustic or music critic Lee Dae-hwa's talks. Wait, I have an idea: if there's that special someone that you're into, head here after the dinner. You'll have a chill couple of hours to get into the night, then once the floor turns into a club you'll realize how natural and easy it can feel to be clubbing with a date.

BARN Lounge offers great drinks with dishes created by a skilled Maltese chef. The burger made with naturally leavened bread and lots of gouda cheese goes perfectly with the Heineken draft.  

Son Dam-bi comes here for wine and Bae Jung-nam comes here for beer. When ATM first opened its doors, celebrities frequented the place, creating a stir. Now that it has become a popular hotspot, you'd best not get your hopes up for a celebrity sighting. An abbreviation for the expression "against the machine" (no relation to the American rock band), ATM is a laid-back pub, regularly attracting the fashion crowd. The jukebox at the bar sets the tone for a chill and slightly retro vibe. Reminscent of New York City backalleys pubs, we especially love ATM in fairer weather when customers sit outside for a cool drink.