Best bars in Itaewon

The boys down at Southside Parlor whip up a mean cocktail. Native Texans and friends Phil, Robbie and Johnny opened Southside in 2013 and have become beloved fixtures in Gyeongridan. Behind an unmarked fourth-floor door lies their spacious den full of leather couches, dartboards, hookahs and an 80s arcade game console. This ain’t no swanky Gangnam mixology lounge—Southside is a place where anyone can walk in and learn about cocktails. To keep their drinks accessible despite steep prices for imported liquor, Southside opts for good-quality mid-shelf booze and focuses on the other ingredients: they fresh-press all juices and make their own syrups, sodas and even tonic water. Imbibers will appreciate the broad selection that ranges from classic to creative. We’re huge fans of the Juarez Old Fashioned, a spicy take on a standard, and Phil recommends his favorite, The Last Word, a bright mix of gin, chartreuse, fresh lime juice and maraschino liqueur.

Magpie is one of Seoul’s most popular craft beer houses, started by five friends with a home-brewing hobby that grew by leaps and bounds. As the craft beer scene in Seoul has boomed, Magpie expanded to locations in Hongdae and Jeju Island. They’re constantly experimenting with recipes with a variety of unique imported hops. In addition to their porter and their pale ale (now a classic that is served at bars around Seoul), they offer varieties such as The American Muscle (an American wheat) and The Ghost (a German gose). Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner or a snack to go with your beer, their pizza is one of the best in the area—it’s a simple handmade dough topped with fresh ingredients and baked to order.Magpie is as much a community center as it is a bar, hosting concerts, classes and workshops on food and drink.

Baraboom is an "eating bar," a bar that is also a restaurant. The main ingredients change from season to season, and wine, vodka, and beer are available at affordable prices. The long table that can seat lots of people at once is reminiscent of something from Europe or New York. Exhibitions, parties, or other such large-scale gatherings are possible. The food isn't that cheap, but it's reasonable, considering how fresh the ingredients are, or how creative the concoctions tend to be. This isn't so much a casual setting as it is something to save for a more elaborate, fancy night. It's perfect for enjoying wine without too much stilted fanfare. The menu, presented by two directors that have tasted some of the best stuff the world has to offer, is thoughtfully curated.