Top Bars

This is a list of my three favorite bars in Seoul. If you have a chance to check these out, I would certainly recommend any and all of them!

Platinum Top Bar

Almost without a doubt, this is my favorite bar in Seoul. As far as I know, it is the only microbrewery that does not limit itself to German styles of beer. In addition to a weizen-style beer, they also feature a wide selection of other European beers: English ale, Belgian wheat, Irish stout, a brown ale, and a pilsener. There's also their special "Platinum" beer, which is very reminiscent of Fuller's London Pride. They have three floors, each with its own style, and the price is very good considering the location and the selection. It's right outside Gangnam Station exit #8 and I strongly suggest that you try it!

Sauna International Top Bar

A bit of a hidden gem amongst the boutiques and cafes on Rodeo Drive, but worth looking for. Very small, very dark, and the music is very loud, but it's also a very intimate. The location means that it's not going to be very crowded there most of the time, but if you find it, the guys (and dog) working there will take good care of you. I'm always happy to see a bar that has both Hoegaarden and Samuel Adams, but the price (around $7 a bottle) is the only drawback. Sauna is located off of Rodeo Drive in Apgujeong, in the alley across from Caffe Pascucci.

3 Alley Pub Top Bar

One of the few proper "pubs" that I've visited in Seoul, in every respect of the word. The owner (Gunther; he's hard to miss) drinks with the patrons, the barstaff all speak English (some are even foreigners), and the beer selection is fantastic. They have a number of European beers on tap (including Hoegaarden and reasonably-priced Guinness) and even more in bottles. They have a pool table, darts, a jukebox, a few cozy booths, and a private back room. The bar is almost exclusively full of foreigners and this is a great place if you're from an English-speaking country and want to feel like you're in a bar back home. The 3 Alley Pub is located behind the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon.

 

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