Southside Parlor
An award-winning cocktail bar in Seoul's Itaewon, known for its expertly crafted drinks, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere for English speakers...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Low crowds, great for conversation
Southside Parlor
Best Time
Low crowds, great for conversation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An award-winning cocktail bar in Seoul's Itaewon, known for its expertly crafted drinks, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere for English speakers.
"Totally worth the hype, with super refreshing and tasty cocktails and a really nice atmosphere. "
🎯 Try the Gin and Chronic
This cocktail is highly recommended for its excellent quality and taste.
🌮 Don't Miss Catfish Tacos
The slaw on the catfish tacos is fantastic and a must-try.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Award-Winning Cocktails
Experience Asia's Top 50 recognized cocktails, like the refreshing Chiquita Pepita or the potent Faker Cocktail.
Flavorful Middle Eastern Bites
Indulge in tasty dishes like loaded nachos and catfish tacos with amazing slaw.
Chilled Vibe & Friendly Staff
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with good music and exceptionally friendly staff, perfect for conversation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cocktail Connoisseurs Rejoice
Elevate Your Evening
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Low key bar/hangouts for the older crowd
🎯 Try the Gin and Chronic
This cocktail is highly recommended for its excellent quality and taste.
🌮 Don't Miss Catfish Tacos
The slaw on the catfish tacos is fantastic and a must-try.
Tips for Seoul and Busan (Korea)?
🗣️ Great for English Speakers
Staff are friendly and accommodating, making it easy for those with limited Korean.
💨 Shisha Available
If you enjoy shisha, this spot offers it alongside their food and drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Try the Gin and Chronic
This cocktail is highly recommended for its excellent quality and taste.
🌮 Don't Miss Catfish Tacos
The slaw on the catfish tacos is fantastic and a must-try.
🗣️ Great for English Speakers
Staff are friendly and accommodating, making it easy for those with limited Korean.
💨 Shisha Available
If you enjoy shisha, this spot offers it alongside their food and drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Southside Parlor is highly praised for its award-winning, expertly crafted cocktails and delicious food, particularly the catfish tacos and loaded nachos. Visitors love the relaxed, chill atmosphere and the exceptionally friendly staff, making it a welcoming spot for English speakers. While the premium pricing is noted, the quality of the drinks and overall experience are considered well worth it.
"Called in on a quite Wednesday evening. Saw the reviews and pictures so had to check it out.
Cool location and really nice finish to the bar.
Great selection of spirits, nicely surprised to see some Irish items on the menu, especially the use of Boatyard products, shows these people really think about their ingredients.
Staff were extremely friendly, I would recommend this as a place to go if you are an English speaker without much Korean.
Food was tasty too, menu looks good although we only had a couple items.
The slaw on the catfish taco was fantastic.
Really clever cocktails, very tasty, a lot of work goes in to them.
If I could give one piece of constructive criticism... Premium cocktails at premium prices, such as this, should be served in a manner than matches, by this I mean in some really nice glassware. I had no problem with the price as the quality of the drink was good, but to enhance the offering, get a variety of high end glassware for each drink and go to the next level.
Try the Gin and Chronic, it's excellent.
We hope to be back before our visit to Seoul ends.
Great Job!"
Martin Garrihy
"We found this bar on social media and saw it’s listed in Asia’s Top 50—totally worth the hype. We tried the Chiquita Pepita and Roma Margarita, both super refreshing and tasty. Really nice atmosphere too. Loved it!"
Serena Gao
"Great middle eastern spot 😍
We enjoyed the food, they have shisha as well"
Dr. Faatin Khan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Southside Parlor is located in the Itaewon area. The easiest way to reach it is by taking the Seoul Subway to Itaewon Station (Line 6). From there, it's a short walk. Many visitors find it convenient to use navigation apps on their phones.
Yes, it's very accessible. Itaewon Station is a major hub, and from there, you can easily find the bar. Taxis are also readily available in the Itaewon district.
Using a map application on your smartphone is highly recommended. Search for 'Southside Parlor' and follow the directions. The bar is known for its cool location and nice finish.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always strictly necessary, especially on quieter weeknights, booking a table is recommended, particularly for weekend evenings or if you're in a larger group. This ensures you get a spot.
Southside Parlor generally operates in the evenings. It's best to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they can vary.
There is no specific entrance fee to enter Southside Parlor. You pay for your food and drinks, with cocktails being premium priced due to their quality.
Southside Parlor has a relaxed and chill vibe, so there isn't a strict dress code. Casual to smart-casual attire is generally appropriate.
🍽️ 🍸 Drinks & Dining
The Gin and Chronic is a standout, as are the award-winning Chiquita Pepita and Roma Margarita. The Faker Cocktail is also noted as smooth and punchy.
They offer a delicious menu with Middle Eastern influences, including popular items like loaded nachos, catfish tacos with fantastic slaw, and other tasty bites.
The cocktails are considered premium and priced accordingly, reflecting the quality of ingredients and the skill involved in their preparation. Many find the quality justifies the cost.
While specific details on non-alcoholic options aren't always highlighted, given their focus on creative cocktails, it's likely they can accommodate requests for mocktails or other non-alcoholic beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
The bar has a cool location and a nice finish, making it photogenic. Evenings offer a moody ambiance, while earlier visits might provide better lighting for food shots.
The bar's interior design and the presentation of their cocktails and food offer many opportunities for great photos. The overall vibe is very 'Instagrammable'.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If visiting with children, consider an early evening visit before the bar gets too busy or transitions into a more adult-focused atmosphere. The friendly staff might be able to accommodate simple requests, but it's best to manage expectations regarding kid-specific amenities or entertainment.
💰 Budget Travelers
However, for travelers who appreciate quality and are looking for a special experience, it can be worth the splurge. Consider focusing on one or two signature cocktails and sharing appetizers like the nachos to manage costs. Visiting on a weeknight might also offer a slightly more relaxed pace and potentially less pressure to order extensively.
couples
Sharing a selection of their delicious appetizers and indulging in a couple of their expertly crafted cocktails makes for a memorable date night. The bar's reputation and quality ensure a high-end experience without being overly formal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Cocktail
While the quality is undeniable, some patrons have suggested that the presentation could be elevated further. The idea is that premium cocktails at premium prices could be served in a more diverse and high-end selection of glassware to match the drink's sophistication. This feedback highlights a desire for an even more immersive and luxurious experience.
For those looking for specific recommendations, the Gin and Chronic is frequently cited as an excellent choice, showcasing the bar's ability to balance complex flavors. The attention to detail in their ingredient selection, even featuring specific Irish spirits, further underscores their commitment to quality.
A Welcoming Haven for International Visitors
This is particularly valuable for travelers seeking a relaxed evening after a day of exploring Seoul. The bar is described as a place for good conversation and a relaxing atmosphere, distinguishing it from more boisterous or club-like venues. It's a spot where you can genuinely connect with others or simply unwind with a well-made drink.
Beyond the drinks, the food menu also receives high marks. Dishes like the loaded nachos and the catfish tacos, especially praised for their slaw, offer delicious and shareable options. This makes Southside Parlor a well-rounded destination for both a casual night out and a more substantial dining experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit