Yeonnam-dong LP music café for a quiet solo weekday: Sideway

Thanks to the LPs, Sideway in Yeonnam-dong was a wonderfully moody place for a solo café day

What kind of café is Sideway in Yeonnam-dong?

Sideway is an LP music café tucked deep inside a Yeonnam-dong alley, and my first impression was the drowsy LP playlist and the warm lighting. I didn't want to waste a precious day off, so I picked a Yeonnam-dong outing just for some time to myself! I wanted to get away from weekend crowds and focus on me, and then I spotted Sideway (in Hongdae terms, anyway) nestled cozily in the alley and was pulled in like a magnet. Off I trotted, and in I went.

The moment I opened the door, the drowsy LP selection and warm lighting won me over completely, Sideway 🤍 It worked great as a solo café, but for anyone looking for a Yeonnam-dong café date course, the mood passes with flying colors from the first impression. Approved!

Sideway location and opening hours

Sideway is at 30 Donggyo-ro 51an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the first floor, and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00–21:00 (last order 20:30, closed Mondays). Takeout and group visits are possible, and easy mobile payment works too.

• Address: 30 Donggyo-ro 51an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st floor)
• Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–21:00
• Last order: 20:30
• Closed: Mondays
• Takeout, groups welcome, easy mobile payment

Sideway sits in the alley between Yeonnam-dong and Gyeongui Line Forest Park, so it feels like a secret hideout in the middle of the city. It's an easy walk from Hongik Univ. Station, which makes it a great route for anyone looking for a Hongdae café too!

When is Sideway quiet?

I visited on a quiet weekday afternoon and the café happened to be relaxed, which was the perfect timing for some quiet reflection. If you want a cozy Yeonnam-dong café date without the weekend crowds, aim for weekday daytime or early on weekends!

Sideway menu: what did I order?

At Sideway I ordered the Basque cheesecake, which they say is made in-house, and a decaf iced americano.

The weather was so nice that walking around left me hot and panting. A sweet dessert is a must on a day off, so I picked the in-house Basque cheesecake first, and naturally went for a clean coffee to go with it! I was desperate for something cold, and since I'd already had a coffee that morning, I ended up ordering the decaf iced americano.

Sideway seating: is it good for a solo café visit?

Sideway has main sofa seats, a solo seat for solo café lovers, seats by the big picture window, and outdoor seats. Luckily the café was quiet, so I got the main sofa seats all to myself. Sinking into the sofa that hugs your whole body and listening to the LPs, all the tension left me and a drowsy happiness washed over me. Calm, and happy.

There was also one solo seat for solo café lovers, and if your timing is right, it's a great setup for lingering like it's your own hideout without worrying about anyone's glances.

Picture-window seats

The fresh green summer feeling made me glad I'd come out, and I absolutely loved Sideway's huge picture window!! It's pretty on a sunny day, but I think visiting on a drizzly day, watching the raindrops outside, would be perfect for getting lost in thought. The mood is so atmospheric that it would also suit a romantic time for couples.

Outdoor seats and an evening drink

There are also seats outside the café, so in spring or autumn when a cool breeze blows, sitting outdoors would be lovely. Coffee in the daytime, and since they reportedly sell whiskey and wine too, after 5 or 6 p.m. it should be just right for a drink. A space with a different charm depending on the time of day.

How does Sideway's decaf iced americano taste?

Sideway's decaf iced americano is ₩5,800. The decaf beans were smooth and clean, good for cooling down with a light sip. It has a slight acidity, so I think the beans at Sideway would make a tastier latte than americano.

What does Sideway's Basque cheesecake taste like?

Sideway's Basque cheesecake is ₩8,500 and comes with a few pieces of fresh kiwi, so it's an instant sugar recharge! I first took a bite of fruit with the cheese? yogurt? that came alongside, and with a subtle fruity aroma the Basque cheesecake melted softly in my mouth.

It has a charm clearly different from the heavy, cheesy Basque cheesecakes I've had elsewhere, and it pairs perfectly with plain coffee. I carefully imagined that sharing dessert here on a Yeonnam-dong café date would be hard to beat, haha.

Who is Sideway in Yeonnam-dong recommended for?

I recommend Sideway to anyone looking for a quiet hideout to heal alone, or who enjoys atmospheric alley vibes. My days lately have been tiring and painful. Sorting out my tangled thoughts and getting a proper rest left me satisfied. Like a gift to a busy me, the sweet Basque cheesecake, the cozy space and the great music selection all came together perfectly, a full triple.

I wholeheartedly recommend Sideway in Hongdae to anyone seeking a hideout to heal quietly alone, or who loves a moody, quiet alley feeling. It was my first time in Yeonnam-dong, and what a lucky day to already discover such a tranquil place! I plan to come back soon on a cloudy or drizzly day to claim the window seat.