Euljiro rooftop bar for comparing four highballs: Another Level

A friend who had been living abroad finally came back to Korea, and while we were figuring out where to meet, we settled on Euljiro, one of the hottest neighborhoods right now.

Euljiro is easy to reach from Myeongdong, Jongno and Chungmuro, so it works well for meeting up with several people, and the neighborhood's own atmosphere is a big draw too. Another Level (어나더레벨) is close to Euljiro 3-ga Station and lets you enjoy a rooftop vibe in the middle of the city, so I went in with high hopes. The food was good, but the space is what stuck with me at this Euljiro hotspot.

How do you get to Another Level from Euljiro 3-ga Station?

Another Level is a 1-minute walk from Exit 10 of Euljiro 3-ga Station. My friend and I took the bus, and it turned out to be even closer from the Euljiro 3-ga bus stop.

You find Another Level by walking along the alleys that give "Hipjiro" (hip Euljiro) its character, and the surroundings really let you feel that Euljiro vibe. It is close to Myeongdong, Jongno and Chungmuro, so it makes a good meeting spot, and with lots of offices nearby it is also a handy place for a drink after work.

Many Euljiro buildings are old and sometimes have only stairs. Another Level is on the 4th floor, but there is an elevator, so getting up was easy.

Tell the staff you want the rooftop and they show you to a seat. The indoor space had a nice mood too, but that day I just couldn't walk past the rooftop.

Looking for a rooftop bar in Euljiro? Another Level's rooftop atmosphere

Honestly, the rooftop was what I liked best at Another Level that day. The open, airy feeling the moment you step up is wonderful. The city scenery made by the surrounding buildings looks great, and as the sun started to set, string lights came on one by one and added to the mood.

It keeps that Hipjiro charm but feels more private than I expected, so it is great for talking with a friend. On a day when the evening breeze is cool, like lately, the rooftop's appeal feels even bigger.

Even though it is in the middle of the city, it feels relaxed and not stuffy, so we naturally ended up staying a long time. I hear the rooftop area is partly scaled back on rainy days, but I think rainy-day Euljiro would have its own charm.

What's on the Another Level menu?

At Another Level you can enjoy a wide range of drinks: soju, beer, highballs, wine, spirits and whisky. The snacks also looked like they were chosen to go with wine or highballs rather than being typical pub fare. Besides the signature spicy ttukbaegi (earthenware pot) pasta and chicken lollipops, there are lighter options like jamón melon, cream cheese persimmon wraps and grilled brie.

Four highballs compared: Suntory, Bombay, Earl Grey and tequila

My friend and I ordered four highballs in total at Another Level. I liked that there are so many kinds, so you can pick to your taste.

• Suntory highball
• Bombay highball
• Earl Grey highball
• Tequila (margarita) highball

My friend's Suntory highball was refreshing and smooth going down, and the Earl Grey highball had a subtle black tea aroma. I had the Bombay and tequila highballs. The Bombay was refreshing and tasty too, but the tequila highball was totally my thing. The sweetness plus the tartness of lime made it zesty and fun to drink.

If you love highballs, ordering several kinds at Another Level and sharing them seems like a great idea.

Another Level's gambas, loaded with plump shrimp

For a highball snack I ordered gambas (garlic shrimp in oil), which I always like. The shrimp were fairly plump, and it came with bread and even short pasta, which made it a good set. Tomatoes and green beans were in there too, adding more texture and flavor, and the bread dipped in the oil was satisfying. It is an easy, light pairing with highballs.

Looking around, a lot of nearby tables had ordered the spicy ttukbaegi pasta and hanwoo (Korean beef) yukhoe (seasoned raw beef). There seems to be a reason they are signature dishes, so I want to try them next time.

Wine-friendly dishes and prices at Another Level

Reading the menu, I saw plenty that wine lovers would enjoy: jamón melon, cream cheese persimmon wraps, grilled brie, and fresh fruit with Greek yogurt all pair well with wine. The Another Level platter caught my eye in particular, since it lets you enjoy melon, jamón, persimmon wraps, cheese and homemade dried fruit all at once.

Many dishes are in the ₩10,000 to ₩29,999 range and the platter is in the ₩30,000s, so it is good value and easy on the wallet. This time I focused on highballs, but next time I want to take it slow with a bottle of wine and snacks.

Is Another Level good for company dinners and group gatherings?

Another Level has wide spacing between seats and a roomy feel, so it is good for visiting with a group. When I was there, one table was a company dinner, and I could see people who hadn't met in a while catching up, like at a wedding invitation get-together. It keeps Euljiro's character while being comfortable to settle into, so it would suit a gathering of friends or a larger group.

Final thoughts on Another Level's rooftop in Euljiro

There are so many great bars in Euljiro these days, but at Another Level, the rooftop was the most memorable part. Before going, I thought it was just a decent place to have a drink with a friend I hadn't seen in a long time, but once I got up there, being able to enjoy such an open atmosphere in the middle of the city was beyond my expectations.

Thanks to the night view of surrounding buildings, the soft lighting and just the right breeze, the food and drinks were good, but I ended up enjoying the space itself even longer. So next time I want to come around sunset and have a glass of wine on the rooftop watching the sky turn.

When I have plans with friends in Euljiro, or need a place to talk comfortably for a long time like at a wedding invitation get-together, Another Level will naturally come to mind. It is easy to reach from Euljiro 3-ga Station, and you get Euljiro's character and the rooftop atmosphere together, so it is a really nice place to spend time.