Cocktail solo bar with 50 cocktails in Guro Digital Complex: Doran

Trying to figure out where to go for round two, I ended up at Doran Honsulbar (도란 혼술바), which kept coming up as a solo-drinking bar in the Guro Digital Complex area. I wanted to try some cocktails, and solo bars are all the trend these days haha, so I went with a close friend of mine ~~

Location and hours of Doran Honsulbar Guro Digital Complex branch

Doran Honsulbar Guro Digital Complex branch is less than a five-minute walk from Exit 6 of Guro Digital Complex Station.

• 🏠 Address: 2F, 2-4 Jowon-ro 4-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• ⏰ Hours: Sun–Mon 20:00–04:00, Fri–Sat 20:00–05:00
• 🚻 Restroom located inside the venue (separate for men/women)

I just walked in without thinking straight, honestly........ I was hesitating about whether to even go in since solo bars still felt a bit unfamiliar to me, but the owner opened the door and welcomed us in, so I just walked right in .. and completely forgot to take a photo of the exterior ..^^.... Still a bit of a rookie blogger, ha, kind of embarrassing, so I'm substituting a Naver Street View screenshot instead.......

Outside food allowed, 50 cocktails and 40 whiskies

Doran, this solo bar in Guro Digital Complex, allows you to bring in outside food! I actually saw one group ordering delivery tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) right inside the bar. It's a place with a wide variety of whiskies and cocktails. They stock a whopping 50 cocktails / 40 whiskies / beer / non-alcoholic options!!

I had no idea cocktails and whiskies came in this many varieties. How do the staff even memorize all this ...^^ My friend and I each ordered a gin and tonic (₩13,000) and a Jack and Coke (₩14,000).

I don't really know much about cocktails, so I just went with names I'd heard somewhere before ~~ Doran Honsulbar has a dazzling lineup of cocktails and whiskies that could satisfy anyone from beginners to enthusiasts. From cold beer to a variety of non-alcoholic menu items that let you enjoy the vibe even without drinking, there's plenty of choice here, which felt full of joy. I could feel Doran Honsulbar's thoughtfulness in making sure even people who can't drink well can still enjoy the atmosphere of a solo bar. Also, for anyone who's shy or feels awkward about solo bars, the owner takes care of seating you near existing guests on their own ..^^..ㅋㅋㅋ

The atmosphere — more solo customers than pairs

We arrived sometime before 10pm I think, so maybe that's why it wasn't too crowded. I was surprised that, for real, there were more people who came alone to this solo bar than I expected. When we walked in, we were the only pair there ... o0o The lighting and everything gave the interior a cozy, solo-bar kind of feel. And they were playing a lot of songs by Kim Seungmin, who I really like, so it gave off this nice solo-emotional vibe ,,^^,, ㅋㅋㅋ The lighting wasn't too dark or too bright, so there was no eye strain, and it felt like a place where you could just get lost in the mood and the drinks haha.

To ease the awkwardness, there was a guestbook and a crocodile-teeth-pressing game .. and other stuff .. quite a variety of little things prepared on the tables. My friend and I sat together and, true to the bar's name, chatted away — 'doran doran' means chatting quietly and cozily. Even solo guests seemed to naturally strike up conversations with each other, and that wasn't awkward at all, which I liked.

How to check the menu and order

You check the menu by scanning the QR code placed at each table like this, and to order, you just tell one of the staff directly ~~

How were the Jack and Coke, gin and tonic, and Suntory highball?

This is my Jack and Coke. It had been a while since I'd had one, and it was still just as good ~~ Since we'd come after dinner, it felt like it sweetly washed everything down ㅎ

I'm not exactly a cocktail expert, but since this solo bar had such a nice, quiet atmosphere that was good for talking, the drinks somehow tasted even better because of it. And I used to think cocktails came in pretty small portions, but ㅋㅋㅋㅋ this one had a good amount you could sip on slowly, which was quite satisfying.

And then there's my friend's gin and tonic~ A gin and tonic is probably one of those solid, easy-to-drink cocktails, right? +_+ Between the friendly owner and staff, the way you naturally settle into Doran Honsulbar's own atmosphere, and the fun of overhearing conversations with new people, it was a genuinely enjoyable place. As we kept eating and enjoying ourselves .. we ended up ordering a Suntory highball too, but I .. forgot to take a photo of it.. ㅋ ugh, normally my blogger instincts kick in and I take photos of everything without fail, but I guess I was having too much fun and forgot this time ..^^;; The Suntory highball was also great.

Who should visit Doran Honsulbar in Guro Digital Complex

I was worried a solo bar might feel awkward or strange somehow.. but it wasn't like that at all, which surprised me (though going with my friend probably made it even more comfortable...). Hearing that plenty of people really do come alone made me realize, ah, this trend is real. ㅋㅋㅋ Since they even have non-alcoholic menu options, I'd recommend Doran Honsulbar in Guro Digital Complex if you're not really in the mood for alcohol but still want to talk to new people and soak up the atmosphere that only a bar like this has. It was a time spent drinking happily and quietly. Plus, you can order snacks separately through delivery, so that variety is a nice touch too!! If you're looking for a bar in Guro Digital Complex, or a place to drink cocktails, I'd recommend Doran Honsulbar.