Espresso Martini and gambas bread at Bitters, a Hongdae cocktail bar

I had plans with a friend in Hongdae. We usually go for brunch and cafés rather than drinks when we meet up, but you know those days... when you just want a drink 😌 So I went looking for a nice-vibe Hongdae cocktail bar for something sweet and delicious. Here's my very satisfying review of 'Bitters.'

Bitters location, hours, and group seating

Bitters is a Hongdae cocktail bar located in the basement of 3-30 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It's open daily 19:00–02:00, parking requires calling ahead, and there's a group table that seats up to 15.

• Location: 3-30 Hongik-ro B1, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Hours: Daily 19:00–02:00
• Parking: Inquire with the store in advance
• Group table seating up to 15 available

Bitters, a Hongdae cocktail bar, is on the basement level of the building with Hongdae Mulgalbi! You take the elevator down 😊

A bookshelf entrance when you step off the elevator

Bitters' entrance isn't a door — it's a bookshelf. I got off the elevator and there was a bookshelf instead of a door...!! There's a spot you push to open it, but I won't spoil it so you can have fun finding it yourselves haha. Fresh from the entrance already.

The interior caught my eye the moment I walked in. Even though it's a basement, the high ceilings meant it didn't feel cramped at all — actually felt airy. The music wasn't too loud and the playlist was great too, which made the vibe even better.

I debated sitting at the bar table but decided on a regular table this time! Perfect space for chatting 🤍

I love that there's a variety of spaces to enjoy — bar table, regular tables, and even a group table. The group table can apparently seat up to 15. Would be so great for a gathering at a cocktail bar 😭

Can't decide on a cocktail? The book-shaped menu and bartender recommendations

Bitters' menu has 12 signature cocktails, each described with flavor notes and illustrations. Time for a proper menu deep-dive. I don't go to cocktail bars that often so choosing can be tough. The bartender recommended several based on the styles I liked and explained everything so kindly — loved that!

What especially stood out was this book-shaped menu — the 12 signature cocktails are expressed with illustrations alongside their flavors, which made choosing more fun.

First round: Valheim and Gimlet

For our first round, my friend chose the signature cocktail Valheim and I chose the Gimlet. The recommended cocktails arrived along with the gambas we ordered. So pretty, right..✨ The bread came out beautifully golden-brown and the shrimp were generously portioned too — totally satisfied.

My friend's signature cocktail order, 'Valheim.' Not too sweet, refreshing, with the herb notes blending in nicely (has a bit of a kick, though).

What I ordered was the 'Gimlet,' which was refreshing but not too light — just right. How did they recommend something that suited my taste so perfectly?! They asked each of us carefully about what flavors we preferred, so both orders were a hit 👏👏

Bitters' gambas — why we added the extra bread

For anyone who loves gambas, come here to Bitters, a Hongdae cocktail bar..!!!! This place is a gambas hotspot ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

With gambas, good bread matters, and this bread was great too — golden-brown and warm, dipped in the oil with shrimp and garlic on top, there's no better bar snack..😭 It was also a perfect match with my Gimlet hahaha.

While eating, I realized — the music playing at just the right volume with a great playlist, plus delicious food, would make this a perfect date spot.

Second round: Espresso Martini and Anne of Green Gables

For our second round, we chose the Espresso Martini and Anne of Green Gables. We were in a good mood and the food was great, so we ordered another cocktail each. (Added more gambas bread too...^^) The names Espresso Martini and Anne of Green Gables are so pretty too.

The Espresso Martini... visually amazing. If you love coffee, you absolutely have to try this!!! Slightly sweet with a rich coffee aroma that made me want to come back for it again. The Anne of Green Gables had a sweet-tart flavor that put you in a good mood the moment you tasted it — a flavor anyone would like.

Why Bitters works for solo drinks, dates, and gatherings

We enjoyed the extra bread just as much. It had been a while since I'd been to a cocktail bar, and the quality of both the cocktails and food, plus the relaxed yet upscale vibe, made for such a happy time 💕 I'll definitely be back!

Bitters, a Hongdae cocktail bar I recommend for solo drinks, date nights, and gatherings alike. If you're craving a good cocktail, you have to visit!!!!