Hongdae speakeasy bar for a sober night: Fox Grapes mocktail, Bitters

Bitters is a Hongdae cocktail bar, a speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf.

What kind of bar is Bitters in Hongdae?

Bitters (Bar Bitters) is a speakeasy cocktail bar in a basement on Hongik-ro, an 8-minute walk from Hongik Univ. Station. It's open every day from 19:00 to 02:00 the next day, with last order at 01:30.

Inspired by bitters, one of the ingredients in cocktails, we started with the aim of offering an experience that enriches life through a single glass, like a drop of bitters that brings out a cocktail's flavor.

• Address: 3-30 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, B1 (8-minute walk from Hongik Univ. Station)
• Hours: daily 19:00 - 02:00 the next day, last order 01:30
• Parking: not available; Hapjeong Street Public Parking Lot recommended
• Group seating for up to 15
• Private hire available

My best friend and I were looking for a different, special date spot in Hongdae, and that's how we found Bitters. It's a speakeasy bar. "Speakeasy" comes from the idea of speaking quietly, and it mostly refers to bars with a secretive concept. Something felt off about this place from the very start.

How do you find the Bitters entrance? The PUSH book on the bookshelf

The entrance to Bitters opens when you press a book labeled "PUSH" on a bookshelf in the basement. We took the elevator down to B1 and couldn't see the entrance anywhere...?.?! Confused, bewildered.

All we could see was a single bookshelf standing there. My friend and I looked around going, "Uh, how do we get in?" It felt just like an escape room, haha.

After staring hard, we spotted one book on the shelf with "PUSH" written on it, basically a "press me" book!! We pushed it and wow, the bookshelf slid open and a hidden space appeared! From this moment I was already smitten with Bitters. You flirted with me first... ☆

What is the atmosphere like inside Bitters?

Inside, Bitters opens up into a space that's bigger and grander than I expected. The high ceilings and the huge back bar were impressive, and the shelves packed with all kinds of whisky bottles were fun to look at.

The bartenders were friendly and professional too, so even a first visit feels comfortable. Nice music plays softly, making it a great place to relax and talk 🎵

If you're looking for a Hongdae cocktail bar, Bitters suits dates, solo drinks and get-togethers, so keep it in mind ☺️

The Bitters menu and what we ordered

That day I picked a non-alcoholic cocktail because of an antibiotics issue. Here's what we ordered at Bitters.

• 🍇 Fox Grapes (Non Alcohol option) ₩22,000
• 🍵 Matcha Forest ₩22,000
• 🍝 Ragù pasta ₩23,000
• 🍯 Honey cream cheese crackers ₩13,000

What does the non-alcoholic Fox Grapes taste like?

Fox Grapes at Bitters is a green grape-based cocktail that can also be ordered non-alcoholic, for ₩22,000. The one I chose was totally my taste,,

Fox Grapes _Non Alcohol — White Rum, Green Grape Puree, Whole Milk, Apple Cordial, Lemon

A sweet, tangy green grape base topped with a milk-foam-like texture, so it goes down really smoothly 🫧

The tang of the grape and the creamy softness go together so well that I found myself wanting to come back just for this one. Next time I'll try the alcoholic version, haha.

How was the Matcha Forest cocktail my friend ordered?

Matcha Forest at Bitters is a ₩22,000 cocktail made with Japanese gin, matcha and palo santo, and my friend described it as "a grown-up taste." Here's the bartender carefully making the one my friend chose.

Matcha Forest — Japanese Gin, Palo Santo, Matcha, Irish Cream, Heavy Cream, Pineapple, Coconut Water, Bitters

The signature bitter, rich matcha flavor is joined by the aroma of gin and palo santo, giving it a strong character, my friend said. In one phrase, she called it "a grown-up taste."

Wait, my friend is working in the middle of our night out,, the company is so mean ㅠㅠ Still, she was won over by the charm and kept sipping away. She said it's strong but quietly appealing, and she drank it happily.

Bar food at Bitters: ragù pasta and honey cream cheese crackers

Bitters isn't just about cocktails; the food quality was good too ✨

The ragù pasta at Bitters (₩23,000), said to be simmered for 3 hours, blends beef and pork for a deep, rich flavor.

The honey cream cheese crackers (₩13,000), ordered on my friend's strong recommendation, were a hit too 🤍 Thick cream cheese, the sweetness of honey and the plain crunch of crackers make a great bar snack. It's a snack-type dish, perfect for picking at lightly!!

Tips for enjoying cocktails at Bitters

Bitters creates its signature cocktails inspired by books and seasonal ingredients, so every item on the menu has a story. I hope you'll use those stories to savor your drink 🍸

The entrance was amazing, the space won me over once inside, and by the end the cocktails did too. That's Bitters. If you're after a special date or a Hongdae cocktail bar with great atmosphere, go find the hidden door in the bookshelf~ 📚