After-work Hongdae chicken pub: tteokbokki-dipped Gochu Basasak

These days the evening air has turned pleasantly cool, and after work I'm desperate to get some fresh air and reward myself with good food. So today I'm telling you about a chicken place with amazing Hongdae outdoor-bar vibes, where I went with friends after work! 🍗🍺

Where is Goobne Chicken Hongdae Red Road?

Goobne Chicken Hongdae Red Road (굽네치킨 홍대레드로드점) is on Red Road, between Hapjeong Station and Hongik Univ. Station, a street full of youthful energy. I went with friends to unwind after work.

Chicken is good anytime, anywhere, but nothing beats eating it right where it was just baked in the store's oven, with no delivery rider in between, right? (I'll admit my heart was already racing on the subway ride over, thinking about fresh Gochu Basasak, haha)

What's the vibe at Goobne Chicken Hongdae Red Road? An open bar and an American pub

Goobne Chicken Hongdae Red Road takes up both the 1st and 2nd floors, so it never felt like a franchise chicken place. What surprised me most on arrival was the sheer size and the hip vibe!

1st floor: an open bar with the windows thrown wide

The whole 1st floor is an open-air-style "open bar", giving off proper Hongdae outdoor-bar vibes that are perfect for cool weather like now. The big windows are thrown wide open, so it never feels stuffy, and it's ideal for chicken and beer in the cool night air.

2nd floor: a roomy hall with an American pub feel

We went up to the 2nd floor and took a seat. It has a different charm from the 1st floor, with a strong "American pub" feel.

With soft lighting and stylish interiors, it has an exotic mood that works well for a date or a get-together with friends.

What we ate at Goobne Chicken Hongdae Red Road

We ordered Gochu Basasak, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), french fries and cola. Just as we were soaking up the atmosphere, the food arrived.

Our picks were Goobne's all-time bestseller "Gochu Basasak", the truly hidden-gem "tteokbokki", the can't-skip crispy "french fries", and an icy cold "cola" with ice floating in it.

How does freshly baked Gochu Basasak taste in the restaurant?

The Gochu Basasak fresh out of the oven at Goobne Chicken Hongdae Red Road was crispy outside and super moist inside, full of juice. Wow... have you all tried Gochu Basasak right as it comes out in the store? The spicy, savory aroma spreads through your mouth, and it's on a completely different level from delivery.

After the first bite, all of us furrowed our brows in "truth face" and kept exclaiming. (And if you dunk it in the Marbling and Goblin sauces, you know all your work stress just flies away, right? T_T)

Goobne's hidden-menu tteokbokki: does it go with Gochu Basasak?

Tteokbokki is Goobne's hidden card that only those in the know order! Dipping pieces of Gochu Basasak in the sweet, spicy, thick tteokbokki sauce was the highlight of the day.

Lightly dipping crispy Gochu Basasak pieces into the thick tteokbokki sauce gives a spicy-sweet balance that's honestly crazy good. Add the salty, savory freshly fried french fries and there's no better side. Wash it down with a sip of cola and that's heaven right there.

Is Goobne Chicken Hongdae Red Road good for after-work drinks with friends?

With delicious food plus an exotic, open feel, we lost track of time at Goobne Chicken Hongdae Red Road, chatting away with friends nonstop. Eating good food, boosting your mood and washing away the day's fatigue is the real healing for office workers, right?! haha

The interior is so hip and the food quality is top-notch, so whenever I have plans around Hongdae or Hapjeong, I definitely want to come back.

If you want tasty chicken in a great atmosphere near Hongdae, or you're after open-air Hongdae outdoor-bar vibes instead of a stuffy indoor room, I strongly recommend visiting Goobne Chicken Hongdae Red Road!