Seoul88 Beer

Quick Facts

• 💳 Easy card payments accepted
• 👤 Great for solo diners, hangouts with 2-4 friends, or group meetups
• 🍽️ Signature Menu: 88 Homemade Pork Cutlet · Seafood Kimchi Pancake · 88 Spicy Braised Chicken · Hanwoo Beef Tartare · Fresh Salmon Sashimi · Special Quarter Pizza

🍺 Seoul 88 Beer Main Branch: From a Casual Meal to Drinks in Jongno 3-ga

Tucked away in the alleys just a short walk from Exit 7 of Jongno 3-ga Station, Seoul 88 Beer is a laid-back spot where you can grab a hearty meal during the day and unwind with drinks and snacks at night. Its super convenient location makes it a great place to drop by for dinner after exploring Ikseon-dong or Jongno, or to wrap up a day of sightseeing with a cold drink.

Flipping through the menu, you will notice they offer a much wider variety of actual meals and bar bites than your typical pub. At lunch, you can keep it simple with comforting dishes like their signature homemade pork cutlet. Later in the evening, the menu opens up to crowd-pleasing pairings for your drinks, including sizzling seafood kimchi pancake, stir-fried beef brisket with bean sprouts, spicy beef brisket and kimchi stew, beef tartare, and fresh salmon sashimi. They also serve universal favorites like fried chicken and pizza, making it easy to satisfy everyone in your group.

The vibe here is all about ordering a spread of different dishes to share across the table while you drink. If you are new to Korean drinking culture, try ordering a classic comforting dish like kimchi pancake or kimchi stew alongside something familiar like pizza or chicken. If you are rolling with a bigger group, the best strategy is to mix and match a few different meats, raw fish plates, and hot pots so everyone can try a bit of everything.

This is a reliable spot to keep in your back pocket if you have dinner plans around Jongno 3-ga or need a spot for a second round after wandering around Ikseon-dong. Because they open early, you can easily come strictly for dinner, and as the night rolls on, the atmosphere naturally shifts into a lively drinking spot. With its spacious interior and plenty of room for larger parties, it is also a hassle-free choice for hanging out with friends or hosting a casual get-together.

👥 Why Locals Love It

• 🍺 Food and drinks all in one roof — From filling meals like pork cutlet and stews to an extensive lineup of bar snacks, it seamlessly transitions from day to night.
• 🍗 Tons of menu variety — With everything from chicken and pizza to hot pots, grilled meats, and sashimi, there is truly something for every craving.
• 🥘 Built for sharing — Dishes like kimchi pancakes, stews, and stir-fries are served family-style, making them ideal for passing around the table.
• 👤 Solo-dining friendly — Lunchtime favorites like the homemade pork cutlet make it an easy and welcoming spot to grab a bite by yourself.

📍 Tips for International Visitors

• 🥘 Want to try authentic Korean bar food? — Go for local favorites like the sizzling seafood kimchi pancake or the rich beef brisket kimchi stew.
• 🍕 Not a big fan of Korean flavors yet? — You can easily pair your drinks with crowd-pleasers like pizza or fried chicken so everyone leaves happy.
• 🌶️ Sensitive to spice? — Items like kimchi pancakes and stews do have a kick to them, so feel free to ask your server about the spice level before ordering.
• 🌙 Planning a late-night visit? — Closing times can vary depending on the day of the week, so it is always a good idea to double-check their hours if you are heading over late.