So those who know me in Seoul, or have dropped a visit to check what consists of my food empire, may know all my most beloved, most cherished, and most favored. I spoil these places, and I spoil my friends by introducing them to these spots, hahaha. Favorites=the places that are part of my weekly repertoire, and really, there are just a select few. Aahhhh...the newest addition to my savory list: Damotori makgeolli bar in Haebangchon.
Recently discovered a few months ago through a fellow chef friend, and let's just say...it took some time to share this spot with my readers. Yes, although I love sharing the latest and greatest finds...sometimes, just sometimes, you just have to hold back a little...know what I mean?
When friends mention Damotori, I simply cannot resist the temptation...first stop or the last stop during an evening out with friends, or whatever the case may be, it's on my weekly bucket list!
the sampler...
A selection of over 40 different makeolli's (Korean rice wine), alongside their sampler that you just can't beat for 2,000 won (approximately $2) for a sample of 5, served in their handmade pottery....hate to break it to you, but there is just no other place like this in Seoul! Not to discredit other great makgeolli bars around the city, but something about Damotori just stands alone.
Their average bottle ranges from 5,000-7,000 won. Oh, and did I mention their food??? Their food is just part of the epicurean adventure! Who would have known that this quaint spot would be in the middle of Haebangchon (Itaewon)?! Hello neighbor...
the seafood pajun (aka Korean pancakes)
some of my favorites: neurin maeul, sahnee, black sesame
the short ribs...
Can you believe that Damotori is run by just 2 men? One chef in the kitchen, and the owner runnin the floor, fixin your makgeolli cravings, and putting on a smile the whole time...
I seriously cannot get enough of their makgeolli! It's my favorite fix for a rainy day, the perfect epilogue to end the evening during the monsoon...
다모토리 Damotori
Yongsan-gu,Yongsan-dong 44-18, Seoul/서울시 용산구 용산동 2가 44-18
(Haebangchon area in Itaewon)
Subway directions:
Noksapyeong Station (line 6), exit 2.
As you exit 2, walk about 5-7 minutes and you will run into this side street by kimchi jars (literally).
Take a left onto that side street, which is the entrance to the Haebangchon area...walk about 100 meters, you will find Damatori to your left (next to Phillies bar).
