Koffee & Kpop

Stepping into Drunken Bean will make you think, ‘Wait, where am I again? This is Seoul, right?’

The New York City subway-inspired cafe is more than just inspired–featuring a yellow checkered taxi on the second floor, a replica subway train on B1, and an entrance marked by subway signs and turnstiles, even the New Yorker among my crafting group commented that she felt like she was transported back to New York City.

As far as themed cafes go, this is probably one of the best ones in Seoul. No detail has been spared, if you’ll overlook the kitsch mini statues of the Statue of Liberty sitting on the middle of the long study tables.

But beyond that, the coffee is actually good. I ordered an oat milk latte and was able to pick my choice of beans. I paired it with a slice of chocolate cheesecake, which admittedly was a little too small for the price. You can choose from plain, chocolate, and matcha cheesecake, and while cheesecake is amazing, it’d be nice if they offered a few more options.

My second drink was their cold brew. It came in a carafe with a glass of ice on the side. I took a whiff before I poured it, so I knew what I was in for, although my friend sitting next to me couldn’t figure out what I was drinking because it looked like coffee, but smelled like whiskey. This is because Drunken Bean takes green coffee beans and soaks them in bourbon whiskey for 45 days prior to roasting, creating a rich depth of flavor similar to whiskey. It was an initial shock to my tongue, and I almost expected to get tipsy off of it, but I loved the hint of vanilla extract that popped up and the clean finish.

When the baristas saw me walking around taking photo (after photo), one of them kindly told me that there was a second floor as well, which isn’t really advertised. While we were there, there were quite a few people who had to be pointed to the elevator because B1 was full. Quite a few people kept turning around to watch us–but in fairness, we were a group of 16 foreigners who were knitting and crocheting.

I’m always wary of camping at coffee shops, but no one really seemed to mind, and there were plenty of seats on the second floor for guests, so I never felt like I was being given “that look” to hurry up and leave. In fact, our group made it to Drunken Bean’s instagram reels before announcing their opening hours for Seollal, Korean Lunar New Year.

From good coffee to a signature whiskey-flavored cold brew, down to its unique theme that is extraordinarily well-executed, this is one cafe in Seoul that is not to be missed.

Instagram: @drunken_bean