[Mapo / Yeonnam] Hiro, Sukiyaki Restaurant! A 2-story izakaya in rainy Yeonnam-dong KOREA HONGDAE

[Mapo / Yeonnam] Hiro, Sukiyaki Restaurant! A 2-story izakaya in rainy Yeonnam-dong KOREA HONGDAE

Discover Hiro, a charming 2-story izakaya in Yeonnam-dong, specializing in authentic Hokkaido-style sukiyaki. Perfect for a cozy night out, especially on a rainy day.

Spring rain has fallen, but the wind is too strong for a typical spring shower. This kind of weather always makes me crave a hot, comforting broth. That's why I found myself at Izakaya Hiro (이자카야 히로) in Yeonnam-dong, ready to try their Hokkaido-style sukiyaki.

The Vibe: Cozy and Japanese-Inspired

Hiro is located on the second floor along Yeonnam-dong Boulevard, making it easy to spot. It's a surprisingly dog-friendly izakaya, which adds to its charm. The interior has a cute, Japanese-inspired feel without being overdone, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Time flies when you're watching the subtle details of the decor.

What's unique is that they have group seats, but each room has a different vibe, offering a personalized experience. Located on the second floor, it has a quiet yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for intimate gatherings or a relaxing meal.

The Menu: Hokkaido-Style Sukiyaki and More

Hiro's menu features beautiful dishes, with a focus on Hokkaido-style sukiyaki. This dish involves seafood, beef, various vegetables, and assorted mushrooms, all simmered in a rich broth for a long time and then dipped in a special sauce. It's the perfect dish for a rainy day, offering warmth and comfort.

We ordered the Hokkaido-style sukiyaki, a Yuzu Highball, and a draft beer. The Kelly's draft beer, which is hard to find elsewhere, was a pleasant surprise. The yuzu highball was also pretty good, offering a refreshing citrus kick.

The included salad and snacks were a nice touch, perfect for nibbling on before the main course arrived. The broth, made with meat, vegetables, and greens, was incredibly delicious, and the yoyo soy sauce added a unique flavor.

The Experience: A Cozy Escape

Hiro is an atmospheric izakaya that's hard to find in Yeonnam-dong. It's a place where you can enjoy feel-good food and atmosphere, making it a perfect escape from the everyday. The look in the eyes of the people experiencing Villato and the atmosphere in Villato were great.

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Your Quick Guide to Hiro

• Name: Hiro (히로)
• Address: 서울 마포구 동교로 276 2F
• How to Get There: Located along Yeonnam-dong Boulevard. Use Google Maps for precise directions.
• Hours: 5:00 PM - 4:00 AM
• Contact: 0507-1407-4795

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A Local's Guide: 3 Ways to Explore Yeonnam-dong

After enjoying your delicious sukiyaki at Hiro, explore the charming and artistic Yeonnam-dong area with these curated courses.

Course 1: Hip and Emotional Self-Walking Tour

• Earth's Earth (어스어스): A hidden gem cafe using only eco-friendly materials. Perfect for coffee and a stroll through the alleyways.
• Cottonseed Lounge Yeonnam Branch (코튼시드 라운지 연남점): A cozy atmosphere with savory buns. Explore galleries and small shops along the alleyways.
• DOOROOMI Cafe (두루미 카페): Enjoy a cup of drip coffee and watch the locals pass by from the window.

Course 2: Healing Day with Dogs

• Tinsuot (땡스오트): A dog-friendly brunch restaurant.
• Baonhouse (바온하우스): An emotional cafe where you can relax with your pup.
• Yeonnam-dong Community Center Park: Features a dog playground, perfect for a walk and relaxation.

Course 3: Coffee and Dessert

• Taylor Coffee Yeonnam No. 1 (테일러 커피 연남1호점): Known for its strong drip coffee.
• Layered (레이어드): Offers artistic desserts, especially the white chocolate macaron.
• Coffee Libre Yeonnam-dong (커피 리브레 연남동): A local favorite with a warm atmosphere and excellent coffee.

These routes are designed to help you experience the true charm of Yeonnam-dong, focusing on hidden spots that locals love. Take your time, walk like a local, and immerse yourself in the unique culture of this area!