Summer Vibes and Afternoon Cocktails

3 Spots to try near Dongseong-ro

Sometimes you really need a tropical vacation but all you have is a weekend and little energy to travel far from Daegu. Times likes these call for drinking tropical cocktails in the sunshine with friends on a Saturday afternoon. Check out these three Dongseong-ro gems with open air, early openings, and great mixologists next time you can't get the beach and tiki drinks out of your mind.

Stool 

2125-7, Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu

대구 중구 달구벌 대로 2125-7

Hours: 17:00-3:00

Cocktail prices: ₩7,000-₩9,000

Korean menu, some bilingual staff

Stool doesn't have a porch or rooftop or anything fancy about the interior design, but coming here truly feels like an escape. The atmosphere is uniquely relaxed and friendly and the cocktails are expertly mixed. The eclectic interior design is part tiki bar, part vintage shop and the front door and windows are left open letting the breeze blow through and sun shine in. You'll feel right at home amongst the tchotchkes and knick knacks and ordering from a menu with all the staples. I tried a Blue Lemon Mojito which was like a boozy Blue Lemonade and chatted with the friendly bartender and owner about places we'd like to travel to and places we'd been, swapping recommendations. This place definitely falls into the hidden gem category.

Brown Bricks 

21, Dongseong-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu

대구 중구 동성로3길 21

Hours: 12:00-01:00

Cocktail Prices: ₩7,000-₩9,000

Bilingual menu and staff

Brown Bricks has instant appeal from the street. This 3-story cafe is fully open-air and always full of people. Brown Bricks has a huge menu with a variety of cafe drinks, bottled and draft beer and a cocktail menu! They also serve food like pizza by the slice. Inside you can find abundant seating, fantastic decor and art pieces, and a relaxing place to kick back. On the third floor there's darts and a large balcony facing the back with a rooftop feel. Regardless where you find a place to sit, the fresh air and sunshine will find you which makes this place a perfect spot for relaxing this summer.

Four and Twenty

13-1, Dongseong-ro 4-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu

대구 동성로4길 13-1 2,3F

Hours 18:00-3:00

Cocktail Prices: ₩8,000-₩9,000

Bilingual menu, some bilingual staff

  

Four and Twenty is a bit more upscale of an option and technically opens later than the afternoon, but the rooftop here is summer party perfection. The menu has a variety of beer, wine and cocktails. There's a small selection of food; think Korean drinking snacks. It's located on a second and third floor, the latter being the cozy rooftop. The second floor is dark and intimate while the rooftop feels more fun and casual. There's wicker and cushions everywhere, plus great views of downtown. It's quite a large rooftop space with tables for two all the way up to eight. It can start to fill up pretty quickly after dinner but at sunset there were still plenty of seats.

Oh. My. Macaron! There are two types of people in Daegu. Those that don’t care for MEH-macarons, and those that LOOOOOVE the macarons and must try ALLLLLLL the macarons. I am one of the later types of people! I’m talking about macaRONS, not macaROONS (the coconut based cookie).

But not all macarons are created equal. It might have the pretty colors and the inviting crème filling, but some macarons are just flavorless sugar and a chewy disappointment. There is no point in eating a macaron if it is boring! I made it my free mission to find 5 unique DELICIOUS macaron experiences in Daegu for both the macaron newbie AND the macaron junkie. Daegu did not disappoint!

1. Mini Macarons

   

Jeen’s is an upscale chocolatier that offers a quick purchase opportunity of mini macarons convenient for take-out and easy for sharing. The solitary container of less than perfect condition mini macarons in the display case are just for show! The perfect ones meant for purchase are actually kept refrigerated in a back area. Give it a few minutes to return to room temperature, and then the bite-sized treats will be ready for sampling. At 9,000 won, you may want to pick wisely who you share them with!

Jeen’s Chocolatier Patisserie, 715-21, Daebong-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu www.jeenschocolate.com

2. Giant Ice Cream Sandwich Macarons

     

Paris Baguette Café is known mainly for its bakery and brunch items – not necessarily for macarons OR ice cream. And yet this frozen treat masterfully combines both! Though completely worth the 3,500 won price tag, you might be tempted to take a couple of bites then think “Gosh! This is a lot of ice cream,” and save the rest in your freezer box for another time. You won’t get far. You’ll eat the rest and wonder why you didn’t buy more than one. I only found 2 flavors so far (blueberry and cookie), but definitely look forward to trying more flavors if they exist!! As a bonus, the ultimate macaron (or espresso) lover in your life may enjoy a full-sized, macaron-decorated, espresso-flavored cake available for 34,000 won.    

Any Paris Baguette. My local Café located at 539-1 Bongdeok 2(i)-dong, Nam-gu, Daegu www.paris.co.kr

3. Best View while eating Macaron

 

83 Grill by Ashley is the rotating restaurant on the 78th floor of the Daegu 83 Tower. They do offer gourmet lunch and dinner meal sets that will delight the senses and cost many cents(es)…or won! The afternoon Tea Tower set is an actual AFFORDABLE luxury that includes…you guessed it! Macarons. The smaller, regular macarons were nice, but if you are lucky… you will find the BEST. GIANT. HANDMADE. MACARON. EVER. My wish is that you experience this treat also! But there’s more! There are many other superior dessert offerings on the tower like the carrot cake…brownies…oreo cream pie…cheesecake…tea sandwiches…etc. The view can’t be beat though, the tea is of the finest flavors, and your celebration event will be remembered as very special. A celebration like a birthday, anniversary, or ANY day this Spring (because macarons THAT’S why)!!!

Make reservations in advance as it takes 30 minutes to assemble the individual desserts going on your tea tower! Last reservation spot is at 3:45 pm. The Dessert Tea Tower set is not offered during dinner hours. 39,000 won for 2 tiers on your Dessert Tea Tower also includes any tea or coffee of your choice for 2 persons. 49,000 won for 3 tiers on your Dessert Tea Tower also includes any tea or coffee of your choice for 2 persons. I figure…go big or go home! I want all the options every time I go! Additional guests are 13,000 won per person while nothing is added to the purchased dessert tower. Folks, it’s sooo fun!!

 

83 Grill by Ashley, 200 Duryugongwon-ro, Duryu-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu www.83tower.kr

4. Best Value Macarons

  

Mariwhale Macaron is HANDS DOWN the best tasting traditional macaron in Daegu. They WERE the cheapest at 900 won per macaron until they changed the menu offering more type variety for a slightly higher price. Still amazing Macarons now start at 1,000 won and max out at their yummiest flavor (in my opinion) of chocopresso for 1,500 won. My friend was eyeballing the Nutella flavor last time we visited! Still super cheap compared to ANY corner café offering MEH-macarons between 2,500-4,000 won each. Pick any flavor that you already have a preference toward, and these macarons will not disappoint! The fresh meringue crackle is there…the full-bodied taste of the flavor is there…every. single. time. There are 2 locations in downtown Daegu and I have been known to visit both in the same night. Might as well get a mocha while you are there. Just as good as the macarons!!!

Mariwhale Macaron, 18-5, Samdeok-dog 1-ga & 59-6 Namil-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu www.mariwhale.com

5. New Creation Macaron

 

This macaron…where do I begin? When you are writing an article about macarons, you tend to see macarons everywhere. I mean MEH-macarons EVERYWHERE. In boxes in the freezer section of grocery stores, as dessert options on buffet lines, and at food courts in high end department stores. You start to lose hope that you will find anything NEW – that is tasty. Here it is! Inspired by traditional strawberry shortcake, these giant meringue cookies are baked perfectly and full of fine flavor. The filling of whipped cream & fresh strawberries begs for each bite to be savored. We split this 5,500 won dessert between 4 ladies, and no one was left dissatisfied. It was THAT big! It was my first time using a knife & fork to eat a macaron.  It won’t be my last!! I am visiting this spacious café near Suseungmot Lake again tomorrow!!!

Tumtree Project, 138, Yonghak-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu  No Website, 053-944-3912

Terrace Dining on Apsan Cafe Street

Springtime is such a lovely time to be in Daegu. The gorgeous weather and bright blooms attract many to spend time outdoors before it gets too hot. The only thing better than enjoying fresh air and sunshine is doing that over a tasty brunch or handcrafted cafe treat. Here is a list of four options for enjoying outdoor dining on Daegu’s lovely Apsan Cafe Street. This long tree-lined boulevard sits just below lush Apsan Mountain and is a short walk from exit two of Hyeonchungro Station exit 2. Just head out the exit and take a left at the intersection. You will find yourself at the bottom of the Cafe Street where everything on this list (and plenty more) can be found.

Zione: Authentic Italian by the Mountainside

If the name Zione rings a bell, that's because this is the sibling restaurant to the Dongsunro staple of the same name. Zione is known for their rustic setting, lovely outdoor terrace and mouthwatering dishes and the Apsan Cafe Street location is no different, if not more breathtaking. The window-wrapped building features lofted ceilings and a rooftop terrace making a perfect setting for indulging in a glass of wine and Italian food with friends. Tables accommodate up to eight and if you can't grab a seat on the terrace, you will feel like you are outside from any table in the restaurant due to tall windows on every wall. If you can't tell just by looking, the food is fantastic and includes authentic imported cured meats and cheese paired with the freshest local produce.

Zione (Apsan)

Address: 21, Hyeonchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu

KR Address: 대구 남구 현충로 21

Hours: 12:00-22:00

*English menu available

From our table gazing out to the sunny terrace

Apsan Mountain through the window

Chef’s special plate with salami, prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, olives, tomatoes, and avocado drizzled in olive oil

Quattro Fromaggi pizza

Tea Making Room: Minimalist Design Cafe with a Terrace

Tea Making Room doesn't offer much in terms of dining- only two desserts on the menu. However, the artisanal beverages and view alone make this worth a stop for anyone looking to relax and bask in the beauty of the mountain. The Cafe is a two-story building that appears to be former private residence with lots of natural light. A large second story terrace has plenty of tables and the perfect backdrop of hanok roofs and Apsan mountain. Tea Making Room is not on the main Cafe Road; to find it you will need to take a right at the easy-to-spot Cafe Droptop near the top of the road and you will see the pink sign for Tea Making Room just in front of you.

Tea Making Room

Address: 6, Hyeongchung-ro 5-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu
KR Address: 대구 남구 현충로 5길 6

Hours: 12:00-22:00

*Hanguel menu

From left to right; Iced Earl Grey Milk Tea, Tiramisu Cream Milk

A vast terrace, several tables facing the mountain not pictured

Rio Coffee: Brazilian Coffee and Cake on the Terrace

Friendly staff and lots of windows make for a very light and airy vibe at this charming spot located centrally on the main Cafe Street. Check out the gorgeous mango tiramisu cakes amongst the modern tropical decor and enjoy a drink on the terrace located out front; perfect for people watching. The menu has a variety of smoothies and fresh fruit juices in addition to classic cafe choices, plus several bakery selections.

Rio Coffee

Address: 36, Hyeonchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu
KR Address: 대구광역시 남구 현충로 36

Hours: 9:00-24:00

*Hanguel menu

Lots of natural light and greenery

Mango Tiramisu with fresh fruit for juices and smoothies

Look for the Rio inspired mural!

Leban 101: Vietnamese Fusion Hidden Gem

There is only one 4-person table that is technically outdoors at this restaurant, so it almost doesn’t fit this list. But Leban 101 has so much charm and a great menu for a nontraditional brunch (or just a lovely meal anytime) it’s worth a mention. The menu is not too expansive but thoughtful with a few soups, meat and rice dishes and side dishes plus imported beers and canned juices. For a light brunch, try the Mango Juice from the Philippines and the Spring Rolls; they are too delectable to not specifically recommend. If you can luck out with an outdoor seat you will enjoy some tasty food under a rainbow canopy of lanterns with one of the best spots in town for people watching.

Leban101

Address: 37-1, Hyeonchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu
KR Address: 대구광역시 남구 현충로 37-1

Hours: 12:00-24:00 (last order 23:00)

*bilingual menu

The best seat in the house

The best spring rolls!

Com thit heo- Grilled Pork Rice