Astronomers Coffee — Restaurant in Seoul

It was a crisp autumn afternoon in Hongdae, raining just enough to slick the pavement as I made my way to Astronomers Coffee–a quiet basement hideout tucked away from the loved up couples above, strolling aimlessly in search of their next venue.

I was in search of coffee–real coffee.

Descending the stairs, I stepped into a space that felt like a mad scientist’s laboratory had a love child with an underground speakeasy. Dark. A little mysterious. The kind of place where alchemy happens—not in test tubes, but in ceramic cups.

The barista knew his craft. I ordered a latte and was directed to choose my blend, they take their coffee seriously here–He sized me up, clocked my indecision, didn’t hesitate to recommend a blend that would take my latte to the next level. I trusted him. And I was right to.

The result? A latte so perfect it should be studied. The espresso? Extracted with precision. The milk? Steamed to the exact temperature where sweetness emerges without burning. The foam? Silky.

You might be lucky enough to find another latte just as good in this city, but better? I doubt it.

Sitting there, I could see the place morphing after-hours—a dimly lit refuge for insomniacs and creatives, where stiff drinks replace flat whites and the speakers trade lo-fi jazz for punk rock. But for now, I was just another slightly rain-soaked traveler, thoroughly caffeinated, and...

BAD PLACE TO VISIT i went with my friends, there were 4 of us. We went to this place to have good coffee. As soon as we entered, they said there is no table for 4 and i looked, there was no one except one couple. I said we can sit seperately cus we are just here for coffee and had to go for dinner. Then the owner goes, if you seat seperately and talk, you will block other people’s way when there was literally no one at that place.

I got the feeling that we were unwanted but i didnt want my friends to feel that way and i was the only one who speaks korean i told the owner we will make the coffees to go.

We were waiting infront of the counter for the coffee but we didnt want to block the entrance so one of our friend sat down at the table to wait for coffee.

I could feel that the owner was frustrated and asked me “ arent you making your coffee to go?” i said “yes” and he said “and why is your friend sitting at the table”

i mean…. phew..🤯

i told him we were just waiting for coffee and he said ok. There was another couple that just came in and sat next to my friend’s table and they came over to the counter to make their order.

and the owner said” when that guy is gone, i will clean that table for you and you guys feel free to use it”

AWFUL PLACE

im sure it is not about us being 4

There are A LOT of cafes in this area. Please dont go...

Great little cafe/roastery on the edge of hongdae and Yeonham Dong. I had one of their single origin coffees (Costa Rican) and it was complex and delicious. They sell their coffee in bulk if you are keen. No food except some biscotti unfortunately, but they are really focused on the coffee. They also have espresso drinks if you are keen. Atmosphere is kind of retro and industrial but also cozy and inviting. Interesting mix. Not sure how busy it gets at night but it was pretty quiet in the afternoon...