If you are looking for a quiet Yeonnam-dong cafe near Hongdae, Sideway offers creamy Basque cheesecake and tea in a renovated house near Gyeongui Line Forest Park. On a holiday afternoon, I walked through the residential streets of Yeonnam-dong to visit this small dessert cafe away from the busiest part of Hongdae..
The walk to the cafe was part of the experience. Gyeongui Line Forest Park was nearby, and the residential streets were filled with small shops, brick houses and flowers.
Quick Guide to Sideway Cafe
- Name: Sideway
- Korean name: 사이드웨이
- Address: 1F, 30 Donggyo-ro 51an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Korean address: 서울 마포구 동교로51안길 30 1층
- Area: Yeonnam-dong
- Nearby attraction: Gyeongui Line Forest Park
- Signature dessert: Basque cheesecake
- What I ordered: Basque cheesecake and Sandeul pear iced tea
- Basque cheesecake: KRW 8,500 at the time of my visit
- Sandeul pear iced tea: KRW 6,000 at the time of my visit
- Seating: Indoor tables and a small outdoor area
- Best for: Solo cafe visits, dessert and a quiet break
Find Sideway Cafe on Google Maps
Opening hours, prices and menu items may change. Check the latest information before visiting.
Finding Sideway in a Yeonnam-dong Alley
Sideway is not located on one of Yeonnam-dong’s busiest main streets. It is tucked inside a residential alley, so I briefly wondered whether I was going in the right direction.
Then the cafe appeared between the surrounding houses.
The building looked like a renovated home, with exposed brick, concrete walls and a small courtyard. It was still relatively new at the time of my visit, and both the exterior and interior felt clean.
The courtyard had several outdoor seats. On a comfortable day, it would be a pleasant place to sit with a drink or take photos.
The hidden location also suited the cafe’s name. Sideway felt like a place where I could step away from the busier parts of Yeonnam-dong for a while.
Inside Sideway Cafe
Sideway is not a large cafe, and it does not have many tables. However, each seating area has a slightly different character.
One section was tucked beneath the stairs and felt more private than the central tables. It looked especially comfortable for introverts or solo visitors who did not want to sit in the middle of the room.
I found a two-person table near the window, put down my bag and went to order.
Although Yeonnam-dong can become busy on weekends and holidays, the cafe did not feel overly crowded during my visit. The music selection was also good, and the sound filled the room without making conversation difficult.
Sideway Cafe Menu
The dessert I came for was the Basque cheesecake, which cost KRW 8,500 at the time of my visit.
I usually order decaffeinated coffee at cafes, but this time I chose Sandeul pear iced tea for KRW 6,000.
The order took a little longer to arrive than I expected. However, I was not in a hurry, and the music and calm interior made the wait comfortable.
This may be a better cafe for a slow break than for someone trying to get a quick drink before another appointment.
sychoi’s Tip: Sideway has limited seating, so visit with some flexibility on weekends. Combine the cafe with a walk along Gyeongui Line Forest Park rather than planning a rushed dessert stop.
Basque Cheesecake and Pear Iced Tea
When my order arrived, the Basque cheesecake was served with whipped cream and slices of golden kiwi. The chilled pear tea provided a refreshing contrast to the rich cheesecake.
Basque cheesecake became famous in San Sebastián in Spain’s Basque Country. It is baked at a high temperature, producing a deeply browned surface while keeping the center soft and creamy.
Sideway’s version had the dark exterior I expected, while the inside remained pale and moist.
The pear iced tea had a lighter and more refreshing flavor. It balanced the richness of the cheesecake better than a sweet drink would have.
Sideway’s Basque Cheesecake
The cheesecake was the highlight of the visit.
Its surface looked almost burnt, but that deep brown layer is part of the character of Basque cheesecake. Underneath, the cake was smooth and soft.
I do not usually eat many sweet desserts, so I often hesitate when choosing a cake. The cheesecake was not overly sweet, so I could enjoy the entire slice without it feeling too heavy.
The outer layer had a firmer baked texture, while the center was moist and creamy. Eating both parts together created the contrast that makes this style of cheesecake appealing.
The whipped cream added more softness, while the golden kiwi introduced a slightly tart and fruity note.
The texture became even clearer when I lifted a bite with my spoon.
The inside was dense enough to hold its shape but still creamy. It did not feel dry or crumbly.
When I combined the cake with the cream and kiwi, the flavor became richer without becoming too heavy. It is a good choice for anyone who prefers rich but moderately sweet desserts.
Is Sideway a Good Cafe for Solo Visitors?
Sideway worked well for my solo visit.
The seating areas were not all arranged in one open room, so I did not feel as though everyone could see me. The window table and tucked-away seats also made the space comfortable for reading or spending time alone.
The calm atmosphere was one of the strongest reasons I enjoyed the cafe. Yeonnam-dong is known for popular cafes, restaurants and shops, but that popularity can also make the area feel crowded.
Sideway offered some distance from that energy without being far from the neighborhood’s main attractions.
Who Would Enjoy Sideway Cafe?
Sideway may be a good choice for:
- Solo travelers looking for a quiet cafe
- Visitors walking through Yeonnam-dong or Gyeongui Line Forest Park
- Dessert lovers searching for Basque cheesecake in Seoul
It may be less suitable if you want:
- Visitors who need fast service
- Groups looking for a large cafe
- Travelers who want a cafe directly beside a subway station
Is Sideway Cafe Worth Visiting?
Sideway is worth considering if you want Basque cheesecake and a quieter cafe experience in Yeonnam-dong.
The cheesecake had a deeply baked exterior, a moist center and a level of sweetness that suited my taste. The whipped cream, golden kiwi and pear iced tea also worked well together.
The limited seating and slower service may not suit every visitor. However, neither was a major problem during my relaxed afternoon visit.
I would recommend combining Sideway with a walk through Gyeongui Line Forest Park and the surrounding Yeonnam-dong streets. It is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon outside the busiest part of Hongdae.
Join a K-Food Cooking Class in Seoul
After tasting Basque cheesecake and exploring Seoul’s cafe culture, you may want to try making Korean food yourself.
This hands-on K-Food cooking class introduces visitors to popular Korean dishes and local cooking techniques. It can be a fun experience for travelers who want to learn more about Korean food beyond eating at restaurants.
I have not personally participated in this class. Check the available menu, class location, duration, language options, included ingredients and cancellation policy before booking.
Check the K-Food Cooking Class on Klook
Affiliate disclosure: This section contains an affiliate link. If you book through it, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
More Seoul Food and Culture Guides
Continue exploring Seoul with these firsthand guides:
- Chimney Mansion: A Bakery Cafe in Hongdae
- Flatnine Gangnam: Live Jazz and Dinner in Seoul
- Bank of Korea Money Museum: A Free Myeongdong Attraction
Sideway showed me that a cafe does not need to be large or elaborate to make an afternoon memorable. A walk through Yeonnam-dong, a slice of creamy Basque cheesecake and a quiet table by the window were enough.