Zeppelin Jazz & Rock LP Bar: Ilsan, South Korea

Review:
The little lady and I have been frequenting Zeppelin LP Bar in Ilsan since we arrived in Korea in 2008. Mr. Kim and his wife serve up an awesome selection of songs on vinyl (if they don’t have the song you’re looking for this time, they will the next time you come back!), foreign beers, cocktails, and yummy roasted nuts in this small (10 chairs or so, so get there early) LP bar. Here's a quick breakdown on why we love the place.

How'd we even find this place? I remember touring the area with Shannon the first week I arrived and we went up and down the length of the major street outside our apartment. We finally walked in the general direction of the establishment and Shannon just had a feeling that we needed to check out what was down this one particular hallway outside. Low and behold, there it was! Our newest favorite place to sit and knock back a couple was discovered.




First off, Mr. Kim is awesome. He has a LONG ponytail and he often wears a cool blue tank-top. He drinks whiskey straight and he loves spinning 70s American rock and roll. He has the kindest smile and the most welcoming attitude. You wouldn't know it by looking, but he can kill a man with a single flex of his palm. He's in his mid-50s and he only looks about 40 -- the same goes for his wife. I find that Koreans age pretty well. They also exercise and don't eat the same crap that Americans do, but I doubt that has anything to do with it.

Mr. Kim always serves me up a shot or two of fine aged scotch as "service" which I never object to. And I'm pretty sure, with two shots in front of me in this photo, he's digging out some Kenny Loggins... because I'm definitely in the Danger Zone (nod to Archer on FX).




The place is small, but it's stuffed with old tchotchkes and relics from a time once past. A small selection of foreign beers like Corona, Heineken, San Miguel, and Budweiser keep us happy, but there's an extensive selection of Bourbon and Scotch. They'll even whip up a vodka cocktail and, mmmmm..., the roasted peanuts are delish! Mr. Kim has everything on vinyl from Abba to Ziggy Stardust and an amazing assortment of great music in between. However, I'm pretty proud to have introduced him to the Ramones and Weezer -- two of my favorite bands. He also spins some Billie Holiday or Etta James from time to time, which I find just delightful.

From Juyeop, Orange Line - Stop 311, Exit 4: Walk straight, cross the major intersection, and it’s a short walk up in a side hall on the left. Look for the giant adjuma in the fur coat advertisement.

Thanks for checking this out. I hope to see some more foreigners there before I leave this country.