The Ultimate Value Izakaya in Sinnonhyeon: Honest Review of Hanamato Sinnonhyeon Branch

✨ Discovering a Real Local-Feel Izakaya with a Friend on a Friday Night

Today, I'm going to introduce you to a truly authentic Sinnonhyeon restaurant! After work, my friend and I were wondering, 'Where should we go?' and suddenly Hanamato, which I often saw on Instagram, came to mind. It kept popping up in my feed, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to check it out. As someone who loves Japanese food, I was looking for an izakaya with a real local vibe, and my friend showed me Hanamato Sinnonhyeon branch, saying, 'The draft beer price here is insane,' so we decided to go there spontaneously!

On a slightly chilly Friday evening, we rushed over after work, and after exiting from Nonhyeon Station Exit 3, we walked for about 5 minutes. Although it's called the Sinnonhyeon branch, it's actually closer to Nonhyeon Station. The red Japanese sign stood out in the dark alley, making me feel like I was already in Japan!

The location is 31, Hakdong-ro 2-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 1st floor, and the business hours are from 13:00 to 04:00 daily (last order at 03:00), so even if you go late after work or for a second or third round, it's no problem at all. There aren't many places open until this time, which is great!

🏮 The Atmosphere is Purely Japanese, Prices are at Korean Levels

The Japanese vibe was evident right from the entrance. These days, trendy izakayas put a lot of effort into their interiors, but Hanamato seems to have captured the traditional Japanese izakaya feel. The cute decorations and lighting really set the mood.

We sat at a table on the first floor, but there was also a second floor. The tables were spaced out enough that we didn't have to worry about overhearing conversations from the next table, which is similar to Japanese izakayas! The music wasn't loud, making it perfect for conversation.

As soon as we received the menu, my first impression was, 'Can the prices really be this low?' Usually, izakayas in Gangnam are a bit pricey. But here, draft beer is 1,900 won! Most of the side dishes are in the 10,000 won range, so the value for money is incredible. Honestly, I was skeptical about the taste at this price, but my worries were unfounded.

🍢 Exciting First Order, Hanamato's Signature Dishes

The menu was so diverse that we had a hard time deciding what to order. From pasta to skewers, oden, fried dishes, and soups, they had it all. Based on many reviews, we ordered Hanamato's signature 'Yakitori 5-piece set' and 'Oden 5-piece set.'

The yakitori came out with a strong smoky flavor that melted in your mouth! It was juicy yet crispy on the outside, making for a great texture. I especially liked that it was lightly salted, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. It felt authentically Japanese!

The oden was also really delicious! Each table had an induction cooker, so we could enjoy it warm until the end. The broth was clean yet savory, making it irresistible. It seems the charm of an izakaya lies in its oden!

🍜 Perfect Pairing with Beer, Hanamato's Various Side Dishes

While having a beer, we pondered the next dish. Curious about the 'Tomato Risotto' my friend recommended, we ordered it, and it was a hit! With a tomato base, it was refreshing yet had a deep savory taste that paired perfectly with beer.

Then, on a whim, we ordered 'Spicy Noodles,' which was also a hit! The moderate spiciness made it perfect as a drinking snack, and the chewy noodles had a great texture. Both my friend and I agreed, 'We have to order this again!'

The draft beer was really cold and clean, making it easy to drink continuously. At 1,900 won, the quality was unbeatable. Usually, pasta dishes at izakayas exceed 20,000 won, but here, there was no price burden, making it even more enjoyable.

💰 Initially Skeptical Due to the Price, but the Taste Was Impressive!

Initially, I was skeptical because it was so cheap, but it exceeded my expectations. Each dish felt like it was made with care, and the service from the staff was excellent. They attended to us promptly when needed and kindly recommended menu items.

In the end, we ordered the Yakitori 5-piece set (12,000 won), Oden 5-piece set (15,000 won), Tomato Risotto (13,000 won), Spicy Noodles (12,000 won), and three glasses of draft beer each, totaling around 62,000 won. Isn't it amazing to experience this quality at this price? It's surprising to find such quality at this price in Gangnam.

💫 Hanamato I Want to Visit Again, Practical Tips

Here are a few tips for those planning to visit next time!

Hanamato Sinnonhyeon branch is great for second or third rounds, and the atmosphere is perfect for introducing someone or for a date. Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy casually! I'm already thinking about what to eat next time.

There's also Yeongdong Market nearby, making it nice for a stroll after a meal. Nonhyeon-dong itself is becoming a hot spot these days, so it would be great to explore the surroundings when visiting Hanamato!

If you're wondering where to go with friends this weekend, definitely check out Hanamato Sinnonhyeon branch! It's an izakaya with unbeatable value and guaranteed taste. Enjoying this taste and atmosphere at this price in Gangnam... It feels like I've found a hidden gem! 👍