Braces-friendly Gangnam jazz bar dinner: Park Himchan Trio, Flat Nine

What is Flat Nine in Gangnam like?

Flat Nine (플랫나인) is a live performance bar between Sinnonhyeon Station and Gangnam Station where you can eat a course dinner while watching a jazz show. I'm introducing it because it's a really good spot for an anniversary or a date. After two years wandering around Southeast Asia, I'm back in Korea and catching up with friends, and this day was one of those.

Flat Nine is close to Exit 10 of Gangnam Station and sits halfway to Sinnonhyeon Station, so it's easy to get to from either side. In my mid-thirties, when I was going out salsa dancing, I was in Gangnam almost every day. Even on days I didn't dance, I'd just go and listen to Latin music. That's how much I love music. Even when I traveled solo as a woman through Southeast Asia, I went to watch live shows every evening in Ubud, Bali.

How do you book Flat Nine, and what's the show schedule?

I booked Flat Nine through Catch Table, and the July show schedule is posted at the entrance. That day I saw Park Himchan Trio. Anyway, I came all excited about seeing a friend after so long and catching a jazz show.

Flat Nine runs two 50-minute sets starting at 8pm. I booked for 7pm, and the band happened to be rehearsing then, so I got a lucky early listen. Like a proper live bar, the two-person seats are arranged toward the front so you can see the show well, which I liked.

How much are the show fee and corkage?

Flat Nine is a live jazz bar in Gangnam, so the show fee of ₩15,000 per person is charged separately. At first a separate show fee might make you hesitate a little. But once I sat down and listened, it felt like being in a small concert hall.

A dinner and café date in Gangnam is nice too, but picking a place with music once in a while makes the same evening more memorable, right? The guests that day were mostly couples. ^^ Wine corkage (one bottle per two people) is ₩50,000, and most people seemed to order their own.

What comes in the Flat Nine Classic Course for 2?

I ordered the Classic Course for 2 (₩78,000). My friend doesn't drink either, so we skipped the alcohol!

The first course arrived. The menu was a bit different from the reviews I'd read beforehand. I guess it changes a little from season to season~

I liked that the welcome drink can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. I've known my friend for 10 years, but this was the first time we'd met somewhere like this. It was a refreshingly different kind of get-together. ^^

Why Flat Nine felt comfortable even with braces

The second course came out. I have braces right now, so eating out with someone is uncomfortable, but Flat Nine is dim and you don't sit face to face~ so I actually didn't have to worry while eating. ^---^

The bread was crisp yet moist, easy to cut with a knife. The Korean melon (chamoe) salad, which I tried for the first time, was fresh and zesty too, so I recommend it as a starter!

How was the lasagna at Flat Nine?

Wow~ people said Flat Nine is a great pasta spot in Gangnam Station, and it's true. I don't usually eat lasagna much. But a lasagna this tender and perfectly seasoned made me want it again. Oh, and for two people, all the course dishes come on one plate~

The steak at Flat Nine, even with braces

I haven't had my braces on for long. I figured I'd barely be able to eat the steak in today's course. Meat is hard for me to chew even normally.

But what is this? It cut smoothly, and in my mouth it melted so much I could hardly believe it was steak. Whether it was well sous-vide or well grilled, anyway, the smoky flavor was great and the seasoning was just right, so I was very satisfied. I'd happily call it a steak place.

Is the course too small?

Some people may worry that a course meal means small portions. At Flat Nine the food comes out one plate at a time, slowly, so it was nice for eating while talking, and with the show on top, the time felt completely full. As a spot for a blind date in Gangnam Station or an anniversary date, it's not overdone, and it creates a moderately special mood.

Finally, a sweet dessert too. Watching a live show, both my mouth and my ears were treated.

How was Park Himchan Trio's first set?

Because of our schedules, my friend and I only stayed for Flat Nine's first set (8:00–8:50pm). In those 50 minutes I blew off so much stress. Just watching the musicians play so joyfully was fun. As a fellow artist (?), I thought it looked cool to see them so absorbed in their work.

Who would I recommend Flat Nine to?

If you're tired of the same restaurant-and-café dates near Gangnam Station or Sinnonhyeon Station, Flat Nine is worth trying once. Eating a course meal slowly with live music right in front of you made it feel like a special way to end the day.

I especially recommend it for anniversary dates, a nice second stop after a blind date, or when you want to spend a slightly different evening with a friend you haven't seen in a while. The show fee is separate (₩15,000 per person), so the price is a bit on the higher side, but I was very satisfied with enjoying food and music together.

If you want dinner, drinks and a show all in one go in Gangnam Station, I recommend Flat Nine as a Sinnonhyeon date course.