Hyehwa izakaya for beef tendon oden soup and yakisoba: Hanamato

Hanamato Daehangno Hyehwa is a yakitori izakaya tucked into an alley off Daehangno near Hyehwa Station. Walking around Daehangno lately, there's one restaurant that always stands out — even on a weekday evening, the line stretches all the way to the door, and I always wondered what made it so popular. Curiosity got the better of me, so I finally made time to go with a friend. Honestly I didn't expect much, but the moment I walked in, I understood exactly why everyone was heading there. Here's my vivid record of this Hyehwa izakaya visit, written with the excitement still fresh.

What is the vibe at Hanamato? Counter seats like a Japanese back-alley pub

The exterior of Hanamato Daehangno Hyehwa looks like it was lifted straight out of some small Japanese alley pub. The exotic facade grabbed my attention the moment I arrived, and I found myself taking photos before I'd even opened the door.

Among Hyehwa izakayas, this one in particular puts real care into every light fixture and prop, so the whole time I was there I felt like I was traveling somewhere far away. Sitting at the counter under soft lighting with the smell of good food in the air, it was the perfect spot for quiet conversation. Just from the atmosphere alone, I could immediately tell why couples call this one of the best date spots.

Hanamato menu and prices

The menu at Hanamato Daehangno Hyehwa was full of options — from sujiodeng tang to yakisoba to yakitori skewers. Sitting down and browsing the menu, I was surprised by how reasonable the prices were.

There are plenty of places around Daehangno that are pricey and disappointing, but this one was different. The menu had so many options I felt like I needed to rewrite my whole Hyehwa restaurant list. There were so many dishes I wanted to try that I spent a long time deciding. In the end I put together a combination of the recommended dishes, and my excitement grew every time a new dish arrived at the table.

How do the sujiodeng tang and yakisoba taste?

Hanamato's sujiodeng tang (beef tendon and fish cake soup) was so rich I let out a gasp with the first spoonful of broth. It was the first dish to arrive, and the broth — which gets deeper the longer it simmers — paired with the chewy texture of the beef tendon made it the kind of dish that demands a drink alongside it.

The yakisoba we ordered alongside it had such a deep sauce aroma that I couldn't put my chopsticks down. Whether Hanamato has some secret recipe or not, the flavor felt much richer than other places, and I was happy the whole time I was eating it. Watching the steam rise off these warm dishes, I felt the fatigue of the day melt away completely.

Best yakitori to order: basil mayo chicken thigh and green onion chicken

For yakitori at Hanamato Daehangno Hyehwa, we ordered the basil mayo chicken thigh and green onion chicken skewers. As you'd expect from a place known for its yakitori, the skewers were on another level.

The basil mayo chicken thigh was a real treat — tender chicken with fragrant basil layered on top — and the green onion chicken skewer had charcoal-grilled onion sweetness that paired perfectly with the meat. With a cold glass of Sapporo draft beer alongside, my palate felt refreshed and my stress melted away. It's one of the best among Hyehwa izakayas in terms of quality, and I realized once again why people line up for it. I can't stop thinking about the crispy-yet-juicy skewers, so I think I'll be back again soon.

Is Hanamato good for a date or a night out with friends?

Inside Hanamato Daehangno Hyehwa, the tables were full of couples and groups of friends. It felt lively yet cozy — the perfect place to enjoy without any pressure.

It was satisfying enough that I already want to come back and try other dishes next time. If you're trying to decide on a place to eat in Hyehwa, this is a genuinely safe choice. With good food and a great atmosphere together, there's no better date spot for someone special.

This visit gave me a really satisfying time where the atmosphere, the taste, and the value for money all came together. If you're craving good food and a drink after a special day or after watching a play, why not pay a visit to Hanamato Daehangno Hyehwa?

What's your favorite izakaya in Hyehwa?