Olde Knives has been in the HBC neighborhood for a few years now. It’s always been on my list of places to go, but fate never allowed for that to actually happen until recently. I’m glad circumstances finally allowed me to step through those doors because Olde Knives offers a singular experience in dining that shouldn’t be missed. If you’re searching for a quiet and intimate spot for a great meal then Olde Knives is for you.
Being a steak and whiskey bar Olde Knives has pared down their menu to focus on their specialty with laser like precision. The menu consists of only two options: steak or pasta. That’s really all they need to serve because it’s done to perfection. The steak will come to you medium rare. You can ask for yours to be prepared another way but I don’t think you should. They know what they’re doing. The steak comes deliciously brown on the outside with a a pink center dripping juice. In your mouth it’s butter-soft. The meal comes with a selection of grilled seasonal vegetables that offer a wonderful complement. There’s also a dab of wasabi and mustard but honestly you don’t even need it. Just order a cocktail or a glass of red wine and you’re good for the foreseeable future as you devour that steak.
The food was absolutely amazing! It also comes a very decent price point. The sirloin steak is marked at 200g for 22,000 KRW. The standard size is 200 grams but if you choose you can order more in 100 gram amounts for 9,000 KRW. That’s a pretty fine deal if you ask me. You may be wondering about the pasta I mentioned. So am I because each time I’ve visited I’ve gone for the steak! I hear great things about the pasta but I just can’t pass up that sirloin. Next time I’ll get a smaller cut and also order the pasta.
Then there’s the bartenders! They possess a skill and steady hand that defies nerves. The list of cocktails is extensive and watching them whip up arcane brews will bring tears of joy to your eyes. We’re talking Manhattans, Whiskey Sours, Old Fashions, Moscow Mules, and the list goes on and on. These drinks shouldn’t be guzzled down in seconds, but savored and enjoyed along with your meal. In other words: nurse those babies because at 15,000 KRW a pop they very well need to be thoroughly enjoyed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrtnns0xX58
You may not be able to tell from the photos but Olde Knives is tiny. There’s only two tables and everyone else sits at the bar. I think maybe there’s possibly room for ten patrons at the same time. Given that lack of space I suggest arriving as early as possible or else expect to wait. Also when you’re in the middle of your meal things can get a bit cramped, especially if you’re a big guy like me and elbows are at maximum wing span as you cut into your steak. Still, a little graciousness on all sides goes a long way and it’s not too much of a hassle.
The Good: deliciously prepared sirloin steak! Amazing cocktails!
The Bad: Be prepared for a small space and a wait if you do not go early.
The Weird: Thick slice of pancetta with the pasta?
Prices: Expect a meal with drinks to start at 30,000 and go up from there.
Delivery:
Not yet, but you can order other delivery options via Shuttle (셔틀). The prep time is 15 to 35 minutes.
Hours: Tues to Sat 6 pm to 2 am Sun closed 11:30 pm Mon closed
Phone: 070-7763-4001
Address: 4 Sinheung-ro 11-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Website: Facebook
Directions: From Noksapyeong exit 2 walk straight with the army base on your left. When you reach the light keep going straight past the kimchi pots up the main street into HBC. Walk past Fat Cat, Le Cafe, Al matto, and past Jacobys and Brooklyn Bagels and Olde Knives will be on your left.
올드 나이브즈
With that price, I think the sirloin steak must be tasty! I’m curious with the thick slice of pancetta with the pasta. Thanks for the very detailed review!
I still haven’t had the pasta yet. I really need to calm it on the steak, but it’s so good!
I love myself a good steak, but I guess so does everyone else. Medium rare style is the one I usually go for so I think Old Knives bar would be a great date destination. Unfortunately, the rare times we visit Seoul and HBC neighborhood, we are usually sampling some craft beers and eating something Daejeon doesn’t offer like Japanese Ramen or Taco Bell ( eww right?!)
Aw, you should really try to get over there if you are in the neighborhood. I would rank it as the top place for a date night in the HBC area.
Nice. Actually, I like sitting up at the bar. It’s a great way to chat to other people if you feel like it. I’ve never been to a restaurant that only seats 10! Sounds delicious though. I haven’t had steak in a while.
The bar really is the best seat. You get to watch the bartenders work their magic!
Thanks for the tip. Will definitely add this to my list next time I’m up in HBC. Nothing better than a good steak.
I’m wondering, is the “Stake Bar” on the logo a pun that I’m missing? If not, they should get on it.
On the video? i think they just didn’t catch the typo!
What a great find! I love small places like this. Although not a big steak fan myself, I still would go eat here for the ambiance. My wife is a huge steak fan so this would be a perfect place for a date. The elbow room would be an issue though, I take up a lot of space when I eat.
Just be sure to go early!
What a great place for a special occasion, given the steep prices! But well worth in my opinion due to the ambiance, drinks and steak! Ahhhhh this just adds fuel to my heart’s pull to Seoul haha. I live in Daegu and while it could be worse, the dining options here aren’t stellar like they are in Seoul haha
I have yet to travel to Daegu but it’s on my list, lol!
Sounds quite tasty my friend! Gotta love a good steak…glad you find something good in Korea. During my time in the land of the morning calm, I never went searching for a mistake out of fear of disappointment, but this sounds solid.
Its worth a try next time your around this way!
A pity about space. But that door looks unique and inviting. And also “quiet and intimate spot for a great meal”. I just wonder how you can enjoy your quiet and intimate meal when the place gets crammed with diners. Or do they control the number of people getting in, thus the waiting line?
It never gets crammed because they only allow so few people to get in. Everyone else waits outside in a line. Maybe a bit tight but not crammed.
Woah! 5 star review. 🙂 But that steak looks incredible, and SO affordable for Korea. I usually revert to just making steak at home, because it’s almost ALWAYS overcooked in restaurants here (at least around where I live), but they clearly know what they’re doing there. I am curious about that thick slice of pancetta though. Haha…seems like a waste of perfectly good (and probably expensive here) pancetta.
I will definitely try to check out the pasta next time, but it’s so hard to pass up that steak. lol
Wow! Sounds delicious. But space is always at such a premium in Seoul, especially busy neighbourhoods with a lot of nightlife. But I’m sure most people think this place is worth the wait.
It’s definitely worth it! If you have the chance go check it out you won’t be disappointed!