Restaurants, Bars, Clubs and Nightlife in Seoul, Korea

Your Guide to Premium Nightlife in Seoul

Between @ Itaewon – Quality, not Quantity

Posted by Mike Porto On June - 22 - 2010
Between Terrace

Between Terrace

Campari and orange as a mixed drink in Seoul? As I read over the drink menu at Between, I was pleased to find a change of pace from Itaewon’s standard cocktail list, and their dinner menu impressed me as well. Although I was a bit skeptical coming into Between because it had only been open a few weeks, I left feeling impressed with their architecture as well as their drink and dinner selection. This venue has the potential to become one of the most well-known lounges in Seoul.

Between Campari and Orange

Campari and Orange

Anyone who stocks Campari in Seoul probably knows quite a bit more about drinks than your average bar-owner. I ordered the Campari and Orange (7,000KRW) along with the Assorted Tapas Plate (25,000KRW). The Tapas Plate was simple, flavorful, and offered a variety of tastes from which I could judge the chef’s experience. All of the tapas were satisfactory, but the Chili Stewed Octopus in particular impressed me. The octopus was cooked, yet not tough or rubbery, which is a rare occurrence.

Tapas Platter

After the rest of our party arrived, we ordered dinner. I saw that the menu offered duck breast served in an orange glaze with herbed mashed-potatoes and marinated apple (23,000KRW), so I had to order it. My meal came approximately 30 minutes late. However, they had just opened a few weeks before my visit. Slower service is typical of new establishments as their staff gets acclimated, and I was very happy with the duck after it arrived. The presentation of all of the dishes was professional and impressive, but the portions were very small.

Between Duck

The venue layout and architecture are some of the best I have seen in Seoul. There are 5 distinct sections to Between. The “left” side has a café and desert area while the “right” side has a bar and dining area. The second floor has a bar, and a seating arrangement which is slightly more intimate than the first floor. The third floor is composed of two areas: one is indoors and reminds me of an aristocrat’s reading room, and the other is outdoors on the terrace. The terrace only has 3 tables, but those three tables offer a very unique view and setting. In fact, I would go back just for the chance to sit on the terrace.

Between Right Side

Between Right Side (first floor)

Although there are a lot of places in Seoul that claim to be experienced in western foods, Between actually delivers quality western cooking and drinks. It also provides 5 unique seating areas for you to choose from depending on your mood. With a few minor adjustments, such as training the staff to be more aware of serving times, Between has the potential to be an excellent place to eat, to drink, and to become one of the most well-known venues in Seoul.

The Good

  • Non-standard drink selection
  • Authentic western food
  • 5 different seating areas
  • Great location

The Bad

  • Slow preparation time
  • Small portions
  • Somewhat pricey

Prices

    Cocktails6,000 – 10,000 KRW
    Draft Beer8,000 – 10,000 KRW
    Shots6,000 KRW
    Jack Daniels140,000 KRW
    Grey Goose200,000 KRW
    Bottled Beer5,000 – 10,000 KRW
    Coffee & Tea5,000 – 8,000 KRW
    Dinner Set40,000 – 75,000 KRW
    Tapas6,000 – 8,000 KRW
    Pasta17,000 – 23,000 KRW
    Fish & Meat18,000 – 42,000 KRW
    Dessert9,000 – 12,000 KRW

Contact

02-795-6164

Address

용산구 이태원동 124-7

Directions

Get out of Itaewon station Exit 2 and walk straight for approximately 2 blocks. Between will be on your left.

Map


View Between @ Itaewon in a larger map

  • SoHye

    I was wondering when someone would do a review on this place… I keep walking past it when I go to work.

  • James

    I’ve been wanting to check it out since I first saw it. Great pics, it looks awesome.

  • http://www.winekorea.asia Joshua Hall

    The service is slow at Between. I was also dissapointed with teh cocktails. We had to send three cocktails back. The redeeming quality of this place is the location and the terrace. Great for people watching in the afternoon.

  • Richard

    i have yet to check out this place. looks nice, but let’s see if they can deliver.

  • M.Lee

    I’ve had great food and drinks there. Fantastic patio. Good times.

  • songsta

    Went to Between on Monday night and had a great dinner. Had the ribeye steak and shared a seafood salad. both were delicious. drinks weren’t bad either: had a mojito and the apple martini. the mojito went down smooth as silk; the apple martini was a bit on the strong side but still tasty.

    of particular note, the desserts were off the charts. the flan, which is called catalan something, was the best and I highly recommend it. we also had the chocolate mousse and the homemade vanilla bean ice cream.

    one of the best dinners i’ve had in a long time.

  • http://theomnitone.com/ Las Vegas Recording Studios

    Duck breasts offer twice the value – rich tender meat for one meal and meltingly delicious roast potatoes,  your guests will think it’s a treat and you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen.

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