Since my arrival, I’ve had Korean food for just about every meal in Seoul. Since Korean food is so good and so cheap, there’s really no point in eating anything else. I’ve had maybe a dozen burgers while in Korea, most at McDonald’s or Burger King. I also had a hamburger at a popular Korean burger joint called “Kraze Burger” when Sam was in town, which was mediocre.

But, tonight, the American in me was craving a genuine American hamburger. Eunmi suggested a place called “Smokey Saloon” in Itaewon.  Quality beef is expensive, so I was prepared to spend a little extra for a good burger.

Line outside the restuarant. Capacity is only 22, and this photo was taken at 8pm on a Sunday night. Very popular restaurant. Be prepared to wait. There’s actually 8 locations, but it sounds like the Itaewon location is the original and maybe the best.

Eunmi ordered the “Volcano” which has chili, cheddar cheese, jalepenoes,  lettuce, and tomato. We both had “halvsies.” She had half of mine, I had half of hers. You can choose from maybe a dozen different specialty burgers, but I wanted to create my own. I looked for a kimchi hamburger, but maybe it’s better they didn’t offer it. The waiter said I had to order only what was on the menu, which made sense since they were so busy.

I ordered the “Cowboy” which has monterey jack cheese, mushrooms, grilled onion, tomato, and some special sauce (I told them to hold the sauce and instead asked for jalepenos).  Eunmi said I didn’t say anything when the food came.

“Real” french fries. Most fries I’ve had in Korea were gross either because they weren’t fresh or because they had some weird sauce drizzled on them.

A few differences I noticed with this Korean burger joint vs burger joints in America:

-they serve the french fries before your hamburgers, like an appetizer (with mayo and ketchup)

-nobody eats their hamburgers with their hands, they use forks and knives – I even saw some people “mulch” their hamburgers so that all the contents of the burger including the bun were in small pieces and mixed together

-they cook each of the burgers on a griddle with little metal tops so the meat cooks faster and more evenly

-most of the customers ordered soda beverages in a bottle with multiple straws so they can share (just the couples, or if its two girlfriends)

-expensive…. 45,000 Korean won for two burgers, one side order of fries, a garden salad, and 2 beers.

-unbearable wait to get a table, especially if you’re hungry… I saw several people waiting outside looking noticeably impatient

-tiny restaurant – capacity of 22 people, or 12 tables to seat two….if you have a large group, you will be waiting a very long time, or it just might not work..the restaurant is really arranged for small groups or couples

-bad pickles

Of the hamburgers I’ve had in Korea, here are the current Kimchi Soup rankings:

1) Smokey Saloon in Itaewon

2) Hooter’s in Apguejang (the burger was actually really good, and very friendly staff)

3) Kraze Burger at COEX mall (half the price of Smokey Saloon, half as good)

4) McDonald’s cheeseburger (just as good here as I remember when I had my first when I was 6 years old in Mpls)

5) Burger King Whopper (usually after I get my haircut at Hyundai department store)

6) TGI Friday’s in Jamsil (it was really bad, I think I got sick from it)

Although a little overpriced, and there is that wait to get in, Smokey Saloon was definately worth it. Smokey Saloon is located behind the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon near “Bungalows.” If you want to check it out, you can ask away in the comment section of this blog, or go ahead and call them at 02-795-9019.