[Thank you to our readers for recommending Aboutjins BBQ for our list]
Believe it or not, you can find authentic American BBQ spots in Seoul.
In recent years, a number of American BBQ restaurants have opened across Seoul, a handful of them owned by expats who grew up in the motherland. Many of the restaurants listed in this article are what anybody would consider to be authentic American barbecue, while some of these are American barbeque with a Korean twist.
Whether you’re looking for a taste of back home or are down to try out a Korean rendition of the classic comfort food, here is a list of 5 American BBQ spots you should definitely try in Seoul this year (in no particular order).
Linus’ Bama Style BBQ | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Run by Alabama native Linus Kim, this Itaewon-based joint serves the finest Southern-style barbecue in Korea. Try the brisket sandwich, which comes with a side of skinny fries and coleslaw. The meat is juicy but very tender and falls off the bone. If you’re really hungry, order the Twos platter, which is a mound of pulled pork and brisket with 6 buns and 3 sides of your choice.
The “Fried Goodies” are to die for here; we also recommend getting the Bacon Jalapeno Mac Balls (5,000 KRW). You’ll find that the warm gooey cheese inside this delicacy melts in your mouth. Linus offers a diverse selection of cocktails and draft beers, such as the Arnold Palmer (12,000 KRW) and Vunderbar Pilsner (9,000 KRW). The restaurant includes a bar and outdoor seating area and all of its staff members speak fluent English. If you happen to visit, you’ll hear classic rock music playing in the background, a nod to Linus’ Alabama roots. Expect to spend at least W30,000 for a meal for two. Linus BBQ was voted Best American Restaurant in the 10 Magazine Best of Seoul 2018 competition.
Note: Popular menu items may sell out fast.
Our Recommendations
- OG Pulled Pork Sandwich (12,000 KRW)
- Brisket Sandwich (15,000 KRW)
- Twos (31,000 KRW)
Manimal Smokehouse | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Manimal is the smell of the smoked meat in the restaurant. The smoker at Manimal is fed every day with oak wood, which creates the perfect char on their meat. Manimal is also one of the few restaurants in Seoul that serves BBQ chicken. The mix of lemon marinade and BBQ sauce gives the chicken a unique but flavorful taste. If you’re looking for something sweet, try the pulled pork (200 grams). The tangy sauce on the pork adds a little kick to the sweet flavor.
Their best side menu is the “Chipotle Lime Potato Salad” (3,900 KRW), which includes pickled mustard seeds, chipotle lime sauce, onions, and a hard-boiled egg. It’s an explosion of limey delight that goes perfectly with the meat. Manimal offers drinks as well. We recommend the “I Shot the Sheriff” (10,000 KRW), which is similar to the Arnold Palmer.
Manimal’s vibe is akin to a traditional Texas smokehouse. Inside, you’ll find wood paneling and a simple dark interior. While it’s not small, the restaurant isn’t spacious either, so expect a line during peak dinner hours.
Our Recommendations
- BBQ Chicken (14,000 KRW)
- Pulled Pork (15,300 KRW)
- Brisket (16,900 KRW)
Locos BBQ | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
If you’re looking for a great hangout spot that offers American-style cuisine, Locos BBQ is the place for you. Located in Seoul, Busan, COEX, Pangyo and Hanam, Locos is still a relatively known spot amongst the expat community. The vibe here is laid-back and friendly and customers get to enjoy delicious barbecue.
The ribs and brisket are extremely moist and tender and you can pair it up with their delicious homemade sauces. The sides here include classic American favorites like mac and cheese and coleslaw. Locos BBQ is the perfect place for a date or chill night out with close friends. The staff at Locos are very friendly and speak English.
Our Recommendations
- Pulled Pork
- Smoked chicken
- Beef ribs and brisket
Austin: The Smokehouse | Mapo-gu, Seoul
Austin is another smokehouse that focuses on serving Texas-inspired barbecue. Those who are used to barbecue from back home, however, may find that the dishes here suit a more Korean taste palette. The menu features sides like kimchi and the restaurant’s interior aren’t reminiscent of what you would typically expect from a barbecue joint. However, the food here is excellent: the meat is tender and the sides are fantastic. If you’re down to try out a Korean rendition of traditional American barbecue, visit Austin and see if you like a Korean spin on your favorite comfort food.
For a party of two, we recommend the two-person platter (32,900 KRW), which comes with pulled pork, brisket, and spare ribs. This dish also features two sides of your choice at no extra charge. Each platter of meat comes with two sauces (dark and sweet) that add extra flavor to your meal. If you’re a fan of sweet flavors, try the chili beans (3,000 KRW) or chicken wings (9,900 KRW). The place is spacious and the wood-paneled tables and large interior make for a comfortable atmosphere perfect if you’re with a large group of people.
Our Recommendations
- Pulled Pork (14,900 KRW)
- Baby Back Ribs (16,900 KRW)
- Two-Person Platter (32,900 KRW)
Aboutjins BBQ | Jongno-gu, Seoul
Aboutjins BBQ is a hole-in-the-wall Southern-style American BBQ Kitchen located in the Jongno area of Seoul. The menu offers mouth-watering barbeque platters which include brisket, pulled pork, coleslaw, green salad, brisket sandwiches, bacon mac & cheese and plenty more. Aboutjins even offers platters for one, if you’re not the sharing type, at 15,900KRW for the pulled pork platter and 18,900KRW for the brisket platter.
Our Recommendations
- Single Meat Platter – Brisket (18,900 KRW)
- BBQ Sample Platter (36,900 KRW)
Thanks for checking out the 5 best American BBQ spots in Seoul. If there’s a spot you feel we missed, feel free to leave a comment or drop an email!
Cover image by Schuetz-mediendesign on pixabay – Source