If you look hard enough you can find some great burgers in Seoul. You don’t have to settle for McDonald’s, Burger King, or Lotteria. Smokey Saloon is a step above such places, but not exactly on the same level as Jacoby’s and Star Burger.
The Bad: Smokey Saloon is small. Tiny. Cramped. The space really needs to be twice as big because you literally will be sitting elbow to elbow with the people at the next table. That’s my experience in both the Seoullung location and the one in Itaewon. The wait in Itaewon should also be mentioned. Be prepared to que for about twenty or so minutes to get a table during peak times. The Seoullung branch however was pleasantly que free. Maybe we hit a slow period, but you’re forewarned nonetheless. When it comes to the food the bun needs some shoring up. It kind of falls apart on you. And it needs some friends as in side items included in the price. You can order them extra for a price, but they should really be included.
The Good: Smokey Saloon offers up a wide selection of burgers done a variety of different ways. You can go for the Pavoratti, the Islander, the Cowboy, and much more. Toppings range from typical mushrooms, onions, bacon, cheddar, to marinara, onion rings,The burgers themselves actually are pretty good. I have had better, metioned above, but with the ton of toppings and whopping size Smokey’s does its best to compete with a decent offering.
Still, for the price and lack of side items there are better options out there.
I’m a blogger, writer, and teacher. I’ve been working in South Korea’s ESL field for the last three years. My one year contract has unexpectedly turned into a journey that I’m still on and loving.