Get Your Burgers at the Smokey Saloon

I've been walking past this little joint in a side street in Itaewon for some time and always thought of trying it. It's got darkened windows so I can't see inside but there is almost always a queue on the weekend. I've come to regard that as a good sign.

Smokey Saloon's the name and I finally got to try it a few weeks ago. It's just this little hole in the wall with about 4-5 tables max. The decor is dark and somewhat reminiscent of a place you'd find in Soho, New York.



This is all part of the experience. I was not disappointed by the burgers! The patty was moist but firm, the bun toasted to perfection (no sesame seeds) and sufficiently large. Only gripe is the burger comes by itself without any sides. That you have order separately.





We tried the Sloppy Fries and the regular Fries. These aren't french fries but self-cut potatoes, chips as the British would call it.



The Sloppy Fries were DELICIOUS! My Man is a big fan of burgers and he was a very happy man. He had the Sloppy Joes and I had the Cowboy. Both equally yummy with the Sloppy Joes with a hint of chilli. The Cowboy had me wiping my chin as the juice was dribbling everywhere. Too good! One of the best burgers I've ever had.

I can't remember the prices exactly but be prepared to pay from KRW9,000 for burgers and sides from KRW4,500. A bit pricey but it made my stomach very happy so worth it.

To get there, look for Hard Rock Cafe (right in front of Hamilton Hotel) when you exit the station. Right next to the Hard Rock is a little lane that slopes upwards, walk up that lane. On the right of the lane you should see a Thai restaurant and on the corner a little restaurant at the bottom of a short flight of stairs called The Flying Pan. Turn right when you hit the end of the lane and after about 15m you will see Smokey Saloon with it's black tinted windows. Then, get in line!