Korean Job Discussion Forums

[digsydinner]

Just had my first (and probably last) Smokey Saloon burger in Itaewon. After a co-worker gabbed non-stop of how great their burgers were, I ventured out there last night. Utterly disappointed. First of all, waited about 40 minutes to get in. Not a big deal...just made me more excited and hungry. Ordered the "Cowboy". After another 20 minute wait after we ordered, the food came out.

Presentation-wise, it looked quite yummy...size-wise...respectable. However, the disappointment began after the first bite...The patty was some salty spiced puree of what reminded me of 3rd grade cafeteria mystery meat. The bread was a bit stale and just crumbled into pieces a quarter way through. The mushrooms (all 3 slices) might as well have been non-existent.

I believe the burger itself cost around 11,000 won, which is a total RIP OFF.. Fries were NOT included. And the two dinky paper thin slices of pickle were a joke. Total bill for burger, fries, and a drink came out to close to 20,000 won. Perhaps I paid extra to go home with clothes reeking of the greasy grill.

I have NO CLUE why this place is so talked about...and why so many people wait on line to get in. Can someone please clue me in? Did I not order the "special" burger dish? Honestly, I can say I prefer a Whopper over this...

[Bloopity Bloop]

What are you trying to say about Whoppers? They're great.

[jkelly80]

I'd also take a Whopper. Smokey's is OK, but not worth the 10-15k you have to throw down. And you're right about the bun, it's pretty crap. Thunder Burger near Noksapyeong station is better.

[climber159]

I agree. Smokey's is perhaps the most hyped restaurant in Itaewon. If you're looking for a good burger and fries try Jacoby's in Haebongchon. It's on the right side of the main street heading into the neighborhood. It's not much cheaper than Smokey's, but the taste is better, there's no waiting in line (yet), and the restaurant opens onto the street (think not cramped).

[bassexpander]

The Wolfhound has a great large burger, too.

[roadwork]

[QbertP]

There's a burger stand in Gangnam near the movie theater that is pretty good.

[Frankly Mr Shankly]

The reason I stopped going there is their complete and utter inability to respond to an order slightly outside the ordinary. I asked for an egg on my burger and was met with a blank stare.

[waynehead]

An egg on your burger? Can't say I blame them.

[Frankly Mr Shankly]

[Big Pun Lives]

I echo the same sentiment; Smokey's is awful. Been there twice and will never go back, wait is too long, and one time they forgot to cook my wife's burger.

Service: Slow, cannot understand any modification to the menu. Slow. Did
I mention slow?

Atmosphere: The place is too small, I love sharing a table with strangers.

Quality: It is not a burger, it is a meat loaf burger that is way too greasy.
The bun is crap.

Value: The price is too expensive not to include fries.

Overall: Not worth the money or the time.

I am still looking for a place (other than my kitchen) that serves a 100% Beef burger...

[egrog1717]

Richard's All-American Diner in Itaewon has really good burgers...
(Including a double cheeseburger with 2x 8oz. patties and fries for like 14k)

[JongnoGuru]

Last two times the place was packed with very young Korean couples, like kids on dates, and they were holding each other's hands across the table, waiting for their orders. !#@&)%!, that put me in a foul mood. K-love in a faux American greasy spoon. Plus the burgers are awful and sloppy, you need a spoon or a straw to eat them. Yuck! And yuck to those cheesy hand-holding Korean couples, too! Avoid!

[Robot_Teacher]

They be asking 2X fair market value at these burger joints as if they're really good like the old fashioned diners back home.

[roadwork]