Restaurateur David Choi offers patrons two distinctively different dining experiences at his latest venture, a large-scale restaurant in the Delmar Loop that houses two concepts: the recently opened Seoul Q (6665 Delmar Boulevard; 314-925-8452) as well as a new home for the already established Seoul Taco (6665 Delmar Boulevard; 314-863-1148). The former focuses on traditional tabletop-grilled Korean barbecue while the latter fuses it with Mexican-style fare in a fast-casual setting.
See also: Seoul Taco Moving into Former Ginger Bistro Space on Delmar
On the Seoul Q side, wooden tables come equipped with either grills for barbecue or induction burners for hot-pot meals. From the barbecue menu, choose from cuts of beef or pork ($18-$32) to cook at the table and dip in a variety of sauces. Each entree comes with rice and vegetables as well as sides for sharing: fried beef korokke (croquettes), egg souffle, soy-bean sprouts, napa kimchi, cucumber kimchi, radish kimchi and sweet black beans.
Hot pots ($25-$40) yield between two to three servings and include a spicy "Seafood Jungle" with blue crab, shrimp, mussel, clams, cod roe, baby octopus, udon noodles, tofu and vegetables; and a "Troop Stew" with beef chunks, sausage, franks, Spam, noodles, kimchi and vegetables. Additional menu options include savory Korean-style pancakes ($10-$14), sweet-and-spicy chili wings ($8), a variety of soups ($10), and specials such as a "Seoul Ssam Wrap" ($30) with caramelized, braised pork belly and shoulder. A beverage menu features beer, soju and specialty cocktails.
Smartmouth Designs spearheaded the look of the space's unique split personality. While Seoul Q takes on a more modernized, low-key role for intimate communal dinners, Seoul Taco revels in bright colors and playful murals to emphasize its casual nature. There, visitors will find all of its original food-truck favorites including tacos, quesadillas, burritos and bowls filled with Korean-style marinated meats.
Seoul Q's current hours are Monday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Wednesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m. Seoul Taco is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For full menus and additional information, visit the Seoul Q and Seoul Taco websites.
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See also: - First Look: St. Louis Taco & Pita Grill - First Look: Miss Leon's - First Look: Winfield's Gathering Place - First Look: El Burro Loco
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