[Thank you to our readers for recommending About Jins BBQ for our list]

In the recent years, the 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 thes have a Korean twist.

Here is a list of 5 American BBQ spots you should try in Seoul (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.

Address: 136-13 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul

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.

Address: Seoul, Yongsan District, Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil, 47

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.

Address: 83 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul

Our Recommendations

• Pulled Pork
• Smoked chicken
• Beef ribs and brisket

Jimmie’s Smokehouse | Jongno District

If you’re seeking a cozy spot in Seoul that masterfully blends American-style smoked meats with Italian comfort food, Jimmie’s Smokehouse is a must-visit. The place offers a warm atmosphere and a menu that delights both meat lovers and pasta aficionados.​

The star of the menu is the smoked shoulder steak, renowned for its tenderness and rich flavor. Complementing the meats are homemade pasta dishes like creamy mushroom tagliatelle and beef ragu lasagna, which have garnered praise for their depth and authenticity

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Chef-owner Jimmie is known for his hospitality, often interacts with guests to ensure a memorable dining experience.

Whether you’re in the mood for hearty smoked meats or savory pasta dishes, Jimmie’s Smokehouse offers a unique culinary experience that combines the best of American and Italian flavors in the heart of Seoul.

Address: 117 Seosulla-gil, Jongno District, Seoul

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)

Address: Seoul, Jongno District, Saemunan-ro 3-gil, 30

Thanks for checking out our top 5 best American BBQ spots in Seoul. If there’s a spot you feel we missed, feel free to leave a comment!

Cover image by Schuetz-mediendesign on pixabay – Source