The interior hums with conversation as people weave their way through the newly renovated restaurant, a bigger and better version of the old Seoul Taco. We grab a booth on the classic Seoul Taco side, enjoying the blue lighting that adds a modern, industrial vibe. On the other side, Seoul Q caters to classier tastes with its red-and-black décor and dim mood lighting.
Photo by Tess Citron
Seoul Q at 6665 Delmar Boulevard (the former location of Ginger Bistro) maintains the same authentic Korean-Mexican fusion recipes from the old, hole-in-a-wall Seoul Taco location off the Loop, in a much larger and more comfortable space, along with a new section including DIY Korean BBQ stations. Choi’s efforts to re-envision the Seoul Taco experience have included work with Smartmouth Designs, which played a key role in creating the split interior, with a casual dining area offset by intimate class.
The customer was clearly the primary consideration, as the line moves efficiently and we are served our food at a booth with attentiveness and friendliness. The majority of us ordered Gogi bowls – a mixture of rice, your choice of meat or tofu and arugula, topped with an egg. As a vegetarian, I chose the tofu Gogi bowl with fried rice and was, once again, amazed by the perfect proportions of spicy and sweet flavors. The quesadilla was also a hit amongst my friends, who were licking their fingers to get the last of Seoul’s signature, spicy-sweet orange sauce.
Photo by Tess Citron
My friend Ji Yun Suh, a Korean-American, described a whole new experience at Seoul Q, on the other side of the restaurant: she found the flavors of the BBQ to be a rare taste of home. As a sit-down restaurant with accent lighting to create a more sophisticated ambience, the feel is entirely different from the hustle and bustle of the old location.
Choi’s new venture into Korean BBQ has proven successful amongst both old customers, drawn by their loyalty to Seoul Taco’s delicious flavors, and new customers seeking a more formal Asian dining option. The Seoul Taco name has most definitely lived up to its legacy amongst Wash U students.
Photo by Tess Citron
Address: 6665 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130
Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 11am-10pm