Super sweet place to check out on the west strip. Great intimate vibes, neon signs, old record players and Asian drinks as well. Chopped cheese and wedge salads were my go to. Would come back with small groups for a night of drinking. read more

I wanted to try this place since the menu looked interesting with a korean/asian flair on american classics and unique dish names. We ordered the that fries, pork belly steak ssam, and roast kimchi chop cheese (sliders). I liked the sliders the most but the fries were soft rather than typical American crispy fries. We thought that the total cost of our meal was quite high. The restaurant has a cool vibe due to the dim lighting and bar, with waiters that matched the atmosphere. However, the volume of the music made it difficult for my group to chat, we were sweating the entire meal (stuffy inside) and thought that it was a little too dark to see what we were eating. read more

Seoul Shakers - Sliders, fries, pork belly plate - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Without a business sign, you might walk past this place and not even notice it... but trust me, would don't want to miss it! Absolutely loved their creative menu of Korean fusion snacks, and a great selection of cocktails and drinks too. They have patio seating which is perfect for people-watching on Bloor. read more

Seoul Shakers - Bulgogi Empanadas, Kimchi Asian Pear Salad, Phat Fries - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

One viral ig post that my bf saved that actual lives up to the expectations. We were in the area and my bf remembered this hole in the wall/speakeasy place was nearby. So funny how the outside is so ghetto looking. But the inside really is a nice retro vibe, cozy; interesting decor and vintage memoribilia. This place works because the food and deinks are just off the chain. All the cocktails we had were so good - definitely comes to show that special and high quality ingredients in a cocktail make a huge diff. Theappetizers we had were mouthwateringly delicious. Very unique dishes, and the tastes were carefully crafted. The cod tempura was special and the sauce is so good. The kalbi empanada was oh so yummy. We didnt eat more because we had to bike after. But this place nails it in all ways . No wonder it has survived the ghetto facade and worked thru word of mouth! This place is a true gem. read more

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What a vibe in here!! Came here for pre-dinner drinks and wow was I impressed. It was a weeknight and was pretty empty when I arrived. I came back after dinner and the place was packed! The decor inside gives off retro vibes, and is quite dark. I sat at the bar both times and it was extremely hot, with the heat turned up way too high. I was able to grab a drink for myself (don't remember what I got) but remember that I enjoyed my drink and time here. They're also able to make mocktails if that's up your alley as well. Bar staff are quiet and cool, but such a great experience sitting by the bar watching them make drinks! It's a tiny space but great for hanging out and catching up with friends. read more

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I dropped by this place for a snack last weekend as I was still feeling peckish after attending a festival. I ordered the Phat Fries, which was like a Korean style poutine with kimchi and garlic mayo, and the Purple Hearts cocktail. Both items were delicious, and the garlic mayo here is one of the best I've had. The server was super friendly and very efficient with getting us settled in our spot, taking our order and bringing us our food despite the place being almost full. My brother also wanted to do shots, and the server was kind enough to mix me something tasty after I mentioned that I don't like pure hard liquor. This place has an overall fun ambiance. Despite the grungy exterior, the interior decor has a bit of a hipster old diner school feel to it, and is quite nice compared to the outside. A hidden gem! read more

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We stumbled across this restaurant while looking for a place to grab some drinks before our dinner reservation. We were pleasantly surprised by seoulshakers. We grabbed some quick drinks which were incredible. We will definitely be going back for food another time read more

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Simply fantastic. While it's not much to look at, this is an exceptional resto-bar serving up quality cocktails and Korean small plates. The music is loud, the atmosphere is buzzing, and the food is phenomenal. Bonus: kitchen is open late. We dined here last night after midnight and enjoyed everything we ate. Service was also lovely. PS their sister spot (Shaker Club) is a few doors down and it's the exact same concept but with a different, equally good menu. Enjoy! read more

Was looking for a spot to hangout while we wait for our table at Sugo. Judging from the comments here, it seems like many others have stumbled upon this place in the same way! I had a great time here! We were quickly served and didn't have to wait for a table, but decided to sit by the bar and ordered a couple of cocktails. Drinks were great and the bar was well decorated with a casual and comfortable vibe. It definitely made the wait a lot more enjoyable. Looking at other pictures here, I'd want to come back another night to try their food as well. read more

Seoul Shakers - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Behind a storefront that doesn't look like anything signifcant, this vibey restaurant-bar serves up delicious eats and drinks with a Korean-style twist. Tried their signature Eggplant Kangpungi on Rice which was crispy fried eggplant coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce over purple rice. It was really good! We also had some of their delicious drinks, like their mango and taro teapot soju drinks which were recommended to us by the server. They were quite unique offerings, the taro one tasted like a taro milk tea but with alcohol. Would definitely like to come back to try some of their other menu items! read more

Seoul Shakers - Eggplant - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

A hidden cozy bar that you definitely wouldn't expect on Bloor. There's barely any sign so you would easily pass by without know the gem inside. But once you open the door to the dimly lit windows, it opens up to a cozy vibe where you can catch up with friends or have a casual date. Cocktails are pretty standard price for Toronto but have an asian flair to them. Food is nicely portioned to share as well. This has been a solid surprise spot to bring friends to read more

Seoul Shakers - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Seoul Shakers is becoming one of my favourite places to hangout and eat. Chill vibes. Unique spin on Korean food. They just updated their cocktail menu with some great additions. The staff are chill too. The Eggplant Kanpungi was really good. The spicy sweet soy glaze on top of the tender fried eggplant was fantastic. It was almost like eating Unagi. Really enjoyed this dish. The Tempura Salt Cod was bomb. Honestly could eat them all day. Nice and crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. Paired with the tartare sauce. Bomb dot com. The Kalbi Empanadas, as the name mentions, is an empanada but filled with grounded Kalbi. Really great flavour. The empanada is really crispy. Got that nice crunch to it. Get into the Ube X. The Ube X is one of their newest additions. It's sweet, tart, and creamy. An exquisite taste. read more

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Looks a little post apocalyptic from the outside but once in the door you are greeted to a cozy cute space - packed in the front but it opens up at the back by the kitchen. Staff is inviting and friendly, the vibe makes you want to take a seat and have a drink. Which we did. We had cocktails becasue it seems like the thing to do here. Drinks were nicely made and well presented. For eats, we tried the empanadas - the kalbi beef stuffing was very tasty and the shells were crispy and chewy. We also had the chopped cheese sliders - which had the taste profile of a Big Mac with the added hit of roast kim chi - delicious! We had the small (2 little buns) but we should have had the large (4 little buns) because they were so good. Both of these were great bar snacks. Seems like a perfect place to meet and have a drink with friends or even enemies for that matter. read more

We may have found a gem (unintentionally...) We were planning to go to Sugo but the wait was for 2 hours so we decided to get a snack here Honesty didn't have any expectations going in but I trust Yelp... Pictured : Phat Fries and Eggplant Kapungi On Rice In all honesty, I haven't had something so good in such a long time LOL. I was very surprised...the gochujang tomato sauce on the fries were and the glaze on the eggplant was This isn't in the nicest part of the city but it's definitely worth going... I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend P.S didn't end up going to Sugo read more

Seoul Shakers - Eggplant Kapungi On Rice - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I don't even want to say too much because we don't want to let the secret out. If you're going out on a date, first, second, last, this is perfect spot. The perfect ambiance, service was great. I felt like I was in an artistic independent movie where they bring out a hidden menu and everything was delicious from start to finish. Eat the whole menu, you won't regret it. read more

Seoul Shakers - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

You might pass by Seoul Shakers, even if you have your eyes peeled. This restaurant took over the space where Holy Oak bar used to be, and there are still remnants of its past. Seoul Shakers is a dark, kitschy dive bar from the owner of Hanmoto and Pinky's Ca Phe - Leemo Han. Its menu of sharing plates shakes up iconic Korean dishes and flavour profiles. You'll love the unique cocktail menu. I ordered the Fino Berry ($13), which contained cucumber bitters and pomegranate along with Tio Pepe, Dillon's 22 gin and tart finish from lemon. While the food isn't exactly the healthiest, it makes for an indulgent treat after a long week. I shared several dishes with my guest, but two were standouts: the kimchi pear wedge salad ($10) and the phat fries ($8). I've never seen a salad with so many unique flavours and textures! Picture a wedge salad, but with kimchi, stilton, Korean pear and crispy rice. It all worked well together. The phat fries were definitely fat, and were topped with kimchi and mayo. Overall, Seoul Shakers is a hip, casual spot to grab some drinks and a few bites. I'd go back for the great service, too. read more

Seoul Shakers - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Came for a patio day. The patio is located a but further west of the restaurant address on Google maps. It looked like a new COVID set up and they were bring cooked food from the main location. It seats about ~20 We were a party of 3 and had the hwe dup bap, chicken wings, pork belly, and empanadas. Our favs were probably the hwe dup bal and pork belly. Flavourful but light and fun to share. read more

Seoul Shakers - Pork belly - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

It was my first time in Toronto and a couple of friends recommended this delicious yummy place. Check it out if you want a dose of Asian food and are dying to try something new and authentic. Bon appetite! read more

Seoul Shakers is located around Lansdowne station, hidden in plain sight on Bloor street. You will definitely miss it if you don't know what you are looking for. Like all the Leemo Han projects, the entrance and storefront of Seoul Shakers is deceiving - covered in graffiti and worn out. Definitely a surprise when you enter the restaurant and see what's on the inside! My brother and I dropped by Seoul Shakers on a Wed night at around 6pm. We wanted to make sure we arrived at an earlier time as the restaurant does not take reservations. We were seated promptly and given menus. For the drinks I ordered a fino berry and my brother ordered a mak shake. Both drinks were great. For the food, we ordered the following: - Kimchi pear wedge salad - very unique and interesting take on salad! The components worked well together. - Phat fries - similar to other kimchi fries we've had before in other establishments. Only difference is that these fries are pretty big in size. - Kalbi empanada - generous filling and the empanada came with a good sauce. - Roasted kimchi chopped cheese - these were sliders where you had to pull apart the buns and sliders in order to eat one. The bun was incredible soft and the flavours of the slider was spot on (kind of like a big mac!). The slider buns were the real star though as they retained their fluffiness. Overall, hip cool vibe, friendly staff, and great food/drinks. Would not hesitate to come back to try more dishes in the future! read more

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What a great experience. Super fun atmosphere with dark red lighting and a great menu with a lot of really interesting options! They have almost a big mac that exploded my brain! MmmmM it was everything you want in a slider type burger. Roast kimchi chopped cheese is a MUST. They are super filling though so strat with one each and see where you're at if you're like me and like to try many items on a menu in a given meal. Our server tried to push us to order more and when we got them I was so glad we didn't go with his advice. Lots of great sharing plates with interesting Asian flavours and perfect size portions to get to try a few things without feeling too full. The Eggplant kangpungi was flavourful and perfectly cooked, the Hwe dup bap sashimi salad was packed with a million ingredients but they all mixed together well. The cocktails were very nice too. Lots of interesting infusions and combinations. Pro Tip: The door is not at all obvious. No sign, it looks like it's covered in chain-link safety fence but as soon as you open the door there is a sign on the wall and you can tell it's a cool little bar/restaurant. read more

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What a great muck. Its a small spot that doesn't accept reso's but that is expected for the area, you also have sugo and conzos nearby which are 2 other great places that just can't take reservations because they are too small to do so! Our groups favourite was the chopped cheese sliders. The eggplant was also amazing and the kimchi that came on the sliders? Oh my goodness. Delicious. Highly recommend this place but be prepared to wait if you are coming at a peak time and/or have a group larger than 2 people Overall: 9/10 mucks read more

Not sure if this is the right yelp account for this review but couldn't find Mac's Pizza or Shakers Club. Move over Lambo's, Flora's Deli. Shaker's hoagies are the new number 1! This is how a hoagie should be. Sorry for the trash review, i'm speechless. Get some! read more

Seoul Shakers - Italian Hoagie - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I'd been wanting to try Seoul Shakers for a very, very long time, so when the opportunity finally arose a couple of days ago, I jumped at the chance. We actually walked right by the place and had to double back, but we were fortunately able to snag a couple of bar seats. (Uncomfortable, squished-together bar seats, but hey, beggars can't be choosers.) Anyway, we wound up trying two things from their extremely intriguing menu: Phat Fries ("thick cut fries, gochujang tomato sauce, garlic mayo, roasted kimchi, lemon, parsley"): This is quite an interesting (and tasty) concoction, with the thick-cut fries basically slathered in a few different sauces. The flavor is almost overwhelmingly kimchi-based, so if you've got a problem with that Korean staple, you probably won't like this. Roast Kimchi Chopped Cheese ("chopped ground beef patty, roasted kimchi, pickles, sauce, lettuce, onions, yellow cheese"): This one I loved. It's basically a deluxe sloppy joe and everything about it works. The soft, pillowy buns hold a filling that's delicious and flavorful, and it's almost impossible not to gobble the whole thing in just a couple of bites. We got the "biggie" size, which comes with four slider-sized portions, but we probably would've been fine with the "smalls" version. Needless to say, we were quite full after our two dishes. I'm definitely looking forward to returning to try some of their other offerings, but hopefully next time I can get one of the few tables. read more

Best restaurant in the city. I always love coming here for friend birthdays or reunions. It's hidden away and ambiance feels as if it's a bar lost to time. Food is amazing; flavors that will make you craving for more. I recommend always to try: the wedge salad, the eggplant & the sliders. Every single person I've brought here end up falling in love with one of these dishes. Been going to this restaurant for over 3 years, so happy they are surviving this pandemic. My only note is: I do miss the old drink menu! The malt shake was delicious and great addition on the menu. read more

Great atmosphere, didn't recognize in the the beginning. The inside is dim just perfect for hanging out in the evening. We had white grape soju, kalbi empanada and pork belly steak saam. The pork belly was so good, it tasted like it was sous vide or something. The fat was perfect. The radish that comes with it is very refreshing. Perfect for a date night with good music. The servers were friendly and they kept asking how the food was! read more

Seoul Shakers - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I've been wanting to come here since they opened and I'm so disappointed... that I didn't make the trip earlier because this place is FANTASTIC. It felt like we were in an old dive bar in NYC. I had the Gin + Pear cocktail that I forget the name of, but our group tried most of the ones they had and they were all super tasty. All of our food was great. Our favourites of the night were the kkanpunggi eggplant, kimchi chopped cheese, and the phat fries. We also really enjoyed their take on the corn cheese and tempura salt cod. The kkanpunggi eggplant had an amazing crispy texture and explode-in-your-mouth flavour. Everyone at the table was surprised at how good this dish tasted "because kkanpunggi is supposed to be meat only!" but this dish blew us away! The rice was just a tiny bit underdone but it does not take away from the flavour of that eggplant. This dish is a meal. Definitely recommend this one! We loved how crispy the phat fries were when they were first brought out, and how crispy they stayed! These were SO good. The sauce was spicy and tangy-- delicious! The Chopped Cheese was an experience; you just have to try it. One of my friends described it as 'like the best big mac he's ever had', and it was good but I don't think it tasted like a big mac. Another must-try flavour-bomb. I think we expected the most from the pork belly, but it is probably the only dish we would pass on next time we are here. The portion was very generous, but I think we just expected a little bit more from it. The servers and kitchen staff (who brought us some of our dishes) were all super friendly. Seoul Shakers is going on our list of frequent haunts. We can't wait to come back for more tasty food and cocktails! read more

The Korean version of a chopped cheese samich here is fire. Hits like a Big Mac. Get it!

I was honestly so excited to try this place but it was a huge disappointment. I do love the vibe of this restaurant very dim and intimate. FOOD: Tempura Salt Cod -This was my favourite dish. The cod had a great crunch and paired well with the sauces provided. Hwe Dup Bop -I had no idea what was going on with this dish. The flavours were all over the place. Kalbi Empanadas -Very generic. Tasted like Taco Bell. Chop Cheese -Tasted like any other smash burger This meal was quite underwhelming. read more

Such a cool place! You might miss it a few times when you're looking for it but that's half the fun. :) The vibe, the bar, the food - just perfection. The decor is a cool, vintage, tiki kind of theme and the lighting is near dark, I guess you could say intimate. The kitchen is open late and there is ALWAYS people there. Seating is cozy and sometimes the tables are too small to hold all the awesome food - not really a bad problem to have. Cocktails are fantastic! The food is superb Korean fusion Must try are the eggplant, kimchi pear salad, the pork belly, and literally everything else on this menu. The empanadas were delish too. Can't wait to go back!!! read more

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Never disappoints. Not usually fan of Empananadas but their kalbi empanada was delish! Went on Friday as they don't take reso it's easier to go with a smaller party such as 2 rather than bigger party. read more

I've always wanted to pop into a place like Soul Shakers when driving around the Queen or Bloor West areas. You know the place? Looks kinda sketchy, but has that sense of character you just can't resist. Well last night I gave it a try. I walked in to a dark, wood panelled, barstool having, tattooed crowd being, old school music playing place. The menu was Korean infused with a Mexican meats Italian kinda blend. Drinks were high end prices and most looked intriguing. I happened to go for a beer via the tap route-Sapporo at $8. I ordered the eggplant and the empanada dish and was told to add a side of rice as the eggplant is usually saucy. Dishes came out quick and the eggplant was chunky yet lightly crispy and yes with an Asian twist, the chilis have the dish a sweet heat. I liked it. The side of rice was dry and not needed! The empanadas resembled a samosa in a flaky pastry and were completed with a mess of sauce. They were under filled, and oily. Definitely not worth getting again. Overall the place is great to drop in and grab a drink, dingy looking but a menu at a price point that makes you wonder if all those sketchy looking people are really Bay St. types trying to let loose a little. read more

Seoul Shakers - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Probably the least fun location of all the wonderful Leemo Han projects. Not as convenient, and far less other great bars compared to the Ossington Strip. I see this as a great place to start or end your night, but I think it's a bit too expensive with a few too many misses to spend a whole night here. That being said, it's worth going for the Eggplant Kanpungi ($12) alone. Yes, it is that good! Love, love, love the gooey caramelized bits and thick cut slices. The SS Trompo taco(s) ($15) was good, but the way they serve it is very unusual. Why serve as one giant taco with extra tortilla shells if all you really have is chopsticks to spread the meat amongst other shells? I've had much tastier tacos in the city, but I'd still order this again along with the eggplant. I'm hoping something was off with the Kimchi Pear Wedge Salad, but it was almost inedible for me. read more

Seoul Shakers - SS trompo tacos - Bars Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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We visited this place with couple of friends, loved the ambiance, food and drinks. From the outside, it looks like a run down place, but probably it is 'rustic' finish :) We tried few items on the menu and liked them all. They have a inhouse rice wine, which we tried before ordering but did not like. Fortunately we got a table as we arrived around 6:30pm, but the place was full in few minutes! read more

Hands down my fav from these Toronto mans that brought us every "hype" Asian fusion restaurants/bars. I mean, if you're reading this, you probably know of their other popular spots. I have to say, I loved hanmoto and the cold tea v2 food menu, but Seoul Shakers' #1 for me. First off, their interpretation makgeolli was shockingly impressive. My squad ordered everything a pescatarian could eat (plus the burger thing I can't rate, but heard good things). I wasn't disappointed in a single item! read more

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Love everything here- food, drink and atmosphere! will def come back again! beef sashimi (yukhwe) and hwe dup bab (sashimi donburi) were amazing.. read more

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One of our favourite restaurants in the city! The dishes are equally delicious as they are creative. Definitely a little bit more on the adventurous side! This is not a place I would take people who like to play it safe and eat nothing but cheese pasta and grilled chicken. Trust me: this place takes everything to the max and perfectly executes Asian and North American flavours! Our favourite items which we order every time: Biggie chop cheese- A dissected burger masterpiece! Zesty sauce, unbelievable tangy cheese, and freshly chopped ground beef all together on an absolutely delectable fluffy potato bun. Shredded lettuce to accompany it all. The combination of flavours is actually pretty difficult to explain but it works so well playing off sweet, zesty, and salty flavours. The texture and taste are so on point. If you are on the hunt for some of Toronto's best burgers, get the biggie here which comes with four sliders and it is the equivalent of one absolutely delicious big smash burger. A must order! Kimchi pear wedge salad- As blue cheese lovers, the salad is right up our alley. Really amazing is the texture of the salad, the hot peppers to cut the blue cheese, and the sweet pear to give it all a sweet, savoury mix. Even people we've come with it aren't that big blue cheese fans have like the salad. Really nice to split with one or two other people. Tempura salt cod- honestly, the way they fry the fish is so incredible! Take any fried fish at a fish and chips place and compare it to this one and it will lose every time. The sweet sauce and the ranch dip go so well together. Amazing, crunchy texture and protein packed fish all together. A must order Eggplant kanpungi- A very special dish that really takes the sweet and spicy flavours to high levels! I'm not even an eggplant fan in this dish is top notch! A popular option here and the way they fry the egg plant and mix it in with the sauce and the brown rice is really terrific. Definitely the top vegetarian option as more of a main Phat fries- A great mix between Krispy and thick cut potato wedge fries! The red and white kimchi cheese sauce gives it all a nice tangy taste! Definitely a solid addition and a good splitter. Two general things I will say: 1) They do not take reservations and are usually busy. Feels like a tough spot to go with more than two people. We usually just go the two of us, so if you were looking to go with a group, be prepared to wait. 2) We did a fair bit of takeout here over the pandemic and realized that while it is solid on takeout, it does not compare to eating it in person. This is especially true of the fat fries and eggplant which are elevated by being piping hot. I think this goes for a lot of places but we really noticed it here. We will continue to support nonetheless and have loved every meal we've gone to here this summer. Also a shout out to the great Mac's Pizza which seems like a sister restaurant here... they make a crispy,mean slice ! read more

We have ordered from this place before and decided to drop in for dinner. OMG I am so glad we did. Amazing food, tremendous staff, great experience. Everything we ordered was astoundingly good. Want to go back again. read more

truly worth of money and waiting five star for their stunning dishes must order chop cheese read more

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I visited Seoul Shakers for dinner. It has a super cool hip vibe that very similarly reminds me of Pinky's Ca Phe. Love the old retro, funky vibe and the music that was played. The host was super nice, and they do not take reservation. We went on a Friday night, and put our name down. Waited about 30 - 45 minutes but there are a couple bars around the area, so quick drink at a near by place kept us occupied. Ordered 4 dishes and 2 cocktails each. I am Korean so I was really interested in seeing how the food would turn out. We ordered, Salted Cod tempura, Eggplant kangpungi, Bulbogi sandwich, and Ssam. Salted Cod tempura was amazing with the sauce, and eggplant kangpungi was was just the right amount of spicy but also sweet and sour tangy-ness to it. The Bulgogi sandwich was delicious and loved the pickles on the side. It comes in two sizes, Biggie, and a small. Small was just perfect for a couple bite size. Only down part was Ssam as I thought it was way too salty. Pork belly should have been cut a little thinner, and going a little easy on the salt would have been nice! Overall ambiance was 5/5, super unique place, and food was 4/5. Drinks were around 14 to 15 dollars per cocktail, FYI. Highly recommend for a date night :) read more

As a Korean - I usually become skeptical of new restaurants trying to put on our food. That being said, Seoul Shakers did a really good job updating some classic Korean dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant itself has a really cool vibe - Leemo and his team have great attention to detail. We got the fried chicken, eggplant, fries, and ssam. The ssam and the fried chicken were excellent. The ssam was done close to exactly how they would do it in Korea. My only complaint would be that the FOH team could have given us a warning that the eggplant and fried chicken come with the same sauce/garnishes - it was basically like eating the same dish. Besides that, the service was really pleasant. I'd suggest to the staff that they shouldn't be afraid of giving people guidance on what items to order in combination. read more