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Soju

4.4 (286 reviews)
Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

Soju Photos

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SOJU ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Hipster
Casual
Trendy
Moderate noise

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Recommended Reviews - Soju

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Hannah G.

It has been nearly 2 months since I visited this spot for the first time, and it has lived rent free in my mind ever since. This meal was seriously incredible. We split two appetizers, and they were so filling that we didn't even get an entrée! We got the Kimchi-Chi Nachos with beef - the first bite alone was heavenly!! these were the best nachos I've ever had. They were so unique and flavorful. It was a huge bowl and we ate the whole thing. We also got the Spicy Tuna Gimbap - my first time having gimbap! these were huge pieces and so delish! I love tuna so I knew I'd love this dish. This was my bf's first time having raw tuna and he loved it! Soju punch - refreshing and paired perfectly with our meal! Also served in huge glasses! I think they were $10 each which is a steal. FYI this space is small, fills up fast, and they don't take reservations. I suggest getting there when they open at 5. We got there around 5:20 pm and only bar seats and one big table were left. We love sitting at bars so that's what we did! I loved the intimate feel of the space. Such good vibes. The perfect date night spot!

Killer tofu
Beatrice V.

Saw this place listed on multiple top restaurants of Pittsburgh lists so had to finally check it out. They're walk-in only so depending on the time you go, be prepared for a bit of a wait. We came by on a Friday night and our wait was a little over an hour, but luckily there are shops along the street to check out and even a brewery nearby so you can get a drink beforehand. The restaurant itself is pretty small and intimate hence the long wait, they have a small bar as well. The host was the same guy who was our waiter and he was great, a genuinely friendly guy. Wonderful service overall and the food came out pretty quickly. Interestingly, the food came out all together - appetizers and mains. I thought it was a little weird they didn't space it out more. They don't have just soju cocktails on their menu, like I expected. They have beers, wines, and cocktails with different liquors. I ordered the Makgeolli's First Date as my cocktail. It was nicely spiced from the nutmeg. It was good but I'd probably get something else next time. We started with the killer tofu. Big portion, great for a group. It was too much for just 2 people so we took home leftovers. We also got the Korean "poutine" with chicken katsu. This came as a big bowl of fries in gravy and topped with a piece of chicken katsu. Dairy-free! I enjoyed this, it's also a good dish for sharing. A bit heavy though. The chicken was tasty and crispy. There's a huge portion of fries, also enough to take home leftovers. Next, we got the Korean BBQ combination. We liked being able to try three of their different meats - kalbi, bulgogi and pork but we wished there was more meat on the plate. Compared to the other two dishes, we felt the portion was small, especially for the amount of rice in the center. About two slices of eat meat on the plate. The kalbi was the best of the bunch. The meal also came with a couple side dishes of cucumbers and some kimchi. Good meal overall, I'd definitely come back again!

Pranav P.

Soju is 5/5, it can never do wrong. Never will take Soju slander. Amazing chicken, amazing HH, go to soju. GO. Don't walk. RUN‍

Bulgogi
Alexa S.

Amazing Korean food in Pittsburgh!! We went here on Saturday night around 5:30 and there was an hour wait. I'd recommend going right when they open at 5, but it was definitely worth waiting for! We started with the chicken katsu and nori fries. The chicken was so flavorful on its own and equally as amazing when paired with the barbeque sauce. The nori fries were so addicting! I got the pineapple salmon which was cooked to perfection and full of vibrant flavors. I tried my friend's bulgogi and kimchi fried rice and both were absolutely phenomenal! The staff were lovely and the service was quick once we were sat. This is certainly one of our new favorite Asian restaurants in the city, highly recommend. You will not be disappointed with anything you order!

Curry pouting with chicken

Excellent meals! We had the grilled salmon with pineapple and curry poutine with chicken added. Great ambience and staff. We will be back!

Korean BBQ Combo Platter
Tiffany Y.

Soju is a Korean-American restaurant and full-bar. They serve dinner in a no-reservation dining room as well as through takeout and delivery. Their menu lists foods such as nori French fries, tofu, beef gimbap, tuna gimbap, chicken katsu, Korean fried chicken, kimchi fried rice, poke, and pineapple salmon. Prices are reasonable. Through the Insider Eats website, I ordered four of Soju's entrees for delivery. The cooks promptly prepared my foods. I am definitely no expert on Korean foods, so my ratings are based solely on my personal tastebuds. I thought that the "Kimchijeon" (pancake with kimchi and mung beans) and the "3 Cheese Tteokbokki" (a stir-fried rice-cake dish with hard-boiled eggs) tasted OK. I greatly enjoyed the flavors of the "Korean BBQ Combo Platter" (Bulgogi beef fillet, Kalbi beef ribs, and Dwaejibulgogi pork with rice) and the "BiBimBap" (rice with spinach, bean sprouts, mushrooms, spicy cucumber, and an egg).

Purple Rain cocktail
Tamara G.

My first visit to Soju. I sat at the bar. I had the Purple Rain & the Saenggang Bae cocktails. Both light & refreshing drinks. The bartender was friendly & attentive. She said the Soju Punch is there most popular cocktail. Soju is a Korean rice liquor & you can get it by the shot or bottle. They also have wine & beer & cava. Menu looks delish. I had the poke bowl & ordered 1/2 sweet & 1/2 spicy. It actually wasn't spicy at all, but has a lot of tuna poke so I enjoyed it. The girl next to me got the tofu which looked amazing. I'd definitely come back. Parking can be tough on Penn Ave. Meters are enforced until 6pm. This place gets crowded & is small in size.

Jess N.

Hands down the best chicken katsu in the city (and maybe anywhere) I ALWAYS get the bulgogi & finally got to try the kimchi fried rice with chicken and it was FANTASTIC. I have been here about 6-7 times now and I never plan on stopping. Service and atmosphere are amazing, small, and quaint! So be sure to get there early to grab a seat! Fills up fast and they do not take reservations.

Katsu Curry close-up
Sarah K.

I cannot say enough good things about this place! Soju is normally packed, and they don't take reservations. We happened upon the restaurant on a not so busy night (the Steelers were playing), do we got a seat right away and pretty much had the restaurant to ourselves. The restaurant is small but filled with lots of interesting artwork that creates a hipster, inner city vibe despite being on the outskirts on downtown in the Garfield neighborhood. Penn Avenue has a lot of restaurants but none like this one! First of all, our waiter was outstanding! He was friendly and helpful, and he really made us comfortable with our menu choices. Neither my husband nor myself were familiar with Korean BBQ. I'm not as adventurous as my husband, so I wanted to make sure I'd pick something that I'd like. The waiter gave suggestions and made a point to tell us that Korean BBQ is really approachable in the sense that it's ethnic but familiar comfort foods that most Americans love. I tried 20 new restaurants in 2023, and this was the last one we tried that year, and it IMMEDIATELY went in my top 20 if not top 3. The food was flavorful and tasted like home! I've never tried anything like it before, and I cannot wait to try something new on the menu! Here's what we tried: [Korean BBQ Chicken]: This is the cripsiest fried chicken I've ever tasted, and it came with a spicy sauce that was like an award winning buffalo sauce! [BBQ Combination]: My husband had this meal with 3 different meats: Bulgogi, Kalbi, & Dwaejibulgogi. He loved it, and he thought all was very flavorful! [Katsu Curry]: This meal was the star of the show! As simple as the dish was (crispy chicken, potatoes, and veggies in a curry gravy), this meal packed a punch of flavor! I can't tell you how many times I said out loud, "This is so good!" It was by far one of the best meals I've ever had! Make sure you check out Soju, and keep your mind open to the menu choices because you won't be disappointed! I cannot wait to go back!

Combination bbq
Rachel S.

We had a great belated Valentine's dinner at Soju! We got there around 5:30 for dinner and were thankfully seated right away. A word of caution that there are only a few tables! Servers were kind through and helpful. We ordered the killer tofu, combo bbq plate and the chicken katsu. The killer tofu was amazing! Such krispy coating and delicious glaze. A huge appetizer portion IMO. Our entrees were good. I was a little disappointed in the servings of vegetables and banchan for both of our plates. But overall they were delicious and we will definitely return!

furikake fries, korean fried chicken, killer tofu, galbi, kimchi pancake
Michelle Z.

Would definitely rank Soju as one of my top 5 restaurants in Pittsburgh. It's a stellar meal every time! One of the things I love most about this restaurant is the ambiance -- it's very hip and they play great music. Super funky decor inside too. Definitely not a traditional Korean restaurant vibe, but it's really fun! The food is a modern take on Korean classics -- they have all the familiar dishes like fried chicken (fire, but the pieces are massive), kimchi fried rice (FIRE), kimchi pancakes, tteokbokki, etc, but also creative modern dishes like furikake fries (would probably skip this one, it tastes exactly how you'd expect) and killer tofu. Speaking of the tofu -- you absolutely must get this dish if you come here. It is my favorite tofu dish I've ever had at a restaurant hands down. Somehow they make the tofu so crispy yet juicy and flavorful at the same time... this tofu is actually life changing. You can't really go wrong with any of the menu items though!! The cocktail in the SPAM can is really fun too. They don't take reservations for smaller groups so be prepared for a wait, but it's 100% worth it. Wish I went here more while I lived in Pittsburgh :')

Renee L.

Soju is a definitely a nice place to try if you have time. My friends and I ordered the tteokbokki which I found the sauce to be on the drier side compared to some other ones I've had. The seafood pancake was pretty good as well the chicken appetizer that we ordered. This place had a homey and cozy feel to it with the plates that they used to serve the dishes as well as the decorations. The service was up to standard and my friends and I had a good time.

Killer Tofu
Xin F.

Food is as good as I remembered when I came here for the first time couple years back. Generous portion and friendly staff! This place does not take reservations so come early if you want to get a spot. There was already a like at the door when they're about to open.

Korean BBQ sampler

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2 months ago

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10 days ago

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11 months ago

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2 months ago

Small little joint. We had the poke which was pretty good. The meat combination kalbi was great other meat so so.

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1 year ago

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10 months ago

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27 days ago

Environment very nice. Servers were very sweet. The food was okay. Fried tofu was watery. We ordered entrees as well. It was okay too.

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2 years ago

Updated: 3. Not worth price. Feels more american-korean than korean-american if ya get it. Small & cozy. Decent food.

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11 months ago

Great food! Great service! We are regulars! Love the dumplings. Katsu chicken, salmon!

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Space Bar - MoonChata - Cantaloupe Infused Reposado Zumbador, Cantaloupe Juice, Lime, Vanilla Tamarind, Horchata Foam

Space Bar

(77 reviews)

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If you're looking for something fun and totally different in Pittsburgh, you have to check out…read moreSpace Bar. Such a unique spot. The whole space-themed concept makes it feel like an experience, not just a night out. The vibes are fun, a little quirky, and perfect if you want something outside the usual bar scene. The drinks are delicious, creative, and honestly just as cool to look at as they are to drink. Definitely one of those places I'd go back to again. If you're in Pittsburgh and want something memorable, this is it.

We I finally made it here after trying to go for a while and just letting time get away from us. We…read moremade reservations for two and went on a Friday night. When we walked in, the host greeted us right away, asked for our name, and seated us pretty quickly. There were actually a good amount of open seats, so I am not sure reservations were completely necessary, but it was still nice to have one. I honestly expected the inside to feel more extravagant and space themed, almost like an outer space vibe with more visual elements and atmosphere. I was hoping for something more immersive and futuristic. It was still cool overall, just not quite as visually dramatic as I imagined. We ordered an espresso martini and the Kiwi Nova. I really enjoyed my drink, especially after talking with the host who explained that they use scientific processes for their cocktails along with fresh purées and fresh ingredients. That is something I really appreciate because I am not a fan of drinks made with a lot of simple syrup or fake additives. He loved his espresso martini and said it was one of the best he has had. My drink was definitely on the sweeter side and I feel like too much of it might lead to a hangover, but it was still really good. Our server was attentive at first, but later on we ended up waiting a while to order another round. After sitting for a bit, we decided to order through the hostess instead and she got us taken care of right away. Overall, it was a cool experience mainly for the drinks. The cocktails were definitely the highlight. Service was okay, and I am not sure if we will return, but I am glad we finally got to check it out.

Lefty's - Outside vibe!

Lefty's

(75 reviews)

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One of the most authentic old school Pittsburgh natives and Steelers bars on the strip! The drinks…read moreare cheap, strong....and the bar is full of good vibes and great people. Not to mention, they offer semi-strong long islands for $4 all day, It's sort of a premixed concoction that's just okay in my opinion. Nothing to rave about...but enough to lure you in for price and continue to get you in for more libation. lol Lefty's is a nice and fun hangout spot for friends for sure.and a great way to get into the mix of Pittsburgh natives (people from the surrounding area). The bar is a pretty narrow space and gets packed pretty quickly, but it is a great space to watch sports and chat with people. There is not a lot of seating space as the space is relatively small, but it is still comfortable while standing. Although crowded, the bartenders are quick and efficient with drink orders. If only they sold food, this spot would be perfect. However, there are several shops and restaurants along the strip to grab a bite to eat. In all, cool little dive bar in the heart of the Strip District of Pittsburgh. Also a great vibe and place to meet up with friends for a few drinks or a pit stop while site seeing the downtown area. Stop by, get in and fit into the vibe of this place. It's fun and good times.

Found this place during the NFL draft! Dive bar, good drinks and very economical. Service is cool…read more After a certain time they card and do a safety check. Thursday was a mixed crowd, good music, and you can order food near by and bring it in. Friday evening, came the regulars. Which means those who don't prefer out of towners. So I'm good on Lefty's on Friday night. I need good energy around me always. TV's with the games, upstairs and downstairs seating area. Small patio. If you go, go early, when the old heads are there.

Unspeakable - Entrance to the bar!

Unspeakable

(20 reviews)

Lawrenceville

We've been here 4+ times now. Unspeakable has such an incredible vibe--cozy, intimate, and dimly…read morelit in a way that feels perfect for a date night or catching up with a close friend. The atmosphere alone is worth a visit. The drinks are definitely crafted with care and have a lot of complexity, but with only two bartenders working, it took quite a while to get ours. Not the place to go if you want quick service or are grabbing a drink before another event. My biggest downside is the price point--most cocktails are around $17. They're good, but at that price I can really only justify having one. Note: They do not have food, just snacks like peanuts. Overall, amazing ambiance and well-made drinks, just expect slower service and a higher bill.

This is my new favorite cocktail bar in Pittsburgh. Every single drink I've had here has been…read morefantastic. I've been twice so far, I've tried six different drinks. Very impressed by their craftsmanship and experimental flavors. There's not many places in this area that even attempt to do that. I love the speakeasy vibe. Super cool entrance and fun comfortable lounge upstairs. It's a fantastic place to go as an intimate group. But it's kind of small to take a group of more than 4 friends. Cocktails were made surprisingly quick even on a busy night. Everything is just really great about this place. Except for maybe the price lol but at least you're getting what you pay for in a good way

Bob's Garage - Ceiling

Bob's Garage

(87 reviews)

$

Fun times were had and karaoke was a blast! The staff is very friendly and help make the bar even…read moremore of a welcoming place. It's a cute little dive bar that is decorated year round to different themes, which I think is pretty neat. I definitely recommend going at 11pm or later if you'd like to find a place to sit, because it gets super crowded! My only complaint was that the bathroom was a bit funky and had no toilet paper...definitely could have been a lot worse though!

We wanted to check out the Halloween cocktail menu at Bob's Garage so we stopped by on Saturday…read moreafternoon. I had never been there before and heard that during the holiday season it looks like Christmas threw up on a dive bar. Well, when we went it looked like Halloween threw up on Christmas which then threw up on a dive bar and we LOVED it. All the decor was so kitschy and fun to look at!! We also really enjoyed their Halloween cocktails which were very reasonably priced. I can't wait to come back for their famed karaoke nights! It's a smaller spot with a square bar with seating around it and a few tables. There is a smaller room to the side that was taken up by some sort of wedding shower party. We sat at one of the tables and the person behind the bar did a great job of checking in on us on a regular basis. What we got: Pumpkin Spice White Russian - caramel vodka, Kahlua, pumpkin spice creamer, whipped cream, cinnamon stick Mad Eye Martini - wild berry vodka, Hypnotiq, lychee juice, eyeball garnish Campfire Mule - smoked maple bourbon, ginger beer, maple syrup, marshmallow garnish

Tom's Watch Bar - Lots of TVs!

Tom's Watch Bar

(195 reviews)

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i love this place so much, amazing food, people, and service. this is awesome…read morethanks !!!!

Party of 4 adults . Food was good, I really enjoyed the French dip. Our server was nice. We waited…read moreabout an hour and the bartenders were friendly during the wait. We asked for first available seating, aware this could mean outdoors in 20 degree weather, but it was Steelers night and we were bundled so let's go! We had seen some tables on the side that looked cold, but still cute. Well lit. Unfortunately, we were seated at a table at the very back of the outdoors where it was dark - no lighting at all, tvs were off, no music, no chairs at the table at first, staff constantly smoking and vaping and cussing and talking on their phones right by our table - it was miserable. There were multiple indoor tables available so I'm not sure why we got this one. People who came after us were seated at so much nicer tables, it made me sad. I should have said something, but as an older white woman I'm worried about being seen as a "Karen". Then the bill had a service charge on it, it's all on the screen so I didn't have time to study it, but wondered after what that charge was, idk, I feel they should have discounted our bill for the terrible table. The waitress noted that she always feels so bad for people seated at this table. Edit - I've come back to lower my review a star. It was really unacceptable. I challenge management to spend over an hour at that table in 20 degree darkness and see what it's like. Edit again to say: maybe I am a Karen, because what was that service charge? Why don't they hand you a receipt? Was it added gratuity that I added another 20% to?? I need a manager!! Luckily the night ended with the Steelers beating the Ravens and going to the playoffs!! So it didn't ruin our night!!

Gooski's - cheers to cheap beers!

Gooski's

(109 reviews)

$

Polish Hill

There shouldn't even be reviews for a place like Gooski's. It's a Pittsburgh institution. By far my…read morefavorite bar, and the standard by which I measure every dive joint. It's been a while that I've moved out of Pittsburgh; I've found other bars that I like, but nothing has quite replaced Gooski's in my heart. I make a point to pay my respects every time I return here. Hardly anything has changed on the interior in the last 30 years. And I hope it never does. It's dark, it's grimy, it's smoky, it's quintessentially Pittsburgh. Crowd has always been an effervescent mix of ages and walks of life. The beer selection is wide and affordable. And the food is just right for intoxicated palates.

Every city has a famous dive bar and while I'm not sure if Gooski's is Pittsburgh's divey…read morerepresentative, but if it's not, it should be. What a damn good bar! First, I wish I would have bought a Gooski's shirt. I have no idea if they had them when I visited but I totally forgot to check when I was there. It feels like the kind of place that if you're wearing this shirt in your hometown a Pittsburgh native would stop you on the street to tell you, "Gooski's is legendary." I wish I was there for the cheap ass drinks and edgy vibe when a band was playing as I love a punk rock vibe, but I think I was there too early in the day for that. The staff was cool, the drinks were exactly what you'd expect, and it's the kind of place that I'd spend way too much time in if I lived in Pittsburgh.

Soju - korean - Updated May 2026

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