Homesick for hot dogs, pancakes, or pulled pork? These Seoul favorites deliver real American comfort.
Manimal Smokehouse – Southern Barbecue Done Right
If you grew up on brisket and ribs, Manimal Smokehouse in Yongsan feels like a homecoming.
The oak-smoked meats—slow-cooked to perfection—hit that nostalgic sweet spot.
Menu staples like pulled pork, BBQ chicken, and buttery garlic mash
prove that real barbecue knows no borders.
It’s not the cheapest spot in town, but for expats, it’s often the first stop when craving home-cooked fire and smoke.
Butterfinger Pancakes – The Breakfast of American Dreams
Gangnam’s Butterfinger Pancakes is a shrine to diner-style breakfast.
Fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, and golden waffles
serve up a full American morning experience, no matter the time of day.
The portions are massive, the milkshakes are decadent,
and you’ll leave feeling like you just stepped out of a booth in New Jersey.
Linus’ Bama Style BBQ – A Slice of Alabama in Itaewon
Run by a proud Alabama native, Linus’ BBQ is the go-to for Seoul’s Southern comfort fix.
Think: brisket sliders, juicy ribs, and pulled pork that melts with every bite.
The bacon jalapeño mac balls? Unreal.
Settle in with classic rock playing in the background,
and enjoy a crowd that feels like family, not just customers.
Charlie’s Hot Dog Grill – Baseball Bites in the Heart of Seoul
Hot dog carts may be rare in Seoul, but Charlie’s Hot Dog Grill is keeping the tradition alive.
Serving chili cheese dogs, Chicago-style dogs, and New York staples,
Charlie’s feels like a stadium snack bar with better music.
Top it off with fries or pizza by the slice, and you’ll taste every memory from your Little League days.
Brooklyn The Burger Joint – Burger Bliss Coast to Coast
From its juicy patties to its diner-style decor,
Brooklyn The Burger Joint nails every American burger craving.
Expect hand-pressed burgers, thick milkshakes, and add-ons like avocado, bacon, and grilled onions.
With multiple locations across Seoul, it’s your reliable fix for classic American indulgence.
More Than a Meal – How Food Fills the Homesick Gap
Craving American food abroad isn’t just about taste—it’s about memory.
These Seoul restaurants aren’t just feeding expats;
they’re offering a sense of place, a break from cultural fatigue,
and a bite of familiarity when the homesickness creeps in.
So next time the craving hits, skip the fast food chains and head to these locally loved American gems.
They’ll remind you why comfort food is called comfort for a reason.