Best of Pyeongtaek 2018

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South of Seoul is proud to host The Best of Pyeongtaek poll in celebration of our delicious and delightful community. We adore this life south of Seoul and feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. (If you are interested in seeing who won in 2017 Click Here.)For 2018 we added many new categories and contenders to the list making it a bit of a longer, slightly more tedious poll. We thank everyone who put in the effort to fill it out all the way to the end.

The polls growth is a reflection of the growth in our own community during 2018. Restaurant options continued to expand with exciting new Mexican, Peruvian, Ethiopian, Thai, Vietnamese, and American options arriving. It felt like something new opened every month.

South of Seoul changed how we chose the winners this year. Last year the poll was based on the reviews and stars left in the app as well as individual polls placed in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook group. This year we made it more sophisticated and open to the public instead of only those involved with the South of Seoul platforms. Nothing about this poll is scientific but we do try to level the playing field as much as possible. The poll was open for two weeks and you could vote once a day. Over 300 people participated in the poll with over 700 responses. 

When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2018 poll we discovered something very exciting, English speaking residents in Pyeongtaek moving outside the old comfort zones! Last year very few votes were cast for any businesses that weren’t English dominant or located in Songtan/Shinjang or Paengseong, this year that hasn’t been the case. That’s right! English speakers are moving about the city more! We are all enjoying more of the magic Pyeongtaek has to offer. This made our South of Seoul hearts very happy.

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At the end of the poll, as many of you noticed, we threw in a new question about where people get their information. We were incredibly honored to find that South of Seoul is a leader in information in the Pyeongtaek area, however, we also confirmed what we have always known – friends are the largest and most important providers of information. This is why we encourage everyone to share as much information with friends and new arrivals as you possibly can. Nothing replaces the votes and encouragement of friends.

Enough talking, time to get down to business. *drum roll please* We are proud to announce the amazing, hard working, talented winners of The Best of Pyeongtaek 2018. Go visit them all!

Best Pub / Sports Bar: LOFT 33

Loft 33 has been a low-key crowd favorite for many years so we aren’t surprised they have finally won! It has a Cheers kind of feel where everyone knows your name. They also have a solid and unique menu. It has tons of western favorites with delightful and creative twists. It can be a little hard to find, but make sure you do. It’s worth it.

Best Irish Bar: WOLFHOUND

The Wolfhound Irish Pubs are loved from Seoul to Busan, so when they opened one in Pyeongtaek it came on the scene fast. This large but cozy bar serves up cold beer and some of the best fish & chips in town. Also be sure to stop in for the Irish breakfast for brunch. They won this category with authority.

Best Sandwich Shop: EPHPHATHA

The Pyeongtaek food scene used to be dominated by burgers, but lately the sandwich shop has been on the rise. For 2018 we added it as a new category all its own. The shop with the impossible name, Ephphatha, won over Pyeongtaek hearts with their hearty and delicious Philly Cheese-steaks. A well deserved win by this hardworking couple.

Best Non-Korean BBQ Restaurant: BRAAI REPUBLIC

International BBQ joints are starting to popup in Pyeongtaek (a new one arrived while this poll was posted) but our very first foreign BBQ joint remains Pyeongtaek’s favorite. If you haven’t tried South African BBQ you need to clear your schedule and get your butt over to Braai Republic right away. The lamb and the chicken are a MUST. Also, try the meat pies. Trust us. 

Best Family Restaurant: THE BIG BITE

In a food scene dominated by pubs and sports bars, where do families go? They go to The Big Bite which serves big portions, has high chairs, and unlimited soda. The prices are on the higher end, but that’s because they give you enough food for an army. 

Best Burger: LOFT 33 and MARS BURGER

We hadn’t considered there would be a tie, but here we are. Mars Burger, who won 2017 Best Burger in Pyeongtaek, tied with Loft33, who also won 2018 Best Pub/Sports Bar. Go try both and decide for yourself. We love Mars Burgers because they focus on a classic burger taste and have excellent onion rings.

However, Loft 33 offers up unique burgers you aren’t going to find in other joints. The 2018 poll has made it very clear Loft 33 is one of the must try places in town. Go for their burgers and fried pickles but stay for the atmosphere and the friendly folks who visit their regularly.

Best Pasta: THE BIG BITE

Not just families love The Big Bite. Pasta lovers are also weighing in. They have voted it the Best Past in Pyeongtaek. Grab the kids and go try for yourself.

Best Pulled Pork Sandwich: JP’s AMERICAN BBQ

JP has been working hard to bring authentic USA style smoked meat to Pyeongtaek for years! He started out working the pink carts in Songtan and grew into a catering company. In 2018 he and his wife opened their own storefront and people are raving. JP’s Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich is the stuff dreams are made of. Also be sure to try the brisket!

Best Fried Pickles: LOFT 33

There are enough requests for “The best fried pickles in town” that we decided to give them their own vote in this years polls. Loft 33 won this category with authority. Be sure to order some when you order one of their burgers as well.

Best Peruvian Restaurant: CEVICHE 210

When you think Pyeongtaek you probably don’t think “What an amazing place for Peruvian Food!”… but you should. The best of the bunch is, hands down, Ceviche 210. It’s a show stopper. It’s hard to pick a favorite dish on their menu because it’s all friggen delicious. 

Best Filipino Restaurant: ALICES’s FILIPINO CUISINE

We have been blessed with a plethora of Filipino options but Alice’s Filipino has been voted the best. It has a great location near Camp Humphreys and offers very affordable meal sets. This is the perfect cuisine for those who don’t like spice food. Next time you need some lumpia or chicken adobo, you know where to go.

Best Thai Restaurant: TASTE OF THAILAND

Are you looking for some Pad Thai or Green Thai Curry? We are lucky enough to have many Thai restaurants in the area but the community favorite in 2018 is Taste of Thailand near Camp Humphreys. The have a solid menu that keeps their customers happy.

Best World Cuisine: BRAAI REPUBLIC

We are having a steady increase in foreigner owned restaurants cooking up specialty foods. The clear leader in this category is Braai Republic who also has a restaurant in Seoul and also won Best BBQ Restaurant in Pyeongtaek 2018. When you go you feel like you stepped out of Korea and into South Africa. The food and atmosphere is perfection.

Best Mexican or Tex-Mex: QUE RICO

Que Rico is the only truly authentic Mexican restaurant in Pyeongtaek and residents are LOVING it. Despite heavy competition, the new-kids-in-town owned this category won by a landslide despite being quite hard to find. You must make time to go for some Mexican baked goods and some tortas. Also, be sure to follow them on FB to see what special treats they cook up.

Best Middle Eastern: NAZAR KEBAB

One of the oldest Turkish kebab restaurants in the area moved into a big, beautiful space this year and kicked their menu and flavors up a notch. The new space and their improved menu certainly wowed Pyeongtaek. They won Best Middle Eastern restaurant by a landslide despite some stiff competition.

Best Indian: Moti Mahal in Paengseong

Moti Mahal is the oldest Indian restaurant in Pyeongtaek. They have used that time to hone their craft and create a lovely atmosphere. It is not a surprise they have won over the communities hearts. They have two locations, but their one located near Camp Humphreys on Paengseong is the communities favorite. This is their second year winning Best Indian Food in Pyeongtaek.

Best Sushi: SUSHI IN JAY

US style sushi has been popping up more and more around Pyeongtaek. The newest one to grab hearts is Sushi In Jay in Paengseong near Camp Humphreys. The small, street level restaurant turns out western favorites like California rolls and Spicy Tuna rolls. We are happy to see them top the list in 2018.

Best Specialized Japanese Restaurant: OKOZI JAPANESE GRILL

Hidden in a side ally a few minutes walk from AK Plaza, this is a gem that Japanese food lovers should not miss. The chef went to Japan to learn his craft and he learned it well. He serves of late night treats for those who need a meal after their meal. Next time you are out with your bestie, make sure to swing by for the meal that’s like both dinner and a show.

Best Japanese Ramen: KWAG HOON JAPANESE RAMEN

This ramen shop came onto the Pyeongtaek food scene in a big way and it has stayed solid and reliable over time. It’s also owned by a Pyeongtaek local so we sighed a big sigh of relief when it edged out the new ramen chain restaurant and won Best Japanese Ramen in Pyeongtaek. We are always rooting for the little guy. Especially when their food is fantastic.

Best Brunch/Breakfast: WICH CRAFT

This cute little brunch and sandwich shop serves up western comfort food that will delight your homesick heart. The do open up around 10 so don’t come to early 🙂 Just be sure to come hungry! In addition to breakfast and brunch, they also serve up some fabulous sandwiches.

Best Elegant Cafe & Best Dessert Cafe: DEWDROP

Dewdrop has a huge, gorgeous cafe right near Brownstone in Paengseong. Their attention to detail and delicious desserts has made them a favorite spot for those looking for a place that’s extra. They are an excellent choice for dates and ladies night. Follow them on Instagram to see their latest creations.

Best “Date Night” Neighborhood: SOSABEOL

One of the most common questions we get is, “Where can we go on a date?” So we decided to put it to a vote this year and the winning neighborhood is Sosabeol, Bijeondong! This new neighborhood is packed with restaurants and things to do so you will never be bored or hungry.

Best Archery: PINK TIGER

Pink Tiger, Pyeongtaek Archery, and Freddie’s archery were all neck-in-neck, but Pink Tiger won out in the end by one or two votes. Not only do they offer archery, but they have two floors of games to choose from. This is a place where all game lovers can find something fun to do.

Best Unique Fun: THE ESCAPE ROOM

We are very lucky that our local escape room offers a variety of escape experiences in English! This has made it an extremely popular Pyeongtaek activity. In addition, it’s located right in front of AK Plaza so it’s easy to find and easy to access. If you are looking for something fun to do in Pyeongtaek, this is a must.

Best Bowling: ROCK BOWLING CLUB

If you are looking for a fun night out with your buddies, go to Rock Bowling Club in Sosabeol. They have won the hearts of Pyeongtaek with their hip space and great location. Also perfect for families and date night. Heck, it’s bowling, It’s good for everyone.

Best Dentist: COLUMBIA DENTAL

We are actually lucky to have a variety of English-speaking dentist in Pyeongtaek and the most loved of all is Columbia Dental near Camp Humphreys. They arrived here from Seoul in early 2018 and won over hearts very fast. Their dentists and staff are excellent and you can take care of the entire families dental needs under one roof.

Best Hospital: ST. MARY’S

St. Mary’s barely squeezed out Good Morning Hospital by only a few votes. This hospital is most popular for its women’s center and extremely supportive foreigner support staff.

Best Place To Buy A Car: ROBERT’S USED CARS

The fact that Robert speaks English as a first language makes shopping with him surprisingly stress free. You can ask all the questions and he can clearly tell you what you need to know. His lot is in Suwon but he lives in Pyeongtaek and can help you with transportation to and from his lot.

That’s it for this year folks! Be sure to share this with your friends and give all the places a try. Thank you, again, to everyone who participated. Now that we have closed out 2018, we are looking forward to what 2019 brings!