What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll?
South of Seoul is proud to host the 5th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in celebration of our delicious and delightful community. The South of Seoul volunteer organization has supported ex-pats living outside of Seoul since 2015. The South of Seoul (SOS) volunteers and manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, South of Seoul blog, and South of Seoul smartphone app.
In 2021 the South of Seoul volunteers also launched the SOS Public Health which researches and distributes information to support the physical and mental health of expats in Korea.
Our volunteers adore this rich life we live south of Seoul and feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. Pyeongtaek is a rewarding mix of city life and country life which can make it a challenge for new arrivals. However, with a little information like the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Winners list, Pyeongtaek-si can be a delightful place for new arrivals and long-term international residents alike.
How did the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll change in 2021?
For 2021 we added a few new categories and withdrew a few categories in order to respond to the changes caused by the global pandemic and shifts in information. Since SOS volunteers stay closely connected with the community, each year we adjust the categories to reflect what is happening right now. This means each year the poll is a little different.
Specifically in 2021, South of Seoul decided to split the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll into two different polls. The Best of Pyeongtaek winter poll focuses now on food and beverage hotspots while the summer poll will focus on lifestyle and health and coordinated by the SOS Public Health Program.
Who votes in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll?
The South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek poll is open to the public. We make every feasible effort to reach outside the South of Seoul community into the communities around us to gain an authentic insight into the preferences of English-speaking international residents in Pyeongtaek. SOS volunteers feel confirmation bias does not serve the greater good, so we seek opinions outside of our own sphere of influence. We want the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to hold accurate information whether that information matches our belief or not.
South of Seoul volunteers want to meet the authentic needs of the community and the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll provides us with the insight we need by reflecting on the opinions of others. That said, nothing about this poll is scientific. It is for fun and for community development. We try to level the playing field by leaving the poll open for two weeks so that community members can vote once a day and deeply support the people and businesses they love. Over 250 people participated in the poll in 2019 and over 350 individuals cast votes in 2021.
What did you learn from the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in 2021?
When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2021 poll we found that English-speaking residents’ comfort zone in Pyeongtaek has expanded! This trend started in 2018 and has continued to grow when we saw more international residents voting for businesses outside of Paenseong and Sinjangdong.
In 2021, a variety of businesses located far from US military bases won Best of Pyeongtaek. Each year more votes are cast for businesses that 1) aren’t English dominant or 2) located outside of the Songtan/Shinjang or Paengseong areas. That’s right! English speakers are moving about the different neighborhoods of Pyeongtaek more every year! International residents now enjoy more of the magic Pyeongtaek has to offer. This growing trend makes our South of Seoul hearts very happy.
In 2021, we learned that South of Seoul continues to be a leader in information in Pyeongtaek. Our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group has been a powerhouse of information with the community that allows us all to come together to support people every single day. The hard work of each member of Pyeongtaek Food & Fun has driven the group to become one of the most influential places for ex-pats to gather information.
We want to congratulate the SOS Technology Development Volunteers for continuing to build the South of Seoul app. We never imagined a volunteer-built app could compete in Pyeongtaek with giants like Naver, Kakao, Google, and Facebook. South of Seoul 2.0 is under development and will hopefully be available in the first quarter of 2021.
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 2020. Go visit them all!
PYEONGTAEK’S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD
SOSABEOL Offers the Best Experience for Date Night, Hanging Out, and Families
One of the most common questions we in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group get is, “Where can we go on a date?” or “Where can I go that’s family-friendly?” So we decided to put it to a vote and the winning neighborhood is Sosabeol, Bijeondong! Every year since the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll started, Sosabeol has been the date night choice of English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek.
Past Awards:
- 2020 Best “Date Night” Neighborhood, Best “Family” Neighborhood, Best “Hangout” Neighborhood
- 2019 Best “Date Night” Neighborhood
- 2018 Best “Date Night” Neighborhood
- 2017 Best “Date Night” Neighborhood
PYEONGTAEK’S BEST RESTAURANT WINNERS IN 2021
Best International Grilled Meat: BRAAI REPUBLIC
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Braai Republic offers heaping plates of South African comfort food including grilled lamb, ribs, chicken, and more. Braai Republic also has a location in Seoul. In addition to their BBQ, we also recommend their hearty and filling meat pies.
Braai Republic’s Past Awards:
- 2018 Best World Cuisine
- 2018 Best Non-Korean BBQ
- 2019 Best World Cuisine
- 2020 Best World Cuisine
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Best Pub / Sports Bar: TAILGATE TAVERN
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Tailgate Tavern has been a popular spot for beer and burger enthusiasts. It’s not surprising with their many TVs, large menu, and solid beer selection. With seating for 100, Tailgate is an excellent space for large groups. Plus, drum roll please, parking! Tailgate also does catering for large events in-house and off-site. This is their second year winning Best Pub or Sports Bar.
Tailgate‘s Other Awards:
- 2018 Best Nachos
- 2019 Best Wings
- 2019 Best Nachos
- 2019 Best Pub/Sports Bar
- 2021 Best Nachos
- 2020 Best Nachos
- 2020 Best Wings
- 2020 Best Pub/Sports Bar
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Best Sandwich Shop: EPHPHATHA
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
For the third year in a row, the sandwich shop with the impossible name-Ephphatha- has won over Pyeongtaek hearts with their hearty and delicious Philly cheese-steaks. A well-deserved win by this hardworking couple. Sandwich shops keep opening in the area, but Ephphatha has held on and kept up the great work. In 2020 they also began offering the first burger in Pyeongtaek served on a homemade pretzel bun.
Ephphatha’s Past Awards:
- 2018 Best Sandwich Shop
- 2019 Best Sandwich Shop
- 2020 Best Sandwich Shop
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Best American BBQ Restaurant: JP’S BBQ
Neighborhoods: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong and Sinjang (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base and Osan Air Force Base)
JP’s BBQ has been working hard to bring authentic USA-style smoked meat to Pyeongtaek for years and that work has paid off! He started out working the pink carts in Songtan that grew into a popular catering company. In 2018, the husband and wife team opened their own storefront in Paengseong, and in 2019 they opened a second location in Songtan/Sinjang-dong. Last year they won for Best BBQ Sandwich and best brisket. In 2020, they swept all non-Korean BBQ categories. In 2020 JP’s BBQ also went out of its way to support US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine.
JP’s Other Awards:
- 2021 Best Brisket & Best BBQ Sandwich
- 2020 Best International BBQ
- 2020 Best BBQ Sandwich
- 2020 Best Brisket
- 2020 Best Banana Pudding
- 2019 Best Non-Korean BBQ Restaurant
- 2019 Best Brisket
- 2019 Best BBQ Sandwich
- 2018 Best Brisket
- 2018 Best BBQ Sandwich
- 2017 Best BBQ Sandwich
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Best Korean Galbi Restaurant: HWA HWA and MYEONGNYU AYCE (Tie)
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Hwa Hwa has been a Paengseong institution for as long as we can remember. It was recently remodeled and offers Korean BBQ and sides that lean toward the western taste. It’s the perfect spot to get used to this delicious new way of eating. Once you have tried them, keep trying as many other BBQ joints as you can. The choices are limitless. In 2020 Hwa Hwa supported US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine and packaging their tasty BBQ for take-out so that the local community could continue to enjoy their food at home.
HWA HWA’S Other Awards:
- 2019 Best Korean BBQ Restaurant
- 2020 Best Korean BBQ Restaurant
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Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Myeongnyu AYCE is another popular galbi restaurant in South Korea that recently opened a new location in Paengseong. The location became a big hit with the English-speaking community in 2021 earning them their first Best of Pyeongtaek award.
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Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: ARIRANG
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Arirang has been around for many years. The location offers delicious Korean BBQ and side dishes near gorgeous cafes. It makes it the perfect spot for families, couples, and companies. The location also offers plenty of parking huge tables and private rooms.
This is Arirang’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. They greatly deserve it since they are popular with both Korean and English speaking residents.
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Best Fried Chicken: BRUXIE CHICKEN AND WAFFLES
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base)
Bruxie has two locations. One location is in Paengseong and the original location is in Sinjang. The brand originated in California and opened locations in Pyeongtaek recently. Their savory fusion fried chicken mixes American comfort food with a Korean twist. You can find both sandwiches and plates that will remind you of home with a Korean twist. The perfect meal for hungry days. This Bruxie Chicken and Waffles’ first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
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Best Family Restaurant: THE RED ONION
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
This is The Red Onion’s first win in the Best of Pyeongtaek Family Restaurant category. Red Onion’s recent remodel and expansive menu which offers something for everyone pushed them to the top of the list in 2021.
The Big Bite’s Past Awards:
- 2019 Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
- 2020 Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
- 2021 Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
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Best NOT Fried Chicken: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sosabeol
Sous Vide Chicken Pub has a unique and interesting menu. They even have a giant chicken dish that gets set on fire. It’s hard to compete with a restaurant that offers delicious and exciting food along with a nice assortment of beers, including some they brew themselves.
Additionally, Sous Vide Chicken Pub is located in Sosabeol which has been winning awards as the Best Pyeongtaek Neighborhood for date nights, family fun and hanging out since 2017. This is Sous Vide Chicken Pub’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
Sous Vide Chicken Pub Other Awards:
- 2021 Best Craft Beer
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Best Italian: DEL VINO
Winner 2
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Pyeongtaek-dong (Near AK Plaza)
Del Vino is one of Pyeongtaek’s longest-running Italian Restaurants. Located about a 5-minute walk from Pyeongtaek Station, Del Vino offers an open concept kitchen and a romantic atmosphere. The menu features steak, pasta, stone over pizza, and a substantial wine list. This is Del Vino’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
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Best South American Restaurant: CEVICHE 210
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base)
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. Their green sauce is a legend all its own. Ceviche 210 also offers stunning off-site catering for your events. They often cater events for the Peruvian embassy in Seoul.
Ceviche 210’s Past Awards:
- 2017 Best World Cuisine
- 2018 Best Peruvian
- 2019 Best Peruvian
- 2020 Best Peruvian
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Best Filipino Restaurant: ALICE’S FILIPINO CUISINE
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
In Pyeongtaek-so, we have been blessed with a plethora of Filipino options and 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 spicy food. Next time you need some lumpia or chicken adobo, you know where to go. Next year this category will be packed! Even more Filipino restaurants are opening each month and SOS volunteers love it!
Alice’s Filipino’s Past Awards:
- 2018 Best Filipino Restaurant
- 2019 Best Filipino Restaurant
- 2020 Best Filipino Restaurant
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Best Thai Restaurant: TASTE of THAILAND
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Taste of Thailand moved to Pyeongtaek from Seoul and is one of the newest Thai restaurants to enter the food scene in our area. Their experience allowed them to move through 2020 with confidence that impressed the community. Their ice tea is an absolute MUST Try.
Taste of Thailand’s Past Awards:
- 2018 Best Thai Restaurant
- 2019 Best Thai Restaurant
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Best Mexican or Tex-Mex: EL PINO 323
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
El Pino 323’s win is incredibly impressive in 2020 due to the incredible strain put on restaurants with locations in Seoul. Despite being new to our area, the owners of El Pino stuck with our community of Pyeongtaek when others did not. They focused on delivery and creating tasty food for those craving the taste of home. The community showed their appreciation by voting them the Best Mexican or Tex-Mex in 2020.
El Pino 323 Past Awards:
- 2019 Best Tacos
- 2020 Best Mexian or Tex-Mex
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Best Vietnamese: PHO VIETNAM
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Vietnamese restaurants became a popular trend across Pyeongtaek in 2020 with a wide variety of new spots opening in many different neighborhoods. However, Pho Vietnam stood out in 2020. Tucked away on a side street in Anjeongri near Camp Humphreys, this small restaurant offers big flavor and good prices. This is Pho Vietnam’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
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Best Middle Eastern: RED ONION
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Red Onion is one of the oldest Turkish kebab restaurants in the area moved into a big, beautiful space in 2019. The new space and their improved menu certainly wowed Pyeongtaek. They won Best Middle Eastern restaurant by a landslide despite some stiff competition. We are loving this new trend in fancy middle eastern restaurants. They offer classic middle eastern dishes as well as delicious fusion burgers and tacos.
Red Onion’s Past Awards:
- 2018 Best Middle Eastern (under the name Nazar Kebab at the time)
- 2019 Best Middle Eastern
- 2020 Best Middle Eastern
- 2021 Best Family Restaurant
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Best Indian: ARATI INDIAN RESTAURANT
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Arati has been working toward this award and won for the first time in 2019. Their food is consistently delicious. Despite an incredibly difficult year where their chefs were caught in the border closures caused by the pandemic, Arati managed to secure a second Best of Pyeongtaek win in 2020. We are so happy to see them bring this award home. They deserve it!
Past Awards:
- 2019 Best Indian
- 2020 Best Indian
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Best Japanese Restaurant: SAM’S SUSHI
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Sam’s sushi kept moving forward and providing delicious delivery and pick-up straight through the pandemic. They worked hard and stayed committed to quality western-style sushi despite the limits of no dine-in service. Their comforting flavors remained reliable through the difficulties of the pandemic. Sam’s Sushi absolutely deserved their big win again in 2020.
Sam’s Sushi’s Other Awards:
- 2019 Best Japanese Restaurant
- 2019 Best Western Sushi
- 2020 Best Japanese Restaurant
- 2020 Best Western Sushi
- 2021 Best Western Sushi
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PYEONGTAEK’S BEST TREATS FOR HOMESICKNESS
Best Nachos: TAILGATE TAVERN
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Tailgate Tavern has been a popular spot for beer and burger enthusiasts. It’s not surprising with their many TVs, large menu, and solid beer selection. With seating for 100, Tailgate is an excellent space for large groups. Plus, drum roll please, parking! Tailgate Tavern has also been voted the Best Sports Bar in Pyeongtaek for the second year in a row!
Tailgate‘s Other Awards:
- 2020 Best Pub/Sports Bar
- 2019 Best Pub/Sports Bar
- 2019 Best Wings
- 2019 Best Nachos
- 2018 Best Nachos
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Best Wings: WINGIN’ IT and TAILGATE TAVERN (Tie)
Winner 1 Wingin’ It
Neighborhood: SInjang-dong, Pyeongtaek-si (Near Osan Air Force Base)
Wingin’ It offers a wide selection of beers on tap as well as some of the best beers in the business. The large and open space offers the perfect spot for events and community gatherings. This is Wingin’ It’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
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Winner 2 Tailgate Tavern
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Tailgate Tavern has long been one of the most popular spots for wings in Pyeongtaek. They offer classic western style wings with your favorite sauces and dips.
Tailgate‘s Other Awards:
- 2018 Best Nachos
- 2019 Best Pub/Sports Bar
- 2019 Best Wings
- 2019 Best Nachos
- 2020 Best Pub/Sports Bar
- 2020 Best Nachos
- 2021 Best Pub/Sports Bar
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Best Burger & Loaded Fries: COCO SALSA
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Against all odds (their original location exists in a parking lot in a basement of Brownstone) Coco Salsa won over Pyeongtaek’s heart for Best Burgers for the second year in a row. Their In-n-Out inspired burgers are both delicious and affordable. They offer the perfect combination of taste, affordability, and convenience with two locations in Paengseong, kiosk ordering, and fast service. Both the Best Burger and Best Loaded Fries are highly competitive categories, yet Coco Salsa won both with a huge lead. It’s impressive.
Coco Salsa’s Other Awards:
- 2019 Best Burger
- 2020 Best Burger
- 2021 Best Burger
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Best Tacos: QUE RICO
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Que Rico brings the taste and heart of Mexico to Pyeongtaek. The handmade tortillas, slow-cooked meats, and careful attention to tradition win hearts again and again. This is not their first Best of Pyeongtaek win, but is an awesome achievement as one of the smaller Mexican restaurants in the area.
Que Rico’s Other Awards:
- 2018 Best Mexican/ Tex-Mex
- 2020 Best Tacos
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Best Pulled Pork Sandwich & Best Brisket: JP’S BBQ
Neighborhoods: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong and Sinjang (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base and Osan Air Force Base)
JP has been working hard to bring authentic USA-style smoked meat to Pyeongtaek for years and that work has paid off! 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 in Paengseong and in 2019 they opened a second location in Songtan/Sinjang-dong. Last year they won for Best BBQ Sandwich and this year they swept all non-Korean BBQ categories.
JP’s BBQ’s Other Awards:
- 2021 Best Brisket & Best BBQ Sandwich
- 2020 Best International BBQ
- 2020 Best BBQ Sandwich
- 2020 Best Brisket
- 2020 Best Banana Pudding
- 2019 Best Non-Korean BBQ Restaurant
- 2019 Best Brisket
- 2019 Best BBQ Sandwich
- 2018 Best Brisket
- 2018 Best BBQ Sandwich
- 2017 Best BBQ Sandwich
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Best US Style Sushi: SAM’S SUSHI
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Sam’s sushi kept moving forward and providing delicious delivery and pick-up straight through the pandemic. They worked hard to stay committed to quality western-style sushi despite the limits of no dine-in service. Their comforting flavors remained reliable through the difficulties of the pandemic.
Sam’s Sushi’s Other Awards:
- 2019 Best Japanese Restaurant
- 2019 Best Western Sushi
- 2020 Best Japanese Restaurant
- 2020 Best Western Sushi
- 2021 Best Japanese Restaurant
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Best Japanese Ramen: A-RAMEN (Formerly Aori Ramen)
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Pyeongtaek-dong (Near AK Plaza)
Each year competition to win the Best Ramen in Pyeongtaek increases. Despite that, A-Ramen continues to rise to the top of the ramen conversation. Their small and intimate space is perfect for eating alone or on a date. Although A-Ramen split from the Aori Ramen franchise, they continue to deliver top-notch, crave-able ramen.
A-Ramen’s Other Awards:
- Best Ramen 2019
- Best Ramen 2020
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Best Pizza: PIZZA LIT
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjangdong (Near Osan Air Force Base)
Pizza Lit opened in 2020 with western-style pizza with a small nod toward the Korean pizza style. The popular pizza restaurant offers cheese-heavy pizza pies with a hearty amount of toppings. You and also order from a variety of crust styles. These are pizzas for the hungry. This is Pizza Lit’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
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Best Brunch : LE PAIN
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Le Pain is a popular bakery and brunch location near Brownstone apartments in Paengseong. The small bakery-cafe offers up popular brunch favorites with a changing seasonal menu. This is Le Pain’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
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Best Western Breakfast: SAM’s ATTRACTIVE COFFEE
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
At this point, Sam’s is a Pyeongtaek institution. It’s not just about the food or the coffee, it’s about community. The fab seasonal drinks like Pumpkin Spice Lattes make it a must-visit. They cater to western tastes and experiences by creating a home-away-from-home for all of us. When they added English delivery they secured their spot in the community’s heart.
Sam’s Past Awards:
- 2018 Best Overall Coffee Shop
- 2018 Best Specialty Drink
- 2019 Best Overall Coffee Shop
- 2020 Best Overall Coffee Shop
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PYEONGTAEK’s BEST PLACES For DRINKS
Best Cocktails: PUB 210
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, West Pyeongtaek (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Pub 210 offers two floors of dining with family-style on the first floor and a sports bar feeling on the second floor. The pub offers a wide variety of drinks including many classic cocktails. On weekends they also offer brunch options. This is Pub 210’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
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Best Craft Beer: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, West Pyeongtaek (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Sous Vide Chicken Pub has a unique and interesting menu. They even have a giant chicken dish that gets set on fire. It’s hard to compete with a restaurant that offers delicious and exciting food along with a nice assortment of beers, including some they brew themselves.
Additionally, Sous Vide Chicken Pub is located in Sosabeol which has been winning awards as the Best Pyeongtaek Neighborhood for date nights, family fun and hanging out since 2017. This is Sous Vide Chicken Pub’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
Sous Vide Chicken Pub Other Awards:
- 2021 Best Non-Fried Chicken
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PYEONGTAEK’s BEST CAFES & DESSERTS
Best Neighborhood Coffee Shop: CAFE HANGOUT
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Sweet treats and holiday treats bring the feeling of home to ex-pat lives. Cafe Hangout has mastered the art of western sweets and treats that delight the English speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. This is Cafe Hangout’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
Cafe Hangout Other Awards:
- 2021 Best Western Cookies
- 2021 Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
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Best Epic Cafe: MAIN STREET CAFE
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, West Pyeongtaek (Near Pyeongtaek Port)
In 2021 a number of large cafes opened up across Pyeongaek which required the creation of the “Epic Cafe” category and Main Street Cafe is the poster child for amazing. A whole universe exists inside this giant cafe near the Pyeongtaek Port. This is Main Street Cafe’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
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Best Elegant Cafe: DEWDROP
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Dewdrop has a romantic and soft interior that makes you feel relaxed and fancy at the same time. The friendly staff creates an atmosphere of elegance and comfort. Not only that but they make lovely desserts and exist near Brownstone Apartments near Camp Humphreys in Paengseong.
Dewdrop’s Past Awards:
- 2018 Best Elegant Cafe
- 2018 Best Dessert Cafe
- 2019 Best Elegant Cafe
- 2019 Best Dessert Cafe
- 2020 Best Elegant Cafe
- 2020 Best Dessert Cafe
- 2021 Best Elegant Cafe
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Best Hip/Cool Kid Cafe: Wild Grass
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Bijeon-dong
Wild Grass offers an amazing music playlist, perfect lighting, tasty desserts, and precise drinks. It’s a place you can spend hours reading, talking, and writing. It’s a must for cafe lovers looking for a mood and a vibe. You may never want to leave. This is Wild Grass’ first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
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Best Dessert Cafe: DEWDROP
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Dewdrop has a huge, gorgeous cafe right near Brownstone in Paengseong. Their attention to detail and delicious desserts have 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.
Dewdrop’s Past Awards:
- 2018 Best Elegant Cafe
- 2018 Best Dessert Cafe
- 2019 Best Elegant Cafe
- 2019 Best Dessert Cafe
- 2020 Best Elegant Cafe
- 2020 Best Dessert Cafe
- 2021 Best Elegant Cafe
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Best Western Cookies & Pumpkin Spice Latte : Cafe Hangout
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base)
Sweet treats and holiday treats bring the feeling of home to ex-pat lives. Cafe Hangout has mastered the art of western sweets and treats that delight the English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. This is Cafe Hangout’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
Cafe Hangout’s Other Awards:
- 2021 Best Neighborhood Coffee Shop
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Best Western Donuts: COSMIC CAT DONUTS
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base)
This is a new category for the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll. Western-style donuts are on the rise in South Korea. Cosmic Cat arrived late in the game offering the area’s first small-batch donuts. Cosmic Cat quickly gained popularity to the point that they sold out in hours every day they were open for weeks. That passion also translated into them beating out western donut favorite Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme. These are must-try donuts that you should not miss, even if you have to show up early and enjoy each other in line.
Cosmic Cat’s Other Awards:
- 2020 Best Donuts
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Best Tiny Bakery: TUFF ENUFF
Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, West Pyeongtaek (Near Pyeongtaek Port)
Tuff Enuff is a diamond hiding in the rough. Once you visit Tuff Enuff you will be counting the days until you can go back again. From their impressive bakery to their rustic interior, this cafe knows how to create a feeling of warmth and comfort. This is Tuff Enuff’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win.
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Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
