Seoul House: Downtown Oakland Korean Food
Seoul House has long been faithful to its corner on 13th and Webster, where the entrance to the restaurant is characterized by large, wooden double doors and an original, distressed wood sign. In turn, fans of Korean food have grown attached to the establishment over the years, frequenting the restaurant regularly even though Oakland boasts strips of Korean establishments nearby on both Telegraph and Broadway.
The menu here is quite extensive, with barbeque plates like Bulgoki and Kalbi, various rice dishes with egg, meat, seafood, and vegetables, and numerous soups and stews, all served with savory marinades and special house sauces. Prices can be steep, with a single Bulgoki dinner costing you $15. Dinner service comes with a delicious and comforting corn tea and a bowl of soup that consists mostly of a flavorful broth, with the addition of some fried egg strips. Also included are a generous array of banchan, or side dishes, with Kimchee, sprouts, pickled cucumber, noodles, seaweed, and other veggies. The meat portions are also generous, even enough for two to share.
The interior of the restaurant is pleasant, with two casual, clean, and spacious dining areas, vertical, light-wood slats over the windows, which are bordered by numerous plants, and traditional touches like hanging wooden lanterns and faux awnings across the ceilings. An interesting touch to this restaurant has always been the many true-to-life oil paintings on every wall, of everything from famous historical figures like John F. Kennedy and Jesus to mountain and lake landscapes. Beneath the paintings, the walls are colored with pastel pink and blue over white.
Service can vary in consistency, at times friendly and at other times dismissive, but the food remains consistent overall, though the Bulgoki has been known to have some blander days. But pair it with loose lettuce leaves (request them separately) and the spicy bean paste and you’re good to go. The lettuce and bean paste used to be free, but now the restaurant charges an additional $3.
A downtown Oakland establishment, Seoul House attracts both nearby office workers and out-of-towners.
HelloOakland tip: Seoul House is just blocks away from Oakland Chinatown, uptown Oakland, Old Oakland, and Lake Merritt.
Posted by Renee Rutledge
