I lunched this week at Seoul Taco in the Loop, where the fusion of Korean-Mexican fare makes for some deluxe and delish flavors. The first thing you notice upon entering is the vastly increased space they now have over their former hole-in-the-wall off Delmar. Even so, every table was full at the height of the noon hour.
Equally eye catching is the whimsical décor: an array of brightly painted boom boxes at the entry; a dismantled 1942 Metro van hanging on the wall; and funky lights that color up the ceiling. Wall drawings further carry out the fusion idea with a display of Korean karate fighters wearing Mexican luchadore masks.
Owner and St. Louis native David Choi got rolling in 2011 serving his grandmother’s favorite recipes from a food truck. The next year he moved into a small, storefront space in the Loop. After much acclaim, both locally and nationally, Seoul Taco opened on Delmar this past December.
As before, the menu is brief: tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and gogi bowls. But there is no shortage on flavors and innovation. With five times the space they once had, Seoul Taco has expanded its dining experience with the addition of Seoul Q. One half the restaurant space is devoted to the usual order-at-the counter service and the other half has gone upscale with the addition of Seoul Q.
The new cook-it-yourself concept features built-in table grills for Korean barbecue and induction burners for hot pots and stews. Choi added a nice touch with the installation of fume hoods that come down from the ceiling to keep the air free of cooking smells.
The neo-bistro feel at Seoul Taco is amplified by the friendly, helpful and patient wait staff, that gives the impression they enjoy working there. Customers were definitely enjoying Grandma Choi’s revved up recipes. And with work commencing next month on the new trolley car line in the Loop, it will be even easier for diners to hop off for an amazing medley of Korean-Mexican cuisine.
Seoul Taco, 6665 Delmar in the Loop. Open: Mon.-Sat. 11a-10p; Sun. 11a- 9p.
