Annaburg The Seoul-Japan BBQ (with a Side Order)

Seoul Restaurant | Ann Arbor Korean BBQ – Better Service, Great Brisket, Worth a Return! I went back to Seoul for round two—this time, I tried different BBQ cuts, and the service was way better than before! Food came out faster, they even included rice (a nice touch), and the total was ~$40 per person. It’s not perfect, but the improvements and standout brisket make it a solid choice for BBQ nights 🇰🇷! 🥢 Rainbow Wrap (Appetizer): Fresh, Light, Minor Flaw This is such a classic Korean app—thin slices of bright purple radish wrapped around a mix of mushrooms, cucumber shreds, carrot shreds, egg strips, shrimp pieces, and bell pepper. The good: The raw radish’s “weird” bitter taste was super mild (a win for me, since I hate raw pickled radish usually!), and the whole wrap is crisp, fresh, and light—perfect for balancing heavy BBQ. The bad: The shrimp pieces are tiny—like, barely noticeable. It’s a small letdown, but the veggie mix still makes it enjoyable. 🍖 BBQ Meats: Brisket Is a Home Run, Ribeye Falls Short We focused on two cuts this time, and they were totally different—one was a standout, the other just “meh”: Cha Don (Beef Brisket): 10/10, MUST-ORDER! The meat was fresh, with a perfect fat-to-meat ratio. The portion was huge—even we (total big eaters) left stuffed. Pro tip: Wait until the grill is scorching hot before cooking! It melts the fat until it’s crispy, and the brisket gets that smoky, savory crunch—so fragrant, you’ll want seconds before you finish the first piece. Total value for money. Ribeye Steak: Just okay. The meat was only “sort of” fresh—one piece looked dark, like it might’ve been rushed through thawing. Both slices were thin (one was only ~6mm thick!), so they cooked fast but lost juiciness. There’s a nice beefy aroma, but there was a faint sour taste (probably from not being properly aged). It’s not bad, but don’t skip the brisket for this. ✨ Nice Improvements: Service & Sides The little upgrades made a big difference this time: Rice: They gave us purple rice (my favorite!) to pair with BBQ—chewy, slightly nutty, and way better than plain white rice. Sides: The side salad was bigger than last time, and they refilled our banchan (small sides) without us asking—no more flagging down servers for more kimchi! Check: Getting the bill was quick, no waiting around. Overall, the service felt more attentive and efficient—such a relief after past visits. 💰 Final Verdict: Will Be Back for the Brisket Seoul’s improved service and amazing brisket make it worth returning. The ribeye isn’t great, but the brisket alone is reason enough to book a table. If you’re craving Korean BBQ with solid portions and friendlier service, this spot works—just stick to the brisket! #UniversityOfMichiganAnnArbor #AnnArborFood #AnnArbor #KoreanBBQ #AnnArborEats #MichiganFood #KoreanCuisine