Best Affordable Korean Restaurants in St. Louis | Affordable Korean Food

12 restaurants in Best Affordable Korean Restaurants in St. Louis | Affordable Korean Food

• Mom's Deli — American · rated 5/5: This bustling neighborhood cornerstone wraps guests in the nostalgic aroma of slow-simmered roast beef and the warm, rhythmic energy of a classic deli counter. Hearty, overstuffed sandwiches like the legendary "Mom’s Special" and the savory "Poor Boy" celebrate the art of the stack, layering tender meats and melted cheeses into satisfying, hand-held masterpieces. Whether you are diving into a steaming Beef & Philly or a tangy BBQ ham, every bite captures the soulful, unpretentious spirit of a cherished family kitchen.
• Tous les Jous — Korean · rated 4/5: This charming neighborhood bakery envelops visitors in the warm, buttery aroma of golden crusts and sweet yeast, creating an inviting space where the art of baking is on full display. Patrons discover a whimsical landscape of textures, ranging from the delicate, salty-sweet pull of signature rolls to decadent chocolate-dipped waffles and vibrant blueberry cream cheese breads. It is a place where the simple joy of a crusty baguette or a savory, melted Croque Monsieur transforms a daily routine into a moment of pure, artisanal indulgence.
• Seoul Taco — Korean · rated 4/5: This vibrant fusion hub pulses with urban energy, blending the bold, smoky aromas of Korean barbecue with the spirited zest of Mexican street food. Diners dive into overstuffed burritos and "Gogi" bowls brimming with marinated meats and spicy kimchi, or share decadent quesadillas that pull apart to reveal layers of melted cheese and sweet corn elote. It is a high-octane celebration of flavor where traditional boundaries disappear, offering a soulful and punchy dining experience that captures the essence of modern street culture.
• Kalbi Taco Shop — Korean: This vibrant eatery pulses with the energy of a bustling street market, where the smoky aroma of soy-marinated short ribs sizzling on the grill mingles with the bright, citrusy scent of fresh cilantro and lime. Soft corn tortillas serve as the canvas for a bold fusion of cultures, cradling tender, caramelized meats topped with crunchy slaw and fiery house-made salsas that dance across the palate. It is a lively destination where the soulful depth of Korean barbecue meets the playful spirit of Mexican street food, offering a fast-paced yet deeply flavorful escape for the adventurous diner.
• Kimchi Guys — Korean: Vibrant neon accents and a high-energy atmosphere set the stage for a bold exploration of Korean street food, where the irresistible crunch of double-fried chicken meets the sharp, fermented tang of house-made kimchi. Each golden piece is glazed in signature sauces ranging from fiery gochujang to savory soy-garlic, creating a symphony of heat and umami that defines this modern, fast-paced culinary sanctuary.
• Seoul Taco — Korean: Vibrant street art and an upbeat urban energy set the stage for a bold culinary collision where the fiery soul of Korean barbecue meets the handheld convenience of Mexican street food. Sizzling bulgogi and spicy pork are tucked into warm tortillas and topped with tangy kimchi and zesty sauces, creating a symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that dance across the palate. This lively spot transforms a casual meal into a flavor-packed adventure, inviting diners to pull up a chair in a space that feels as fresh and creative as the fusion dishes emerging from the kitchen.
• Smoking Barrels BBQ — American: The air at Smoking Barrels BBQ is thick with the intoxicating perfume of hickory smoke and slow-roasting brisket, drawing guests into a rustic, high-energy space where the low-and-slow tradition is elevated to an art form. Succulent, bark-crusted meats fall effortlessly from the bone, paired with vibrant, tangy slaws and rich, buttery sides that capture the soulful essence of the pitmaster’s craft. It is a spirited haven for barbecue enthusiasts, where communal tables and sauce-slathered plates create a sensory celebration of fire, patience, and deep, smoky flavor.
• Kimchi Guys — Korean: Kimchi Guys pulses with urban energy, offering a contemporary take on Korean soul food where the star of the show is the impossibly crispy, double-fried chicken drenched in savory, spicy glazes. The air is thick with the mouthwatering scent of garlic and fermented chilies, inviting diners to dive into vibrant bowls and artisan kimchis that bridge the gap between traditional heritage and modern street-food culture.
• Bootleggin' BBQ Tavern — American: Stepping into this lively smokehouse feels like discovering a well-kept secret, where the rich, savory aroma of slow-cooked meats mingles with the clink of cold beer mugs and the warmth of weathered wood. Pit-master expertise shines through in every tender slice of bark-crusted brisket and glazed rib, offering a soulful celebration of low-and-slow tradition that invites guests to linger over hearty flavors and spirited conversation.
• K-Bop STL — Korean: Vibrant and unpretentious, this urban eatery pulses with the energy of a Korean street market, drawing guests in with the savory, charred aroma of sizzling bulgogi and toasted sesame. Guests craft their own kaleidoscopic bowls where crisp, pickled vegetables and fermented kimchi meet tender proteins over beds of fluffy rice, all brought to life by a signature drizzle of spicy, sun-ripened gochujang. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of heat, crunch, and comfort, providing a fast-paced yet soul-warming escape into the bold world of modern Korean soul food.
• K-bop — Korean: This lively Korean eatery pulses with energy, drawing diners in with the irresistible crackle of scorched rice and the bold, fermented tang of house-made kimchi. Vibrant bowls arrive brimming with a kaleidoscope of fresh vegetables and savory marinated meats, offering an explosion of flavor that captures the spirited essence of Seoul’s bustling street food culture.
• Sawmill BBQ — American: The air at Sawmill BBQ hangs heavy with the intoxicating perfume of slow-smoldering hickory, drawing guests into a rugged, wood-hewn space that celebrates the timeless art of the smokehouse. Glistening slabs of salt-and-pepper crusted brisket and tender, flame-kissed ribs take center stage, served alongside soul-warming sides that turn every meal into a hearty, communal feast of deep, honest flavors.