Left Coast is one of my favorite places to hang out in Itaewon. The atmosphere manages to provide a comfortable place for either dinner or a quick drink and app at the bar. The windows overlook the street that marks the beginning of an area known for antique shops, providing great people watching opportunities. Also, scientifically proven fact: food tastes better when you’re listening to old school rap.
My usual go-to appetizers are the fried mac and cheese balls and the tachos, both of which are awesome. The crispy fried mac is served with a tasty red sauce, and the tachos are house-made tater tots covered in cheesy and spicy sauces, and should you opt for it, delicious pulled meat. This time, we decided to try the baked mac and cheese. On it’s own, it doesn’t quite hold up to those favorite apps, but we did discover it was an ideal dipping choice for the skinny fries that came with our burger.
LC does a great job of balancing flavors in their burger recipes. The Hapa features a pickled cabbage slaw, fried egg, and pepper aioli. The yolk breaks when you bite into it, and along with the tasty sauce, produces a very delicious mess. Each burger is served with the aforementioned lightly seasoned and crisp skinny fries.
Traditional Lemonade with Vodka
The adult lemonades are freshly squeezed and tasty like whoa. They come in three varieties, each with a different liquor – ginger/gin, strawberry/tequila, and traditional/vodka. Also pictured: Sriracha – I love that LC stocks this hot sauce.
Strawberry Lemonade with Tequila
Galbi Bao
Another great item is LC’s Bao buns. Each features a different meat and distinctive sauce, and all are served on fluffy white dumpling. My favorite is the pork belly with soy glaze and cucumber. It is surprisingly light and the veggies produce a satisfying crunch to go with the soft, fatty meat. The galbi is also super tasty and tender. These are my go-to bar snacks when we stop by for a drink – just big enough to satisfy a craving without being too filling.
Pork Belly Bao
Left Coast’s food is both interesting to the palate and satisfying to the appetite, and the staff is welcoming and awesome. They always have a special going – that day, it was a 1+1 on the lemonades, and they often feature unique burgers. Every once in a while, they also host late night snack nights with Mexican or Hawaiian food menus. Word is they’re also getting a new set of cocktails and an expanded dessert menu soon.
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I Can Haz Kimchi? 