Chili King reopens in Itaewon

Chili Burger

By John Redmond

For lovers of a good decent chili burger, the reopening of Chili King in its new location has seen a dramatic rise in customers eager to try out the new menu.

With the official opening in the new location, Saturday, the much larger premises was packed with people from all walks of life, sampling the improved drinks and food selection.

Chili King manager Kevin Cyr, a former resident of both Canada and the United States and now settled in Korea for the last 13 years, made a name for himself among the expat community by catering for special functions.

He began his first commercial venture over five years ago on his return to Korea after a stint in Bagdad. Back then he invested in his own business and sold his unique chili burgers and chili dogs on the streets of Itaewon from the back of a mobile kitchen.

A couple of years later he opened his first restaurant in an alley off the main road in Itaewon. Though fairly small in size the restaurant boasted a menu offering a delicious choice of spicy burgers and hot dogs, salads and local and imported beers.

When asked why he chose to sell up and relocate, Cyr said the choice was obvious.

“I needed to expand both the premises and menu. I’d taken the business as far as I could. It was a logical choice,” he said.

With the new location offering a larger kitchen and seating area, the additional choices on the menu are very welcome.

“I decided to expand the menu and make it a very family oriented restaurant. Not just burgers, but other special dishes. The plan is to also include special drinks. I plan to introduce a mixologist to help people with ideas for drinks,” he added.

The new location can seat up to 40 people plus another 10 at the bar.

The burger selection ― including Cheeseburger, Jalapeno Ranch, Bacon Cheddar, Chili Burger, Salami Swiss, Fireball, The “Big Kev” and “King Kev” ― range in price from 10,000 won to 18,000 won. All burgers are served with fries that can be upgraded to Chili Cheese Fries for an additional 2,000 won.

The drinks menu features craft brews on tap, such as Indigo, as well as Hoegaarden and local beer Cass. A selection of imported bottled beers, apple cider and soft drinks is also available.

To get to Chili King, leave from exit 1 of Itaewon Station and walk away from the Hamilton Hotel and turn right at the ABC Mart. Chili King is in the second building on the left on the third floor.

For information contact (02) 795-1303.