The 5 best Korean spots in Berkeley

Pyeong Chang Tofu

Looking to satisfy your appetite for Korean fare?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Korean spots around Berkeley, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture when cravings strike.

December is the top month of the year for consumer spending at restaurants across the Berkeley area, according to data on local business transactions from Womply, a provider of reputation management and business insights for small businesses. Daily spending at Berkeley-area restaurants grew to $1,905 per business in December of last year, 6% higher than the average for the rest of the year.

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1. Koja Kitchen

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Photo: angela p./Yelp

Topping the list is a city outpost of California chain KoJa Kitchen. Located at 2395 Telegraph Ave. (between Channing Way and Durant Avenue), the Asian fusion, Korean and Japanese spot is the most popular Korean restaurant in Berkeley, boasting four stars out of 1,399 reviews on Yelp.

2. Berkeley Social Club

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Next up is Downtown Berkeley's Berkeley Social Club, situated at 2050 University Ave. (between Milvia Street and Shattuck Avenue). With four stars out of 1,149 reviews on Yelp, the bar, breakfast and brunch and Korean spot has proven to be a local favorite.

3. Spoon Korean Bistro

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Photo: mack a./Yelp

Spoon Korean Bistro, located at 933 Ashby Ave. (between Seventh and Ninth streets), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Korean spot, which offers soups and noodles, four stars out of 794 reviews.

4. Pyeong Chang Tofu

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Pyeong Chang Tofu, a Korean spot that offers soups, chicken wings and more, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 123 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1269 University Ave. (between Chestnut and West streets) to see for yourself.

5. Mad Seoul

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Photo: mona w./Yelp

Finally, there's Mad Seoul, a local favorite with 4.5 stars out of 98 reviews. Stop by 1801 Shattuck Ave., Suite C (between Hearst Avenue and Delaware Street) to hit up the Korean spot next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings.


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.