SouthGate

SouthGate Restaurant Review:

About the décor: This bustling Graduate Hospital area watering hole is outfitted with black and white tile, filament sconces and sleek black banquettes. If you can secure a table, it’s the kind of place to sit for a while with a succession of small plates and cocktails.

Likes: Korean fried chicken; pork mandoo; bibimbap; bulgogi burger.
Dislikes: Noisy.

Food & Drinks: The kitchen celebrates the bright and bold flavors of Korea. In practical terms, that could mean an East and West mashup, like the bulgogi burger with homemade pickles and ssamjang mayo. More often, however, the cooking stays fairly true to its roots, with sizzling bibimbap bowls and kimchi pancakes, along with trendier twice-fried chicken wings. During brunch hours, try the kimchi poutine or the short rib loco moco with poached eggs and fried shallots. Saké and soju cocktails, such as The Man From Nowhere (house spiced soju, cachaça, Ancho Reyes and pomegranate), complement the other Korean potables: raspberry wine, a decent selection of craft beers and wine from a limited list. Weeknight happy hour brings $4 Sapporo, $6 wine and sangría, and small bites (pretzels with gochujang mustard).