Haystack Chicago burger set at Buggies Tangbang, a Daejeon burger spot

If you're from Daejeon, you know Buggies! I usually go to the branch near my house, so this was my first visit to the original Tangbang location! I'm someone who loves everything from franchise burgers to handmade ones without discrimination, but Buggies is one I confidently call a true handmade burger gem!! The exterior already has that hip, stylish handmade-burger-shop vibe, doesn't it?! Being on a corner, the sign stands out even more and looks even cooler.

Where is Buggies Tangbang, and where do you park?

Buggies Tangbang 61 Gyeryong-ro 553beonan-gil, 1st floor Daily 11:10 - 21:30 Last order 19:50

And then there's the clever standing sign parodying the "peach at peak sweetness!" meme with "Buggies sweet potato fries at peak sweetness!" — it made me laugh out loud haha. I love this kind of detail! The Tangbang branch has about 3-4 parking spots right in front, plus you can easily use the parking lot of the building behind it. The surrounding alley does get busy with cars, but there's plenty of parking so I never worried about it! Plus it's near Tanbang Station and directly across from Tanbang Rodeo Town street, so it's a great spot to reach by public transit too.

Seating and the hand-washing space inside Buggies Tangbang

Walking inside, there are more than 10 cozy seats packed in efficiently, mostly two-tops.

On the walls hang cute little frames and posters with a burger motif, and the interior is so exactly my taste that I couldn't stop thinking about decorating my own wall like this haha. Isn't the interior great?

Right next to the counter there's a neatly set-up self-bar with various sauces, water, and tissues. And here's the point I want to rave about the most at Buggies — there's a separate hand-washing space set up in one corner of the store! A handmade burger is only truly enjoyable when eaten with your hands, right?! I used to find it annoying to trek all the way to the restroom before and after eating a burger, but having a hand-washing spot right inside the store was so convenient and hygienic! Soft hand towels fully stocked too!!

Double cheeseburger set and Haystack Chicago burger set

I've been a regular for so long that I've tried pretty much every menu item at Buggies! All the signature items are delicious, but today I ordered my top two favorites — the 'Double Cheeseburger Set' and the 'Chicago Burger Set.' There's also a new tasty option called 'Haystack,' where you can pile thinly sliced fried shoestring potatoes right into the burger?! I couldn't resist a new menu combo, so I added it straight to the Chicago burger! Such a hearty combo at such a reasonable price for a handmade burger — I'm always satisfied every time I come!!

Why the double cheeseburger is the best first order

First, the 'Double Cheeseburger' is the textbook classic — two juicy patties with rich, melty cheese. It's exactly the ideal image you picture when you think 'handmade burger'! Fresh vegetables are a given, but above all, the quality of Buggies' patties is the best! The seasoning on the meat itself is just right, and the juice and deep meaty aroma that fills your mouth with every bite is absolutely perfect!!!! (I'm being totally sincere here, full of bias haha.) If you've never been to Buggies, I strongly recommend starting with the double cheeseburger — you'll definitely be thinking about it again a few days later.

Chicago burger with Haystack shoestring fries on top

Next, the 'Chicago Burger' is basically a fantastic collaboration between burger and pizza. A thick beef patty, sweet-and-spicy chili sauce, grilled peppers and onions, stretchy mozzarella cheese, fragrant arugula, and salty pepperoni are all generously packed in! For someone whose palate loves pizza just as much as burgers, the Chicago burger is basically the strongest thing in the universe!!! Adding the new 'Haystack' option on top of it, the crazy-crunchy shoestring fries, the flavorful beef patty, and the spicy chili sauce and mozzarella cheese came together fantastically — it made me gasp out loud!! Whoever came up with this genius option deserves an award, seriously haha.

Fries and the veggie menu at Buggies Tangbang

Of course, Buggies nails even the side of fries!! They come straight out of the kitchen freshly fried, still steaming hot, and the salty seasoning is so good that you keep picking at them even when you're full haha. Today I went classic with the basic fries, but the side lineup is so varied — spicy-sweet chili fries, sweet potato fries, cheese-loaded cheese fries, garlic butter fries, pepperoni cheese fries — that there's plenty of fun in choosing. As someone who's tried both, regular fries are a familiar, known taste, so I'd highly recommend trying the sweet and crispy sweet potato fries for something different this time.

Buggies also has vegetarian menu options so vegetarians can enjoy it too!! It seems like a great place to enjoy with friends, coworkers, partners, and family alike! Buggies is truly a place where I've never once been disappointed, no matter when I visit! I usually only go to the branch near my house, so this was my first time at the Tangbang branch, and it was just as delicious as expected. Not to mention eating right there in the store, the packaging is neat enough for takeout or delivery too, so it seems perfect for enjoying comfortably anytime, anywhere! Good news!! I heard a new 'Daeheung branch' just opened in Daeheung-dong! There are so many people living nearby, or tourists coming to Daejeon these days for the Sungsimdang bakery tour, right? Just like Sungsimdang is Daejeon's pride, Buggies is also a proud specialty born in Daejeon, so if you come to Daejeon, I definitely recommend putting it on your course!!