Jongno burger joint: Cajun fries and egg Benedict at Reel Burger

Today I visited Reel Burger Gwanghwamun, a handmade burger spot in Jongno near Gwanghwamun where you can really enjoy thick, juicy burgers! These are a whole different level from franchise burgers, haha. Let me introduce what makes it great!

Where is Reel Burger Gwanghwamun?

Reel Burger Gwanghwamun is on the ground floor of the Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun building near Jonggak Station, so it's easy to get to. Turn left from the hotel entrance and keep going around, and it's next to the GS25 convenience store! The stylish exterior with big glass windows gave a great first impression.

At the entrance there were instructions for the Catch Table waiting system and for QR takeout orders.

Seating and the self-serve bar

The dining hall was spacious and pleasant, with tables for 4 and for 2, so it looks perfect for nearby office workers coming in small groups. Tableware already set out on each table was a thoughtful touch that made the place feel well prepared.

The self-serve bar was really neat too! Tissues, wet wipes, plastic gloves, straws, even mouthwash, plus tableware and all kinds of sauces sorted by type. It was so well organized that the owner's preparedness showed, and it got me looking forward to the food as well.

How to order and what we ordered

You order with the QR code on the table~ The menu isn't big, but each burger has its own character, so you can see the owner's commitment to selling a few items at good quality! After debating which burgers would show off what makes a Jongno burger spot special, we ordered the Classic Burger combo with an extra patty and maple sweet potato fries as the side, plus an Egg Benedict Burger and Cajun fries!

Sweet drinks are a must with burgers, right~! They came with a cup of ice and a cap on top of the can to keep dust from collecting on the opening! Such a small detail, but you can feel the owner's attention to it.

After we ordered, pickles and ketchup came out~ Eating the pickles in between bites when things got greasy was a great palate cleanser! The ketchup was sweet too, and went well with the fried sides.

Our order finally arrived! Just look at the whole spread, doesn't it prove this is a great Jongno burger spot? Let me show you each burger's charm in more detail~

How was the Classic Burger with an extra patty?

I had the Classic Burger with one extra patty, so two in total, and I think that was a really good choice, haha. It came on one plate with the sweet potato fries side, and just looking at the side view with two thick, well-cooked patties made my mouth water.

When I cut off a piece, juice poured out right away, and the look was the best. The cross-section showed lots of vegetables like tomato, onion and lettuce, plus cheese! True to the name Classic, it had just the ingredients a burger needs, clean and with no fuss~

On the first bite I noticed how fresh the vegetables were, and then the flavor of the two patties hit me! The outside was crisp, almost like it was fried, while the inside stayed moist, so the texture was great and the juice was plentiful, with a huge meaty flavor. That meaty aroma and the fresh vegetables balanced each other well, making for a really tasty classic burger~ I was honestly surprised to have found a handmade burger spot beyond what I expected.

The Egg Benedict Burger has a brunch feel

The Egg Benedict Burger at Reel Burger Gwanghwamun has a round soft-cooked egg on top, and it looked like I'd walked into a pretty brunch café! It was a menu item I'd been really looking forward to~ When I cut into it, the yolk ran down like a sauce!

The egg was the highlight, but the fresh arugula and bacon did their jobs too. In one bite you get the softness of the egg, the aroma of the arugula, the saltiness of the bacon, and the flavor of the patty and cheese. So many flavors in one bite made it a really satisfying meal. It's not too greasy or tiring, just light and filling, so even people who don't usually eat burgers could enjoy this Egg Benedict Burger!

Cajun fries and maple sweet potato fries

The Cajun fries and maple sweet potato fries at Reel Burger Gwanghwamun are cooked right when you order, so they were served crisp and warm. The fries were crispy yet soft, and the sweet maple syrup on the sweet potato fries was heavenly! Think of them as a thinner version of mattang (candied sweet potato). Even the sides made me feel this Jongno burger spot is on top of its game~

If you're looking for a handmade burger with really rich meaty flavor, or want a fancy brunch-style meal, do stop by Reel Burger Gwanghwamun when you're in Gwanghwamun! A handmade burger place that nails both taste and atmosphere, for a hearty, delicious meal~