Hoegi burger joint: chipotle set & capsule coffee, 1986 Shibuya Burger

I finally found a handmade burger place near Kyung Hee University that really hit the spot, so I'm writing this review all excited. You know those days when you crave a burger? Juicy patty, fresh veggies... That's how I ended up at 1986 Shibuya Burger (1986시부야버거)!

Where is 1986 Shibuya Burger?

1986 Shibuya Burger is at 5 Gyeonghui-daero 1ga-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (1st floor), near the Kyung Hee University entrance. It's really close to the university's main gate, and only a short walk from Hoegi Station or the bus stop at Kyung Hee Univ. entrance, so it was super easy to find.

The access is great, honestly. If you're looking for a handmade burger spot in Hoegi, or need something that fits your route before or after class, this location is perfect.

It's been so hot lately that I was wiped out by the walk, and the moment I opened the door, clean, cool air greeted me. What a relief! The comfortable temperature let me rest while waiting for the food. The interior is tidy too, so I thought it would be a perfect, no-pressure place to eat solo near Kyung Hee.

Unlimited chips at the self-serve bar?

The self-serve bar at 1986 Shibuya Burger has unlimited potato chips and five different sauces. After ordering, I looked around the shop and couldn't help admiring how thoughtful the owner is.

Generous self-serve bar and unlimited chips: The bar is really well stocked. The chips are unlimited, and there are five sauces alone. We grabbed sweet chili mayo and garlic mayo to dip, and seriously, the chips and fries vanished like magic.

There are even two kinds of ketchup! Hygiene gloves and tissues are plentiful too. Best of all, the sauce bottles were all clean, which looked great hygiene-wise!!

Snack kit and candy: There are candies and snack kits you can grab when you need a sugar boost. Thinking of the broke, study-weary college students they're looking after one by one warmed my heart a little.

Barley tea: Nutty barley tea (boricha) is provided by default, so you can cool your throat without ordering a soda. Little details like this are so charming.

I kept munching on the amazing chips until the burger came out... I just can't stop reaching for them.

How was the Shibuya Chipotle Burger?

We ordered the Shibuya Chipotle Burger set, the signature item at 1986 Shibuya Burger, and my friend swapped the set's fries for a salad.

Shibuya Chipotle Burger: The moment I bit in, juice came pouring out, and the savory patty, generous, well-sized onions and crisp, fresh-tasting lettuce came together perfectly. I usually like spicy food, and the combo of sharp jalapeños and spicy, tangy chipotle sauce was outstanding. And I don't know how they toast the bun, but it's crispy outside, moist inside, with a subtle sweet, nutty flavor. I thought the bun would be delicious even on its own.

Ricotta cheese salad instead of fries

Ricotta cheese salad: I swapped it in for the fries and waited without big expectations, but wow. A proper, well-packed salad full of ricotta cheese came out, and I was surprised. I never expected such a well-made salad at a burger place, and the combo of nutty cheese and crunchy veggies was excellent.

Above all, the portion is really generous! The burger is packed with fillings, and after finishing I was so full I thought I'd die. If you want a hearty lunch near Hoegi Station, you won't regret coming here.

I was already stuffed halfway through.. seriously!

Throughout the meal, the staff greeted guests coming and going warmly and kept an attentive eye out for any inconvenience, which made it a happy meal.

Write a review, get capsule coffee

1986 Shibuya Burger is also running an event where they brew a capsule coffee on the spot when you write a Naver or Google review! I only noticed near the end of my meal, but a perk that gets you a coffee to cleanse your palate afterward is one you should definitely join.

Overall, tasty food is a given, and you can feel all around the shop how sincerely and carefully they think about every single customer. I pass through the Hoegi area often, and I really feel this is a kind-hearted shop that deserves to thrive. I'm already a regular in the making. Next time a burger craving hits, I'll be back, back, back again!