Euljiro3-ga solo-dining burger restaurant: BAS Burger shrimp burger

Looking for a lighter handmade burger in Euljiro

I usually prefer clean, light meals over greasy ones, so I was on the hunt for a handmade burger place near Euljiro that wouldn't feel heavy. Rather than something overly intense or rich, I was craving a burger that let ingredients like seafood or mushrooms shine on their own, so I compared a few spots. BAS Burger Euljiro Branch in Euljiro3-ga kept coming up with rave reviews for its extra moist, soft buns and its clean, well-organized unlimited self-serve bar, so my curiosity was piqued. I wanted to enjoy a relaxing meal in a tidy atmosphere, so I headed straight there without hesitation.

How far is BAS Burger from Euljiro3-ga Station, and is there parking?

BAS Burger Euljiro Branch is easy to find — just come out of Exit 10 or 11 at Euljiro3-ga Station and walk a short way into the busy alleys nearby. It's only about a 2-3 minute walk from the station, so it's a totally convenient route if you're coming by transit. That said, given how packed this neighborhood's alleys are, the restaurant doesn't have its own parking lot, so if you're driving, check nearby private or public parking lots in advance. Parking space is quite tight around here, so I'd say taking the subway is much easier to avoid the stress of navigating the narrow alleys.

Inside the basement space and the solo-dining bar seats

Once you step into the building, a corridor leads calmly down to the basement, softly lit by neon signage with a retro-yet-hip vibe. Past the stairs and into the basement, the interior turned out to be much roomier and cleaner than the chaotic street outside suggested, which made for a really pleasant first impression. Tables were spaced generously so diners wouldn't disturb each other, and there was a good mix of bar seats for eating alone quietly and larger tables for groups, so I never felt cramped. The overall lighting was cozy and calm, great for a quiet conversation over a meal, and it struck me as a solid choice for a date or a solo meal near Euljiro3-ga.

Free James Gam potato chips and sauces at the self-serve bar

Off to one side of the restaurant sits a tidy self-serve bar stocked generously with what might be the place's true signature: free James's Chips. You can pile as much as you want into a paper tray, and they stayed perfectly crisp, so they were great for snacking on nonstop while waiting for the burgers. The self-serve bar also had freshly ground black pepper, mayonnaise, sriracha, and ketchup, so mixing and matching sauces to dip the chips in was its own little fun. The chips tasted freshly fried, nutty and pleasantly salty, so the wait after ordering flew by without ever feeling boring.

How do the shrimp burger and mushroom burger taste?

Of the dishes I tried that day, the shrimp burger was very satisfying — the plump, springy texture of the shrimp came through clearly in every bite. The mushroom burger I ordered alongside it was just as good, with the chewy texture of mushrooms and a burst of savory mushroom juice with every bite, delivering deep flavor that filled my mouth. Above all, the bun wasn't tough at all — it was extremely moist and soft, blending beautifully with the fillings instead of feeling separate, for an overall excellent balance. This wasn't a burger hidden behind intense seasoning — it was clean and easy on the stomach, so I finished every last bite happily.

Downsides: a hidden entrance and dim lighting

That said, the entrance to the basement level is a bit hidden, so if you're prone to getting lost, keep a close eye on your map. The interior lighting is also quite dim overall — cozy, sure, but if you're hoping for bright, vivid food photos, you may end up a little disappointed with your shots. Also, the free chips at the self-serve bar are so addictive that there's a small risk of unconsciously filling up before the main burger even arrives. That said, ordering itself was very convenient through the tablet installed at each table for contactless ordering, and the hygiene was kept impressively clean throughout.

Who will like BAS Burger Euljiro Branch?

If you're near Euljiro and want a handmade burger that's not overly rich, paired with all the crunchy, unlimited chips you can eat, this is an excellent choice. The spacious, tidy space along with a convenient contactless ordering system makes for a comfortable, satisfying meal no matter who you're with. That said, if you prefer an intensely rich, salty American-style heavy burger dripping with juice and melted cheese, this might feel relatively too light or plain for your taste. But if you genuinely love a soft bun with the grease trimmed down, paired with a clean harmony of fresh original ingredients, I'd highly recommend stopping by BAS Burger Euljiro Branch in Euljiro3-ga.

BAS Burger Euljiro Branch: address, hours and directions

• Address: 서울 중구 을지로12길 11 시어소호텔 지하1층 (11 Euljiro12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea, basement 1F, Theo Seo Hotel)
• Hours: Daily 11:00 - 20:30