Busan Beer Shop Hides a Secret? Locals Stunned by Hidden Menu!

[RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK] Busan's Beer Shop offers so much more

Busan Beer Shop Hides a Secret? Locals Stunned by ...

BUSAN — You know those hidden gems you stumble upon, the ones that make you feel like you've discovered a secret the whole world should know? That's Beer Shop in a nutshell. Tucked away in a quiet alley in Jeonpo-dong, Busan's hippest neighborhood, this unassuming restaurant is quietly serving up what many are calling some of the best sandwiches in Korea. And trust me, that's saying something.

The brainchild of Andy Green, also a co-founder of the now-defunct Gorilla Brewing, and Park Ju-hee, Beer Shop actually started inside Gorilla's Gwangalli taproom. Initially, it was more of a bottle shop, showcasing different breweries alongside a pretty limited food menu. But the concept evolved, and Green, wanting to create a space that felt "similar to back home," something like a "trendy, modern pub" that appealed to both serious craft beer drinkers and those just looking for a casual drink, decided to branch out.

Seeing Jeonpo's star rising in 2021, and its prime location near Seomyeon's crazy nightlife, Green took the plunge and set up shop in a renovated former residence. They've done such a fantastic job with the renovation that it's hard to believe this lively spot was once someone's home. Seriously, you wouldn't even know.

But let's talk about the real star of the show: the pastrami sandwich. What makes great pastrami, you ask? "Good meat, good bread, good sauce," Green insists. "Don't overcomplicate it." Simple, right? But sometimes, simple is best.

Being the curious journalist I am, especially for you, *Korea Times* readers, I had to press him for more details. "We use beef brisket, which we soak in a wet brine," he revealed. "It's a saltwater solution with sugar, pickling spices, and garlic. The brisket marinates in the brine for 10 days – you can get away with seven, but I prefer 10. After rinsing, we apply a 50/50 dry rub of black pepper and coriander seeds. Then it's smoked to the perfect temperature and steamed to order in the restaurant." The result? Pure magic.

And speaking of magic, the Reuben sandwich is a culinary masterpiece. Imagine warm, incredibly tender pastrami piled high on perfectly toasted local bread, topped with tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a generous dollop of their homemade Russian dressing. I've eaten my fair share of Reubens around the world, and I can honestly say Beer Shop's version is right up there with the best. It all comes down to Green's painstaking brisket preparation; that slow brine makes all the difference.

Beyond the incredible sandwiches, Beer Shop doesn't disappoint when it comes to drinks. For the uninitiated, they offer a straightforward draft Jeonpo Lager and mixed highballs. But for the beer aficionados, they've got nine additional taps pouring some of Korea's best craft brews. Plus, three large refrigerators are packed with everything from non-alcoholic options to a diverse range of English ales and even more Korean craft beers. Basically, they've got something for everyone.

So, if you find yourself in Busan, do yourself a favor and head to Beer Shop. With its exceptional food, fantastic beer selection, and a charming patio vibe, it's a place you won't want to miss. Trust me on this one.

*Kevin Grabb is a Canadian homebrewer and YouTuber. His channel, Korea Brewing Adventure, explores Korean alcohol from production to consumption.*