Photos by ChiHon Kim ()
While finding a burger joint in Korea these days is no longer a challenge, choosing the right place to go continues to be one.
TJ Burger in Daegu was a spot that had been on my radar for a while. Though I kept opting for my usual standbys whenever a burger craving hit, I recently decided it was time to give TJ’s a try.
The restaurant has pretty good online reviews and to find it, you’ll have to enter a residential area. Inside, it’s decorated with plenty of Americana and Coca-Cola signage to give you that diner feel from back home.
The menu had many burger, topping options, and non-burger items like mushroom burgers, double cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, onion rings, and even a “fully-loaded burger,” which is literally loaded with every ingredient available in the kitchen.
During my visit, the seasonal avocado burger topped with butter pear slices was unfortunately sold out. So, instead I opted for the double patty burger for 8,000 won (or $ 6.77). I made it a set with fries and a drink for 3,000 won more.
Soon my burger arrived and it was upon my first bite that I must admit the online reviews of TJ’s were not exaggerating. This juicy burger on a soft bun topped with fresh lettuce, two sliced tomatoes, onions was perfect. On top of this, the piping-hot French fries were overwhelmingly delicious.
What sets this burger joint apart from others you may visit around the area is the “smash burger” technique Owner Kim Tae-jun uses. Kim gained his burger-making skills in Canada and the smash technique is what creates the thin, juicy center of TJ’s burgers.
I have nothing but good things to say about this place. It is certainly one of the best burger spots in Daegu and definitely better than the fancier or more expensive burger joints I’ve tried. I’ve only been to TJ’s once and already I can’t wait to go back to Daegu to get my hands on another burger. If you live or find yourself in Daegu, you’ll definitely want to make a stop here, too!
Address: 114, Hwarang-ro 2-gil, Suseong-gu, Daegu
Naver Map (KOR), (ENG)
Hours: 11:30 a.m. until run out of ingredients or until 8 p.m. (3-4 p.m. break time – only on weekdays. Closed Mondays)
Phone: 0507-1489-0112
