Irvine Hidden Gems – Urban Seoul & Coffeebar Byul

When I think of culinary destinations Irvine is not one of the cities that comes to mind. And yet…

You see, I recently discovered a couple of places that have surprised me. Irvine won’t be topping my foodie list anytime soon but I am impressed by the two independent spots Urban Seoul and Coffeebar Byul. Located next to each other in the Diamond Jamboree center they offer a break from the typical chain restaurant landscape.

Urban Seoul is a casual restaurant serving a mash-up of Korean, Mexican, and American cuisine. I love to head there on Taco Tuesday because they offer their fabulous tacos for $1.95 a piece.

See what I mean about mash-up? Those don’t look like your typical tacos and with ingredients like spicy pork belly and gogi beef they’re certainly not. These tasty treats are quite filling and make the perfect cheap meal. But, if you’re not in the mood for tacos may I suggest the gogi quesadilla?

Oh man do I love this dish. Gogi beef nestle between toasted cheese tortillas and paired with a spicy sweet dipping sauce is a delicious concept. Sometimes I find myself craving this very dish and have to run over there for lunch. Thank God it’s always on the menu.

After my lunch at Urban Seoul I like to stroll next door to Coffeebar Byul for a treat.

This cute spot has a large menu of handcrafted coffee and tea drinks. Not to mention a variety of delicious pastries by the amazing Cream Pan Bakery. But it’s not a pastry I’m after. It’s their amazing Uji Matcha Green Tea Iced Blended.

Isn’t it beautiful? And it tastes oh so amazing with just the right hint of sweetness to mellow the green tea flavor. I don’t even want to tell you how many times I’ve purchased this.

Both places have become my must stop spots in Irvine. Not only do they have great food and drink but I have never met an employee that wasn’t super nice and friendly. It’s nice to visit a place where my patronage is appreciated. Keeps me coming back again and again and again…

Urban Seoul and Coffeebar Byul

2750 Alton Parkway (Diamond Jamboree Center)

Irvine, CA  92606