Pittsburgh’s Soju is the kind of Garfield hideaway friends whisper about in group chats, then promptly drag everyone to for a night of crispy chicken, sizzling barbecue, and soju-fueled laughs.
This small Korean-American spot turns Penn Avenue into a flavor playground, where Korean comfort food meets creative bar bites, and the vibe says, “Stay for another round—you’re among friends.” 🍜🍹
How Soju won Pittsburgh’s hearts
Soju won over locals by doing something beautifully simple: serving Korean home-style favorites with an American twist. Enjoy mouth-watering dishes in a tiny, relaxed room where everyone feels like a regular by their second visit.
In its early days, curious diners wandered into this modest Garfield storefront, ordered things like Killer Tofu, Korean Fried Chicken, and Kimchi Fried Rice. They told absolutely everyone they knew that they’d found their new spot. 🔥 Word-of-mouth became Soju’s secret superpower.
Locals praised the cozy environment and small-but-mighty bar program that pours soju, craft beer, and playful cocktails. 🍻💬
As more people discovered Soju, it evolved from “that little Korean place on Penn” into one of the city’s go-to spots for casual dates, birthday dinners, and comfort-food cravings. It’s especially popular for those who love bold flavors without pretension.
Today, the room fills quickly, the energy buzzes, and the menu of Korean-American favorites keeps inspiring return visits from locals who swear they’ve never had tofu, fried chicken, or kimchi pancakes quite like this anywhere else in Pittsburgh. 😋✨
Food Highlights
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Korean Fried Chicken (KFC): This is Soju’s rock star—crisp, shattering skin wrapped around juicy meat, often sauced in sweet or spicy glazes that keep the table reaching back for “just one more piece.” 🍗
It’s beloved because it delivers everything people crave in fried chicken: crunch, flavor, and a little bit of heat, making it a must-order centerpiece for group dinners and first-timers.
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Killer Tofu: Don’t let the name scare you—this tofu is legendary for a reason. It’s praised for being a huge, shareable portion and one of the most addictive starters on the menu.
Cubes of tofu arrive fried until crispy and tossed in a pineapple soy glaze that hits sweet, salty, and tangy all at once, converting even tofu skeptics into true believers. 🌱
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Kimchi Fried Rice: Comfort in a bowl, Soju’s kimchi fried rice layers spicy-sour kimchi with fluffy rice, savory bits of protein, and often a fried egg on top for that perfect mix of textures. 🍚
Diners love it because it feels both familiar and exciting: rich, a little funky, and deeply satisfying, especially with a cold beer or a fruity soju cocktail.
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Korean BBQ Combination: This platter is Soju’s love letter to classic Korean barbecue, featuring kalbi (beef short ribs), bulgogi (marinated beef fillet), and dwaejibulgogi (spicy marinated pork), all served with rice and banchan. 🥩🔥
Locals rave about how tender and flavorful each meat is, and it’s often recommended as the best way to sample multiple Korean BBQ favorites on one plate.
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Katsu Curry: Here, panko-breaded chicken or tofu katsu arrives golden and crispy, served with Korean-style curry studded with carrot and potato over rice.
It’s a favorite among guests who want something hearty and soothing, with that extra curry warmth that makes this dish feel like a hug after a long day. 🍛
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Bibimbap: A colorful bowl of rice, vegetables like spinach, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and spicy cucumbers, topped with an egg and your choice of protein.
Guests love mixing it all with gochujang for a customizable, vibrant dish that feels both healthy and indulgent, perfect for people who want a bit of everything in each bite. 🥕🥚
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Tteokbokki (Rice Cakes): Chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy-sweet sauce, sometimes loaded with extras like fish cake or vegetables.
Fans call this dish a favorite thanks to its chewy texture and bold chili kick, making it a go-to for anyone who loves heat and couldn’t care less about playing it safe. 🌶️
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Pineapple Salmon: Grilled Atlantic salmon glazed in pineapple soy, served with sticky rice and vegetables, bringing bright, tropical notes to the table.
It’s a hit among diners looking for something lighter that still packs flavor, balancing sweet glaze, smoky char, and tender fish in every bite. 🐟🍍
Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Soju is small, casual, and buzzing with energy, the kind of room where you can hear chopsticks clink, friends laugh, and bartenders shake cocktails all at once.
The Garfield neighborhood setting adds to the charm, with Soju feeling like a locals’ secret tucked amid Penn Avenue’s creative stretch of bars, cafes, and art spaces. 🎨
Inside, it’s intimate and cozy—just a handful of tables and bar seats—so the vibe leans friendly and informal, perfect for laid-back dates, catch-ups, and pre-night-out fuel.
People love that it feels like a Korean-American family gathering: no reservations, no fuss, just good food, strong drinks, and a room that fills fast because everyone wants to be there. 🍶💕
Bottom Line
Soju is a must-visit for bold Korean-American comfort food, from crispy fried chicken and killer tofu to loaded kimchi fried rice, japchae, and sizzling BBQ platters.
Visit for the cozy Garfield vibe, friendly service, fun cocktails, and shareable plates that make group dinners feel like a private party.
Go if you love places that look unassuming from the outside but deliver unforgettable flavors, great value, and that “I can’t wait to come back” feeling by the last bite. 😍
Address:
Soju
4923 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
📞 (412) 450-8968
🕔 Typical hours: Tue–Thurs 5 pm-9 pm; Fri-Sat 5 pm-10 pm; Closed Sun–Mon