I refuse to incorporate a tagline in my title which included a slogan from a popular candy bar that has a famous, yellow-skinned, animated family in their commercials. Instead a play on words seemed appropriate. Butterfinger! Finally, after three years, Jill and I made it down to Apgujeong Rodeo on the rarely used and far away Bundang Line. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

How to get there: One of the easier places to find. There are two locations: one at Apgujeong Rodeo and one at Gangnam Station. The easiest way to get to the Apgujeong Rodeo Station location is to take the subway to Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Bundang Yellow Line) and depart from Exit 4. Do NOT go to Apgujeong Station on Line 3. These are two totally different locations. Once you’ve departed from Exit 4, walk straight for about five minutes. You are getting close after you pass a large gaming bar on your left with darts and pool. Once you see the Burger King on your left, make a left at the intersection and walk up the hill. Butterfinger is about 50 meters on your left. Here are the directions to the Gangnam location.

Atmosphere and Service: Shakespeare had a quote about pancakes? Yep, it’s up on their wall. Butterfinger is a mix between a greasy spoon diner and contemporary brunch bistro. The ruggedness of the menu and the open kitchen reminds me of a 1950’s greasy spoon, but the layout and decor reminds me of a modern, European-inspired bistro. Butterfinger has that nice balance which includes large, comfortable chairs and clean tables with inspirational writing, minus the old lady, covered in grease stains, moping up the counter with a rag that remembers when Kennedy was shot and a half-smoked butt hanging out of her mouth.

The service was great. We arrived at around 1pm, so the lunch rush was dying down. That said, it was still full and for a second it looked as though we wouldn’t get a seat. The service was very prompt and the server, although not overly polite, wasn’t rude either. In fact, he spoke a little English. A spontaneous, cute moment happened as I was taking pictures of the interior and the open kitchen, the cook flashed that all to familiar “V” symbol. Is it for peace or victory? I am forever perplexed.

Food and Drink: Today we ordered a set of Blueberry Pancakes, a Split Decision Platter, Green Tea, English Breakfast Tea and a pitcher of Orange Juice.

Blueberry Pancakes (7,200KRW): I ordered the Blueberry Pancakes and simply put, they were everything I though they would be and more. Plump, juicy blueberries stuffed inside a golden brown pancake was exactly what I needed on that cold morning. A pancake can be a tricky beast, but these guys have it down to an art. A nice sprinkling of sugar powder with butter and blueberry jam on the side was icing on the cake. A great start to breakfast.

Split Decision Plate (22,800KRW): What a brillant idea this is. Like me, you’ve probably looked through a menu and decided that you want to order the whole thing, however, your self-control and wallet has prevented you from doing so. No more friends! Now you can sample most Butterfinger’s breakfast menu with their split decision plate. Eggs, sausage (white and traditional), bacon, ham, pancakes, French toast, home fries, cat, dog, kitchen sink, the body of Jimmy Hoffa… You get the picture. Needless to say, Jill and I split this bad boy. The bacon was cooked to perfection. The bacon was juicy without being fatty. The ham was a little crispy, as were the sausages, but nothing to complain about. Jill’s pancakes were cooked perfectly, as were the eggs and the French toast. Stomach goes boom now.

A Pitcher of Orange Juice (13,800KRW): Gone are the days of rationing out your 9,000KRW orange juice during the course of breakfast. Break free of your shackles and order the pitcher! Jill and I got four large glasses of orange juice out of it to fulfill our Vitamin C requirements for the day.

Value: The total bill came to approximately 56,000KRW. Butterfinger has some solid value. The portions were solid, the food was delicious and the service was good. I would go back here for brunch again in heartbeat, assuming my heart pounds that bacon through the Aorta. In fact, I’m ashamed that it took me this long to make my way down.

Who Should Go To Butterfinger: As close to an American-style breakfast experience as you probably will find here in Seoul. This is a great place for couples and families. Also, Butterfinger has a very diverse menu with tons of selections if you aren’t feeling breakfast.

Who Should Avoid Butterfinger: 56,000KRW is a lot for breakfast. That said, it will probably be the only meal you will need that day. If you are looking for cheaper options, the Burger King on the corner has a breakfast menu that will keep you under 10,000KRW.

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