After hours: Marty’s: A good time you can tell people about
DONGDUCHEON, South Korea — There are some bars and restaurants in Dongducheon that you might like, but don’t necessarily want to tell others you were ever there.
On the other hand, Marty’s American Sports Bar is a place you can take your spouse or your buddy for his “hail and farewell” without getting a snicker from your commander.
The Marty’s concept is a lot like a T.G.I. Friday’s or similar chain, complete with “Animal House” memorabilia and old-fashioned signs touting the powers of beer.
It still has its Korean touches, of course, but overall it’s exactly what you’d expect from this style of restaurant: polite service; not gourmet, but decent food; not cheap, but it won’t break the bank.
The menu is very large and includes typically “American food,” if such a thing truly exists. Steaks, burgers, lasagna, tacos, seafood pasta and Asian fried rice are among the options.
The rucola Cajun-style shrimp salad wasn’t very Cajun, but it did have some of the largest shrimp I’ve seen offered in a restaurant in South Korea. The salmon portion for the sandwich or salad is equally impressive, with well-seared skin and tender meat.
The hamburger received an overall “B” grade from an Army captain, who, due to the sensitive nature of his job, asked to be known by his bowling league nickname.
“It’s a bit bready,” C-Dawg said. “But the cheese and mushrooms come together really well with the meat.”
The mixed drink menu is also very long. For those who prefer beer, the usual Korean and American suspects are available, along with Guinness and Heineken. Drinks are two-for-one during the 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. happy hour and Thursday is Ladies Night.
Lunchtime is pretty quiet, but late-night on weekends it can get full and lively, especially around the pool table and dartboards.
But even then, Marty’s remains relatively mellow compared with the sometimes chaotic “ville” across the street — which, depending on your mood, can be a very good thing.
See previous After Hours reviews here.
Marty’s American Sports Bar Dongducheon, South Korea
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Prices: Entrees range from 8,000 won (about $9) to 26,000 won (about $29). Drinks range from 4,000 won ($4.50) to 8,000 won ($9). Dollars are accepted.
Specialties: Burgers, pasta, salads, steaks
English menu: Yes
Dress: Casual
Clientele: Mostly American, some Koreans
Location: From the Camp Casey main gate, go about a quarter-mile to the traffic light and make a left. Marty’s is a couple of buildings up on the left, second floor.
Phone: 031-862-0255
Web site: wiki.galbijim.com/ Marty’s_American_Sports_Bar_and_Grill
