If you’ve been looking for a reason to finally make the trip to Mapo Korean BBQ on Bloor Street West, consider this your definitive push: the Toronto Blue Jays have been regulars for years, and the restaurant has become something of an unofficial team gathering spot during the MLB season. The cabinet of Blue Jays memorabilia on display — autographed balls, polaroid photos, and signed items from current and former players — is proof enough that this is far more than a casual dining connection.
Players including Kazuma Okamoto and Kevin Gausman have made the pilgrimage to Mapo, drawn by the same combination of high-quality Korean BBQ and warm, generous atmosphere that has made it a consistent fan favourite. In a city where players tend to gravitate toward downtown steakhouses, the Jays’ loyalty to a Koreatown institution says something genuinely meaningful about what Mapo gets right.
The restaurant’s reach extends beyond the Blue Jays roster too. MLB Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and Cincinnati Reds stars Elly de la Cruz and Noelvi Marte have also visited, drawn by word of mouth that has spread across locker rooms throughout the league.
For those who haven’t been, Mapo Korean BBQ is exactly what the city’s best Korean BBQ does at its finest — exceptional marinated meats, attentive service, and an energy that makes every visit feel like a celebration. The galbi is outstanding, and the overall experience justifies every bit of the loyalty it has generated.
Whether you’re a Blue Jays fan looking to eat where the team eats or a Korean BBQ enthusiast in search of the city’s best, Mapo Korean BBQ belongs on your list. Head to 708 Bloor St. W. and see exactly why the whole league is talking about it.