New York-based Korean barbecue coming to Allston

Update: Approved.

The Boston Licensing Board decides tomorrow whether to grant liquor and food-serving licenses to Jongro BBQ of New York for the space where the White Horse Tavern used to be at 116-120 Brighton Ave. in Allston.

Jongro features Korean barbecue, including via a table self-service grills.

White Horse Tavern, which opened about 25 years ago, closed after the start of the pandemic. In 2022, owner Douglas Bacon reached a deal to sell the place to fellow local bar operator Derek Brady, but the Boston Licensing Board refused to approve the license transfer because Brady had said on his application he had no criminal record when, in fact, he does.

If the board approves tomorrow, Bacon would formally transfer his liquor license to his landlords, Edward Bell and Gordon Coughlin, who would then sell the license to Jongro to open Jongro BBQ Market - with the license pledged to Bell and Coughlin should Jongro fail to thrive.

The new restaurant would have 200 seats and be open until 2 a.m., with a seasonal patio with 40 people open until 11 p.m. It will pair its food offerings with Korean beers and wines, its attorney, Jon Aieta said.

Aieta estimate the restaurant needs four to five months of refitting and remodeling before it can open.

Nobody spoke against the proposal.