Will R.
Yelp
Back when I went to undergrad, there was a popular burrito place near campus named Tacoria. (Get it? Like a Mexican taqueria, but, like, uh, a pun on how "taque" and "taco" sound similar? Clever name, right?) Tacoria, as the, er, extremely authentically Hispanic name would imply, served decent but uninspiring tacos and burritos which tried to hide their blandness behind an impressive array of fun veggie accoutrements and vegan substitutes. The most positive spin I can think to give it is "better than the Qdoba down the street," which, given burritos are one of a handful of foods that I consider life-changing when done properly, is nothing to write home about.
I feel about the same way about Bowl Gogi. (Get it? Like Korean bulgogi, but, uh, it's served in a bowl, so, uh, Bowl Gogi? Clever name, right?) The place serves thoroughly passable bowls of meat, rice, and various veggies and sauces. I had the beef bibimbap, which in Bowl Gogi lingo is a preselected set of six vegetables and beef bulgogi over rice. My experience may have been colored by a far superior bibimbap I'd had at Coco Izakaya 2.0 two blocks away only a few weeks ago, but this dish was fairly disappointing. I'd compare my experience eating the bowl to the average meal at a place like Homegrown: nutritious, easily palatable, and somewhat well-spiced, but generally bland and unexciting - which, given how good the best bibimbaps I've had on the East Side are, is not a particularly hearty recommendation.
Overall, I would go back to Bowl Gogi if I were taken by somebody else, but I can't see myself ever actively deciding to go here. If I wanted to eat out and pay $12 plus tip for bulgogi beef, I would go to any of the seventeen or so restaurants in the vicinity who do it better. If I wanted to eat uninspiring beef or pork bowls with kimchi, I'd go to the City Center Plaza cafeteria on Fridays and save four bucks. Bowl Gogi, like Tacoria, is a trendy fast casual joint more memorable for the branding than the food; if you're looking for restaurants near Bellevue Transit Center that prioritize the reverse, look elsewhere.