Katherine S.
Yelp
3 stars: nothing special - would not go back or recommend
TL;DR: food was just okay; ambiance is not what was expected; service is awkward
Was excited for this place to open up for some time now. Based on their website/advertisement, they were selling it as a premium KBBQ spot with authentic KBBQ with a luxury dining experience. I expected it to be on par with the other upscale KBBQ spots in the area, but it fell short. First time we sat at the bar, and the second time at a table.
AMBIANCE:
I expected the vibes to be similar to Honest/Ingle/Woo, but it was more similar to SO/Kogiya/Meokja. The music is loud and the typical K-pop that is common in regular KBBQ places. They have a bar area, which was more like a sports bar, but I did like that they have grills at the bar that you can eat at, if you don't want to wait for a table.
SERVICE:
~Each time we come here, the service has been a little strange. When you get seated, they seem to just stand right in front of you and stare at you until you are ready to order. I don't know if this is how they are trained, but I felt very uncomfortable.
~They cooked multiple meats at a time, which seems atypical at KBBQ places around here
~Started cooking the uncooked pork while our cooked beef was around the edges of the pan
~Placed the cooked meat into the plates we were eating out of, which had various drippings and liquid from the steamed egg and other banchan
~^this also lead to our server somewhat pre-portioning for us and not asking us if the cook was to our liking (LA galbi could have used a little more time)
~Placed a napkin directly on our table top and told us to put our LA galbi bones there
~Overall, the service was problematic
FOOD:
~stating this upfront - the quality of the meat is maybe a little above average but improved cooking technique could elevate it more
~They only have 1 combo that has an option for 1-2 people, everything else is for 3+
~We got the marinated combo, which is stated to be for 3-4 people, and was going to take the leftovers home, but the portion was ridiculously small
~Banchan: they provide a variety of option including kimchi, radish, fish cakes, and salad. Salad has a gochugaru forward flavor, but they don't give enough dressing, which makes you feel like you're just eating lettuce.
~Nengmyun (3/5): it was fine, but missing some umph in the broth. Portion was generous
~Doenjang Jjigae (4/5): I like that this is definitely a traditional doenjang jjigae and the flavors were nice
~Gyeranjjim (4/5): Very fluffy and flavored well
So far we have tried the Chosun Hwaro Combo and the Marinated Combo
~Brisket (5/5): good portion and cooked well. Very soft
~Empress galbi (3.5/5): when cooked well, it is tender. (note: this comes unseasoned, so use the sauce they provide)
~Emperor's Galbi (3/5): this was jumuluk. Not sure I would necessarily classify this as galbi as jumuluk refers to the marinade and the cut of beef is dependent. They may have used short rib, but unsure. Texture seemed like rib finger
~LA Galbi (3/5): marinade needed to be a little stronger, but they may be going for that light seasoning. Meat was a little chewy which could be due to the cookery
~Marinated galbi (3/5): same as LA galbi
~Marinated pork short rib (3.5/5): The marinade on this was better than everything else, but it was fine.
The food here is okay but not worth the price or the portions. Service needs some work.