Scott L.
Yelp
We've walked by this place plenty of times but never thought to try it. Headed to Original Joe's but the place was packed, we wanted some meat, and the Korean Kalbi came to mind.
Drove by, parking opened near the front, we took it, and walked in to a half full restaurant around 6pm. Sit anywhere you like and we sat away from the door to avoid the draft.
Light barley tea brought out immediately. Perused the menu and ordered: Japchae, and main dishes of Combo Kalbi & Mild Pork Tofu Soup, and Ribeye Noodle Soup. We also opted for purple rice in place of white rice. Two bowls brought out although we had three people - guess they go by the main course orders. Couldn't comp another bowl of rice on an over $100 dinner with tax and tip. Jeez... allow some staff leeway to make decisions.
The combo was the best of the three ordered items. The tofu soup had a lot of sliced pork belly although we had to request the egg. No ladle for our soups either. Next table also didn't have a ladle for their shared soups. The Kalbi of two strips was good and came out on a sizzling platter with lots of onions on the bottom. Not too fatty and the six cut pieces were thick. The Japchae was average, a little gooey, beef shreds were overly sweet... not the best or the worse that we've had. As for the Ribeye Noodle Soup, it was more like an overly sweet Beef Sukiyaki. It's not a savory soup like a Beef Pho but some weird sweet version with shreds of beef. Likely the same beef as the Japchae but in the soup. Pass on the Ribeye Noodle Soup.
Banchan of broccoli, potatoes, bean sprouts, fish cake, Kimchee, and Oi Muchim. Refills if needed.
Overall, we'd go back for the Combo, Soft Tofu Soup, and maybe try the Seafood Pancake in the future. Pass on the Japchae and Ribeye Noodle Soup. Service was good. Place was clean and well-lit with tables not overly cramped.