Sebo C.
Yelp
Date of Visit 01-18-204
First, I have to say that I tried to eat there a couple weeks ago as a solo dinner for their AYCE lunch. They did turn me down and said AYVE required two people minimum. I offered to pay for 2 AYCE even if I was by myself, but they still said no. Which made no sense as they would have made more money that way (since I can't eat as much as 2 people, well my wife would argue that but you get the point). That policy made no sense, but I still wanted to try their AYCE, so I came back with my mother-in-law to have lunch there.
As a reminder if you do not follow my reviews, I classify Korean BBQ AYCE into 3 categories, Premium, regular and "Dirty Korean" (cheap, lower/average quality meat, hit the spot but you better have a bathroom nearby)
This place would be in the regular category (but border line "dirty Korean"
ATMOSPHERE/DECO
Nice and clean, but fairly small, I can see this place having some wait time in peak hours/days. Booth seating was comfortable for 2 but could get a little crowded for 4.
SERVICE
Waitresses were nice, not very talkative but attentive. They cooked most of our food (and did overcook the brisket) but the AYCE was supposed to be self-grilling, so not complaining about the extra help.
They did not refill any of the Banchans but checked on us fairly often.
All the meats came out fast and we did not have to wait.
Please note that the soft drinks are served as plastic bottles, so you do not get free refills.
PRICE
Not complains there, the main AYCE lunch is 24.99 but if you want the short ribs options, you need to upgrade to the dinner AYCE which is 29.99.
Lot of food for the money!
FOOD
This is where this review is going to take a downturn.
The food was very very average at best, here are the details:
You get a handful of Banchan , most are ok. None are great. But we didn't get any refills.
We started with the brisket; it was average but ended up being a bit overcooked as well. We then had the spicy pork belly and that was just plain bad, it was not spicy at all and was very chewy, one of the worse pork belly I had in a long time. Next was the EM Bop short rib cuts, and while the meat was tender, it had zero flavor, even using the sauces on it barely gave it any taste at all. The fresh shrimp came after and that was the worse of the lunch along with the spicy pork belly. The shrimps were so bland and super hard to peel.
Next, we decided to get more short ribs but got the seasoned one and those were good, nothing spectacular but good. Beef Bulgogi was good as well and we finished with the star of the day, honestly probably the only meat that was worth the money. Drum rolls ...... the winner was the marinated pork steak. Moist, tender and finally a meat with a lot of flavors. If you do end up at E.M Bop, make sure to get it, you won't regret that.
By the way the egg soufflé was good but the corn cheese was another item with no flavors.
MISCELLEANOUS
Food came with 4 sauces, salt and sesame oil, red bean paste, a mystery sauce (not sure what it was and had little flavor anyhow) and a green sauce that was like a creamy chimichurri.
Also to note that this restaurant uses charcoal which is a nice touch
In conclusion, even if the price is decent, most of the food options sadly lack flavors and there are way better options in the area for AYCE Korean BBQ around the same price point.
La note de Sebo
Atmosphere/Deco 4.5/5
Service 4/5
Food 2.5.5
Price 5/5
Misc. 4/5
OVERALL 3/5