Jason V.
Yelp
Happy Bibimbap House has had a rough ride this past year and a half or so, due to COVID. Initially opening right before the first COVID shutdown in 2020, they've stuttered along valiantly, despite all the stop/starts as lockdowns were rescinded, only to be renewed weeks later. 18 months later, I guess you could call this their Grand Re-Re-Re-Opening?
Regardless, they managed to survive, persisting where other places threw in the towel, and Portland is a better city for their perseverance. We were seated immediately, and the charming owner was extremely courteous, friendly and helpful, explaining the troubled path they've trod to make it to this reopening, noting (very apologetically) certain items that were not available due to supply chain shortages, as they warmed up to full operation, and even interacting with and engaging our kids in conversation. A nice personal touch that is very welcome.
No strangers to Korean cuisine, we ordered Bulgogi and LA Galbi short ribs to grill in the embedded hibachi, complete with side dishes such as kimchi, daikon, sprouts, green beans, and more. This order was robust enough to feed my wife and one and a half kids; the other half was covered by an order of Avocado rolls from the sushi bar. My own Kimchi Jigae, a sort of spicy tofu and kimchi stew (with beef as my protein choice), was utterly fantastic; I had to fend off my wife's sneaky attempts to steal my tofu!
Throughout the meal, the owner returned several times to check on us, engage in polite chatter, monitor the status of our grilling, lending assistance, and entertaining the kids. His wife made an appearance shortly thereafter, bringing a small selection of side dishes (fried eggs, and sweet potatoes) that we had not ordered, but that they offered gratis, simply for us (mostly the kids) to try. One of our sons devoured an entire bowl of sweet potatoes, which were rapidly replenished. None of this was charged to us - it was simply a gesture of good will and incredible customer service!
The meal finally concluded, a tray of halved, portioned oranges with decorative umbrellas arrived as dessert, and were, once more, devoured by the kids in record time. An unexpected but welcome finish to an excellent dinner!
The food at Happy Bibimbap House earns five stars on its own, but the service here puts it well over the top. They deserve all the praise lavished on them thus far, and I wish them good luck, continued success, and no more shutdowns or false starts!