Jielin L.
Yelp
I usually don't write reviews but I was so surprised with the amount of negative reviews that I feel like I should share my own, rather positive experience. I guess some of this depends on your expectations of the place though.
You need to know, before going, that it's a very no-frills kind of restaurant, and decor matches the food - weekend family style, good and hearty, but not fancy. And yes, there are many options on the menu, which can be intimidating if you're not familiar with the food, but I personally liked having the options.
After ordering came the side dishes, and I was pleasantly surprised to find they had rice cakes (coated with toasted soy bean powder) in addition to the usual kimchi and potatoes. They don't refill the side dishes, but with the portions they give, you do not want to fill up on side dishes.
I do have to say, although the servers took orders quickly and were attentive despite our table being in a corner, some of the food was a bit slow to come. I had ordered the gamja tang, which came quickly, but my friend's bulgolgi and tangsu yook took a while longer.
The food itself was pretty good, and came in very big portions: we were all really hungry but still struggled to finish it all and were stuffed by the end. The gamja tang (#1) was delicious, and absolutely fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth tender. The other two dishes I tried a bit of, and were pretty good; not extraordinary, but both were tasty and would have gobbled up if I wasn't so full already.
Went up to the cash to pay, tipped equivalent to the tax, grabbed a lollipop, and wasn't hassled for more tips or anything.
Summary :
Decor: homey, nothing fancy
Service: quick, seated quickly and attentive, certain menu items a bit slow to arrive
Food: hearty, large portions, tasty. I think most soup/meat dishes come with a bowl of rice.
Recommendations: get the gamja tang (#1). It's 7.95$, delicious, and in true gamja tang style, came overflowing with pork and a single chunk of potato :P