Sylvi D.
Google
My boyfriend and I have visited Seoul Garden at least once every month throughout the past year, sometimes twice a week even! Every visit used to be something we truly looked forward to, especially the fresh prime short ribs and the yukhoe. These two dishes were always our must order picks, we always ordered two servings of the fresh short ribs along with the yukhoe. They consistently exceeded our expectations, and the melt in your mouth quality of the premium beef was unforgettable each time.
Unfortunately, during our most recent visit (yesterday), the quality of the meat was far from what we‘d consider premium. The short ribs no longer had that rich, tender texture we had always experienced. On a previous visit last month, the gentleman who served us cut the meat excessively small and did not grill it well, in fact too well done, and he also didn’t seem to know how to properly pack the yukhoe to-go. Overall, the experience has declined noticeably.
When the Korean ladies used to work there, there was a warm sense of familiarity. They talked with us, took great care of our table every time we visited, and it made us genuinely want to tip more because we appreciated them. Unfortunately, that atmosphere is gone now, and it feels like something we’ll never experience there again.
The interior changes were also disappointing the previously enclosed corner seating area was opened up entirely, resulting in a noticeable lack of privacy. Seoul Garden had always been a place we continued to visit because we believed the flavor alone would make up for the rest, but sadly, even that consistency seems to be gone.
Because of this, we’ve decided to try Goryeo Kalbi next door today, and the difference was significant. The restaurant was much busier, the service wasn’t that good but the quality of the premium fresh short ribs was superior, and it met our expectations.
Seoul Garden has been a place filled with memories and anticipation for us, so it’s truly disappointing to feel that we can no longer rely on receiving the premium quality meat we once enjoyed so much. I genuinely hope the owner becomes more involved and prioritizes both service and meat quality so the restaurant can return to the level it once had.