Cherylynn N.
Yelp
I'm petty AF...
I'll give you the Gen Z stare if you've overstayed your welcome. And, that's why I can't work in the industry...I wouldn't last a day.
Over the weekend, there was a ridic long line at SŌHN so I returned on a weekday after an appt. Line wasn't long (~15 people) but it was slow moving. It took nearly an hour to get to the front. And, it would have taken longer had people not left the line.
There seems to be a very slow table turnover because peeps are laptop camping and there doesn't seem to be any time restrictions for the free WiFi.
BUT, the staff is hustling! I was able to get my order within 10 minutes so props to them.
Been following Chef Hong for years, from his pop-up at Boba Guys, Sunday at the Museum, and Sunday Bird...now he's taken over Daily Driver and has transformed it into a gorgeous two-story Korean-American Cafe.
T H I N G S T O K N O W
- One line for takeout and dine-in (no online orders at this time).
- For dine-in, once staff lets you in, it's open seating and ordering is done via QR code. They'll deliver your order to you.
- Self-serve water. Bus your own table once you're done.
- Street parking is hella hard. Carpool, take muni, or a ride share otherwise, you'll be circling and circling.
M E N U
Small concise menu of Korean-American breakfast and lunch fare.
Pastries from Neighbor Bakehouse (they have a croissant collab w/ LA's Seoul Sausage). Coffee and tea (Kettl) available.
Everything is under $16 (including their galbi patty melt). No SF mandate fees.
D R I N K
* Matcha w/ oat milk, SŌHN signature cream top ($7): https://tinyurl.com/bpakhcd6
- Requested less sweet
- No charge for oat milk
SŌHN's take on an einspänner, the matcha latte had a nice grassy, earthy flavor with a deliciously rich and creamy whipped topping.
F O O D
* Butter Mandu: Beef filling, cabbage, side of kimchi (3 pc - $8): https://tinyurl.com/4d7jyu7e
Careful, it squirts!
My fav item, the dumping was savory and juicy with rich beefy filling and a chewy wrapper. So juicy, it squirted into TT's face. Served with an acidic, mildly spicy kimchi. No need for a dipping sauce.
* Spicy Cold Noodle Salad: Buckwheat noodles, gochujang, cucumber, Asian pear, Korean herbs ($13): https://tinyurl.com/2c82w2bt
The flavors of the bibim naengmyeon were on point - spicy, tangy, and sweet with a freshness from the cucumber and herbs. The noodles could have been colder and chewier tho.
* Mushroom Jook: Savory Korean rice porridge w/ dashi, scallions, fried garlic ($13): https://tinyurl.com/zb9rv8nh
A hug in a bowl, the rice was nicely broken down creating a satisfying creamy texture. The soy seasoning and mushrooms added earthy umami flavor.
During the soft opening, you had the option to add chicken. Hope they consider bringing that option back.
* Eric's Gochuchang Caramel Cookie ($4): https://tinyurl.com/mwnna6fb
Inspired by Eric Kim (NYT)'s recipe, the cookie is perfectly chewy with crispy, buttery edges. The caramel and gochujang duo creates swirls of savory sweet umami but the heat could have been kicked up a notch or two.
S E R V I C E
Polite and fast, once seated.
A M B I A N C E
Hip industrial community space spanning two levels and an open kitchen. Mix of high tops, regular tables, chef's counter, and lounge areas.
Overall, SŌHN is a welcome addition to the city serving solid, flavorful Korean-American fare that's easy on the wallet. Hope peeps are mindful about staying for an extended amount of time (unless they're making sufficient purchases) so everyone can get a chance to visit SŌHN.