Soon's Kal Bi Drive In

Nice hole-in-the-wall Korean takeout place, conveniently on the corner of a strip mall. Ordered a Kalbi and Meat Juhn. Both are delicious choices. Parking is easy, ordering simple, and food comes out fast. This is a lunch place so there's a crowd/line during the busy times. This is a cash-only place.

I got to try their meat jhun and it was good and they do give a lot. I got to eat half for lunch and saved the rest for my dinner. Also the workers are very friendly and helpful.

Went for dinner. They are cash only, but there is an ATM just around the corner at the bank next door. I got the #1 which came with the short ribbon, grilled chicken, and meat jun. The chicken was the star of the show with the ribs close behind. It was a ton of food and well worth the price. We also got the Pulgogi plate which had a mountain of meat and rice. Great place with a short wait.

Food is ALWAYS SO SO DELICIOUS, have been a Soons customer for YEARS. The ONLY problem is the pricing has gotten way too expensive, I'm aware costs have risen for them as well, meat is ridiculous everywhere, but the "price to QUANTITY" of food given is just too high and we've had to cut back as frequently as we used to visit simply bc of the price and we're left still hungry 🥴 It's amazing food though and you gotta try it if ever visiting...if ur local & haven't yet, are you even local??! Follow the delicious bbq smell through Salt Lake to get there, lol

Great local place for food right after leaving the airport. The food was fast and tasty. It’s hidden at the corner edge of the parking lot. I’ve dropped a star as it’s a bit inconvenient that the place is cash-only (there’s an ATM around the corner).

My wife used to live in Oahu and she and the kids loved this place. It's all I heard about for 10 plus years. Finally got to sample it and all I can say is the hype was totally accurate. Amazing. Delicious. Fresh. A must stop in the Honolulu area !! Cash only.

Soon’s has been my go-to spot for years, being raised in the surrounding area. It's the ultimate destination for Meat Jun enthusiasts like myself. I often opt for their bento, as it conveniently combines Meat Jun, fried chicken, and vegetables in one satisfying meal. The reasonable pricing for the bento is another highlight, making it a great value. Occasionally, it can get crowded, so I've found that ordering ahead is a smart move to save time and bypass standing in line. Overall, Soons remains a cherished and reliable choice, consistently delivering delicious flavors and convenience.

5/5! Had a local friend recommend this place to me as one of the must visit food spots to hit in Hawaii. I can say, I was not disappointed and really loved the food here. It's a very lowkey spot, kind of a, "If you know, you know" spot and when you try the food, you'll understand why there's always a line here. The Food: I went with the Meat Jhun (Beef Cutlet) plate. It's kind of hard to describe, but its basically a thin beef cutlet that is housed in an almost egg/flour mix batter. Believe me, its incredible. They provide a small little soy dipping sauce to pair with it, and it's amazing. Pair it even more with some rice, that's a meal right there. The Service: The service was okay. It was a little slow, but understandable. There was a long line, and it's small little restaurant that you walk up to and order. Also, this is a CASH ONLY place, so come prepared with some bills. The Atmosphere: The restaurant is setup for you to just walk up and take your order at the window. They have big menus for you to browse while you're waiting. And there are some tables on the side, but not much. Overall, a 5/5! Hands down a spot that you must visit while in Hawaii. Remember, the restaurant is CASH ONLY, so have a couple of bills on hand.

I like this place for its Ono original Bi Bim Kook Soo ! The best !!! The meat juhn like most others have stepped down to thin tin to cutting meat , ughhhh ! The bean sprouts cabbage and kim chee is great side dishes or as they have it in combo ! The Saimin and burgers are great too !

first visit tried something new , prices lil high but their menu offers mix plates , Galbi , meat jun which I enjoyed and their mandoo , burgers , teriyaki sando and more they have sitting area outside with couple of tables , parking lot part of the Salt Lake Shopping Center also offer catering, payment : Cash only

This place has been a Salt Lake staple for many many years. You would be fooling yourself by not trying this place.. I always get to meet Jhun and barbecue chicken mix plate but I have also tried the other plates and they are just as good. The prices are pretty comparable as far as Korean places go, and the service is what you would expect from a takeout place. You don't get to choose your sides, but their sides are as good as you can get. If you haven't heard of this place, then you better go and check them out and you won't be disappointed!

Always get a great bang for your buck and the foods consistently good! If you're familiar with Salt Lake Shopping Center you've probably been here.

This was my go to spot when I was living in Hawaii in the 80's. Going back 40 years later and still having the same flavor and food was marvelous!! The food is amazing! There is nothing on the meu that is a bad choice. The service level is as expected frpm a takeout window. Friendly and polite service. I was on the island for 3 days and had 3 meals there at the tables. It's a perfect place to sit and eat while smelling the smoke of the teriyaki chicken. I would fly back just to go here! Not the beach!

Food and serve always good! I've visited Soons since the eighties and the food tastes the same, served hot, fresh and original sauces are perfect. I got the meat Jun plate combo the best of both worlds. Please don't go anywhere, I'll be back every time!

This place is expensive. It used to be affordable. Small pan meat-jun is $71. Maybe come here only if ordering for yourself. Food is good. But price is not. However, they are accommodating and understanding to change up order last minute. Also, remember, this place is cash only.

This place is definitely delicious!!! The Kalbi and their chicken is bomb!! Great rice too! Love their salad and kimchi. Service is hit and miss since there is long lines. But they are nice and are as fast as they can be. We are always happy to wait! This place is a hole in the wall Connected to Safeway in the back. I would just park in the Safeway parking lot and walk over. The entrance is a pain.

I couldn't decide what to get at this classic kbbq spot, so I picked the Kalbi Combo so I could try a little of many things! The Kalbi Combo comes with kalbi, BBQ chicken, bulgogi (BBQ beef), meat jun, and mandoo. The portion is generous and could definitely be shared between 2 people. Overall, the meats are AMAZING. The kalbi, chicken, and bulgogi were all so flavorful, juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked, with that slightly charred barbecue flavor. The seasoning is well-balanced - just the right blend of savory, sweet, umami. The meat jun has a crisp, light batter and tender meat, and it comes with an amazing sauce that complements it really well. It's not too greasy, and the sauce is the perfect level of acidity to balance it out. Also tastes really good with the fried mandoo. The highlight is really the meat - the banchan is just so-so, and the rice was a little too wet for my liking. The kimchi is not the most flavorful, and they use regular cabbage instead of napa cabbage, which was a little odd to me. The bean sprouts were okay - they had a light, slightly acidic dressing on it. I love banchan so I was a little bummed they don't have other options to choose from, but I don't mind too much, because everything else was seriously amazing. There is a dining area with a few booths for customers to sit at around the corner of the order/pick-up windows, which are covered by an awning. Last thing to keep in mind about Soon's is that they are cash only!

I have been going here since 1986. I can't find anything like it on the mainland. Love love love it.

Used to come here often growing up but haven't been for years. Got their family pack. It has a decent amount of food for the price which includes mandoo, bulgogi, Kalbi, bbq chicken and meat jun. All the meats have good flavor but the meat jun were super thin slices of meat. Young's has much better meat jun. You have to order the veggies and rice separately and pay more for it. Prices have increased quite a bit since I last visited but it is a decent Korean place for the area.

A local favorite for Korean bbq. My son loves their meat jun and kalbi. Prices have gone up since right before covid to almost double the price. Otherwise the food is great!

Simple, no frills dining but the food is always great. No trip to the island is complete for me if it doesn't include a stop at Soon's. Make sure you bring cash as it's cash only!

As someone who grew up in the Salt Lake area, I have visited Soon's Kai Bi BBQ quite a lot of times! On my most recent visit last weekend, I was pleased that the quality/taste of the food & the ambience hasn't changed all that much over the years. I am saddened to report that their prices have increased (inflation REALLY sucks) but it's canceled out by the timely service, which is the same as it's always been. If you're ever in the Salt Lake area, drop by Soon's Kal Bi BBQ, located in the Salt Lake Shopping Center! I promise you that it's worth it!

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ a long time tenant at the Salt Lake Shopping Center. Locally owned and operated. Staff are very friendly and efficient. Outside dining and take out only. Well known for their Meat Jun and Kalbi. We had the Soon's Special and a Meat Jun BBQ Chicken Combo. Delicious food at reasonable prices. A definite must visit if you're looking for some delicious Korean food.

Nostalgic! Soon's is one of my top childhood spots, for sure. Having their food was probably the highlight of growing up in the ghettos of Red Hill lol. I remember being in high school and casually making my way to Soon's during lunchtime just to satisfy my cravings haha! Of course, times have changed, and tho Soon's is still held dear to my heart, it just doesn't hit like it used to. Consistency is crucial to me. Unfortunately, there's been times in the past few years that I've gotten my food and it seemed like it was premade. The meat jhun also lost the soft & tender bite it once had, but the flavor is still there. Now, pieces are often smashed REALLY REALLY thin, leaving a tough chew and - c'mon, meat jhun shouldn't be hard, in general. The mandoo has changed over the years as well. What was once a big, round, plump dumpling is now the usual flat, half moon shaped version. These are definitely more crunchy and evenly cooked, so this change is one I can appreciate! Bbq flavors are good... the bbq chicken and kalbi marinade is extra savory and lightly sweet - perfect accompaniment to the popular meat jhun. Today's lunch was yummy, but again, it seemed like my food was premade, so it wasn't hot or juicy like I'm used to. I know they can get pretty busy, so I'm assuming the way they keep up is by par cooking or precooking in batches (?) Not sure, I can only speculate... :( Lastly, the price! This remains one of those CASH ONLY spots. If you're not an ASB member, consider yourself $4.95 in the hole while grabbing cash outta the nearby ATM. If you don't mind a longer walk, I believe there's a BOH ATM inside of Safeway. Average cost of the plate lunches are $15-25.

Remembered this spot the last visit to the islands so we decided to check it out again. It's on the side, almost back, of the parking lot so be careful not to miss it (just follow the BBQ smoke). We got there around 4pm, not a huge line, CASH ONLY. What we swallowed: *KALBI PLATE: Two big scoops of rice, salad and huge, delicious kalbi. This hit the spot after a long flight from the middle of the mainland. Two bench tables to eat at, it's outside so super hot and bugs can be a bother. They are a bit scrimpy with the utensils and napkins.

SOONS!!! I LOVE YOU!!! lol. Best Plate-Lunch when it comes to Korean Fast Food... Not only is it fast food, it's good food... This staple of a spot serves-up the best BBQ Chicken Plate & The Bento Is a smash!!! it's got the whole kitchen in the plate... It's a Quick-Service Place. The restaurant has about 3 booth-style tables to enjoy your food... 95% of the people take the food to-go!! I'm in love with their Slightly pickled cabbage that accompanies the plate.... I've been to this spot at least 10 times.

This used to be the place for Korean BBQ. NOT NOW! I rarely go here anymore, but when the kids come into town, it's a must! Being raised in the area, it was their place to eat. Not sure if the "recipes" were handed down after the change of cooks, but it doesn't taste the same! On a recent visit, I had stopped by as my son was arriving from Washington State and request the meat jun/man doo combo. Hubby wanted a kal bi plate with a side Mac salad. Well as I said before, it's been awhile since we ordered from here. Well cashier took order and when I asked for a side salad, she said they don't have. So I ended up getting from the Salt Lake drive in. As I said before, this used to be the place. Their meat jun doesn't taste the same or their mandoo isn't the same either! Kids still enjoy stopping here, but honestly, I prefer Yummy's Moanalua Shopping Center or the Exchange location.

I got to try their meat jhun and it was good and they do give a lot. I got to eat half for lunch and saved the rest for my dinner. Also the workers are very friendly and helpful.

I went here today to get their "Bento" that comes with bulgogi, meat chun, mochiko chicken, 1 piece mandoo and rice with ban Chan veges. This was delish! Lots of food for great price!

This place use to be the BOMB on their meat jun! Not anymore. Just recently went there with my son because he has nvr been there so I figure to take him thinking the meat jun. DAYUUMM!!! I was wrong..new ppl working there and the food my combo was meat jun with fried chkn! And that was like eating CARDBOARD with no flavored chkn and a little raw!! My son got the meat jun mix...that was AWFUL as well...so so sad how that place got to be like that..the other customer that ordered food before us even came back and said their plates were not tasting good and a little raw as w

Soon's has been the go to for a quick meal for years now. Unfortunately the quality had gone down a couple of years back but we went to try it today and we were so happy that it was back to the Soon's we remember! The service was great and the food came out quick! Still got the same drive in kind of vibe which we've all grown to love. Once we got home we enjoyed every bite of food. Everything was so delicious but the mandoo really stole the show. I haven't had homemade mandoo in a while. Definitely check them out. Aloha!

We had tried to go here on a previous trip and they were renovating or something. So glad we caught them the next go-round... Ambiance-wise, service-wise, everything outside of food-wise... you get what you get. But foodwise- WOW... This local place, in a non-descript strip mall, makes absolutely wonderful food. I dunno if there's a bad dish on the menu. We went here twice, and we almost never do that. I'd say it's not to be missed, but that's an understatement. Still, not to be missed...

Ordered Galbi Short ribs was delicious moist and flavorful. They have promo mid week too which is a great price!

Love this Korean restaurant, although they don't accept cash payments but still the menu is great. I will definitely come back in the near future to order something else on their menu.

This is a long-standing solid, Korean lunch plate or dinner plate counter restaurant. Well, this is not really the place you go to to sit down and eat after you order your meal. This is really a take away or grab and go type place. The food here is absolutely solid. I ordered two meals. One was the kalbi meal which from the picture looks like only three pieces of bone. However underneath were two additional layers of meat. This was so delicious and well seasoned and well sauced. I also ordered the mandu meal which consisted of six very generous pieces and of course, comes with the same two scoops of rice and the vegetables. It also came with its own dipping sauce, which was delicious. The kalbi meal with something like $25 I believe, but it was worth every penny as there was so much short ribs in here. Total of nine full bones. If you're in the area and want something quick, this is definitely a must stop.

Great tasting food and fast to go service. Kimchi Is really good with that spicy kick that makes your tongue want to sing! Location is easy to miss if you drive into Safeway parking lot instead of going to the far end by Ala Liliko'l Street. There are gigantic trees across from their outdoor picnic table bench seating that make your outdoor experience a bit more relaxing. Tip: CASH ONLY! ATM located outside of shopping complex and a BOH ATM inside Safeway Store. Great food in the $11-$22.00 range. Definitely putting a bookmark in my Yelp App under Korean Food!

I like to come here for lunch, my favorite is the mandoo combo with 3 pieces mandoo and BBq chicken w bean sprouts, cabbage, kim chee and rice for $13.75. The bean sprouts tasted off today, while it was still fresh and firm, it tasted almost like there was dishwashing soap or a soap taste in the bean sprouts, or it went stale w this odd taste. To be safe, i didn't eat it, Everything else was fantastic. The service is quick so the wait isn't long and I like to come here for a quick lunch break. They have a couple of tables to sit outside but i always get mine to go, I'm gonna say this was an off day w the stale tasting bean sprouts and try it again next time i'm in the area.

Meat Jun was DISAPPOINTING !!! Normally flour batter is soft and light but this one was densed and flat. Do not recommend this. Go to another Korean BBQ place.

Food-still amazing, brings me back to my 8/9th grade time attending Aliamanu Intermediate School, still the same taste. Service-the service was a bit standoffish- They got the order wrong and my bf was very disappointed and forced himself to eat what was given, my meal was what I ordered just his one was wrong. Ambiance-same ol. Outdoor, clean, hot and no bathroom for emergency.

Food comes out quick and delicious! There's not much seating available, just three booth tables attached to the side of the building. But nonetheless the food was so good, definitely coming back!

I used to go here often back in the day. Recently went back for nostalgia sake. Big mistake! It was overly priced for what we got. We ordered 2 of the Soon's special at $25 for each plate! The taste was mediocre. The ban chan was a big disappointment! Got lots of the namul (bean sprout) but for the pickled cabbage I got like 3 pieces! The kimchee was even worse! I got 2 pieces of cabbage kimchee! The meat jun had a weird after taste to it and meat was very thin. The kalbi was chewy and flavoring was ok, not spectacular. The bbq chicken was basically the only real decent thing on the plate. The plates came out reasonably fast. We won't be back anytime soon as this didn't suit our taste.

It's been a while that we ordered food from here. It used to be good , but now it has gone really downhill. My girlfriend ordered the special. It came without the sauces and the meat jun was super thin just like had no meat just scrambled egg only. I had the fried chicken plate. My chicken plate also didn't come with the sauce and it came out way too fast. The chicken was soggy like it had been sitting in the warmer for a while. Quality has gone way downhill NEVER ordering from here anymore.

Ended up coming to sons for a Friday lunch. Got the mandoo combo and that was a lootttt of food! It was good and worth the amount you pay for it. Service was quick and didn't have to wait for long. It is cash only so be aware of that. Outdoor seating but it's good for a quick takeaway.

We celebrated Mothers Day one evening prior. The kiddies and their parents brought over the family pack and add extra mandoo and veggies. Lots of food for 6+. Easy so no one has to cook. Use your own paper plates and clean up is a breeze. If varied veggies are offered I'd choose different ones from the family pack for added choices. Their cooked marinaded kalbi, bulgogi, meat jun and chicken are flavorful and perfectly seasoned. Family pack was a good way to go for any gathering.

Since they changed the bun of the BBQ beef sandwich i have to give it less stars. The bun WAS softer and much larger. NOW the bun is drier and smaller w less beef. No longer my go to for BBQ beef sandwich.

Mandoo and the meat Jun combo was a my favorite go to special here! We had a potluck and my coworker ordered a pan of mandoo that everyone loved! Yum!!!

This review based on my visit on 6.23.23 I was introduced to this place in my college years 20 plus years ago--and I still order the Bento Combination Plate. $12.95. It's hard to beat that price . I like variety so the meat jun (more jun than meat), teri beef, fried chicken and one piece mandoo--hit the spot. The dipping sauce is a sweet shoyu sauce--I like it. And chicken is not ever my go too--but I love Soon's fried chicken. Love, love, love it!! My friend had the bibimbap plate. I didn't get to try it. One thing --the bento comes with the vegetables wrapped in foil--kimchee, cabbage and bean sprouts. The cabbage slightly pickled/sweet. When I want a bento--this is where I go. 4 stars for this fast food Korean eatery.

Soon's has got to be one of the best Korean plate lunch spots on the island. There are lots of places to get good Korean food, but not only does it have to be awesome food. To be one of the best, considerations have to be made in plate sizes, amount of food to cost of the plate. Plus, taste & value too. Soon's covers all the important aspects. Their meat Jun Plate might cost slightly over $18, but you get a lot of food, A LOT of Meat Jun. I love Korean food, especially meat Jun. So when a place gives you a darn decent amount, plus it tastes amazing, it goes in your short list of places to keep going to and supporting! The service is good, and fast. My only gripe is that they're "cash only". But I'll stop at a bank machine to get their food. :) Soon's isn't really anything special to look at, it's not a hip air conditioned spot. They've got a few outdoor seats if you want to dine there, but most people I know just take out. No matter, Soon's is a fave, and I'll always be back!

Current menu. Soon's is our go-to Korean bbq spot. Don't forget they are still cash only and calling in a phone order is recommended.

I always get a plate from Young's Kalbee in Aiea when I arrive home from a trip. This time though, I arrived on a Monday and Young's was closed. I was craving Korean food, so I opted for Soon's since it was near the airport. Bad choice. Rice was mushy, veggies (Kim chee, bean sprouts, cabbage?) mixed and piled in one clump were sour, BBQ chicken was okay tasting but tough. Meat jun was the biggest disappointment! Meat slice was so thin you could barely see it in the oily coating which I don't even think was egg. It was paper thin and literally was like eating cardboard. We threw most of it out. This was definitely not authentic Korean cooking. Not recommended.

It's quick takeout that I had to try because the wonderful smell of grilled meats from across the parking lot. I got the #1 & it had a little bit of everything. The standout was the bbq chicken which was cooked excellently. It was a nice assortment of bbq meat and the kimchi/sprouts salad was refreshing. Service was fast and I took it to go. There's a small dining area on the side. I'd come back.

Always good to come back here for that delicious thin sliced Meat Jun. I got the Kalbi combo and it hit the spot. The Kalbi was spot on with flavor and as usual that Meat Jun was on point. Definitely, phone in your order for that quick pick up. There's a couple picnic tables outside of the restaurant but beware of the flies that love the food too! By the way they like people to pay with CASH.

The only thing Iʻve ever eaten here is their meat jun. Like other people have said, itʻs the best on the island, so thatʻs what I always get. Their meat junis a family favorite; highly recommend stopping by and ordering a plate (or 2 or 3 or 4)

MEAT JUN! Alright my family when they're in town always makes sure to stop at Soon's for, you guessed it, meat Jun! Apparently it's the best meat Jun they have had on the island, I don't know about that, but I do agree it's on my top 10 for sure. Their meat Jun eaten alone has such a nice sweet flavor to it already, then dipped in the sauce gives it a little saltier flavor. It's a perfect combo. The plates come with bean sprouts and a spicy cabbage/kimchee and rice. Perfect sides to their meat Jun. I phone ordered prior to arriving and got my plate so quick. The cashiers are quick and definitely focused on doing their job and taking orders. It's a corner place at the shopping center, outdoor seating if you want to eat or most people just take out. It can be a little loud being outdoor but also a little quiet too if it's not busy. Parking is around, I haven't struggled to find a parking in front because everyone are usually in and out in the area. P.S.. CASH ONLY

02/01/23 I do come here more often than I check in or review. Love this place for their special bbq sandwich with Kim chee I always get the bbq sandwich with Kim chee. Used to get I e if the deluxe plate lunches. Prices have gone up a bit but they give generous portions so I just pay.

Been eating here since I attended Aliamanu Middle School. Best times and memories. Food is always Tasty, Freshly made,portions are so large,still need to share a plate. Service: The Ladies are darlings. The vibes are always Awesome, The smells alone makes people want to stop and eat there. If you had a bad day Just go to Soon's, You whole mood will change. You start feeling Happy and definitely Hungry. God Bless Soon's with Many,Many,Many,More Years In Business.

So good! The kalbi is awesome. One of my favorite spots! Very quick and always delicious