Austin W.
Yelp
My friends and I had a wonderful meal at Sungho before heading over to the Orpheum Theatre to catch a musical. Tucked away in the Tenderloin, Sungho is very unassuming -- the blinds are down, signage is minimal, and unless you're actively looking for it, it's easy to miss. That said, I actually think this works in its favor, as it likely discourages non-customers from randomly wandering in to use the restroom or cause trouble.
We stopped by without a reservation at 5:15 p.m. on a Friday evening and were seated right away without any issues. By the time we left around 6:45 p.m., most tables were full, so I'd recommend making a reservation if you plan to arrive later.
The menu is on the smaller side, but I appreciated its focus -- every dish felt thoughtful and refined. Between the four of us, we shared the kimchi pancake with pork, the bossam, a spicy pork bone soup, and their signature pork bone soup. It ended up being just the right amount of food -- filling but not excessive, with nothing left to take home.
The kimchi pancake was fantastic. Crispy, spicier than your average kimchi pancake, and cut into small, bite-sized pieces that made it easy to share.
The bossam was easily some of the best I've had -- I'd say it's on par with the bossam from Mugunghwa, my go-to spot in the East Bay. The pork was super tender with a great fat-to-meat ratio, and I loved the slight char on the edges, likely from a quick grill or torch finish. It added a wonderful contrast in texture. The dish comes with lettuce wraps, pickled jalapeños, fresh jalapeños and garlic, kimchi, and a sweet bean sauce that ties everything together.
The soups were hearty and warming. The pork bone soup in particular was mild and comforting -- you'll want to add a bit of salt to taste. It's the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for a cold day or a hangover. A side of rice is included, so there's no need to order more unless you really want it.
Service isn't the fastest, but completely understandable -- there's only one person working the front of house, and the space is small enough that it doesn't become a problem.
If you're looking for a delicious Korean meal near Civic Center, I wouldn't hesitate to stop by Sungho again. Solid food, cozy vibe, and a perfect pre-show dinner spot.