TLDR: Surprisingly good All You Can Eat K-BBQ, Great Staff, Great Atmosphere, Great Experience!
To start, my fiancée and I decided to take a weekend trip from Japan to Korea and we both wanted K-BBQ. We were staying nearby and every K-BBQ place was easily 80+ USD to eat so we had decided not to eat any K-BBQ. Fast forward a day or so later and we discovered this place.
At first we were both a little taken aback by how low the prices were compared to other places that sold K-BBQ. Well fast forward to today when we went and we were SHOCKED by how great of an experience it was! In Japan it’s very common to find that lower priced restaurant options would have either bad quality food, small space, rude staff, loud customers, or hot/unkept conditions, but this place was REALLY well maintained, and was exceptional in the other aspects.
The food was really high quality for the price, you aren’t getting the $60 quality meat, but you’re getting beyond good quality meat for the price. The vibes in the building were amazing, it was very spread out and didn’t feel cramped at all. The staff greeted us with a smile and were willing to speak english with us, even though their english wasn’t great; they continued to speak with us and explain to the best of their ability.
We ordered 2 F-orders (Full Course) and even though it can be confusing; it pretty much means that you get access to all of their options(Meat, Toppings, Sides, Large Soft Drink 1-2L, and ramen). Also keep in mind that you HAVE to order 2 of the same, so if one of the party members wants the full course, then all party members need to purchase it as well.
The staff was quick to aid us and help us understand what sauces went well, how to prepare the ramen etc… The staff really stood out at this restaurant, it’s pretty common to see lower priced restaurants in Korea have non-friendly staff but this place had very friendly staff. This is a major plus-side and I hope that the staff understand that they made the experience much more fun and welcoming! I think this was the strongest point of the experience and the managers/owners should definitely understand that their staff made it really enjoyable!
Overall, I’d say that if you’re looking to try K-BBQ and get the full experience of K-BBQ and the atmosphere to try this place out. We spent a total of about $30 USD (56,000 won I think?) and had a lot of fun. It was truly a great experience that didn’t make us feel like we broke the bank. If we stay in this area again we would definitely like to go again!
(This isn’t a review that was made because they asked, they do offer a free side or drink for reviews but I made this review afterwards because it genuinely surprised me how great of a...
Read moreI want to be both honest and positive. This place is a great value if you love pork. If you don’t, perhaps look elsewhere. Or, if you want both beef and pork, also look elsewhere.
Some things to consider. First, they are great with reservations on Naver. Second, they don’t do split checks (if you have a big group, the best they will do is by the table). Third, you all have to order the same tier of buffet for your group. No exceptions (so, if you have a vegan or a vegetarian, too bad). Thing is, the price is hard to beat regardless. Fourth, that highest tier includes all beverages . . . that aren’t beer or soju. So, don’t go in thinking you are gonna score a free booze fest. This place is operating on small margins. Fifth, when you first take in the glory of the raw meats on offer, slow your roll just a bit. Aside from the pork belly, the thicker cuts are a no-go (given the quality and the way you cook them). Stick with the two thin cuts and the belly and find yourself enjoying a really good value meal.
Why? Well, that pork belly and those two thin cuts stand up to any pork offerings at any of the other Korean BBQ I have experienced in Seoul, Incheon, or California (both standard and SoCal-style). And the sides are all standouts. Even the plate of ‘salad’ and what I would call ‘white trash’ fried chicken are amazing.
Quick suggestions? Given that the meats aren’t marinated, be careful with the center pot of boiling broth. It does add flavor. But it is a salt bomb. Much better to use the dips and other additions to add flavor. I’d also advise you to remove the side-set on the burner before cooking. The garlic, kimchi, and beans are much better if they are cooked on the ‘cue as you go or even without heat. By the end, you end up with a burned bunch of waste products!
I also want to add that, though the meal started out confusingly (again, we are tourists who don’t speak the language and we brought in a group of a over ten people who hoped to split the checks a lot of ways!), it ended well. So well that the manager on duty gave us a handful of those cute pig totes to take home. I just wish they had stickers or magnets on offer too! And his kind treatment of one of my friend's kids (who was having a moment) was noted by everyone.
I am not sure I would give this a 4.9. But it would be pretty close given the price/quality. And I think some of the negative reviews are unfair and some of the positive ones are, well, hmm, suspicious and/or naïve. Just saying.
Like I said,...
Read moreI’ve been to a lot of Korean BBQ places in Myeongdong since there are so many of them, but this was honestly the first time I walked into one that was this clean, well-managed, and welcoming. From the moment I entered, I was really impressed by the atmosphere. The interior was spotless, the ventilation was good (so I didn’t leave smelling like smoke), and everything felt really organized.
The staff were super friendly and attentive without being overbearing. They explained how everything worked and even gave some great recommendations on what to try first. You can really feel that they care about their customers having a good experience.
It’s an all-you-can-eat BBQ place, so once you pay, you’re free to eat as much as you want. There were lots of meat options, fresh side dishes, and even some cooked items like fried chicken and tteokbokki. The quality of the meat was surprisingly good for the price, and they constantly restocked everything, so nothing ever ran out.
If you’re in Myeongdong and craving Korean BBQ, I highly recommend this spot. Whether you’re going with friends, family, or even alone, it’s such a satisfying experience. I’ll definitely be...
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