Annangol — Restaurant in Annandale

I have been a frequent customer here because the food is authentic and enjoyable. However, after my most recent experience, I will not be returning.

The server (short curly hair with glasses) displayed behavior that was not only unprofessional but openly disrespectful. She slammed rice bowls onto our table, gave hostile looks, and made negative comments about us to other staff members. Each time she finished speaking, other staff and even the owner glanced at our table, making it clear we were the subject of discussion.

When I addressed her behavior directly, she denied even serving us the rice bowls and then loudly remarked that I was “싸가지 없어” (“ill-mannered”) — an insult no customer should ever hear from staff. Instead of correcting the situation, the owner stayed hidden and told the server to stop talking, but made no effort to apologize or take responsibility for the staff’s actions. Perhaps she is his wife, and after years of dealing with her 싸가지, the only way he’s learned to survive is to keep his mouth shut. Either way, by standing by silently, he made it clear that this kind of treatment is acceptable in his restaurant.

Good food cannot make up for blatant disrespect and a lack of basic customer service. This restaurant not only failed to provide a welcoming dining experience but also allowed staff to insult paying customers without consequence. I cannot support an establishment that treats...

What a disappointment! This restaurant is no longer what it used to be, so I would recommend to stay clear of it. I've been a loyal customer here for over two decades.

Last Sunday, when we walked in, the place was dark and gloomy. The TVs were all turned off, and it felt even darker than some funeral homes with broken overhead lights. Couldn't help but notice the handwritten poster about extra charges for 'to-go' packaging plastered to the cash register, not the warmest of welcomes.

Despite having customers present, there were no ventilation hoods running over the tables. We ordered Karbi, duck, au gu jim, and Johnnie Walker for a party of six. Surprise. Everything came out fully cooked without any prior notice!

For a Korean barbecue experience, you expect the fire and the opportunity to cook your own meat to your liking. Unfortunately, we had to let that expectation go and simply chow down. The food quality was bad; the duck had clearly been sitting around for quite some time.

I understand that the economy is facing challenges, but this is a Korean barbecue restaurant. They should fire up the individual grills, brighten the place, and get the customers into the right 'groove'.

Our bill exceeded $400 before the mandatory tip. We didn't stay long. I miss the old staff and the lively atmosphere this place used to have. As an American of Korean descent, it's goodbye to this...

My favorite Korean restaurant in Annandale, and quite possibly, the entire DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. The spot is small and quaint, with Korean music playing in the background and TV screen. Not many seats, but enough to be comfortable.

You're served with traditional side dishes (banchan) and your choice of beverage (usually tea). You're also served with a small soup (kogiguk) before receiving your main dish within minutes.

My go to is the Dolsot Bibimbap (Korean Stone Pot Rice Bowl) served with traditional, spicy sauce to slather onto your rice, veggie, egg, and meat mixture. Their fried mandu (dumplings) are delicious and you will likely eat more than you should. It also goes without saying that you cannot speak of Korean cuisine without mentioning their Kimchi --- tangy fermentation, spicy, pickley, delicious. Does your microbe right 👍🏼.

Do I recommend this place? Absolutely. Do I want you to go? Yes and no. I want seating when I go and if you're all there, I won't enjoy waiting for you...