Happy House Korean Restaurant — Restaurant in Augusta

So, I was very excited to hear work was sending me back to Augusta GA, cause that would mean I get to eat here again. It's been 4 years. I don't review things much anymore because, well, you prob get it, and if not.. it may come to you yet. Everybody is a critic these days. Everyone knows everything about everything. I can't tell you what 'authentic' is ... at this point, I'm a 'middle class' yt dude, almost 50 ... my Dad took me to my first Korean restaurant in Longwood FL when I was 14. That said, let's get to it: First off, the food is amazing. Always has been, still is. A couple of things I saw in the reviews didn't sit well with me. *Side dishes: do you see them, in the picture? I ordered one small lunch speacial- Spicy Pork Bulgogi w/soup. That's 4 side dishes in that picture. Complimentary and chef's choice. As it should be. *Kimchi: was it buried under the manure pile in a jar with a wax seal for 20 years? Probably not. Is it fermented and spicy and quality? Absolutley. *portion size: Did you order a lunch special? They are usually halved. Do you see my lunch portion? I won't be finishing it here. And I eat. *price: as of this report, 2024, we have seen prices for every single thing except pay double... in the course of a year, basically. These folks that run this restaurant live in the same world we do. If there was an equitable solution to pricing, I'm sure the concept would be moving around. There isn't. Mackey Dee's doubled to. As a matter of fact, big corporate price moves are what drive the rise of prices for small ventures. That's a whole nother critique, so never mind. In summation, this place is still tops. Shame on you disingenuous or tasteless denizens who have reviewed this place poorly. If you are in Augusta and desiring a great, fresh Korean dining experience,this is...

I used to come to this place when it was Arirang Korean back in like 2010 (they since moved to Tobacco Road, ‘Korean Food Express’ is the new name). A lot has changed with the place since it took on new owners but one thing is for sure, the prices have sky rocketed in the last 5 years. I ordered a beef bulgogi, a LA Kalbi and a Kim Bap (sushi) to-go, total came up to over $60 for 2 entrees and an app, could have gone to chilis and gotten 3 entrees, an app, chips and queso and three drinks for less than that and still had more food. Prices are going up as portions are going down, I’ve seen several people mention how they’re only finding one or two pieces of meat in their entrees. Unacceptable. Food was ready within about 10 minutes of me calling it in. They only give you one container of the banchan (veggie sides) which is a rip off when you order two meals and pay that type of money, we deserve not to have to share it to-go. Food was good but I was still hungry after I finished my Kalbi, they really don’t give you much food for the price. The flavors are there but for $62 for 2 people without drinks, service or much meat, I think I’ll try my luck elsewhere from now on, Korean Food Express is much cheaper and consistent with their pricing IMO. I wanted to give Happy House another try since I’ve been patronizing this physical location since I was in high school, I just can’t keep up with the prices. Staff is really nice though. I’ve become a bit of a restauranteur in the last few years, I’ve noticed restaurants who always mark out prices and write down new ones aren’t really my cup of tea. I understand prices change but your whole menu should reflect, not just one or two high...

It was our first time eating in the restaurant and we were received warmly by the waitress. We were excited to see numerous options in the menu. I resided in Korea for four years and It was my first time after six years to try 부대찌개 (#52 Boo Dae Hot Pot in the menu). It is listed in their menu that it comes with ramen noodle, which is what 부대찌개 really comes with. When they served it, it came with glass noodles instead. At first I thought I misread the menu, but I read it again, and it specifically said “ramen noodles”. So, I asked our waitress that there was a mistake of putting glass noodles instead of ramen noodles. It was nice of her to go to the kitchen and correct the order. However, when she went back she told us that the cook told her that in Happy House Korean restaurant, they make all Hot Pot items including 부대찌개 with glass noodles instead of ramen noodles. I referred her back to the menu which clearly states that it comes with ramen noodles. If you are Korean or love Korean food, you would know that 부대찌개 is not complete without ramen noodles. I was given no resolution to my concern nor I was given any consideration. I’m not one that demands too much but it was very disheartening to know that the restaurant especially the cook, didn’t take ownership of the mistake. Customer service is top priority in restaurants and I learned that when I was a server myself. I think our waitress is really nice but the service and experience I expected from the restaurant was...