Sō Korean BBQ — Restaurant in Centreville

I’ve been coming to So for years. It’s our main KBBQ place because the vibes are usually very chill, the food is dependable, service is decent.

However, last night, was one of the most uncomfortable experiences we’ve ever had. It was that meme where people joke about doing closing tasks hours before they close. Except this is not a joke there - it’s their reality.

It was a VERY EMPTY Tuesday night. We came around 8 and mind you they close at 11, and there were a total of 6 tables including us.

We were seated immediately, but our server did not greet us, just asked us what meats we wanted and then left. Our server would drop off the food and then essentially run away without asking us if we needed anything/without giving us time to speak up for ourselves. We needed napkins, a refill on sauces, refills on our Banchan. We thought it was just us having hard time with the servers, but we watched a table get up and go grab the sauces to REFILL THEM ON THEIR OWN. Which honestly we should’ve done too, because we had asked three times. With three different servers. And alas empty.

We watched one of the servers, who we had asked for more sauces from, completely walk by the sauces and started WIPING DOWN THE KITCHEN DOORS.

I think the part that doesn’t make sense is that it wasn’t even busy??? They didn’t seem short staffed since there were at least 5 of them all standing by the host stand staring at us like this 👁️👄👁️ while we were eating, especially this one hostess.

Ma’am we are not in high school. We are at a dining establishment, please keep your gaze to yourself. Unless you were staring to gauge if we needed anything…which I doubt was the case.

When they would ask us if we wanted more meat - they would frame it as “are you guys done? Anything else I can get you?” But when you respond with another meat order, the server said “MORE??” Like we shouldn’t order more? He then proceeds to flash cook our meats and pull it off the grill without saying a word…the meat was a bit undercooked still, so we put in on the grill and the entire staff stopped and GAWKED at us like we were crazy??.

I just wanted my pork belly a little bit more crispy - IS THAT A CRIME 😐

We ordered a total of 6 plates of meat and each time the portions got smaller…

I was with my partner and their younger sibling, we were just trying to have a little casual dinner to celebrate them getting their license. So is their favorite spot, as well. They never notice or care about people staring, but last night was the first time where both of them felt frustrated and upset with the way the servers were carrying themselves.

It’s extremely unsettling to eat while it seems like the entire staff is staring at you 👁️👄👁️ instead of helping the guests (instead of respectfully doing their jobs) and confusing because it’s not like we’re here 30 minutes before closing.

Honestly I could keep going with the plethora of things that just didn’t make sense.

All this is to say, don’t go on a weekday when it’s slow. You’ll be rushed and made a spectacle of because they want you out. Go on a weekend when it’s so busy that they essentially have to help/serve you, and you can make a...

Sō is one of my favorite two or three Korean restaurants in the DC area. After not having been for about a year, I stopped by earlier tonight after running a couple errands nearby. I'm really glad I did.

I thought I would get a late-summer bowl of mul naengmyeon (ice cold buckwheat noodle soup) and maybe some shumai or mandu for a quick dinner. But after seeing the generous assortment of banchan and reading the menu, I decided to try something new and picked the yukhwe, a raw beef dish comparable to tartare. I absolutely enjoyed the chilled beef, which was sliced into thin strands almost like noodles, coated in a light sauce that was just slightly sweet to complement the rich and savory beef -- similar to a sesame oil vinaigrette. It was served with thin-sliced pear, a gochujang-based dipping sauce, and a raw egg yolk to mix on top. The texture was tender yet substantial, and was nicely complimented by bites of the different banchan. And despite being listed as an appetizer, the yukhwe was a satisfying meal on its own.

As mentioned, Sō sets the table with a particularly generous variety of banchan. Along with standards like kimchi, pickled veggies, radish, bean sprouts, potato salad, etc. there was a kale salad, broccoli with sweet dressing, and stewed chunks of potato that had a nice tender/chewy texture and a hearty, savory flavor that reminded me of the best parts of a good winter stew. I really enjoyed them all, and appreciated the extra vegetables to crunch on as an offset to a meal that could otherwise be more meat-focused.

Sō stands out initially due to the modern, and dark decor. But I've been several times both solo and in groups of 3-6 people and enjoyed it every visit. When you have an appetite for meats, the AYCE options are a great way to go. I've also ordered a la carte, and enjoyed the mul naengmyeon, mandu, and individual meat selections.

This evening I almost felt a little guilty sitting down to so many dishes of banchan, since I wasn't planning on getting one of the higher-priced mains or any drinks. Still, the servers and hosts took good care of me, and made the otherwise quick meal a little more special than just great food. Even with someone who has shellfish allergies, I've found the servers to be friendly, helpful, and very hospitable. Knowing that Sō and Kogiya were both opened by the same family, I think the excellent service at both restaurants is something that makes these two favorites really shine above most other places. It just makes for an awesome experience.

In addition to the full menu and AYCE options, Sō has a full bar with Korean beers and wines, soju, and some delicious cocktails as well. While a couple dollars than some other places in the area, prices are still reasonable, especially given the ambience and polish. Sō ends up being a very good value given the price point.

Overall, Sō has never disappointed me, and is an excellent place to go for a slightly more upscale KBBQ experience, whether all-you-can-eat or not. Or just stop by to let a quick dinner turn into an unusually...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Sō Korean BBQ in Virginia, and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight! From the moment I stepped foot into this charming restaurant, I knew I was in for a fantastic culinary experience. The ambiance at Sō Korean BBQ is warm and inviting, with cozy yet modern decor that instantly puts you at ease. The staff's welcoming smiles and genuine hospitality made me feel right at home. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and happy to guide me through the menu, making helpful recommendations along the way. Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the food! Sō Korean BBQ offers a unique dining experience where you can cook your own food right at your table. Each table is equipped with a grill, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of Korean cuisine while enjoying the interactive aspect of the meal. The menu at Sō Korean BBQ is extensive, offering a wide range of options for all preferences. Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, there is something for everyone. Their marinated and non-marinated meat selections are of exceptional quality, and the flavors are simply mouthwatering. From the tender and juicy bulgogi to the succulent galbi, every bite was a true delight.

Aside from the meats, Sō Korean BBQ also offers an array of delectable side dishes called banchan. These small plates are packed with flavor and provide the perfect accompaniment to your main course. The kimchi, pickled vegetables, and bean sprouts were all fresh, vibrant, and bursting with traditional Korean tastes. To complement the meal, Sō Korean BBQ offers a variety of refreshing beverages, including traditional Korean drinks like soju and makgeolli. I highly recommend trying their flavorful fruit-infused soju cocktails for a delightful twist! The value for money at Sō Korean BBQ is outstanding. The portions are generous, and you'll leave feeling completely satisfied. The prices are reasonable, considering the high quality of ingredients and the overall dining experience provided. Sō Korean BBQ is a hidden gem for Korean food enthusiasts in Virginia. From the moment you step in, you'll be greeted with warmth, served with excellence, and indulge in flavors that will transport you to the heart of Korea. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch or a memorable dinner experience, Sō Korean BBQ is the perfect destination. Trust me, you won't be...