Oegadgib — Restaurant in Annandale

Oegadgib ("Oe Gad Gib") is probably my favorite Korean restaurant in the DC area, and absolutely in my top 2 or 3. It is a modest, cozy restaurant with a cottage feel -- very much a hole-in-the-wall in the most positive sense. The first time I went I was a little shy to admit that I wasn't well versed in Korean BBQ, and ended up with a somewhat pared back experience. Returning later, I've found that asking for a little guidance from the servers has been really rewarding. From a little extra assistance getting started with the BBQ and Shabu-Shabu (hot pot), to some great recommendations I may not have tried otherwise, like the jokbal, I've found everyone to be very warm and happy to help.

I've been to Oegadgib in a larger group, in smaller groups of fewer than 6, as well as dining solo. (Since the tables are set up for 4 people around a grill, if you are going as a party of one it's best to try to go at off-peak hours to avoid taking up a big table and creating a wait for other groups. Just for the sake of being considerate.) Every time I've found more to love and appreciate.

The AYCE selections for BBQ and Shabu-Shabu are not quite as extensive as elsewhere, but all the basics are covered. And on the other hand, the menu has a great variety of a la carte dishes to pick from. As mentioned, the jokbal (braised pork trotter, sliced before serving) was one of those dishes I just loved once I received a suggestion to give it a try. It's a little filling, so either plan for leftovers or share with 2-3 people along with other meats and other dishes. I also think they have great mul naengmyeon (ice cold buckwheat noodle soup), and appreciate that it is on the menu year-round instead of only during the summer. It makes a great appetizer, finish for a meal full of grilled meats, or a light meal in itself or with an appetizer. I've also enjoyed the snails, chicken and beef a la cart BBQ options, and of course the AYCE. The offer a good selection of Banchan, including a particularly good potato salad that's light on the mayo and kimchi that pleasantly varies by visit thanks to changing fruit juices such as apple/pear, pineapple, lemon, etc. (I think).

Prices happen to be particularly reasonable, even if you order a beer or soju. A Hite or Terra lager really hits the spot along with the spicier dishes.

I do miss the days when they were open past midnight, but mainly because it was such a magical place to realize I was near and have a delicious meal at odd hours. Every time, I find myself really glad to have come into Oegadgib, and just think there's something...

Food was okay, but the service was terrible. I usually don't leave reviews unless it's five stars, but this place made our meal experience horrible.

First, we barely sat down and the waiter asked us what we would like to eat. We were taken aback a bit and asked if we could see the menu first. He pointed at the small All You Can Eat menu on the table (WITH NO PRICE PER PERSON ON IT). So we order from that menu because he would not leave until we place our order (almost no time to discuss while he was hovering over us).

Then I notice soup/stews on the other table, ask the waiter what soups/stews they have. He asked which one I want, and I said I would be able to answer that if I knew what they have. He brings me the real menu that has all kinds of dishes, soups, appetizers, etc. Ok, so you DO have a menu. Okay. By this time, they already brought us the All You Can Eat meats and started grilling. We are still trying to review the full menu to see if we would like an appetizer first, a soup, but no, they are already grilling.

Then, I notice that the table next to us receive a soup and steamed egg with their meat. I ask our server about that as well (and don't I look and sound like a Karen at this point?!), he says "so you want it?" "Umm, does it come with the All You Can Eat items?" "yes, it's included" "okay then, yes, we do want it if it's INCLUDED and anything else that is included, but didn't receive."

We ordered marinated pork and marinated beef (both tasted like paper). We were still working on our first meat round, they wanted to start grilling the second one. We asked them to give us a second to eat the first one or at least be half way done, so the meat doesn't get cold. Sure they said only to return literally in a minute and threw the second meat on the grill. So we ended up with two piles of grilled meat and tried to eat it fast before it got cold, and of course it did and we ate semi-warm pork and beef. So, unless you are trying to catch a bus and prefer to chew your food, this place is not for you!

And just to mention, that table next to us also had at least 4 different sauces to accompany their meat, we only had one, they also had more small dishes that come first, but at that point we didn't care anymore. Just wanted to finish our meal and leave to never come back.

We love Korean cuisine and dine at different Korean restaurants in our and surrounding areas almost weekly. And this place was the ONLY place where we felt unwelcomed or somehow not...

I honestly wish I could give this place 0 stars. I'm actually a pretty regular customer, but had the most upsetting visit late last night. Before reading my long story, in short food is honestly not that great, there are better kbbq places. Service is bad. It's just convenient for late night and ayce.

Ok so first, the way they set up to seat parties is by using their big middle tables and they sat 2 different small parties on 2 different tables. So we, as a party of 8, had to wait about 30 minutes. Even after they cleared the table, they didn't seat us and proceeded to set up the table with side dishes and water (something they usually do after were seated), making us stand and wait even longer. Then half of us at the table didn't have plates once we sat.

Second, we also wanted soju and although we arrived around 12:30am, we didn't get to sit and order it until 1:10am (you can't drink in a restaurant past 1:30am in VA). AND then we were literally NEVER waited on. Never, asked what we wanted, just brought out meat after we had to flag them down. Then they never came by to check on us or ask if we needed anything.. . Literally had to get up from my seat and walk over to them to ask for things.

Third, they told us last call for food since they close at 2am. So we ordered one more plate of brisket and pork belly. They came back to tell us they had NO MEAT LEFT. Only tripe (intestines... Not good btw) left. This is an all you can eat place... How do you run out of your main food?! Well, they didn't... They just lied to us so they didn't have to serve us. They honestly could've just said that the kitchen is now closed but they gave us last call and lied instead. SO DISTASTEFUL. This was the most upsetting part.

Lastly, they had the audacity to add gratuity to the bill after NEVER WAITING on the table. I know we were a big party, but they literally never came by. ALWAYS had to flag them down somehow.

We will never come...