Chosun Ok BBQ — Restaurant in Durham

If you are the kind of people like me thinking it is okay to experience bad service as long as the restaurant has gotten you good food, this place would change your mind! At least it is true for me. I saw the comments and reviews on Yelp saying they’ve got rude services, I went anyways because all I cared was good food, and some reviews gave the idea that this place had good food, but my visit here proofed me being completely wrong.

My friend and I came around 11:50 before they open at noon, so we waited outside and looked at the menu so that we can order once we sit down at the table. At the moment we got into the door, all we got was a long face, okay, that’s not unacceptable. We got our menu, and we tried to order a samgyupsal and beef marinated with sesame oil and salt being cooked at our table, then we were told we had to order at least two portions of each one because that’s the way they took orders and prepared food, I was stunned, then make one order into two portions, the price isn’t low, it was 18.99 and 19.99 respectively! Well, then no bbq. Once she walked away, she said if you didn't like it then you can leave, wait what? That couldn’t be nicer. But I didn’t do so, because that’s not how I would like to do at a restaurant, but apparently she didn’t mind me doing that, and I should have done what she told me, that was a very kind piece of advice :)

So we went on and ordered a Jeongol, and finally came our water which should really be served once we sat down! And the reason she gave was because she didn’t know if we were going to leave, ha! Smart! And I asked for our side dishes, she said Jeongol didn’t come with side dishes, I had never been to a Korean restaurant that did not serve side dishes! Maybe I was wrong, I’m not Korean so I might not know the rules here.

Oh! The water! It tasted like it had been sat there in the pitcher all night! Even worse then tap water.

She said thank you and see you next time when we leave, that helped making me feel better after all these. I was very upset about the whole experience. I’m not telling who ever sees this do not go, but just a heads up, so you wouldn’t be surprised, and please proof me wrong, maybe she just had an unpleasant morning and we were...

I happened upon Chosun Ok BBQ this weekend while visiting Durham. It is tucked off into a shopping center off of Hwy. 54 with a Pizza Hut in the parking lot. The restaurant storefront caught my eye because it basically says "Korean BBQ", and I love Korean food.

I was greeted very warmly when I first opened the door. The inside of the restaurant is very clean and set up for dine-in, however I requested take out, and was immediately assisted with my takeout order. Korean food is meant to be enjoyed in groups, so the menu pricing is based on the servings being for more than one, etc. If you order a single combo, look to pay something like $15-20 for all the fixings. I ordered the Bulgogi Beef Combo and my food came in less than 10 minutes and then I was out the door.

Y'all! First of all, I had enough food for me to eat three full servings. I filled my plate twice on the night I purchased the food, then had enough to eat again the following day for dinner! And yes, I was stuffed every time!!! This was a good portion of food. I'm glad I got the combo with soup, and not the Bulgogi Platter. I may have been eating Korean BBQ for a week! LOL

But seriously, Chosun Ok BBQ also has some seriously delicious food, and it wasn’t so spicy that I had to drink a gallon of water after each bite. I literally loved everything! I have favorited them in my list of "must return to" places whenever I am back in Durham. The meat, the kimchi, pickled veggies, the kimchi soup...everything was absolutely delicious! I posted a picture of everything that comes with the Bulgogi (Beef) Combo I purchased for $18.

Whether you love Korean BBQ and food, or whether you have always been curious and just want to try something new, I highly recommend this cute little spot tucked off to the side at the corner of Hwy 54 and Hwy 55. Tell them Kindra...

Overall it’s worth the experience but I personally won’t go again. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I’m use to cooking my own food at Korean bbq but she did it all and seemed very happy to help. Overall I would of preferred to do it myself but I’m not against the experience they want to give. The menu has a good selection but is a bit pricey unless you do a combo. It’s justifiable because Korean bbq isn’t as huge here. I’m use to my experiences in Asia and have only experience that in LA, chicago, and vegas so far. Experiences very in Asia as well so I’m not saying there’s only one way but most you pay one price and get unlimited meats and just a list of meats with your common sides like kimchi, bean sprouts, and everything else. Location wasn’t busy when I was there but it has a decent amount of seating. You get the feeling it’s very family oriented and I loved that but it’s a decent drive that I won’t make.

Overall my revue is to Atleast try it and make your own opinion but don’t expect to be impressed or...