Baek Kitchen — Restaurant in Hickory

Baek Kitchen is simply delicious! I spent a good chunk of my childhood in Korea, so I’m very familiar with the cuisine. I’ve also tried many different Korean restaurants in the U.S. and other countries outside of Korea. Honestly, most places often have been disappointing and too expensive, in my opinion. However, all the dishes my husband and I have tried from Baek Kitchen have been amazing, and the prices are reasonable (for some perspective, I was paying the same prices for Korean food in NC 15+ years ago)! The first time we went to Baek Kitchen, my husband and I ordered:

Bulgogi (marinated beef in Korean bulgogi sauce, served over rice). It was marinated and cooked perfectly.

Tteokbbokki (rice cakes in spicy sauce). It even came complete with a side of fried dumplings and kimari, which is fried seaweed wrapped glass noodles that go perfectly with tteokbbokki. This is one of my favorite Korean street foods and one dish that I’m obsessed with. I’ve not found any restaurant that does tteokbbokki right in the entire South of the U.S., but this one was a winner!

Kimchi jjigae (kimchi soup/stew with pork). It was just like homemade and delicious! This is a common Korean dish, but it’s not easy to make well. I loved it.

Lastly, fried chicken (jumbo wings). It was crunchy and moist, yet not greasy.

The portion were generous. We were stuffed and had leftovers. My husband and I have gone back multiple times since to try other dishes, and I highly recommend the fried calamari (we like to dip it in tteokbbokki sauce 😋). Their kimchi fried rice is delicious as well! I also recommend the Korean drinks they sell- the rice drink and pear juice are my favorite. We are so glad to have this...

We just ate here for lunch and spent $94… let me break it down, $22-$25 per meal, $18 for 8 wings, then the guy tried to charge us $3.99 twice to sauce them differently. Then we told him we just wanted soy garlic then, so basically the wings were $22. Then.. $3.50 for one can of Coke, and the same for $3.50 per bottle of Kirkland water.

I’m going to have to agree with prior reviews that some of these reviews seem sus. The food I had was good but honestly for hickory, $94 for lunch is outrageous. We were the only 3 customers in the restaurant for the entire time.

Oh.. and there was no photos and videos signs EVERYWHERE. Yet, I counted 10 surveillance cameras taking photos and videos of me. Very weird.

Response to owner’s response: I feel as though the owner has a very victimizing mentality and cannot accept feedback. I had no intentions of malicious activity, just trying to get a lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Plastic forks were left on the table because you have a dispenser to get utensils (in the dine in only section), but then when the food came out, you brought metal spoons, so I used those, and figured we could not put the plastic ones back. No one in our party left the bathroom dirty, and unless you have a security camera in the bathroom too, we did not. And I feel as though the comment of “other competitors” in hickory seems to be racial profiling. We are not from hickory and each have our own jobs, please explain how you could feel that way about every negative comment in your reviews. If you are a potential customer, the proof is in the responses from the owner on every...

Baek Kitchen transports diners straight to the heart of Korea with its authentic cuisine and inviting atmosphere. As you enter, the warm decor and traditional elements create a cozy setting that promises a memorable dining experience. The menu at Baek Kitchen is a delightful exploration of Korean flavors, featuring a wide variety of dishes that celebrate the best of the country's culinary heritage. The bulgogi stands out as a must-try—marinated to perfection, the beef is tender and flavorful, embodying the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The house-made kimchi is a fantastic accompaniment, with just the right amount of spice and tang that enhances every dish. What truly sets Baek Kitchen apart is the outstanding service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. They are attentive and eager to share recommendations, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and valued. I believe that Baek Kitchen is a gem for those seeking authentic Korean cuisine in a welcoming environment. With its exceptional service and high-quality dishes, it truly captures the essence of Korea. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Korean food or a curious newcomer, Baek Kitchen is sure to leave you with a...