Seoul Garden — Restaurant in Houston

It’s not often that I go out for Korean food. There aren’t many restaurants from which to choose and the finicky, American food crowd I normally hang with finds Korean food a little too unusual to consider. But a recent meetup with a book club that I run gave me the excuse I needed to schedule a visit to a Korean restaurant, since the featured book was also Korean. Our dining spot of choice was Seoul Garden, located in the Houston Spring Branch area.

Seoul Garden features a warm, inviting interior and several private spaces for groups. There is a warm vibe here, like you are dining in someone’s home. The menu is extensive, with each item spelled out in Korean and in English. To avoid confusion when ordering, there is a letter and number next to each item, so you don’t need to worry about properly pronouncing the words. When a member of the wait staff comes to your table, just say the letter and number, and you can feel good that the lunch or dinner you order will be correct.

With the food dishes, the sizes and prices vary widely, and this is good because it means you can tailor your order to fit your appetite and budget. Most everything comes with a bowl of steamed rice and an assortment of vegetable- based sides. With my group, the sides were set out in two sections of the table, so that everyone could dig in. It was fun trying some of the items, like the fermented cabbage. These are things I would normally not have a chance to order, since it is so infrequent that I dine at this type of restaurant.

For my main order, on this first visit I went for the Bibimbap, which is rice with beef, assorted vegetables, and gochujang. It was interesting and quite earthy, which is a term that could be used to explain most of the foods. The taste, the scent, and most everything else let you know that mother Earth is where we are all bound. My only issue with the food dish that I ordered is that it contained very little beef. Next time, I will likely order something else, something with more meat. And trust me, there are menu options that overflow with meat, you just need to know what to order. To help with your selection, most every main dish has a small picture on the menu, labeled with the same number and letter described above. From this, you can get a better idea of what will be included in your item.

Beer choices are limited at Seoul Garden and there are no craft beer options, which is a disappointment. I recommend instead ordering Korean rice wine or some other beverage to complement the food. They have several unique beverage options but if you insist on what is familiar, they have the usual soft drinks as well.

It’s nice to dine somewhere different from the norm. And if different is what you crave, then Seoul Garden is certainly a place worth visiting. The authentic Korean food includes many items that you won’t be able to pronounce, but don’t worry about your limited vocabulary. Just sit back and enjoy the interesting array of foods, in all their...

Nestled in the heart of our bustling city, this restaurant has quickly become my go-to destination when I'm in the mood for a calm and inviting atmosphere to enjoy some top-notch Korean BBQ with friends. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an ambiance that exudes tranquility, making it the perfect place to unwind and savor a memorable meal.

Now, let's dive into the main attraction – the food. To put it simply, this place serves up some of the best Korean BBQ you can possibly imagine. It's a carnivore's dream come true. The marinated meats, particularly the bulgogi, are nothing short of sensational. The tender slices of beef, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection at your table, are a culinary masterpiece that dance on your taste buds with each bite. The smoky aroma that fills the air as you grill your own meat only adds to the overall experience, making it an interactive and mouthwatering adventure for your palate.

But let's not forget about the staff. While most of the team members are genuinely nice and accommodating, there was a minor hiccup during one of my visits. A rather unpleasant encounter with an individual who seemed to be in charge left a sour note. This person rudely scolded our group for standing around briefly, which was quite surprising given the otherwise welcoming atmosphere. However, it's essential to remember that isolated incidents can happen in any establishment, and the outstanding quality of the food far outweighs this minor blip in service.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an oasis of calm where you can revel in the delight of Korean BBQ. The impeccable flavors of the bulgogi and the exceptional quality of the meats are worth every visit. While we did encounter a slight inconvenience with one staff member, it shouldn't deter you from experiencing the tremendous culinary offerings this place has to offer. So, gather your friends, come hungry, and prepare to be wowed by the outstanding Korean BBQ that awaits you at this remarkable...

Seoul Garden, a Korean restaurant with a legacy of over 20 years in Houston, has consistently stood out for its unwavering commitment to food quality. The flavored Korean barbecue meat is undoubtedly the highlight, showcasing the perfect blend of taste and tenderness. The small side dishes are a testament to the restaurant's dedication, always fresh and bursting with delightful flavors.

The micro fish grilled is nothing short of perfection, offering a unique and delicious culinary experience. The meat, whether barbecue or otherwise, remains consistently tender, juicy, and flavorful, boasting a delightful texture that adds to the overall dining pleasure.

Among the favorites is the seafood pancake, a true standout that never disappoints with its delectable taste and satisfying texture. Additionally, the seafood soup is a flavor-intensive masterpiece, loaded with a variety of high-quality ingredients that elevate the taste to a whole new level.

Throughout the years, Seoul Garden has maintained impeccable service standards, ensuring that each dining experience is met with efficiency and warmth. As a long-time patron, I can confidently say that Seoul Garden remains a go-to destination for exceptional Korean cuisine in Houston. For those craving an authentic and delightful Korean dining experience, Seoul Garden undoubtedly deserves a spot on the list of must-visit...