Seoul Bowl Kirkland (Juanita) — Restaurant in Kirkland

TL;DR: As a chef friend said, "That's some scrap meat right there."

So, I liked everything about Seoul Bowl from the service to the cleanliness to the décor. It was all great until I sat down to eat.

Sure, I didn't like paying an extra $1.50 for japchae, but good fried glass noodles are a thing of beauty! These were not.

Mostly, the real culprit for the terrible food was the boiled, old, and over-steamed bulgogi. It was disgusting. The aging meat, sitting for hours, had taken on the texture of a gritty, dissolving sponge with about as much flavor.

Having eaten at plenty of Korean lunch shops with fresh bulgogi in steam trays, I know that a better product can sit for hours on end without tasting this bad.

After a chat with several friends in Seattle, this seems to be the usual complaint about Seoul Bowl everywhere in town. The meat is BAD at every location, including their food truck. I don't get it. Bulgogi is not that hard to make right and keep warm.

Anyway, the prices are average to a little expensive, but ultimately nothing excuses old and terrible steam tray beef....

I love Seoul Bowl and the food. And I’ve been here twice before and staff is always friendly. However today (7-5-25), was much different.

There was one employee (younger, male) working. Upon walking in he was sitting at a table and casually told me he couldn’t help me for 30 minutes. He said he was on his break and tried explaining labor laws. Fine. I’m patient. So I went out to my car and waited.

Came back in 25 min later and he was standing behind counter, I assumed back to work. Upon me coming in, he laughed and said “bro I’m still on break”. I said ok how much longer. He says “Atleast 20 minutes”. If my math is correct then he is either stupid or lying. Then he said he’s working a ten hour shift. Again, if he was on an hour break then tell me or go in the back. But it seemed like he just didn’t want to work and was messing with me. You’ve lost my business. I’ve been a loyal customer. I’ll take business to...

Seoul Bowl reminds me of Chipotle, but better! This is my new go-to for bowls because I believe our market lacks a fast casual customizable bowl location. The Juanita location is newer, and it appears that the staff is still settling in, so be courteous during peak hours.

I've been a few times and the Bulgogi Beef Bowl speaks for itself; it's just delicious. I was also taken aback by the large protein serving they provide! +1 in my book.

The Korean Fried Chicken was also a family favorite! Keep in mind that this is a substantial portion. Since the fried food is made to order, be prepared and patient during busy hours.

I didn't get the gentleman's name at the front counter, but he is a gracious host. He looks after you from the moment you walk in until you walk out. Don't be hesitant to ask questions; he was happy to answer mine because several of the ingredients were...