Makchang Drama — Restaurant in Lakewood

UPDATE: No more tableside bbq grill but they have the hot plate used in Korea where the oil just drains out of a hole into a bowl. It’s JUST as authentic a feel!

I had ordered takeout from here several SEVERAL times after trying really hard to find a good Seolleongtang (설렁탕) soup. Somehow I stumbled across this brand new restaurant (to me) and ordered a few things to try. Basically I order from this place at least once a month now.

Tonight I made up my mind to go and sit in and try the actual gopchang and daechang and the other delicious goodies I only saw on TV. OMG I was not disappointed. The atmosphere alone, the inside of the restaurant transports you right to Korea in a small village or street where you have shops that you can pick from to eat street food like these grilled intestines. Do not be afraid to try new things! I was at first very nervous because I am not Korean and my husband isn’t either so I was scared of being judged. Never fear because the owners there are so kind and welcoming as ever so please do not be afraid!

So the first thing we did was order large intestine because I have never had it before. ZERO regrets! It tastes like the crispy fatty part of bacon and oh so smokey and wonderfully cleaned. No weirdness at all because they really care about their food preparation. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy eating here. For beginners I would definitely suggest that large intestine because the small intestine has a more bitter taste. For people who don’t want to eat this at all, there are mushrooms and really good beef brisket you can grill!

The dishes are served with picked radish and a plate of green chives that you will eat with the grilled food. It comes with dipping sauces as well and some really good hot spicy soup to warm you up for your meal. You can order some deliciously unique purple rice separately or some ramyun noodles.

Everything is appropriately distanced and you are seated privately and separately from other patrons. I love it. Give this restaurant a shot!

Also don’t mind the loud noises from other diners who are rambunctious. It is because you are encouraged to drink alcohol here with these kinds of food and I think it’s so nice to be in such loud and happy company where people are eating delicious food and drinking delicious drinks.

Truly the best most unique of Korean BBQ experiences in Washington State and the only one that is a true and proper GOPCHANG restaurant.

AND THEY OPEN LATE SO YOU CAN DRIVE DOWN FROM SEATTLE...

Came here to try something new for a birthday dinner. We were a party of 5. We were told that it would be about a 30 minute wait because they would need for tables to be cleared as they have no tables for 5. We decided to wait as it seemed pretty busy and got good reviews. We waited very patiently. At the 50 minute mark, I saw two tables pay and leave. There were three tables in a row - each that seat 4. One table was already empty since we first entered the restaurant. I thought they would clean off the center table and put it together with the empty table. They cleaned off the empty table, and sat a family of 4 that had JUST walked in. I still waited because I thought that they would just clean the other two tables and then seat us. I waited an additional 10 minutes while they cleaned OTHER tables. I finally went to the host and asked why we hadn't been seated yet. He said that they don't have tables for 5 and that they were getting the two tables ready. I then asked why have the tables been sitting empty/dirty for 10 minutes? At this point, I felt discriminated against as they had used up one of the tables they could have given us. I got a very unapologetic "sorry," and I told him that I wasn't going to stay. We waited one hour, I saw people come and go, and get seated before us when the opportunity to seat us was there. I had my two small children with me. We left hungry, but I was not going to give them my business after the treatment I got. The worst thing is that they probably...

Came here by myself after a long gym session & was looking for something to satisfy my cravings.. Everything about this place is fantastic! Perfect late night spot for Korean dinner/drinks~ The vibe is really fresh & easy going too. Music is just right & they play all the K-pop bops if you’re into it 🥴 a lot of younger middle aged patrons to give you a good picture. The waitress was super friendly and helpful about answering any questions about the menu. If you aren’t familiar with anything just ask!

The food. The FOOOD. Spectacular. I came in and ordered the mixed buckwheat noodle and it HIT THE SPOT. Been craving it all summer and it was perfect. Then I ordered the chefs special small intestine stir fry with a side of rice & Cass beer. BEST DECISION ever. If you like intestines, this is a must. The chili paste sautéed into it is cooked perfectly. I’d eat it all if I didn’t have the stomach of a single human lol. Pair it all with a beer to end the meal and—DAMNN. FRENCH KISS. Or in this case, a Korean kiss lol. (Bad joke I know). But to summarize, this place is great if you need a chill spot to enjoy late night Korean food. Nice people, great food.

Coming again with the...