Kimchi Box — Restaurant in Madison Heights

Either I came on a bad day or this place is only good for the dinner rush.

I love Kimchi Box and frequent the Lakeside location as it’s closer to home. On July 30th, a Tuesday, I had a craving to get this during my lunch hour and placed an online order, using the same website and system I’ve use for Lakeside, at about 11:07 am, a few minutes after opening. I drove about 20 minutes to the location and arrived to a dark store and a non-operating “open” sign. I’ve seen business forget to turn the sign on before so I took a chance, double checked that this location opens at 11 am, and headed to the door, which was unlocked. I was met with several Spanish-speaking individuals, one of which pulled out their phone to translate “please wait for the waiter.” I pointed at my watch and asked “how long?” and one person said 10 mins, the other person said 4 mins. I went back to my car. It’s 11:32 at that point. I write out an email to the Outlook and Gmail emails I found on the Kimchi Box website requesting a refund of my order because 1) no computers were on, 2) no one was cooking, and 3) there was another car parked right in the front who was also waiting for an order. No way was the person who was supposed to actually open the store going to open the store and prepare at least two meals within the 20 minutes left of my break. I drove off at 11:38 when there was clearly no sign of anyone cooking. At 11:43, I got an email saying my order was ready for pickup, which is extremely unrealistic since I left the store just 5 minutes prior.

I’ll keep this experience in mind when this is my nearest Kimchi Box location and I want to grab...

Based on the reviews I really wanted to love this place; when I walked in I was intrigued by the great menu of Korean street food, several ramune drink flavors and lively K-pop videos playing in the back. I attempted to ask what was recommended/popular dish and the cashier I did not make me feel very welcome to ask any questions.

I ordered a box of 12 wings (soy garlic/Korean sassy) and small sides of kimchi & pickled radish. The chicken wings were big, juicy inside and still crispy even with the generous toss in the sauces. Both were yummy with the sassy one packing a tiny bit of heat. I liked the generous portion and was able to share with 3 adults as a snack. Disappointed to say the kimchi was terrible! It was bland as in no taste (no heat, garlic, sourness) even if it were a “fresh”kimchi it should taste like something. The radishes were a nice crunchy and fresh break from the fatty friedness of the chicken. I would possible go back to try the bulgogi but there are other local places that are similarly priced with better food and...

First, I must say, from an environmental standpoint alone, I love this place. Bamboo chopsticks (grows scary fast & way better than wood), metal utensils & cups (washable & infinitely reusable), pressed paper entree containers (easily recycled here or carry-out). It ain't hard, folks. The young woman behind the counter was quick to greet & very easy-going. Seems much of their business is carry-out. Only three 4-seat tables & three 2-seaters. Menu is much more eclectic than I would've expected (corn dogs & Korean tacos?) but covers a decent breadth of Korean fare. The spicy pork was very good, both in quantity and quality. The rice, salad and noodles that come with are also plentiful for a solid, long-lasting lunch. There are two TVs above the counter playing K-pop videos. The music - a touch loud for the space - plays what I believe is K-pop style tunes in English. I see more visits here...