Happy Bibimbop House — Restaurant in Salem

UPDATE~ This small intimate restaurant is just simply MY ALL TIME FAVORITE! They survived COVID and are still the wonderfully priced, fresh, full-flavored food I fell in love with 9 years ago. Birthday dinner?-this is where I am going. Want a quick snack for lunch?-you'll find me here... Tuesday evening cravings? HECK YA! Do yourself a favor and GO - NOW! Sooooooooo freaking good!

(2015)Went in for our first try this afternoon for lunch. We have been to several Korean BBQ places in the Portland area that we loved and wished there was something in boring bland Salem.... well we have found a new Salem favorite! The little side dishes were wonderful. The Kim chi was perfectly spiced, the sesame green beans are refreshing, marinade cucumber -I wanted to take a jar full home! I ordered the Kim chi jigae ( Kim chi stew with pork ) and Dan got the Kal Bi U Geo Ji Tang ( beef short ribs and veg with beef broth) both were traditional "clear your sinuses" Korean hot and boiling/simmering once arriving at our table. I made it a good 3/4 the way through my bowl full before throwing in the towel... it was so good I didn't want to stop but my stomach said otherwise. Dan finished his amid many sniffles and happy sounds. Dan rarely eats everything! Refills on your side dishes are available but you have to pay for soda refills (?) Fabulous food, quiet atmosphere even when packed and wait staff/owners were very attentive! We had plenty of food, even brought home a cups worth of my stew. With tip we spent a measly 28 bucks! We will DEFINITELY be back and with friends in...

My family and I are here just a few days after they reopened. Lots of changes from before. They installed new glass garage doors that they open up in good weather. All of the photos and advertisements are gone from the windows and it’s a fresher and more inviting space.

Let’s start with all great things about our experience there. The service was excellent. You are welcomed with small bowls of kimchi and other picked items. We opted to get the items which are grilled at the table. Half the fun of dining here is having your food cooked right in front of you. The menu is sparse on descriptions so we didn’t know what to expect. We ordered the chicken and the shrimp and they came with onions, mushrooms, and kabocha squash as well as lettuce and radish wraps for the meat. The chicken was the star between the two. They threw in complementary scallion pancakes and watermelon for dessert. The food and service were very enjoyable.

The one area I saw where they could continue to develop was the same bar. They promote themselves as a sake bar but the sakes have only names and no description. I asked for more info but wasn’t able to get any clarity. I’m used to having sake in Japanese restaurants so I made a random guess at a title and was shocked when it arrived warm and not chilled. Maybe that’s typical but it was unexpected. I love sake and was excited to have a neighborhood sake bar but less so now. Maybe it will evolve.

In conclusion, we had a great meal with very attentive service and everyone in the group...

Update: 11/10/23

I order on the new online system. And while it wasn't the best to deal with it was pretty straightforward.

I got 3 items. They were ready in 30 mins and to be honest I was late by 15 mins and the food was still piping hot.

I got what could be called the kimbap, the kimchi stew with mackerel, and then a combo plate. This was more then enough for my family of 5 who loves. Bit of everything with leftovers.

I appreciate the hand written note they do even though I'm not religious. In fact I'm the opposite and find the notes they write still very sweet. And kind. Nonother business takes the time to do that for take out. The content doesn't really matter to me at that point its the thought and obvious care for people.

They gave me some scallion pancakes and sides at no extra charge which are a huge highlight for the meal. They pair so well with all the dishes.

This restaurant is the best Salem has to offer in my personal opinion on all fronts.

Thank you.

Prior review:

I had lunch here a few weeks back. The service was quick and the place was packed. I got the special and a hot sake. Total was 12.99. Honestly, super fresh. They gave me a bunch of things to eat with my food and a free lil app. The service here is just outstanding. The food great. So...