Bonchon San Leandro — Restaurant in San Leandro

I have not had Bonchon before but the other day I had a severe craving for some Korean food and decided to ultimately give the place a try. I tried all 3 varieties of chicken, and a few different dishes which include the japchae, bulgogi, and pork buns. For starters the staff here is so awesome and friendly, they were incredibly inviting and let me know about their dining room opening back up as restrictions are lifting. The area around the restaurant is a bit interesting in its own way, but I will certainly have to come visit again some day soon.

Chicken- huge portions, full wing, and fried to crispy perfection. I love all the chicken here and I think when you compare the size and price to your other chicken spots, this place takes the mark. The japchae was classic and delicious, but I do wish I got a bit more out of my experience with the pork buns and bulgogi. The pork buns are so tasty and could do with a bit more pork belly, probably a thicker cut would be great. I felt like after two bites it was all gone and what was left was a bit of slaw and the bun! Though, please know that does not discount the flavor which is perfect, just wanted a bit more. The bulgogi flavor reminded me closer to kalbi or maybe even gyudon, which is a bit lighter in its sweetness. As well (this is due to takeout and not being able to serve on a sizzling plate) but the bulgogi was missing that smoky, caramelized finish you get on the sauce. I ended up tossing the it in my wok and stirring it up until the juices had fully cooked down and the meat was beginning to char- at that point it was perfect!

Anyway, I much enjoyed my first visit here. There are some things I would fix a bit from my perspective, but the one trouble I have when ordering at Korean restaurants is wanting a bit of everything while all the dishes are prized for groups of people or parties. Fortunate enough, I can get some Korean fixings at Bonchon for a reasonable price that goes well for 1 or 2 people to eat. Thanks for good experience I will certainly try again...

Years ago when Bonchon arrived in the Bay Area I had the chance to try their chicken at the South San Francisco location. However, I was not impressed but I may want to give the chicken a second chance. This time in San Leandro I ordered the Bibimbap, and what a mistake. I suggest to customers to never try anything that a restaurant is not known for other than their specialty. So if you come here don’t try their bibimbap, tacos, wraps, japjae , etc. On their menu it is not listed whether you are getting the hot stone bowl or the cold bibimbap. This is a big deal for me because I don’t like the hot stone. It literally stays fire hot beyond the time that you stay there. Plus the waiters do not warn you and there’s no protection between you and the hot pot. You easily can burn yourself. So do not order it if you are with little kids. Now for the food. The bibimbap I got was very Americanized. They used few and very cheap ingredients in it. You don’t even get any banchan (side dishes). For the meat I requested chicken but they don’t serve you dakgui. Instead I got some dry, tough chicken breast meat. Flavor wise it was not good either. The chef placed the little container of sauce on top of the boiling meat which allowed the plastic container to melt on top of the food. I don’t know why this was considered safe. And the thing that I consider the worst was the use of American rice instead of Asian rice. Yup, they definitely used long grain rice. Anyway, not coming back for this item again. The best part this visit was the service. The boys were attentive. If you use the hand dryer in the bathroom, be ready for a...

I've been to this place multiple times, and both the chicken and rice is excellent. However, earlier today I ordered 15 drumsticks and chicken house rice which was a total of $52.00. Once I arrived at home, my wife counted only 8 drumsticks, so I made multiple attempts to call them and let them know they're 7 pieces short of what I paid for. No one answered so I drove back to the restaurant. As I explained the situation to the cashier, he walked to the back and then another guy approached me. The other guy told me that he was the owner and he prep the food himself and that this was the one chance he'll give me as if I was lying about my order. I told him to check the camera and that nobody's perfect, people do make mistakes and errors. He responded with the words I don't have time to look at the camera. He walked to the back and the cashier returned with an apology and gave me the correct order. I will return but the owner in San Leandro was rude and in so many words excused me of lying when he could of just check the camera and admit...