SODAYZ THE KOREAN BBQ — Restaurant in Sterling

I was looking forward to this soft opening ever since they announced a KBBQ in Sterling, and I was so excited not to have to drive 1+ hours to Centerville/Chantilly. I made reservations ahead of time to avoid the wait.

Food: We ordered the all-you-can-eat option. The quality of the meat was great! The portions were enough for our party of 6! The sides were pre-set on the table alongside utensils, much like how So KBBQ sets up their tables. There wasn't a huge variety of sides included in the all-you-can-eat option considering the price. I wish all the sides included in the all-you-can-eat option were set on the table, so we wouldn't have to ask for them. I had to ask for side soups and kimchi, most restaurants include a side salad, I saw one table had it but we did not get it. No idea what the Potato tots were. We also had to order sodas half way through since our waitress never asked for our drink orders. The majority of us finished the sauces and were not replaced, most KBBQ I’ve been the server always refilled or asked if we wanted more.

Service: We had a reservation for 5:30 pm but were not seated until 5:45 pm, even though they were not busy at the time we arrived. Another party arrived after us, and the waitress walked past our table, looked at us, and decided to serve the party behind us first. We ordered 3 meats at a time, but the waitress never explained how the all-you-can-eat option worked or what was included. We had to ask a lot of questions, not knowing how this restaurant operates compared to other KBBQ. Perhaps it was just our waitress, but we ended up cooking the beef ourselves because she took a while to come and check on our table. Two other servers helped us out by switching out the grills because they were burnt, but our waitress was nowhere to be seen. Halfway through, a new waitress helped us for the rest of our visit. Overall, the wait staff was very polite, but they did not seem prepared for the opening. Our visit would’ve been better if our waitress cooked the meat and helped us when we were clearly struggling.

Definitely visit if you do not have plans afterwards, as the meat takes quite some time to come out to the table. With reservations, it took 30 minutes to get seated and have our first order of meats out. They did not enforce the 90-minute time limit.

When it came to check out, we found out they could not split the checks, so I specifically stated how our party wanted to split the bill. However, the waitress did it all wrong. The tab seemed a bit higher than it should have been, but we overlooked the original receipt. We asked the waitress if the tip was included, and she said no, but according to our calculations, it seemed to be.

I would suggest having your waitstaff explain the all-you-can-eat menu and the sides included, or having it on your menu, especially during a soft opening, much like how Gogi 92 explains their menu and asks if you’ve had KBBQ before or if it’s your first time.

The price for Option A all-you-can-eat is similar to So KBBQ, Gogi 92,...

In the Cascades Overlook neighborhood of Sterling lies a gem that epitomizes the vibrant essence of Korean cuisine - Kiwa Korean Grill. Offering an all-you-can-eat format that delivers an authentic, interactive barbecue experience, Kiwa triumphantly showcases the sizzle and allure of Korean barbecue.

The restaurant's ambiance is both sleek and inviting, reflecting the elegance of modern Korean design. The excitement in the air is palpable, as a symphony of sizzles, aromatic wafts of grilling meats, and lively chatter come together to create an atmosphere that is as vibrant as the culinary delights it hosts.

Kiwa offers various tiers of all-you-can-eat options, catering to a range of appetites and preferences. We chose the Supreme option, which is an indulgent collection that includes everything from the other tiers, plus the addition of exquisite prime cuts such as dry-aged ribeye and prime kalbi. Each meat is cooked right in front of you, allowing you to appreciate the artistry of Korean grilling while tantalizing your senses with its enticing aromas.

The other tiers feature mainstays such as brisket, pork belly, squid, and bulgogi, among others. Each dish showcases the versatility and depth of Korean flavors, from the savory succulence of the meats to the delightful complexity of the marinades.

The side dishes further elevate the dining experience. The cold noodles, corn cheese, and japchae complement the grilled meats beautifully, providing a balance of flavors and textures. The kimchi stew and steamed eggs, while taking a bit more time to prepare, are worth the wait, each offering a comforting warmth and homely taste that are unmistakably Korean.

Service at Kiwa is a highlight. Whether on a regular weekday or a special occasion like Father's Day, the staff are consistently excellent - friendly, attentive, and genuinely committed to ensuring that you have a memorable dining experience. They expertly cook the meats to your liking, achieving that perfect balance of tender juiciness and crisp edges.

If there's any minor area for improvement, it would be the speed of service for additional servings of items such as kimchi stew, steamed eggs, and even rice. The initial servings arrive promptly, but subsequent orders can take a bit more time. However, this minor hitch does not detract from the overall excellent dining experience.

Kiwa Korean Grill is a culinary celebration that brings the authentic taste and spirit of Korean barbecue to Sterling, Virginia. Its top-notch food, outstanding service, and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit for lovers of Korean cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned Korean barbecue enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Kiwa promises a dining experience that will leave you longing for...

SODAYZ Korean BBQ - A Total Game Changer in Sterling, VA

We had just rolled back into town after a trip to Nashville--tired, hungry, and with zero motivation to cook the steak we'd planned on. Somewhere between the parking lot and sheer exhaustion, we decided to hit up a familiar Korean BBQ spot. But as soon as we walked in, something felt different. Not "did they move the chairs around?" different--but "hey, this place suddenly doesn't suck anymore" different. And we mean that in the best possible way.

Enter SODAYZ Korean BBQ, the new crew that took over the place--and completely flipped the script. They didn't just change the menu. They purged the old vibe like a spiritual cleansing. New ownership, new staff, new energy. If this place were a car, they took it from a rusted-out clunker to a high-performance grill machine.

We were greeted by our amazing waiter Young, who seated us and guided us through the "all you can eat" experience. And oh boy, did we eat. Spicy shrimp that had a little kick, beautifully marbled beef, pork belly that basically whispered sweet nothings as it sizzled, and a mountain of fresh veggies that even a meat lover could respect.

I ordered a big can of Sapporo, but since I like my beer ice cold and borderline frosty, I asked for a bucket of ice. Most places would either shrug or give you a side-eye. Not here. They improvised like champs and had my brew chilling in no time. Pro move, Sodayz.

Partway through, another sharp, focused guy named Min swung by to help out. You could just tell he had that owner energy--like the kind of guy who's not afraid to get his hands dirty to make sure things are done right. Turns out, he is one of the new owners, along with his brothers--yes, all three of them were working the floor that night, making sure the place ran like a well-oiled grill.

These guys didn't just open a restaurant--they lit a fire under it. Friendly service, top-notch food, and an atmosphere that feels alive. You don't get that by accident. You get that by hustling hard and taking pride in what you're building.

Verdict: If you've written this spot off based on the old regime, it's time to come back. SODAYZ isn't just better--it's like a whole new restaurant. Bring your appetite, bring your friends, and maybe bring a second stomach.

We'll definitely be back--preferably with looser pants.

Honorable Mention – Adwin at Sodayz BBQ

Just wanted to give a shout-out to Adwin, a standout guy working over at Sodayz BBQ. I watched him hustling hard—cleaning tables, jumping in to help with the cooking, and doing it all without missing a beat. No attitude, no slacking—just solid work ethic and pride in what he’s doing. Respect to you, Adwin. Keep grinding. You’re exactly the kind of worker...