Seoul Soondubu - Korean BBQ — Restaurant in Stockton

I wanted to come see what the trend was all about with this location…. so you KNOW i made the 30 minute drive in traffic from Tracy to try some AYCE Korean BBQ — in the middle of all this bustle!

We were greeted by the family who ran the business some time after 6:00pm. It wasn’t too busy, so it was actually quite welcoming. He gave us the option to do regular Korean dining, or do the all-you-can-eat style. We opted for the all-you-can-eat, so we had to wait a teeny bit… but the wait wasn’t much of a wait to be quite fair.

We were escorted to our tables, where they gave us the first few options to choose from… this is where the experience begins.

Food: 5/5 They actually had quite a selection of meats and kitchen items! I love how they had English and Korean on their menu together… it made it feel like home. What stood out to me was the fact that the side dishes were already prepared for us and ready for us to dig in while we were waiting for our dishes to be served. I loved how you had the option to order three meats, alongside three kitchen items. Though not pictured, the portions of the meat weren’t actually a lot — they were enough to fill up our palate for each round they asked us for. The japchae and steamed eggs were probably by far the ones that really hit the spot, in terms of kitchen items. Meat wise, I’d recommend the pork jowl if you really want that CRISPINESS and bulgogi for that flavorful yet juicy tender texture of meat. 🥩

Service: 3/5 Okay, here’s what I didn’t like about the restaurant… so sit tight for this one. I had to dock two stars due to the following reasons: (1) We were rushed through the whole process. Though welcoming, the owner was quite dismissive — which it really lacked unprofessionalism. We were also told that we only had 90 minutes once we were sat… and they put immense pressure on the waitress who ONLY had been on the job for two days to take our order…. like GURL, give her a break first, she’s doing her best! (2) The prices were outrageous… almost $39 a person was enough to break my bank. On top of that, an 18% automatic gratuity was added on that…. I know that it’s easier on the people serving us since they should get more money, but seriously…. I almost ended up paying $98 out the door. No tip cuz y’all already did, smh 😒

Atmosphere: 4/5 I really liked how big the table was honestly — like it was enough to serve at least 6 people. It was only me and my partner, though, so that was a different kind of sight. I had to take a star off for the people that came in — it made it just feel like other groups of people are staring you down very occasionally.

I’d come back again — their food is quite good. Just be prepared for the...

Saturday evening ,11/11/2023, mild evening and I needed some properly prepared Korean food. So walked down to Pacific Ave and right into Seoul Soon Dubu (which is how it's correct titled not the listing in Google maps).

The owner/proprietor positovely greeted me as I walked in from the front entrance and I steeps to the right side waiting area as I spoke with the proprietor and my seeking a seating for one, instead of a party of five in pass visits with family. I was quickly assigned a table while staff attended their tables and warmly greeted new arrivals like myself. The proprietor clearly outline the gratuity automatically assigned in the charges applied in your food order which I understood and accepted; it's good form to advise a patron on the costs before some expends their time rwaiting for a table, reading a menu , ordering their food , enjoying their experterly prepared Korean food and then seeing the bill for services given.

Medium heat Beef bulgogio combination choose after 15 minutes of perusing the menu; egg for the hot pot soup and (feel free to laugh) pink lemonade for drink. Those who don't eat spicy food might chose the same drink unless your diabetic and then you might want to bring your own pint, or quart of cow/gear milk. Korean food can be spicy if you blindly order without thinking; yet the skilled staff at Seoul Soon Dubuque will clearly, emphatically ask you about how spicy hot you want your food. Finished the sampled condiment mix which is paired with the beef Bulgari dish (there are usually 8 samlpe dishes and a 1 cup of white steam rice. The "glass" noodles, mung bean noodles allow you to fill up and clean your pallette (not the wood board type but you tongue and nose😅). I usually ask for a second helping of steam rice and take that home for dessert.

Thanks Ken , wife, and staff for an enjoyable evening dinner on a mildly busy evening on the "main" in Stockton, California. I appreciate good food prepared expertly and in a timely delivery. I have over 12 years professional cooking experience besides having cooked for my self in the...

BEST mom and pop restaurant in Stockton! It is the only Korean restaurant that is also Korean owned (to my knowledge). Something really neat is that you get two options when you walk in: dine in (pay per item) or AYCE (all you can eat). This means you can either have your food cooked for you, or you grill your own meat. I have been eating here since I was a teenager. The food is delicious 100% of the time. The owners and staff truly make you feel like you are at home. If you are 21+ and you show up on a busy night, you can ask to wait at the bar until your table is ready. They even have karaoke and makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Restaurants come and go on miracle mile. There’s a reason why this place has been here for so many years.

This is my favorite restaurant of all time!!!!! No matter where I go, I still end up craving this restaurant first. If you have never had authentic Korean cuisine, I highly recommend trying it here. If it’s your first time, just tell the staff what you’re in the mood for. They will surely recommend something delicious! I have never been disappointed here. This place truly makes me proud to be a part of the community of Stockton. We always leave with a happy belly and lots of...