Cow Wow Korean BBQ — Restaurant in Suwanee

I visited Cow Wow for my friend’s birthday. I had never been to an al a carte KBBQ before so this was a first. A plus is that they are open until 3AM (as advertised out front) so if you need a late night meal it might be a place to go. We went on a Friday night and it was packed. I will say that once all of our food and drinks started coming out, the table was nowhere near big enough to fit everything. We were juggling plates and dishes around and it was still super cramped. We ordered the dinner for 4, which I believe was around $150ish. Unlike most KBBQ places, they cook for you here. The banchan (side dishes) provided were plentiful but I cannot say I was a huge fan of most of them. As someone who doesn’t like food that is super spicy or fishy, that was most of the sides. I was disappointed because I usually find some japchae (glass noodles) or maybe tteokbokki (rice cakes) I can munch on but they didn’t have that here.

Cow Wow is known for their high quality meats and it shows. Most KBBQs I visit have good meat, but it is full of meat/tendons/etc. It can be difficult at times to chew through to the good meat. This place had very little fat on their cuts- it was mostly meat. However, I’m unsure if this is due to their quality or due to our waiter specifically saying “I cut off the fat before I cook.” The combo we ordered came with brisket, boneless short rib, fresh short rib, marinated short rib, rib eye, pork neck and marinated rib finger. I will say a downside is that none of the meat is labeled. Thus, every time we got served I had to ask what we were eating. Eventually I got tired of asking each time so I just ate and tried to make a guess on what it was. Our waiter was great- he was super attentive and cooked everything to perfection. I will say that my favorite meats were the gabli (short ribs) and pork. Not saying that the other meat was bad but I cannot say it was my favorite. At least for the price, there was not a lot of food for me personally that I would come back for. I think if I had liked more of the sides that might make it worth it.

However, after leaving my mouth was very dry, meaning the food was quite salty. If you have an issue with high blood pressure/excessive salt, do be aware as the meat is pre-marinated and you don’t have much control over it. You may be able to request no marinade but I’m not sure. Overall it was a decent experience but I will say that it is...

Cowwow Korean BBQ stands out as one of Suwanee's newest additions to the Korean BBQ scene. The moment I entered, the sheer scale of the establishment left me impressed, akin to the experience at Morton's Steakhouse in Houston. The spacious restaurant showcased an array of fresh meats, reminiscent of the presentation at Morton's where raw meats were displayed and presented before cooking.

With a group of 15 for a swift lunch, accommodating our needs proved challenging. While they managed overall, the customer service was somewhat passive. We had to request additional sides and the soup that accompanied the Bibimbob (비빔밥). Opting for two different individual lunch meals—KalbiTang (갈비탕) and Beef Tartare Bibimbob (육회비빕밥)—we enjoyed a mix of flavors. The presentation of 갈비탕 was intriguing, featuring a giant Kalbi for added flair. Although unfamiliar with the taste of 갈비탕, it lived up to its reputation. The 육회비빕밥, a personal first, proved delightful. The fresh beef tartare paired well with an abundance of vegetables. We requested extra sesame oil and hot sauce, enhancing the experience.

Overall, the food and atmosphere garnered positive reviews from our group. The serving lady exuded positivity and kindness, though the rest of the staff appeared somewhat serious in their roles. In today's restaurant landscape, the success of a business often hinges on the proactive and energetic nature of the waitstaff. Here's hoping for a more vibrant service in the future.

9/27/2024 Update: We were quite satisfied with the combination platter for four, paired with the 소맥 (soju and beer mix) we enjoyed. The service was attentive, friendly, and left a positive impression on all of us. It was great to see the success of this restaurant, and I hope they continue to maintain their high standards of service and meat quality. One minor critique would be that the overall flavor of the meat was a bit too sweet...

Cow Wow Korean BBQ Review: 3/5 Stars

My visit to Cow Wow Korean BBQ in Suwanee left me with mixed impressions during its soft opening. Located in the bustling shopping center near Hmart, the restaurant was packed when we arrived, but we managed to secure a table within 15 minutes.

Anticipation built as I observed the fresh cuts of meats in the front-facing cooler while waiting. Excitement filled the air as we eagerly looked forward to trying this new spot. However, the initial hiccups began when our server failed to bring menus, prompting us to retrieve our own—a sign that the establishment was grappling with the influx of customers during its soft opening.

Disappointment struck when we learned that the much-anticipated bone-in short rib soup was already sold out, a surprising turn of events given the early hour. Our server suggested alternative dishes, and we opted to share the army soup. While generously portioned, it left much to be desired in the flavor department. The soup lacked the depth of taste and heartiness one would expect.

Similarly, the spicy beef brisket soup ordered by my sister was a letdown, tasting almost like water with a noticeable absence of the expected bold flavors. It seemed as though the dishes lacked the meticulous attention and seasoning that defines well-crafted Korean soups.

Considering the challenges faced during the soft opening, I'm awarding Cow Wow Korean BBQ a 3-star rating. The potential is evident, and I acknowledge that opening day hurdles are common. I plan to revisit in a few months, hopeful that the restaurant will have overcome its initial obstacles and refined its offerings. This review aims to reflect the soft opening experience, with an openness to reassess and update...