these people know what they are doing! everything is well marked and dedicated GF fryer. kind and thoughtful staff. we make a special trip to Portland, just to get the fried chicken here.
Korean BBQMexicanCocktailsVegan FriendlyVegetarian OptionsLunchDinnerDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid Friendly
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Christina Blake
Don’t go when they’re understaffed and/or busy if you have food allergies or make substitutions. I ordered a gluten free chicken burrito with black beans (instead of pinto) & guac instead of cheese. I clarified that it was all GF/DF. First they gave me someone else’s GF/vegan burrito. Then they remade the chicken burrito but it had cheese. The next one was GF/chicken/DF and that’s as good as I was going to get (it has pinto beans & no guac, but at least I wasn’t going to get sick eating it). I thought it was awesome that I could get a GF burrito and had done so a few times but their lack of attention to detail making my food tonight will have me rethinking if it’s worth it.
I got bugolgi beef and it was good, the bowl was big. Their miso soup is aromatic. I loved their cheese and corn, because who doesn’t love cheese and corn?
First time in my life having corn tea and it’s going to be my thing from now on. So grateful this place introduced me to corn tea.
Also cookie points for being gluten free so that my partner can eat here with me :)
Wow what can I say… hit every note of the flavors of Korean food in a fine dining manner. Nothing was over done portions were decent and prices were great! Also LOVED that it was all gluten free minus 2 items on the menu. It very well done!!
[gluten free review]: This place has been on my list for a while - not because I heard all about it, but because I had driven by it and always wondered what it had to offer. Now, typically a Friday night is not the best time to visit a place that doesn’t take reservations, but upon arrival, we were greeted, waited in line for a few short minutes and then were seated in the bar area. (Be aware - we were just a party of 2 - families of 4-5 ppl waited around 20 min for a table).
After getting seated, we took a minute to decide on our drinks and starters. The wait staff was extremely kind and patient, but didn’t leave us hanging once. We ordered the lettuce wraps as a starter along with two of the spicy cocktails (we both tried a different one).
The chicken that was served with the lettuce wraps gave a crunchy kung-pao type of flavor and we ate those SO fast. We ended up both ordering the spicy street noodles - my partner got the beef and I got the ground pork per my waiter’s suggestion. We finished our meals and loved every bite start to finish!!
The cocktails were absolutely banging with the spicy noodles we ordered ~ the sweet, tangy, tart, spicy flavors all melded together with the tequila for a delightful and fun experience.
We’ll be back soon - but I can’t recommend coming here on a cold day to warm up with some delicious Asian fusion cuisine.
Many gluten free items clearly indicated on menu board, knowledgeable staff, food was ready fast and hot on open. Serving size was generous, and prepared to perfection. Service was friendly, all-in-all a great recurring option to switch up your otherwise stale dining routine!
Revising my earlier review below. Koba management contacted me and explained that they exclusively use GF Tamari sauce on the kitchen to avoid cross contamination with the non GF menu items. Only the little condiment sauces can contain wheat. Therefore the meal I'd ordered was indeed GF. The cashier was new and when she communicated with the cook there was a misunderstanding.
I appreciate Kobas response and detailed explanation. It would be nice if restaurants that specify GF options train their staff to understand exactly what that entails. My rating of service stands...but my confidence in the food is restored.
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I enjoy the food here and patronize koba grill because of their GF options. Ordered my usual GF bowl and it was promptly prepared. I asked for the GF condiment sauce...and was informed they made an error in their supply order and didn't have GF sauce. So that prompted me to ask about the bowl I was going to eat. The cook said "not gluten free". I asked for my money back and after some resistance the cashier finally handed my money back.
Koba Grill was careless and irresponsible at the least. Someone with celiac disease can become very sick from ingesting gluten. I don't know if I'll ever return to this establishment.
Such a hidden gem, great service and very friendly staff.
I have celiac disease and I have repeatedly returned for the L1 Happy Bibimbap bowl and have always been great. They bring gf soy sauce! The menu is confusing in terms of celiac safe so i would recommend asking and confirming before eating.
A little pricey for the portions. Curry was good but fried rice was so greasy. They cook with canola oil which I don’t like to eat so probably wouldn’t go again (even though it says non GMO canola oil 🤔). Service was good and efficient and I like that they can make items gluten free, I always appreciate a labeled menu with allergens
To call this place a hidden gem is so cliche, but it is truly hidden, and truly a gem, so what else can I say?My Korean friend said it tasted like her mom's cooking, so she felt it was very authentic, and everything I had was delicious. They also bent over backwards to accommodate my vegan, gluten-free diet. Excellent food, great service, and a lovely ambience with a small indoor seating area opening to an outdoor courtyard combine to make this a lucky find. If you can find it and get in, and you enjoy Korean food, you'll be happy you made the effort.
Delicious Korean fried chicken, fries, sandwiches, & bi bim bap!
The portions are filling, food is flavorful and has a great texture (fried chicken is always crispy & crunchy, bi bim bap had the crispy & gooey sunnyside up egg, soft rice, fresh greens, etc).
My personal favorite is the chicken bi bim bap (tofu option is good too) and they can make it gluten free which is hard to find!
The employees (I think owners) are so nice and helpful. Jin Dak is one of my favorite food trucks in Portland.
Lots of great options. Wish they had a few more gluten-free options or ways to make their great food gluten-free. Food was ready quickly. We were able to bring our dog to their patio area.
Accommodating Gluten-Free
