Neon lights and dim interiors create a gastropub vibe with loud K-pop music setting a lively mood. Groups gather to be loud and sing along, making it a late-night spot that stays open until 1am. The atmosphere feels like a Korean corner chicken house, perfect for unwinding with friends.
Kimchi Jeongol offers a flavorful spicy mix of kimchi, pork, and sausage, ideal for sharing. The egg soup, or geran tang, is notably more soupy than steamed egg.
Spicy soups like Kimchi Jeongol mix kimchi with pork and sausage for a rich, shareable dish. The kimchi stew pairs well with chicken feet, adding depth to the meal.
"The kimchi stew here is so delicious and flavorful."
"It's a perfect late-night spot for a delicious meal."
Good to know
The restaurant is open every day until midnight, and until 1am on weekends.
Happy hour deals run from 5-7pm on Tuesdays; check their socials for details.
Parking is easy to find in a large plaza with plenty of spots.
Korean restaurant offers huge portions and authentic flavors with a rotating banchan selection that ranges from average to excellent. The space feels clean and open, attracting crowds during lunch and dinner hours. Prices remain affordable, providing great value compared to similar places.
Beef bone soup offers a mildness with a tender beef flavor that stands out without heavy MSG. Spicy Beef Soup comes in a hefty portion enough for two people.
Quality stands out with well-made kimchi and side dishes that appeal to all ages. Lunch includes three types of kimchi served at the table, featuring radish kimchi alongside other varieties.
"Their kimchi is some of the best I've tasted in a restaurant."
"I really enjoyed the Spicy Beef Soup; it was a hefty portion."
Good to know
Expect large portion sizes; one dish can easily serve two people.
The price of $22.99 for the Donkatsu offers great value for the amount of food.
Parking can be difficult on weekends, so arrive early.
Casual Korean restaurant with a homey atmosphere and bright fluorescent lighting. Offers unlimited side dishes and complimentary bone broth served in stainless steel tumblers. Busy during lunchtime, it attracts those seeking authentic Korean flavors in a simple, comfortable setting.
Authentic Korean soups and stews feature homemade-style tofu soup with an option to add pork belly. Portions balance well with price, and a complimentary daily broth arrives in an insulated bottle.
Fresh kimchi served daily as geotjori offers a mildly spicy and slightly sweet flavor without fermentation tartness. Unlimited side dishes include radish kimchi and cucumber salad, complementing dishes like kimchi tofu and kimchi pork.
"The savory, comforting broth is perfect to start the meal."
"I loved their fresh, daily kimchi that was mildly spicy and slightly sweet."
Good to know
Yoo's place is very busy during lunchtime, expect longer wait times.
The menu at Yoo's place is extensive, featuring many popular Korean dishes.
Expect to pay a bit more, as some find the food expensive for the portions.
Small, clean space offers authentic Korean cuisine with generous portions and affordable prices. Tables include convenient utensil drawers for easy access to napkins and chopsticks. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, attracting many local Korean groups.
Soups here have a homemade taste with a strong beef flavor and balanced spice. The pork bone soup offers a generous amount of meat and intestines, while the Soondae Soup stands out as a delicious option.
Banchan includes fresh kimchi and jalapeño radish that stand out. Soup and kimchi come in decent-sized portions and taste good.
"The soup here is steaming, flavorful, and packed with pork backbone."
"The pork belly plate was tender and juicy, tasting fresh."
Good to know
The waiting time is over 40 minutes during peak hours.
Parking is easy in the Hmart plaza with a sizeable lot.
Soju prices are cheaper than other Korean places around.
Small portable ceramic grills with gel fuel sit on tables, creating a luxury dining experience with modern, clean decor and a visible, spotless kitchen. The atmosphere is comfortable and not crowded, attracting diners seeking authentic Korean barbecue with top-quality meats in a tidy setting.
Soups feature excellent spices and include options like bean paste soup and doufu noodle soup. Tofu appears often alongside rice dishes, adding variety to the soup selections.
Cold kimchi noodles stand out with their unique flavor and refreshing chill. Pork belly pairs well with the kimchi, creating a distinct taste combination.
"This lunch special soup is the best in the area."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dinner hours.
Expect limited availability as they serve only 10 pieces of cap steak daily.
The restaurant does not offer all-you-can-eat options.
Clean, modern space with spacious seating booths and classy table settings creates an inviting atmosphere. Korean dishes come with a wide variety of banchans served in bronze tableware, adding a royal food vibe. The vibe is hip and trendy, with an authentic feel and welcoming smiles.
Broth stands out with a richer and thicker texture than similar spots. Soft tofu soups come with accurate spice levels matching their descriptions. Combination dishes often pair tofu soup with items like LA BBQ Short Ribs, adding variety.
Kimchi appears as part of the ban chan alongside vegetable pancake, tteokbokki, and spicy spinach. It also comes with the kids tofu soup, paired with white tofu soup and small fried dumplings.
"The vegetable tofu soup here is so good, I'd get it as my only dish."
"The soft tofu soups' spice levels matched the descriptions."
Good to know
Expect wait times of up to 45 minutes for weekend dinners.
Prices for entrees can be high, with a tofu pot costing around $20.
The restaurant offers lunch and dinner service, as well as takeout options.
Korean restaurant offers clean, modern interior with a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of spots in Korea. It serves authentic soondae soup and fresh seafood dishes with balanced spice. The place feels like one of Irvine's hidden gems for Korean comfort food.
Spicy Sundae Soup stands out with its balanced heat and rich flavor. Pork belly soup and beef bone soup also offer hearty, satisfying options alongside the signature soondae soup.
Kimchi comes in radish and cabbage varieties that taste great and get refilled promptly. The side dishes offer spicy and non-spicy options that pair well with pork soup and Korean sausages.
"The soup broth here is rich and delicious."
"This kimchi is revitalizing and energizing."
Good to know
Expect a 10-minute wait on busy Saturday mornings.
The restroom cleanliness may not meet expectations.
Korean-speaking customers often prefer the sundae soup.
Spacious Korean restaurant with modern interior and tablet ordering system offers a cozy atmosphere filled with warm, smoky aromas and lively music. The space suits both small and large groups, creating a fun vibe that feels welcoming and homey.
Soups here have a balanced flavor, like the kimchi soup that is not salty and tastes just right. The seafood tofu soup pairs well with rice and stands out alongside other favorites like kimchi soup.
Kimchi tastes like it was made by an authentic Korean grandma with a balanced flavor. The kimchi soup is not salty and pairs well with dishes like bulgogi and boneless short ribs.
"The kimchi soup here is so good, even the kids loved it."
"The kimchi here is delicious and the meat quality is high."
Good to know
Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait for dinner.
The restaurant offers table cooking and kitchen cooking options.
Parking is ample due to its location in a busy plaza.