Restaurant offers cat-themed Asian fusion decor with stylish lighting and attractive pottery creating an upbeat, warm atmosphere. It draws a busy crowd, often fully booked, with a vibe balancing upscale and comfortable. The menu serves family-style Korean and Japanese dishes in a lively setting.
Soups include chicken noodle and Tsukune dumpling noodle soup, both easy to share. The menu groups soups with entrees and serves everything family style.
Ganjang fried chicken stands out with its crispy texture and savory glaze. It comes with a potato salad that matches the quality of OKs deli's, making the combo a solid choice.
"I found the salad and all the dishes to be amazing."
"The Tsukune dumpling noodle soup was amazing."
"I loved the ganjang fried chicken; it was crazy good."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended as Oken is often fully booked.
The menu features family-style dining with cold and hot appetizers.
Oken is kid-friendly, making it suitable for families.
Hip Korean restaurant with tin walls and a street feel offers a cozy interior featuring secluded booths and lively K-pop music. Atmosphere feels like being in Seoul, making it popular for pregames and date nights. Open late with huge portions and a menu praised for fried chicken and beef kalguksu.
Soups come packed with plenty of ingredients and strong flavors. The beef kalguksu stands out as absolutely sensational, alongside satisfying options like rice cake soup and kimchi soup.
Fried chicken stands out with a crispy texture and pairs well with sides like corn cheese and bulgogi. Some find it could use more seasoning and sizzle, but it remains a solid choice among local options.
Good to know
Tin & Pig - Kang Tong is open late for convenient dining options.
Parking can be challenging on this side of Telegraph in Oakland.
The area is well lit, which enhances safety at night.
Modern, clean interior with comfortable seating and warm lighting creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. K-pop music and videos add a vibrant vibe that encourages conversation. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, making it a relaxed spot for casual dining.
Soups here feature beef short rib, bulgogi, and beef bone varieties that are rich and warming. The ox bone soup stands out as a hot, comforting choice for sickness or hangovers.
Juicy fried chicken comes in huge portions with a sweet and hot sauce that stands out. Chicken katsu also gets served juicy and cooked well.
Good to know
Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.
The restaurant is small, which can lead to crowded conditions.
Vietnamese restaurant with minimalistic decor and bamboo furniture creates an authentic, laid back atmosphere. Slow jazz music plays softly, making it a quiet spot for casual dining or takeout. The space feels cozy and inviting, suitable for relaxed conversations.
Soups feature rich broth with a pronounced taste and generous portions. Options include vegetarian noodle soup with several types of tofu and charred vegetables, and a spicy beef noodle soup that stands out.
Crispy fried chicken wings come with a perfect hint of five spice and bold flavor. The wings have a Korean style that stands out alongside grilled pork and fried pork roll.
Good to know
You order at the counter and they bring the food to your table.
The portions at Monsoon are huge for the price.
Prices are reasonable, with dinner costing less than $18 each including tax.
Korean street pub atmosphere with lively energy and K-pop music playing on big screens. Open and spacious seating includes booths and tables, creating a cozy yet buzzing vibe especially late into the night. Glow sticks at each table and games add to the social, interactive experience.
Soups here feature fresh, juicy clams and maintain a light yet flavorful profile. The Clam & Mussel Soup offers a clean, refreshing taste that balances richer dishes, while the bulgogi hot pot soup carries a sweet-savory balance and is drinkable.
Sweet & Spicy and spicy garlic versions offer distinct flavors, with the latter pairing well with beer. Portions come in huge sizes, making them ideal for groups and gatherings.
Good to know
The restaurant is open until 12:30am, perfect for late-night dining.
Parking options include street parking and a nearby T-Mobile plaza.
Around $50 per person is enough for generous portions.
Spacious dining area with classic Korean vibe and K-pop music creates a bustling, lively atmosphere. Seating includes wide tables with ample space for banchan, though benches are not very comfortable. Known for flavorful tofu soups served sizzling hot alongside some of the best banchan in the area.
Tofu soups come sizzling hot in stone crocks with flavorful sides. Options include kimchi tofu soup with adjustable spice levels and a spicy seafood tofu soup that delivers a strong kick.
Tender and delicious fried chicken stands out on the menu. The original Korean fried chicken offers a popular, flavorful option enjoyed by all ages.
Good to know
They charge a mandatory 18% service fee for parties of five or more.
The outside area isn’t safe in the evening.
The price of a tofu soup increased from about $10-15 to around $20.
Ramen restaurant with modern decor and shared tables creates a loud, packed atmosphere that feels cramped but lively. Music adds a loungey, housey vibe while seating includes a section for solo diners. Air conditioning runs strong, sometimes uncomfortably so.
Soups feature a velvety texture with perfect seasoning that balances richness without heaviness. Vegan options stand out as fantastic and flavorful, served at an ideal temperature.
Vegan fried chicken stands out with strong flavor and texture. The karaage fried chicken offers a sensational taste, and garlic fried chicken adds a rich, savory note.
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.
During peak hours, there might be a 20-30 minute wait, so it's better to go right when they open.
The restaurant offers vegan and vegetarian options for most of its menu.
Korean restaurant offers authentic K-Chinese cuisine in a steamy, crowded space with a friendly atmosphere. The vibe includes two music stations playing simultaneously, creating a lively but sometimes distracting background. Seating is limited, so arriving early is common during busy times.
Seafood soups stand out with crab, meat, and squid in the broth, even in smaller portions. The jjambbong mini soup offers a tasty, well-balanced flavor.
Korean fried chicken here has the right balance of breading and sauce with standout flavors like soy garlic and honey and cheese. The chicken is always made fresh, offering a taste reminiscent of Korea.
Good to know
Expect a wait for a table during lunch hours, especially on weekends.
The parking lot is tiny and probably big enough for ten cars.
Arriving early is recommended due to limited seating.