Korea Spoon

Decided to try this place with my friends and The place was not packed…
Food is ok but I was dissapointed cuz they only have 2 kind of tofu soup… But they have a lot of different kind of bibimbap… I got the spicy young octupus and tastes really good… The seafood tofu soup was okkkkk
Service is horribleeee! I asked for a Sapporo in draft 3 times and he brought me a «fork»… Asked again and he brought me a «bowl»… Then i asked a mexican guy who is cleaning the table next to us and BINGO! I got my beer! Guess those korean need english classes
The only thing that I didnt like is when the manager was getting mad at the hoster in front of the customers… Feel bad for the girl

Decided to try this place since it is one of the few in Ktown that have a separate bar area and wasnt crowded for a saturday night… important since i was alone.
I had a dirty martini and a Dolsot Bibimbap Yahchae (veggie bibimbap) — loved both items.
Service was a bit wierd but nothing bad.
Would probably repeat if am in the area

Pros: No line (went on a Wednesday night at 7pm), clean place, pretty fast service
Cons: Service can be TOO fast, as they handed us the bill before I was even halfway done with my bibimbap. Maybe they were trying to be efficient? But come on, nothing about our food-​filled plates and steady munching indicated that we were about to leave. It’s not like there was a shortage of tables to seat customers either. The place never got too crowded. My friend and I ignored the bill as we continued eating, but once or twice they came up to ask if the bill was ready. Meanwhile, it took a while for my friend just to flag down a server to refill a glass of water.
The food was also meh, nothing special at all. At least the portion size was enough, but $ 16 for mediocre bibimbap, I’d rather go elsewhere.

place is pretty with a modern look for a Korean BBQ restaurant. too bad the service isn’t so great. they only come running to you once they see you pay the check.
waited a while for anyone to notice we were ready to order.
when I was done eating my lunch and I put the dishes together to make more space for myself while waiting for my friend to finish his lunch. they saw me do it and didn’t bother to take my dishes away so I can be comfortable.
food is mediocre and the price is a bit high even for the lunch specials compared to other Korean BBQ restaurants in the area

A cute and classy place for lunch. But the service and menu was eh. Nothing really stood out and since we came here the day after Christmas, they apparently didn’t serve the lunch specials either. So my experience fell short.
I ordered the bibimbop beef with kimchi. It came in a large clay pot and everything was sizzling as I mixed it up. It gave me some crunchy rice pieces, which I love when rice is made in clay pots.
Overall a nice cozy place, but they don’t really serve you or so much to bring you napkins and all. So prep yourself for that.

Came here for dunch on a friday. It was too late for lunch and approaching dinner time and I was pretty ravenous. Its possible I could have eaten a small midget.
This is a pretty nice looking restaurant but too bad the food was just okay. I normally find korean food especially tasty but my experience here was not too memorable. Though I did like their dishware and they use the special korean pointy metal chopsticks which I feel like a cave person everytime I try to eat with them.
It was after 4 so we were told we could no longer order any lunch dishes. They do have some combo dishes like a salmon or chicken box for lunch that look pretty good all on the back of the menu but alas we were here too late.
I was able to try an item from their new special menu, ddeokbukki bulgogi and my friend ordered the japchae. She is a japchae fiend but did not seem particularly satisfied with her dish when it came. It was pretty small a fifth of the plate was the garnish, a rose shaped radish topped with a cherry. After she ate it she had those sad eyes which said, «please sir, can I have some more.» Even though we couldn’t order lunch and paid the dinner price I believe we got a lunch portion. If this is the norm then you will leave here still a bit peckish afterwards.
The banchan were aplenty but did not seem overly fresh and did little in helping to fill the hunger in my stomach but instead to open it more it seems. 8 dishes– 3 kimchis, potato salad, some dressed lettuce, bean sprouts, sad looking pickled cucumber and what I believe was 1 sliced mushroom. The kimchi I felt lacked bite which is what I normally like especially the radish kimchi which is usually my favorite one. This one was just meh. The potato salad was the best one but still very standard.
My ddeokbukki bulgogi was pretty bland and the soup was very thin though it did come bubbling hot in a casserole dish. The bulgogi pieces became very shriveled and overcooked. I dipped my kimchi in the soup to add to the flavor. Did not improve the soup but did improve the kimchi slightly. The bulgogi resembled more of hot pot style beef just thrown in the broth. Though the stock did taste slightly sweet if the meat had been marinated it was all boiled away. This dish would have been better if it was a gravy driven/​saucy dish instead of a soup. It did have straw mushrooms and clear glass noodles and some scallion for taste along with the ddeokbokki, which I can only describe as a small disc/​tiny rice cake which has a chewy texture. Imagine a very thick giant noodle cut into slices and that is a rice cake. It just seemed to be a dish where a bunch of items were just randomly thrown into a pot and boiled and had a very japanese taste to me, strange since this place is called Korea Spoon, like a yakiniku broth which is confusing also since it is served with rice on the side. Noodles, rice cake and thin soup with rice does not compute for me more like a hodge podge of a meal.
They did have naeng myun which is a cold style noodle more of a summer dish which I will probably try next time but it must be ordered with a bbq dish or as a combo. Maybe you are better off ordering the bbq dishes which are hopefully better than the other items on the menu. I will probably return only since it was a nice looking place and only if the other spots on the ktown block are too crowded. A good second choice place if you are wandering ktown and want a place to go.

— love the décor/​high ceiling
— super nice, friendly staff
food images = counterclockwise from top-​right
— marinated galbi = ok
— seafood pancake (small) = there are two options small or large; we opted for the small and there is barely any seafood in it =(
— yogurt peach soju = never seen this flavor, so decided to try it, a-​ok?, comes in a small pitcher, ~$ 20, and hmm 8? shots worth
— japchae = small portion, at least for what i’m used to, but also not bad, liked that there were mushrooms in there ^^
— samgyupsal (pork belly) = alright, obviously not the best
— banchan (korean appetizers) = yey for free appetizers, good variety, and free refills on them (just ask the waiters/​waitresses for more when you run out ^^)
— salmon salad (not pictured) = there’s seaweed salad in the center, and avocados yum, and dressing definitely goes with the salad woo hoo
best dish for me from up top = salmon salad, but i’ve had the shrimp salad before, i would opt for the shrimp salad over the salmon; just preference i suppose =)

Korea Spoon is one of the few restaurants in K-​Town that has a bit more of an upscale feel but unfortunately that is entirely based on the décor and nothing else.
None of the complimentary starter plates they gave us («ban chan» — a combination of different fermented vegetables and fish) really stood out and the rice and fish pancake we ordered as an appetizer ($ 9.99 for a small) was no more a pancake than I am the Queen of England*.
What we expected: Traditional Korean «pa jun» — Something along the lines of a scallion pancake; fried, flaky.
What we received: What can only be described as glutinous rice shaped into «sticks»; ridiculously spicy.
Did they mishear our order? A poor translation on the menu? Whatever the case, I was disappointed.
The only reason Korea Spoon gets an extra star is because of their kimchi bibimbap ($ 15.99). Now THAT was a standout dish. Cooked to order in a stone bowl, it was served piping hot with delicious fermented veggies and topped with a fried egg. The best part was the rice which was crispy on the bottom — I ate every last bit!
We also ordered Korean BBQ beef ($ 29.99) and it was cooked in front of us with some veggies on the built-​in grill on the table. While I can’t personally comment on how it tasted since I don’t eat beef, my friends seemed to enjoy it.
Service here was lackluster. Nobody ever came to refill our water glasses and our waitress spoke in broken English so it was difficult to communicate with her.
When we were paying the bill, we were told they only accept a max of 2 credit cards (we were using 3), but then didn’t have change for a TWENTY to pay with cash. What?! When we protested that they’d then have to accept card since they didn’t have change, they miraculously came up with the funds.
Bottom line: Go here for some great bibimbap and maybe the BBQ, but that’s it. Don’t expect great service. Bring cash.
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*God save the Queen.

Great: raw oyster and pork, beef bone noodle soup, korean bibimbap rice

Dude, I have NEVER had to wait here for a meal — not even during peak dinner times. Now, this may seem like a bad sign, but I honestly think it’s because of the location… people tend to congregate towards the more well-​known restaurants in the middle of K-​town.
The food is surprisingly good and I love how spacious it is inside. We’ve tried the naeng myun, seafood pajeon, dolsot bibimbap with spicy pork, and soon dubu — all of which were great. I’d highly recommend any of those dishes.

Unilocal rated the price range to $$, I think it should be at least $$$.
It’s a nice place inside. BBQ seating was on the second floor. This is so far the only place that I had Korean BBQ and I do not smell like food afterward. The problem was that I was cold at where I was sitting. It was near the stair that’s facing the front door. I asked to move to another table that was empty, but they told that it was reserved for VIP — we have to spend more than $ 200 at this restaurant to get that table. I didn’t get that rule… cause we haven’t order yet… what makes this lady think that we will not spend that much on our meal. The food wasn’t cheap in here… The BBQ meal itself cost $ 40 each and we have to order at least two to get a BBQ table. So it will not be hard to reach to $ 200 for dinner.

I like the name of this place… hehe. It’s two stories and really spacious and usually pretty empty. I got the hot stone bibimbap and it was good! My friend got the neng myung which came with the steamed egg (yum!).
Decent side dishes… normally priced compared to the rest of the ktown restaurants.

This review is for LUNCH only.
They have lunch specials menu, 11 AM –3 PM, starting at $ 9.99. I ordered a Galbi Lunch Box $ 12.99. Lunch box portions are reasonable to generous. They gave us 9 six side dishes (steamed egg, radish, seaweed, kimchi, mashed potato, etc.)
Interior décor is definitely worth a note. It is modern and sleek. It has two levels and well air-​conditioned. You will enjoy your meal comfortably. Waiters will not be attentive up to American expectations, but do get their attention politely.
I took a peek at regular menu (dinner). It seems pretty pricey and typical. I think I’ll reserve this restaurant for lunch only!

Good food, nice ambiance, interesting music (think top 40 meets Kpop) and Asians everywhere.
They have really good noodle-​based dishes, and make a killer beef. They also use enoki mushrooms (long, thin mushrooms) in their cooking, which is pretty damn awesome. Enoki mushrooms are the absolute bomb.
They also have some delish appetizers, like kimchi and dried fish.
Certainly give this place a chance if you’re craving Korean.

I feel like Korea Spoon gives you appetizers based on a lottery system. Every single time I’ve come here, it’s varied from getting an enormous amount of little dishes to getting only a few. Nonetheless, the complimentary dishes are delish. However, the actual entrée was average.
The service is so-​so but the time it took my dish to make it to the table was pretty slow.
I think the two off putting things about Korea Spoon is that:
1. They give you discounts based on whether you write a glowing review about them on Unilocal… No, I don’t like bribes. If you want it, you should earn it.
2. They rush you out after you have paid the bill [of course]. And by rushing you out I mean circling you and your friends like hawks and then proceeding to escort you out, as if you had had one too many drinks at a club and are being punished for your wrongdoings.
If they fix this, they might be golden but probably not.

Korea Spoon is one of the newcomers to the block. Sadly, it took the space previously occupied by BCD, which no place could really live up to. It looks classier than it’s counterparts and has a bright, sparkling ambiance.
If you’ve gone to Korean BBQ before, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when I say your clothes smell like meat afterward. To avoid having this problem, check this spot out. They will cook the meat at the table for you, but their ventilation system makes it slightly easier for you if you have somewhere to be after dinner and would like to avoid smelling like meat.
The galbi here is tender and juicy – really good for ktown. It is, however, pricier than other places on the block you could go to instead. They also have a full bar in front, though I’ve never seen anyone drinking there.
Overall, not a bad option, though slightly overpriced.

I’ll preface this by saying I’m not a connoisseur of Korean food. When it comes to the authentic, I wouldn’t know the difference, so I just go by what tastes good.
That being said, I enjoyed the food here. The drink selection was nice (have had the plum wine and soju). The steamed dumplings were tasty — the sauce that came with it could have been better but they gave hot sauce for the table that made a better compliment. The dishes they bring out before the meal were also varied and delicious.
The waiter did mess up one of our orders, but rectified it by bringing out a free egg dish, so I’m satisfied. Not a bad place at all and would probably go again.

Apparently on a Friday before a long weekend and with nice by NY standards weather, everyone and their mom wants to go have lunch in Korea town.
BCD Tofu house? Closed.
Woo Ri Jip? A zoo.
Kunjip? Line out the door.
I walked down 32^nd and was literally | | this close to getting on the train downtown to check out Buddakan before I made one last round.
And there it was: Korea Spoon. Trendy. Poppy music. Dim lighting. Korea Spoon is the restaurant for non-​koreans who want to eat authentic korean food without feeling disingenuous.
They run some kind of lunch special with a couple options, bulgogi, kalbi, or mackerel etc. as the main dish backed by a small bowl of Soon Doo Boo Jigae. I had to try it.
I got the Bulgogi and it was ok. Slightly overcooked but I guess they don’t want people to take chances. The tofu soup was rather good, a pretty good flavor and ample seafood. It may have been fresh even as some of the calamari was really tender. No egg though…
I’d give this place a 3. I need to have a full order of the Tofu Soup to really judge but the taste is down. I just don’t really like the rest of this place… too trendy. It feels unbecoming… un-​Korean somehow.

Korea Spoon gives you that clean and chic décor that makes its on par with any restaurant in midtown west! Service… ehhhhhhhhhhhhh not so much. I’m not exactly sure when they’ve opened but the times I’ve went, they seem to be in disarray when the house is packed. Giving people an estimate when they will be seated will set their mind at ease, at Korean Spoon. this is not done at all.
To be honest, Korean Spoon would be 5 stars if not for the service and communication that this place lacks. Even ordering any drink at the bar, you have to be VERY clear on what you want. otherwise they WILL mix it up. If i had to guess, everyone who works here service wise has about a 2^nd grade English proficiency.
Food thou bit on the pricey side is done right. Tasty and one of the better Soondubu (spicy tofu stew) i’ve had anywhere. Galbi can be found better else where but a good 2^nd choice given the location.
Overall, if it’s a full house. expect some mix up or delays. If none happens, play the lotto. It’s not a place to shy away from if they get everything right.

Went here for the first time today for lunch and I have to say its a whole new spin to restaurants in k-​town.
The interior is simple and modern, long lights and wooden accents make this place feel organic and earthy.
Their lunch prices are a little lower than the dinner prices. I opted for the combo meal of soondooboo and kalbi for $ 12.99. The service was fine, we were promptly seated upon entering the restaurant.
The soondooboo was a little different than at other places. Rather than having a little sweetness to it, the flavour is just plan hot pepper. A little too much vegetables too… other than that the portion of meat was fine for the lunch size. Tender and still warm when served.
For a first visit I found this place better than I expected. I like that you dont get the overpowering bbq smell like at some of the other places. They must have better vent systems and since all the bbq tables are on the upper level they contain the smell there.
Give it a try if you want a change from the normal ktown scene. THe bbq prices are a little higher than the other near by places but perhaps its worth it.
They also lack their liquor liscense so dont go in expecting soju. :]