I need to preface this review by saying I understand full well that restaurants have to cater to their demographic. I did not come here expecting authenticity. I did expect quality and good service and this place had neither. I have never seen a KBBQ spot like this. Forget the hot tables sizzling with meat aromas, forget the banchan entirely(we will get to that). You walk to the back of the venue and order from a bizarre menu. If you are a Korean food junkie like me, you already know the names of the dishes you like. The menu is written in Korean and then there is a literal English translation of the dish. In other words, «Korean Beef» is written instead of «Bulgogi.» I know they do this because most Tally residents are less than familiar with Korean dining, but it makes little sense if you are versed in common K-cuisine. I ordered a bibimbap in Korean from the waitress. My friend and I waited a decent amount of time. I was unsettled by the fact that the banchan is self-serve and limited to sprouts, kimchi, and inexplicably, miso soup. I sipped a barley tea and wondered if I should have specifically asked for gob dol, the stone bowl that gives bibimbap its crispy rice base. Sure enough, when the food arrived, it was in a metal bowl that one would use for mixing in a kitchen. I have been to Korean spots in Asia, NY, and Cali and have never seen this presentation. There were random vegetables and a fully cooked fried egg on top. Since I was not going to get to enjoy the crispy rice base, I was extra bummed that the egg yolk was cooked through and not gooey. Worst of all, the food was cold. The waitress asked me if I knew how to eat the bibimbap, which made me LOL because I ordered it in Korean. I think it’s great that this venue exists; it is some reprieve from greasy chains, but the food was wholly mediocre. If you have been to Korea/are Korean, don’t expect much. I’ll continue to prepare my bulgogi and bibimbap at home, with gob dol, thank you very much.
Denise B.
Classificação do local: 5 Huntsville, AL
My daughter took us here to introduce us to Korean food since she has been living in Korea for the past two years. It was really good and even she thought that it was pretty close to what she has been eating there. She said the main difference is that in Korea the food is spicier. The people there were all very pleasant and the entire experience was lovely! The oriental market next door was also very cool.
M B.
Classificação do local: 5 Tallahassee, FL
We love this place. The food is excellent and always so fresh. The prices are reasonable, and they pack take-out orders with care — like if your mother packed you a hot Korean meal. Although it’s not a big traditional restaurant, it’s arguably the best Asian food in town.
Rob I.
Classificação do local: 4 Punta Gorda, FL
Let’s face it. Tally has no Korean BBQ places in the area. This place offers good BBQ at a reasonable price. Orders are placed at the counter. There is unlimited Miso Soup, Hot and Sour soup and Kimchee. The Fermented Rice Drink is also part of the package and is incredible. The Bulgolgi was made just right and I like it spicy. It was only 9 bucks. The place is not much to look at inside with a few tables but it’s worth it if you like Korean food. There is an Asian market next door that sells the Kimchee to go. The Kimchee is reportedly a house recipe and is mouthwatering. Worth a trip!
Angela F. W.
Classificação do local: 5 Tallahassee, FL
Been here numerous times. Best Korean in town! Sadly it’s also the only Korean joint but that doesn’t mean they cut any corners. Owner is super friendly and personable. He also owns the Korean grocery store next door. I can always grab some Asian grocery after a delicious meal, score! Menu is limited and so is their hours. I have tried the Korean BBQ pork, sweet potato noodles, beef soup & bibimbap. I have to say bibimbap and the beef soup were average. But the Korean BBQ pork and sweet potato noodles are out of this world. I crave them often. Portion is large so I usually can eat one order for two meals. Not to mention unlimited self service kimchi, soups, and rice drink. That’s what I’m talking about! Some complain the ambiance of the restaurant. I agree that it’s indeed a hole in the wall. But who cares if I can get authentic delicious food? I only wish they had more Korean side dishes to choose from. Other than that, I’m perfectly happy!
Manit P.
Classificação do local: 5 Tallahassee, FL
One of my friends recommended to try Korean bbq food and I thought of giving a try. Don’t go by the appearance of the place. The food was really good pretty big portion. I like my food spicy and boy they spiced it so well. Most definitely will go again.
Traci K.
Classificação do local: 4 Belleview, FL
So Unilocalies if you happen to be traveling through Tallahassee I would recommend stopping at the Korean Barbecue. It is a small place with about half dozen tables and a small bar area, so you’ll either have to wait a bit or place an order to go. I opted for the to go. The menu is short but sweet, posted on a board above the register. The staff is super helpful and very friendly, so if you are not familiar with Korean dishes they will help you understand the menu. We ordered the Korean Barbecue Beef dish which comes with sticky rice(yum) and the Rice Medley with beef. The Medley consisted of rice, noodles, peppers and other assorted veggies topped with a fried egg accompanied by a Korean mild sauce. While I normally like anything with a fried egg on top but this was not my cup of tea. It is a very popular dish so I chalk this one up to personal taste. Now for the happy part of my story, yay Korean barbecue beef. I love you barbecue beef. I ate every bite and made my friend eat the rice medley. I spared two bites and that was it. The rest was a treat for my belly. And we all lived happily ever after.
Terry P.
Classificação do local: 4 Vero Beach, FL
I’ll have to agree with the other reviewers on here — it is a confusing experience for the first timer patrons. I went here with my little brother on a recommendation from a friend. Walk on in and up to the cashier, the menu is a little dry erase board behind him. I highly recommend the Korean Beef. Once you’ve ordered go and check out the complimentary sides — soups and kim chee. Beverages are located near the front with an up charge for soda. Try the rice malt drink — it looks funky but it’s worth the try. Best part of this whole experience is that after spending around $ 10 for my order I still had enough leftover for lunch the next day.
Helen L.
Classificação do local: 4 Tampa, FL
This is probably the only place I go to for Korean food. Then again maybe if the only place that I can find! It is always a trek for me to go but always a treat when I’m here. Located right next door is a small Asian market. It’s a small place with limited seating. Not great for a huge party but I’m sure they can make it happen. Service is not really friendly and ordering is usually a breeze. They take cash or credit card, so have no fear. A few of the items I have tried and enjoyed is the beef, the pork, and rice medley. The rice medley is basically the bibimbap and the portion fits my big appetite perfectly. They load up the meat on the beef as well. Whether you’re eating in or taking out don’t forget your sides. The bean sprouts and the kimchee. The seaweed soup and the Kim chi soup. The Barley soup is nice and refreshing and there is always the rice malt.
Brooke T.
Classificação do local: 5 Sarasota, FL
The food is absolutely delicious. My significant other spent one year in Korea and can’t get enough of Korean BBQ’s food. I almost inhaled my meal it was that good. Highly recommend!
Dena r.
Classificação do local: 5 Tallahassee, FL
I absolutely love this place. though the menu is small and the hours are limited, the food is always fresh and so incredibly tasty! i love everything that ive tried(the Korean beef, Korean pork, sweet potato noodles, sashimi bowl and the dumplings). i only wish they’d open another location and/or opened for lunch but that’s just me being selfish :) truly, a must try!
Jin L.
Classificação do local: 5 Tallahassee, FL
Nice and decent food overall. A cute Asian boy is working. Highly recommend to try the pork bbq! Amazing!
Jinbo F.
Classificação do local: 4 Tallahassee, FL
I have tried almost everything but only love their Korean beef and pork. Free side dish and drinks are also great. The most disappointed food is the eel dish. It’s just fish sitting on top of salad and it doesn’t taste as good as salmon or tuna.
Gabriella F.
Classificação do local: 5 Tallahassee, FL
Fantastic food and large portions!
Daniel P.
Classificação do local: 5 Tallahassee, FL
I’m still sticking with an «actual» four stars BUT I’ll spend this review focused on why they are a «virtual» five stars. The narrow band of dishes offered are exceptional. Flavors, textures, temperature and combinations all make sense and(I think) offer even the most gastronomically prudish several entry points that are enjoyable. «Narrow band» of dishes is one reason I refrain from that fifth star. If we could add 50% more options it would still be insufficient but it’d make that fifth star more realistic! I’m conspicuously staying away from the clamshells used as dine-in vessels being a factor. I get the whole sensibility thing reducing the need for dishwashing — however there are more ecologically sound options that wouldn’t break the bank. I suspect passing the increased cost to the diner wouldn’t be a problem. I’m a big BIG fan of barley tea. Love it. It is made precisely as any other barley tea I’ve had — so not unique, just good! What is new to me is the rice malt drink. Very good. Barley tea, water, coffee and rice malt beverage all come included with your meal — as do the kimchi(cabbage and bean sprout). As in my 2013 sprout, I just wish they’d pull the trigger and open the future & awesome location(complete with its expanded five-star-qualifying menu) somewhere on magnolia(between Miccosukkee & Lafayette).
Monica Y.
Classificação do local: 5 Thomasville, GA
Great, fresh, authentic Korean food. The setting is small and casual, and they have free sides(soups, kimchi, and bean sprouts — very delicious!) You walk in to the back of the restaurant where you order your meal then seat yourself. Soda cans are $ 1.00 but they have free self serve tea and rice malt drink. Mostly everything is served in foam and plastic, just toss it in the trash on your way out… easy! HIGHLYRECOMMEND going and enjoying an awesome Korean meal! Being 100% Korean, this place met my standards! Can’t beat the great prices.
Kevin F.
Classificação do local: 5 Tallahassee, FL
Food was fantastic, and we enjoyed the experience as a family. I ordered the eel, my wife the pork and the kids split the beef meal. The portions were quite large, very fresh and the food quality was excellent. Dishes that are not soups are served in takeout boxes. Fine by us, as we had a lot to take home. The restaurant is very small and for first timers, like we were, lacking an intuitive process for seating and ordering. You can sit wherever there is an open table. To order, you walk to the back of the restaurant where someone is sitting in a chair waiting for you to order. After you order, you step to the left to help yourself to soup and sides, then to the front of the store for tea, water, malt drink or a canned soda(up-charge for soda). After your meal comes to your table, and before you leave, you walk back to the rear of the restaurant and pay your tab. We can’t wait to go back. Now that we know the process, we can go back and focus even more on the food! It was so good!
Ann Y.
Classificação do local: 4 Tallahassee, FL
This place is great. The food is fresh and delicious. I have gotten two different dishes the one with the sweet potato glass noddles with beef added and the salad with the fried egg with beef added. For some reason they don’t let you add the spicy pork to the entrees. I wish they did because the sweet potato noodle one could use a kick. They do have amazing sauces there though. The fried eggs are always perfectly done. The miso soup is very very good. I like the rice malt drink. The kimchee is not made in house but tasty nonetheless. Every time we go I see a ton of Asians here and honestly, that says it all. The flavors are robust and everything just works. Now that it is getting colder, I am going to try the soup! :) Do not be afraid to try this place out. The prices are super reasonable and they take credit cards. Just go, you won’t regret it.
Heather L.
Classificação do local: 5 Winter Park, FL
I LOVE this place. The food portions are huge and the banchan(although they only have two) are unlimited. My favorite is the hot beef soup and it is more than enough to eat and have a full dinner left over for the day after. So much beef in those things! I think their Korean beef and pork are a bit too sweet, but that is my preference. Others seem to love it. The sweet potato noodles are chock full of veggies as well. Take out is also great and they provide plenty of containers to take home banchan. Although, I need to have some of that rice malt so I usually dine-in.
Carolina V.
Classificação do local: 4 Chicago, IL
Food is plentiful, with delicious rice! They also have delicious rice malt drink and barley tea! There is a sharing fee, so you might as well get your own plate or get it to go. :D I usually get the vegetarian option, and it is delicious and plenty! The side dishes are limited(Kimchi, miso soup and two more), but for the price you cannot expect that many side dishes. Besides, you can have as many helpings of them as your tummy can handle! Koreans have mentioned to me that is not 100% authentic, but that is «Alright», as a non-Korean I really enjoy it. Also, the service is so nice! Hours are wonky, but its yummy and as best as you can expect in Tallahassee.