This place is intense — in a good way. The kalbijjim is their main dish, a monstrous serving of braised beef ribs that's meant to be shared. The top is covered in cheese and they blast it with torch fire after they bring it to you. Quality-wise, the meat was especially amazing and the rest (i.e noodles, veggies, rice cake, etc) was very flavorful. If you're not used to spicy, I would recommend the no spice option. Overall, a strong recommend for any Korean food enthusiast. Get yourself on that waitlist in-person or online and it'll be well worth the price and wait.
Disclaimer - the food was fantastic. The marinated short ribs was so soft and juicy and we layered melted cheese on top that just made it more heavenly. The kalbi soup was superb too.However, our experience was completely tainted by several things, the primary one being the lady managing the front counter. She was extremely rude, and was dismissive, and being downright difficult. I was nothing but polite, but she didn't want to answer my questions and brushed me off. The yelp wait-list is nothing but just for show, really.Our wait-list has at least an hour left before we had to check in with them, so we left to get something to snack on while waiting. The call came telling us that our table was ready - no big deal, we rushed back, and packed our snacks to bring along, only for her to tell us that the table should be ready in 15. A group of 4 walked in to ask for seats, and they were told a wait time of 20-30 minutes. We were a group of 4, and that group got seated before us despite them not being on the wait-list.After a 30 min wait, I asked the lady about the wait, which she said she'll tell me when a table opens up. We went to walk around and I got a call 5 mins later that our table is ready - again. We headed back, and she said that they're preparing the table, and we should make our orders first. We had to think a little, so stepped outside to decide (it was insanely noisy inside). 2 minutes later, we stepped back in, and I waited 10 minutes before making out order, and the table was still not ready. My friends went for a short walk around the block as her toddler was a little overwhelmed with the noise. When the table was ready, I called them to come back, and sat down while notifying the lady that they're coming back - and she said that we need to be all present to be seated, and wanted to chase me off the table, despite my friend just being around the block. And us already having made the order. I tried to explain that they'll be here before the food comes, but she wasn't having it, so I just ignored her, until she left me alone.It went fine after that and food came after about 10 minutes, and we enjoyed the food.Was the food good? Absolutely. Was it worth the rudeness of the front desk person? Absolutely not. I won't be coming back againI've always recommended this place to my friends who visit the Bay. I won't anymore.
One of the best kalbijjim braised beef on a hot skillet I’ve had here in SF. Comparable to Sun Nong Dan in LA.. but since it’s SF it’s a lot more pricier. Food was more than enough for two persons. I would say even 3 though they said this was for two persons. We ordered extra noodles and cheese. We didn’t know if rice was included or not but we were charged for the purple rice. Staff were friendly, always attentive and bringing anything we needed. Line was long but we go there early and got seated right away. Will return if I ever visit again.
First time trying Kalbijjim and it was better than I expected. Absolutely delicious! Loved it! It seemed very expensive but one dish with extra meat for $89 was good for 4 people.
I mean this place is just insanely good. The best meat-forward korean food I have had in SF. Would come back in a heartbeat. I was happy for days after this Kalbijim. It was enough for two full meals for two people for us. I guess we eat somewhat small portion. Service was not amazing b/c they have so many customers all at once but absolutely worth it, with food this good nothing else matters.
Had seolungtang and galbijjim with cheese on top. Must expect “Long line up”. And they are just fine with alone food fighter. Love there kimchi dishes. All great. If you fine with korean ramen spicy, please go for level 2. If you want to tough, go lv 3. But still you can manage-able if you enjoy korean spice ramen. Will back with my kids again.
go with friends bc you won’t be able to finish one of these by yourself
We only had experienced eating at the HMart location so we wanted to try at the restaurant to compare.For seating, it was much better at the restaurant as you can place a reservation. You don't need to hover over someone's table so no one else can take it.There were more side offered and one of my group really enjoyed the sweet soy sauce onion.We didn't get much service besides getting the food so paying for tip wasn't worth it to me... Also, I couldn't believe there was a packaging fee because HMart location didn't charge...For the atmosphere and large parties, I'd recommend going to the restaurant.For the food, the HMart location is better. But definitely had a buddy to grab a table!Speaking of food, we decided to try the Daeho Suyuk (Boiled) Brisket Point and Kalbi Stone Pot.The daeho suyuk was really peppery and the greens were so chewy... Like it was old veggies... If the greens were not so chewy, I think my group would have enjoyed it more since we did enjoy the first moments.The Kalbi stone pot was good and it did make crispy rice.
This wait is ridiculously busy whenever I come here but always worth it for my bby, cheesy short ribs with rice cake. One of these can serve like 2-4 people. I love the sauce and sides as well. This location in particular can be small/crowded and has pretty loud music tho, so vibe may not be for everyone.
This place is a gem. They have two featured dishes on the menu -- suyuk (boiled) and kalbijjim -- and they nailed them. Tried suyuk first. It was great. Tasty and hearty. Love it! So great I came back to try the kalbijjim, because I got to, and I don't even live in the city! The kalbijjim is amazing! So tasty and flavorful. Cheese on the top is a must. The stone pot bibimbap was also great. Plenty of tasty veggies.Besides food, I love the atmosphere. The decor and the mood reminds me of similar bustling places in East Asia. It may be a bit loud but that's because everyone is having a great time eating and chatting. That's exactly why I love it.Oh, on the waiting time. Both times we got there between 5-5:30 on weekends. We were seated once with a 20-minute wait and once with no wait. Maybe because we were early and only 2 people. However, I tried the Yelp waiting list thing on the first visit, and it said "140 minutes wait". So I guess go there and get your name to the front desk if you can.