The Best Korean Restaurant in Every State [2020]

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25 hours of research later, we’ve discovered the best Korean restaurant in every state across the US this year. Mom and pop shops impressively held their own like Peck Peck Korean Style Chicken in NJ. A Michelin rated restaurant, Jungsik, made it on the list out in NY. There were also a few restaurants taking risks and doing it well, such as Seoul Garden in MO. Finally, you can’t speak of Korean food without mentioning Korean BBQ. Gangnam Asian BBQ Dining in NV received the highest rating with the most reviews in the entire US. Check to see who came out on top in your state!

Best Korean Restaurants in America

Alabama

beef bulgogi shinsegae alabama

Shinsegae

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 2701 Patton Rd Huntsville, AL 35805
Recommendations: Dolsot Bibimbap, Beef Bulgogi
Restaurant Delight Index: 88/100

When the waiter and the cook are husband and wife respectively, you can’t really get any more mom and pop than that. If that plus warm comforting food is your thing, this is the place to go for your Korean fix in Alabama. #rolltide!

Alaska

poke bowl top bop alaska

Top Bop

4.4
4.4/5

Address: 220 Muldoon Rd, Anchorage, AK 99504
Recommendations: Macaroni Salad, Poke Bop, Bibim Bop
Restaurant Delight Index: 80/100

Initially, I was surprised to see a Korean inspired fusion restaurant in Alaska, but here it makes sense. Alaska is famous for their fish so naturally it makes sense Top Bop combined the best of both worlds. On top of that, it’s a fast food style Korean fusion restaurant, which you don’t see very often in the US. It’s also a good change that despite the varied customer experiences with the food, their customer service has been complimented frequently as “friendly and helpful”.

Arizona

koreatown arizona spicy chicken bulgogi

Koreatown

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 1832 W Broadway Rd #100, Mesa, AZ 85202
Recommendations: Spicy Chicken Bulgogi (Dak Bulgogi), Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps
Restaurant Delight Index: 86/100

Koreatown starts with an unassuming exterior, but boy do they open up once you get inside. As Hemingway once said, “don’t judge a restaurant by its sign” (he probably never said that). This restaurant is perfect for when you want to enjoy Korean food with a big group of your friends, families, or coworkers. Service is  minimalistic, but efficient and pretty good for the most part, despite some occasional lapses.  But when the food is described as authentic, addicting, and best of all similar to home cooking, we can overlook a couple things here and there.

Arkansas

koreatown arizona spicy chicken bulgogi

KJ Sushi & Korean BBQ

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 3223 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Recommendations: Bulgogi
Restaurant Delight Index: 88/100

The Razorbacks aren’t the only reason to visit Fayetteville, AR. KJ Sushi & Korean BBQ has people raving about the authenticity and quality of the food. You know they’re good when people visiting from areas like SoCal and Manhattan, with much more established Korean populations, refer to this place as a hidden gem. One reviewer wrote, “KJ Sushi & Korean BBQ, you are a diamond in the rough within Arkansas. Who would have known that this place would magically get into my rotation of the very few authentic Asian restaurants in purgatory.”

California

koreatown arizona spicy chicken bulgogi

Buil Samgye Tang

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 859 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Recommendations: Anything on the menu but order with abalone
Restaurant Delight Index: 90/100

California is a mecca for Korean cuisine. It seems that there are as many Korean restaurants as there are In-N-Outs, so being best Korean restaurant here is a big deal. With that, kudos to Buil Samgye Tang!

I love specialty restaurants that cut down on all the choices in lieu of providing a few amazing, unbeatable, dishes. Buil Samgye Tang literally only has five items on the menu, all variations of samgye-tang. Samgye-tang is a warm ginseng chicken soup said to improve your health (practically everything healthy in Korea has ginseng in it). Koreans love this soup so much that restaurants like Buil are commonplace in South Korea, whereas us Americans have to pretend we’re sick in order to get our moms to make it for us.

The paradox of choice is real, which could contribute to how highly they scored in our restaurant delight index. You’ll already know what you’re going to get as you walk in, and you know it’s going to be amazingly delicious. Not only is the food delightful, I have yet to see a review fail to comment on how Buil has the kindest and warmest owner in town. No wonder Buil scored so highly on our RDI. Major props for putting out the most delightful traditional Korean food experience in California. Plan on not finding a parking spot, thankfully it’s in a residential area so alternative options should be available.

Colorado

koreatown arizona spicy chicken bulgogi

Bop & Gogi Korean Kitchen and Grill

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 10639 E Briarwood Ave, Centennial, CO 80112
Recommendations: Bibimbap Stone Bowl With Beef, Seafood Udon
Restaurant Delight Index: 86/100

Large portions at an affordable cost, music to our ears. This is one of those gold mines. Bop & Gogi isn’t open for very long, so take a look at the hours before you drive on over. They are also a mom & pop place so don’t expect lightning quick food. Despite all that, a lot of Yelpers still claim this spot as their go-to, so you know it’s worth it.

Connecticut

koreatown arizona spicy chicken bulgogi

Angry Tofu Korean Cuisine

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 1030 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Recommendations: LA Kalbi
Restaurant Delight Index: 85/100

We definitely saw that the trend in reviews for Angry Tofu Korean Cuisine is the consistency in the quality of the food. Consistency builds trust, easily persuading loyal customers to drive 40+ minutes just to eat here. There aren’t many Korean restaurants in Connecticut so this is definitely a rarity. They also offer a small complimentary Korean “yogurt” drink, a sweet and slightly tangy finish that bookends a good meal in a great way.

Delaware

koreatown arizona spicy chicken bulgogi

Kalbi Asian Bistro

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 2011 Kirkwood Hwy #4921, Wilmington, DE 19805
Recommendations: Super Kalbi
Restaurant Delight Index: 85/100

If you live in Delaware and aren’t willing to drive out to Baltimore or Philly, Kahl-Bee Korean restaurant is your best bet. You won’t be wildly impressed, but it will satisfy your Korean food fix. Based on the reviews, Kahl-Bee fits the stereotype of Korean restaurants where the servers all seem to be paying attention to something other than your table. You’ll probably need to flag a server down after being seated.

District of Columbia

koreatown arizona spicy chicken bulgogi

Triple B Fresh

4.3
4.3/5

Address: 1506 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Recommendations: Bibimbap, Kimbap
Restaurant Delight Index: 77/100

Triple B Fresh is a lunch hot spot for Washingtonians on the go due to their reasonable prices and fast dining experience, while also capturing delicious snapshots of Korea’s beloved snack scene staples such as kimbap and ddukboki.  Many of their options are customizable, meaning you can have your bibimbap experience as healthy or cheat day worthy as you like.  Dining establishments like Triple B Fresh demonstrates the culture immigrants can bring to the nation’s capital – serving as a tasty reminder of what makes America great.

Florida

gabose pocha ramen nachos florida

Gabose Pocha

4.3
4.3/5

Address: 4933 N University Dr Lauderhill, FL 33351
Recommendations: Spicy Pork Belly, Ramen Nachos, Watermelon Soju
Restaurant Delight Index: 89/100

Right next door to Gabose, another really popular and well reviewed Korean restaurant, Gabose Pocha has the same owner. So if you’re waiting for a table at Gabose, you can wait at Pocha with some great mixed drinks and apps. Gabose Pocha is more a bar than a restaurant and serves Korean street food with a South Florida twist. They had us at Ramen Nachos and Watermelon Soju.

Georgia

korean tacos blossom tree georgia

Blossom Tree

4.7
4.7/5

Address: 64 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Recommendations: Kimchi Rice, Taco Platter, Sweet Potatoes
Restaurant Delight Index: 92/100

Blossom Tree is pretty close to at least three different colleges in downtown Atlanta, so be prepared to wait while surrounded by hungry students.  Add to that, the restaurant is pretty small, but they make up for it with complimentary sweet tea! That’s how you know you’re in the South. Blossom Tree is in rare company as a fast food type Korean restaurant while not lacking on authentic flavors. There needs to be more of these in the US! If you’re driving, there are limited street parking spots available, so be warned.

heirloom market bbq ribs brisket kimchi cole slaw sweet potatos collard greens georgia

Heirloom Market BBQ (Honorable Mention)

4.7
4.7/5

Address: 2243 Akers Mill Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Recommendations: BBQ Brisket Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Spicy Korean Pork
Restaurant Delight Index: 91/100

Hawaii

spicy chicken katsu willow tree restaurant hawaii

Willow Tree Restaurant

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 25 Kaneohe Bay Dr #104, Kailua, HI 96734
Recommendations: Spicy Chicken Katsu, Turnip Soup, Meat Jun
Restaurant Delight Index: 88/100

“Thick, tender, juicy cuts of beef. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.” With that kind of response, it’s not surprising that Willow Tree is the best reviewed Korean restaurant in Hawaii. One drawback however is they cannot accommodate groups of more than 4. They also won’t seat you until your whole party is there. As annoying as that is, maybe it’ll put a little fire behind your slow friends! Once you’re seated though, the decor and vibe of Willow Tree will relax you and make you feel right at home.

Idaho

spicy pork bulgogi mr wok idaho

Mr. Wok

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 650 S Vista Ave Boise, ID  83705
Recommendations: Beef Bulgogi, Spicy Pork Bulgogi
Restaurant Delight Index: 76/100

Mr. Wok impressed the locals enough to earn the best Yelp reviewed place for Korean food. These two quotes from the reviewers I think is all that needs to be written about this place. “This place is the heavyweight champions of high quality Asian cuisine in Boise.” “I drive by Mr. Wok every single day and when I do my stomach screams for their orange or sweet and sour chicken. 6:00 in the morning all the way to late hours I want their food. No, I’m not pregnant, it’s just that good.” It sounds like this place is worth a shot if you’re in the area.

Illinois

korean bbq galbi chungkiwa restaurant illinois

Chungkiwa Restaurant

4.8
4.8/5

Address: 1658 W Algonquin Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056
Recommendations: Bibimbap, Kalbi, Pork Belly, Bulgogi
Restaurant Delight Index: 93/100

We weren’t expecting the suburbs to hold their own and beat out the plethora of Korean restaurants in Chicago. Chungkiwa Restaurant is a Korean BBQ place where you can grill on your own, which is an unforgettable experience if you haven’t tried it already. This place does not let something like language barriers stop them from doing whatever they can to make their customers happy. Many reviewers were left pleasantly surprised not just because of the savory Korean food, but because they brought out small stuffed animals for any children lucky enough to dine here. We can’t guarantee that this happens all the time, but you can tell these people love what they do. At the end of the meal, you’ll also get a Klondike bar! Not a bad deal when all you have to do for a Klondike bar is drive 30-40 minutes from Chicago and get some bomb ass Korean food.

Indiana

dolsot bibimbop cafe korea indiana

Cafe Korea

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 7262 Fishers Crossing Dr Fishers, IN 46038
Recommendations: Dolsot Bibimbap
Restaurant Delight Index: 85/100

Hidden gem alert! Cafe Korea is your best bet for authentic Korean food in Indiana. You have restaurants that are owned by people who want to make a buck and there are those who truly want to provide a quality experience. This is a three generation establishment, and all of the recipes have been preserved from the very beginning. Yelpers commonly characterized the staff as enthusiastic about their product and how quickly you feel the family owned vibes here. One Yelper wrote, “Our waitress was GENUINELY interested in our opinions of the food and, though it appeared she was the only server that evening, her service was quite attentive.”

Iowa

seoul grill bibimbop iowa

Seoul Grill

3.7
3.7/5

Address: 201 S Clinton St Iowa City, IA 52240
Recommendations: Dolsot Bibimbap
Restaurant Delight Index: 44/100

We can’t be confident this is indeed the best bet for Korean food in Iowa, but Seoul Grill did have the best reviews of the bunch. The food is good, but not the hours. Seoul Grill appears to have opened mainly for college students considering it’s only open during lunch hours in the heart of University of Iowa’s campus. One Yelper from LA did leave a gloating review about how their authenticity matches restaurants in K-Town.

Kansas

beef japchae o cafe korean restaurant kansas

O Cafe

4.7
4.7/5

Address: 1530 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Recommendations: Japchae
Restaurant Delight Index: 89/100

What O Cafe Korean Restaurant does right without a doubt is customer service. Many of the reviews complimented the owner’s warm attitude and enthusiasm, which makes such a considerable difference in the experience especially when you’re trying Korean food for the first time. When you eat here, get the japchae. You can order it with different meats such as spicy pork, beef, etc. That sounds delicious right about now!

Kentucky

hot stone beef bibimbap charim kentucky

Charim

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 4123 Oechsli Ave, Louisville, KY 40207
Recommendations: Hot Stone Bibimbap, Chicken or Beef Bulgogi
Restaurant Delight Index: 88/100

If it’s your first time trying Korean food, Charim will leave you wanting more. There were plenty of first timers who absolutely loved Charim. TIt does however appear that they serve less side dishes (banchan) compared to the other Korean restaurants in the area. This could also pass as a casual date night according to some people so get your significant other out there! If you’re single, it doesn’t matter. Korean food doesn’t discriminate.

Louisiana

koreann bbq grill little korea bbq louisiana

Little Korea BBQ

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 2240 Magazine St #103, New Orleans, LA 70130
Recommendations: Korean BBQ Grill, Cheese Corn
Restaurant Delight Index: 82/100

Your best bet for getting your Korean food fix in Louisiana is Little Korea BBQ. The reviews aren’t where we’d like them to be for us to personally recommend them, but based on the numbers there’s nowhere better. A part of us expected to see some good Louisiana craziness bringing fiery Korean and Cajun flavors together. (Can someone tell us how boudin compares to soondae?) Despite that, Little Korea BBQ does offer grill your own Korean BBQ, which we’ve mentioned countless times above that you need to try it. The meat’s flavorful and it appears they have increased their portions in response to customer feedback. For the other main entrees, there’s been enough people reviewing them to be on the bland side, so we can’t be confident in its quality. The decor here is on the higher end, which is a step above the rest of the competition in the area, but is accompanied by higher prices. All in all, this place appears to be the best place for a large group looking to chow down on some Korean BBQ.

Maine

lobster roll y u takeout maine

Yu Takeout

4.3
4.3/5

Address: 674 US-1, Hancock, ME 04640
Recommendations: Bulgogi, Lobster Roll
Restaurant Delight Index: 76/100

Maine probably has the smallest sample size that we’ve come across. The reviews for Y.U. Take Out were scant, but most had glowing things to say, especially about their crab and lobster rolls. One thing we love to hear about restaurants is when they don’t skimp on the meat. Some Yelpers mentioned “good chunks” of lobster, along with the cheapest price you’re going to find in the area. We can’t be confident that they’re a sure bet, but I’d be willing to try!

Maryland

bibimbap seoul food maryland

Seoul Food

4.7
4.7/5

Address: 7302 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Recommendations: Bibimbap
Restaurant Delight Index: 87/100

Seoul Food started out as a food truck with Chef Anna at the helm, now they are a “gas station quicky mart”. You can tell that this won’t be your standard traditional Korean restaurant by the fact that they started out as a food truck. They naturally and intuitively blends Korean and Japanese flavors while cooking with sustainability in mind, inspired by Chef Anna’s husband J.P. They also offer homemade kimchi for sale, which apparently brings a steady stream of customers. Parking may be an issue as they’re located next inside the same building as the Exxon gas station.

Massachusetts

pajeon scallion pancake woo jung restaurant massachusetts

Woo Jung Restaurant

4.7
4.7/5

Address: 174 W Main St, Ayer, MA 01432
Recommendations: Bibimbap, Scallion Pancakes (Pajeon)
Restaurant Delight Index: 94/100

Woo Jung Restaurant beat out their peers in big time Boston! They are located in the middle of nowhere if you’re a city dweller, but you will be surprised with their quality. When a Korean American compares them to his or her mom’s kitchen, you know it’s gotta be good. Make reservations because Woo Jung is a hot spot with limited seating. The menu has been molded to fit a broader audience without sacrificing the intensity of flavor. Although they are out in the suburbs, the prices are big city so be prepared for that as well.

Michigan

korean bbq grill tomukun korean barbecue michigan

Tomukun Korean BBQ

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 505 E Liberty St Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Recommendations: Korean BBQ, Marinated Beef Short Ribs (Kalbi), Bulgogi
Restaurant Delight Index: 83/100

Cheers to another Korean BBQ place taking the crown for best Korean restaurant! In the heart of the University of Michigan, the student body has claimed Tomukun to be the best option for your Korean food craving or if you’re wanting a special dinner. Grilling your own food never gets old and this place does it the best in Michigan. They may not be the best Korean BBQ in the country but at least you won’t need to worry about a language barrier, most of the wait staff speaks English fluently and are apparantly very attentive.

Minnesota

spicy chicken wings hoban minnesota

Hoban

4.2
4.2/5

Address: 1989 Silver Bell Rd, Eagan, MN 55122
Recommendations: Spicy Chicken Wings, Soondubu Chigae (Seafood Stew)
Restaurant Delight Index: 70/100

I was waiting impatiently to get to Minnesota and see which Korean restaurant would receive the best reviews because… I live here. Well, I wasn’t surprised when it turned out that Hoban had earned the best ratings. I’ve frequented here a number of times despite them being the furthest (20-25 min) from Minneapolis. For what you ask? Their spicy chicken wings! Literally the only reason why I come here. Not to be confused with their Korean BBQ location in Uptown, Hoban is located in a strip mall in the ‘burbs. This happens to be the go-to spot for Samsung executives visiting from Korea. I can’t comment on whether Hoban is their favorite place or they have a relationship with the owner, but that kind of social proof doesn’t hurt. On top of that, they’ve been packed every time I’ve gone, so you know they’re doing something right.

Mississippi

mandu rc korean restaurant mississippi

R&C Restaurant

4.4
4.4/5

Address: 1670 Pass Rd, Biloxi, MS 39531
Recommendations: Beef Bulgogi, Mandu (Steamed Dumplings)
Restaurant Delight Index: 76/100

In an area without very many Korean restaurants it’s nice to see a place such as RC Korean Restaurant be embraced by the community. They are located near an Air Force Base and they’ve prepared for it. Portions are big, lunch specials are affordable, and the owner does too many things to count. That comes at a cost sometimes, such as the occasional wait for your food, but most of the customers had only nice things to say about the owner. Not only will you likely leave with leftovers, you can swing by the Korean grocery store next door.

Missouri

bulgogi gogi bowl seoul taco missouri

Seoul Taco

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 6665 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130
Recommendations: Gogi Bowl, Bulgogi Burrito
Restaurant Delight Index: 84/100

Seoul Taco originally started out as a food truck back in 2011, but have expanded across multiple cities since then. The brick and mortar location is in the heart of St. Louis (let us know if you still see the truck rolling around), and matches the energetic vibe of the city with their flavor packed menu and colorful decor. Seoul Taco definitely leans more fusion, but by the customers’ reviews it’s not gimmicky and they do a great job of blending Korean and Mexican flavors in intuitive ways. Something to keep in mind is the food can be greasy, so get a lot of napkins.

Montana

bibimbop bulgogi stone bowl whistle pig restaurant montana

Whistle Pig Korean

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 25 N Willson Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715
Recommendations: Bulgogi Bibimbap in Stone Bowl
Restaurant Delight Index: 87/100

Whistle Pig Korean was a very pleasant surprise that came out of our research. I’ve never been to Montana and didn’t really expect to find a lot of Korean restaurants there; the name alone caught my eye and is as trendy as the space it occupies. Rather than going fusion as I would’ve expected by the name, they veer more to traditional Korean cuisine and do it well. Customers claimed this place to be perfect for a quick lunch. The banchan, especially the pickled cucumbers, are well liked, which is a must that they get right when serving traditional Korean food.

Nebraska

korean grill nebraska

Korean Grill

4.9
4.9/5

Address: 1408 Harlan Dr Bellevue, NE 68005
Recommendations: Beef Bulgogi, but because this is cafeteria style it’ll be easier for you to pick something you haven’t tried before.
Restaurant Delight Index: 97/100

Korean food served cafeteria style, not something you hear every day. Lo and behold, Korean Grill. You do have the option to order off the menu as well, but the quality of the food is surprisingly very good. There’s a military base nearby so there’s generally a constant stream of customers, but you won’t have to wait long. One of the things I love hearing: “The menu is not large, but they excel in the authentic items that they do sell.” I’m a huge fan of restaurants that do this — keep it simple and do it right. What’s also great is the owner has a lot of spunk and is completely invested in making your visit a memorable one. There were so many reviews complimenting how helpful and caring she is, apparently she’s eager to educate you on Korean cuisine if you have any questions. Oh and you can’t forget that all the orders come with crab rangoon and an egg roll!

Nevada

grill gangnam asian bbq dining nevada

Gangnam Asian BBQ Dining

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 4480 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Recommendations: Harami Miso, Toro
Restaurant Delight Index: 88/100

Gangnam Asian BBQ Dining touts the most frequently well reviewed Korean restaurant in the United States. Given the sheer number of positive reviews, we can be extremely confident you won’t be disappointed here. It’s a la carte, not AYCE, which I prefer because meat quality is typically higher. According to Yelpers, the meat is flavorful, juicy, and some claim it to be the best they’ve ever had. One knock I have is you get charged for rice, which although negligible in terms of the final bill, can still be annoying. With that aside the quality of the food outweighs having to pay for everything. I’ve been told that I’ve eaten here before, but it was during a friend’s bachelor party…. so I definitely need to stop by next time I’m in Vegas.

New Hampshire

Shira Kiku New Hampshire Salmon Bibimbap

Shira Kiku

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 13 Broad St, Nashua, NH 03064
Recommendations: Stone Pot Bibimbap, Kimchi Jjigae, Kimchi Bloody Mary
Restaurant Delight Index: 83/100

Throughout my research I found myself saying, “there’s good Korean food here?” more often than I thought. Well, here’s another gem hidden in New Hampshire, Shira Kiku. The name may be Japanese but they’ve got the best Korean food in the state. Nia, the owner, is so engaging and welcoming that customers can’t help but feel at home the moment they walk in the door. Talk about service! They can be understaffed but there were countless reviews raving about not letting the occasional wait stop you. If you do find yourself waiting order their Kimchi Bloody Mary, that’s what I would do.

New Jersey

soy garlic korean style wings peck peck korean style chicken new jersey

Peck Peck Chicken

4.8
4.8/5

Address: 250 Degraw Ave, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Recommendations: Salt and Pepper Wings, Soy Garlic Wings, Sweet Chili Wings
Restaurant Delight Index: 94/100

Unlike their more nationally known brethren, Boom Boom and Bonchon, Peck Peck Korean Style Chicken is a hole in the wall mom and pop chicken joint. That paired with a modest storefront makes their climbing to the top of the ratings all the more impressive. Throughout all our research I haven’t seen so many people describing a restaurant as “the best”, “absolutely amazing”, “salivating”, and more so frequently. They literally have customers dreaming about their wings, and have former patrons driving from all over the place just to get their fix. We recommend calling in your order because of how popular their food is and their limited seating.

New Mexico

Spicy Pork Bowl Asian Pear Albuquerque New Mexico

Asian Pear

4.7
4.7/5

Address: 8101 San Pedro Dr NE d, Albuquerque, NM 87113
Recommendations: Spicy Pork Bowl, Pork Spare Ribs
Restaurant Delight Index: 92/100

Don’t be scared off by Asian Pear’s “vegetarian” claim, they have plenty of meat to go around, it just means that they put some honest effort into providing for our leaf eating brethren. They have actual vegetarian options as opposed to the “just take off the meat and call it a salad” approach. Glad to see that in an area without much competition there’s an establishment with owners that don’t give a damn about whether they’re safe or not, they just want you have a good experience at their place. (Take a chance and order something for takeout, they’ll occasionally slide you a free appetizer to munch on while you wait). Take out ahead of time is your best bet if you want some good Korean food in the evening, they’re not open for dinner.

New York

octopus ssamjang aioli jungsik new york

Jungsik

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 2 Harrison St New York, NY 10013
Recommendations: Octopus in Ssamjang Aioli
Restaurant Delight Index: 89/100

Our very first fine dining Korean restaurant on the list! Jungsik beat out an insanely competitive field of Korean restaurants in arguably the most difficult area to do well in, The Big Apple, The City that Never Sleeps, Empire City, New York. Jungsik is in rare enough company as they are a two star Michelin restaurant. Given that fact, it’s pretty safe to say that Chef Jungsik Yim and his team are breaking down boundaries and pushing Korean cuisine to new and exciting places. Jungsik translates to “formal dinner” and Chef Yim has taken his experience cooking all over the world to bring Michelin level quality to what he has coined as “New Korean.” Call it whatever you want Jungsik, keep doing you.

North Carolina

Soo Cafe SOGA Chicken Wings Raleigh North Carolina

Soo Cafe

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 2815 Brentwood Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604
Recommendations: Chicken Wings with Soga sauce (soy garlic), Chicken Tenders with Original Sauce
Restaurant Delight Index: 90/100

I remember arguing with a friend about there not being such a things as “bad” wings. Even the worst wings in the world are preferable to no wings. Up the ante with Korean Fried Chicken wings (not the original KFC but definitely the best) and you can’t go wrong. Still, if you’re going to eat something unhealthy might as well make sure they’re the best tasting too. If you’re in North Carolina, these are by far the best bang for your cluck (sorry but I had to). Service seems to be spotty depending on who’s there but it ranges from great to subpar.  Really though, I have no problem with subpar service if it comes with a side of amazing wings.

North Dakota

101 Sushi Bar lamb Fargo North Dakota

101 Sushi Bar & Korean BBQ Buffet (Permanently Closed)

3.5
3.5/5

Address: 4480 23rd Ave S # C, Fargo, ND 58104
Recommendations: Pork Belly, Lamb (from buffet)
Restaurant Delight Index: N/A 

I don’t want it to seem like our standards are lower for smaller markets, or that I’m ragging on Fargo, ND (loved your movie by the way), but like the majority of the reviews for 101 Sushi Bar claim this place is great… for North Dakota. They might be better off dumping their sushi menu and focusing strictly on Korean BBQ (which is what their customers come back for). One highlight is definitely their buffet set up for the Korean BBQ (sometimes they even have lamb), which does not bode well for the overall quality of the meat but adds a nice change of pace in terms of customer engagement. Also is helpful when their service gets spotty.

Ohio

ddeokbbokki spicy rice cake seoul garden ohio

Seoul Garden

4.7
4.7/5

Address: 5270 Pearl Rd, Parma, OH 44129
Recommendations: Ddukbokki (spicy stewed rice cakes), Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake)
Restaurant Delight Index: 93/100

Practically all of the reviews said the same four things: great Korean food, great service, a little over priced, don’t worry about the price. That’s all I need. Everything in Seoul Garden seems pretty standard, nothing too over the top or surprising, but they execute exceptionally well. I feel like there’s a Seoul Garden in every city in the US, nice to see one stand out. Apparently one of their servers looks like Baekhyun from Exo… who is a person… regardless of what that means customers seem to love him.

Oklahoma

Chae Cafe & Bakery

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 7300 N Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Recommendations: Soju Spritzer, Duck Jook, Iron Bulgogi (big enough for four!)
Restaurant Delight Index: 88/100

Alright, I’ve never been to Oklahoma City, but I definitely want to go now. Off the wall pork buns, Duck Jook (porridge) which is described as spicy Korean rissotto, Kalbi tacos, Kimchi Arancini?! How have I never heard of you Daniel Chae, from your menu alone you seem like a badass dude I want to get a drink with. “I would come here with my girlfriends, my family, on a date, for a birthday, for drinks or just to enjoy the most delicious meal ever.” Enough said.

Oregon

Dolsot Bibimbap Happy Bibimbap House Salem Oregon

Happy Bibimbap House

4.7
4.7/5

Address: 635 Chemeketa St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Recommendations: Spicy Chicken Wings, Soondubu Chigae (Seafood Stew)
Restaurant Delight Index: 93/100

Definitely the first place I’ve seen where Yelpers love the service but not the other patrons… which they chalk up to just being Salem? Regardless, Happy Bibim Bap House does it right: quick, appropriately priced, with great flavors. They also do surprisingly well with their sushi, which is definitely impressive to someone like me who has a hard time cooking an egg and toasting bread at the same time. If you want to stop by for lunch get there before 11:45 to beat the work day lunch rush.

Pennsylvania

Oyster Soondubu Jong Ka Jib Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Jong Ka Jib

4.4
4.4/5

Address: 6600 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19126
Recommendations: Soondubu (they have a large variety of add ons)
Restaurant Delight Index: 82/100

When it comes to Philly food I think fast, comforting, and stick to your ribs. I’m going out on a limb here and claiming soondubu (tofu stew) to be the Philly Cheesesteak of the Korean food world. Flavor and make up wise they couldn’t be more different, but when I’m having a bad day and want something that’ll remind me of home I think of soondubu. All that is to say that Jong Ka Jib does their soondubu right, they have plenty of other offerings and I’m sure their Korean BBQ is legit, but when you have kalbi and bulgogi on the menu but everyone talks about your soondubu, it’s probably pretty damn good. Their service seems to be really good as well but apparently a couple of the servers have trouble speaking English so best keep your order as simple as possible.

Rhode Island

Dolsot Bibimbap Den Den Cafe Asiana Providence, Rhode Island

Den Den Cafe Asiana

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 161 Benefit St, Providence, RI 02903
Recommendations: Dolsot Bibimbap (hot stone bowl mixed rice), Monkey Balls (deep fried mushrooms stuffed with spicy tuna)
Restaurant Delight Index: 91/100

Den Den Café Asiana took a risk by going with a slightly fast casual set up with a menu that’s generally not considered fast casual. When you order at a counter and receive a number on one of those little metal stands so servers can see where to drop off plates I immediately think of Jason’s Deli or the like. That may be surprising to some as fast casual Korean places are generally fusion or chicken joints, but Den Den’s food is on point with their execution of Korean staples and their willingness to get adventurous. I actually like the less frou frou and more comfortable set up as long as the restaurant doesn’t approach their food with the same casual nature. Den Den does have a few problems with their limited parking and their tendency to get pretty busy pretty quick, but I’m sure they’re not really too concerned with the latter.

South Carolina

Spicy Nang Myun Ko Cha Asian Restaurant Charleston South Carolina

Ko Cha Korean Restaurant

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 3515 Mary Ader Ave Charleston, SC 29414
Recommendations: Japchae (stir fried glass noodles), Spicy Naengmyun (sweet potato noodles)
Restaurant Delight Index: 83/100

Everyone that’s been to Ko Cha Asian Restaurant says to ignore the fact that they are connected to a gas station. I love it. I love thinking of this old Asian couple not realizing that they’ve opened a restaurant that could be featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. They might be at risk of having a menu that’s too large with Korean, Japanese, and Chinese-Korean staples all being featured (jjajangmyun and jjampong originated from Chinese immigrants in Korea). The quality across their menu is not the most consistent but their highs definitely outweigh their lows.

South Dakota

Hana Japanese/Korean Grill & Sushi Bar

3.9
3.9/5

Address: 3550 Sturgis Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702
Recommendations: Bulgogi Bento Box, Bibimbap
Restaurant Delight Index: 55/100

Although Hana Restaurant offers a one-stop shop for all your Asian staples their selection is a bit limited, yet popular Korean dishes delighted many Yelpers.  Usually, when a restaurant doesn’t specialize in a particular cuisine it compromises the quality for the sake of diversity.  However, this is the go to place for Korean food in Rapid City.  Its interior rock walls may resemble something more of a steakhouse, but looks can be deceiving as Hana Restaurant definitely offers some of my favorite Korean comfort foods.  Make sure to check your watch and calendar before heading out as they are closed for lunch on Saturdays and all day Sunday.

Tennessee

Soy Bistro

4.8
4.8/5

Address: 5008 Maryland Way, Brentwood, TN 37027
Recommendations: Korean Tacos, Bibimbap, Hot Chicken
Restaurant Delight Index: 94/100

An East meets West fusion, Soy Teriyaki blends different dishes infused with traditional Korean staples such as kimchi and gochujang (fermented chili paste).  Be prepared to endure some parking pains and a long, albeit quick-moving line if you come during the lunch rush hour. However, its popularity is sure to be a great sign.  So if you’re looking for a hip, casual meal, Soy Teriyaki appeals to palates that enjoy a blend of flavors. I’m also pretty confident that it’s the only place in the world where you can get free books, do laundry, and enjoy Korean food all at the same time.

Texas

LABurger_Texas_KimchiFries

LA Burger

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 3216 E Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75010
Recommendations: Kimchi Fries, Bulgogi Tacos, LA Burger, Seoul Dog
Restaurant Delight Index: 87/100

Everything just seems bigger in Texas, and portion size is thankfully no exception. LA Burger, a trendy union of Korean and Mexican flavors, mashes up iconic Korean essentials with quintessential American classics in a kimchi meets burger and fries symphony of awesomeness. They completely bought into the idea of a beautiful mess. Its fast service and reasonable prices make it a perfect feasting joint for a deliciously satisfying deal.  In case you thought it couldn’t get any better, the bar at LA Burger features a healthy selection of craft beers to help wash down all that kimchi goodness.

Utah

BumblebeeBBQ_Utah_MrKimBurger

Bumblebees BBQ & Grill

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 7962 S State St Midvale, UT 84047
Recommendations: KPOP Fries, Mr. Kim Burger, Kimchi Rice Balls
Restaurant Delight Index: 86/100

Growing up in the 90s and watching a lot of basketball, I considered Utah’s pantheon to consist of Jerry Sloan, Karl Malone, and John Stockton. It might be time to add Mr. Kim to that list.  Although Mr. Kim may be just one of Bumblebee’s signature menu items, it illustrates the evolution of Korean American fusion.  Don’t let its small size and unassuming exterior fool you – this family owned and operated restaurant packs a punch with their blend of flavors.  Just don’t head there on a Sunday unless you were planning to be the first in line the next day.

Vermont

Radish Kimchi Shin-La Restaurant and Sushi Bar Brattleboro Vermont

Shin-La Restaurant & Sushi Bar

4.3
4.3/5

Address: 57 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Recommendations: Ojinguh Bokkeum (octopus stir fry), Yukgaejang (Spicy beef and vegetable soup) (Off menu)
Restaurant Delight Index: 71/100

Reviews seemed to be all over the place on this one, it’s clear that Shin-La’s customer service is extremely polarizing and stands as the most consistently mentioned aspect of the establishment. It’s also interesting to see how pervasively customer service influenced the rest of the dining experience as patrons lucky enough to meet the owner loved the place and the food while those who did not caution against multiple visits. So it may be up to chance but if you need Korean food and you’re in Vermont Shin-La is your best bet.

Virginia

Mokomandy_Virginia_WildBoarBowl

Mokomandy

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 20789 Great Falls Plaza #176, Sterling, VA 20165
Recommendations: Wild Boar Bowl, Korean Karnivore Ssam, Bulgogi Beef
Restaurant Delight Index: 89/100

While Korean fusion seems to be the theme among many of the listed contenders, Mokomandy offers an interesting twist on Korean with Cajun influences.  Mokomandy boasts a trendy and diverse menu of game meats such as wild boar and bison on their take on Korean classics.  Although it’s located 30 minutes away from the nation’s capital, Mokomandy has big city restaurant quality without the big city hassles. Yelpers have praised Mokomandy on their keen eye for presentation and attentive service. To no one’s surprise, reservations come highly recommended, or be prepared to have a long wait.

Washington

Mokomandy_Virginia_WildBoarBowl

Umma's Lunch Box

4.7
4.7/5

Address: 1301 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Recommendations: Spam Musubi, Korean Fried Chicken
Restaurant Delight Index: 94/100

Not going to lie, I expected Seattle’s pick to be a swanky, hip place with all of the drinks served in mason jars. Pleasantly surprised that a lunch spot known for good customer service and generous portions wins out. Umma’s Lunch Box is a popular lunch spot for the working people that operates on a pay per box system. That paired with their freely offered samples and loose definitions of “fitting” into a package this place looks like a definite go to for a work week lunch on a budget without sacrificing flavor, you might need a nap after though.

West Virginia

Kalbi Fusion Teriyaki Grill West Virginia

Fusion Teriyaki Grill

4.5
4.5/5

Address: 4002 Maccorkle Ave SE Charleston, WV 25304
Recommendations: Kalbi Combo, Spicy Pork Combo
Restaurant Delight Index: 94/100

A fast casual spot that makes everything from scratch, I’ve never been to West Virginia but that sounds like it fits perfectly in my mind. Based on the reviews Fusion Teriyaki Grill looks like a Panda Express without “a full day’s worth of sodium in one bite” taste and feel. The bowls are substantial and affordable with higher than expected quality of ingredients.

“The atmosphere is fresh, clean, bright, and modern. The staff was very helpful, nice, and quick. I will definitely be returning!”

That’s enough for me to want to try it out.

Wisconsin

Budaejjigae Seoul Korean Restaurant Wisconsin

Seoul Restaurant

4.4
4.4/5

Address: 2178 N Prospect Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Recommendations: Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Pancake), Bulgogi
Restaurant Delight Index: 80/100

This is what I think of when it comes to traditional Korean restaurants. Seoul Korean Restaurant feels authentic and their huge menu carries the classic staple soups and stews, including budaejjigae (army base stew) which is a personal favorite. They may not have as much banchan as other Korean restaurants but they make up for it with their execution. Everything comes out sizzling and bubbling and the flavors are spot on.

They get pretty busy on the weekends and space and parking are both limited so be warned.

Wyoming

Pork Bibimbap Korean House Wyoming

Korean House Restaurant

4.6
4.6/5

Address: 3219 Snyder Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Recommendations: Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Bibim Naengmyun (Mixed Cold Noodles)
Restaurant Delight Index: 89/100

Reading about Korean House this sounds more like a typical lunch spot in the middle of the financial district. Cash only, open 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on weekends, good Korean food. Seating is limited and service can be a little slow so if you do go here for lunch make sure you don’t have a meeting you’ll need to run back to. They more than make up for the wait with the quality of their food and generally welcoming vibe. They are located close to an Air Force base and are definitely military friendly, so if you serve in our friendly skies make sure to check them out!

What's next?

From time to time, we’ll be updating these reviews for accuracy since we know quality and experiences of these Korean restaurants can change. We also have plans of revisiting the statistical method used, depending on if we can find an efficient way to execute on it. There were some really good restaurants that didn’t make the list and so we hope to cover each state in the future. Stay tuned!

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