Axian Food Factory

4.5 star rating
34 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Asian Fusion, Sandwiches  [Edit]

1915 I St NW
(between N 19th St & N 20th St)
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 293-1425
Nearest Transit:

Farragut West Metro Station (Blue, Orange)

Farragut North Metro Station (Red)

Foggy Bottom Metro Station (Blue, Orange)

Hours:

Mon-Fri 7 am - 4 pm

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Quiet
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "I had the bibimbap with spicy pork, it was AWESOME." In 4 reviews
  • user photo
    "...today for lunch to check out the amazing-looking bibimbap." In 8 reviews
  • user photo
    "Having some awesome beef bibimbop." In 6 reviews
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34 reviews in English

  • Review from Taryn L.

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    12/18/2011

    Happiness! This would be a regular on my lunch circuit if I worked remotely close to this cute little downstairs joint.

    The place is underground and marked by a small sign, so keep your eyes peeled. We arrived around 12:15/30pm. The limited seating was full save two counter stools. Patrons were still trickling in.

    And the spicy pork container, the spicy pork I'd heard so much about and had come for.... was empty! Empty! What a disappointment. But alas, after the sweet guy behind the counter overheard me telling my husband I'd have to get something else and we were in the middle of pondering what that might be, the cook ran out from the back and apologized for having no more, telling me she'd need to make some. I asked how long. 10 minutes. I asked my hubby if we could wait (he knew he didn't realllly have a choice.) So 10 minutes later, while still serving others in line, they packed up our bibimbop and waved us over from the stools where we sat sipping soda.

    It was delicious. Packed with tasty veggies and served with your choice of sauce, this bowl of goodness really hit the spot. The hubby loved the pickled veggies while I inhaled the steamed broccoli. (I hear they have black rice that I really wanted to try but because they packed it up for us with our fresh order of spicy pork, I didn't get to specify rice.) We had a LivingSocial deal or Groupon or something along those lines, which included two meals, two fries, and two soft drinks, so we tried two of their three types of fries: one, a thick-cut steak fry that isn't normally by type (in fact, I ordered the sweet potato fries, but this is what came out and the line was building up, so I kept mum) but they were very good. The spiral-cut fries were my favorite, particularly the crispy parts doused in sugar.

    We wound up paying about $1.40 in tax; pretty good for a coupon deal. The staff were all super friendly and the food good. Sadly, though understandably, they are only open weekdays.

  • Review from Robert C.

    Rockville, MD

    2.0 star rating
    3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I must say that this place's highly overrated.  The Bibimbap here's way too hyped. It's not very authentic, small portion & somewhat expensive ($8sh). It's like the Chipotle of Bibimbap; where all the ingredients're put in little bins and you just choose what you want in your bowl.

    If you've never tried a Bibimbap, then you might like it. However, if you've tried the real deal, you're gonna want a refund lol.

  • Review from X P.

    • 30 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Arlington, VA

    2.0 star rating
    2/24/2012 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    The Koreans through many generations of trial and error that bibimbap is best served in a clay pot served with a raw or sunny side up egg. The egg mixes into the rice which helps add some texture to the dish.

    I guess for carryout and quick service, the bibimbap would be considered very good, but I was not a fan of the boiled egg and the portion size wasn't as big as I thought it would be.

    I guess I was a little underwhelmed by my experience. Then again, I may just be biased against all Asian fusion places.

  • Review from Hue K.

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    1/22/2012 2 photos

    - Small but very clean and neat place.

    - Great service. Very friend and efficient and so accommodating.

    - Spinach melt wrap: I asked to make mine with french bread.
    Bread was soft and fresh. All ingredients blended amazingly well. I really liked it.

    - The fillings were substantial compared to other nearby restaurants or sandwich shops.

    Highly recommend!!!

  • Review from Melissa C.

    • 0 friends
    • 93 reviews

    Arlington, VA

    3.0 star rating
    5/25/2012

    I just come here for the yakisoba- it's pretty consistent and you get a lot of it. I hear a lot about their chicken wings, but they seem to only serve them during certain days of the week. I try not to stay and eat because they have a loud tv and play bad music.

  • Review from Peter T.

    • 5 friends
    • 156 reviews

    Washington, DC

    2.0 star rating
    12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Personal taste matters, I guess. I was unimpressed with Axian. Came early morning for breakfast. Tried one of their house baked "croissants." Probably good enough for one of those greasy breakfast sandwiches, but on its own not even close to the genuine item. Mediocre coffee and both Muzak and cable TV news blaring - not the best experience for me. Maybe lunch carry out is a better way to go here.

    Plenty of good places in this part of town. Can't give very high marks.

  • Review from Robert A.

    • 3 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Camp Hill, PA

    4.0 star rating
    2/24/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Excellent choice for an inexpensive lunch in the area, but there isn't very much seating, so going before the lunch rush is probably a good idea.  I was very happy with the veggie-delight, but there were plenty of other choices on the menu that were tempting.  I'd happily make a return trip.

  • Review from Barbara P.

    • 24 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Gaithersburg, MD

    5.0 star rating
    9/3/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Yakisoba. Chicken Wings. Philly Steak & Cheese. ALL SO YUMMY. I wish I could give this place more stars.

    My mom has been bringing food from Axian home for several months now and I've just had the chance to try it for myself last week. The chicken wings are coated in crispy sweet, garlicky goodness, even better than my favorite Asian Zing wings from BWW. The yakisoba is flavorful and filled with healthy toppings. The Korean BBQ bulgogi adds a wonderful twist to the Philly steak & cheese. In the past I have not been a fan of Asian fusion foods as I prefer a more authentic taste, but Axian has got it right with the subtle variations in their menu items.

    I wish they had a location in College Park. With these prices and hungry college students like me, this place would thrive.

  • Review from Michael C.

    • 13 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Cupertino, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/9/2012 5 Check-ins Here

    Food was great and reasonably priced given everything else in Foggy Bottom is so expensive. If they were open until 7-8 PM I would go for dinner very often. (I eat meals quite late)

  • Review from Winnie D.

    • 23 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Laurel, MD

    5.0 star rating
    6/28/2011

    Holy Bimbimbap. I forgot my lunch today and decided to try this place out via the LivingSocial Instant Deal.

    I ordered the bulgolgi (beef) bimbimbap and was handed a gargantuan portion filled with fresh veggies and well-marinated meat. Service was quick, served with a smile, and clean. Even without the LivingSocial deal ($6 for $10), this is certainly still good value. Bimbimbap is around $7.50 for two pounds of goodness, and from what I saw, their sandwiches also looked good and were fairly priced.

    Just a side note- the name of the place is A. Xian, not Axian. ^_^

  • Review from Carrie W.

    • 1 friend
    • 43 reviews

    Rochester, NY

    4.0 star rating
    2/13/2012

    This is kind of a hole-in-the-wall since it's not immediately apparent where the restaurant is located from the street.  The bibimbap is much better than most of the other places that offer bibimbap in Foggy Bottom, which may not be saying all that much but I still enjoy it.  I got the spicy pork with everything and hot sauce and the twist potato fries.  My friend got the spinach wrap melt.

    Pros:
    - good size portion if you get everything on the bibimbap
    - black rice had great texture and taste
    - spicy pork was flavorful
    - twist potato fries were interesting and had a slightly sweet flavoring
    - my friend really liked her wrap

    cons:
    - not spicy at all
    - twist potato fries were kind of expensive for the serving size

  • Review from ibis w.

    • 40 friends
    • 59 reviews

    Germantown, MD

    4.0 star rating
    7/3/2011

    The name of this place makes me want to ram my head against a brick wall. Other than that, this is a decent place for lunch. The entrance was somewhat hard to find as the restaurant is situated underground, but inside it is a clean kept open space. You will be hard pressed to find a fast lunch join that doesn't have a greasy looking interior in the immediate vicinity.

    I had several coworkers who I now assume to be quasi-retarded when they couldn't pronounce the name. Goddamnit why couldn't have they just left it at ASIAN? akdjfaosdifads $&#@!!!

  • Review from James L.

    • 8 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Hyattsville, MD

    5.0 star rating
    6/17/2011

    It's a fairly new place that opened up a little more than a month ago in May.  I've heard about this place from friends who went there with LivingSocial coupon.  All of them praised it.  After finding out that it's only 2 blocks away from my office, I gave this place a try.  
    I got their bool gogi bibimbop for lunch then got spicy pork bibimbop for dinner.  I must agree with other reviewers that this place gives a lotta food for the money.  Definitely hit the spot!  
    Very tasty I tell ya.  As a Korean-American, I know what authentic delicious bibimbop is like.  This is it!  I was not disappointed with the quality of ingredients used and choices of vegetables.  It's a gem in downtown DC.  Two thumbs up!

  • Review from Jason L.

    • 5 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    7/8/2011

    3.5 stars.  Decent lunch spot that offers regular American sandwiches and an assortment of Asian food (bibimbap, ramen, yakisoba).  The place was clean and the ladies working there were all pleasant.  Some seating but not a lot compared to the bigger buffet bars.

    I had the bulgogi (beef) bibimbap and it was above average but not mind-blowing.  I got to choose between white and black rice, got a ton of beef that was well marinated, and a ton of vegetables.  You can also choose other proteins like chicken, seafood, tofu, etc.

    One big complaint I had was they didn't have fried eggs, just hard boiled ones. =/  Also, I had the hot chili sauce but it was more sweet than anything, or it could have been sugar mixed in with the sesame oil mixture they sprayed on top. Regardless, the dish was sweeter than I preferred. You do, however, get a lot of food for what you pay for ($8.24 w/ tax) compared to some of the buffet joints in the area that also have bibimbap.

    My friends both had ramen, which seemed disappointing because I'm a die hard ramen fan, but they were content.  I looked behind the counter and saw it's just the shin ramyun package that they add meat and veggies to.  Definitely not worth what they're charging.

  • Review from Mattie C.

    Arlington, VA

    4.0 star rating
    6/9/2011

    I went here because of a living social deal, and thought it was excellent.  They have a bibimbop station, but I was a little overwhelmed by the choices and got a spicy noodle soup instead.  It was absolutely delicious.  In fact, I dare say it was the best noodle I have had so far in the DC area, even better than Toki Underground.  They also hand out generous portions - I was only able to finish half of my soup even though I was starving!

    The staff is really friendly and the chef wields his knives impressively and seems to know the moves.  The ingredients were fresh and diverse.  With the living social coupon it was only $6 for a large, delicious soup and a grape soda.

    They also serve various sandwiches.  I saw some of the staff preparing some philly cheesesteaks which I usually don't like but they looked really well-prepared and delicious.  I might have to try one sometime.

    I wasn't sure what to expect here since I hadn't heard of it and it is somewhat hidden and difficult to find.  I was pleasantly surprised!

    I highly recommend this place.

  • Review from Sherri Z.

    • 0 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Silver Spring, MD

    5.0 star rating
    1/24/2012

    Wow, just wow!  I used a certificate to try Axian and I'm so glad I did.  I had no idea it was there but I'll be back for sure.  I got the pork bibimbap and it was terrific.  The portion was big so I had it for breakfast again the next day and it was still awesome.(Couldn't wait for lunch.)  They were out of fresh mozzarella but recommended the spinach melt which was unexpectedly good on a spinach wrap.  It alone was plenty for lunch and had my coworkers all asking where I got it, it smelled so good.
    I'm so glad I have them all hooked now so they can make a run for me too.  Hmmm, what to try next?

  • Review from Amy C.

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    8/1/2011

    I purchased their Living Social deal today: $1 for $10 worth of food! That's practicaly free food and I expected the place to be packed but there were no lines at all.

    I went straight for the bibimbop with beef. Watching the lady dish some rice and beef into a salad bowl pained me since I'm used to getting my bibimbop served in a sizzling pot or porcelain bowl (I know, I'm an Asian princess). But the lady behind the counter was super sweet and patient as I mulled over the toppings. When she saw my eyes light up at the sight of kimchee, she made sure to load up half the bowl with kimchee (yay!).  My entire purchase ended up a tad over $10, but the cashier refused the change I offered.  

    The bibimbop itself was really good and satisfying. Because of all the kimchee and other veggies the lady had piled in for me, I thought it was more of a salad with a sprinking of rice, but the flavors were there nonetheless. It might not have come in a sizzling, hot bowl but I'm definitely coming back for more bibimbop here.

  • Review from Hak L.

    • 1 friend
    • 3 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    I really enjoyed the spicy pork bibimbap here.  The portions were bigger than what you get at rice bar and a much better value except the only choices you get for the bibimbap are the choice of meats.  Just based on their bibimbap, I wish this place served more korean food like kimbap.  Will definitely go back for bibimbap again.  Not sure about their sandwiches.

  • Review from Tracy P.

    • 24 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Silver Spring, MD

    5.0 star rating
    8/29/2011

    I have had the Bim Bim Bap here and it is delicious.  I usually buy a Living Social instant deal when they are available.  The Bim Bim Bap is generously portion and has many vegetables and your choice of meat and rice.  I went to a different place for Bim Bim Bap one day that only allowed you a limited number of choices. This place was much better.
    I come here for lunch pretty often.

  • Review from Diana D.

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/29/2011 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    I GOT MY CHICKEN! (hence, the 5th star i promised). crispy chicken wingettes smothered with a perfect layer of more sticky awesomesauce. reminds me of bon chon chicken... mmm..

    Axian is the ONLY place in downtown DC u can get real korean dishes for lunch. Thanks Axian, see you later! =)

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      6/20/2011

      Awesome. and more Awesome on the side (you'll see what i mean later in the review).

      i asked for the… Read more »

  • Review from Larissa M.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    1/9/2012

    Went here today for lunch thanks to a LivingSocial deal.  The food is excellent and deserves good ratings.  The problem is that they are either understaffed or overwhelmed (or both).  They couldn't get the food out fast enough, had almost 40 people waiting and eventually ran out of food.  I ordered an hour early but still got my food 30 minutes late.  Again the food is excellent but they were ill prepared to deal with the crowds.  If they were they would get 5 stars from me! I'm not sure if I would go back because why use an instant deal if you still have to wait!?!

  • Review from Justin B.

    • 39 friends
    • 57 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    6/15/2011

    Came across this place on LivingSocial and based on the Yelp reviews, gave it a shot... I had the bibimbap with spicy pork, it was AWESOME. I'll certainly be back again very soon.

    Use that LivingSocial deal and it's only $6.

  • Review from C S.

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    8/20/2011

    Food Factory? Yes please! This place is fantastic. I had never heard of it before seeing a group on lunch deal for it. My coworkers and I headed over not knowing what to expect. The people here are SUPER friendly. They offer korean cooking (which can be kind of confusing to the first-timer). They were very helpful in explaining the different kinds of meals and helping with toppings. And boy are there toppings. Kimchi, sprouts, mushrooms, kale and too many more to list. I chose the bibimbap with wild rice and Tofu steak, which was flash fried and topped with sesame seeds. The whole thing looked gorgeous. My only complaint, the Bibimbap cause was a little too sweet, that's it.
    I will definitely be coming back for lunch, Groupon or not!

  • Review from Nicole P.

    • 39 friends
    • 74 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/20/2011

    Went here for lunch today, super good bi bim bap.  I had the beef and bf had the spicy pork, both were very tasty and filling. We also had the chicken wings which were very crunchy. Great place to go for lunch and reasonably priced.

  • Review from Jaime F.

    • 11 friends
    • 83 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    8/23/2011

    Having some awesome beef bibimbop...Thanks groupon now! It's always good to have legit Korean!

  • Review from Kelly G.

    • 24 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    6/27/2011 2 photos 7 Check-ins Here

    Very good!  I will be back for sure. I was like most of the others and got the deal through living social. It was worth it and delicious wonderful veggies and I got tofu on top wish I brought what I didn't eat home was so much food I couldn't eat it all!  Thinking about it now my mouth is watering for more!

  • Review from grace h.

    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    West End, Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    7/21/2011

    CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN.  period.  I don't care how grat the food is, it's not worth getting sick for.  This place is spotless.

    This is my third visit, and they have hit a home-run again.  The sandwiches are good, the bibimbop is great.  

    Just a short comment on the 3/3.5 star review by Jason L on Jul8:  he wrote that in the bibimbap, there was no fried egg; hot chili sauce  was more sweet than anything; ramen was just the shinramyun package.  THE CHILI SAUCE IS A PERSONAL PREFERENCE.  AS THERE ARE DIFFERENT VARIATIONS TO PICKLES, ETC., THERE ARE DIFFERENT VARIATIONS TO SAUCES.  AS FOR THE RAMEN NOODLES, EXPECTING A FRESH NOODLE RAMEN DISH FOR UNDER $15 IS INSANITY.  FRESH RAMEN REQUIRES FRESH BOILING WATER (THAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED CONSTANTLY).  THIS ALONE WILL EAT UP ANY PROFIT MARGIN THIS SPIC-AND-SPAN PROVIDER OF GOOD FOOD NEEDS TO STAY OPEN!

    I think that Axian Food Factory is a neighborhood gem - for it's service, cleanliness, value, and tasty treats.  To judge them on the fairly priced noodles and a sweeter-than-you-prefer chili sauce I think is a bit harsh.

  • Review from Jeremy W.

    • 0 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    8/16/2011

    Value. Get the bibimbop, because why do you need another sandwich?

    Also, the ladies who work here are very nice. Help them out so that their business does not tank due to their strange location and their useless sandwich options.

    For additional value, order through Groupon or LivingSocial.

  • Review from Faith G.

    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    7/7/2011

    I also checked out this place because of the LivingSocial Daily Deal and was thrilled with my meal.  It was super fresh, filling, and tasty as could be.  I'm going back today for lunch to check out the amazing-looking bibimbap.  (First time, I had stir-fried noodles with meat-delish!)  Can't wait!  And the interior was clean as a whistle.  Can't beat the price for the quality of the service, food, and decor.  Glad to see LivingSocial putting this place on the map!

  • Review from Ricardo R.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    6/10/2011

    Wonderful bimbimbap, and this coming from someone who ate it practically every day in Korea.

  • Review from Carita B.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Alexandria, VA

    5.0 star rating
    9/20/2011

    So great!! i ordered 5 orders of the chicken wings for a party.  (Stopped by the day before to place the order.)  Wings were the HIT of the party.  Crunchy, sweet, lots of meat.  LOVE this place.

  • Review from Young K.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Washington D.C., DC

    5.0 star rating
    9/16/2011

    They have an excellent Bibimbap in downtown DC.  Very healthy and fulfilling.

  • Review from Aaron H.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    6/4/2011

    This place is the bomb.The bibimbap is enormous, full of delicious vegetables and high-quality meat. With the current LivingSocial deal, it's only $6 to boot. Go here, now.

  • Review from PHong L.

    • 3 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    7/7/2011

    The chicken sandwich was good - but nothing that you can't get from any other Korean owned sandwich joint in DC.  However, the service was great, and living social deal made my visit even better.  I will definitely come back to try the Korean food here.

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