- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
GinGoGae Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Korean Restaurants Barbeque Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Vegetarian Korean, Barbeque, Seafood, Vegetarian [Edit]
920 N 160th St(between N Aurora Ave & N Linden Ave)
Shoreline, WA 98133
(206) 533-9544
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 12 am
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for GinGoGae Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Also beef bone soup was excellent."
(in 3 reviews)
"...the generous portions of very tasty Banchan (side dishes."
(in 6 reviews)
"Nice dol sot bibimbap."
(in 4 reviews)
Loading...
22 reviews in English
-
Review from Heather H.
Seattle, WA
10/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
After a few several failed attempts to find an open Korean spot for dinner our Yelp search led us to this teeny hidden spot.
No doubt you'll question it due to its rather sketchy surroundings, but please take the initiative and come through the doors to some really good home cooked Korean cuisine.
We had been served some delicious banchan and kimchi with an actual kick to it. The total bill for dinner between the 4 of us came to about $34.00 total, a complete deal! There are lots of lunch and dinner specials between $5-$9.
If your veg, you'll find it a little hard to get something omitted without meat in it, but the BiBimBop serves as a hearty subsitute.Listed in: Seoul Happy!
-
Review from S W.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's been a while since I've been back but my group of friends wanted KBBQ without grilling it ourselves. It was empty on a Thursday night, we were there for a total of 2 hours and only one other table was occupied. It's such a shame and I'm wondering if it has contributed to some changes I've noticed from my past visits.
I noticed that they no longer serve the purple rice, or have metal chopsticks (now they have the wooden disposables). I noticed the pork bulgulgi didn't taste as good as before (less spicy, too saucey without the grilled taste). The banchan and pajuhn is still very good though.
Prices were about $55 for the four of us which is very reasonable. Service was friendly and attentive. I'll come back one more time, hoping it's just an off night.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/20/2008
I've only been to two Korean BBQ restaurants in Seattle, but I like this one better. Although it… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jen T.
I know this place looks a bit sketch on the outside, but the food is legit.
Actually one of the better korean resturants south of Aurora. Food tastes like home cooking! Although the panchan "side dishes" could use a little work. The pickled radish ( kakdugi) is delicious and one of the best! Always crunchy and flavorful! Perfect for their delicious Suhlungtang ( bone marrow soup). Their lunch specials are ridic! I believe its 5.99 for suhlungtang! Service is always nice and great.
MUST try my FAV- gamja tang! ( potatoe & pork stew) -
Review from R H.
Seattle, WA
10/31/2011
Simply one of the best budget Korean restaurants in Seattle. The prices are very reasonable considering the generous portions of very tasty Banchan (side dishes). My friend likes the sullangtang quite a bit. Personally, I enjoy the yukgaejang here. While the broth isn't the best I've had, it's very good. However, I was really impressed by the amount of vegetables. It's a personal preference for 2/3rds vegetables to 1/3 meat and just the right amount of broth. It lasted two meals with the banchan.
Again, not the best, but definitely great for the price. The service has consistently been excellent as well. -
Review from Amy S.
Lynnwood, WA
8/22/2011
First, i like to say the food was OK. I had their lunch special of bone soup which taste ok but without bone. WTH
Now, lets discuss unpleasant issue. Worst service i ever had in Korean restaurant. Waitress is such bitch i almost lost it (If i was not feeling too well i would have ..) I just left her no tips. I wonder if the waitress will be nicer if i spoke Korean to her. mmmmmmm I almost want to go there again and test my theory. As of today, i will not give tip to waitress if she does not delivery service.
I can't say i am expert in cooking Korean food but I do have a lot of experiences eating them ....30+ years in Korea, US & other places. There side dishes were not good @ all. Kimchi was under cooked, tofu dish was not fresh, fish cake have no flavor....should i go on. Only decent one was cucumber. Also, it is sad that you only get 4 side dishes with meal...F88K. They must think i am stupid for not noticing it. -
Review from Cindy L.
Philadelphia, PA
9/20/2011
I've been a customer for years and I never get sick of their food EVER!! If I had the money I would eat there everyday. I never write reviews but decided that it's about time that I pay my respect to the restaurant. My favorite is probably sul lung tang (beef bone soup) which they are KNOWN for they also have lunch special right now for $5.99. I just read a review which mentioned that it didn't include bone in the sul lung tang but I've never been anywhere with actual beef bone in the soup. Also Koreans eat Sul lung tang only with the raddish kimchi and the cabbage kimchi, not with any other side dishes. If you ever go to a restuarant that specialize in sul lung tang you will ONLY get two side dishes. So don't think the owner is being a bitch.
Ajuma (older lady in Korean)always hooks me up with plentiful kimchi and the ggak doo gi (raddish kimchi) it is the best raddish I have ever had in my life!
However, If you are not an Korean food expert I don't suggest sul lung tang since it is considered more authentic dish. I would suggest their pajuhn which is exquisite or their bibimbop. Plus when you order those meals you get more side dishes! =)
Overall I will continue going back to Gingogae. I am drooling just thinking about their food. -
Review from JulieJuli A.
New York, NY
1/17/2011 3 photos
Off the beaten path. I came to this place on a recommendation from a friend's friend as good home cookin... And since I was in the hood I figure why not track this place down on the iphone. It's off the main road and next to the 7eleven parking lot.
You walk in and know it is going to be good home cookin and judging by the korean patrons there, I just know I'll get something authentic.
I'd like to first discuss Bean B.'s review of the Seafood Pancake. That person has "No Clue" I almost didn't freakin order the thing on that review alone and this is why Yelp can be terrible for restaurant owner's.... To me, the Pah Jun (Seafood Pancakes) were... wait for it "Le-Gen-Dairyyyyyyy"
See my pics as the picture speaks volumes. It is not merely an appetizer, it should be the center of all other things that you get for your meal at this mom and pop korean spot.. Simply put, it was the best pah jun I've ever had. BESTTTTT.... And I've had plenty in my life.... Filled with plenty of seafood, but that wasn't it. The crispiness to the outside pieces and the thick flavor in the middle pieces was superb and what did it for me. I still think about those pancakes with the crispy outside because I'm from the east coast with hundreds of Korean restaurants in my hood but I've never had it like this place.......
I know why the owner wouldn't serve Bean B. again. To them, the Pah Jun is like a work of art... like putting steak sauce on a perfect steak or adding soy sauce to a well prepared fish. And when you insult it, you don't deserve anymore...
Okay okay... on to other stuff. I had a oxtail bone soup for my meal and that made me feel nice and warm like comfort food should. Enormous pieces of oxtail with meat that just fell off the bone. Such an unexpected and satisfying experience.... Dolsot Bi Bim Bap was also a good choice and it tastes right....
I saw an add for weekday So Long Tong special at $5 bucks... How can you beat that??? It's really too bad this place isn't in a more crowded area or where it can be properly appreciated.... -
Review from Mark z.
Duvall, WA
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had the calamari n rice special. Very good. Nice great and great flavor. Love the sides.
-
Review from M A.
Menlo Park, CA
7/19/2011
Solid food and friendly service. My only gripe was that the banchan needed a little more variety, something sweet and soothing to cut the spiciness of the rest of the meal.
Will definitely be returning. -
Review from Sophia L.
Seattle, WA
6/18/2011
Always a solid meal at Gin Go Gae! I've been here a handful of times and the dol sot bibimbap is the best in the area. I've also had the shredded beef soup, korean sausage soup, and the soft tofu soup which are all pretty tasty. Not crazy about the cold noodle broth dish (Though it could be a temperature thing) but overall I like it here. The tofu and cucumber banchan is my favorite.
Service is a little slow at times, but it feels homey. Great option for Korean food without having to trek to Ichiro's in the UDist. -
Review from Lori M.
Seattle, WA
12/16/2009 3 photos
Nice dol sot bibimbap! I love me some rice crisped in a hot bowl! Nom nom nom! I enjoyed their selection of mini appetizers. pickle-y goodness!
My husband and I enjoyed their kimchee quite a bit so we bought a huge takeout container to have at home for about $5! This place is pretty far from me, but I'd definitely come back again if I wander this way. -
Review from Evan M.
Seattle, WA
1/24/2010 4 photos
K-nomz a plenty.
Off the beaten path--the only living spot in a super dead strip mall (hope the rents are cheap). However, the place is exactly what you might hope for. They had a targeted menu and weren't afraid to translate offal and various other bits into English. That means goodness for me!
I had the bone soup, which was new for me. Pretty good, very boney. The kimchee definitely seemed homemade and they were kind enough to sell a HUGE to-go container for $5. Yumz for later.
While I was super happy when we went, I definitely want to go back as the walls were plastered with local Koren newspaper articles about some crazy-good salad with tendon and other parts in it. Must find. I think it's like $30 though (and huge). -
Review from Rob D.
Seattle, WA
4/16/2008
Great fixed menu dinner which includes soondae. Also beef bone soup was excellent.
Friendly staff and next to a pool hall. If you go in the evening you might get to check out some korean dramas on the tv. -
Review from Kim C.
8/25/2009
Went there last night. Cute little place that's just off Aurora. There was no other customer when we stepped in around 7 (towards the end there were a few Korean customers, but overall seems quiet except for the Korean soap opera). The menu is marginally decipherable. We've learned quickly that there is no Korean BBQ, as there's no ventilation at the tables.
We ordered a Korean sausage combo, and a beef bone soup something something. The Korean sausage combo was interesting - basically a rice/ noodle stuffed meatless sausage, relatively tasteless unless dipped in the little salt dish provided, with intestines and tongue/ liver type of organ meat to be dipped in sweet n sour sauce. Organs are perfectly normal/ common in my world of consumption, but I'd presume this is not for the faint-hearted.
The beef bone soup was tasty but also pretty spicy (think 5-star level). Me and my Indonesian friend downed lots of water and ate lots of rice with the soup, while my Indian boyfriend happily chowed down without breaking a sweat.
The conclusion is: overall not a bad place and we had a decent time, but we'll stick with the Korean restaurants that we know next time. -
Review from Steve S.
Seattle, WA
10/19/2009
This place is a totally awesome down to earth place that all those people who say, no one makes Korean food like my mom does, will enjoy. All the dishes we tried had a fresh flavor, with a distinct home made sensation of fresh ingredients and crisp, pleasant flavors, all for a very reasonable price. We even had very friendly service, not always a high point in Asian restaurants at the lower end of the payscale.
We had the seafood pancake, which ordinarily is a boring humdrum affair at most places. Not here! There was far more treats than there was dough. The dough itself was perfectly crisp and golden and not doughy at all. We had actually been referred to this place specifically for the seafood pancake and it did not disappoint. The pancake is served with a delicious side sauce.
We also had a kind of jigae the server called "military food", featuring spam and hot dogs and ramen in a kimchi broth. Ok sounds ridiculous and you may not trust me after advocating for this dish, but it was delicious. We then had a spicy buckwheat noodle dish served with pears and daikon (I'm forgetting what it's called in Korean), and this was maybe the highlight.
The banchan were fresh and the kimchi had a unique flavor suggesting that it was homemade. All the chili sauces had a strong presence of tomato.
If you are a fan of homecooked style Korean meals and recognize that there is far more to Korean cuisine than bulgogi, you will love this place. -
Review from Nero L.
Seattle, WA
2/23/2008
Found this hole in the wall korean restaurant behind 7 eleven in shoreline and it was surprisingly good. Authentic korean food including lots of stews, great pajun, and even fresh soondae if you are adventurous enough. Casual decor, never needed a reservation, and clean.
-
Review from Megan M.
7/26/2010
Solid 4 stars. Partially because it's kind of hole-in-the-wallish. My husband and I are just starting to get into Korean food so we have no clue what we're ordering half the time but we both got soup, and it was good. I had the soft tofu soup which was very spicy and delicious. The price was right too!
-
Review from Melanie M.
Seattle, WA
3/15/2011
My husband and I found this place based on other Yelp reviews, and we've been semi-regulars ever since. I usually get the hot tofu soup with seafood, he usually gets the squid. Both are delicious. The appetizer with rice cakes is also great. The service can be a wee bit pokey, but they're very nice and happy to help when you get their attention.
-
Review from Carol A.
Oakland, CA
2/24/2008
I have been here twice and both times the food was delicious! I have ordered the dol sot bibimbop and bulgogi which cost about $8 and $13 respectively. The bulgogi came with a nice selection of about 6 small side dishes, including kimchee, bean sprouts, seasoned tofu, and more. Hot tea was served in a plastic water glass - but I come to this restaurant for the food, not the dishware so I don't mind. The restaurant is located in a tiny strip mall just off of Aurora (99) and has the casual atmosphere of a lunch spot. Prepare to hunt down your waiter even if you are the only party eating in the restaurant - they are very slow to bring you a check, or to stop by to see if you need more drinks, a take-home box, etc . . . (Maybe this is a cultural thing?).
-
Review from Amy R.
Seattle, WA
5/18/2009 1 Check-in Here
One of the best Korean Restaurants in the City! I'm a big fan of Korean food and I drive to GinGoGae because they are the best! Their Kimchichigae and pan chen are awesome! It's a small place but great service and nice people!
-
Review from scott k.
Salem, OR
3/6/2011
im not sure what it is about this place. their food is pretty good, the restaurant is decently clean and i like the woman who owns it. i also enjoy watching korean dramas while waiting for food, while eating food, and sometimes i kinda wanna just sit there and watch while digesting.
but for some reason, i dont have that desire to go there every week like my favorite korean restaurants. i have nothing bad to say about it, but i guess it just simply doesnt wow me. it might be because it replaced one of my favorite korean restaurants of all time... i have been known to hold a grudge. -
Review from Linda M.
Seattle, WA
6/14/2010
After reading all the rave reviews on this place, a friend of mine and I decided to try it out for lunch on the weekend. She had lived in Japan for 10 year's and I have a Korean husband - so we know about good Korean food. This place is definitely NOT worth all the hype. We ordered Dol sot bibimpop and seafood pancake. The banchan was a total of 5 side dishes and all not very fresh. All very bland and boring - the rice seemed like it was a few days old. There are a lot of Korean Restaurants to choice from - we won't be coming back to and wouldn't recommend this restaurant to any friends.
