Korea House Restaurant & Sushi Bar

 

6

19

Luda K.

Austin, TX

Having spent a great deal of time in the Pacific Northwest, I am pretty critical of Asian foods (far more choices there).  The biggest criticism of this place is yes, it is difficult to find.  The prices are dirt cheap, the food is great (though I have NOT tried the sushi), and the service is great.  I have a thing for soups, and this has some mighty fine soups.  I will have to do some more experimentation with the menu and update, as I've only been here a few times.

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Elite '08

29

58

Phyllis K.

Austin, TX

I like to smell like meat: hot, seared flesh, marinated, of course.  
That's what's so great about Korean BBQ, you walk in smelling like flowers or something stupid like that, and leave smelling like beef, tongue, and chicken.  Aroma of the Gods!

Now I've had my fair share of being fleeced by Korean BBQ places in New York. ** Being Chinese, I don't see why Koreans get to charge so much for their food, and frankly, I'm a little bitter about it.**I was very excited by the sticker prices at the establishment, though I hear the portions have been growing smaller over time, or maybe my informant was just growing bigger?  

Regardless, it's still a good deal for a plethora of savory sides, rice (love rice), and the meat.  Their bimbimbap (sp?) is pretty tasty and their sushi isn't half bad, and also very student-debt friendly.  
But taste-wise, they fall short, like dwarves.  The galbi and beef bulgogi is nothing to write home about and the tongue was pretty mediocre.  The real winner by far is the chicken bulgogi, which isn't even traditional Korean BBQ food.  And no matter how much marination you work on that meat, you should know better than to NOT give me my bbq sauce, that weird MSG -pepper-oil mixture, and that little plate of raw garlic and jalapenos and lettuce wraps for the meatsies.  Sigh.    What can I say?  I love the pomp and circumstance of the BBQ, oh, and of course the scent, which I recently bottled and will make available in stores this Summer!   Buy me stuff!

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12

20

Andrew G.

Austin, TX

If the term 'best kept secret' or 'hidden treasure' were terms I'd use to describe this place, I'd have to say...please...take it literally, because this place is probably one of the most ridiculously difficult to find I've ever encountered. I think we must've walked around for about 5 minutes looking like confused tourists in the big city...even though the place is in a somewhat suburban area.  I guess it turns out OK though because it was a) exercise that I normally don't get (man, I hate exercise) and b) it helped me work up more of an appetite (man, I hate to exercise).

"Tucked away" in the back area of what appears to be a plaza full of Asian businesses, Korea House sits there serving up a pretty tasty bevy of Korean delicacies. Because this is only the 2nd Korean place I've eaten at in my life, I can't say I've experienced the breadth of what Korean food has to offer. Of course, when we're talking about ingesting things like...say...beef tongue and ox tail and stuff like that...well...I can't say that I really WANT to experience the full breadth.

What I do know is that I like Korean BBQ and I like dolsot bee bim bop (Note: Replace some of the lyrics of 'Mmmm Bop' with that and you've got what goes through my head every time I think about eating dolsot. I am fully aware of how wrong that is...but since I can't it out of my head, I just thought I'd share and make everyone else wrong along with me).  

I decided that I'd try to the dolsot.  Dolsot bee bim bop, for those of you who are not aware, is kind of like fajitas except everything you get is served in a giant heated clay bowl. And it has healthy things like seaweed and bean sprouts and egg. And you can't order combo dolsot...you know...like chicken and beef. It's only beef.  And there's white rice on the bottom instead of Mexican rice on the side. No tortillas either. And it doesn't taste anything like fajitas.

So...I guess it's not like fajitas.  But it comes out sizzling like fajitas, and that's the point. It comes out sizzling in this giant clay bowl and you mix it all together in this glommed up way. I think there must be a little bit of magic that happens when some of the grease from the beef  combines harmoniously with the egg and rice in the heat.  The rice hardens up just a little bit and everything assumes this perfectly chop-stickable form.  You add a little bit of the red pepper sauce if you're feeling feisty...which I was and I am...feisty when it comes to some dolsot.

If you can't tell, I was pretty happy with it. So...I can definitely recommend the dolsot bee bim bop when you go. Oh yes...and if you must know, there's a dish right above it called 'bee bim bap', but the menu doesn't exactly explain to you what the difference is. The difference is that without 'dolsot' in front of it...you don't get a giant hot clay bowl full of food. You get a nice chilled bowl filled with everything cold. Yuck.

Also, in traditional Korean restaurant fashion, you get a bunch of little bowls full of various stuff they choose for you. Some of it's good. Some of it sucks.  For example...seaweed salad = good.   Kimchee = the suck. Fried tofu = good. Weird squash-like stuff in an odd marinade = the suck.  Little potatoes soaked in some kind of awesome crack-based brown sauce = sweet, sweet heaven.  Wish there could be more of that served, but whatever.  You take what you get in the name of being a good sport and culture.

So if the food is so good, why the three stars?

Star #1 goes because our server was horrible. She was borderline mean, even.  She was the special  kind of crap mean where you just want to be super nice and smarmy just to see if you can elicit a positive response. And I failed even with all of my charm turned on. She looked at me like I was a roach.

Star #2 goes because everything tastes pretty darn authentic...so why can't we serve some real green tea up in this joint? I think I probably could have pee'd out better green tea than what I got. It was lukewarm and could hardly even be considered green. If they were being accurate, I'd say it was closer to a tint of brownish.  So let's name it brownish colored bile tea and call it a day.  And, keeping to the spirit of crap service, I couldn't get a refill to save myself.

And...on the way out...they just kind of ignored us like they did us a favor by allowing us to eat there.  It would've been nice if one of the three employees standing there at the door would've at least acknowledged our presence by...say...holding open the door? Smiling?  Saying, "Buh-bye"?  

Oh well...

So Korea house is DEFINITELY worth trying out if you can look past a couple of little flaws. And if you can find the damn place...

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0

10

bryan l.

Alameda, CA

This place is special to me, as it provided me with some much needed comfort food while I was living in Texas.  

The food here is top notch, just like mom made.  The YukGaeJang was steaming and blood red....just like it should be (careful, you WILL break a sweat eating this!).  The DaenJang-JeeGae reminded me of the family dinner table.  The bulgogi, kalbi, and daejee-gogi (some nice heat here) were all in line with almost any Korean BBQ out here in Cali.

This place is hard to find, but it is in the same plaza as the Alamo Movie Theater, lost in the midst of the business park-esque shopping center.  It is literally in the middle of all this.  Look for the fountain/pond and the phatty koi fish swimming about.  

Recommended:  pretty much everything....even the sushi is alright.  Although I'd stay away from the gom-tang, but other than that, it's pretty much a can't miss.

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Elite '08

79

231

matt S.

Austin, TX

Best Korean restaurant in Austin in my opinion.  I really love the baby octopus stir fry, it is fantastic.. comes in a spicy red sauce and served with white rice to cool the fire.  I also like the bulgogi and all the small dishes that come with dinner.  Clientele is primarily Asia which is a good sign..

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Elite '08

74

207

Carrie C.

Austin, TX

So my close friend Paul Hogan (may have heard of him, little show in the 80s by the name of Crocodile Dundee... ) and I are hanging out by the pool at the SanJo on SoCo, comparing knives, wrestling some crocs, drinking a little Balvinie Portwood and getting some colour on our skin so that nobody mistakes us for those feckless posers at the South By "Music" when I started feeling a bit "peckish" as they say.  We called up the driver, a charming lad, and made a beeline for this "honey hive" of tasty bulgogi.  Do trust me, it did not "disappoint".  

The wait?  What wait?  
The service?  While a bit "uncouth", was expeditious.  
The atmosphere?  Darling I have never seen so many "bourgeoise" before in my life but nevertheless they did not shoot, stab, or even so much as rob us once.  

I must say it was a fine evening of bulgogi even if the wine selection left a lot to be desired (not even a single bottle of  1945 Mouton) and Paul did claim a case of terrible indigestion and gas brought on by the meal though I do believe *that* may have been a side effect of drinking scotch and wrestling crocs all afternoon.  Oh well - c'est la vie!  In short, this is a quaint little restaurant in which to "rough it".  As they say.

Highly recommended.

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Elite '08

89

666

Heath R.

Brooklyn, NY

This place is amazing -- a real hidden gem. My friend Kyle lives in the neighborhood, so he took me and several SXSW friends here for dinner last night -- we never would have found it by ourselves, much less gone out of our way to come here. Now that I know, I will.

This is a slice of real Korea set in the midst of an outdoor shopping center near the Alamo theaters. There's a fountain in the middle, and it kind of feels like a California high school.

The food was amazing, and the staff is stellar. We ordered six sushi pieces per person -- mostly chef's choice -- and bol go gi for the table. They surprised us with two selections on the house. And folks got hot sake.

I can't specify especially good options except for the super white tuna, which I'd never had before. Wonderful, wonderful food and a super friendly place that really seems to appreciate its regulars.

But be prepared. The food and drink rounded out to about $50 per person, which surprised me. In the end, it was worth it, but be prepared -- especially if ordering blind like we did. Enjoy the eats, but avoid the sticker shock.

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Elite '08

32

150

Catherine Y.

Austin, TX

It's always difficult to tell my friend how to find this restaurant because the complex Korea House is in is a little interesting. The restaurant is located in the O-shaped block right next to Alamo Village and you can park on the side or behind the block and walk into the middle of the complex to find it although most of the time you can just follow the fantastic BBQ smell to get there.

Korea house has awesome selection of Korean cuisine. One of the best in town and always crowded. The BBQ is a must try if you never have it but I wish they give me more selection of meat to choose from.

Anyway, I had their seafood bi-bim-bop last week and wasn't too impressed by the tiny bitty pieces of seafood that they put in there. Perhaps I should try the original bi-bim-bop to see if it's just as stingy. Usually it shouldn't be.

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10

82

Jerry W.

Burlingame, CA

Probably the best Korean place in Austin, although I would only give it three stars if it were in California. Like typical Korean places, gives you a bunch of small dishes. Very reasonable prices. Very good lunch specials too. Pretty hard to find since it is basically in the courtyard of a large strip mall.

The sushi is only ok, stick to the Korean stuff.

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3

5

Gene L.

Portland, OR

First and foremost, I am Korean.  Born in America and definitely American, but raised on Korea food.

I have been going to Korea house since I was 8.  I have played hide and go seek outside, gone on dates there, had family dinners there, and going away dinners.  

If there as a country style Korean cooking, this would be the place to get it.  The food is traditional and excellent, best served family style.  The sushi is above average; however, if you're eating there, why not just get some bul go gi or some yuk gae jang.

No one I have taken here has ever left without a bursting belly.

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17

10

Will Z.

Austin, TX

Korea House holds a special place in my heart because this is where I first met my GF of 3 years... I just saw her from 3 tables away and through the good lord's graces I ran into her a week later... Gathering up the courage I.... uh oh wait,

yea the review... ahem anyways Korea House is in a weird shopping center and tough to find for the newcomer, just look for the pond in the middle and the gym, and it's right there.

if ur gonna do Korean BBQ, you gotta get one of the grill tables, although ordering the BBQ and having the chefs cook it is still pretty good as well, but kinda takes the fun out of it. The staples are the Gal Bi (short ribs) which I heartily recommend. Some other good options for the grill are the beef tongue (tastes and texture just like lean beef, TRY IT) and shrimp. I also enjoy the baby octopus.

Like any korean restaurant they bring out the pangchangs (mostly vegetarian side dishes/appetizers) But don't just come here for the BBQ, they've got some really good entrees as well. The BiBimBabDolSot (hot pot) is a good option for the beginner, it's like a Korean Jambalaya... ok that's kind of a stretch. Cold noodles are good in the summer and my personal fav is the BiBimNangMyung, spicy cold noodles. If you've got a killer hangover I would recommend any of the soups. If you want light and brothy go for the GalBiTang, which is a clear soup with beef ribs, and if you want spicy and love seafood definitely try the SoonDubuJigae (Tofu Jigae). And last but not least, I REALLY DIG the Yuk Hoi. The description sounds disgusting (Raw Beef with Raw Egg) but it is delicious, I guarantee you won't be disappointed, it's like marinated steak tar tar, but asian style.

Well that's it, and make sure if you see someone across the table staring back at you, go get their number cuz you might not see them again!

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Elite '08

7

38

Rachel K.

Austin, TX

Yum, yum, yum! This place is a serious highlight in my recent eating pattern, as I have been feeling like new, moderately-priced places to eat out are becoming harder and harder to find in Austin.  

Korea house was delicious--everything from the Bi Bim Bop to the sushi and the tempura.  Nearly every other table surrounding me and my friends ordered Korean barbeque, which would have looked inviting if I ate beef.  The sushi rolls there are extremely creative and the fish is fresh.  Portions are plentiful. The Bi Bim Bop came with several palette-cleaning sides like cooked spinach, potatoes, kimchee, marinated tofu, pickled radish, and a few others.  We ordered a wide variety of sushi all of which were scrumptious: veggie tempura roll, spicy tuna roll, volcano roll, tofu roll, and then some other roll with eel.  

This is definitely a place to consider if you want some thing low key, either for Korean food or for Sushi that isn't as expensive as a lot of the other places in the ATX.  Good, friendly service.  I'll definitely go back soon.

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6

10

L. S. E.

Austin, TX

One of my favourite places to eat, the tofu rolls (deliciously flavoured tofu) and the veggie rolls (pickled Japanese pumpkin, young pineapple, avocado) are my regular orders.
The same two sushi chefs are there every time i go and they are always friendly and welcoming.
I have yet to try the Korean food because everytime i'm there i only want to stuff myself with sushi.

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Elite '08

26

71

Jonathan W.

Austin, TX

Korea House was a pleasant surprise and a unique experience.  I ordered beef bul go gi, and received some sort of marinated, barbecued beef, and about a dozen ramekins of side items, some familiar, some not so much.  But it was mostly very tasty.

I didn't know I would be receiving the side items, and was somewhat amused as they poured off the tray onto our table like clowns from a VW.  I tried some of everything, and liked about half of them, but found all of them very interesting (okay, except the potato/egg salad - which had gone slightly sulfurous - which was interesting in its own right).  The beef itself was excellent.  Extremely bold flavors challenged my palate, and at the end, I was left standing.  I even ate all my tofu.  Flavors were unfamiliar, interesting, slightly dirty, but definitely good.

Just a couple tips for first-timers:

1. It's hard to find the restaurant at night, but it opens inside the courtyard of the shopping center.  You can park lots of places, but it seemed like people were parking near the Arthur Murray dance studio (scary stuff there!), and walking toward the inside of the center.

2. Service is quick and efficient, and pleasantly curt (if that makes sense).  Just don't expect the royal treatment, and you shouldn't be disappointed.

3. Upon arriving home, burn your clothes if at all possible, or at least put them straight in the wash.  You will smell like spiced Yeti.

4. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to store leftovers in your refrigerator, unless you want to taste a hint of Korean food in everything you eat or drink for the foreseeable future.

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3

9

Erik P.

Austin, TX

I must admit, I wasn't looking for Korean food when I found Korea House.  I was in the mood for sushi, but my neighborhood sushi joint (Maru) is closed on Sundays, so my partner and I thought we had heard about a Japanese steakhouse in the Village shopping center and wanted to try it.  After driving around the whole complex before deciding to venture into the courtyard area, we finally found the place.  It actually has a nice view of the gazebo and koi pond outside the main entrance to the restaurant.  It looked fairly crowded, though there were a few open tables.  Lots of Asian people dining there which I always see as a good sign of authentic food.  However, I noticed the name of the place was Korea House.  I really have had no exposure to Korean food, but what the heck!  We decided to stay and try it out.  
I noticed most of the people eating there had a large dish of rice and ribs of some sort with lots of small side dishes.  Very interesting.  It looked good, but I also saw a great looking sushi counter.  That seemed safer to us.  We ordered sushi and Mandoo soup.  I really enjoyed the Mandoo soup.  It's a lot like wonton soup with veggies.  The wait staff was very pleasant and efficient with their silver carts delivering all sorts of dishes to the tables around us.  Finally our sushi arrived on a cute round platter.  We really enjoyed the shrimp tempura roll, and the spicy tuna roll.  I absolutely loved the Hurricane roll!  I would go back there just for that.  I wasn't too crazy about the tamago (sweet egg).  It was just too different compared to what I have become used to from other sushi places.  Also the spider roll had two claws sticking out of two pieces that were not especially crunchy.  I'm used to crunchy long legs.  
When we left, it was nice to be acknowledged by nearly all of the staff with smiles and thank yous.  Next time we go back, I want to try the Korean BBQ!

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Elite '08

99

284

Jill W.

Austin, TX

Once I finally found this place, I really enjoyed my experience there.  It's sort of hidden (at least it was to me since I wasn't wearing my glasses) behind an Arthur Murray dance studio (where I will never take lesson because the whole place is made of windows so my un-coordination would basically be on display) , so I didn't see it at first.  Fortunately, the guy at Alamo Draft House was able to point me in the right direction.

The hostess seated us immediately and our server came right away.  We had barely opened our menus and there she was ready to take our order.

I thought my husband's beef bulgogi, $11, was delicious; the marinade made the beef really tender and flavorful.  I wasn't expecting all the little side dishes, and I still don't know what they all were, but most of them were pretty tasty, especially the cucumber.  I'm not a huge fan of the beans, but part of that had to do with my poor chopstick ability.  

I had the bibimbap, $9, (I think that was the name), which was beef, a fried egg, and a lot of different vegetables served with sauce on the side (and a giant plate of rice).  I liked the flavor combination, but I sort of thought it would be hot (temperature)  so I was surprised when it wasn't.  I still enjoyed it and will again at lunch tomorrow when I get leftovers.

One small complaint-  I would have liked more hot tea.  For $1.50, I sort of thought I'd get a refill.

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9

38

Victor E.

Austin, TX

Me and my other half were invite to this restaurant by friends of our. Even thought I being to that area where it is located, I had little of hard time finding the place. I never being to this join and I haven't had Korean food since I live in NYC.

I must say that I was impress with the restaurant. The food is really good and the side dishes brought to you are great. My recommendation would be to go with someone who is very familiar with Korean food. There are some side dishes which will require an explanation if you haven't had Korean food before. Price is reasonable and you get a lots for your money. tt is easy to find parking great for large group. I will definitely will visiting again in the future.

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1

19

David K.

Austin, TX

This Korean place, hidden in the interior of a rather deserted shopping center, serves up good food. The decor is casual but pretty. The prices are reasonable for Korean food, which is almost never less than $10 per person but is always a steal with all the bottomless banchan (side dishes) included.

For some reason, the popularization of other Asian cuisines in the U.S. hasn't afforded Korean cuisine the spotlight it deserves. It's truly baffling. Korean food has so many selling points:

1. It's healthy. In fact, kimchi (the national dish of Korea) is regularly cited among the healthiest foods in the world. Aside from kimchi, the dishes typically feature tons of vegetables.

2. You're likely to be served something fairly authentic. Korean food hasn't been bastardized in the U.S. to the extent of, say, Chinese or Japanese food.

3. Several dishes feature barbecued meat. Who doesn't like barbecued meat?!! The most famous Korean meat dishes in the U.S. are probably bulgogi (thinly sliced beef, marinated in a sweet soy sauce mixture and grilled, typically in front of you) and galbi (same thing, but with pork or beef ribs). If you order either of these, make sure you ask for a big bowl of lettuce, some gochujjang (Korean sweet-hot sauce), and grilled garlic cloves. Wrap the beef in the lettuce, throw in a clove of garlic, and slather on the sauce. Sublime.

4. If you like spicy food, you'll find plenty to choose from. For a spicy soup, try sundubu jjigae (spicy tofu stew).

5. If you don't like spicy food, you'll find plenty to choose from. For a non-spicy but extremely flavorful soup, try doenjang jjigae (soybean paste soup). Tastes better than it sounds, believe me.

6. If you only kinda like spicy food, there's a fabulous dish that you can season to taste. It's called dolsot bibimbap, and it consists of a hot stone bowl filled with rice and topped with various vegetables, beef, and egg. You add the hot sauce yourself, so you can make it as spicy as you want. A personal favorite.

7. If you're looking for a delicious way to celebrate Asian New Year without much effort, look no further. This restaurant serves up ddeok manduguk (dumpling rice cake soup), which is what Koreans traditionally serve to commemorate this holiday. Plus, a heaping bowl of it is less than $10.

Korea House offers a wide variety of dishes to suit a wide variety of palates. Help spread the word about this incredible world cuisine!

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20

46

Christina A.

TX

Let me preface my review by saying this was the first time I'd ever tried Korean food.  Some friends suggested it and since I was feeling a bit adventurous I thought it sounded like fun.  Fortunately for me it was actually a pleasant surprise.  

Luckily one of my friends was very familiar with Korean cuisine and suggested some items on the menu for me to try.  I decided to go with one of the bento boxes thinking they were a fairly safe bet, and I wasn't wrong.  The barbecue had a good flavor and I like the tempura and California rolls.  I'll have to go back again and be a bit more of a daredevil next time.

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4

6

Alex B.

Austin, TX

Really disappointing experience.  My date and I arrived after being turned away at The Alamo Drafthouse and figured we would try a new restaurant--my, oh, my--what a mistake.

The only saving grace at the Korea House was that there was no wait.  Once we were seated, however, everything went to hell in a handbasket.  The waiter threw tea at us in non-matching 'Texarkana Museum' mugs (think: tea bag sitting in a dirty mug filled with tepid water) and then ignored us for twenty minutes.  Once we finally got some attention, we had to wait another thirty minutes for food.  We were actually on the verge of walking out right when it arrived (mind you, my date's entree arrived 10 minutes before mine).  The food was hot, but mediocre.  I was hoping that the bul go gi would actually be worth the wait, but it was not.  And the variety of kim chee and assorted pickles that I love so much about Korean restaurants arrived AFTER our main course...they weren't even good.

I wouldn't totally avoid Korea House, but definitely don't make it a destination.  Otherwise, you'll be disappointed.

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5

13

Nikki D.

Austin, TX

In a Tea Cup: A
Korea House serves good Korean food. What else do I need to say? They have mastered the KISS strategy (Keep it Simple Stupid). I get what I order. It tastes good. It's reasonably priced. I leave happy. I want to pitch a tent outside Korea House (next to that turtle pond) so I can eat there every day. I'd never be cranky again.

Food: A-
I usually order Bi Bim Bap, and the ingredients are always fresh. I also appreciate that they have 3 KINDs of Bi Bim Bap-- hot, cold, and raw. When I saw this, I knew I was at an authentic Korean place. I've also had the red snapper soup. It was excellent. I highly recommend it if you have a cold. I really appreciate that I also get all the traditional sides and pickles with my meal. My meal is always under ten dollars, and I get about eight little dishes to nibble on, too.  That's good value.

The only dish I didn't like was the Hwe Dup Bab, which is chopped raw fish over rice and vegetables. Theirs had only one kind of fish, too much lettuce, and not enough rice.

I have never tried the sushi.

Atmosphere: A
It is a simply decorated place, which I appreciate because they spend their energy on the food. All they need is that big window looking out at the pond. It is a little crowded, and the seating is very close, but I like this because it reminds me of Asia. It also keeps the uptight white people away, which I appreciate. Korea House is located in the Alamo Village, which makes it a great place to go after the Drafthouse or for reading and writing afterwards at Texpresso.

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Elite '08

6

44

Jen L.

Cedar Park, TX

This is one of my favorite restaurants even though it looks like it's still stuck in the 70's. I think the time-warp ambiance is part of its charm - it's clear that the money isn't spent on decor or dishes, but on the food.

Eating there is nearly overwhelming - you get unlimited sides, and the number of bowls that come with dinner is enough to cause massive confusion. Nearly every dish you order will come complete with 7  dishes that include fresh bean sprouts, tofu with a spicy sauce, spinach sauted in sesame oil, sesame leaves with a spicy sauce, marinated potatoes, two kinds of kim-chee, pickled cucumbers, soybeans. What to try first?

Well, I'm extremely partial to beef bul go gi, which is fantastic. The sushi is so-so - not overpriced, but fairly mediocre.

The service reminds me of being back in New York City - somewhat unfriendly, somewhat lacking, and somewhat needing improvement. They don't lose a star for that, though, as it's one of the most, if not the most, authentic Korean restaurants in Austin and the food more than makes up for it.

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19

63

Kelley R.

Austin, TX

The food here is delicious. I almost always go with the same friend and we always order the Bi Bim Bab and hot tea. For some reason the waitress rarely refills our hot tea and as soon as we get our food they start yelling at us to mix it up as if we don't know what to do with our food even though we ordered it without looking at the menu. I would think that was a sign that 'this ain't our first rodeo' but apparently not. After we start mixing our food up they stare at us for a few seconds and then walk away, and don't come back until about 5 min after we've both leaned back and pushed our bowls away. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the wait staff is generally a little rude and neglectful.

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Elite '08

15

130

John B.

Dripping Springs, TX

Guess I'm going to rain on this parade.  The Korean food is very good.  I like DK's better.

The sushi here is bad.  Sushi places should not smell of fish.  Sushi should not smell of fish.  Yes, I know it is fish...but fresh sushi should smell like the ocean not fish.  Fish that has time to start to smell is not SUSHI GRADE!
Period!
End of Subject!
End of Discussion!
End of Lesson!

People that know me well, know that I have a terrible sense of smell. If I can smell it...that is a bad sign.

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9

16

laura G.

Austin, TX

People go on & on about Korea House's authentic Korean food, the BBQ is fabulous...but what about their sushi?  It's no Uchi, but it's reasonably priced and not bad at all.  

I actually crave their cowboy roll.  It's fried, so perhaps it's not true sushi - but Y. U. M.

So when $Dad's$ not in town to take me to Uchi, I am perfectly happy at Korea House - where I can always partake of the Korean cuisine as well.  And perhaps skip on over to the Alamo after (anyone tried to sneak sushi into the Alamo?).

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Elite '08

50

129

Stephanie S.

Austin, TX

I like this place -- despite the crappy service and questionable cleanliness and that the sushi doesn't look appetizing.   I tried it once.  Meh.

I love the grilled meats --Bulgogi was pretty tasty. Short ribs weren't the greatest -- kind of "rough trade" mystery meat, but hit the spot.

My favorite is the cold spicy noodles.  I wish I could remember the real name of this dish, but I can't and its not on-line.    Its not really cold - kinda warm, but not hot, and there is meat in it.   The consistency of these noodles is SO FRICKIN Fantastic.  

  Kind of sticky.  Kind of oily.  Spicy.   Hard to explain.  Totally addicting.  

I stuff them in my mouth and my eyes roll back in my head.

All I can do is smile.

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Elite '08

22

81

p d.

Austin, TX

I actually have to say..the service here is LIGHTNING QUICK.  Went here for lunch and they seemed attentive to our every need, whether it be tea, food, ordering, water, check..even crushing our little "friends" (i.e. cockroaches) that joined us for our meal.  Lightning quick I tell you!!

I have to say seeing the little "friend" crawl across our table then along our wall and just generally hang out, kinda put a damper on my appetite.  It also didn't help that my lunch chum decided to regale me with stories of how Koreans eat so much of the red spicy sauce that you readily see it when they vomit, or how his nose likes to drip at spicy foods and oh how I might have sampled it when I tried his Bimipap..

Right. So. In short: Order Bimipap in a stone bowl that comes sizzling.  Lunch is quick, cheap, and service was great.  I would go back to try the BBQ and grilled fish, but steer clear of the sushi.  Sit next to the windows, in direct light (which may discourage certain "friends" from joining you for lunch), and enjoy the view of the oriental garden & koi pond.

On second review of this, I won't go back.  My stomach still twitches at the thought of my food experience and added protein crawling across the table.  I'm sure comparable if not better Korean food can be found elsewhere in this town.

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Elite '08

573

96

Colby B.

Austin, TX

I just got back from Korea House. My companion had heard great things about it. I didn't realize I had ever been. But I had, It had just been in a previous life.  I walked in and realized, "THIS IS THE PLACE I CONVINCED MY EX WIFE THE WASABI WAS GUACAMOLE!"

My companion being of infinitely greater intelligence, I decided against retrying the gag.

We were seated immediately (and pleasantly, I might add). We decided we were having one of everything. I think I am only half kidding. We ordered three sushi rolls and the BBQ beef and beef ribs. We carried out at least three-fourths of it to inhabit the netherregions of my Bachelor-o-fridge 3000 until it becomes liquid. Or plasma.

Anyway, what a rock solid dining experience. We probably could have made do with just the three sushi rolls and gotten out for about $20 total. Instead, I have something to challenge that spiffy new Arm & Hammer dispenser in the fridge.

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5

6

Susan W.

McDade, TX

The sushi bar is one of the best.  The sushi chef is a true artist and always gives you special treats.

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Elite '08

49

76

Robin S.

Austin, TX

Its such a cute place and the Korean food is good. But I personally mostly eat sushi while I'm there, and so this review is largely of the sushi.

The cowboy roll is very interesting and if you like fried sushi, give it a shot. Its a really interesting experience. Beyond that, their sushi doesn't excite me. I'm not sure what is up with the rice they use- it doesn't have the right density or stickiness to me. On one or two occasions, I've gone in for lunch specials and the fish had gone bad- not just not fresh, but spit the roll out bad. Embarassing.

My guess is that they use up the leftovers on lunches.

With places like Mikado , Mushashino, and Ichiban nearby, its hard for me to feel any justification to get sushi here.

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Elite '08

42

84

Donna R.

Austin, TX

I love this place! The service was very friendly. They did forget my Miso soup, but all i had to do was ask, and i got it promptly. As for the sushi, it was very tasty, fresh and the rolls were terrific. (We had the Diana I and the 90210 roll) Personally, i *like* the ambiance there, the best sushi places I've found have the worst look to them, mostly because they are concentrating on the food, not the "specialness" of the restaurant. If you want a romantic setting, i suggest Mikado or Uchi, but be prepared to pay out the nose for your romantic night. Korea House will most likely become my new place to get regular sushi, as well as the fact that the Korean dishes come highly recommended by some foodie friends of mine. This place is a great standard to the Austin sushi scene.

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Elite '08

113

428

Larry M.

Austin, TX

I don't know how many times I have to back here before I get the impression the hostess queen doesn't completely hate me, but I will NOT GIVE UP.

God I love this place.

Korean BBQ is new to me, and you definitely need someone with you that knows the routine (and the hostess stand will embrace), but where have I been?

Both the beef and chicken cook fairly quickly, and the side dishes...try them ALL with the potatoes and onion pancakes as musts to go with the glut-fest.

GREAT deal for a large group.

Call ahead!

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Elite '08

95

284

Isabelle K.

Austin, TX

My favorite Korean restaurant.
Every time I only order two dishes. Mexican orgasm sushi and Bugagi. Don't like anything else that much. After I said I want Mexican orgasm, my friends will laugh for a while. Actually it just tastes like caterpillar roll.

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0

6

Mike B.

Austin, TX

I love this place.  I've been going here since the 1980s.  The lunch specials are reasonably priced.

My favorite item on the menu is J5.  I could eat it every day.

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Elite '08

56

274

Melissa S.

New York, NY

I really like this place, but I tend to not take the unadventurous with me to eat there.  People either love it or hate it, and it's seems to be really hard to predict which one it's going to be.

The Bulgogi is the main attraction here, and it's about as good as it gets.  This is also the place I first got hooked on Yakki Mandoo, which are basically Korean pan-fried dumplings.  For my fellow vegetarians, I highly recommend the potatoe noodles with tofu.

However, there is an unexpected delicacy here at Korea House -- the vegetable fried rice is AMAZING.  To die for.  Out of this world.  The sauce is a bit spicy, a bit salty, and a bit sweet.  Not to mention the rice itself is the perfect evel of stick-together-ness, so that it is easy to eat with chopsticks.  When I lived down the street, I used to make a to-go order compromised of several orders of vegetable fried rice and nothing else.

In short, don't go for the sushi -- go for the Bulgogi, it's the best in town.  And the vegetable fried rice.  Mmmmmm.

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1

6

A.J. P.

Austin, TX

This is a great  low key spot to cure that Korean craving without tearing a hole in your wallet. The bulgogi is scrumptious and the small plates experimental, but not exotic or particularly fresh. Highly recommended for the ADD at heart and taste-bud. We went on a Saturday night with a party of four and found the rolls to be fairly yummy, definitely fresh and humorously named. I would however note the service is not overly friendly-they are all business, which I rather liked. If you want a straight up place with no frills decor (think "did this used to be a doughnut shop?") and some pretty decent sushi and bulgogi this is your jam.

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