| rev:text
| - UPDATE: 4/1/16:
Went back last Friday and had a friend with me so I could "qualify" to sit at the Grill and do AYCE. Noticed on the front door that they put up a sign saying that Grill and AYCE is for 2 or more persons, and even offering an apology if you don't meet this requirement. To be fair, I've come across another Korean BBQ place that holds the same policy. Once seated I noticed that they changed the grills from the rectangular ones that survived through 3 previous ownership changes, to the 14" rounded types with holes on the outer perimeter. I also noticed that they reduced the number of grill stations as well, so I can understand now why they are limiting the grills to parties of two or more.
Ordered the Bulgogi (it's labeled as "ribeye" on the menu) and the Kalbi Ribs. I prefer LA Style Kalbi, but this place has the traditional cut. I've posted pictures before of their beautiful presentation, but now it's just thrown in a metal bowl and served to you. We actually ordered 2 bowls of Bulgogi because the portions are modest, which is okay since it'll prevent waste. The Bulgogi was marinated nicely, but the Kalbi ribs were a bit too thick, and the meat a bit rubbery. I ordered the brisket and it came nice a thin shaved. I like Bibim Bap sauce on my brisket so they were nice enough to bring me some on the side. My friend likes salt & pepper on his rice (don't ask, I didn't) and they actually brought a bowl of salt/pepper mix from the kitchen for him.
My friend wanted chicken, so we ordered the Dak Gui. It was a disappointment, just two breasts that were butterfly cut, and no marinade, so I used the sesame oil and pepper sauce that was given on the side to try and infuse some flavor. They also didn't provide any garlic as well. Good thing I had the Bibim Bap sauce to give the chicken some kick.
I'm upgrading from the previous 2-star rating, but not returning the original 4-star rating. The food has gone downhill. There was no soup or egg souffle like last time, the bancha was limited (no cucumbers or anchiovis) and the Kalbi and Dak Gui were disappointments. Also, the floors continue to be a problem, as they remain slippery like someone waxed the floors with a layer of Crisco, which makes rubber soled shoes as slippery as teflon. The pricing is still great at $20 for AYCE dinner, so that'll keep bringing people in, but there are definitely better joints out there as far as quality goes.
UPDATE: 1/22/16:
Unfortunately Hwaro's ego has gotten too big for its own good. Stepped in yesterday for a late lunch, and despite seeing 4 open grills, was told that I couldn't get a grill as they are for parties of 2 or more only. Ok, so I asked if AYCE is still available at a non-grill station, and was told no. Wow, took my business elsewhere (Trattoria Nakamura-Ya which was a far better choice) and will continue to do so until this place sees its 4th owner, which shouldn't be too long. Once gave this place 4 Stars, but taking it down two notches since I received no service at all.
FIRST REVIEW: 5/19/15:
Been eating Korean BBQ at this locale for over 8 years and 3 previous owners. Just walking in and seeing the new decor gave this place some much needed style, decor, ambiance and personality. The wait staff was very friendly, and the food came fresh to the table, prepared and presented excellenty from their owner/chef who was the Head Chef at the Shila(sp) Hotel in Korea. Nestled in the Seoul Plaza, which is quickly becoming Tokyo Plaza with nearby big-hitters like Raku, Raku Sweets, Monta Ramen, Trattoria Nakamura-Ya and Kabuto Edomae Sushi residing with them, it's nice to know that there's an actual Korean joint that can hold it's own weight in this plaza of Yelp Celebrities. Add this to the list of places I'll send my friends to. If this inspires you at all to check out Hwaro, please tell Nali (which others also pronounce as Nari and Naughty) I said hello as she doesn't believe me when I told/promised her I would give them props on Yelp!
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)