Shin Sa Dong Korean BBQ

Really disappointed. Was really looking forward to eating here.
We didn’t get 20 side dishes like others mentioned and the ones we got weren’t that great. One of them was what looked like shredded cabbage with 1000 island dressing on it.. .nasty! Main entrée (bi-​bim-​bap & tofu soup) was just ok.. .had better at other Korean restaurants in the area. Service wasn’t great but that’s pretty typical of Korean restaurants.
Like Seoul BBQ & Sae Jong Kwan much better. Glad we used a Unilocal voucher because we probably won’t be going back.

Dancing Crab and Sports Bar coming to this location. Did you see that big sign as you drove by? 10÷28÷13
Pooei. they are closed for good. Good thing I used up the Unilocal and Groupon voucher. I am sure you can get your money back from the vendor. Sad to see them closed. Just wanted to say to the talented chef. we wish you the best!

We returned with a $ 20 Google Offers coupon. We came for lunch on a Tuesday afternoon. The front desk area was still a mess and they need a hostess or atleast more staff.
We were seated on the upper level of the restaurant. The server came by with 2 waters. He did not ask us if we wanted anything else to drink. We ordered the same food we ordered last time, but this time they would cook it properly.
The jars on the table were almost empty. I think they were salt, pepper, and sugar. One of them was clumpy. The soy sauce dispenser top was cracked.
We were brought 8 dishes of banchan and 2 small bowls of rice. The gal did not tell us what any of it was. I liked 6 of them, There were 2 cabbage kimchees, a radish kimchee, a cucumber kimchee, boiled bean sprouts, fish cake, spicy fried tofu, and some kind of root kimchee.
The Prime L.A. Galbi ($ 14.95) was served on a bed of chopped raw cabbage on a sizzling platter. There were 10 cut up pieces with the bone in it. It was perfectly marinated and tender. It was really good and I would order it again.
The Spicy Chicken Bulgobi ($ 9.95) was also served on a bed of raw cabbage on a sizzling platter. The chicken was moist and tender.
The server also brought out a sizzling bowl of steamed egg side dish., which I still don’t care for.
I wanted a fork and steak knife and my husband wanted some hot tea, but we never saw him until we asked for the bill.
There were only 2 servers working for a half full restaurant and they were very busy. I could have used a refill of water.
On both visits, service was minimal. Today the food was very good having it cooked for us. We would not do the cooking at the table again. The dinner entrees cost a lot more and included a salad and 3 more banchan. We would return for lunch.

Authentic Korean «Country Style» Cooking.
Bali Tea: Good stuff… ‘And I’m not a huge tea fan.
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Bachangs: 10 side dishes; tasty & plentiful! The daikon kim chee was crazy, delicious… In fact, all of the bachangs were delicious!
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Soju: Good; ‘of course!
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Kopchang Jungol (Spicy Beef Tripe Hot Pot) ‘Think «Korean Menudo»: Okay; prepared «old school» style = «dirty»; wasn’t expecting that… ‘Not a fan. 8/​
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Daikon Kim Chee —
Seafood Panjam (Seafood Pancake): Great; delicious
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Yukgae-​jang (Spicy Beef Soup): Good; could’ve been spicier
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Ojingeo-​bokkeum (Spicy Stir Fried Squid): Very tasty; lots of squid
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«The Spread» —
Total Bill — $ 120 (Including tip)
‘Haven’t had a really good Korean meal in quite sometime and Shin Sa Dong, nailed it! No fast food-​galbi you find @ the local shopping mall here… ‘Just good, solid Korean grinds!
Service was friendly, informative, & helpful. As noted in other reviews, once all of our food arrived… Poof! Like magic, our waitress had disappeared! (Insert «Raspberry» sound here) We had to wave her over several times for more bachangs, rice & napkins… ‘Not a big deal but a bit of annoyance to an otherwise good dinner. (Hence, the overall 3 Star rating.)
Food: 5
Ambience: 3
Service: 3–
Value: 3+

We were warmly greeted when we entered the restaurant and opted for a hibachi table. We both ordered Korean beer (yum) and at the advice of the waitress, went with one of the bigger meals. It was a lot of food and it was all quite delicious. Whenever I go to an «ethnic» restaurant, I tend to judge how authentic it is by the amount of patrons that are of that particular «ethnicity» eating at the restaurant. This place was definitely authentic.
Customer service was great, however, it was a little hard to understand what the waitress was saying, since her accent was very thick.
We will definitely return, but the next time we go, we will probably let the kitchen cook all the food.

In my opinion, this place is just a step down from some of the other Korean joints in town. Not sure what it is exactly. The décor is certainly lovely and the prices reasonable. But the flavors here just don’t seem as strong as other places. My noodle dish I got was quite bland with somewhat slimy noodles (which I guess is intentional but still not that pleasing to my mouth). My girlfriend was also not super impressed with her rice dish, saying it was good but not better than what she has made herself at home. The service was also a bit slow and they played some annoying games with our Groupon, requiring to buy more food than we wanted.
I don’t know. Aurora certainly has lots of great Korean restaurants and while this was in perfectly alright, I feel there are better nearby.

For food quality and taste, I give Shin Sa Dong five stars. We selected «Courses A» which came with house salad, cold noodles or soup, a bunch of different cuts of meat and soju. It also comes with about 12 different side dishes to try that complement all the meat. Delicious, delicious, delicious. Favorite meat was the bulgogi. We were hesitant to try the ox tounge but it was actually great.
I read in the previous review that the staff really works hard and I will agree that they do, but they must be grossly understaffed because finding someone to refill drinks or get us missing items (we had to specifically point out that we never received the cold noodles and soju) was pretty challenging. Everyone was very nice and helpful once you found someone to assist.
I will definitely return, although I have to admit that the Living Social deal we had made it much easier on the pocketbook.

For a while after I tried this little place, it had been my stand-​by for a good, comforting Korean meal, and a month ago, I would’ve given it five stars… not so much today.
The Bulgogi was my favorite, as even though it was expensive, it was a formidable meal for two people, and absolutely delicious, but that is no longer the case. While the taste is still there, having ordered take-​out from them last night, I was very disappointed that they apparently changed their cooking methods. The bulgogi was nowhere near as tender as it had been in the past, and they cut down their portions considerably… I no longer feel it’s a value for the money. There’s not even as much sauce with it as there used to be. how much can they possibly be saving by not giving me more than a few tablespoons of sauce with my dish?
I haven’t eaten in, always ordered take-​out, since I took the warning from other Unilocalers that the dine-​in experience wasn’t so great, and I believe it. The place would appear to be run by a family primarily, and while I think it’s great that family businesses like this can succeed, I feel there’s only a certain level of service that can be offered while everyone has to keep an eye on an adorable, but somewhat hyper five year old girl running around the place. As this impacted my carry-​out experience, I can only imagine it would make dining in a little less than ideal.
I don’t want to believe that their food has slipped so much in such a relatively short amount of time, so I will give them one more chance, but for now, I just couldn’t give them more than three stars. If these are the new portions/​recipes for the price, they’re gouging. I really hope that isn’t the case.

Well, my star rating actually started at a 2, but ended at a five. I booked our table on OpenTable for 7 — showed at 7:10p.m. They said they did not know how to use OpenTable and therefore did not have a table ready. Being that I was STARVING, I was less thank pleased. After 15 minutes, we were finally sat and I was even LESS pleased.
However, the night turned around quickly. The staff there BUSTS their humps moving around getting all the amazing food ready for the tables. We ordered the BBQ Feast for three (even though there were two of us — remember how hungry I was)? Ummmm… I can eat like a horse and I was very hungry — with all that, do NOT order for three if you are only two! The upside, I just ate some leftovers — yummy! Anyway, all the sides, meats, salads, etc. started to quickly pour onto our table. Just when we thought we were getting toward the end, the two largest bacon strips ever created were brought to the table. The classic moment was at the end — we were ready to roll home when they brought «dessert.» A large bowl of cold noodles in a some type of broth. Just like any good American, I ate more because it was there — it was very refreshing!
Having recently return from Seoul (where I discovered this omnivore’s paradise of food selection), I can say this place is authentic and awesome. Sarah, the owner, was so much fun and drank a few shots of Soju with us! I wish she would have hooked us up for the wait, but we had fun and ate like kings.
There is NO doubt, I will be back soon.

I’ve gone back and forth about giving this three stars or two, but in thinking about it, there are too many negatives to overlook. The food itself was pretty good and had great flavors and assortments to the pickled vegetables and the marinade on the beef was pretty good. Unfortunately, the cost is pretty high and I’m not sure that paying 20 dollars for a single bul go gi plate can be justified.
Also, the service was very poor. I think if you speak Korean you could get better service, but I can’t guarantee that. The servers did not check up on us, give refills for water, or explain some of the mystery dishes.
With a lot of different options nearby Shin as dong isn’t the best option.

Let me start by saying, I am not very familiar with Korean food. But, if Shin Sa Dong is an accurate depiction of what traditional Korean food tastes like, then I am not a fan.
The meal started with 10 or so banchan dishes. I liked 3 of them. Unfortunately, the server didn’t explain the dishes, so I didn’t know what I was eating. The main entrée of beef bulgogi was too fatty and the overall price of the dinner was too high. To top it off, we got poor service even though the restaurant was pretty empty for a Friday night.
On a more positive note, the décor is nice and the seating area is very clean. They have two water features and a separate room for a small group of people.

Walked into the place at 730pm during the busy dinner time and was told that we would get a table for 6 people in 5min. 2 min later, we were seating and looking at our menus. GREAT service!
With the 6 people, we ordered the set menu for 3 people. It was WAY more than enough and we had a bit extra left over! That’s the best part of this place is getting the best bang for your buck. I would come back just for that!
We had about 5 different meats, little dishes, and a bottle of soju in the set menu. YEP! that’s right we have Soju w/​the set menus!
They have a call button if we need to waitress and after you press the button, less than 2min later the waitress would come and ready to help service! it was pretty great and they were very fast.
Overall a great experience. If they keep everything the way they are right now, they will be a long time successful business.

The service was slow.
It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten at a Korean BBQ joint so i can’t really compare my experience to other places.
This would be my biggest complaint… My friend ordered chicken and I ordered beef. When they brought out the tray everything was on the same plate — the beef, chicken and vegetables. The meat was only separated by a couple pieces of lettuce under them. I do understand that I’m cooking my own food and I opted on this go around because the meat and veggies were served on the same try to cook mine very well done to the point of char.
At home I don’t even use the same cutting boards for meat, chicken and veggies. To avoid cross-​contamination these things must be kept separate.
But I can’t help but think that those that don’t realize that this is a huge health risk may get sick. I also can’t help but wonder if they are serving these on the same platter what goes on in the kitchen before the food even makes it way out to the dining room.
This is one instance where I wish I had just walked out when they put the food down, but I didn’t.

We were looking for a new Korean restaurant to try and both are so happy we tried this one. Excellent food, reasonable prices, fabulous staff and very positive energy.
We tried the same dishes that we order at our standard korean restaurant and were blown away. The dishes were so delicious! The temperature was right on and the flavor and spices were perfect.
The restaurant staff was so friendly and very accomodating. We preferred a booth and despite us not barbequing and taking way too much space for just two, they were willing to let us sit at a booth, even though it was pretty packed. They even sent over complimentary baked dumplings, which were amazing!
They are open an hour later than most other Korean reataurants (11 instead of 10) which works really great in our schedule since we tend to eat later.
They are relatively new… just opened this past summer. It used to be a different Korean restaurant at this same location.
We got a Unilocal 20 for 10 special, but decided to save it for our next trip since we know we will be back there many times. Next time we will bring more family and friends. We found a new favorite Korean restauran!
Just as a follow up, we have visited here several times more and it was as fabulous as our first visit. We still have not used our Unilocal deal yet… but hope to go again sometime this week again! :)

Shin Sa Dong Korean BBQ…
PARTY of 14. I bring my fellow foodie friends to you on Friday Evening, August 31^st 2012. Time for the Dinner was at 18:30hrs. Thankfully our table was ready for our party. Time: 18:15hrs, I arrived early as usual so to make sure, the seating arragement and all other minor things needed for our Korean Feast can be run smoothtly for the evening. We were seated at the upper level SEMI-​Enclosed area. A little too tight for my liking, but oh-​well that’s how Shin Sa Dong Korean BBQ seating layout was.
We divide our group into two. One group opt for the BBQ Table (8 of my foodie friends), meaning, they cook their own meats at their own pace. Another group of us (6 of us), opt for the Kitchen to cook, the various dishes which was offered in the Menu.
* Time: 18:18hrs
Given the menu to the rest of my Foodie Group. Unfortunately, some of us, need to share the Menu coz there arent enough Menu to go around for the group.
* Time: 18:48hrs
First Korean Alcoholic beverage was served to my foodie friend who order those Korean Alcoholic beverage.
* Time: 18:52hrs
First appetizer of Gun Mandu ($ 6.95) arrived at our table.
* Time: 19:11hrs
The various banchan offered at our table arrived.
Last order of LA-​Galbi arrived at 19:40hrs.
In which at this point, some of my foodie friends who opt NOT to cook, either some had finished their main meal, and the last foodie friend, did not received her food until 19:40hrs.
From what I could recall these were the items my foodie friends ordered that evening, which requires the KITCHEN to cook :
* 2 orders of Japchae
* Joo-​mul-​luk
* LA-​Galbi
Our server tried to make sure everyone received the food but from the feedback of my foodie friends, they were hoping the service for the food to be ready in the timely manner.
The ones who opt to cook their own food at the BBQ Table, were impressed with the quality of the meats, hence the MEATs do not require any marination.
Personally where they situated us, to be seated at the SEMI-​Enclosed area, I feel either the temperature in that room is a little too high for my personal liking aka SUPER HOT, meaning the Air-​Conditioner IS NOT working properly that evening.
Next was the food that I ordered. Perhaps due to miscommunication, they send me the PRIME GALBI ($ 24.95) instead, though I wanted the order of LA-​Galbi. I also wanted to order the Ojingeo-​Bokkeum — Spicy Stir Fry Squid ($ 14.95), our server mentioned it RAN-​OUT that evening so I have to settle for Nakji Bokkeum — Stir Fried Octopus ($ 15.95) instead. I received my order at 19:24hrs and 19:25hrs respectively. My order of Nakji Bokkeum Was NOT SPICY to my taste bud though I specifically order them to make it EXTRA SPICY HOT like how they do for Ojingeo-​Bokkeum. The Octopus was slightly over-​cooked, hence it was too chewy. The PRIME GALBI was not tender at all. A little tough to chew, and the flavor wasnt there at all. BIG BUMMER to pay that amount for PRIME GALBI… *SAD FACE*
So, I so wish, if there are many more server to our table, coz during many times for our dinner, we need to ask for extra cutlery, extra water, extra items for the group etc etc.
There are positives and negatives during our visit that evening. Nevertheless, I hope Shin Sa Dong Korean BBQ can uphold their service, and quality of the food they offer, and making sure it WONT ran out, during service for dinner for other patrons to enjoy. Hence this heavy-​heartfelt 2 stars review.
The good part was at least Shin Sa Dong allow us to have separate CHECKS for the group but to settle everyone’s check do took a little long time then anticipated. We left Shin Sa Dong Korean BBQ @ 20:45hrs.
@122/2012

Alas, my honeymoon with Shin Sa Dong is over, which is too bad, because this place started out really, really strong.
On my most recent lunch visit, the banchan had been knocked down to about half of what it was previously at lunch or dinner. Furthermore, all of the banchan were the cheap kind (cucumbers, cabbage, etc). Things like eggplant and tofu are gone, and so is the variety.
It also seemed like my bibimbap had an extra cup of rice in it, and a little less meat – again like they were trying to dilute things.
Hopefully an isolated experience, but this does mean that Shin Sa Dong will be out of the regular rotation for a while.

I hate to spoil my own ROTD for Shin Sa Dong, but I feel an obligation to do it. The last two times we went there, we had awful, want-​to-​punch-​your-​server-​in-​the-​face service, and the restaurant does not seem to want to do anything about it. They have these young Korean kids who apparently have no training in service, don’t seem to care, and don’t have any idea how to deal with an unhappy customer except to dodge you for the rest of the evening. The first bad experience: we took two good friends to Shin Sa Dong to introduce them to their wonderful food. For an hour, we waited while our server flitted about with no apparent understanding of what we he was doing. It took a half hour to take our order and then another hour to get served. We had to ask for the banchan to come out repeatedly. The tables around us were having the same issues, and everyone was flagging the waiters every time they stepped on the floor, so they just hid back in the kitchen. When we complained about the long delays, our waiter had a smirk on this face and basically shrugged his shoulders and said that they were short-​handed – on a Thursday night. We registered our disapproval with the manager, and he basically gave us the same reaction. Our friends said they were never coming back there again.
After waiting about a month, we went back there by ourselves over the weekend to give them a second chance. Same issues all over again, on very quiet Saturday lunch time. Unbelievable. This time, my wife was fed up and complained to the waitress about the inexcusable delay. The waitress smiled nervously, and looked off into the middle distance, perhaps trying to wish herself to be transported away to some other dimension. She didn’t say a word, no apology, nothing, just put the food down and scooted away. We paid our bill and left; this time, there was no manager or host at the door to even leave feedback with.
This place’s service is deteriorating by the day, and if they don’t get their act together, people are going to stop going there. Sad, because their food is really very good.

I believe I have found my Korean BBQ mecca!
This place offers roomy seating, great service, and the best kimchee I’ve tasted in Colorado. They aren’t stingy with the banchan and one entrée portion can easily serve two people. The price is comparable with other Korean barbecue restaurants in the area, but the quality of food here is a better deal. Two barbecue entrees, an order of chapchae, an order of mandu, and two non-​alcoholic beverages came out to approximately $ 50.00 (not including tip). That’s a pretty good deal since you get enough food to feed at least 6 people.
Besides the kimchee, another dish they impressed me with was their chapchae. Most places struggle to get the noodles to the right consistency and typically overcook them, leaving you with a plate of mush. Shin Sa Dong has mastered the art of cooking the noodles to soft, but still slightly chewy. Perfect!
To enhance your cooking and eating experience, they go out of their way to change out your barbecue grill plates often so you avoid getting charred bits in your meal. Shin Sa Dong is the only place I know that cares about this issue. I give this place an A++ and will be back for sure!

Shin Sa Dong is just a new name (since they switched the owner). The building is the same pretty and spacious place in the inside. The most impressive thing is that they give you at least 15 banchan each meal (I am not sure for parties of less than three people). They even give you that much if you order some non-​rice dish like naengmyun.
According to my korean parents the seulnongtang and mul naengmyun are especially good. I would agree with the mul naengmyun part: those cold noodles are so delicious and refreshing especially living in this horrid hot weather. Plus, they have an option to enjoy a bunch of BBQ in a course-​meal style (which will stuff you until you can’t no more).

Another Korean restaurant that serves more than 2 – 3 side dishes! I love restaurants that have many side dishes and they were actually yummy too :)
Definitely get the chicken dohl sot bibimbap. omg, it was delicious. The nang myun was also decent — I liked the soup, but I’ve had better noodles. The yuk gae jang was also pretty delicious.
Excited to have another option in the area!