They give you potato pancake for starters. Loved it! I ordered dduk mandu kuk. The mandu is not out of a bag, thank god. Or at least the basic gyoza/potsticker cheapy stuff. The panchan could have been better though. I’d come back again for sure, if I’m in the neighborhood.
Melissa D.
Place rating: 2 Corona, CA
I’m not going to lie the food is oretty good, I only go back for there fish cake soup but beside that the service is a hot and miss at times. A group of friends and I went in to have dinner and at the end we told the waitress it’s going to be separate bills she got upset and walk away to split the bill but even when we went up to pay she was looking at us and mumbling Korean, to her ignorant I understood some of the things she was saying. So next time I’ll just order my food to go and skip on the horrible service.
Eric B.
Place rating: 1 Oakland, CA
These people really have some nerve. One day my brother and I go to pick up an order we had placed about thirty minutes before. We arrived around 8:45 to pick up the order, and as soon as we walk in we are greeted to accusatory looks and a lady yelling«We close» we tried explain to this lady that we had placed an order over the phone but she would have none of it. After what seem like an hour we finally convinced her that we order over the phone, only for her to say that we had not ordered because the person who called was a woman. This again lead to an hour long debate in which we had to explain to her that my brothers wife made the call and we are picking it up. Finally when we look at the order it is wrong in almost every way. This is ridiculous and I have never been treated this way before in America! If these people can not treat the people that they serve with some respect then they should leave the community and take their business else wear. If you are a person of color, please avoid this place at all costs. This is America and we should let our hard earned money go to places that treat everyone with some respect.
Amil L.
Place rating: 1 Rancho Cucamonga, CA
My family eats Korean food pretty often, I like the bulgogi and my wife likes the Kalbi. So my wife called in an order for carryout as we did not want to eat there in the restaurant. I go to pick up the food with my brother and as soon as we walked in the place, everyone who worked there was looking like we were going to rob the place. Before I even get to the register to pick up my order or even state my business as to why I am there some lady at the register blurts out were closed. This woman did not say hello, how may I help you, good evening & I’m sorry we are closed or you missed the cut off time for us to take our last order. I guess that is neither here nor there, but still something of note. Before even finding out if I wanted to carry out food or place an order she blurts out again«we’re closed». So I tell the lady I have an order she replies back we are closed we not taking orders. There were people who were in the restaurant sitting down eating and the restaurant would not have closed for another 10 or 15 minutes according to what the posted hours on the door says. Again, I tell the lady I have an order and again she tells me «we not taka orders. Finally after going back and forth for what seemed like an eternity, I very plainly say once again, I have an order for carry out(4th time now). Then I say to her wait a minute, listen 2 me-I have an order for carry out, my wife called it in. Finally this lady connect the dots and says oh you have an order? Again, I say yes I have an order for carry out. She asked me what my order was and I tell her. Then she stands there bewildered and confused and tells me you no call in order, I say yes my wife called in the order, has that ever happened before where someone else picks up the order other than The person who has picked up the order? At this point I was seriously considering just telling the woman to cancel the entire order but it was late and I would have had problems placing an order with another restaurant due to the time. She gives me the order after I pay for it, I get Home and proceed to open the bags and of course it’s wrong. There are several things wrong with this whole scenario aside from the fact that the order was incorrect. When I worked in LA I Korean food all the time and I did not have to jump through so many hoops just to get my order. The food is overpriced and the meat had a lot of fat and gristle. For the same order of bulgogi in LA during lunch hours it’s $ 7.00 plus tax. I do realize that is the lunch menu but at night it’s $ 11 at this little restaurant I go to in LA. The thing is if you are going to open a business then treat everyone the same. It amazes me how a business can have customers who are paying their hard earned money and at the end of the day everyone’s money is green. There should be no difference and how you treat any customer. The food is overpriced and the level of service they provide at this restaurant is a complete joke. As far as quality of the food I will not say that it is terrible because that would be unfair. The quality of the food is OK but I have had better. Overall this restaurant is not worth going because of the fact that these people really come across as racist and I’m really not wanting to play the race card but if it’s all in your face, it’s definitely worth mentioning. People should know what type of establishment they are giving their money to. In my opinion the biggest problem with this restaurant is the overall experience, the food and the level of treatment is best classified as subpar at best. I don’t know anyone who wants to give a restaurant their hard earned money and be treated like a second-class citizen by someone who barely speaks English. I will not return to this restaurant and I would never recommend this restaurant to anyone who I care about. Remember people, we have choices as to how we spend our hard earned money. Never spend your hard earned money only to be treated like a second-class citizen and be content with mediocrity. If we were at an Olive Garden none of these experiences that I keep reading about on Unilocal would happen. We all know that these type situations are unacceptable. Hold these people accountable for their actions, demand respect and equal treatment. If they refuse to provide a decent level of service, let’s spend our money where it will be appreciated. This is America!!!
Derick E.
Place rating: 5 Oceanside, CA
I’ve tried so many types of kimchi. This place is the winner. Kimchi are home made, fresh and not saggy. First time I’ve had cold noodles, my server helped me which one to get for beginners like me and it was delicious. I was regretful why I’d tried cold noodles so late. Authentic Korean restaurant with good food. Commercials Korean BBQ like GEN, U-Grill, etc. are good too but if your looking for something not hyped not AYCE delicious Korean food, this is the place.
Kerry R.
Place rating: 2 Upland, CA
We have been there before and their food is good. But this time we had bad experience. We went there to have dinner last week. When we first entered the restaurant, no one came to take us to the seats. After we waited for a while, a waitress asked us to choose a table and we request for a high chair. We waited again and told her two more times we needed a high chair. She didn’t bring the high chair and then she asked us to sit in the back of the room(close to bathroom) because she wanted a bigger party to sit at our table. Seriously? First of all, we came first and she asked us to choose wherever we wanted to sit. Secondly, we asked three times for a high chair while standing there waiting for her and she didn’t do it. Last, she wanted to serve a bigger party and move us close to the bathroom?! Forget it! We walked out of the door and will never go back. Terrible service!
Cindy P.
Place rating: 4 Rancho Cucamonga, CA
I will grade four star as not so many Korean restaurant in the area. They don’t have so much choice but the tofu soup was good. Price is reasonable, kimchi is not bad too. The only bad thing is not opening in Sunday.
Andrea L.
Place rating: 4 Los Angeles, CA
Good food but the service is a bit good and bad depending on the days I guess. It’s worth it to go for sure but don’t mind the service too much: p
Peter G.
Place rating: 1 Claremont, CA
Been here a couple times. Food is ok given there are limited korean food options in rancho. The reason for the one star is because of the service. They tend to take their sweet time in seating people and serving food. Portions are small compared to other korean restaurants in the area and more expensive.
David P.
Place rating: 4 Upland, CA
Amazing korean bbq place! Their food is delicious, portions are great, and the staff is really friendly! I came here for dinner with a friend and had an amazing experience. If you are in the area and interested in good korean bbq(ive been to many l, trust me, this one is a keeper), try this place out! We had the short rib and the grilled pork… absolutely delicious!
Manny F.
Place rating: 4 Upland, CA
Ok first of all, never knew this place was here. Hole in the wall but, what a jewel of an eating experience. The service is very friendly and patient(considering the menu is Korean). If you want authentic Korean food without the price of a plane ticket and being in S. Korea this is the place. Teresa H. said it best«You know you’re getting authenticity when you’re the only non-Korean in the room…» I was concerned my wife and kids would have a hard time with this place but, I really enjoyed watching them step out of their comfort zone for something different and watched them enjoy their dinning experience!!! We had the Bulgogi(thinly sliced beef), chicken, another beef plate and all the condiments that come with these plates. My suggestion, dive right in! Don’t ask what’s in it just try it you’ll be amazed! I do recommend that you ask if you like what’s in front of you that way you can order your favorite dishes when you return(oh yeah it’s that good). Other than that we WILL be returning customers! This place aims to please! The appearance is clean, small(just like in Korea), and warm service. If you’re looking for a different type of «Asian food» experience, Woo Jung Oak Korean Restaurant should be on your list.
Bob K.
Place rating: 3 San Ramon, CA
I’ve been living here in Rancho and aside from a few decent Asian restaurants that I can count of my hand, Rancho Cucamonga continues to be the blight of Asian food. Woo Jung Oak contributes to my perception. Let’s start with the pros: usually I get decent service, but it’s not always the case. Waitresses are fairly nice/polite. It seems that I get better service when I bring my white coworker here. It’s a syndrome amongst Korean waitresses: they really like to impress their non-Korean guests! My Chinese coworker says the same at Chinese restaurants. But I digress. Food, I’d rate a solid 3. I’ve never had anything that stood out. Being Korean, it’s hard to be wow’d and this place is no exception. One thing that always irks me is how meager their banchan selection is and how little they fill it up. The pajun(fried pancake) is pretty decent, but a bit oily sometimes. A few times, the bulgogi and the twegi bulgogi(spicy pork) was really overly sauced which contributed to my 3 star rating. Atmosphere: very plain, but clean. Bathroom is clean too. Noise level: pretty quiet even when you get a group of Korean natives from Kumho tire company. Parking: ample. Huge lot. Look for the big«Tuesday Morning» and Chucky Cheese(where a kid can be a kid). It’s right between it. Ok, the cons: mainly service and the few notable instances. One time we came 20 mins before close. I asked in Korean if they can still serve us and the owner(old dude) didn’t seem happy, but the waitress was ok with it. The whole time, we felt rushed. When it hit closing time, the waitress started to get cranky that we were eating slow and reminded me that they close at 9pm(I think it was 9). The other thing that I noticed about this place(like many Asian restauarants) is how they’re perpetually understaffed. Not more than 2 waitresses. The other thing is that most of the time they won’t come over and ask if everything is fine. Only comes when you call them. Price: not a good value whatsoever. I’ve always felt this place was overpriced. It is. Ah Rancho, when will you give birth to a good Korean restaurant???
Chris J.
Place rating: 3 Arcadia, CA
Looks like there are 2 different Korean restaurant name with the same address? Anyway, will review under this restaurant name. Went to this place the other day. Didn’t get any bbq or AYCE menu. Overall, place is clean & service was decent. Food quality & items on the menu was good but in terms of value for the money, not as good… found other places which give better value for the money.
Carm R.
Place rating: 5 Loma Linda, CA
Thank goodness we’ve finally found an awesome Korean restaurant in town! Love it. Service is great and the food is super tasty!
Ying X.
Place rating: 3 Seattle, WA
The food is ok but this restaurant looks very clean. I was having dinner here and the next table is for a group of Korean people. I guess it’s quite good. I tried only once though. The spicy tofu soup or the seafood cake aren’t the best I’ve had.
CaptainE O.
Place rating: 4 Fontana, CA
Good quality Korean food although not AYCE it was so good been trying to find an local kbbq that is actually good and I’m satisfied to have found this place so amazing good flavor and the meat was so good that I need no sauces the sides were amazing and the appetizer was simply amazing Korean pancake.
Brad H.
Place rating: 4 Troy, MI
Tasty with a bit of family flair. I found most of the patron population to be Korean. The food was delightfully authentic with some real spice added in for flavor. I found the service to be a bit slow and inattentive.
Margaret C.
Place rating: 4 Alta Loma, CA
Good quality and delicious Korean food. The fish roe stew was very taste and more than enough for one. A place to go, but don’t except them to wait for you to finish your food at the end if the night — they take closing time seriously.
Teresa H.
Place rating: 4 Los Angeles, CA
You know you’re getting authenticity when you’re the only non-Korean in the room and the menu is not translated into English. I concur that the banchan is excellent, the wait for a table could be 20 minutes(it is a sit down spot with lots of large parties) and the atmosphere is lively. Will it beat the home-made Kim-chee in my fridge? No. But the yum bowls of food washed down with Korean beer are within easy reach. No need to drive to LA for such a treat.
Lin F.
Place rating: 3 Buena Park, CA
Saturday night 6 pm, busy but no wait time for a table. Service was slow, but I think because it was a full house & there were only 3 servers. The waitress was very nice and said, «so sorry but busy so a little wait. Okay?» ok. Large pictures on the wall of the food, and the photos represented! I ordered spicy tofu soup with mix, so it had seafood and meat. Boiling scalding hot soup. Soft delicate tofu in tasty(scallions were in it, two small full body w head shrimp, two tiny clams, two slivers of beef, no other veggies except the ones you put in it from the appetizer petri dishes) spicy broth. I ordered some steam rice with it. Rice was CalRose variety I think. Small succulent rice kernels, perfectly absorbed whatever flavor I added to it from the kimchi or tofu soup. 4 stars for the tofu soup and white steam rice. Enough for one.
Combo 7: spicy cold noodles with pickled cucumber, hard boiled egg &KBBQ short ribs on a separate dish presented on a bed of lightly sauteed onions, scallion sprinkled on top. Ribs were flavored wonderfully, fat on one side of the bone, so they were well«manicured.» no left overs from this dish, everyone at the table got a piece of that. Four stars for this dish. Enough for three skinny people or two sorta hungry foodies. The onions were left there, since they were under cooked, they were too pungent to consume. Beef broth soup was eh. edible but needed a lot of the appetizer Petri dishes contents for flavor. Two stars for this dish. It’s large enough to share, but after one spoonful, no one at the table wanted anymore to «share.» Free pancake: all gone! 3 stars though because of oil factor… drippy with the clear oil pooled on the dish, my own dish, and on my sticks. The waitress cuts it in front of you with scissors. Uh huh. The«knife» went back into her apron where the rest of the pens, order forms, and whatever crumbs took up residency in those pockets. Yeech. Kimchi.I’ve been to K –town where they serve 30 + varieties of kimchi flavors… only one flavor here and it was spicy for a novice spicer, but my buds are tolerate, and there wasn’t enough heat, garlic, lemon juice on the cabbage. It also didn’t taste«aged» like a previous reviewer commented on, his words were something to the effect of eating rotten shoes dug up from a thrice burried relative… No such animal with their Kim chi. Sigh. Too bad, I was hoping for some buried a dead rat in my belly bad breath. On a positive note, I did leave there not smelling like my food, so I went to a movie knowing no one was going to shift over a few seats just to get away from my post prandial aromatherapy. Waitress knowledgeable about dishes and which ones were spicy even if the menu did not indicate spicy. AVOID the shojo Korean sake… shudder shudder. Even the waitress told me to avoid it, but I was looking to relax. The bottle was not finished. Barley tea, free, cold. I dug it, but my Hispanic friends wanted some sugar, I was too embarrassed to ask for sugar for them to put in their tea. We practiced what we learned in kindergarden and shared the oversized Hite beers.