U-Town

It's funny how the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they hear someone raving about "that delicious new Korean restaurant!!" is "U-turn." That's exactly the reaction I got from most friends when I told them about U-Town.

U-Town recently opened in the beginning of September and although I would pass it a lot, I never took note of its presence because its exterior did not look any different from what the location formerly housed -- MexiCali (which I never went to, anyway). 

Until one day when M asked me to try it with her because "every Korean has been raving about it." It came as a surprise because 1) she's not fond of korean food even if she is korean and 2) when she REALLY wants to try something, you know it has to be THAT good.

Bulgogi bibimbap 

JZ went for the traditional bibimbap order and her reaction to it was along the lines of "meh." It was probably the only dish that was a let down--and probably because it is such a simple korean staple--but everything else was delicious. I've heard that the food here reminds some of their mom's cooking.

Galbi - so tender and juicy. You MUST order.

Soon doo boo -- hot and spicy stew with soft tofu, seafood, vegetables

This soon doo boo reminded me exactly of the stews served in BCD Tofu House in New York. We've been frequenting U-Town (crazy S went for lunch and dinner in one day) since our first try and I always get this. I delight in cracking the egg and watching it cook itself in the heat of the stew.

Fried chicken - special sauce

We finally ordered the fried chicken platter we've been eyeing for a while under the assumption that the $20 price tag meant the serving was good enough to share amongst four people. We were wrong. This was more like a tower of chicken on a plate that occupied almost half of the space on the table. We looked like pigs chowing down on them with our orange fingers on top of our individual orders. Real girls eat. A LOT. Think BonChon or KyoChon. So tasty! We had to take most of them to-go and ended up having enough leftovers to last three more meals.

Buglogi taco

J ordered a more unconventional dish -- the bulgogi taco -- while S and M went for the buckwheat cold noodles. I didn't get a chance to taste it because I was sick but take it from S who dreams about it and looks forward to having it over and over again because it's unlike anything she's ever tasted. 

Although the food is great and comforting, you really have to be extra extra patient with the service. It takes FOREVER during peak hours (around 30 minutes for a table and an hour for food), so I suggest going for late lunch (2-3pm) or early dinner (5.30pm). The servers were very apologetic for the service and are very kind, though. Whatever time you do decide to go, know that the food is well worth the wait.

U-Town
110 S 40th Street