If you want to try out a few more authentic leaning dishes and ready to level up on your Korean food game, Chon Ju Jip is the place the go. Lead server speaks both Korean and English, and the dishes they have are more authentic. Warning, if you get the spicy marinated crab, it is very spicy. On a thai spice level it's above a 5/10 which will make you reach for your water after a bite or two. Love spicy food so much, but this one is a one or two bites maximum for me. Flavors are great, but you must be able to tolerate the burning heat. The stone bibimbap was a little underwhelming as they add lettuce which immediately wilts. But try out their stews and their side dishes taste like home. This place is straightforward in ambience. Very Korean. Nothing glitzy. There is only one restroom (single user), which is no problem for a smaller space. The entire restaurants probably can only hold 25-30 people max, but 20 people comfortably. Parking in the plaza can get tricky, and parking on Convoy is a little touch. If you can come during an off hour it's perfect, if not, I to-go all the time and it's solid packaging and they give you the Korean side dishes with your order. read more

Soups are authentic, spicy and packed with flavor. Recommend the seafood soon dubu. Not asked about spice level so I'd ask if you cannot tolerate spice. Was not a big fan of the spicy raw marinated crab. Too much clumped seasoning and spices which is normal for this dish but could not taste the meat 3.7/5 read more

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Food-wise, it was just okay. The kimchi jjigae was decent but spicier and saltier than expected, especially since we weren't asked about spice level. It wasn't bad, just not something that stood out or made me want to order it again. Service was straightforward and efficient, nothing particularly memorable but no major issues either. We did appreciate that paying in cash came out cheaper, which is a nice perk to know. Ambiance is casual and no-frills, very much a typical Korean comfort-food spot. It's functional and relaxed, but not somewhere you'd go for atmosphere. Overall, a mid experience. Not bad, not great--three stars feels fair. read more

Small place with limited seating but excellent food. Kalbi Tang (5/5) was fantastic, light yet flavorful & non-greasy. Galbi (5/5) great, bibimbop & kimchee soup were adequate but nothing special. A bottle of smooth Terra beer to quench the thirst. No white glove service here, just the way we liked it read more

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The value-to-quality ratio just isn't there at Chon Ju Jip. To start with the positives: the sides were actually the highlight of the meal. They were well-seasoned and a nice variety. Service was standard. Nothing memorable but nothing to complain about either. Where things fell flat were the main dishes. The seafood pajun, which I was excited for, came out disappointingly soft instead of the crisp, golden edges you'd hope for. The noodles and rice cake were fine, but nothing particularly special, especially at this price point. And that's really the theme here: everything is okay, but it just feels overly expensive for what you get. read more

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Decided to come back after craving some soup and went with the Galbi Tang. It's a large portion which was nice but I felt like the soup was a bit salty. I wished it was unflavored and was given the option to add your own salt as some Korean restaurants do. I'll still come back though for some authentic Korean dishes read more

Chon Ju Jip - Sahmgaetang - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Stumbled upon this place and they do it right Raw marinated crab was huge and plenty for 2 people We also got soondoobu and it was solid too. Definitely can get busy later but we got lucky and sat down immediately Would love to come back and try some other dishes read more

Chon Ju Jip - Gejang Combo - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

I came hungry with a group of 4 and high expectations having recently visited Korea. We were lucky to get seated immediately when we arrived at 6:30 pm on a Friday night with no reservation. (I don't believe they take reservations). We got a large table that could seat 6, so that as much appreciated. The restaurant had an immediate authentic feel. The menu is large and diverse. We ordered: - Haemul-Pahjeon (seafood pancake) ($27.95) - Bosom (boiled sliced pork belly) ($39.95) - Budae-Jeongol (large kimchi ramen stew) ($44.95) They are also known for their raw marinated crab - believe they are currently the only raw marinated crab shop in town. Service was efficient but very to the point. The sides were solid, I liked the cold asparagus as I haven't seen this side dish usually. Kimchi was solid and on the fresh side which I liked. I enjoyed the free cold barley tea which they refilled fairly regularly. The seafood pancake and bosom were solid but not spectacular. Unfortunately, the Budae-Jeongol lacked the deep kimchi flavor I was accustomed to and I felt like the cabbage overpowered the kimchi. All in all, I was glad I got to check out the hot new Korean shop in town. Perhaps next time I will try the raw crab and a different kimchi soup to see if things are different. read more

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QUICK TAKE// No non-sense mom and pop shop. Very homely vibes with great bossam and soups. FOOD// We got the BOSSAM = very delicious and it even came with oysters which was a first for me (but probably is a classic authentic thing for the dish). We also got a BEEF TOFU STEW - super tasty. I would skip the RAMYUM - truly tasted like Shin Instant ramen. Really great assortment of BONCHONS and loved that they give you ICED BARLEY TEA automatically. SERVICE// Pretty good! It's a smaller place so it feels like the waiters can always keep an eye on every table pretty easily. Also was a fan of the GALBITANG. VIBES// Comfy vibes in an older smaller restaurant - you definitely come for the food. ETC.// Place does tend to have a line since there aren't many tables plus parking in Convoy just has been tough recently, so account for that when considering eating here. read more

Chon Ju Jip - Bossam - very decent portion size for sharing! - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

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I came around 11AM on a Tuesday morning and witnessed the place fill up for the lunch hour! In a party of 4, we were seated immediately and provided cold (barley?) tea in lieu of water. We ordered the raw marinated crab (which we were here for), bossam, fried mandu, and kongguksu. We were served plenty of banchan while waiting, which didn't end up being too long. The crab was definitely the star of the show. I was impressed with how large the serving was! Definitely getting your money's worth. I thought the bossam was standard, but I did like that it came with oysters. The fried dumplings and kongguksu were good too but nothing outstanding. Chon Ju Jip is definitely a local spot, where you'll hear more Korean spoken than probably any other Korean restaurant in Convoy. It's cozy, no frills, and reminds you that some of the yummiest food is where you least expect it. read more

Chon Ju Jip - Raw Marinated Crab - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a no nonsense sort of Korean place we we love it. There was quite a wait but that's due to the restaurant being small. We walked around convoy and returned in time to be called and were promptly seated. After a few minutes deciding, a server quickly came by, took our order, then went along her way. The service was respectful without being over eating or too involved. The food was fantastic and the portions sizes were what really won us over. Everything has that really fresh taste to it. Would come again. read more

Chon Ju Jip - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Came here to get a quick lunch. It is convoy so parking is limited during the day. The inside is relatively cozy, but we were seated immediately. Service is fast. We ordered two soups and they were delicious. This place is definitely authentic. Would come again for dinner. read more

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It's my first visit. When I stepped in, I felt like i was back in S. Korea. It's like a mom and pop shop with limited amount of tables. It got busy during lunch time. We ordered a big pot bone soup (#39) and a seafood pancake for four of us to share. It's plenty and we had some leftovers. The soup was not very spicy and flavorful. It's a bit too salty for my taste though. Nevertheless, It's great for a cold day. read more

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Chon Ju Jip is a small hole-in-the wall Korean restaurant that serves many traditional homestyle Korean food. The seating is limited and not much decoration. But their food is great and definitely a top-tier Korean food in San Diego. I've tried Gamjatang-jeongol, Bossam, and Bibimbap and they were rich in flavour. They also make fresh side dishes. Their service is good and attentive. Try Chon Ju Jip if you crave for a good Korean food. read more

Small family style. Was recommended by a friend. We wanted the soup. It felt authentic with rich, flavorful, bold flavors. We ordered the scallion pancake and steamed potstickers. I enjoyed the barley tea too. The servers were attentive and running around I accommodate the busy restaurant. They were also kind to ensure the small kids didn't get too close to the burner. If you're looking for delicious, authentic, Korean this hit the spot. It did get crowded and we were lucky to be seated right away. read more

Chon Ju Jip - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

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great quality ingredients for such great prices! quick service, great place to eat, please support this small business!! read more

Chon Ju Jip - Gamjatang-Jeongol - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

DEAR MY KOREAN / CHINESE FRIENDS -- PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU GO. I grew up eating Korean and Chinese food my whole life, so I'm not hard to please. From the start, something felt off. There was almost no communication from the staff -- no greeting, no explanation, and barely any interaction during the meal. We decided to stay anyway, hoping the food would make up for it. Unfortunately, the food was disappointing. The meat was dry and overcooked, and the kimchi stew lacked flavor. But the biggest issue was what happened during our meal. There was several electric fly zappers installed directly above the dining area. While we were eating, a FLY was zapped above our table, and pieces fell down toward our food and onto my friend. It was shocking and honestly ruined the entire experience. This wasn't just about service or food anymore -- it raised serious concerns about hygiene. I would not come back. read more

Chon Ju Jip - FLY ZAPPER - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

What a cozy korean food spot! I tried the bibimbap and soup combo as well as the tteokbokki. The bibimbap was delsih! Loved the amount of veggies and the meat was tender. Just wished there was a bit more meat. The soup was warm and not too salty. Did not know it was going to be seafood stew, but still yummy nonetheless. The tteobokki was the star it was sweet, spixy and the noodles were sooo yummy! read more

Chon Ju Jip - Tteokbokki - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

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I come to Chon Ju Jip whenever I crave barley tea, bossam or marinated crab. This place is very authentic with nice Korean ladies. I highly recommend anyone who is craving some Korean food to give it a try! read more

The soup was good! Unlimited side dish and staffs are friendly-- bathroom was nice and clean read more

Chon Ju Jip - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

Overview: Nice ambiance, restaurant feels authentic compared to others in the area, Gejang is the highlight here Experience and ambiance (5/5): Immediately upon seating, my table was provided with hot barley tea, which I thought to be comforting and tasty. After ordering, around ten different small side dishes were offered to the table. This is definitively the most side dishes I have gotten from a korean restaurant in the US. I loved the variety in these side dishes, when compared to other restaurants that sometimes only provide kimchi or fish tofu. Additionally, the restaurant had a warm, homey atmosphere. Gejang (4/5): This was my first time having gejang and I enjoyed it. First, the portion size was good and worth the price; I had thought, from images online, that it looked small but it was quite a piling of crabs. There was plenty of meat in the body but the legs were my favorite. Only because I saw another review about the edibility of the legs: I simply bit into the leg and out came all the meat in an almost jelly-like form, then suck on the leg and you have all the crab meat. Other dishes (3/5): My table ordered the seafood pancake, kimchi soup, and jokbal. These dishes were alright; the seafood pancake wasn't the best I had in the area; the jokbal was a bit tough and dry in some places; and the kimchi soup was standard. None of these were by any means bad though. read more

Chon Ju Jip - Yangnyeom Gejang - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

No Amex One of the BEST kimchi soup I've had in the states. It was sooooo good that I was shocked! I really wish I came with a friend so I can try other dishes. Def will be back read more

Chon Ju Jip - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

The restaurant is very small and a little suffocating. Servers are a little weird... I can tell we got a different kind of treatment because we are not Korean, they are all smiling and talking so excited with other Korean customers but they didn't even crack a smile and were very disinterested to serve our table. other tables got the side dishes right after they ordered their food, but it took 15 mins for the sides to reach our table. Food is 3.5/5, Service is 1.5/5. read more

Chon Ju Jip - Yukgaejang kimchi soup - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Open until 9pm. I've spent so much money with this restaurant and they won't take a delivery order at 7:45pm... this is the kind of bullshit that says you don't want to stay in business. Tearing your loyal customers like this. read more

Super authentic Korean comfort food where you get really unique Korean dishes besides your typical tofu soup or kbbq. My chicken ginseng soup was delicious and well flavored and the servers were very proactive in refilling our bonchom whenever she sees we finished them. Ambiance wise, it feels like a family restaurant in the 90s. So expect some of the chairs look a little worn. But if you are here for good food and don't care too much about the esthetics, this is the place to be. read more

Chon Ju Jip - Inside - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Still the best korean food in town. Best side dishes. Best quality. Aunty's caring service. Feel like and taste like korea. Come here to eat. Drink and feel like ur filming korean drama. read more

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Came here for lunch with my mom on a Wednesday. Normally, this place has no parking availability. The place is very small but cozy. But during lunch, there were plenty. Walking in, we were seated right away. You can tell how good a restaurant is when you see most of their customers were Korean. My mom ordered the kimchi jigae. She said the broth was very good but was very disappointed that she only had 1 strip of pork belly in the soup. I ordered the galbitang and it came with 2 large beef ribs with the meat so tender it fell off the bones. The broth was also very good that i finished the broth before the meat and noodles. This is a definite place to go to again and again. read more

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The food here was super delicious, rich in flavor, and the portions are massive! We ordered two dishes, the spicy raw marinated crab combo and the bimbimbap for two people and had alot left over. read more

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Delicious!! We were here on a Saturday evening, and it was busy. But they had managed to get 6 of us into 2 tables. They banchan was amazing. We were served barley tea. We had ordered the spicy beef noodle soup, dol Sat, bulgolgi with salad. They had great service!! I will definitely go again. read more

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I've been here now 3 times. Every time the food is cooked to perfection! Just an FYI they stop taking in customers about 45 mins before closing or so they did one of the nights we went there. Parking is tricky and usually we park in the neighborhood behind the restaurant. It's a mom and pop shop and if you pay cash you can get a small discount. We went last with some family and got a table for four. Their soondubu is amazing, galbi, bibimbap, bulgogi plate, and pancake. read more

Chon Ju Jip - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

This review is long over due! We went her awhile ago for my birthday. My hubby was the lone white guy in the restaurant, so you know it's pretty authentic. The pork bone soup was so flavorful and full of umami! It also had a tiny bit of spice. We also started with the mandu and seafood pancake. Both were good, but the seafood pancake was just a hair on the fishy side for me. But my hubby loved it. Service was efficient and polite - which is not always the case when you're a Korean who doesn't speak Korean and show up with a white guy. It's a very homey atmosphere and we would definitely go back for a comforting experience! read more

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Came here on friend suggestion. This place is a real hole in the wall and was super cool to check out! It's tucked in a small lot area in convoy that I've never pulled into. Good amount of parking. Signage of restaurant is unassuming so a little hard to spot. This mom and pop/family joint is quant and very homey! We knew this was going to be super authentic when we walked in - only older korean people eating there, the old tv playing Korean interview shows, etc. The place was a bit pricier than expecting ex soondubu $20, japchae $27 but we def wanted to give it a try and support this business. We ordered the japchae and bulgolgi combo with soup. The bonchon (side dishes) were pretty good, good variety. The japchae was a generous portion, but tbh I've had tastier and cheaper elsewhere. Soup was decent, had good amount of seafood in it too which was a surprise. Bulgolgi was my favorite! Super tasty and tender !!! I'd come back for that paired with diff soup. Service was fast as well. Only thing that bothered me was the amount of flies in there constantly landing on me and getting close to the food..... At first it was okay bc of the "hole in the wall" aspect but at some point it felt like I was constantly swatting and getting icked out read more

Chon Ju Jip - Jap Chae, soy bean soup, Bulgogi Combo - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

Arrived at around 8 and the restaurant was pretty crowded. We ordered the bossam, spicy raw marinated crab, and (not pictured) beef short rib soup. Not the first time I've been here and definitely won't be the last. Food is fantastic and service is very... typical asian restaurant. The employees here are very frank but they're respectful, plus the food is fantastic. Bossam is amazing and was so flavorful. This might be my current second-place bossam restaurant. Spicy raw marinated crab was SPICY but so good. Every bite had me wanting more, but oh boy the spice hit HARD. Beef short rib soup is forever a staple so that was a much needed dish. Honestly a highly recommended restaurant to go to. FYI: If you visit, just know that the kitchen closes early and so final order calls are at 8:15-8:20. Overall rating: Food: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Menu: 10/10 Restaurant Vibes: 10/10 Price to Overall Dining (POD): 10/10 read more

Chon Ju Jip - Bossam - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is my new favorite spot for traditional korean dishes. The banchan was really good and had things that I don't get very often at other korean restaurants in San Diego(like marinated anchovies and seasoned fernbrake) but it was all really good! We ordered the galbi and spicy cold mixed noodles. That combo together was bomb. The noodles were super saucy, spicy, and tangy and the galbi was sweet and tender. The only thing missing was that the service was a little less friendly than I'm used to. read more

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We had Galbi & Tofu Soup Combo Japchae Noodles Seafood Pancake Generous side dishes and samjang sauce Chon Ju Jip located in a busy complex on Convoy so parking can be challenging including finding a disabled spot. We've been here a couple of times already. This is the only Korean restaurant we know that offers raw marinated crab. Their food is delicious and taste like home cooking. It brings back memories of Halmeoni making a meal for you. If you want great food and as authentic as can be, this is what we recommend in Kearny Mesa over the AYCE spots. read more

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10s 10s 10s across the board! The restaurant is very mom and pop but the food be tasting like Michelin. I loved everything from the atmosphere and the flavors of the dishes. We got to finally try the raw marinated crab and this did not disappoint! I still think about it today. The service was quick just like any other Asian restaurant. The bon con was also amazing. Come here early since seating is limited or be smart and order to go! read more

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Was craving Korean with banchan and Chon Ju Jip delivered. Not too restaurants provided 7 different banchan(sides), normally you're lucky if you get 4. As usual the mains were good, we had the Gamjatang, doenjang jigae and spicy squid. Definitely our go to in SD for home style Korean food. read more

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One of my favorite mom and pop style Korean restaurants in San Diego. I love that they offer free tea, hot or cold with free refills as well! They offer a nice selection of banchan. I've been craving tteokbokki for a while so I had to order it and it came with the largest egg I've seen in the longest time (especially with the price of eggs these days). One of my favorite things to order is the large gamjatang (pork bone soup). It always hits the spot if I'm craving soup and there's always so much that I have leftovers for multiple meals afterwards. The workers are always super nice and seem happy to help. read more

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I've been here twice already but I'm still not really sure how to feel about this place. It's a very small sit down restaurant (with no AC!) that just busts out food for people looking for a quick, decent meal. Whether that be a good thing or a bad thing, I'd say it depends on who you're asking. The restaurant gives off very much "home" vibes and the food doesn't really stand out to me. Id have to spin back another time before I make a final decision on what I would rank this, but for now I'd give it a 4/5. The service isn't half bad and the food, although it never "wows" me, it also never has me wanting to come back for more... read more

Chon Ju Jip - Korean Near Me - San Diego, California

It is located on Convoy which means finding parking is going to be hard. We went on a Friday at 5:30pm so we were lucky to spot a couple of parking spots. If you go later, it will be hard to find a parking spot. They have a really huge menu but you will be happy with anything you order. We ordered a variety of dishes because we were a party of 9 and surprisingly we enjoyed everything we ordered. This is my new favorite place to eat Spicy Raw Crab (Yangnyum Gaejang). Just bite down to eat the inside and spit out the shell. Don't eat the spiky big claw and take those home with the leftovers (it is a huge portion enough for 3 to share) and add them to Korean spicy Ramyun (I recommend Shin Ramyun) and it will be an amazing second meal. The staff were very sweet, service was fast, and they kept it clean. They also offer plain water and barley tea water (bori cha). It looked like they had a bunch of regulars that they knew by name come in often as well. read more

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