I think they overcharged me, would not provide an itemized receipt and I was paying for a large group. Food was alright.

I am so very disappointed with this restaurant and their management. I came to visit my best friend in Baltimore. We called at 3:00 in the afternoon to make reservations for 7:30. I was so excited to finally eat some great reviewed Korean cuisine. When my friend spoke to the front desk they confirmed our reservation for three people as I was finally meeting her boyfriend. Since we were all able to meet up sooner, we called the restaurant to see if our reservations can be pushed up to 7:00. However, when the gentleman on the phone answered he expressed that there were no reservations under that name or time and that they were fully booked. He also asked if we spoke to a man or older lady. when I expressed that we spoke to an older lady, he became defensive and kept accusing me of calling the wrong place (I'm pretty competent and I don't mess with food sooo I know we called the right place). He reported that they were busy and had no availability for us. This is not an acceptable way to treat returning customers. I was beyond excited and then had to find a last minute back up option. I highly suggest that if you choose to eat at this poorly run establishment you call ahead multiple times to ensure your reservations are in correctly. none of us will be returning. read more

I have not had Korean BBQ here but have been upstairs in the karaoke room where you can also order food. The food in the karaoke area was cheap and delicious. I'm not even entirely sure what we were eating (perhaps too much soju) but it was all incredible. The service was fast and friendly. read more

It has the real Korean bbq using the real charcoal. The meats are well marinated and tender. Melts in your mouth. The side dishes are authentic and hotpots are amazing. Will go back for sure. read more

I've known about Jong Kak for quite some time now and finally made an effort to give it a shot. Not too shabby, I must say. There's a dedicated Korean bbq section in the restaurant and another for those interested in other available food options. When I first looked at the menu, I was already regretting checking out this place. Everything on the menu looked about 10-20% more expensive than other Korean restaurants, but I decided to make the best of it. Here are some notes: 1) Yes, food-wise, there's definitely a 10-20% uptick in price, but I found out that the portions are a good 50% larger when compared to other Korean restaurants. 2) On the other hand, alcohol, at Jong Kak is about 10-20% cheaper than other Korean restaurants. 3) The seafood pancake is probably one of the best ones I've had in Baltimore and Ellicott City. It's large, crunchy, and not burnt. 4) The kalbi dol sot bibimpap is light years better than the joint next door. 5) The personal-sized budaejiggae is probably meant for 2 people. 6) Jong Kak currently holds the record in offering the most diverse complementary side dishes in the area -- I counted 10. 7) Service was exceptional. read more

We needed a place to eat dinner on our way down to Virginia and Jong Kak seemed like the perfect place to get some Korean food in Baltimore. We were seated fast and for a Friday night it was fairly empty and quiet. The portions are big and they are supper generous when it comes to banchan (12 dishes, all delicious) and had a lot of food to bring home. Although I am guessing their specialty is primarily BBQ, I like how there is seating for people who don't want BBQ and there are plenty of items on the menu to choose from. This seating is also separate from the BBQ tables so you don't have to deal with the smells and small amount of smoke. We ordered Kimchi Jjigae, which was very good and the perfect comfort food. I know it's a kimchi stew, but be warned, the kimchi they use is really fermented, which I enjoyed. If that's not your jam, then I would not recommend getting this dish. We also ordered a serving of marinated pork and beef. There was more than enough and then some for two people. I like how each table has their own vent that gets close to the grill and the use of charcoal is the real deal. The servers grill the meat for you, although feel free to navigate the grilling to your specifications. The meat is by no means top notch but the marinades made up for that and everything is delicious. This also comes with a small side soup and an egg custard, both of which was also a generous addition to the meal. If I am ever in Baltimore again and want Korean food I would definitely come back. read more

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This place rocks, hands down - it's just kinda in a bad location. Jong Kak is sketch with a capitol S. The location is basically sketch central, and it's not a place I want to be hanging around outside at night (or at any other time). Parking near prawling druggies is not a fun experience. The building itself is okay, and the interior is cheap but serviceable. This is definitely not shooting for fine dining. Cleanliness is a bit of a question, but I didn't feel super disgusted. Jong Kak does Korean BBQ using charcoal, meaning that the entire process is a lot crazier than what you see at other joints. Each table has what amounts to a huge stone pit for a flaming can of charcoal, and the meat is cooked directly above it by someone on staff who uses a literal hairdryer to keep it hot. Very dangerous, but very efficient and amusing. The food itself rocks. The meat was perfectly tender and amazing in every way, and I definitely see why charcoal was used over gas. The side dishes were equally awesome - the steamed egg was tasty, the kimchi was absolutely mind-blowing, and the various other dishes all hit the spot in their respective way. I'd highly recommend this place more if it wasn't for the location and cleanliness, both of which could easily turn off most diners. Even the best food isn't worth going through a crappy part of Baltimore sometimes. read more

Ordered takeout from Jong Kak and loved it! Their japchae was the yummiest I've ever had. Appreciated their tripe dish as I love the texture. Their cucumber kimchi is delish! Highly recommend this spot. read more

The go to spot for korean bbq in baltimore. This place is unique that they use charcoal for the kbbq, I think it changes things up and gives the meat a different delicious flavor. Also it makes for a cooler show for eating dinner. The meat selection here is pretty solid and for the price the quality is good. This place does a good job with service imo as they have someone help with the coals and cooking the meat, I think its more so people dont burn themselves lol. read more

Thank God for this place. I've looked for good places to get korean bbq and many have disappointed me. This place is so good!! We got pork belly, brisket, and jajangmyeon noodles, and it comes with unlimited banchan and rice. They also give you egg and a jjigae and the yogurt drink free with your order. It's not AYCE, but we actually both left extremely full and had leftover noodles to take home. Even though we didn't have any this time, they also have plenty of different soju flavors if you're looking to have a different kind of night. It can be a little pricy so eating here probably can't be a weekly thing or anything, but this place is super solid and I'll definitely be a regular. read more

This has been our go to place for Real Korean BBQ for over a decade and is really the only place to consider in the Baltimore area. The food and service are exceptional. read more

This is a very authentic Korean food place. Coming from Vancouver,BC where Korean food is everywhere, this place is definitely on par in terms of food quality. The atmosphere is very casual, loud and busy. I think it adds to the authenticity but don't expect fine dining. I tried fried dumplings, seafood pancake, bibimbap and kimchi tofu soup. They are all great! One thing to note is the spicy dishes are very spicy. For drinks, the grape soju was refreshing and easy to drink. The negatives of the place is mainly too many unavailable items from the menu. My bf tried to order spicy rice cake, cold noodles and another noodle dish. They were all unavailable leaving extremely disappointed. Overall, I'd come back for sure. I'm waiting to try BBQ and the big hot pots! read more

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Reliable korean bbq/korean cuisine restaurant. They have both bbq and other korean dishes (kimchi giggae, bimbimbap, etc). They even have korean style karaoke (2nd floor, go to the back and up the stairs). If you book a karaoke room, its $40/$50 per hour depending on the size of the room and they have all sorts of pop songs or kpop songs. If you eat first, you can get a discount for the karaoke but you can also order food to your karaoke room. read more

Jong Kak - Korean bbq! - Korean Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Wow- amazing. Pré COVID review- fantastic service amazing small plates. Great fresh meat. Lots of Korean students here so you know it's the real deal!! :) love love! read more

Boo-yah. Very very good Korean BBQ steps from Station North and Bolton Hill. Another huge yelp find. Good quality meats and friendly service. Two orders of meat will overwhelm two hungry people. Everything else comes with: little Korean appetizers, spicy soup, and scrambled egg. As well as a delightful little orangey yogurt drink for dessert. Unlike other Korean BBQ places I have been to, this one does not seem to have a penchant for refilling anything: not the barley tea, not the little dishes of appetizers, not the water. This could have been an issue if we hadn't been put in a food coma. As it was we couldn't have taken any more even if they did offer it - still, it means no fifth star. An authentic little gem. I did not have occasion to evaluate the bathrooms. Approaching from the south on foot or by car up Charles St. (just walk north from Penn Station and hang a left on 20th) minimizes the exposure to sketchy neighborhood. read more

Food was sub-par. I ordered the K Chicken with the sauce on the side. The chicken was extremely dry and bland. My girlfriends' meal(can't remember what she ordered) was just 'ok'. read more

This is one of the only places that I can go to after working a 3-11pm shift in uniform and relax. Since they stay open until 4 am I don't feel rushed to hurry up and eat. The usual night waitress knows me and what I like since I've been going for the past 6 years. Every so often she will give me a dish on the house. It doesn't have the most updated decor but I like the worn rustic look, feels more welcome. Staff and customers have always been nice. I've even had a few Korean patrons give me a sample or two of a dish I've never tried in the past. The only downside is that it's not in the most savory neighborhood so at night make sure you're careful. read more

I normally go here since it's open late, and there aren't that many Korean places near by. The kalbi tang here is alright, but the broth lacks the beefy flavor. However the mandu gook is pretty good. I ordered fried mackerel with it for extra $5, which I also recommend. Keep in mind it may be a bit salty. I normally get the hot stone bibimbap here and you can't really go wrong with that. Don't get the seafood pancake here! It's mostly batter. Side dishes here are good and I really enjoy that this place actually has decent service read more

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Soooo not in the best part of Bmore. But if it was a great experience, I wouldn't have mind. Immediately seated, it was relatively empty. Then, given a menu. Ready. I Pretty much stick to what I know when I go to a new place. Then I waited....there was no one else needing to be served and the server could see I was plainly sitting there. I ended up asking him to come over. Whatever. It happens. Then, he brought my food - hot pot bi bim bop and a veggie pancake- it was meh. I was served banchan (my favorite) and I noticed I received less than another customer. Not one to make a scene when it comes to my food; I rationalize it in my mind and pressed on with my meal. Had to flag him down for water; had to flag him down for extra banchan - keep in mind he is just chilling on his phone. Then another customer comes in and he receives max banchan. I asked why; was given a lame excuse. Had to dicuss with the server why I requested a togo bowl as opposed to styrofoam (you are already charging me and not providing me equal or attentive service ). Anyway, my experience. On to the next restaurant. read more

Found this place on my Urban Spoon iPhone app, which said entrees were under $10. NOT TRUE. However, it was still an absolutely delightful dining experience. When you walk in to get seated, they ask if you'd like BBQ or regular. After a small debate and wrangling over the higher prices, we decided on BBQ and got seated at a table in the back with a grill on it! Yes! Our food was cooked right on the table. Now, I don't know if it's because our server could tell we had no idea what we were doing or not, but they cooked the meat for us. We got 2 entrees for the BBQ (you have to order 2 or they won't start the grill...) and chose a pork with sesame oil, salt and pepper sauce, and a chicken with hot sauce. Both were 17.95 a piece, which is steep, but we were told they came with side dishes. They did - HUGE AMOUNTS of side dishes, and 2 big clay pots of soup. The boiled dumpling appetizer (6.95) was not even needed. Basically, you'll be spending a good chunk of change, but it's totally worth it, you'll have leftovers, the food is delicious, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Also to note - no refills on sodas - they come in a can. read more

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Quick service and straightforward Korean barbecue. Easily one the better options in Baltimore.

Came here last night with a party of 4 and we were quickly seated at a BBQ table. We ordered the 4 meat BBQ combo with spicy pork, spicy chicken, bulgogi, and kalbi. The flavors were surprisingly delicious, subtle and complex. It would have been nice to have a bit more lettuce and side-dishes. As other reviewers have mentioned, they used a coal fire with a blow dryer, which we enjoyed the novelty of at first. However, the ventilation system was pretty horrible and I wasn't too happy with all the smoke we were breathing in. Our waiter apologized and replaced the metal rack on which all our meat was to minimize the smoke for a bit. The decor isn't modern, but that sort of contributes to a feeling of a hole-in-the-wall place: a little grungy, a little too warm because of the coals, and smokey, but overall delicious food! My favorite is still Shin-Chon, but if I can't make it to Ellicott, this is the place I'd go in Baltimore! read more

So it was a coin toss between Korean BBQ or Melting Pot...well obviously BBQ won. The joint was empty when we came in then the Saturday dinner crowd cruised in shortly after. Parking was easy with a dedicated lot on the side of the building. The food was amazing. I haven't had this good of Korean food since I left Korea 16 years ago. Everything was delicious. Had the combo #3...and ate way too much of it. I'll be back... read more

Jong Kak - Korean Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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OMG - not in the best location is an understatement. That said, once you get in the restaurant, it is clean and nice. Service was good and efficient. Food was a go. read more

This place is amazing when I moved to the city three years ago the only place I knew open at all hours of the night was Paper Moon Dinner. But with the limiting of their nocturnal hours I had to find someplace for my late night insomnia induced cravings to hold up, this is where Joung Kak came in. On The sketch part of North Pwy on 20st st, between Maryland and Charles st, this place is a last bastion of late night haunts available to those of the Charm City. Their prices, while high for us night owls, tend to have something you can find for under 12 dollars that will sustain you for several meals with a doggy bag. I am partial to the Jun pong Chinese style soup, sweet satisfying glory of nasal clearing fiery spicy broth with seafood and udon noodles sends molten lava traveling through your inners. The traditional Korean side dishes that come with every meal are the crackerjack prize for anyone eating out for Korean. I have had the pleasure of taking many of my friends to this location and if you can gather a party of 8 or more for under $100 the party eats like kings on not just Korean BBQ but an assortment of free dishes they give you for purchasing their large K-BBQ plates! Truly a great place for anyone who is a nite owl. Open to 4:00am every night! read more

Jong Kak - Korean Side Dishes - Korean Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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The restaurant needs a update desperately. The reception we received when we came in was non existent. I suspected I was not going to be happy but I had out of town guest and my family in tow.. The place had a smell of stale bbq and smoke. The exhaust for the grill didn't seem to be working at our table properly so the entire time the smoke was wafting into my kids face.. The waitress had to remove the grill from the table after I asked her if the exhaust had a higher setting. The side dishes were ok, nothing exceptional and ingredients they used to make the side dishes were all fairly cheap. We ordered five dishes, 2 bbq meats that were decent, the rice cake soup was acceptable but the Japchae noodles and tteokbokki was absolutely terrible. The chop cha noodles had so much sugar it tasted like it should have been a dessert. I could not eat it and the tteokbokki was not made well and tasted lousy. You could tell the rice cake they used was to old because of how they were falling apart. I would not recommend this place nor will we return. They charged me for two extra bowls of rice, 2 bucks each even though we ordered 5 dishes and it cost over 130 bucks to walk out... A dish of meat that feeds at least 2/3 people only comes with one bowl of rice. Nickel and dime bs... I had to ask for lettuce and they literally gave us 3 leaves thus I ended asking them to replenish 3x's... read more

I've been there twice in the last month with friends for KBBQ. We all had a great experience here both times. I went with folks who have had KBBQ and also some who have never tried it. I love the charcoal grill. It grills the meat and gives it a nice taste. The quality of the meat was very good. We ordered a combo with a variety of meat, which was great for the number of us in our party. I liked the side dishes - there were many and a variety. We even asked for more, which we were given. I also ordered mandu as an appetizer (dumplings) that come with a dipping sauce and they were really good. read more

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If you like Korean BBQ, JongKak will make you smile! If you haven't tried it and live nearby now is the time. Plenty of banchan (small plates) awesome bbq on real charcoal, and great service make this my fave Korean joint in Baltimore area. Plenty of free parking. The Korean fried chicken is also fantastic. Ask for the spicy bean sauce if you're adventurous. I live outside Philly and I would drive to Charm City for Jong Kak! I have. read more

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At 2 am on my birthday I was treated to a feast. The service was super friendly and the food, all if it, was amazing. The seafood pizza, the barbecue. Seriously, everything was delicious and we had a great time. An awesome way to end a night out with friends. read more

Jong Kak - Late night deliciousness - Korean Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Tried this place while visiting my parents in Baltimore. There Youk Gae Jang was quite good, but there Tofu stews are not similar to those of Korean Tofu Houses - rather a clear broth with Tofu pieces. It's OK in terms of food quality, but I agree with previous reviews that there are better places in the area, and the location is in a sketchy part of town that borders on feeling unsafe. They do have their own parking lot adjacent to the restaurant, but as mentioned the restaurant is located across from an older apt complex with people always hanging around outside smoking and there were police activity. Overall, better dining experiences elsewhere with better ambiance and in seemingly safer areas. read more

Jong Kak definitely scratches the itch when it comes to Korean food in Baltimore. Meat was fresh and side dishes were plentiful. Some dishes were a bit too sweet for my taste (Jap Chae and JJa Jang Myun), and better ventilation indoors could have helped. When all the charcoal grills are on all at once, it gets a bit too smokey inside. read more

I have visited this place 3 times and I really love it ... the service is very good and the food is authentic. read more

Jong Kak - Korean Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Love this place!! I'd rather go to a small mom pop type of restaurant than Iron Age and Honey Pig. You can taste the difference and also the meat quality is also better. If you want big screen tv and more modern style restaurant Iron Age is for you. If you want good quality food this is the place. read more

This is one of those places where you have to be a local to know about it. I came here with my family, this was my first time dining at a Korean BBQ. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed everything I had. We opted for the family size barbecue meal, this included 3 different meats. Beef, pork and chicken all seasoned well I might add. We also had a bowl of rice, soup and what seemed like endless picked veggies to add to our meat. Everything was sooooo good, I mean so good that as I type I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Your meal is prepared table side and as the meat is finished you just grab and serve yourself. The meats were very tender with a hint of spice. The tap water was free flowing, I can be a bit of a spice wimp so I needed that ice cold agua to help me get through the meal. It's a bit of a tragedy; I love spicy food but my palette wont cooperate. There is an entire menu of food aside from the BBQ meals, next time I go I am looking forward to trying my first hot pot. The noodle bowls look so delicious. read more

Jong Kak - Let the feast begin! - Korean Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Kimchi jji gae was too spicy. I'm not a fan of their kimchi. The seafood pancake and fried chicken were okay. Karaoke was fun!

First time here. I normally go to Nam Kang but I have wanted to try this place for a while now. Service was good. I order the homemade fried dumplings. Delicious. Ordered the bi bam bap which was very good. Overall I would come back here again. read more

Jong Kak - Korean Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

The food was amazing. They were quick with my order and makes sure my order was separated from other people food for pickup. The ladies there was in masks and gloves and greeted me with such great hospitality. Most def recommend to anyone. Don't underestimate the drive and where it's at. It's safe I promise. They're finishing up a new condo building literally across the street. I hesitated at first to step out my car due to the fact that it was 930pm. But it's normal especially when you're not from there. Other than that I promise you won't regret ordering from here. Also the gps will point you to another Korean restaurant. It's the restaurant with the BLACK sign. The gps directed me to the restaurant with similar name lol don't make the same mistake I did. Even though the owner was very helpful and guided me to the right direction. read more

We came here for lunch while passing by Baltimore on our way from NC to Philadelphia. Parking was $1. Very interesting murals nearby. We ordered soft tofu soup and seafood pancake to share for two. But their small dishes were very abundant. We were very full and had left over at the end. It came out to about $12 each person, amazing price too! Hands down one of the best sundubu jigae I've had. Pancake was a bit oily but sooo good too! read more

We went to a show at the Hippodrome and then for a cocktail afterwards. The late-night hungries hit so we checked out Yelp and found this place--open until 4AM on a Sunday?? I called and verified and yep, they were open. We ordered half of set 1 and some kimchi jjigae as well. Out came over half a dozen banchan (that were all delicious) and the meat (plenty for 2), some salty bean paste and spicy chili sauce for dipping the cooked meat in. They helped us grill and then brought a huge bowl of kimchi jjigae out with tons of stuff in it--meat, kimchi, other items. Definitely didn't skimp on the soup. The set must have come with an egg custard and smaller soup. The smaller soup was an opaque broth and so rich and tasty. The egg custard was great, too. Overall an awesome experience--the only thin I'd say is the vent system couldn't keep up at certain points at all of the tables and it would get smoky inside, so we did leaving smelling heavily of BBQ. read more

Jong Kak - Korean Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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This was probably one of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had. Wait staff was extremely rude and demanding of my friend group during the ordering process. Then an incident occurred that I have never encountered in all my life in any state in any restaurant. My colleague found a piece of glass in his food. Luckily he did not swallow it. We immediately notified the restaurant and they were very nonchalant about the incident, and even had the audacity to charge us a tip at the end of the meal. This was a very serious incident and I will be reporting it. read more