I'm biased. I like Leon and want his business to do well. Objectively, the food is tasty, the portions are small, and the side dishes are limited. As a result, I leave here not feeling overstuffed (usually at restaurants, I feel like I've overeaten), and the tab is reasonable. I've never caught flak for sharing dishes, but maybe it's because I'm a regular/he likes me. Service - food has always come out well and in a timely manner. Ambiance - feels like a small family-run restaurant. There's some kind of Korean music playing in the background, and the decor feels familiar. So it feels comfortable and unassuming. Feels more "Korean" than A Cup of Peace, which is more like fast-casual Korean-inspired food (the latter is generally Korean food, but something feels off about the food I've had there). read more

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It was very yummy loved the food :) the restaurant is cozy and has great decor, the owner is kind and wants everyone to have a good experience. Customers are impatient and pushy at restaurants which is why I think these reviews reprimand the owner of Korea House, if you are kind and understanding to the staff then that is what you will get in return. It's a small business and he is doing his best !! read more

I don't ever leave reviews, but the service here was so shockingly rude today that I really need them to know that this isn't how you run a restaurant. We weren't informed when we were seated that the restaurant would be closing in about a half hour. Their hours are not posted on the door; we checked after being rudely shooed out by the owner. He dropped the check while my elderly mother was still eating; fine and good. Some places are fast paced. Then he came by and tapped on the check in a very passive-aggressive manner. Then he began obviously bustling around and signaling "get out" vibes before telling us, while my mom was still chewing "we close at two!" They didn't let us know how little time we had to eat when we were seated, OR when we ordered. They didn't give a ten minute warning. They didn't even offer a BOX for the remaining bites on my mom's plate. There were so many ways they could have flagged that they understood the inconvenience and tried to make us feel accomodated. I have never felt less welcome in a restaurant. The food was also thoroughly mediocre. I SO want there to be a decent Korean restaurant in Boulder, but I will never go back. read more

The food was decent but the service was pretty wild. Went with a group of 3 friends and we decided to order a bunch of different things and share everything. Even though what we ordered amounted to 4 entries and several sides and apps the server / owner was very put out that we didn't each want to order our own set of food because "that's how Koreans do it". We were reminded of this several times through out the course of the meal. Because we were just going to share and to keep down on confusion we just had one person relay the order for everything. This also elicited a small lecture about this is not how Korean food is ordered. Once the order was placed I wanted to add something to it so I flagged down the server. I told him what I wanted and he told me only the person who placed the first oder could add anything. So while he stood there I turned to my friend told him what I wanted and then he told the server who wrote it down. The food was brought out and it was pretty good but we were told as he placed it on the table that we were not actually eating Korean food because of how we ordered it but we should enjoy anyway. His tone was sort of reluctantly cheery but also passive aggressive which made the whole thing somewhat humorous. After being semi lectured about the rigid individualism of Korean food culture multiple time when the time came to pay we were told we could not split the bill equally because in Korea it's only one check per table. read more

The food is incredible!! Husband and wife duo that provide wonderful food in an at home style atmosphere. As a connoisseur of Korean barbecue I can confidently say this is the best Korean food in Colorado hands-down. No way there's always a table available and the best bulgogi and galbi you've ever had in your life. read more

The owner, middle aged Korean guy, is an angry weirdo. I thought maybe he was having a bad day but after seeing all the other reviews, it's clear that what I experienced was his true self. First time here. I ordered two entrees for dinner - tofu soup and kalbi. Two tiny banchan came with, radish and kimchi. As I ate my meal, I asked for more kimchi. He said $2.99. I sold OK. He repeated $2.99. I repeated OK. He comes back with a tiny kimchi and says,"Today is OK, but not always possible." I said "More kimchi's not possible?" He said, "Yes." I said, "Are you running out?" He didn't like that. He scoffed... had any annoyed look on his face and said, "Kimchi cost high." Huh? I asked, "Kimchi is expensive?" He scoffed again. I have no idea why this all occurred given I didn't protest the $2.99 for "extra" kimchi. So I ask what is included in the entrees, adding that typical Korean restaurants give you more banchan dishes and unlimited quantities of it. He was now in full dick mode. Tells me he's been operating 45 years. He says one banchan comes with each entree, adding a "So simple" to his reply. I call him out on his nasty attitude.. asking why he is angry. He kept scoffing and repeating he's been there 45 years. He can't help himself... walking away and coming back periodically to argue more... even when I ask him to stop so I can eat in silence. Serious mental issue with this one. The food itself was OK - not great but passable, except for the small portions and limited "not always possible" kimchi. The decor is strange. Literally all these bookcases and shelves and tables and trinkets everywhere. It looks like an old person's cluttered house, not a restaurant. The main issue is the crabby owner. 45 years? Time to retire, dude... read more

Tried something new today. Bibimbap with bulgogi. Portion of meat was quite small but after everything was mixed together, it was a great dish. Flavor was excellent and each ingredient was cooked perfectly. While price is slightly steep for amount of food, I would recommend Korea House if you're looking for this type of food! Will be back 7.8/10! read more

Korea House - Korean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Best Korean restaurant in town! Incredible ambience, delicious food, and overall a very traditional dine-in experience.

I can't give this place a zero, so I would have to give them a 1 star instead. My friend and I came in for lunch. We come to sit down and order food, but we wanted to share a dish. The owner asked us to leave after we told him we were going to share a dish. He aggressively told us that we can't, so we said one minute so we can look at the menu. He kicked us out even before we could look at the menu. He didn't even give us 30 seconds to look at the menu. He was so unbelievably rude to us for no reason at all. I would not recommend coming here at all. read more

1 Star -- If I Could Give Zero, I Would My husband and I just had one of the worst dining experiences we've ever had. From the moment we sat down, the server/owner rushed us like we were an inconvenience. We barely had five minutes to even look at the menu before being pressured to order. The whole atmosphere was stressful and uncomfortable. And the food? Absolutely disappointing. Everything tasted like it had been pre-made, frozen, and reheated. The portions were tiny--my husband would've needed three entrées just to feel like he had a normal meal. And all the other reviews stating that there are no other side dishes available or extra rice are correct. For the prices they charge, it's honestly laughable. But the real breaking point was the owner's behavior at the end. When my husband, who happens to be Asian, paid the bill, the owner actually walked over to our table, pointed at the tip line, and lectured him about "tipping 20% or above in America." Excuse me? I have never in my life been confronted about not tipping a specific percentage--especially not in such a rude, condescending way. Tips are earned, not demanded. And they are not required by law. They are simply out of generosity. The insinuation that my husband didn't know "American etiquette" was offensive, discriminatory, and completely out of line. And the fact that this owner/server had the audacity to lecture my husband--who is a true American--on 'American culture,' when he himself can't even speak proper English, is absolutely outrageous." We will gladly NEVER be back. Save your money, your time, and your sanity. Literally anywhere else--yes, even McDonald's--would be a better experience and a better place to spend your money than this greedy, disrespectful establishment. read more

I love this place. It should get so much more hype. Amazing food. Amazing service. Great vibe. Also great prices. I can't say enough wonderful things about this place. read more

Bad food, bad service... How is this place in business? A real shame considering I love Korean food. But this place blows. The owner is the worst. Acts like he is doing you a favor. Don't open a restaurant if you don't like people. Stay home and wallow there. read more

more than great food! fantastic and personal service! we keep going back every time we visit boulder !

The service and ambiance were very authentic and beautiful and the food was clearly made with a homely touch that chain restaurants fail to replicate. Highly recommend!! read more

Omg! This place is so good! . The owner has great customer service and is always clear. Would recommend.

Normally I don't write reviews - but given the prior ones, I almost didn't order from here and want to correct that wrong. I was running late and wanted a quick late lunch around 1:45PM (they close at 2PM in between meals) so I called for takeout. Over the phone, the owner (I assume) was very helpful and after confirming I could be there at 2PM took my order and confirmed it was safe from allergens with no hassle. Less than 10 minutes later I got to Korea house, my order was hot and ready to go. The bibimbap had all the fixings you could want including a fried egg on top and well seasoned veggies, I also enjoyed the purple cabbage kimchi it came with. The tofu was solid, nothing too fancy but this was the perfect filling lunch ready on time. When I picked up the owner was very kind and encouraged me to come back again. Basically - don't believe every negative (or positive) review you read ... good to find out for yourself. Might even update this to a 5/5 after I've tried more dishes! read more

Like every other review here, the owner is rude and stubborn. He directed me to sit at this table facing a shrine and I asked to sit at a different table and he wouldn't let me. The whole restaurant was empty read more

This restaurant is great! I recommend the kimchi pancake and the kimchi stew. Both were delicious! We also got the beef bibimbap and spice pork which were so yummy! We'll definitely be back! Lovely service as well! read more

As a Korean born and raised in Boulder, I am embarrassed at the service that this restaurant dishes out. The food is just okay, the portions are small but the psychological battering that one receives here even before placing the order is so unacceptable and it makes me think that the owner has a serious problem and that customers need to be forewarned. I have personally only experienced this kind of hostility a few times and from all Asian ethnic groups, but this location can usually be guaranteed to elicit a hostile act sometime during the dining experience. You are forewarned. For our family, the food doesn't warrant this kind of treatment so we are not going to patronize his restaurant again. I apologize if you ignore this warning and have an experience like so many other reviewers have had over many, many years now. I prefer to enjoy my dining out instead of worrying about what lies in wait. read more

Leon and his food are both incredible. He is so kind and cares so much about his customers and their experience, his service is incredible. The ambiance is some of my favorite in any restaurant. My favorite restaurant in Boulder by far! Be sure to get the ginger tea and the kimchi pancake. read more

Simply a delightful meal. The pearl barley tea was delicious. I enjoyed the bibimbap and the kimchi stew. It's the kind of food you just want to keep eating. I'm glad I had the opportunity to try it out. read more

Prepare to have the most uncomfortable dining experience filled with harassment by the owner. As in, he will not leave you alone, try to make continuous conversation while you're trying to have dinner, and continuously attempt to bait an argument. That said, the food. My Korean food quality expectation outside of NY/LA/MD is low, no problem. As long as the fundamental Korean ingredients are present, no complaints. After all, the owner prides himself on authentic Korean menu. Wrong. The food is bland, sauces are as he said "special" and, therefore, far from authentic. And then there's the portion problem. I'm a light eater. As in, my favorite Denver menu item is the 4oz filet at the Four Seasons. Top ten dinner experience consisted of a 2oz Wagyu Filet at Barclay Prime in Philly for ~$150. I can't finish a lobster tail. The entree portions here are tiny, below minimal. The sides are small and unconventionally chopped into fine bits so it's difficult to complement the meal as intended using chopsticks. While you think your order is complete, there are then upcharges throughout the meal. Restaurant experiences typically follow a quality spectrum as it relates to food, service, value. This is an immeasurable bizarre experience off the spectrum. So, this place is perfect for psychological abuse, being hungry afterwards, and feeling cheated. read more

They refused service cause I did not buy a main dish. Huge loss. I know a number of folks like myself who are huge supporters of local small businesses and pay cash, who would have enjoyed the unique atmosphere they offer. read more

I was craving Korean food and this was the closest place to where I was at. It's really hard to find decent Korean food if you aren't near Aurora, so I was glad that this restaurant popped up on my search. I went here during weekday evening hours and it was pretty quiet. The restaurant is relatively small and it seemed as though it was a family run establishment. It has a nice homey vibe. Our server seemed to speak limited English but it was honestly fine- he understood what we wanted and also gave us recommendations. I got the soft tofu stew and I liked it. It reminded me of a meal that your family will make for you at home. The menus are a bit limited compared to other restaurants. As well, this restaurant isn't a five star fine dining (chain) restaurant. But it gives off calm, family vibe and I personally liked it. If you are craving Korean food, this is a good place to try out. read more

Korea House - Soft tofu stew - Korean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Reading the reviews, it is really no surprise now, but nevertheless, was a very shocking experience. Met friends here after work. The person who first got there was not sure how many people would make it. We all work in healthcare, and schedules are unpredictable. When we told him it would be just three of us instead of the 5-6 originally stated, he yelled at her and said "this is a restaurant! I asked you THREE times!" Mind you, there are two other people in the restaurant a this time, and it is not peak hours at all. We made up more than half of the people in this place. He proceeded to take away the two top that was pushed up to our table, then took away one napkin, one chopsticks pair, one glass of water, and huffed and puffed gearing up to take our order. It was quite the dramatic showing. I then said to him, "We all work in healthcare, we don't always know how our afternoon is going to go, and I'm very sorry our friends could not make it here. Do you want our business?" To which he replied, "NO! GET OUT!" He overcharged my friend for the tea that she ordered while yelling at us to get out and threw in "You act like a gangster!" and "Don't ever come back here again!" NO PROBLEM DUDE! I've never had such an experience! Thanks for the great story we have now! Glad we never made it to the food part because I don't want to give this man a penny! read more

As I opened this window to author a review, another similar review appeared in the sidebar. Thought it was just us but another reviewer said it best: "the psychological battering that one receives here even before placing the order is so unacceptable and it makes me think that the owner has a serious problem." From the time the ordering dialog began through the full duration until food arrived, we received a solid 30 minute lecture. He spoke to me as if he was a diplomat to Korean cuisine culture making an introduction to a world in which I was a stranger. I'm a Korea-born asian. I had to go as far as to say, you realize I'm not only Asian but also Korean. I'm not only Korean but I also cook any one of your menu items on a daily basis. To make matters worse, one statement after another were outrageous fabrications of Korean food history. I returned confused looks as he would assert a lie and he would then repeatedly exclaim "trust me!" This was extraordinary to the extent I thought maybe I'm the one who's lost grip on reality. This compelled us to fact check and was able to verify he's a pathological liar. We were dealing with a Korean equivalent to Donald Trump. Most of all, we just wanted to be left in peace and enjoy a late afternoon meal but that was lost before the meal even began. Adding insult to injury, my daughter experienced what she described as food poisoning for the next 24 hours ... I asked her to clarify and without further detail, definitely food poisoning. Her only meal that day was the bibimbap from this restaurant. Also expect to be nickled and dimed if you need to replenish the scarce sides (banchan). read more

We brought a birthday cake and they didn't allow us to eat it in the restaurant, and kept emphasizing "this is America" etc, the attitude is terrible read more

Food is terrible! The waiter or manager whatever he was, was extremely rude. My family will never go here again!

My family had very interesting experience at this place. We were visiting Colorado for Christmas...we went to Estes park, and on our way back to Denver downtown, we decided to eat at Korea House as my mom was craving some Korean food. It was around 3pm as we were told that they were closed after lunch time and reopen at 3pm. When we entered, the lady looked at us and didn't saying anything, just answering the phone. We tried to seat by the corner, but the lady told us we can't seat there because it was too far. Mind you, this place is a tiny, hole in a wall place. Okay, whatever, we were seated where she wanted us to. Now, time to order the food. The owner comes out, greeting us and telling us that there's no Koreans in town (I guess in Boulder). Not sure why that mattered? We are Koreans, and maybe he was shocked to see a group of Koreans in his town where no other Koreans live. We placed our order, and that dude was next to our table, talking to us about the history of Colorado (or Boulder specifically) for the longest time. From the time we ordered to the time we finished our meal. My husband and my dad did a great job at conversing with him, even though it was weird and inconvenient. He would not leave us when we were eating! Maybe he was excited to see some fellow Koreans. I don't know. But it was definitely weird. I could tell the dude was passive aggressive, easily offended, and know-it-all person. Overall, the food was pretty good... we were super hungry after hiking though. But omg, tiny tiny portions!! My 7 year old would finish one entree and not be full. So. Freaking. Small. Yes, I am from Texas, but this is another level of tiny portions. So there you go. My story at Korea House. Weird. read more

My new favorite! This place was so so good! All the food is super fresh, made there. We had amazing service by the chef and the food...all the flavors! Absolutely delicious!! I could not believe when the bill came...a generous glass of wine, three appetizers, four meals and two desserts...barely over $100! If you want amazing flavors, super fresh homemade Korean food for an exceedingly reasonable price...this is your place for sure! Already can't wait to go back! (And for those people worried about the portion sizes...I think they're use to "American" portions. We all left feeling full and very satisfied.) Thank you Korean House! Can't wait to come back! read more

Boulder used to be a a more tolerant town. It's a shame to see cultural differences used to criticize the lovely people of this long time Boulder mom n' pop business. The food is delicious and the owners are lovely people!!! Be patient with people who speak other languages as their first language. read more

Good food, but rude service and very tiny portions. See the photo below to see how small the portions are. We even asked for more kimchi and they actually refused. Keep in mind, in the photo below, that little tiny amount was supposed to be for three people. read more

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This place is authentic and great!! Don't listen to other reviews. They are wrong. The husband and wife are delightful. Great service, prices are very reasonable! Do yourself a favor and try them out! You won't regret It. I'll be coming back many times! read more

Korea House - Korean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

The food was okay. Chicken version was a little better. Small restaurant. It is decorated very nicely. read more

Korea House - Their rice bowl - Korean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

We had high hopes for this neighborhood restaurant; thinking it might be that secret and coveted special restaurant that is AMAZING! Unfortunately.....that could not be further from the truth. The cuisine, at best, is mediocre and barely plausible as 'fast food'. A very far attempt at anything resembling authentic Korean fare. The menu items are prepared from mass produced frozen fare.....ready to be fried and/or microwaved. NOTE: this is via admission from the business owner Wish they did more items in-house as there does seem to be some culinary deliciousness available here. For example their pickled vegetables are spot on. These house made accoutrements are what make the entree proteins palatable. Portions compared to price are extremely small and not worth the dollars spent. Expect to pay prices associated with a great sit down dining restaurant and then receive drive thru cuisine and portion sizes. Wish you the best Korea House. If you put some energy and passion into your food you could really have a great niche location. Until then.....Ciao read more

Amazing service and the best food I've ever had. The negative reviews are so wild to me because I've been coming for years and have never had anything close to a problem. read more

Cute place with good food and polite service. That have a variety of sake and beer and decently priced. The bibimbap is my favorite and can be served on hot stone. The last visit I had the combination bento- it was great too! read more

Don't give this place your business! I came in for dinner with a Korean friend and things quickly went downhill with the owner. He had been giving us weird vibes from the start, and then when my friend ordered a drink (in a perfectly normal way), he went off on a harangue about how she needed to say "please" and be more respectful and how there aren't many Koreans in Boulder etc etc. It was very clear he had a definite view of how a Korean woman should behave and felt it was his place to lecture her about it. Of course all the other tables full of white people were ordering the same way she did and didn't get any such response. We could have let it go, but then when he came back he wouldn't drop it and even tried to enlist me to his side and tell her how to behave properly. So we left and he continued to harass us all the way out the door. I should say that I usually discount Yelp reviews complaining about the service -- people can be very sensitive and staff are often just busy -- but this was the worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant. You can see hints of this attitude in other reviews, especially when other Koreans are present. So yeah if you're white you'll probably be fine. But if you don't want to support a sexist, backwards owner, don't go to Korea house. read more

Let me start by saying Koren food is some of our favorite food and we know what to order and what we like, we aren't novices in dining out on Korean food, I even have much experience in making my own as a Korean friend was nice enough to give me lessons and recipes in years past. We go to Aurora all the time for Korean food. We met out of town friends for lunch here yesterday, it was the first time at this establishment for us all, there were only 4 of us, two couples. The restaurant was basically empty and it was just before 1:00 pm when we got there. The older man who served us, I would assume is the owner. We got weird vibes almost immediately as he handed us the menus and proceeded to stand there waiting right next to the table. After just a few seconds he asked if we were ready, we literally hadn't even had time to look at the menus. We said no so he "walked around the corner" and lurked there. We discussed the foods (our friends were not familiar with the dishes) and we were explaining them. He the returned again a minute later and asked if we were ready, seriously! So under pressure we hastily decided due to his pushing us and placed the orders with the man commenting negatively on what us two ladies ordered. Honestly, I don't need to be told what I'm supposed to eat when I AM paying for it! He was so weird, rude and overbearing. We received our food in about 20 min. and although overall it was tasty the portions were incredibly small for the price and the 3 teeny tiny bowls of sides we were to share for all 4 of us were ridiculously inept. Korean food is meant to be shared and what he provided in Ban Chan (sides) was barely enough for one person . We asked for more kimchi but we were denied, then I commented on how other Korean restaurants provided it with meals he looked at me oddly. He then came back with another small bowl for sharing so each of us got about 2 bites each of kimchi total, he acted like it was a big deal to provide more. For gosh sakes it's fermented cabbage, the cheapest vegetable! He then told us we had to leave about 10 min to 2:00 pm, he was closing! He billed us $2.99 for the extra stingy portion of kimchi too! By that time we were glad to depart his condescending attitude so we paid and left. I have never been so uncomfortable at a dining establishment ever before, it's like a dictator runs it. Gave me flashbacks to Seinfeld's soup Nazi. I've traveled the world and have had better service in other countries. We definitely won't EVER go back and I suggest others don't waste their time or their money on this highly overpriced, very mediocre food. If this man doesn't like customers he shouldn't have a customer service based business! read more

Note: I posted this review originally about 4 years ago. Idk why it got refreshed. I really wish I read the reviews about the terrible service and unwelcoming demeanor of the owner. One reviewer described him as the Soup Nazi minus the good food; it's spot on. My friend and I went there last night. We had only been there once before, but did not have to deal with the owner previously. The food is mediocre and overpriced, but it was one of the few places open after 9 so our options were limited. Here is how our visit went. We are seated and given menus. Literally seconds later, the guy who runs the place comes over to our table, and tells us that it is 9:30 and that the place is only open until 10:00; his tone implying that he just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. Now, we had literally just opened our menus. Instead of giving us even a little bit of time to figure out what we want, he just continues to stand there, expecting us to order immediately. It was awkward as hell, but we get our drink orders in. He quickly grabs them for us, and we tell him what we want when he returns. He tells us he can't make what my friend ordered because he already turned off the fryer. He then just continues to stand there awkwardly, strongly giving us the impression that our being there is some huge inconvenience for him. My friend is disgruntled by his rudeness, but starts looking through the menu to find something else to order. This jackass then snatches the menu from us, and tells us to drink our drinks and leave. I tell him that I'm not going to drink on an empty stomach, and I am not going to pay for a drink I never even physically touched. He tells me he is going to call the police. I tell him that's fine by me. He was trying to force me to drink on an empty stomach and immediately drive afterwards, and I have no problem telling the police that. I tell him I am going to wait for the cops outside. He tries to insist that I stay in his restaurant and wait, but I made it clear that I was not about to put up with any more of his bullshit. I go outside to have a cigarette and calm down. A few minutes later, he pokes his head out the door and tells me to just leave, and that I am banned from his restaurant. He acts like this is some sort of big punishment, but I've had the food there and I promise you that it is not read more