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

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

So my brother moved here a few years ago, and we randomly stopped here to eat the first day of my visit after arriving from the airport. This was one of the best dining experiences I have had in a long time. Decor The decor was very cozy. What appears to be a tight knit cafe is actually a nicely sized restaurant, perfect for small, intimate, private meals, or large group meals. There are many eastern themed decorations, such as beautiful fans hanging on the walls and other relics, mats, or paintings unique to eastern regional art. There are also small Halloween and Christmas holiday trinkets that add western contrast to the eastern cultural representations, and make the space feel like a harmony of blended cultures. My brother and I were seated to our immediate right when we entered the restaurant, which was a two seat table that was very private, and which I enjoyed. There was also a larger group of young people from China who were eating behind us, and the energy and vibe of the space was so welcoming it was almost as comforting as visiting grandma´s house on a cozy Sunday afternoon. Service We were greeted by our server who was dressed in what I would state was more traditional eastern attire, which contributed to the identity and theme of the ambiance. Our server was so attentive to ensuring that we had the most optimal experience it was refreshing to be served so diligently in that manner. Every drink and item served was served with such intention and with instruction, it was truly a joy to have been able to experience that level of care in customer experience as I feel I did. Food The menu looked like a mix of mostly Korean themed items with a few Japanese themed or influenced items. I started off with a traditional honey and ginger hot tea drink, which I stirred very two minuted for a total of 6 minutes, as instructed. Let me state that this tea was maybe one of the best cups of tea I have had in a memorable while. The balance of sweetness from the honey which is so good, with the brightness and freshness of the fresh ginger makes a delightful sip of tea on a cold day. My brother got the barley tea which he had never had before, and stated he enjoyed. For appetizers we ordered the vegetarian dumplings, which come in two separate entree´s of 6 servings. As soon as you finish one basket of dumplings, the second round comes out. The timing is wonderful because it really makes you feel like you really are getting a proper course meal. This timing continues throughout the duration of the meal. We also ordered a kimchi fried vegetarian pancake which was delicious and texturally amazing. The saltines of the kimchi with the contrast of the veggies was perfect. Also, the dumpings were AMAZING. To fold a dumpling is a true skill, and aesthetically the symmetry of the dumplings was beautiful. The consistently of the dough was perfect, the softness of the dough was executed perfectly. The veggies were steamed to perfection and the crunchiness of the peas was a treat. I ordered the korean chicken bbq plate, which was chargrillled chicken sizzling like fajitas on a skillet, which a side of fresh veggies. The chicken was so tender and soft, and to pair the picked radish or kimchi with each bite of chicken was so savory. The rice was also cooked well and had a good consistency. My brother got the deluxe bento box which was a variety of meats with garnishes and small veggies. The deluxe box comes with fried dumplings, which are just as great as the steamed dumplings, by the way. read more

See all

Amazing and authentic Korean cuisine. My favorite and go-to in Boulder. If I could eat there everyday, I would. My experience with the owner/staff has been friendly and sweet. Prices are great and affordable too. Love, love, love.! read more

This place is really good. Super chill and the owner was extremely friendly and almost too helpful. We were the only ones in there and he was probably bored hahah. My girlfriend lived in Korea for 5 years and this has been the only place outside of Seattle that's satisfied her Korean food cravings. Definitely going to go back. We're super stoked on this place read more

Very poor service. They gave me the wrong food, and didn't even apologize. They tried to blame me but I said what I wanted clearly.

I ate here today for lunch but would never go back. The music was too loud and the server was unhappy to be asked to turn it down, even though we were the only ones there. We asked a reasonable question about one of the menu items and he was unhappy to be asked. When the bill came, he was unwilling to split it between two credit cards. Save the grief and go somewhere else where they actually value customers instead of fighting with them. Food was OK, nothing special. read more

Korea house is a super neat restaurant. Although it's in a strip mall, you walk in and feel like you're in an old Korean home. It's very intimate and the food is good. Not the best Korean i've ever had, but the vibe makes it worth it. I love their selection of Sake and Korean beers, and the owner knows all of his customers. Service can be iffy, but that's because it's a one man show! But--a must try. read more

Came here finally after bf has constantly wanted us to go because he loves it.. not sure why there's so many negative reviews but this place was plain out awesome! We tried the bento boxes which were amazing and I loved the kimchi! The owner was super kind and gave us our space and took care of us throughout our meal. This place has a very certain vibe to it which I think is what makes this place a must have. Thank you Korea House! read more

If you are looking for good authentic Korean food, do NOT go here. It was the worst Korean food we've ever tasted ANYWHERE - mediocre taste, small portions, and no side dishes. "The Korea House" should be renamed, since the food is anything but Korean. I'd say it's a strange fusion of Japanese and nondescript Asian. What made our experience worse was the owner's ill-mannered attitude towards us from the moment we stepped into the restaurant. He gave us unsolicited advise, was not even helpful, and kept making subtly offensive comments. After realizing how weird he was, we did not want to engage with him but just wanted to eat, pay, and get out of there. The only reason we went there after a long day of hike was because the Yelp review had four and a half stars! How surprising it was that the food was disappointingly mediocre and the service just as mediocre and offensive. Bad food and offensive service calls for one star and five thumbs down. read more

My favorite Korean spot in Boulder with very kind staff and amazing food. Reminds me of home.

The food was great. The service was speedy and the server was very personable. He taught us how to say thank you in Korean.

We just picked up our dinner from here tonight and it was very yummy I especially loved the tofu soup! The owner was very kind. So happy we found this little place! read more

writing this review as I enter, eat, and exit. Love the vibe when I walked in. Staff is great. Food is great. If you know a general idea of Korean Homey Comfort food, this place is it. Nice owners that run everything read more

Hello! I am updating my review, as I have been a few more times and sat in restaurant recently as well. Having sat in the restaurant for the first time (and reading some of the reviews in the past) I was nervous about how the meal would go. Whomever was the chef that day was super sweet and very accommodating. I did notice there weren't any people there. But maybe they weren't too busy that day. The decor is like being at someone's house - maybe someone older? I had the tofu stew and friends had other items and all felt they were yummy. The sides weren't refilled like some other places, but they were tasty. I wish my tofu stew was spicier, but that is ok. Overall we had a nice lunch. I would give it 3.5 stars! read more

Beef slime. I got Galbi beef that slid through my fingers like snot. I wouldn't feed it to my dog. The chicken was rubbery and chewy. It seemed like it had marinated for days but not been cooked for more than a minute. The owner was crazy angry when I asked for a description of the noodle dishes as there was no explanation beyond the Korean names. He took an order before I was ready and was then angry when I clarified that I had not ordered and was just trying to figure out what I wanted. After receiving gross food and tiny portions, $27.45 for two take out orders, I asked for a refund and the owner refused that or to remake it. I contacted the Boulder Health Department because I am concerned the meat was truly rotten. Disgusting. read more

Korea House - Rip off!! All bone, no meat. - Korean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

See all

Atmospherically it's a little overwhelming in there (or maybe I'm just used to my dining room since COVID), but oh man was this place tasty. Delicious food, respectful, above and beyond service! I would definitely come back. read more

Really good, fresh Korean food. Great service and cozy ambience. Recommend the kimchi pancakes which I hadn't seen elsewhere

I previously rated this restaurant a 5, because the food was very tasty and I love supporting a local restaurant. A few months ago, I took a friend here, excited to share it with them. And, the owner acted psycho toward us. We were trying very hard to be friendly and accommodating, because we assumed he was stressed, but ultimately we had to leave without ordering (after a series of bizarrely demeaning interactions while we were trying our best to politely order food, I asked the owner if he would rather we not eat there, and he said yes!). I hesitated to update my review in case he was just having a bad day, but reading more reviews here, it seems he often acts inexplicably hateful toward customers. read more

The food was OK but they don't give you a lot. Walked out of there still hungry. Asked for more vegetables and kimchi. Was told they would have to charge me. Have been to many korean restaurants and have never been charged extra for more kimchi. Really? Will not go back. read more

Seriously incredible food and cute atmosphere. I came for my first time two weeks ago and have been back 4 times since. Highly recommend the bulgogi & dumplings AND the bibimbap. Can't wait to come back... read more

Korea House - Beef & chicken Bibimbap - incredible!!! - Korean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

See all

I recommend the Dolsot (hot stone) beef Bibimbap (see photo). They make this dish in a very authentic way, and it is a great comfort food. I like to get extra kimchi when I order bibimbap - their kimchi is good, not bland, not too spicy, perfectly aged. I have also gotten the mandu soup which is filling and the dumplings are well made. The japchae is spot on! It tastes exactly like grandma's japchae, and you will be pleasantly surprised, especially with the sesame seeds sprinkled on top. I have tried the bulgogi and it wasn't my favorite here - seemed to be very small pieces and a little too dried out. Also, the pajeon is smaller than what I have had before (and in korea) but I enjoy the crispier texture than normal. If you like super crispy pajeon, you will like this pajeon. read more

Korea House - Beef bibimbap (hot stone / dolsot) with kimchi and gochujang (korean chili paste sauce)! - Korean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Great food, great service, reasonable prices. Authentic. Best Korean food in the Boulder area.

Good was delicious and awesome service. We got Galbi & Stone Pot Bimbimpa. The pickles for the sides were tasty too

We enjoy coming here. The owner is always polite and friendly. The portions are quite well sized (they're not huge, but always enough to leave here nicely full). Prices are well reflecting the sizes, definitely for the bento boxes and BBQ dishes. Also always enjoying the plum wine for a reasonable price! Strongly recommended! read more

Like Chase T. said, I don't understand why there are so many bad reviews. The Korean food is above par for the Denver Metro area and all-encompassed areas around it. The service has always been outstanding. Food gets delivered on-time, the restaurant is clean, and we always feel like we got an incredible value for the price. My wife and I have been coming here for our Korean fix for years, and it's always a pleasure to eat the food here. That being said I have never eaten the sushi here. There's just been no motivation for me to order it, and I wonder if that might be the source of some of the bad reviews? Either way, if that's the case, the owners should just stick to Korean food and ignore the sushi, because Boulder needs no more sushi places, but it definitely needs to keep good Korean food in business! read more

I just love this little mom and pop restaurant. You can tell the owners care about their customers. Plus the food is great, it's a lighter fair than most Korean restaurant, but still full of flavor. read more

This is one of our family's favorite spots. The steamed dumplings are the absolute best. I find the owner to be charming and very kind with us and our kids. He loves to share about Korean culture and many nights will talk to us at length about the artwork, cultural traditions with Korean food, etc. read more

This is a very good neighborhood place. We have been coming here for years since our adult children were young. The food is still tasty, and the owners do everything themselves. We ordered over the phone and when we pulled up to the restaurant, the owner came out with our order. We did not eat in because of the pandemic, but the inside is decorated with all sorts of mostly Korean tchotchkes and feels like you're visiting some old family friends. read more

Delicious food and friendly service, best bulgogi! We are visiting and tried this place. We ordered the combo D and it was enough for two, with a four course dinner under $40 read more

This place is amazing. My partner and I love coming here because the food is amazing and the owner is very sweet. I think it's important to note that when visiting this establishment you need to treat the place with respect as though you are visiting a home rather than a restaurant. We have never had a bad experience with the owner because each visit we are polite and courteous. Though the owner may be a traditionalist, he has been very accepting of us as clearly an LGBTQ couple. read more

This place is awesome! Total "hole in the wall" kind of gem. The bimbimbap and kimchi stew are delicious. If you're looking for something fancy, this isn't your joint. But if your looking for down to earth, home made cooking in a relaxed setting then this place is for you. I love the owners, they are kind, sweet and Very accommodating. I seriously don't understand why people give them bad reviews- he's a really nice guy. Sure the place is quirky and they are different, but maybe these people are being too judgmental about Korean culture- we don't need that kind of hate in this world! Every time I come in he makes room for my kid and the stroller and even offered the baby a rattle when she was crying... he is so sweet and nice! We love eating here read more

Korea House - Kimchi stew with pork - Korean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

This place is a hidden gem! I get the bibimbap in the stone pot, and I only wish the rice was a little more crispy one the bottom, but other than that it's fabulous. The owner is also very nice and polite and as one reviewer said, the atmosphere is homey, that is if your home was a restaurant with dozens of knick knacks. read more

Korea House - Bibimbap - Korean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

See all

My husband and I have been eating at the Korea House for years now. This is the sweetest restaurant. I love it because you can feel the love and culture the owners have infused when you walk in. wonderful in contrast to the chain restaurants. The food is always so fresh and good, and the service is great. I LOVE the Kimchi Jeong, and the Bibimbop hot bowl is my favorite. My husband always gets the deluxe Bento Box. They bring you bowls of kimchi with your meal, from Japan and Korea. The owners are wonderful, friendly but professional. The ambiance feels like you have been transported to Korea for an hour of your day. Truly a gem in Boulder. read more

The first time we came we really had a great time, the fellow that runs the place was nice attentive and the food wasn't bad. Second time however was like someone switched on this dude's bipolar personality. Not to go into too much negative detail the food is marginally all right but the fellow that runs the place is out of his freaking mind! Please reference other reviews in this thread as they all somewhat echo my experience. He Cray Cray ... Do yourself a favor avoid this place like the plague read more

First visit, but solid sampling of Korean food. Tried the kimchi jeon, and while I wish it had been spicier, it was still tasty. Hot stone bibimbap was also delicious, but the rice didn't crisp like I wanted (isn't that why you get the hot pot?). Our server was friendly and made notes of what was vegetarian and what certain ingredients were included. Would never pay American rates for soju or Korean beer - that's just something you only get your money's worth of in Korea, sadly. Can't wait to go back and try more food! read more

Korea house never disappoints. Their food is incredible the owners are friendly and kind and the service is fantastic. I could not recommend this more. Try their fried mandoo, short ribs and bulgogi beef it all tastes amazing read more

Heads up you must order an entree to eat here. Even though my friend ordered an entree, when I ordered an appetizer he politely said I was not allowed. He returned to our table 2 more times and on the third time we finally understood he was kicking us out. He literally escorted us out of the restaurant. Very difficult to communicate with and understand the owner, male waiter guy. read more

Nice little Korean place which is a strangely located next to a pet food store and vet, lol. But really nice service and I heard it's been here for 30+ years. I ordered a tofu Hot Stone Bibimbap which was good and the rice was not as crunchy as I'd expect, but still good for Boulder. Very nice server/owner. I'll go again, it's close to work. read more