After an annual session of family Chinese memorial practice of honoring the departed nearby (Aka Bai-San in Cantonese), it was a rainy Saturday here in Manoa and wanted lunch.
It was one of those days in April 2023. Rainy and just blah. I decided to come to this restaurant because I was craving Korean barbecue takeout and it was the nearest shopping center all the way home or to Alamoana shopping center. I came into the restaurant which was pretty small, but had a couple of tables occupied for diners. There was about five tables total and the restaurant wasn't busy at all. So, I stepped into the restaurant and placed my order. It was a small, but friendly place where I could place my order, and leave with a smile on my face. The small mom and pop establishments are a dying breed so we must support local to keep them afloat in these times. My entire experience took about 20 minutes, from ordering to pick up and leaving the restaurant. The restaurant itself was clean and quite nice. The service was friendly and fast. For the most part, though, it's always good here, especially with the fish jun, since I usually order this on any take out Korean barbecue place in Honolulu. On this trip to Red Pepper Korean barbecue restaurant in beautiful Manoa valley, I basically went for the meat jun & fish jun combination platter. This behemoth platter sells for just under $20. You better believe that it can be enough for 2 meals or for two people. Or maybe just one meal for one person if he's really hungry. That would be me that day. They also have fan favorites like barbecue chicken and other favorite classics, which includes bi bim bap and assorted soups.
The overall experience here at Red Pepper Korean Barbecue restaurant in Manoa Marketplace was quite nice, fast, delicious, and uneventful. Just a nice eatery to satisfy my craving for Korean barbecue that Saturday in April 2023. It was nice to patronize another Korean barbecue place other than Yummy's locations and Gina's nearby. The only thing that was interesting here was that they gave you a small little ticket for your order along with your receipt. Found that strange when I was the only one there in the restaurant waiting for an order while it was raining outside. I ended up putting in my order, choosing my 4 vegetables, and just sat down in the empty chair while I waited for my order. Once I got my order, I left the restaurant on my way to Ala Moana shopping center. The prices here can be eye popping, but it is what it is, where food prices are increasing and no end in sight. Red Pepper Korean Barbecue is one of those places where you don't see it until you crave it. I enjoyed my fish jun and meat jun combo plate that day. I think I also ordered a large fountain drink as well with my meal. If you are in the area and craving Korean Barbecue, come on down.
Red Pepper Korean Barbecue is located in the Manoa Marketplace shopping center. It's address is 2752 Woodlawn Drive in Manoa valley. They accept major credit cards as well as cash. It's basically across the parking lot from McDonalds and across the street where the Manoa Starbucks is. Can't miss it. If you are a driver, there is plenty of parking lot here, but be warned about the peak parking times that may be avoided so you don't have to wait a long time to get parking but in general, there's parking available. If you are like me, bus route 6 comes thru the area and makes stops on E Manoa Road. My favorite vegetables to have are their seaweed, bean sprouts, and the shoyu potatoes. The kim chi is alright but enjoyed the choi sum too. Whatever you fancy at Red Pepper Korean barbecue, they just may have it for you.
4.0 stars for the overall experience. 3.0 stars for the ambiance. 3.5 stars for the service, but 4.5 stars for the food. 2.0 stars for the prices.
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