HISTORY: Soon's korean bbq smoky aromas drenching the neighborhood are a core childhood memory. I grew up in the 80s nearby, cruising Salt Lake Shopping Center from back when there was Pioneer Chicken and Kana's Ice Cream and Pay n' Save and Sizzler's. My parents would stop pick up Soon's on the way to UH games at the stadium, a Saturday splurge (they were never cheap) when my mom didn't have time to make musubi and hotdogs. Maybe i'm suffering from "da good ole days" syndrome, but my first trip back to Soon's in about ten years left me Broken Hearted... VALUE: the portions were OK, Soon's always gave a satisfying portions but never "masu's massive" satisfying. I thought they used to drop a rubbery fried mandoo as a bonus side with your plate but i could be wrong and i got none today. AMBIANCE: it seemed cleaned up, definitely. but like when you see an old plantation house with a thick coat of bright glossy latex it just felt a little off in a less charming, trying-too-hard kind of way. For reference, I absolutely love the "Honesty" of Bob's BBQ on Waikamilo, and BBQ Kai in Waianae. FOOD: I ordered a couple BBQ Chicken and Meat Jun plates for some contractors working on my parents' house nearby, thought that was a safe bet but NOPE. I felt bad i gave the contractors the terrible meat jun i wanted to apologize was so embarrassing. MEAT JUN - (2/10, +one point cuz it didnt give me food poisoning). Soon's version always was thin, but today was Next Level chintzy. I dunno if the meat was over-pounded flat to stretch it out but even WITH the coating it was the SIZE AND TEXTURE OF BITING INTO A STICK OF STALE WRIGLEY'S JUICY FRUIT THAT WAS FORGOTTEN IN THE BOTTOM OF YOUR BACKPACK FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS DURING A HUMID SUMMER VACATION, but without the burst of fruity goodness. So maybe a more apt analogy would be texture and flavor LIKE BITING INTO A STICK OF CLAY. MEAT JUN SAUCE - (nostalgic 8/10). sweet and tasty, but Why do they give only that MINI thimble portion cup of sauce?!? THE CLAY-LIKE MEAT JUN DOESN'T EVEN FIT THE OPENING OF THE TINY %#@$ CUP!! BBQ CHICKEN - (solid 6/10). Always over-marinated, the classic soon's tasty but heavy handed preparation. Clearly benefits from nostalgia. OTHERS - the BBQ meat / bulgogi is also over marinated, with small/medium shreds of slightly dry and too-hard meat. meh. - the "banchan" tsukemono kimchee foil pocket of veggies was always a treat, but so small. plus the kimchee is super weak more orange and sour than truly tasty. The TREAT - SECRET IS TO POUR A PRECIOUS FEW DROPS OF YOUR TINY CUP OF MEAT JUN SAUCE OVER THE VEGGIES TO GIVE IT A TASTY KICK. VERDICT: I grew up with Soon's, but I want to remember them fondly so I'm Never going back. My parents still live in Salt Lake so I'm sad. Guess I'm just going to file Soon's away with the fuzzy old memories of Aloha Stadium, the Islanders, and the 'Bows v. BYU. Next time i need Korean bento I'm going to Gina's. read more

Discovered Soon's from an IG post about a few of their favorite spots in Oahu. Decided to check it out for dinner during our last trip out. Was a quick 15 minute drive from the Hilton village. Arrived to find a no frills restaurant. First discovered meat jun while out in Lanai and loved it. Opted for both the meat jun mix and kalbi plate. Food was ready within 5 mins and decided to eat back at our hotel as we had a full kitchen and dining table. The food smelled amazing and somehow we made it back in less than 10 mins. The kalbi and bbq chicken were both awesome. Was really disappointed with the meat jun as it had a weird chewy texture. Upon closer inspection, not sure if it was even beef! Loved how they include both kimchi and cooked bean sprouts with each plate. We thought the portions were pretty generous and had more than enough for lunch the next day! Would definitely head back for both their kalbi and bbq chicken during our next visit out to HNL. Bring cash as that's the only payment accepted here!! read more

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Update 7-2-26 after our hair appointment I wanted to eat just mandoo for lunch so since soon's kal bi was around the corner we went. Came home and was disappointed this time the mandoo was garlicky and lots of chives. Maybe this batch was heavy on the chives and garlic. Im not a garlic and chives person a little is ok but wow it was overwhelming. Even my husband said so. Maybe next time they'll not put to much. read more

Always get a great bang for your buck and the foods consistently good! If you're familiar with Salt Lake Shopping Center you've probably been here. read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Bbq Chicken and Meat jun plate - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This was my go to spot when I was living in Hawaii in the 80's. Going back 40 years later and still having the same flavor and food was marvelous!! The food is amazing! There is nothing on the meu that is a bad choice. The service level is as expected frpm a takeout window. Friendly and polite service. I was on the island for 3 days and had 3 meals there at the tables. It's a perfect place to sit and eat while smelling the smoke of the teriyaki chicken. I would fly back just to go here! Not the beach! read more

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My go to for meat John the way I like it. I know many have told me that it's not made the traditional way.... But it works for me! read more

I couldn't decide what to get at this classic kbbq spot, so I picked the Kalbi Combo so I could try a little of many things! The Kalbi Combo comes with kalbi, BBQ chicken, bulgogi (BBQ beef), meat jun, and mandoo. The portion is generous and could definitely be shared between 2 people. Overall, the meats are AMAZING. The kalbi, chicken, and bulgogi were all so flavorful, juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked, with that slightly charred barbecue flavor. The seasoning is well-balanced - just the right blend of savory, sweet, umami. The meat jun has a crisp, light batter and tender meat, and it comes with an amazing sauce that complements it really well. It's not too greasy, and the sauce is the perfect level of acidity to balance it out. Also tastes really good with the fried mandoo. The highlight is really the meat - the banchan is just so-so, and the rice was a little too wet for my liking. The kimchi is not the most flavorful, and they use regular cabbage instead of napa cabbage, which was a little odd to me. The bean sprouts were okay - they had a light, slightly acidic dressing on it. I love banchan so I was a little bummed they don't have other options to choose from, but I don't mind too much, because everything else was seriously amazing. There is a dining area with a few booths for customers to sit at around the corner of the order/pick-up windows, which are covered by an awning. Last thing to keep in mind about Soon's is that they are cash only! read more

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first visit tried something new , prices lil high but their menu offers mix plates , Galbi , meat jun which I enjoyed and their mandoo , burgers , teriyaki sando and more they have sitting area outside with couple of tables , parking lot part of the Salt Lake Shopping Center also offer catering, payment : Cash only read more

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Food and serve always good! I've visited Soons since the eighties and the food tastes the same, served hot, fresh and original sauces are perfect. I got the meat Jun plate combo the best of both worlds. Please don't go anywhere, I'll be back every time! read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Meat Jun plate with my 2 favs only found in Hawaii, and this version at Soon's is perfect - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This place has been a Salt Lake staple for many many years. You would be fooling yourself by not trying this place.. I always get to meet Jhun and barbecue chicken mix plate but I have also tried the other plates and they are just as good. The prices are pretty comparable as far as Korean places go, and the service is what you would expect from a takeout place. You don't get to choose your sides, but their sides are as good as you can get. If you haven't heard of this place, then you better go and check them out and you won't be disappointed! read more

This place is expensive. It used to be affordable. Small pan meat-jun is $71. Maybe come here only if ordering for yourself. Food is good. But price is not. However, they are accommodating and understanding to change up order last minute. Also, remember, this place is cash only. read more

This place is definitely delicious!!! The Kalbi and their chicken is bomb!! Great rice too! Love their salad and kimchi. Service is hit and miss since there is long lines. But they are nice and are as fast as they can be. We are always happy to wait! This place is a hole in the wall Connected to Safeway in the back. I would just park in the Safeway parking lot and walk over. The entrance is a pain. read more

Soon's kal bi is great i always get the meat jun plate, very generous on the portion and the salads (kimchi, cabbage, bean sprout.) taste amazing too! They give out 2 side sauces which add to the flavor of the meat jun! read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Meat Jhun - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I had heard a lot of good things about Soons Meat Jun, so while I was in the area I decided to give it a try. I ended up spending about $21 for a plate, which I didn't mind as long as the quality matched. Unfortunately, the meat jun didn't taste like traditional meat jun at all. The texture was really off , it was hard instead of the usual light, fluffy consistency you expect. It just wasn't enjoyable. I was pretty disappointed, especially after hearing such good reviews. Personally, I won't be going back. read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We bought their plate lunches just before they closed...few years ago.. am not sure if the cooks changed or not but both my son and I got stomach issues! Thereafter unfortunately although they have been there for years as the only Korean food for take outs...I've decided not to eat there after we both got ill. I'm not saying their food is not cooked right now but I think it's not as good as they were when they first opened. It's okay to try it out., it's quick and reasonably priced. read more

Ordered takeout Bi bim bap. So much food. I mixed it up with the Go chu jung sauce. Very good taste. Lots of barbecue meat too. Had enough for 2 meals! I will be back to try something else. Very good value. read more

Used to come here often growing up but haven't been for years. Got their family pack. It has a decent amount of food for the price which includes mandoo, bulgogi, Kalbi, bbq chicken and meat jun. All the meats have good flavor but the meat jun were super thin slices of meat. Young's has much better meat jun. You have to order the veggies and rice separately and pay more for it. Prices have increased quite a bit since I last visited but it is a decent Korean place for the area. read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Family Pack - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Great food. Cash only so dont forget to get cash. Also easy parking and right off Salt lake Blvd.

Simple, no frills dining but the food is always great. No trip to the island is complete for me if it doesn't include a stop at Soon's. Make sure you bring cash as it's cash only! read more

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Food is good and fairly priced. We would go back again. Seems like most people we talk to likes this restaurant

Food-still amazing, brings me back to my 8/9th grade time attending Aliamanu Intermediate School, still the same taste. Service-the service was a bit standoffish- They got the order wrong and my bf was very disappointed and forced himself to eat what was given, my meal was what I ordered just his one was wrong. Ambiance-same ol. Outdoor, clean, hot and no bathroom for emergency. read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Kal Bi and Meat Jhun. - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

As someone who grew up in the Salt Lake area, I have visited Soon's Kai Bi BBQ quite a lot of times! On my most recent visit last weekend, I was pleased that the quality/taste of the food & the ambience hasn't changed all that much over the years. I am saddened to report that their prices have increased (inflation REALLY sucks) but it's canceled out by the timely service, which is the same as it's always been. If you're ever in the Salt Lake area, drop by Soon's Kal Bi BBQ, located in the Salt Lake Shopping Center! I promise you that it's worth it! read more

Nostalgic! Soon's is one of my top childhood spots, for sure. Having their food was probably the highlight of growing up in the ghettos of Red Hill lol. I remember being in high school and casually making my way to Soon's during lunchtime just to satisfy my cravings haha! Of course, times have changed, and tho Soon's is still held dear to my heart, it just doesn't hit like it used to. Consistency is crucial to me. Unfortunately, there's been times in the past few years that I've gotten my food and it seemed like it was premade. The meat jhun also lost the soft & tender bite it once had, but the flavor is still there. Now, pieces are often smashed REALLY REALLY thin, leaving a tough chew and - c'mon, meat jhun shouldn't be hard, in general. The mandoo has changed over the years as well. What was once a big, round, plump dumpling is now the usual flat, half moon shaped version. These are definitely more crunchy and evenly cooked, so this change is one I can appreciate! Bbq flavors are good... the bbq chicken and kalbi marinade is extra savory and lightly sweet - perfect accompaniment to the popular meat jhun. Today's lunch was yummy, but again, it seemed like my food was premade, so it wasn't hot or juicy like I'm used to. I know they can get pretty busy, so I'm assuming the way they keep up is by par cooking or precooking in batches (?) Not sure, I can only speculate... :( Lastly, the price! This remains one of those CASH ONLY spots. If you're not an ASB member, consider yourself $4.95 in the hole while grabbing cash outta the nearby ATM. If you don't mind a longer walk, I believe there's a BOH ATM inside of Safeway. Average cost of the plate lunches are $15-25. read more

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I like this place for its Ono original Bi Bim Kook Soo ! The best !!! The meat juhn like most others have stepped down to thin tin to cutting meat , ughhhh ! The bean sprouts cabbage and kim chee is great side dishes or as they have it in combo ! The Saimin and burgers are great too ! read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ a long time tenant at the Salt Lake Shopping Center. Locally owned and operated. Staff are very friendly and efficient. Outside dining and take out only. Well known for their Meat Jun and Kalbi. We had the Soon's Special and a Meat Jun BBQ Chicken Combo. Delicious food at reasonable prices. A definite must visit if you're looking for some delicious Korean food. read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Soon's Special - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Love this place for their Korean food, but don't ever order the fried chicken. I was told by the cashier that it was good, but I'm sorry because it was the worst fried chicken I've ever had. read more

Remembered this spot the last visit to the islands so we decided to check it out again. It's on the side, almost back, of the parking lot so be careful not to miss it (just follow the BBQ smoke). We got there around 4pm, not a huge line, CASH ONLY. What we swallowed: *KALBI PLATE: Two big scoops of rice, salad and huge, delicious kalbi. This hit the spot after a long flight from the middle of the mainland. Two bench tables to eat at, it's outside so super hot and bugs can be a bother. They are a bit scrimpy with the utensils and napkins. read more

SOONS!!! I LOVE YOU!!! lol. Best Plate-Lunch when it comes to Korean Fast Food... Not only is it fast food, it's good food... This staple of a spot serves-up the best BBQ Chicken Plate & The Bento Is a smash!!! it's got the whole kitchen in the plate... It's a Quick-Service Place. The restaurant has about 3 booth-style tables to enjoy your food... 95% of the people take the food to-go!! I'm in love with their Slightly pickled cabbage that accompanies the plate.... I've been to this spot at least 10 times. read more

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Great tasting food and fast to go service. Kimchi Is really good with that spicy kick that makes your tongue want to sing! Location is easy to miss if you drive into Safeway parking lot instead of going to the far end by Ala Liliko'l Street. There are gigantic trees across from their outdoor picnic table bench seating that make your outdoor experience a bit more relaxing. Tip: CASH ONLY! ATM located outside of shopping complex and a BOH ATM inside Safeway Store. Great food in the $11-$22.00 range. Definitely putting a bookmark in my Yelp App under Korean Food! read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Chicken Combo with teriyaki beef, no rice. All veggies & kimchi. - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Husband and I went to Soon's for lunch We got Kal Bi Mix and Mandu Combo we sat down to eat my plate Kal Bi mix the Kal Bi had no taste seems it's from already made from Mays box and was tuff to chew The Meat Chun had a bland taste you would have to soak the meat Chun in their shoyu sauce to have taste I only enjoyed the vegetables which was fresh tasting even the kimchee was fresh I feel they have lost their touch will seek another Korean Kal Bi establishment Service was fast not to friendly seating area was okay but to much flies read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Kal Bi Mix - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I got to try their meat jhun and it was good and they do give a lot. I got to eat half for lunch and saved the rest for my dinner. Also the workers are very friendly and helpful. read more

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I like to come here for lunch, my favorite is the mandoo combo with 3 pieces mandoo and BBq chicken w bean sprouts, cabbage, kim chee and rice for $13.75. The bean sprouts tasted off today, while it was still fresh and firm, it tasted almost like there was dishwashing soap or a soap taste in the bean sprouts, or it went stale w this odd taste. To be safe, i didn't eat it, Everything else was fantastic. The service is quick so the wait isn't long and I like to come here for a quick lunch break. They have a couple of tables to sit outside but i always get mine to go, I'm gonna say this was an off day w the stale tasting bean sprouts and try it again next time i'm in the area. read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Mandoo Combo $13.75 - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place has the best fried mandoo.!!! Been going here for decades . Their bbq deluxe sandwiches are the bomb & the kalbi is onolisious

I went here today to get their "Bento" that comes with bulgogi, meat chun, mochiko chicken, 1 piece mandoo and rice with ban Chan veges. This was delish! Lots of food for great price! read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Soon's special - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This is a long-standing solid, Korean lunch plate or dinner plate counter restaurant. Well, this is not really the place you go to to sit down and eat after you order your meal. This is really a take away or grab and go type place. The food here is absolutely solid. I ordered two meals. One was the kalbi meal which from the picture looks like only three pieces of bone. However underneath were two additional layers of meat. This was so delicious and well seasoned and well sauced. I also ordered the mandu meal which consisted of six very generous pieces and of course, comes with the same two scoops of rice and the vegetables. It also came with its own dipping sauce, which was delicious. The kalbi meal with something like $25 I believe, but it was worth every penny as there was so much short ribs in here. Total of nine full bones. If you're in the area and want something quick, this is definitely a must stop. read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Man Doo Combo - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The only thing Iʻve ever eaten here is their meat jun. Like other people have said, itʻs the best on the island, so thatʻs what I always get. Their meat junis a family favorite; highly recommend stopping by and ordering a plate (or 2 or 3 or 4) read more

A local favorite for Korean bbq. My son loves their meat jun and kalbi. Prices have gone up since right before covid to almost double the price. Otherwise the food is great! read more

Soon's has been the go to for a quick meal for years now. Unfortunately the quality had gone down a couple of years back but we went to try it today and we were so happy that it was back to the Soon's we remember! The service was great and the food came out quick! Still got the same drive in kind of vibe which we've all grown to love. Once we got home we enjoyed every bite of food. Everything was so delicious but the mandoo really stole the show. I haven't had homemade mandoo in a while. Definitely check them out. Aloha! read more

Soon's Kal Bi BBQ - Family Pack - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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We had tried to go here on a previous trip and they were renovating or something. So glad we caught them the next go-round... Ambiance-wise, service-wise, everything outside of food-wise... you get what you get. But foodwise- WOW... This local place, in a non-descript strip mall, makes absolutely wonderful food. I dunno if there's a bad dish on the menu. We went here twice, and we almost never do that. I'd say it's not to be missed, but that's an understatement. Still, not to be missed... read more

Ordered mandoo for a party and everything was great even after a few hours. They gave me extra sauce to avoid double dippers and cross contamination read more