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Young Dong Restaurant

3.9 (340 reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 9:30 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Young Dong Restaurant Photos

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YOUNG DONG RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Young Dong Restaurant

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beri

if im going to be honest i genuinely think cold noodles aren't for me, The spicy cold noodles are good they aren't spicy more like on the sweeter side, im not saying it was bad but it was good but not good enough to come back. On the other hand the kimchi was so good it comes with spicy and no spice version. Service was good. Most of the time ktown plaza is packed but today was empty.

Cold black soy noodle
Sylvia K.

Got the cold black soy bean noodles. It's hard to find this in the US but have seen it on YouTube. So finally got to try this. It was refreshing. Very strong soy bean taste mixed with black sesame. It's big portion. Noodle was chewy. I believe it's authentic but I have never tried it before so I wouldn't know!

October 2025 Menu Photo

I've been coming to Young Dong Restaurant since I was a kid with my folks, and coming back now feels like stepping into a time capsule (in the best possible way) except this time I'm here with my own kids. Aside from the prices (which, to be fair, have gone up like everywhere else), the place feels almost exactly the same as I remember it. The decor, the vibe, the layout of the dining room. It all has that classic old-school K-town feel that's getting harder to find these days. There's something really comforting about a place that hasn't tried to reinvent itself every few years. Young Dong just knows what it is and sticks to it. The food is exactly why I keep coming back. The flavors are consistent and satisfying, and the experience feels authentic in a way that a lot of newer spots sometimes miss while chasing trends. It's the kind of restaurant where you settle in, eat, and leave full and happy. If you grew up going here, it's a nostalgic trip. If you didn't, it's still a great reminder of the kind of neighborhood spot that helped define Koreatown for decades. Not many places manage to stay this true to themselves for so long, and I'm glad Young Dong is still around doing exactly what it's always done. Also, they still have plenty of FREE parking in back!

Menu
Sarah G.

Well came back yesterday. Haven't been back since OG review. Been having the itch for this place for years and well let's say my craving was satisfied. The place is exactly as I remembered. I ordered #7 and the other eater with me ordered #1.

Interior
Angelo A.

The good: - parking - service (sweet Korean auntie!) - food comes out fast Hole in the wall vibes. I got #2 - beef stew no fat The food itself had a decent portion of meat, noodles, soup. For banchan it was kimchi, pickled jalapeños, rice. They also provide a green onion bucket and seasonings for you to customize your soup. All of the food was serviceable and my stomach left happy. It wasn't mind blowing, but I understand it's not meant to be. It's a healthy bone broth clear soup that's high protein and healthy. Unfortunately, I do think it's a little expensive for what I got.

7. Spicy Beef Soup with Vegetable
Marcus A.

This place seemed very old school with food that's more towards comfort Korean food. They had a private parking lot so that was very nice to not find parking super far away and that the place was very easy to find. I got the spicy beef noodle soup which was very simple. The soup felt like I could make it at home or get it from the store. The broth didn't have a lot of depth but there was a lot of meat. The kimchi was very fresh and complimented the dish very well. It seemed like it would fit for someone who was wanting a hearty soup to get full.

3. Beef Bottom Brisket Stew $18.27
Randy F.

Casual, local sul lung tang specialist known for their clear broth. Good solid beef flavor. Nice cuts of beef. Kimchi is fine but I liked Han Bat's kimchi more. Seating is indoor only. They have a private large parking lot. Credit cards are accepted.

Cat P.

This is a hot take but I prefer clear sullungtang over the milky version, and I love Young Dong's iteration. Sullungtang runs at a steep cost these days but theirs really hits the spot. So much flavor and a good portion of meat in the soup. The kimchi here is some of the best I've had. It's nothing crazy, but pairs so well with the soup. This is one of those oldschool Ktown establishments and there is definitely a good reason why! A great spot to grab a quick meal but also a very solid takeout / pickup option for those cold nights where you just want soup and rice.

7. Spicy Beef Soup with Vegetable 2. Beef with No Fat Stew 5. Ox foot stew
Jackie X.

Came here on a rainy Wednesday around 6 pm. They have a spacious private parking lot behind the restaurant that you can access from right next to it. There was only one group there when we came but a few more parties came in after we ordered. The inside seems to not have been updated in at least the past decade and there are old photos on the walls. But they must be doing something right for people to be coming back! The woman taking orders and delivering all the food was very friendly. She got busier when more parties came in but still was looking at every table to make sure they had everything they needed. The menu seems to change occasionally. When we went, we got #2 beef with no fat stew, #5 ox foot stew, and #7 spicy beef with vegetables. Each was around $16-17. All come with radish and cabbage kimchi, pickled jalapeños, and 1 bowl of rice each. You can ask for more kimchi but more rice will cost $2/bowl. The #2 came out the most bland in terms of seasoning, however the broth was still meaty. It came with flat thin strips of beef and noodles. There was white/black pepper mix and green onions at the table that we added and of course we ate it with the kimchi as we did with all the stews. #5 was already seasoned with white pepper and had a stronger meat flavor. The ox bones inside were covered in collagen and a little meat. #7 was my favorite! It had the most seasoning and saltiness and was perfectly spicy. It had bean sprouts and green onions and the meat was shredded. There were 4 of us splitting the 3 meals since we weren't that hungry. We left satisfied but not full, probably would get my own stew next time (but still try everybody else's haha). Prices have gone up it seems but it makes sense for their location. I would maybe come back on a cold day or night and get the #7 again. I've never had anything like it before and was very happy with the experience.

7. Spicy Beef Soup with Vegetable 2. Beef with No Fat Stew 5. Ox foot stew
Ethan Z.

My family of 4 came in on a cold Wednesday evening around dinner time.. there were only 2 other tables occupied so we were sat and attended to immediately. The ambience clearly isn't the restaurant's biggest priority.. but there is a good amount of indoor dining space and kept fairly clean! We were sat and given complimentary tea and cups for the table to share. As a spot that focuses on stew, it was very easy to order as their menu signage is visually large and displayed on the wall. We decided to order 3 stews as pictured in my post (menu seems to change). All 3 came out steamy!! The spicy stew was the most flavorful by far and my favorite of the 3. The other two had tasty broth but not nearly as strong of flavor. The meats were prepared well and I'd recommend using the kimchi, jalapeño sauce, salt, and green onions on the table to season your stew!! I think it makes all the difference. Side note: the kimchi is free with your order of stew!! The first servings of rice are also complimentary but small. The extra orders of rice are $2! Overall I think the service was quick, good, and fast! We had a great dinner experience.

Tracy K.

I'm in the mood for soup Simply just because it's raining Funny, but when it's raining I'm in the mood for beef soup (sul lung tang) Sul lung tang is a beef soup with no fat. It looks plain and simple, but it just hits the spot! It's the tender beef, warm and comforting broth that you add white rice and a lot of green onion to. Then there are thin noodles that are just the perfect complement. But that's not all. There is a side sauce that you dip the beef in. It is salty, sweet, sour, and brings out the umami in the beef. Now, add some kimchi to every mouthful. Each spoonful of this goodness just makes you go 'ah~~~'. Side note, I appreciate the fact that there is plenty of parking in the back. The service is very quick, and they leave you alone. But when you ask for kimchi refill over and over, they gladly come by to bring you more.

Sul lung tang Kimchi

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Photo of Brian N.
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This place is excellent, either eating there or getting takeout. It focuses on really classic flavors rather than being trendy!

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My go-to for Sul lung tang. Love the #2. Very simple menu but delish and hits every time.

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They will include extra 깍뚜기or 김치 if you're a regular. They have their own parking lot. There's a reason they're my favorite 설농탕 spot.

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Young Dong Restaurant - korean - Updated October 2026

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