Seoul Grill
201 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA, 52240
Seoul Grill Menu
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Address :
201 S Clinton St
Iowa City, IA, 52240 - Phone (319) 338-5747
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Garage, Street
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Sungmi s.
I love this place!! It was so delicious
(5)Shumin W.
The food are good!
(4)Kate S.
Delicious if you get there in time for lunch with the line! The wait may seem like it'll be too long, but it's definitely worth it. Fun and interesting flavors (for a first time authentic Korean food-eater) and an excellent atmosphere. Don't be nervous about their location in the mall, as this just means there's more seating available! Lots of students, mostly Asian, it seems, from the University. I had the kimchee fried rice, and it was excellent! Giant plate of food, with lots of interesting tidbits on the side. Highly recommend
(4)Austin B.
Honestly I think the food here is bland and smells funny. But let's look at what is more interesting - 1. Is closed for at least half of the year. 2. Only open for lunch, and everything costs at least $9. 3. Has huge line almost all of the time. Somebody could have a booth on the ped mall giving out free handies and the line would not be as long as the one at Seoul Grill. 4. Tons of Asian people, but always at least one honky (which is me, except when it's not). See "Stuff White People Like #71". You shouldn't necessarily come here for the food, but come for a break from reality. There is no reasonable explanation for why this place is still open with their current business model, except that every Korean student at the U must eat here for lunch every. single. day.
(3)Dolan M.
I discovered Korean food while living in Seattle, where there are many quality Korean places. When I moved to Iowa City, I assumed there would never be a restaurant here that could compete on the same level as those restaurants in Seattle. I was pleasantly shocked to find that Seoul Grill can do it. Seoul Grill recently returned after a three-month closure, and now they're only doing lunch service five days a week. Since they re-opened, lines are out the door whenever I go there. Most of their clientele are Asian students and this isn't a place for beginners to Asian cuisine. The bibimbap is awesome, especially dolsot (in a heated stone bowl). The spicy pork is great. Most of the dishes come with kimchi, miso soup, and three other sides which vary depending on what they're serving that day - I especially like the marinated black beans and the cold mashed potatoes. I understand that quality takes time, so I cannot blame them for having such limited hours and always having at least a 20-minute wait time. I can only hope that they'll continue to serve up top-notch food, and that they won't take any more extended hiatuses -- the three-month wait was painful!
(5)Chris M.
Oh my god. I can't believe I thought I knew the good places to eat in this town before going here. After watching Anthony Bourdain go to Korea with his assistant on No Reservations, and after eating far too much food at the UI Cultural Diversity Fair this past weekend, I had an unrelenting urge to go here and try some Hot Bibimbap. Like the other review said, you know it's a good place when there is a line of koreans waiting to get in on a Wednesday afternoon. I couldn't help but smile in excitement when I observed I was the only "round eye" in the joint. My excitement only grew as I saw some of the first dishes being served. As you could guess, I ordered the Hot Bibimbap w/ tofu. It was delicious. Fresh, filling, unique, so so good. All the sides (banchans) that came with it were all delicious. I am slowly becoming obsessed with Kimchi. You must go here if you haven't and you want to try something new. I've always stayed clear of the mall for food simply because the commercialization involved I imagine. I don't know but this place is as real as you could want. I am a fan, can't wait to go back for more and can't wait for "cold" Bibimbap leftovers for dinner tonight! Side Note: If you want to have kimchi with your leftovers and you ate all yours as I did mine at Seoul, you can pick up a BIG jar of it at Aeoshi Oriental Mart on Gilbert and Bowery. It costs less that $5 for a lot of kimchi,
(5)OneSentenceReview R.
Pretty good but I'm pretty sure they purposely made my "spicy" soup not spicy because I'm not Korean looking :(
(4)Adam A.
I'm usually suspicious of Korean (or, really, any) restaurants that try to offer many different dishes, since the best renditions always come from a place that focuses on what they do best. That said, everything we've tried at Seoul Grill has been good, and some of it, downright excellent! Some high points: - Their seafood pancake (haemul pajeon) is standard but tasty- not overly oily, not too salty, just homey and tasty. - The dolsot bibimbap (stone pot rice) is also good, with a generous amount of sesame. They give you just enough sauce to make it a bit spicy (I guess you could ask for more if you wanted it), which you mix in and then can let the rice get crispy in the bowl. - In the summer, they sometimes have naengmyeon (cold elastic noodle) specials, including a spicy yeolmu (summer radish) naengmyeon. This is an especially hard dish for places that don't specialize in it (requires precise timing and attention, which is hard if there are other things going on), but theirs was really quite good! - Their spicy soups are mediumly spicy, and okay but not always completely "integrated" tasting. (A soup with anchovy broth and pepper powder can taste kind of "raw"/peppery when it's just made, and gets richer/rounder/more complex if it's had time to sit and find itself). Among this bunch, I like al tang (cod roe stew) the best. - The banchan (side dishes) aren't all that special, though they usually have some kimchi, some fish cakes, a veggie or two. The kimchi is weak (not very spicy), though it's serviceable. Overall, we're glad to have this place around, and glad that they seem to do a brisk business. As someone else noted, it can be a bit hard to get their attention when they're busy, and they do seem to automatically add 15% tips to your bill when it arrives, which is a bit odd.
(4)Ahmad W.
Love the food and the presentation. Fantastic and authentic
(5)J P.
For an asian themed lunch, this is probably my number one pick. Be warned, the restaurant is closed during University of Iowa breaks and holidays. They also have been closed for "personal reasons". I am just guessing that the owners get exhausted and simply close up shop when they need a break or have medical issues to deal with. Knowing this, and checking to make sure they are open before you show up, you should be happy. Everything I've tried there is very tasty and served in an appetizing display. Most dishes come with Kimchi appetizer sized dishes sporting some traditional (Kimchi cabbage, radishes) and some unique (mashed potatoes with peas, BBQ hot dogs) The main dishes are spectacular, I recommend trying the DolSot BiBimBap. You can also get extra spicy sauce with your dishes to kick it up a notch. The purple rice they use is delicious. Another favorite is the KimChi soup. Check it out. Anytime I've gone there, there is a glut of people eating there. The majority of the diners are asian, so this is a good sign. Seating frequently spills out into the mall food court. They used to hand out numbers and yell them out, but now they have upgraded and use the pager system, so no worries about sitting far away from the counter. You wouldn't think some of the best asian food in IC would be at the mall's food court, but yes Virginia, it is.
(4)Carol C.
came here after i heard much hoopla. i've got to admit it, their side dishes are pretty good: wide variety, not too shabby. however, i'd say the prices are a bit high for the quality of food they provide. ordered the bi bim bap...kinda meh. i've had better, but it wasn't horrible. it just didn't impress me enough to want to order it again if i ever go back. it was a bit too salty for my taste. my dad ordered the korean ramen...it's a joke; they use instant noodles. i know because i've made instant ramen enough to recognize those curly noodles anywhere. if this place was cheaper it would be worth it.
(2)R R.
What an incredible gem. While this may not be the best Korean in the world, it is certainly the best in the area. And it's really GOOD. I've had the rice cake soup, the ramen with rice cake (which is spicy and chewy and has me craving it daily, darnit), the bibimbop in the heated pot. It's all been really great. The place is packed, but service is friendly and fast. You cannot go wrong here.
(5)Oona B.
excellent! very convenient location for being in the old capital mall. authentic food because the majority of the customers are the korean students. the hot bi bim bop is actually piping hot from the real clay pots. so relieved that i have not lossed my korean culture in my relocation from chicago.
(5)Sandra A.
This is a gem among a lot of horribly disappointing Asian offerings in IC. There's usually a bit of a crowd assembling outside their gates when they open (somewhat late, like 11:30), which is a good sign. The kitchen manages to churn out a lot of food without much hang-up. The portions are huge, the soups lava-like, the side dishes plentiful (and sometimes strange, like instant mashed potatoes with corn). I've never eaten dinner there, but every time I've done lunch, I've been glad I have.
(4)Sarah L.
The food is fine, typical Korean food you can get on a street stand in LA, but not bad. I use to like their free appetizer dishes served before the main dishes, so you can start nibbling and not worry about when the entries will come. btw, this is very routine in any real Korean restaurant. However, in this recent visit, we were left with 2 glasses of ice water for 20min, hungry, then all the little dishes and the entrees came all at once. And they seem to do this to all the tables. totally doesn't make sense. Then the final check came with 15% tip already added, even though there were only 2 ppl on our table. It looks like they intentionally created grouchy customers by letting them waiting while hungry, then they know the customers will most probably not give them 15% tip since they are not happy, so they just charge it to your check, so you don't get to express your complain.... Another bad restaurant in IC, never going back again!
(2)Kristy S.
Probably the best place to eat in the Old Cap Mall. It's very delicious, fulfilling food! The line and the wait can be longer than usual, so if you're short on time I would re-consider going here. Although if you have some time to spare it's definitely worth the wait! I would say this place is authentic. Don't be shy to try something different, I've had the bimbop and the bulkoki and I've loved them both!
(5)Chilly R.
I like the way they work it, no diggity, I gots to bag it up! Bag up the leftovers, that is. Can't waste a morsel of this bomb Korean chow. Spicy squid=the new nectar of the Gods. Duk-Boki as an app=sex in food form. The reason I went there in the first place is because it was packed with other Asians whenever I passed by. A good sign in my book. The ambiance is kinda storefront churchish, but you ain't there for the mood, you're there for the food. Dig? When you get your main course it comes with soup, some weird ham salad, a reg salad, and other accoutrements. Yeah, I got French on you in the middle of a Korean review. That's because, frankly, I'm cosmopolitan. This place is in my top 3 gems of the IC along with Chef's Table and Her Soup Kitchen. Word to the holy ghost.
(5)Alison S.
I've visited Korea so I can say that this is pretty authentic and very delicious. Only thing is that its hours are pretty restricted and they're only open for lunch. There's always a roped off line -- so make sure to get there BEFORE they open.
(5)Traffic S.
BIM BIM BOP! I love this place, I had Bim Bim Bop all over South Korea and this was the real deal back in the USA. The bowls are clean and screaming hot, the choice of vegetables, monks beard, etc in the mix is absolutely fabulous. They do a great lunch business and you really have to be on your game to get in and out in the madness. Worth every moment. I have spent many a time waiting for the door to open to get the Bop I am looking for. We have had many of the other dishes and says they are all exactly what they should be, which she knows a lot about. SO, I say give it a go, get the Bim Bim Bop then branch out from there. I"ll let you know if I ever do the same, but for now I am stuck on the Bop.
(5)Chaos M.
This is an amazing place, the food here I think is authentic and very delicious.
(5)j c.
This is about as good as it gets in Iowa City. I have eaten at all the authentic Korean Restaurants in Chicago, so I think I have the credential to rate this restaurant. First the good stuff. They do an amazing job of turning out pretty authentic Korean food from a tiny kitchen. Usually there is a long line when it opens, most of them Koreans and other Asians. The menu isn't very extensive but it has all the good stuff. Everything I tried on the menu tasted very authentic with fairly aggressive seasoning. Be prepared to smell like Korean food afterward. The prices are on the high side. The best time to come may be after the initial rush has subsided during lunch time, after 12:30. It gets really crowded on Friday lunch time as well.
(5)Larry H.
The food here is pretty awesome. Do not judge the place simply because its in a pretty quiet mall. This place is packed full of Asians = the litmus test for a good traditional place. Try the Bim bim bap (make sure you order the hot one) or any of the BBQ meats... so far, this is the place that's comparable to the place from Calif. I'd recommend that you check with their hours of operation. This is affected by the fact that its in the mall.
(4)Jess V.
There is a God and he too loves kimchee. I lived in Los Angeles, about 10 miles from Koreatown, for 5 years. I ate Korean BBQ at least once every 4-6 weeks. Moving to Iowa was a bit traumatic for me until I found Seoul Grill in Iowa City. Unfortunately My bf and I walked past the place on 10 different occasions before we were actually able to eat there. The hours are terrible. I don't live in Iowa City for most of the week and can't get there on Fridays until about 7 pm at the earliest, when the place is CLOSED. WHAT?!?! What restaurant closes early on a Friday night? The restaurant also bases its hours around the UIowa academic calendar so they're closed a lot when the students are gone. A second con: No liquor license. Beer and korean food usually go hand in h... HITE! Pro: The food is authentic and as good as what I can get in Los Angeles! ONE STAR- CRAPPY HOURS FIVE STARS- GREAT FOOD
(4)Franklin W.
Maybe it's a quiet Friday evening during the summer slow time in Iowa City. When we walked in at around 7pm, we were greeted by a "warning" of the early close time of 7:45pm. With several groups of Asian diners in the restaurant, we decided to give it a shot. It's the very first time I have beef/chicken franks sliced and dipped in kimchi sauce as one of the side dishes (!!) in a Korean restaurant. The Bi Bim Bap was okay, but the Tofu soup my wife ordered was way below par, compare to most of those we could find in California...
(2)Jennifer T.
Authentic Korean food. Love the bi bim bap - better than some versions I've had in Oakland. I only wish they were open for dinner or on weekends since I don't get to downtown during the week much anymore.
(5)C H.
Spicy squid was yummy...briny with good texture. I think I might enjoy it a little bit spicier. The kimchee was ok, not great...could have been hotter to. I was confused by the dollop or what seemed like mashed potato and corn and sliced hot dogs---yes, hot dogs in a spicy sauce. I didn't care for either and wished that I had a big bowl of pickled radish. I will come back and try some other entrees. Glad to have this restaurant in town.
(4)Rianna R.
I've only eaten here a few times, but for the number of times I have eaten here I am always blown away. While the menu can be a little pricey, you do get a lot of food. Their noodle dishes are hearty and full of flavor to the last bite, and if you love spicy food as much as I do, they have some very very good spicy dishes. Their hours can be a little weird, and yes they were closed for a while but that is/was due to the owner's health so I think we can cut the restaurant a little slack there. As for the lines, well sometimes good things are worth waiting for, and with Seoul Grill it is worth waiting for.
(5)Catherine W.
WOW--I love love love this place. First of all, I love the pickled side dishes that come with each and every order. Delicious, and it always feels like a feast when you have several dishes in front of you--they are delicious as well. I had the spicy pork and my husband had the bim bop--both were outstanding. Balanced flavors that had good spice, good sweet, good salt, and good sour--my favorite balances. I cannot wait to work my way through the menu, because the dishes my fellow diners were having looked just as good as what we were eating.
(5)J C.
If you're looking for an authentic Korean restaurant, this is the place to go. The food is definitely worth the wait and the 'self-service'.
(5)Christine C.
Authentic. Amazing. Love this place. Always eat here when I come to visit. I live in Los Angeles, a mile from Ktown and I can attest to the authenticity. I recommend the dolsatbibimbap and let the rice cook when u grab it from the counter to get a little bit of the crunchy texture. Yum... I'm a happy camper.
(5)Simone F.
This is always such a bustling place and it has always intrigued me! My mom and I tried it for the first time this summer and it was good overall. I felt that the atmosphere, since it is so busy and packed, to be a little chaotic and not the most ideal dining environment. I also wasn't super familiar with the menu options, but felt too rushed to ask questions when it was my turn to order. I had a (huge!) bowl of ramen and my mom ordered a bibimbap bowl. My ramen was just... Meh. It was very salty and didn't have a much else when it came to flavor. I found myself reaching for my moms food, which she was generous enough to share! Her bowl was a lot more interesting to the palate since it had a bunch of different flavors and textures packed into a meal! It was a lot more fun and definately what I am ordering my next visit! Overall, I can see why this restaurant has such a following. They are churning out authentic dishes in large portions in an overall timely manner. I can see myself stopping in the future, but skipping the ramen!
(3)Wylan G.
If you are looking for good Korean food this is the place. This is probably the best Korean place in town (out of two restaurants). The food is spectacular, and the portions are HUGE. Use too the banchan (Small sides) were really good, now the quality of the banchan is going down. I'd recommend anything besides the ramen. The ramen is good and all but, it isn't worth the money. I can cook one of those packaged noodles and save a ton of money. Service, the service used to be awful now its good, there was lady who used to work here (I think she got fired) I asked them for the salt and under her breath she swore at me. I was really upset, I was so upset that I wanted to swear back at her but, I wanted to act like a professional. Now I think the service is good. The only thing I don't like about this restaurant is that the hours are really restricted. I definitely recommend this restaurant, but get their early, sometime is has a long line.
(4)Thao P.
Best Korean restaurant in Iowa! Seoul Grill is located in the Old Capitol Mall in the smack of downtown near the U of I Campus. Out of all the very few places in Iowa that serve Korean food, this is just my favorite. They give you a good number of side dishes. The menu is smaller than most places, but they cook them at high quality. My favorite part is the purple glutinous rice they serve with the entrees! Bulgolgi and Soondobu are great here. There's a predominantly Asian clientele here which is a good sign. It beats any other dining option in the mall! Cons: I wish the restaurant was bigger since there's always a long line and there should be more tables. Waitstaff always seem to be running around. The hours should also improve and be more concrete.
(4)Connie H.
in the world of korean food, i'd probably give seoul grill 2 stars, but for iowa city, it's one of the few korean restaurants, and when you crave korean food, seoul grill does its job. i frequent seoul grill much more than the Korean BBQ place on gilbert. but that's because it's in a much more convenient location (in the old cap mall) and its more of a fast food type of place. now onto the food.. 1. spicy pork. used to be my all-time favorite korean food that i used to always get at korean restaurants. on my first day here at seoul grill, i tried this out and was very, very disappointed. the meat was a bit dry, which ruined the whole meal. not the spicy pork that i craved. so i stopped getting bbq meat here. i'll stick to the Korean BBQ place for that. 2. kalbi tang. another one of my past favorites. i got it once here, but it was so bland, i added in my own salt. 3. my favorites: - spicy squid: someone recommended this to me and i'd say it was a great recommendation. if you're in the mood for spicy food, this spicy squid over rice (kind of like bibimbap, but spicy squid) has loads of flavor and bursts of spiciness. (maybe a bit too spicy for me for the whole meal). - soon dubu: tofu soup that you eat with a bowl of rice. not the best i've had, but hits the spot on a cold iowa day. - dolsot bibimbap: meat and veggies over rice in a hot stone bowl. don't forget to get it in a stone bowl (for a slightly higher price), but it changes the meal drastically and gives you some crunchy rice at the bottom if you're patient to wait long enough! - spicy seafood noodle (i'm guessing this is supposed to be jampong): hot noodle soup with seafood in it (and a bit spicy). thicker noodles than regular ramen. they are only open for lunch for a few hours, which makes the line incredibly long during lunch time. even before it opens, there's already a long line, so that's probably my only huge negative about this place. usually long line=good food, but for here, i'd say long line=only korean food in walkable distance.
(3)Ben R.
Food here is pretty good and fairly authentic. This is also very conveniently located in the Old Capitol Mall. I'd probably rate them higher but for the following: Prices are a bit high. There is ALWAYS a long line. Seating area is small and packed together, though you can eat in the mall common area. They have the craziest hours I've ever seen for a restaurant and it is impossible to predict if they will be open or not. For example over the winter break they just close for weeks at a time.
(3)Carl S.
They have odd hours, so check before you go. It's also tucked away inside and may be difficult for some to find. This place has pretty good bibimbap is definitely the best (possibly only) Korean place in Iowa city. Worth a visit if you're in the area.
(4)Mai H.
I was a bit weary seeing that place was inside a mall...I rushed over there before it closed and the line was out the door! I made it in and ordered the sonduubu jiggae (tofu soup). HEAVEN. I've been recommending this place to everyone I know. It's authentic and pretty delicious, not just for being in Iowa either. The clientele is mainly asian students, mainly chinese, but the cooks in the kitchen are Korean. Comes withe the same sides I'd get in Korea. Can't wait to try their rice dishes!
(4)Leslie S.
I don't know. This place had SO much hype, and it didn't live up to. I didn't necessarily hate it but I didn't love it like I thought I would. I probably won't come back here because as many people have probably said, the times are VERY limited and it is VERY busy and I just don't feel it's worth it to deal through all of that. Maybe if I happened to be around there and it didn't seem busy by chance, I would stop by, but I wouldn't go out of my way. I lived in Korea for 8 years so I'm pretty used to excellent Korean food. It's authentic but it's not excellent. I was happy with my dolsot bibimbap, that's my favorite. However, my boyfriend got the kalbi and it seemed like a very small serving for the price and it was a bit dry and not this delicious juicy flavor and seasoning like I'm used to. My favorite part of Korean restaurants too is the wide variety of sides given, and you were just given kimchi and radish; which I still enjoyed regardless. Long story short: It's okay, but not my favorite. I would probably only ever come back if I'm having a MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR craving for dolsot bibimbap, otherwise I just make other Korean dishes myself.
(3)Selena Z.
Horrible service, overpriced and rude owner! Today I ordered a beef soup ($9.95), but felt it is too bland, so I asked the waitress for a little bit spicy sauce. She muttered, "We cannot give it to you. it is only for Bi Bim Bap". I was very surprised to hear that a restaurant could ever refuse to offer sauce to go with food. I argued that she can just give me the sauce bottle to squeeze a bit out if she did not want to give out the whole TINY cup. "we don't have a bottle to give". "I am just waitress here". Eventually she passed me the tiny cup very unwillingly. When I was sitting there to eat my food, feeling awkward . The owner approached me. I thought he would try to smooth things out. But instead he told me that the spicy sauce is not supposed to go with the beef rib and can only be given for Bi Bim Bap order. "Should I decide what can be matched for my own food, how much could it cost" I argued. and Then the Korean owner said, "IF YOU DO NOT LIKE IT, THEN GO and DON'T COME". I was shocked! And told him that even if he begs me I WOULD NEVER COME AGAIN. Very angry about the horrible service and the rude owner. still cannot believe a restaurant with this kind of attitude could even survive here. Maybe students, particularly Asian students are too tolerant.
(1)L. D.
Let's be real here, there are only two Korean restaurants in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area. And I am not including the stupid Mongolian grills, that is not Asian food!!!So what the heck are you comparing this place to? If you don't like it, then you are SOL in terms of Korean food unless you bribe your Korean friend to cook for you or crash the a traditional Korean friend's family dinner. In terms of food, this place is akin to the Chipotle of Korean restaurants. It is good and fresh. It terms of authenticity, it's as authentic as Chipotle is authentic to Mexican food. It's loud, crowded, and chaotic! In terms of college food, it cheap, fresh and good. Probably better than what is offered at the college cafeteria. Since there are only 5 Chipotles in the whole state of Iowa and if you have never stepped inside one, then this review is moot.
(3)Simone F.
This is always such a bustling place and it has always intrigued me! My mom and I tried it for the first time this summer and it was good overall. I felt that the atmosphere, since it is so busy and packed, to be a little chaotic and not the most ideal dining environment. I also wasn't super familiar with the menu options, but felt too rushed to ask questions when it was my turn to order. I had a (huge!) bowl of ramen and my mom ordered a bibimbap bowl. My ramen was just... Meh. It was very salty and didn't have a much else when it came to flavor. I found myself reaching for my moms food, which she was generous enough to share! Her bowl was a lot more interesting to the palate since it had a bunch of different flavors and textures packed into a meal! It was a lot more fun and definately what I am ordering my next visit! Overall, I can see why this restaurant has such a following. They are churning out authentic dishes in large portions in an overall timely manner. I can see myself stopping in the future, but skipping the ramen!
(3)Wylan G.
If you are looking for good Korean food this is the place. This is probably the best Korean place in town (out of two restaurants). The food is spectacular, and the portions are HUGE. Use too the banchan (Small sides) were really good, now the quality of the banchan is going down. I'd recommend anything besides the ramen. The ramen is good and all but, it isn't worth the money. I can cook one of those packaged noodles and save a ton of money. Service, the service used to be awful now its good, there was lady who used to work here (I think she got fired) I asked them for the salt and under her breath she swore at me. I was really upset, I was so upset that I wanted to swear back at her but, I wanted to act like a professional. Now I think the service is good. The only thing I don't like about this restaurant is that the hours are really restricted. I definitely recommend this restaurant, but get their early, sometime is has a long line.
(4)Thao P.
Best Korean restaurant in Iowa! Seoul Grill is located in the Old Capitol Mall in the smack of downtown near the U of I Campus. Out of all the very few places in Iowa that serve Korean food, this is just my favorite. They give you a good number of side dishes. The menu is smaller than most places, but they cook them at high quality. My favorite part is the purple glutinous rice they serve with the entrees! Bulgolgi and Soondobu are great here. There's a predominantly Asian clientele here which is a good sign. It beats any other dining option in the mall! Cons: I wish the restaurant was bigger since there's always a long line and there should be more tables. Waitstaff always seem to be running around. The hours should also improve and be more concrete.
(4)Kate S.
Delicious if you get there in time for lunch with the line! The wait may seem like it'll be too long, but it's definitely worth it. Fun and interesting flavors (for a first time authentic Korean food-eater) and an excellent atmosphere. Don't be nervous about their location in the mall, as this just means there's more seating available! Lots of students, mostly Asian, it seems, from the University. I had the kimchee fried rice, and it was excellent! Giant plate of food, with lots of interesting tidbits on the side. Highly recommend
(4)Kristy S.
Probably the best place to eat in the Old Cap Mall. It's very delicious, fulfilling food! The line and the wait can be longer than usual, so if you're short on time I would re-consider going here. Although if you have some time to spare it's definitely worth the wait! I would say this place is authentic. Don't be shy to try something different, I've had the bimbop and the bulkoki and I've loved them both!
(5)J C.
If you're looking for an authentic Korean restaurant, this is the place to go. The food is definitely worth the wait and the 'self-service'.
(5)Christine C.
Authentic. Amazing. Love this place. Always eat here when I come to visit. I live in Los Angeles, a mile from Ktown and I can attest to the authenticity. I recommend the dolsatbibimbap and let the rice cook when u grab it from the counter to get a little bit of the crunchy texture. Yum... I'm a happy camper.
(5)Connie H.
in the world of korean food, i'd probably give seoul grill 2 stars, but for iowa city, it's one of the few korean restaurants, and when you crave korean food, seoul grill does its job. i frequent seoul grill much more than the Korean BBQ place on gilbert. but that's because it's in a much more convenient location (in the old cap mall) and its more of a fast food type of place. now onto the food.. 1. spicy pork. used to be my all-time favorite korean food that i used to always get at korean restaurants. on my first day here at seoul grill, i tried this out and was very, very disappointed. the meat was a bit dry, which ruined the whole meal. not the spicy pork that i craved. so i stopped getting bbq meat here. i'll stick to the Korean BBQ place for that. 2. kalbi tang. another one of my past favorites. i got it once here, but it was so bland, i added in my own salt. 3. my favorites: - spicy squid: someone recommended this to me and i'd say it was a great recommendation. if you're in the mood for spicy food, this spicy squid over rice (kind of like bibimbap, but spicy squid) has loads of flavor and bursts of spiciness. (maybe a bit too spicy for me for the whole meal). - soon dubu: tofu soup that you eat with a bowl of rice. not the best i've had, but hits the spot on a cold iowa day. - dolsot bibimbap: meat and veggies over rice in a hot stone bowl. don't forget to get it in a stone bowl (for a slightly higher price), but it changes the meal drastically and gives you some crunchy rice at the bottom if you're patient to wait long enough! - spicy seafood noodle (i'm guessing this is supposed to be jampong): hot noodle soup with seafood in it (and a bit spicy). thicker noodles than regular ramen. they are only open for lunch for a few hours, which makes the line incredibly long during lunch time. even before it opens, there's already a long line, so that's probably my only huge negative about this place. usually long line=good food, but for here, i'd say long line=only korean food in walkable distance.
(3)Ben R.
Food here is pretty good and fairly authentic. This is also very conveniently located in the Old Capitol Mall. I'd probably rate them higher but for the following: Prices are a bit high. There is ALWAYS a long line. Seating area is small and packed together, though you can eat in the mall common area. They have the craziest hours I've ever seen for a restaurant and it is impossible to predict if they will be open or not. For example over the winter break they just close for weeks at a time.
(3)Carl S.
They have odd hours, so check before you go. It's also tucked away inside and may be difficult for some to find. This place has pretty good bibimbap is definitely the best (possibly only) Korean place in Iowa city. Worth a visit if you're in the area.
(4)Mai H.
I was a bit weary seeing that place was inside a mall...I rushed over there before it closed and the line was out the door! I made it in and ordered the sonduubu jiggae (tofu soup). HEAVEN. I've been recommending this place to everyone I know. It's authentic and pretty delicious, not just for being in Iowa either. The clientele is mainly asian students, mainly chinese, but the cooks in the kitchen are Korean. Comes withe the same sides I'd get in Korea. Can't wait to try their rice dishes!
(4)Leslie S.
I don't know. This place had SO much hype, and it didn't live up to. I didn't necessarily hate it but I didn't love it like I thought I would. I probably won't come back here because as many people have probably said, the times are VERY limited and it is VERY busy and I just don't feel it's worth it to deal through all of that. Maybe if I happened to be around there and it didn't seem busy by chance, I would stop by, but I wouldn't go out of my way. I lived in Korea for 8 years so I'm pretty used to excellent Korean food. It's authentic but it's not excellent. I was happy with my dolsot bibimbap, that's my favorite. However, my boyfriend got the kalbi and it seemed like a very small serving for the price and it was a bit dry and not this delicious juicy flavor and seasoning like I'm used to. My favorite part of Korean restaurants too is the wide variety of sides given, and you were just given kimchi and radish; which I still enjoyed regardless. Long story short: It's okay, but not my favorite. I would probably only ever come back if I'm having a MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR craving for dolsot bibimbap, otherwise I just make other Korean dishes myself.
(3)Selena Z.
Horrible service, overpriced and rude owner! Today I ordered a beef soup ($9.95), but felt it is too bland, so I asked the waitress for a little bit spicy sauce. She muttered, "We cannot give it to you. it is only for Bi Bim Bap". I was very surprised to hear that a restaurant could ever refuse to offer sauce to go with food. I argued that she can just give me the sauce bottle to squeeze a bit out if she did not want to give out the whole TINY cup. "we don't have a bottle to give". "I am just waitress here". Eventually she passed me the tiny cup very unwillingly. When I was sitting there to eat my food, feeling awkward . The owner approached me. I thought he would try to smooth things out. But instead he told me that the spicy sauce is not supposed to go with the beef rib and can only be given for Bi Bim Bap order. "Should I decide what can be matched for my own food, how much could it cost" I argued. and Then the Korean owner said, "IF YOU DO NOT LIKE IT, THEN GO and DON'T COME". I was shocked! And told him that even if he begs me I WOULD NEVER COME AGAIN. Very angry about the horrible service and the rude owner. still cannot believe a restaurant with this kind of attitude could even survive here. Maybe students, particularly Asian students are too tolerant.
(1)L. D.
Let's be real here, there are only two Korean restaurants in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area. And I am not including the stupid Mongolian grills, that is not Asian food!!!So what the heck are you comparing this place to? If you don't like it, then you are SOL in terms of Korean food unless you bribe your Korean friend to cook for you or crash the a traditional Korean friend's family dinner. In terms of food, this place is akin to the Chipotle of Korean restaurants. It is good and fresh. It terms of authenticity, it's as authentic as Chipotle is authentic to Mexican food. It's loud, crowded, and chaotic! In terms of college food, it cheap, fresh and good. Probably better than what is offered at the college cafeteria. Since there are only 5 Chipotles in the whole state of Iowa and if you have never stepped inside one, then this review is moot.
(3)Austin B.
Honestly I think the food here is bland and smells funny. But let's look at what is more interesting - 1. Is closed for at least half of the year. 2. Only open for lunch, and everything costs at least $9. 3. Has huge line almost all of the time. Somebody could have a booth on the ped mall giving out free handies and the line would not be as long as the one at Seoul Grill. 4. Tons of Asian people, but always at least one honky (which is me, except when it's not). See "Stuff White People Like #71". You shouldn't necessarily come here for the food, but come for a break from reality. There is no reasonable explanation for why this place is still open with their current business model, except that every Korean student at the U must eat here for lunch every. single. day.
(3)Dolan M.
I discovered Korean food while living in Seattle, where there are many quality Korean places. When I moved to Iowa City, I assumed there would never be a restaurant here that could compete on the same level as those restaurants in Seattle. I was pleasantly shocked to find that Seoul Grill can do it. Seoul Grill recently returned after a three-month closure, and now they're only doing lunch service five days a week. Since they re-opened, lines are out the door whenever I go there. Most of their clientele are Asian students and this isn't a place for beginners to Asian cuisine. The bibimbap is awesome, especially dolsot (in a heated stone bowl). The spicy pork is great. Most of the dishes come with kimchi, miso soup, and three other sides which vary depending on what they're serving that day - I especially like the marinated black beans and the cold mashed potatoes. I understand that quality takes time, so I cannot blame them for having such limited hours and always having at least a 20-minute wait time. I can only hope that they'll continue to serve up top-notch food, and that they won't take any more extended hiatuses -- the three-month wait was painful!
(5)Rianna R.
I've only eaten here a few times, but for the number of times I have eaten here I am always blown away. While the menu can be a little pricey, you do get a lot of food. Their noodle dishes are hearty and full of flavor to the last bite, and if you love spicy food as much as I do, they have some very very good spicy dishes. Their hours can be a little weird, and yes they were closed for a while but that is/was due to the owner's health so I think we can cut the restaurant a little slack there. As for the lines, well sometimes good things are worth waiting for, and with Seoul Grill it is worth waiting for.
(5)Chris M.
Oh my god. I can't believe I thought I knew the good places to eat in this town before going here. After watching Anthony Bourdain go to Korea with his assistant on No Reservations, and after eating far too much food at the UI Cultural Diversity Fair this past weekend, I had an unrelenting urge to go here and try some Hot Bibimbap. Like the other review said, you know it's a good place when there is a line of koreans waiting to get in on a Wednesday afternoon. I couldn't help but smile in excitement when I observed I was the only "round eye" in the joint. My excitement only grew as I saw some of the first dishes being served. As you could guess, I ordered the Hot Bibimbap w/ tofu. It was delicious. Fresh, filling, unique, so so good. All the sides (banchans) that came with it were all delicious. I am slowly becoming obsessed with Kimchi. You must go here if you haven't and you want to try something new. I've always stayed clear of the mall for food simply because the commercialization involved I imagine. I don't know but this place is as real as you could want. I am a fan, can't wait to go back for more and can't wait for "cold" Bibimbap leftovers for dinner tonight! Side Note: If you want to have kimchi with your leftovers and you ate all yours as I did mine at Seoul, you can pick up a BIG jar of it at Aeoshi Oriental Mart on Gilbert and Bowery. It costs less that $5 for a lot of kimchi,
(5)OneSentenceReview R.
Pretty good but I'm pretty sure they purposely made my "spicy" soup not spicy because I'm not Korean looking :(
(4)Adam A.
I'm usually suspicious of Korean (or, really, any) restaurants that try to offer many different dishes, since the best renditions always come from a place that focuses on what they do best. That said, everything we've tried at Seoul Grill has been good, and some of it, downright excellent! Some high points: - Their seafood pancake (haemul pajeon) is standard but tasty- not overly oily, not too salty, just homey and tasty. - The dolsot bibimbap (stone pot rice) is also good, with a generous amount of sesame. They give you just enough sauce to make it a bit spicy (I guess you could ask for more if you wanted it), which you mix in and then can let the rice get crispy in the bowl. - In the summer, they sometimes have naengmyeon (cold elastic noodle) specials, including a spicy yeolmu (summer radish) naengmyeon. This is an especially hard dish for places that don't specialize in it (requires precise timing and attention, which is hard if there are other things going on), but theirs was really quite good! - Their spicy soups are mediumly spicy, and okay but not always completely "integrated" tasting. (A soup with anchovy broth and pepper powder can taste kind of "raw"/peppery when it's just made, and gets richer/rounder/more complex if it's had time to sit and find itself). Among this bunch, I like al tang (cod roe stew) the best. - The banchan (side dishes) aren't all that special, though they usually have some kimchi, some fish cakes, a veggie or two. The kimchi is weak (not very spicy), though it's serviceable. Overall, we're glad to have this place around, and glad that they seem to do a brisk business. As someone else noted, it can be a bit hard to get their attention when they're busy, and they do seem to automatically add 15% tips to your bill when it arrives, which is a bit odd.
(4)Ahmad W.
Love the food and the presentation. Fantastic and authentic
(5)Chilly R.
I like the way they work it, no diggity, I gots to bag it up! Bag up the leftovers, that is. Can't waste a morsel of this bomb Korean chow. Spicy squid=the new nectar of the Gods. Duk-Boki as an app=sex in food form. The reason I went there in the first place is because it was packed with other Asians whenever I passed by. A good sign in my book. The ambiance is kinda storefront churchish, but you ain't there for the mood, you're there for the food. Dig? When you get your main course it comes with soup, some weird ham salad, a reg salad, and other accoutrements. Yeah, I got French on you in the middle of a Korean review. That's because, frankly, I'm cosmopolitan. This place is in my top 3 gems of the IC along with Chef's Table and Her Soup Kitchen. Word to the holy ghost.
(5)Alison S.
I've visited Korea so I can say that this is pretty authentic and very delicious. Only thing is that its hours are pretty restricted and they're only open for lunch. There's always a roped off line -- so make sure to get there BEFORE they open.
(5)Traffic S.
BIM BIM BOP! I love this place, I had Bim Bim Bop all over South Korea and this was the real deal back in the USA. The bowls are clean and screaming hot, the choice of vegetables, monks beard, etc in the mix is absolutely fabulous. They do a great lunch business and you really have to be on your game to get in and out in the madness. Worth every moment. I have spent many a time waiting for the door to open to get the Bop I am looking for. We have had many of the other dishes and says they are all exactly what they should be, which she knows a lot about. SO, I say give it a go, get the Bim Bim Bop then branch out from there. I"ll let you know if I ever do the same, but for now I am stuck on the Bop.
(5)Chaos M.
This is an amazing place, the food here I think is authentic and very delicious.
(5)j c.
This is about as good as it gets in Iowa City. I have eaten at all the authentic Korean Restaurants in Chicago, so I think I have the credential to rate this restaurant. First the good stuff. They do an amazing job of turning out pretty authentic Korean food from a tiny kitchen. Usually there is a long line when it opens, most of them Koreans and other Asians. The menu isn't very extensive but it has all the good stuff. Everything I tried on the menu tasted very authentic with fairly aggressive seasoning. Be prepared to smell like Korean food afterward. The prices are on the high side. The best time to come may be after the initial rush has subsided during lunch time, after 12:30. It gets really crowded on Friday lunch time as well.
(5)Larry H.
The food here is pretty awesome. Do not judge the place simply because its in a pretty quiet mall. This place is packed full of Asians = the litmus test for a good traditional place. Try the Bim bim bap (make sure you order the hot one) or any of the BBQ meats... so far, this is the place that's comparable to the place from Calif. I'd recommend that you check with their hours of operation. This is affected by the fact that its in the mall.
(4)J P.
For an asian themed lunch, this is probably my number one pick. Be warned, the restaurant is closed during University of Iowa breaks and holidays. They also have been closed for "personal reasons". I am just guessing that the owners get exhausted and simply close up shop when they need a break or have medical issues to deal with. Knowing this, and checking to make sure they are open before you show up, you should be happy. Everything I've tried there is very tasty and served in an appetizing display. Most dishes come with Kimchi appetizer sized dishes sporting some traditional (Kimchi cabbage, radishes) and some unique (mashed potatoes with peas, BBQ hot dogs) The main dishes are spectacular, I recommend trying the DolSot BiBimBap. You can also get extra spicy sauce with your dishes to kick it up a notch. The purple rice they use is delicious. Another favorite is the KimChi soup. Check it out. Anytime I've gone there, there is a glut of people eating there. The majority of the diners are asian, so this is a good sign. Seating frequently spills out into the mall food court. They used to hand out numbers and yell them out, but now they have upgraded and use the pager system, so no worries about sitting far away from the counter. You wouldn't think some of the best asian food in IC would be at the mall's food court, but yes Virginia, it is.
(4)Jess V.
There is a God and he too loves kimchee. I lived in Los Angeles, about 10 miles from Koreatown, for 5 years. I ate Korean BBQ at least once every 4-6 weeks. Moving to Iowa was a bit traumatic for me until I found Seoul Grill in Iowa City. Unfortunately My bf and I walked past the place on 10 different occasions before we were actually able to eat there. The hours are terrible. I don't live in Iowa City for most of the week and can't get there on Fridays until about 7 pm at the earliest, when the place is CLOSED. WHAT?!?! What restaurant closes early on a Friday night? The restaurant also bases its hours around the UIowa academic calendar so they're closed a lot when the students are gone. A second con: No liquor license. Beer and korean food usually go hand in h... HITE! Pro: The food is authentic and as good as what I can get in Los Angeles! ONE STAR- CRAPPY HOURS FIVE STARS- GREAT FOOD
(4)Franklin W.
Maybe it's a quiet Friday evening during the summer slow time in Iowa City. When we walked in at around 7pm, we were greeted by a "warning" of the early close time of 7:45pm. With several groups of Asian diners in the restaurant, we decided to give it a shot. It's the very first time I have beef/chicken franks sliced and dipped in kimchi sauce as one of the side dishes (!!) in a Korean restaurant. The Bi Bim Bap was okay, but the Tofu soup my wife ordered was way below par, compare to most of those we could find in California...
(2)Jennifer T.
Authentic Korean food. Love the bi bim bap - better than some versions I've had in Oakland. I only wish they were open for dinner or on weekends since I don't get to downtown during the week much anymore.
(5)C H.
Spicy squid was yummy...briny with good texture. I think I might enjoy it a little bit spicier. The kimchee was ok, not great...could have been hotter to. I was confused by the dollop or what seemed like mashed potato and corn and sliced hot dogs---yes, hot dogs in a spicy sauce. I didn't care for either and wished that I had a big bowl of pickled radish. I will come back and try some other entrees. Glad to have this restaurant in town.
(4)Catherine W.
WOW--I love love love this place. First of all, I love the pickled side dishes that come with each and every order. Delicious, and it always feels like a feast when you have several dishes in front of you--they are delicious as well. I had the spicy pork and my husband had the bim bop--both were outstanding. Balanced flavors that had good spice, good sweet, good salt, and good sour--my favorite balances. I cannot wait to work my way through the menu, because the dishes my fellow diners were having looked just as good as what we were eating.
(5)Sungmi s.
I love this place!! It was so delicious
(5)Shumin W.
The food are good!
(4)Carol C.
came here after i heard much hoopla. i've got to admit it, their side dishes are pretty good: wide variety, not too shabby. however, i'd say the prices are a bit high for the quality of food they provide. ordered the bi bim bap...kinda meh. i've had better, but it wasn't horrible. it just didn't impress me enough to want to order it again if i ever go back. it was a bit too salty for my taste. my dad ordered the korean ramen...it's a joke; they use instant noodles. i know because i've made instant ramen enough to recognize those curly noodles anywhere. if this place was cheaper it would be worth it.
(2)R R.
What an incredible gem. While this may not be the best Korean in the world, it is certainly the best in the area. And it's really GOOD. I've had the rice cake soup, the ramen with rice cake (which is spicy and chewy and has me craving it daily, darnit), the bibimbop in the heated pot. It's all been really great. The place is packed, but service is friendly and fast. You cannot go wrong here.
(5)Oona B.
excellent! very convenient location for being in the old capital mall. authentic food because the majority of the customers are the korean students. the hot bi bim bop is actually piping hot from the real clay pots. so relieved that i have not lossed my korean culture in my relocation from chicago.
(5)Sandra A.
This is a gem among a lot of horribly disappointing Asian offerings in IC. There's usually a bit of a crowd assembling outside their gates when they open (somewhat late, like 11:30), which is a good sign. The kitchen manages to churn out a lot of food without much hang-up. The portions are huge, the soups lava-like, the side dishes plentiful (and sometimes strange, like instant mashed potatoes with corn). I've never eaten dinner there, but every time I've done lunch, I've been glad I have.
(4)Sarah L.
The food is fine, typical Korean food you can get on a street stand in LA, but not bad. I use to like their free appetizer dishes served before the main dishes, so you can start nibbling and not worry about when the entries will come. btw, this is very routine in any real Korean restaurant. However, in this recent visit, we were left with 2 glasses of ice water for 20min, hungry, then all the little dishes and the entrees came all at once. And they seem to do this to all the tables. totally doesn't make sense. Then the final check came with 15% tip already added, even though there were only 2 ppl on our table. It looks like they intentionally created grouchy customers by letting them waiting while hungry, then they know the customers will most probably not give them 15% tip since they are not happy, so they just charge it to your check, so you don't get to express your complain.... Another bad restaurant in IC, never going back again!
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