Yechon
4121 Hummer Rd, Annandale, VA, 22003
Yechon Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Annandale for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Annandale for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Annandale for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
4121 Hummer Rd
Annandale, VA, 22003 - Phone (703) 914-4646
- Website https://www.yechon.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :Open 24 hours
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner, Late Night
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Hsing P.
Very comparable to Korean food in L.A. K-town. Which is a big plus. the bulgogi, is a little dry, but their Bibimbap is awesome. Definitely should get it if you are in a mood for it, especially the Bibimbap with Galbi. The only gripe that I have with it is that the Galbi does not have the bone in it. There's that certain satisfaction of taking that meat off of the bone, but could be a plus for some people. The Soondubu (tofu stew) is good, but not the best. It's better in Rowland Heights, CA. Like here, they don't really know what "as spicy as possible" means really. Thought that it was odd that they don't give eggs to put in the Soondubu. It's good, but not great. Appetizers were good as usual. Not much to say there. Definitely would go again. Comparable. Just not the best. Oh, and it's a very traditional Korean restaurant. The waitresses are very courteous and definitely give you the service that you would expect from a Korean restaurant. They are pretty prompt too, which is sort of hard to find at a Korean restaurant I find.
(4)Jessica L.
24 hour Korean BBQ - what could be better? You can have kimchi and bulgogi for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you like! DC/Northern VA food is not all that good, but Yechon is certainly one of the best restaurants in the area. I've had better kimchi in NJ, but Yechon is good too. The bulgogi is amazing - not too too greasy and you have the option of having the waitresses cook in front of you at the table. The mushrooms included in it are also a nice touch. Some things to note, the restaurant is always packed, no matter what time of day you go. The waitresses dress in traditional Korean outfits which is cool too. The staff overall aren't particularly friendly, but they get the job done. I had one encounter with the manager when I went with a friend at lunch time on a busy afternoon and he was kind of rude, but it didn't impact my feelings towards the food or the overall experience. Lastly, Lunch specials are a great deal too...lots of food for only $8 or $9!
(4)Frank C.
Annandale has probably the 3rd largest Korean community outside of Los Angeles, CA and Flushing, NY. When business takes us to Virginia and we are craving some Korean food, we always make a stop at Yechon. This restaurant is easy to find and is located right off of Route 236 and Hummer Road next to 7-Eleven. This BBQ house is open 24-hours and has people eating at all hours of the night. They offer their full menu except for their sushi bar. Kalbi is my first choice and is pretty well marinated. The side dishes "ban-chan" they bring out with your order is plentiful. Other dishes recommended are Bulgogi, Spicy Daeji Bulgogi and Bulgogi Bibim Bap. For the inexperienced, Kalbi is not cheap. You can estimate about $25-27 per order and chances are you will need about one order per person!
(3)Marcus L.
$8.95 for a BIG lunch box,great deal!
(5)Vannie N.
The variety of side dishes here is why i like it more than honeypig and its nicer. The bbq is awesome too. They also have sushi here too...but i would def go for he korean dishes. Wait for table can be awhile during dinner and weekends but you can always wait next door at breeze bakery and the pager will still work there when yechon has ur table
(4)Josh S.
A typical, traditional, boring-looking, but quality-foods Korean restaurant in Northern Virginia. I took my two non-Koreans here for dinner. It was my first time and didn't know what to expect. We were there quite early for dinner, around 5:30pm. There weren't that many people inside. The menu is quite over-whelming. They include both Korean and Japanese cuisine and have anything you can ask for. I didn't know what to order and was busy explaining what's what to my friends. The waitress, who dressed in cute Korean traditional clothes (han-bok), came by at least every 15 seconds and asked us whether we're ready to order or not. I had to send her back at least three times because we were ready to order. Maybe she thought she was being attentive but I found it bit annoying and they just wanted to quickly take our order (or our money...). I ordered a traditional beef stew called Kalbi-Tang and my two fellow friends followed me. The foods came about 7-8 minutes later, which tells me that stews were already cooked and they just re-heated. I don't know. I just didn't like how they quickly brought the foods. Maybe they're just fast people. -1 star The foods, however, wasn't very good. This is my favorite Korean dish, and I have had many of these at other Korean restaurants and this place ranks in bottom half on my list. The stew didn't have many meat to begin with and the soup wasn't flavorful at all. It kinda reminded me of those H-Mart $5 container soup that I paid $12 for. Not worth it. -1 star Maybe I do need to give this place another try. I hear from many friends who grew up in the area that this is one of better restaurants in the neighborhood. As of now, I'll remain at 3 stars and will write an update if I ever come here again. It may take a while.
(3)Kenny W.
I LOVE Korean food! I would place this cuisine as my number 1 favorite out of all Asian foods. I got my Korean food experience NOVA style at Yechon. My friend raved about this place and after some late night drinking/catching up we decided to hit up this 24-hour spot. The decor made me feel as if I was flashbacked into 1985/86. Let me tell you, you will get overwhelmed by the menu because there is SO MUCH food! There were 3 of us, so we ordered a set meal for 2. We had bimbap, bulgogi, sashimi (the sashimi was super fresh - yum!), an extra plate of bulgogi, spicy beef tofu soup and of course the many sides that make Korean food extra special. The bulgogi was tasty, but being spoiled by LA's Koreatown, I felt that I've tasted better. I did notice that other patrons had their meat cooking in a pan at their table, while our meat was cooked in the kitchen. I felt the table option would have been better. Out of everything we had on our table the sashimi and spicy soup was my favorite. Next time a make another visitation, my focus will be on the sashimi & kalbi.
(3)Andrew K.
I love Korean food. After being spoiled with 24-hour Korean barbecue places in Manhattan, I was excited to find that Annandale boasts its own set of landmarks for all night deliciousness. I've been here twice, and both times there was a fairly lengthy line. Fortunately, there's a great bakery next door, which is a lovely place to pass the time. Yechon does not have ddok boki, which is too bad. That dish makes a great complement to bulgogi and kalbi. They do have an attentive and helpful waitstaff, solid entrees, and a deep menu. The Dolsot Bibimbop was very good last night with bulgogi. The first time here, I tried some sushi and was generally nonplussed. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. So venture to that part of the menu at your own discretion. There's a reason this place is busy. It's good. Enjoy.
(4)Myonghwan E.
Just returned from my first time eating at Yechon and I wanted to share my experience. I treated my mom, dad, sister, and her boyfriend for some Mother's Day lunch. My mom picked this restaurant because of a previous experience so I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, the experience has left me fuming. First the good: The food is excellent. Because I am Korean (through my mom), I've eaten at almost every (if not every) Korean restaurant in the area. The food here is some of the best in the area, which is a tough thing to say considering the number of excellent Korean restaurants. I had the Dak Gui, which is spicy chicken that they grilled in front of us. My sister had some beef dish that was very well prepared. The portions were pretty big considering the price. The parking lot is small so it looks full, but the building itself is nicely done. The tables are kind of smushed together, but I actually enjoyed the ambiance. It was private enough for personal conversation, but with everyone packed in there, it really made the place lively. Now the bad: The service is absolutely dreadful. It is probably the worst in the business. It was over 20 minutes before anyone came around to even say hello, so my mom attempted to flag one of the waitresses down. She was met with a quick hand to the face (like the "talk to the hand" gesture). Now, normally I'm a really laid back guy: I tend to look the other way when there is bad service and I try to be understanding of the tough work that waitresses do. But even this gesture was enough to make me want to jump up and tear into the waitress, which I would have done had I not seen that my mom was even angrier. She is old school Korean and for a younger woman to do that to her is unacceptable (any Korean can explain if you don't understand), so she tore into her. The waitress politely apologized but she must have told the other waitresses because they treated us like crap the rest of time we were there. I could maybe understand this behavior if my mom would have caused a scene when she ripped the waitress, but she did it quietly so that only she could hear. One waitress borderline ignored my mom, but we gave her the benefit of the doubt and assumed that she just did not hear my mom's request. This was not a one time, isolated event. I looked around the restaurant and noticed that other patrons were equally upset with the service. Once we placed our order, the service was decent. It's just getting them to acknowledge you that's the problem. The problem with this restaurant is obvious: they do not have assigned sections for the waitresses. They all serve every customer, but they don't coordinate to know if any of them has taken an order from guests or not. So they just assume that someone has and they go about their business. About the only effective employees there are the water guys because they constantly filling up water glasses. And the cooks because they are awesome. I do recommend that you try the restaurant once to taste the food. But do not expect exemplary, or even average service.
(2)Hong K.
Best bulgogi around. Also a good place to entertain because they bring out so many side dishes for people to try.
(5)Andrew H.
looking at the reviews, i had higher expectations. making my first visit, i thought the food was average. good...but nothing great. but i will appreciate the authenticity. i love asian restaurants when the servers barely speak english and the literal translations of their dishes result in names like "rice cake rids proper form". i've always tried to sit and walk with proper posture or form, but i'm more than a little perturbed that simply eating rice cakes will cause me to end up like quasimodo. i had one of the tofu bowls, which i hoped was a bit more spicy and had more tofu. it looked like the bugolgi dishes my friends ordered were decent. next time i venture all the way out to annandale, i'll be sure to try something else to see if yechon warrants an upgrade.
(3)Bonnie T.
Came here twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. Both times enjoyed the food but did not care so much about the decorations and ambiance here (needs some updating in the dining area). Maybe because they have korean BBQ here it smelled greasy inside. Side dishes were plentiful and parking was easy. It's next to a cute bakery called Breeze for some after mean treats and snacks to take home!
(3)Kara N.
The first time I visited, they seated me little ol' me (a table for one) at a big ol' table for four. I ordered one dish but I soon discovered why I was given so much elbow room. BOWLS. So many bowls of colorful Korean flavor! Spicy dishes, tangy dishes, pickeled and grilled. Then comes your entree. I've been for lunch and dinner and although dinner was quite reasonable, lunch on a weekday is a bargain. I've listened to the enthusiastic Yelp! reviews of Yechon and ordered their recommendations. As long as you stay with a hot dish, it's delicious chow. Cold noodle soup was not a winner. After my first visit, I was back within the week for more. Bi Bim Bap makes me happy so I guess that makes Yechon my new happy place! Be sure to stop next door to Breeze Bakery for shave ice and azuki bean dessert!
(5)Qihui X.
This place is ridiculous. It's my go-to Korean restaurant in Nova and open 24/7! Where else could you go after midnight and get good food?! One possible con: my Korean friend says "when you leave Yechon, you'll always smell like Yechon," but she probably just eats there too much. I always get one of three things: soondubu jjigae (tofu soup), yukgaejang (beef soup), and bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables). Soups are the best. You don't feel the spiciness until it enters your stomach. Also, for a restaurant open 24/7, the atmosphere is amazingly upscale and service really good. This is the perfect place to satisfy my Korean cravings.
(5)Kelly M.
Crowded. Tasty. Convenient. Impressive menu. 24 Hours. Can't beat it, I should have gone here today instead of Honey Pig in Centerville. All this and a bakery open till very late right next door. Mmmm.
(4)Ange M.
Okaaaay so this was my very first time at a Korean restaurant and I think I'm in love! I went with my sisters and brother and we've been dying to go after watching all the Korean series like Boys Over Flowers and My Lovely Sam Soon (anyone? anyone? no one? okay). I really don't know what all the other reviewers are talking about, we didn't come across any mean or rude wait staff. They all called a greeting as we walked in and seated us right away. For a Monday night at 10:30, it was pretty hoppin. I mean not like crazy busy or anything, more like six to eight or so other tables with people at them. I must say, our server was really patient with us. We knew nothing about the menu or how to order or what anything is and he tried his best to explain even though he didn't know much English and was a little overwhelmed. There was K-pop playing in the background and we asked if he had any SS501 and he gave us a confused look. Anways, he first brought out these leaves of lettuce and peanut sauce and we all looked at each other and were like...wtf? He said it's an appetizer, you dip the lettuce in the peanut sauce and it was actually pretty yummy. Okay so now the side dishes. They're included with your meal, I think they're called banchan? I didn't recognize the names of any of them except kimchi, which was soo good, even though I wish they had made it a little spicier. The one that looked like coleslaw with chicken in it and the one that was like strips of fish with seaweed in it and the tofu one were all pretty awesome. I think they give you about ten little side dishes, and they're all worth trying. We really enjoyed them all. Okay so now for what we ordered. We got your traditional Japanese Chicken Teriyaki, then for Korean BBQ we got Dak Gui (chicken cooked in a red marinade) and Bul Gogi (sliced marinaded beef) and a seafood pancake. Now we got this seafood pancake because so many peeps here on yelp said it was awesome. It was very, very yummy. It's HUGE too! It's as big as a medium pizza, and they cut it like a pizza too when they bring it out. I'd say if you have four or more people, order it as an appetizer, since it's in slices. Warning: if you're squeamish about octopus, then maybe you shouldn't order it. I know I was before trying it, but then when I picked up one of the...arms? legs? and bit into it, it was so good. I had a new appreciation for it, and if you're daring enough, try it you'll really like it. It's crispy and cooked just right. Now for the Chicken Teriyaki...it was okay. This is partly the reason why I knocked off a star. It wasn't anything special, plus I think this restaurant caters to more Korean dishes than anything. The Dak Gui was really, really good! I definitely recommend this one if it's your first time at a Korean restaurant, it's tastes so good. The red marinade was delicious and savory. Now for the Bul Gogi...it's so good!! This was my favorite out of all of them. It was a little crispy, and marinaded just right with the perfect blend of....whatever, it was just amazing. You gotta order this if you try out this restaurant. I still remember the taste and it makes my mouth water. All this wrapped up together with a few bottles of soju and good company, we had an awesome meal. If I could have given it 4.5 stars, I would, I only wanted to take off a bit for the Chicken Teriyaki for the most part. Altogether, the bill came out to about $90 including tax, which was a bit pricey, but we blamed it on the ah-ah-ah-ah-alcohol....anyways yeah, eat here. Oh, and right before leaving, we asked one of the waiters where the best karaoke is, since we wanted to keep riding our Korean kick. He recommended Dain, which I'll be reviewing next :)
(4)Lillian W.
The restaurant is good for the fact that it is open 24 hours and the servings are generous. Other than that however, I wouldn't choose this place over the other options nearby. The food is decent, but there are much better options for korean food here in Annandale. They some Chinese-korean fusion dishes such as the sweet and sour shrimp, which was a little gunky in my opinion. The pork belly was okay, but too oily. The side dishes are good though. Also, the bibimbap looks appetizing- i'll have to try it next time. The crowd here is pretty diverse. You'll find alot of koreans, chinese, and non-Asians. It's an appealing place, really. I would definitely recommend those who party late night to try this place. It's very filling and will definitely "wake" you up ;) Parking is easy as well!
(2)Jasmine A.
Food was great but service was TERRIBLE. We ordered 2 BBQ dishes and the waiter brought the raw meat first along with the side dishes. Then she attended the table next to us who are Koreans instead of cooking our meat right away. While waiting, we started nibbling on the side dishes. We drove 2 extra hrs to come to this restaurant which was not even on our way. Plus we waited 45 mins to get a table and it was already past 9pm when we finally sat down. When the waiter finally came back to our table, our side dishes were almost gone, so I asked for another round. She said in this very tone as if scolding a child "THEY ARE NOT APPETIZERS, THEY ARE SIDE DISH AND YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO EAT THEM ALONG WITH THE MEAL. I CAN BRING A LITTLE MORE BUT THAT'S IT." I was absolutely appalled! I've been to many Korean restaurants, never once I turned down when I asked for more side dish. This waiter is just a mean racist! She smiled and brought more side dish when the table next to us asked for more without a word. First off, if she had cooked our meat promptly at the beginning like she's supposed to, then we wouldn't have to eat the side dish by themselves. It was late and we were starving, so what are we supposed to do? Cook the meat ourselves? We called the manager at the end to complain about the situation. He is a very nice sweet man, but I don't think he understands us well. He apologized and then he moved on to complaining about his day to us (the fact that he's been working since 9am and he's very tired and he's been working here for such and such number of yrs). Wow!!! I don't think this restaurant knows what CUSTOMER SERVICE entails. I will never come back here again! I rather go to other Korean restaurants like Honey Pig where I don't have to wait for long or don't have to pay too much for the entrees or don't get scolded like a child after paying $30 for a dish.
(1)David L.
The best kalbi I've had ever is at the restaurant. It's slightly pricier than I'd prefer, but the food is worth it and makes me forget how much of a cheapass I am :P So glad that there's good Korean food somewhat close to DC. Make sure you get here early, since it gets packed quick for dinner.
(5)Judy E.
Always good food bulgogi and spicy chicken good service yum even though it's 24 hr
(5)Miriam W.
What a feast we had here. Yechon has a high fun factor as well as having great food, and I really enjoyed my dinner. Doug and I decided to split one of their special meals for two, which comes with a seemingly unending variety of meats and seafood cooked over the fire tableside, and numerous little bowls of the vegetables, both pickled and cooked, that make Korean food such a treat. We ate too much. Our dining companions chose the sushi/sashimi entree and a veggie stirfry with soba noodles that were both excellent. I would come here for the sushi alone. The service suffered during our dinner, as these servers are very busy, and the woman who was cooking our meal left the lobster on, probably thinking she'd come back, and then never did. For first timers, there's a little button on the tabletop that you push when you're ready to order. We didn't know about it and sat awhile waiting for someone to take our order. We went on a Saturday night and it was outta control busy, so I'd try it on a weeknight next time, although my guess is that this place is always busy. Parking can be an issue too. Terrific food, lots of fun.
(5)James P.
I've tried the KBBQ and a soup here. In line with traditional korean restaurants, they bring out a bunch of appetizers for you to munch on before your entree comes out - really awesome. The KBBQ is fantastic - and the menu has so many options. I know I'll be back for more.
(4)CHRYSTIE N.
Whenever I'm in town, my cousins and I all try to get together for dinner. They picked Yechon this time. I was really surprised that they were open 24 hours. The place was packed on a Friday night but we were able to find a parking spot... The menu was massive... We ordered some dishes off the menu and also did the bbq. The meats were tasty, the sides were mostly good... It was very crowded and really loud but the 9 of us did ok conversing. I wasn't that impressed and won't be going back. @ $35 for each of us -- it just wasn't worth the money. I could get better food and better service elsewhere.
(3)Foodie C.
Keeping it simple Great Korean BBQ Each dish is very flavorful Service is ehhhhhh open all night
(4)Kelly K.
I am a fan and really like all of the little side dishes even more than the main course! Best deal is during weekdays Monday-Friday for lunch for a box lunch. Wish they had it during the weekend. Food is yummy...Place is always busy. Parking lot can be insane. Only thing I didn't enjoy was the BBQ cooked table side by the waitress. I wouldn't order this again but other than that I really like to eat here.
(4)Haiguang D.
Went there for lunch. They offer a huge appetizers (free i guess) w/ mashed potato, kimchi, tofu, kelp(hope I make it right) and miso soup. Ordered 2 lunch boxes (ton-katsu and bulgogi beef.) The lunch box is highly recommended. Low price ($8.95 or so) but very big sized. Cold noodle is fairly good (if you like it.) However, the dish came slowly (I guess it's due to the high occupancy at noon. when we left there around 1:30pm there were still two groups of people waiting for seats.)
(4)Jae Y.
Yechon. It has always existed as far as I know. Nestled into its own little corner by the intersection of 236 and Hummer Road, it is known primarily for its 24-hour availability. The food is overall not that great and is a little bit above the norm for Korean food. I do not know a single Korean person who would choose Yechon as a first choice between the hours of 10 am and 9 pm. Other than that, it's pretty much the only choice (I will never give away the other options to you gringos!) which presents a bit of a predicament. Service is much better during daylight hours when the ladies in traditional Korean garb are working and there are a few dishes not available during the night. If the sushi man is off, there is no sushi for you. There are some upsides to Yechon though! The staff is more tolerant of drunk non-Koreans than most places, it fills the Korean food void at 3 am, and it is one of few places that serves yook hwae bi bim bbap (bi bim bbap with raw beef and a raw egg). The yook gae jjang is okay too. Yechon is sort of like the ugly booty call. You only visit it at night when you're desperate and there's no alternative. It may never get the respect it truly wants from you and you may never really boast about it, but hey.. it offers pretty much the same thing as the other places and will always welcome you in.
(3)J K.
Advice: Go before 7 pm, because they do not take reservations! As background, I am used to Manhattan and Flushing's Koreatown food scene. I was really impressed with the combination set #1 (for 2 ppl), which is best for families with grandparents. It comes with mandoo dumpling soup (with real beef broth - this was a standout), bindae duk, kalbi, grilled mackerel, dwenjang soup, and I loved the purple rice in the pot, with black beans, peeled chestnut and ginseng root. Also good were the clear radish soup and various kimchis. Dessert is sliced orange. The line was insane and out the door at 7 pm, a solid 30+ minute wait, and everyone got a plate that vibrates when it's your turn. It was humid outside, so we waited in the 2-floor bakery next door - also a scene with samples and tons of people. Service was fast and courteous. Love this place!
(4)Joyce H.
It says something about a restaurant that is open 24/7 and has a line out the door. The side dishes were plentiful with free refills. The kalbi was good. The soon tofu was tasty, nothing spectacular. The 4 stars is because the bossam that was ordered was subpar. There were no oysters as the photo showed and the pork was tough, cartilage was very tough and had lots of fat. Order something else & you'll leave satisfied. Great to go with friends so you can share. Prices were a bit high compared to Korean Restaurant prices that I am used to in Los Angeles! But you can't complain for the authenticity of the taste and variety that Yechon offers.
(4)Hayden B.
We were introduced to this restaurant by a colleague of my husband and we have been keep coming back here since then. Beef slices BBQ, seafood combination BBQ and beef soup are our favorite. The restaurant setting is very simple and all kinds of people come in here; meaning different ethnicities, different age group, so do not worry about bringing an under-aged company.
(4)Alex H.
Was in DC for an event last week; stopped by Annandale on my way back to good ol' Springfield. Drove by a million Korean Restaurants, I think on the LRT. Even doubled back a few times looking for a place where I felt comfortable. I ended up at Yechon because, at least, the outside looked a bit more inviting than many of the other Korean establishments in the area. First of all, Yechon was packed; it was 9-ish on a Thursday evening. The female waitresses, dressed in the Traditional 'Hanbok', were plentiful. The footwear, however, was a motley crew of white and off-white with every variety from sandals to shoes. Isn't there such a things as traditional Korean footwear that's worn with the Hanbok? At least choose something that's works. That was my first impression after entering the restaurant....not good. The waitress arrived with at least 8 side dishes - banchan. All kinds of good stuff with the ubiquitous 'kimchi' - Korean's national dish. The side dishes were fantastic. If you are not a real lover of garlic, however, you might want to rethink 'banchan' - it's garlic personified. Was flying solo that evening, so had no plans of ordering the full gamut of Korean favorites. I decided to go simple..."Let's try the Kalbi Bibimbap". That's a staple, something that every Korean Restaurant should be able to do well. It arrived to the table in the stone bowl and it was angry - spitting and hissing. I added the gochujan (spicy sauce) and gave it a few swipes with the oval spoon. Had the right amount of rice, a variety of vegetables, and topped with chopped pieces of Kalbi. The meat was reddish and not the usual dark caramelized pieces. Maybe I wasn't paying attention - Did the menu say this was beef or pork? Of course, I assumed it would be beef. I don't think this was beef, though. I'm confused....what did I just order? Above my confusion, the dish was not bad. If it was beef, it gets a 2; if it was pork, however, it gets a solid 3. Fifteen minutes or so into the service, my waitress said good night to her co-workers and took off. I wasn't surprised all the much, but I've worked in restaurants and most ask you to stay until your last table is cleared. It's more a service issue and not as much a tip opportunity, in my opinion. At 10-ish or so, the guys take over the service of the dining room. I wasn't too hurt, though. Overall, the experience was not bad. Yechon is not the best Korean Restaurant I've ever eaten at, but I would surely go again. After driving around Annandale for 30 minutes or so looking for a good place to eat, Yechon was a decent choice.
(3)Thi T.
Get their fish dishes ... I got the yellow croaker. The meat tasted fresh and just right. Their casseroles were also very good. This is one of the few places where they gave out many different side dishes. I counted a total of 9! Next time I'll get their Yechon Specials !!! Be prepare to wait as the restaurant can get pretty crowded.
(4)Ross S.
Pork Tonkatsu
(4)Georgina S.
After much urging from my dear Korean friend, we tried Yechon. We frequent Hwa Gae Jang Tuh in Rockville. The side dishes in Yechon are better quality. But the BBQ items are better at HGJT from quality of meat, quantity and freedom of options on BBQ. The seafood pancake and accompanying sauce are better at HGJT. Service is inferior at this location as the waitresses try to be high class and are less sincere in delivering consistent service. Yechon is expensive. However I see the value of 24/7. HGJT has House of Shilla bakery which is a plus! Still a good satisfying experience if you are in the neighborhood.
(3)John K.
The original 24 hours Korean restaurant. Good Korean food. I don't expect good service from Korean restaurants anyways, to all you non-Koreans, my only advice is BE AGGRESSIVE. It's not about being polite or having manners. Yell across the room if you want more water! Just observe the people around you, they're all doing the same thing. Had the Yook Geh Jang which is a spicy beef soup. Very good, not a very hard soup to mess up. I recommend it for people in your group who aren't too adventurous and aren't willing to try the more "exotic" Korean dishes. Also had the Pah Jun which is a big giant seafood pancake. Very large, could easily be shared with a table of 4-8 people. Fried pancaky goodness. Usually when I'm in Annandale, and we want Korean, we usually go to Honey Pig or Yechon. I guess I have to expand my horizons a bit.
(4)Marshall M.
Waitress come right away after press the call bottom, don't need to wave your hand, try to make eye contact, or wait and wait. I've been eaten @ Yechon more than 15 years, good place to get hot & spicy lobster&seafood soup after late work or at 3 in the morning. No one can't beat the lunch special under $10 with miso soup, 4-5 side dishes and big bento.
(5)Vighna K.
So some friends and I were studying for an exam laaate on a Sunday night at UMCP. It was about 3am and we were craving some Honey pig badly. Honey pig had always been our "IHOP" if you know what I mean. A place that is always open and always hits the spot. Apparently the always open claim is not 100% accurate. We drove about 45 min on the middle of a Sunday night to find it closed for a 3 hr period. We were extremely upset and desperately googled on my phone another place that could hit or Korean BBQ spot. That is where Ye Chon came in...it was actually open 24/7. ANNNDD it was much much better. They welcomed us and took pleasure in listening to the story of how we got there. We got the marinated beef as always, I think its somethings Galbi. We got 6 orders for 6 people, just like we did at Honey Pig. But man were we surprised when 6 college guys could only get through 4 orders. Everything was good....the food, the salad, he sides, the rice, and the service. Def going back to this place from now on. The only bad thing is that its more expensive, but def worth it.
(4)angela n.
I enjoyed my ice-cold vegetarian noodles (literally, it came with ice cubes tossed among the ingredients). The veggies were fresh, and the thick, dark red sauce was pleasantly gritty with ground pepper. My husband liked his beef be bim bap too. He cleaned that bowl nicely.
(4)Juliane N.
This place was definitely popping when I came here to eat. I got their bibimbap. and pancake Super delicious! It was interesting to see a Japanese Korean place because I can order a tofu bowl with sushi. The pricing was definitely affordable, for the price you're paying, you'll definitely be full. What I really enjoyed more is the diversity of this place. I'll definitely be visiting this place the next time I'm in town.
(4)Connie C.
24 HOUR Korean BBQ?!?! We were starving, exhausted, and cold -- Yechon was our savior at 11pm! We drove through many miles of quiet towns and darkness, and finally a beacon of neon lights and a packed parking lot appeared. We ran in, decked out in party dresses and all, and got seated immediately. The place was nice and toasty, and we enjoyed the occasional bursts of warm air from the overhead fan as we waited for the banchan, pork dumplings, kalbi, bul go gi, and kimchi jigae to arrive at our table. The food hit the spot! The fried dumplings were huge - an order comes with 5 pieces - and I'm not sure if we managed to finish the 5th one. It was a bit oily, but flavors were great. The meat dishes were deliciously marinated and grilled, and the kimchi jigae -- the vermicelli noodles inside the stone pot were a nice surprise -- was great over rice. This late night feast definitely made up for the lamb sliders, sweet potato fries, fried deviled eggs and mini cupcakes that we had missed out on earlier in the evening. It's great knowing that I can have Korean BBQ at 5pm or 5am in VA!
(5)Ed L.
Many other reviewers here have articulated the wonderful dining and eating experience here, so I won't bore you with those details. I will add that the place was shockingly packed at 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon when we arrived for a late lunch. But this restaurant will always be special to me because of their forgiveness regarding my son. My 18-month-old son likes to wander and he was drawn to two gigantic vases inside the front door of the restaurant. He walked over to one and before I could make my way to him, he had placed both of his grubby little paws on one of the vases and pushed it over. The vase cracked like an egg, and the vase was ruined. Mortified beyond words, I told the waitress who was sweeping up the pieces that I would pay for a new vase, and my wife approached the owner to say the same thing. However, he gently refused my wife's offer and told her not to worry about the vase. Despite repeated offers, he continued to turn us down and made me feel so much better about not being more vigilant about my son. So this place will always be special to us and we will be committed customers forever.
(5)Claiborne C.
Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. We ordered the Yechon special # 3 and the bibim naeng myun. It was was WAY to much food for three people and but oh so delicious. The wait staff wear traditional Korean dress (hanbok) and there is even light Korean music playing in the background. The place is open 24 hours a day. If you really want the authentic Seoul experience, visit the Korean bakery just next door. Prices were good, I will definitely try this place again.
(5)Arzo I.
Yum. Why have I waited this long to eat here?! Only had one thing so far, so I will be back to update this review. Pretty good priced sushi rolls. Had the Cali and the spicy salmon. Very attentive and nice staff. Def will go back soon, maybe tomorrow...
(4)Trisha D.
I freakin love this place!! It seems like it always costs A LOT, but I'm beyond stuffed when we leave here, and even have food left over (although usually not much). The beef short ribs are the best thing to get for the BBQ in my opinion, but the spicy bulgogi is also very good. Their banchan is always a little different, but it's all very good. Love the fact that they are open 24 hours too!! The service is good, even when busy. And the ladies are so nice!! Once (I think it was our first time) our waitress didn't speak very good English so it made it kinda difficult for our first visit, but now that we understand how it works, it's all good!!
(5)Carolyn B.
I had heard about this place and seen all the reviews and longed to go. I walked in around 7pm on a Sunday night and we did have to wait a bit. It was about 10 - 15 mins before we got seated. We choose to get Samgypsal (you have to have a minimum of 2 orders of meat) and then we ordered more food later. We started eating the banchan (side dishes) which were delicious! I had a lot of fun speaking Korean to the waiters/waitresses. Most of them were amused with my Korean and I really enjoyed chatting with them. We got a bottle of soju (about $13) and then ordered a spicy Korean pancake later to fill our brimming with happiness tummies. All in all, the overall experience left me satisfied and wishing I could pitch a tent inside and never leave. I wished that I could be fat so I could eat more... ASA! May the year of the tiger shine brightly on Yechon! I'll be back with my tiger hat on!
(5)Steve N.
Been here a few times. The service is from fair to bad, but in all fairness, I usually go at peak times when there's a line for a table. So, they're quite busy. The food is great and the banchan seems to keep on coming. Great assortment and always fun to try new stuff. Definitely worth a try.
(4)Arabella J.
Me and my parents drive by this place a lot, but we never went in. When we FINALLY came I knew we had hit the jackpot. Like most Asian restaurants it is open 24 hours so you can drop by whenever you want. Their menu is gigantic so its good for big groups. One of my favorite dishes is he bulgogi it is really good. I had Nokd Jeon (mung bean pancake) and Yakisoba udong (pan grilled Japenese udong noodles tossed with vegetables.) The udong noodles were delicious. Thick noodles lightly drizzled with sauce and just the right amount. The Nokd Jeon was pure delicassy. Fried, with a crisp outside. They also served many sides including: Kimchi (spicy picked cabbage,) Potato salad, and seaweed salad. The sewead salad was ok. It had a squishy texture and a strong taste that I did not care for. Instead of water they served warm barley tea which had a flavor similar to corn. Suprisingly it was very likable. The service was nice, fast, and attentive. I recommend this for people that enjoy good Asian food.
(5)Mary A.
Late-night Asian (Korean) food that is actually pretty good. I would normally be a bit wary of 24-hour restaurants when it comes to quality, but this place was a surprise. I'd recommend it over other 24-hour restaurants (like Amphora or Bob & Edith's).
(4)Mary S.
DEEE-LISH!!!!!! their food is fairly priced and the sushi is great - I don't really do the korean barbeque part, but my friends say that is delicious as well - and i love their chicken yakisoba! 6/11/11 After a disappointing experience at another restaurant (the salsa room) we came to yechon. I love this place, we've been coming here for years so they know my husband and I quite well. U'll love them! The manager, the sushi chef and the waitresses are SO eager to please. thanks to them, they salvaged the night that another restaurant almost destroyed.
(5)Soo W.
Discrimination! Discrimination! Discrimination! It gets busy at this place all the time. I will not argue the food is good. And usually since there is no host stand you have to wait for the lady to put you down on the little notepad she walks around with to get you the next seat. She speaks good English so she is very confident. Well...this one evening I got a very Korean Korean speaking young guy, with glasses. Who obviously did not want anything to do with the English speaking people and definitely not someone that is not Korean "looking." We stood in line for 30 minutes until finally I said, "Do you not see us here? We've been waiting here for 30 minutes and still have not gotten a seat." His only response was, "Why didn't you ask to be put on the list?" Notice, not an apology. The lady that usually plays "host" puts your name down, she actually walks down the line and asks for name and how many people. This dork just stood there in the front waiting for you to come up to him and he wrote down your name ONLY if you spoke to him in Korean. I know, my husband heard her telling her significant other she just spoke to him in Korean. Not even 5 minutes later, they get seated before us and we were in line first. Classic, unfortunately. Hey Yechon owner, before you pick you substitute host, make sure they can speak English, respects the guests since we, the paying customers are your paycheck. I was so angry with the disrespect I refused to speak to him in Korean. 45 min. later we get seated. We will never go back there again.
(1)Duane S.
I am a Korean food novice, but I really liked this place. It is a bit cramped though. The line was out the door for lunch service. The accompaniments were a bit different than other Korean restaurants I have been to, but still really good. Our group had bulgogi and short ribs. Both were excellent. Though the bulgogi had mushrooms instead of onions like other restaurants. I will definitely go back.
(4)Dong H.
Its a Korean/Asian I-Hop 24hours which still doing well and alive today. This place never changes unlike any other Korean restaurants around...back in the days we used to come and order after club hangouts in d.c to eat and go home. Now the quality of their food seem to decreased but still worth it. they got best Raw Beef YookHwe gotta ask to see if they have it...Haejangguk, Galbi jjim, BoSsam steamed pork is normally what we order every time I come here. there are some good days and bad days depending on their rush hour time...but their service is good... this place is well known don't be shy if ur non-korean... This used to be the one and only 24hour korean restaurants there's many to choose from now a days.
(3)Roll T.
3.25 stars. Yechon has an almost cult-like following on Yelp so the chances of you finding anyone actually disparaging this place are going to be few and far between. Still, the best thing I can say about Yechon is that it is 24 hour Korean food. While that is definitely a compliment, it doesn't make it a comparable experience to other Korean places I have tried both inside and outside of the DC area. My experience with Yechon was probably horribly scarred from the forefront. First, it wasn't 3 AM. Second, I was sober. Thus, it appears that two of the main criteria for enjoying Yechon were not present for me on this visit. They started us with a healthy amount of banchan. I don't remember all of what we had, but I do remember the kimchi (spicy cabbage) wasn't as flavorful and crisp as I would have liked. The bean sprout dish tasted like they might have been marinated in vinegar (good). Miso soup was tasty; I annoyed my dining companions by using a spoon to eat it. We had bibim bap served in a hot stone bowl with spicy sauce. Oddly (and unlike any other experience I have had with bibim bap), the resulting mixture tasted more like paella. While that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, it definitely was not what I was expecting. The bulgogi here was rough and spidery. This particular version lacked a healthy dose of marinade. There were no nice, crispy edges to the beef. It was a clear departure from one of my favorite Korean dishes. Despite these faults, it should be noted that the menu is expansive. I think on a subsequent visit, I might try some of the less talked about dishes and see whether I can revel in some authentic Korean glory. At this point, however, if I happen to be in Virginia late at night and someone suggests Yechon, I'm probably going to counter with Kabob Palace or Ravi Kabob. Yechon is decent, but it isn't yet on my list of favorite late night ethnic food options in Northern Virginia.
(3)Alice A.
If my suitcase was big enough I would bring this place back to the SF bay area. 1) 24 hr Korean restaurant! I don't know any Korean place in SF that's open 24 hrs. 2) Amazing lunch menu selection: for really reasonable price ($10.95), I had what I consider a perfect combination. Korean bbq (the ribs) and cold noodles (spicy). Not surprisingly this place is popular and I am told you often have to wait in line for dinner.
(4)Ann C.
Not Bad Virgina...Not Bad =) I'm from Los Angeles- home of the best Korean food around! Even fobs from Korea visiting agree we got some BOMB korean restaurants in Cali. We got a lot of 24 hr joints too. So my review should be held valid for all reasons above: Location: Right by the freeway, next to 7-11...easy access. Decor & Staff: How cute- the waitresses are wearing hanboks =) keeping it old school I like it! Food: SO MUCH variety of food to choose from! Japanese, BBQ, korean soups/noodles and more where do I begin? Overall pretty good! My uncle and I shared a combo 1 and it came with the following: - grilled fish: meaty, salty and good! - sashimi of salmon and yellowtail... not that fresh but still edible. - 2 bowls of dumpling soup: not as hearty and thick as I'd like but was delicious. - bean paste soup: tons of tofu, beef and mushrooms I liked it but it was a bit too "jja" aka salty. - 2 korean bbq ribs: I liked how they cut it up for you. It was sweet and addicting! Prices are decent and for a 24 hr joint the quality and quantity of food is really good. I saw a lot of tables w/ interracial couples and non-koreans dining and I can see why the food is considered good for me so for a non-asian it must taste booooomb diggity for them! lol I also saw a table with some boys one who looked pretty cute =) dang uncle cock blocking hahaha
(4)Christine S.
Our table ordered the beef bulgogi, spicy pork bulgogi, hot pepper pancake, gyoza, spicy tuna roll, udon soup, and jap chae. The food was awesome. The hot pepper (and scallion) pancake itself wasn't very hot, but when you dip it in the sauce, that's where the kick comes. The gyoza were good and had the perfect crunch. The dipping sauce for the gyoza is the same for the pancake - if you don't like hot, just avoid the seeds in the sauce or use the soy sauce, which is available on the table. The spicy tuna roll was good, fresh and cheap - only $4! when they brought out all the food (and banchan...err...kind of like little side dishes), it was quite the spread. I totally recommend getting something to cook at your table --- the smells of bulgogi cooking are scintillating. the jap chae was pretty good...or at least I am pretty sure it was. The guy who ordered the jap chae scarfed it down and didn't share. haha It was a lot of good food. The service was great. People were constantly coming by - refilling our waters, adjusting the heat for the bulgogi, asking us if we needed anything, etc. They have a call button that you can press if you need someone. We pressed in and within a minute or two, someone was there at the table. The place IS busy and was packed so it's sometimes hard to hear, but after the food comes out, you'll be so into the grub, you won't be talking all that much until when you're in the car, remarking on how good it was and how full you are. Bonuses: They are opened for 24 hours and are right near a Korean bakery that's open until midnight.
(5)Hue K.
If you are not planning on having BBQ or expensive dish BUT want to have good time for your lunch or dinner, Yechon might not be the best choice. This place gives different side-dishes depending on what you order. I and my friend just got regular korean dishes and we saw different side-dishes between our table and other who was having BBQ, so we asked one that we saw on the other people's table and the waitress said they didn't have that item. My friend said she had similar experience and that time, the waitress said that there was no more the side-dish my friend asked for after seeing it from other's table. I don't think one small side-dish would cost their business that much or would increase their expense a lot, but this type of discrimination just ruins the customer's day. I felt pretty bad while I was having my meal there and swearing to myself that I would never come back there again. I would rather go to a place that gives me friendly service without any side-dish or discrimination, and then at least I wouldn't feel bad about what I ordered or was eating.
(2)David L.
I'm always skeptical of 24-hour restaurants, but maybe that's because I associate them with dirty diners. This is not the case with Yechon. The inside is spacious and well-kept. We stopped in at 8:30pm on a Saturday and still had to wait for a table, so be prepared for later crowd. It's worth the wait though. I can't say what I ate because my Korean friend ordered, but it was good all around.
(4)Sarah J.
This place has a crap load of reviews and for good reason. 24/7 Korean comfort food to the max. We went all American tourist and had at-the-table Korean bbq (chicken and beef) which did not disappoint. And holy crap do they love their side dishes! They must serve at least 10 different types. Some of my favorites include the sweet mashed potatoes (or is it potato salad?), every dish that they pickled (love me some pickled veg), and the squid. Believe it or not, I didn't really take to their kimchi, but I'll cop that up to being a fluke. Service was just ok. I realize we're not at a fine dining establishment, but since we're in the good ol' US of A and at least a third of the clientele at Yechon are generic caucasians like myself, it would be nice to have my server speak at least a few words of English. Ours spoke almost zero English, so it was a little dicey for a few minutes. So, maybe for future reference, educate yourself on Korean cuisine before you go to Yechon. They're not too keen on people asking questions about the menu...or at least that's how I felt. But hot damn, the prices! We spent maybe 30 bucks and came out of there with lunch for the next day. For two people. Win.
(3)Liz N.
I've been to many Korean bbq spots and rarely do I many stand out. This gets a little place in my heart due to the service, those old korean ladies are awesome with keeping the food cooking. I love how they offer those vibrating thingy as you wait 1 h for a table for 2.. yes, on a weekend night, it can be up to 1 hr. for table of 2!!! but there's an amazing korena bakery right next door that you can explore. Walking in there takes you straight back to korea. bad thing with this place, along with other korean restaurants are the prices.. why so expensive?!?!
(4)Henry R.
Came here with my girlfriend at 1am in the morning because we were craving korean foods. Drove almost 45 minutes from Leesburg to Annandale. The place was somewhat packed, but not a full house. Was seated immediately and presented with menus. Order was placed in promptly and the foods came out 15 minutes later. Foods was pretty good, my girlfriend's tonkatsu was not bad, but the tofu soup i got was just ok. Probably because i have had better spicy tofu soup from other places. This is not a bad place to go to if you are craving korean/japanese (no sushi) late at night as this place opens 24/7. Service seems a litlte rushed by the young servers tending around. The place is blasting with korean pops and pretty lively. The menu has a wide variety of dishes, with half of them i am not too familiar with. Pricey too. But if i were to pick again what to eat for that night, i think i would have prefer Honey Pig. But the main reason why we chose that place for that night was because of the Breeze cafe bakery next door. We hit up that bakery after our meal, it was great since the bakery also opens late (2am). But will i do this again next time? Probably not.
(3)Kareem F.
Great place to get Korean BBQ. Open 24/7! I love their Bulgogi and beef short ribs. They serve many small dishes with interesting taste and flavors. Their mashed potatoes are delicious. A must try!
(4)Jae S.
If you're a night owl who love Korean food, this is the place. Open 24-7 I'm Korean and I know what Korean food should taste like. So listen to me. Try all their food in their menu. I especially like the Yuk Gae Jang and Soo Doo Boo. Also, they have great selection of sushi too. If you live in DMV and you're an Asian and never heard of this place, shame on you!!! Good place for Korean food beginners to enjoy authentic Korean food. Enjoy!
(3)Diana C.
24-hour Korean. Let that process for a minute. Yes, it's a haul out to Annandale, but the Koreans seem to snub Montgomery County, so it's off to the dark side of the Potomac if I want tasty, tasty eats. The food is really great, and the service is really fast. I've had a variety of dishes (including the sushi & some of the Japanese dishes), and everything has been awesome. I usually stick with the bibimbap, which is tasty and filling, or one of the udon soups if I want something lighter. The service is not super friendly but they are nice enough. What they are is very efficient.
(4)Joseph C.
This restaurant is so delicious, affordable and its opens 24 hours. However, I couldn't give this place a perfect 5 because of how packed it is all the time. I used to come here about once a week for the past 4 months and all at different times but recently it has gradually gotten worse of how packed and busy it is. ***Keep in mind, you could be waiting minium of 30 mins to get a table.***
(4)Katie B.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. The Japchae is delicious, and the Kimichi dumplings are a favorite as well. Sometimes their seafood can be a bit over cooked ( I don't recommend the Octopus for that reason), but that would be my only complaint about the food. Its a great bang for your buck too! Service is usually very speedy, you do not wait long for any food.
(5)Ju Yeon P.
Great service, great food. The servers there are always super friendly and polite. The waitresses are all open to help their customers out even if they might not be serving that table. As for the food, I can't praise them enough! They have the best side dishes out of all the Korean restaurants in Annandale! This restaurant is also at a super convenient location as there's a cafe located right next door for desserts.
(5)Carly C.
You know you're in the right place for authentic Asian fare, when you are one of only two white people in the restaurant (the other white person being the one your with). Pulling into a restaurant's parking lot on a Wednesday afternoon, and having a hard time finding a place to park is also another great sign that you're in for a treat. Yechon is a very unassuming little restaurant close to the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College (best community college in Virginia and their best campus if you ask me!). It's menu is large and the favors that it offers are even larger. Come here, and you are sure to be pleased... Daengu Maeuntag: 5 stars. I can't even pronounce the name of this dish, but I can tell you that it's super yummy. The eight or so little mix-in's that come with it are truly what makes it. The seaweed was amazing and the rice was perfectly cooked. Also, the green tea drink that came out after the meal in a rocks glass is not something you'll want to pass up. It might have actually been the best thing about the meal. Must try!!
(5)Ricky M.
Although it wasn't the buffet that I was used to in Nova it was the perfect example that quantity doesn't beat quality. However that doesn't mean they don't give you a good amount of food.
(5)Eric J.
This was my first time here. I always get the seafood pancake at every korean restaurant, and I really liked theirs here. They use just enough pancake to hold everything together. I love it!
(4)Jaclyn S.
This place has solid Korean food. It's awesome that it's open 24 hours so I always know I can get something. The price is good and the servers are quick. Overall, they don't really have any foods that are outstanding but everything is good. This is probably the restaurant I frequent most often. I'd say I'm here every other week, if not more. Good choice for Korean food.
(4)Asor A.
Yechon is great! The hostesses aren't always the nicest but they get things done and the food is pretty good! Great for taking a group of people and sharing dishes. There is a nice Asian bakery next door in case you have to wait for a table.
(4)Monica M.
First of all, I randomly write a bad review unless it's getting to the point that I can't accept the the fact that it happened! Second, I love coming here because the food is so good and it's one of my favorite spots! BUT after the last time I went there as regular as everyone I felt like they treat me like shit! If ur not Korean ur not getting a service first even though u been seat first and waited for so long because they'll serve to their KOREAN people first! Oh well unless ur in a uniform (army/police) that's how they treat us BEFORE! As u can see on my old review 04/25/14 I love their food! They're one of the best! I love to go there at lease once every two weeks! Their lunch are good! Special box is amazing! Staffs are nice and friendly! Long wait but worth it!!! Gooo gooo gooo eat there! Highly recommend to go there
(1)Nicole F.
This is my favorite place around here. Maybe it's the bakery next door...mmmmm.... no, no, even though that place is also great, I think the food here is superior to the other places around. Maybe its not as trendy but it has the best sides and the BBQ is excellent. Why wait 2 hours to eat?!
(5)Phil L.
Open 24 hours 7 days a week, this is apparently some sort of institution in Virginia. When you arrive, flag down the manager and get your name so you can get one of those pagers. Then proceed next door and gorge yourself on Korean baked goods. Once you feel that buzz in your hand, head over and stuff your face with some delicious Korean food. They sell sushi, BBQ stuff, and the hot pots. We ordered a seafood jeon, a seafood hot pot, and two meat dishes. For our table of 6 adults, we all left happily full and I gotta say for $120 or so dollars for all of us, it's a heck of a deal. The seafood jeon was enormous, much larger than anything I've seen in Manhattan and let me tell you not only was it the size of a 14 inch pizza pan, it was thick too. Loaded with lots of goodies, it was delicious. The kalbi and duk were great and the seafood hot pot was awesome. The only downer was the fact they didn't make the steamed egg for us but rather brought it out pre-made and when they were cutting up the lobster for us, I got squirted right in the face with lobster juice. Service here is fast, the lines are long, but thankfully they have a large bakery next door to ease some of your hunger pangs. If I had to make a comparison, this is like Sik Gaek in Queens only better! I would definitely recommend coming here if you're in the area.
(4)Nick H.
One of the oldest, and yet still one of my favorite Korean BBQ restaurants in all of Northern, VA. Located in the heart of Annandale, you know your restaurant has to be legit if it has any chance of surviving the Korean BBQ market. Yechon is one of the alpha dogs and there's so many reasons why. It's spacious. It's open 24 hours. The food is incredibly delicious. The service is great. And there's ample parking. Anytime my friends go out, there's about a 90% chance that we end up at Yechon afterwards for late night bbq. It's easily one of my favorite locales and I will gladly eat there just about anytime. If you have a group of 4 or more people, I highly recommend the Special #3. Otherwise, individual orders of any of the most popular Korean dishes will serve you fine: kalbi, bulgogi, bibimbap, etc. The bon chon (side dishes) here are awesome as well.
(5)Cat P.
I want so badly to like this joint because it is such an Annandale institution, but it still hasn't grown on me. The long waits aren't worth it, IMO. The menu items are overpriced. Service ranges from okay to good. Nothing I've tried here has been exceptional. The food always has a slightly sloppy look to it, too...While I appreciate the diversity of the menu, I would much prefer they scale down the options like some of Annandale's other Korean restaurants and focus on perfecting a few dishes (Gombawoo makes excellent mandu soup, for instance). The convenience of it being open 24 hours isn't enough to lure me since the sketchy folks come out after midnight (older men and their very young escorts....drunken crowds after their Eden coffee shops had closed...). Yechon has sleaze written all over it, and I only go here to appease the masses. For traditional Korean cuisine, I'd much prefer the smaller restaurants. For the carnivorous diners, Kogiya or Honeypig seem like more logical choices. Korean-Japanese dishes are great at Ara. And Damoim is awesome for Korean fusion. With the wealth of choices available to me now, Yechon would be a last resort, not a first pick.
(3)Sijia H.
Love this place. I always go here when I'm at annadale. The waitresses here are so nice and the food is so good. I always get the 2nd one with the fish, sushi and other stuff. It's a good amount for two ppl.
(5)Sungjin K.
Yechon is a place that Korean people should appreciate. I can't think of other restaurants that are open 24 hours a day in Annandale. Like honestly, who is willing to open 24 hours a day? Yechon is the place that actually does what many others won't do. It's a good guy/girl yechon. two thumbs up!!
(5)Tuan N.
This place has never failed me when I want Korean BBQ.
(5)Rachel P.
Very authentic! I know, you might roll your eyes at that, but I lived in Korea for a year and the food here is spot on. They will not bat an eye at you if you order in Korean even if you don't look Korean which was kind of fun. The beef tongue is awesome!
(4)Hazel M.
Visited La mart, Brandon ave., Springfield, for the first time last week. I have been a regular customer at Han Ah Rheum and the Great Wall in merrifield, as I love sea food. Over the past year I purchased mussel, which in particular, are not fresh. They are brown and withered. To get to the point the seafood at la mart is the freshest! The mussels were white and still alive. I placed them in ice overnight and they were fresh tne next day. The same applies to the fish, oysters, shrimp, etc. la mart is the best for freshness, and even though it is not as close, I will become a regular customer
(5)Casmi T.
The food is great and the service is great as well. Its the go to late night spot to eat.
(4)Leslie J.
MUST ORDER: KOREAN PANCAKE or what I like to call it "KOREAN PIZZA!" I especially LOVE their seafood pancakes here. They have just the perfect ratio of seafood, spice, and the best part of it all is that the texture of the pancake is crispy and not soggy. YUM!
(4)Jean S.
Extensive menu, reasonably priced, clean, good service, and solid all around for all sorts of standard Korean food. Great for late night as it is open 24/7
(4)Jenn H.
I'm not really a fan of Yechon. Seriously, there are so many options in Annandale. I didn't come for the bbq--two of us got dol sot bibimbap, the bf got duk manduguk, and one other guy...i forgot what he ordered; we also split a seafood pajung. Everything we had was "blah". Seriously, you could do MUCH better, especially in this area. At least the other two people we went with seemed to like it. Best part of the night--a bunch of Yechon waitresses sat in a corner eating Popeye's. HILARIOUS.
(2)Kristen R.
Went there last night for a late night feast. I can't explain to you how much we enjoyed the food and service. We ordered 5 plates of meat to be cooked at our table. We asked for extra sides that don't come out with the first 7 sides. Not one issue what so ever. The whole staff was attentive and making sure our meat was cooked perfectly. After being turned away rudely from Honey Pig it was great to come in here and get served with respect.
(5)J M.
We came here on a whim on a Sunday afternoon, after researching Korean Restaurants on Yelp alone while driving through town coming from Dulles Airport back to the district. I haven't had Korean since I moved from my hometown city of Toronto, so was in serious need of bbq meat. The BBQ we had wasn't even BBQ, it was a table-top "saucer"-looking dish to cook meat on, it was like a pan-fryer, not BBQ at all. It left a LOT to be desired. We ordered pork belly, one of our favourite dishes. This version was not comparable at all to the type we have at our fav place in Toronto. It was so thin and tasteless (as was the beef). At our go-to place in Toronto, it's thickly cut and has the pork skin still on it and juicy after cooking. Since it was 2 of us, I doubt they would give us an actual grill table, I think they might only give those tables to larger parties. The bachan were great and so was my tofu/beef spicy soup. The Pajeon was less than ideal. Yes, it was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, but a seafood Pajean at Yechon only consisted of a few shrimp and green onions galore. The pajeon that I traditionally get from my Korean restaurant in Toronto has calamari as well as octopus tentacles. They should rename it shrimp pajeon (not seafood). It seems to be the only decent place for Korean in the DC area so it'll have to suffice. We don't mind shelling out good $$ for good food, price is not an issue. Service was good, but frankly, I don't go for Korean food epxecting great service, aren't we (Koreans) the ones that invented the doorbell to request service at a restaurant? Anyhow, service was decent.
(3)Jason C.
Enough people have given reviews about this place and the food so I'm just going to add one thing to the mix and leave some statements that you can think about. This is probably one of the most famous korean restaurants in the DC area. The place is open 24-7. The same cook can't cook 24-7. The taste of everything you get tastes the same 24-7. The only way you do that when you have 150 things on the menu is to pour in bags of MSG into the food. My Korean friends and I almost gagged when we had some of the Korean stews there b/c of the MSG. Korean restaurants are notorious for putting MSG in the food but this place does it on a whole new level. Think about what I said and watch it if you're MSG intolerant or are health conscientious.
(3)Lisa K.
Something has happened to this dependable spot for good, authentic korean food... we have been coming here for over 10 years.... last 2 times we ate here in the past 2 months, we found that the flavors were off... just not well seasoned... some of the side-dishes lacked salt... the bibim nangmyun had the traditional pepper sauce... spicy but without the right balance of sweetness & tartness... the noodles also didn't have the chewy consistency you would expect... our old standby at this place, tang-su-yuk was lacking the right flavor in the sauce & the meat was not crisply fried & was covered in lots of batter... soodubu jigae was deemed flavorless... just spicy but no deep flavors at all... I don't know if they have a new cook or what's going on... just disappointing...ugh!!! Hope things return to normal soon!
(2)Michael S.
Parking lot is very annoying. Every column has a dead end. I thought that since the lot was almost full that would be a good sign to the quality of the restaurant, but not really. When we went in there was a bit of a wait, but not very long. The service was quite good actually. One will find very similar service amenities as Korea, such as the buzzer to call the wait staff, and the endless supply of pan-chan (side dishes). The food was nothing to write home about. I went here with three friends and they liked it better than I, but I had also lived in Korea for over a year so I know what Korean food is. Good pan-chan defines a Korean restaurant. If the pan-chan is not good, the restaurant is not worth attending. That being said, the bad pan-chan is why I gave this restaurant a low rating. The main dishes were not bad (about a 3.5/5), but pan-chan makes up at least 50% of the Korean dining experience. Having low quality pan-chan is like ordering a steak dinner that is only half cooked. Aesthetically the restaurant is nice. There's plenty of room to walk and move your chair without hitting the person behind you. The tables are also large enough to fit an entire Korean meal without stacking plates, so that's a big plus! Price is a tad high for the quality of food. I would go again if asked to go.
(2)S M.
I have to be honest -- I had an undercooked seafood pancake here a few years ago and some surly service to match, so that kept me away for a long time. I went back a few weeks ago with two friends and a baby on a Saturday night at 10 and was VERY pleasantly surprised. Everything was fresh. The pancake was among the very best I've had, and the bulgogi and galbi were both excellent. The yakisoba was too greasy for my taste, but let's face it: you shouldn't be going to Yechon for Japanese food. We had a really great time, and I look forward to going back. Also, there aren't that many late-night places where I'd feel comfortable taking little kids, but Yechon is very family-friendly. (I know that little kids don't need to go out to restaurants late at night, but for people working shifts or coming back late from a trip, this is a better option than most!)
(4)Taryn L.
New to the Korean BBQ scene, we were super appreciative at how helpful the wait staff were when it came to figuring out what everything was, the best dishes to order for our tastes and how to cook the meat ... all despite our total lack of Korean language fluency and their limited grasp of English. We managed, and we're glad we did. Meat was delish, kimchi was awesome. They bring out TONS of sides of and plenty of rice. We had so much fun trying it all. We recently tried Honey Pig, which isn't too far away. Similar menu but very different atmosphere - Yechon is still bustling but much less squished and somehow more organized. Also... more expensive. Both were fun to try.
(4)Catherine G.
This was my first Korean restaurant I went to when I moved to Virginia. And though my first reaction was SHOCK at the prices for the entrees, etc. I have of course since settled into the "DC/ Northern VA" norm and way of life. Aside from their pricing, this is a decent Korean restaurant who's staff is better than average. Although their food is decent, because their service is good too, I feel comfortable giving them 4 stars. Selection of banchon (side dishes) are ok. Decent tasting, nothing that says to me, " I MUST HAVE MORE!" All in all, I like Yechon and appreciate that they are consistent..with both food and service.
(4)Mic X.
it had been a long time coming and it all happened on a totally random whim while driving along the lovely 495, in the midst of errands, when my wife feels a sudden pang for good old Korean food, which leads us to our El Dolrado.... Yechon. Now there is bul gogi and then there is Mom's bul gogi. no one is ever better than Mom's bul gogi - ever! i would never know as i don't dine on cow meat, much to my in-law's chagrin, but let me allow my lovely wife to explain the finer distinctions of bul gogi. here honey, take over..... Screw you! I HATE yelp!! umm, but without yelp, we would have never have found Yechon. well, ok. i just hate yelp while you are on yelp! moving along. this is the best bul gogi (that's shredded beef bbq for you non-Korean folk out there) that my wife that has had since she moved to DC 12 years ago and we have been to many Korean places in those 12 years. bul gogi is all about the seasoning and this place perfectly executed the beef marinade to all of its' succulent potency. along with the bul gogi, my wife ordered some kimchi jigae (a spicy hot bowl of pork and kimchi) that didn't knock your socks off with spice or flavor, but definitely hit the spot. as for myself, i ventured out to try the mae woon sae woo (a fried shrimp dish smothered in a tangy, spicy sauce). it was the first time i had ever tried this dish and the sauce reminded me a bit of the sauce that is used in make kang poong gi (tangy, spicy little chicken bones) that i have ordered from Woo Mi up in Wheaton. it was almost like a Korean version of a spicy sweet & sour Chinese sauce. needless to say, not a single shrimp was left on the plate. oh, before i forget - best. panchan. ever. there is nothing better than a myriad of crisp, variously seasoned vegetables. due to my daughter's love of noodles, we ordered her up a bowl of Japanese Udong, which she inhaled in the typical child gorge-fest. a momentary divergence - this place gets packed and most everyone who comes here, comes for the Korean food. why does this place feel the need to have the front of Korean/Japanese cuisine? pssst, Koreans. the white man is learning about your food. it's ok to have a restaurant that doesn't serve sushi. it is ok to market yourselves to other cultures and peoples. make good food and they will come. speaking of culture, the waitresses are decked out in the cutest of hanboks (traditional Korean dress) and are as friendly as Korean restaurant as i have ever been to. (that's right, i ended that sentence with a preposition) if you have children, please do not allow them to tap on the little buzzer on the table. that's is to used when you are ready to order your meal and summons the waitress over to your table. it should only take one buzz to figure it out. (yeah baby, adverb) is there anything else i am forgetting, honey? shut-up. stop drinking and come to bed..... NOW! be there in a minute. i only hope Tina can forgive me for not giving her a shout-out when we stopped by her hood. that reminds me. what truly motivates me to give a restaurant a 5 star rating? when i will drive all the way across town to eat there. (another adverb) Yechon. we shall met again.
(5)Caroline L.
Came here pretty late one night (maybe around 10 pm) on a weeknight. Restaurant was 3/4 full. I was pretty happy that we were greeted right away and sat down w/ menus. And then it all went to.. sh-- well, you know. We rang the service button 4 times... no one. I tried my best to raise my hand and make eye contact with someone- ANYONE but w/ no success. 10 mins later I saw 2 tables sit down next to us and get serviced. After probably about 15 mins, I finally got up and went up to who looked like the manager. He asked me where I was sitting and then said he'd take the order himself. And then nothing. Well then the food came (which was great btw- which is where the 2 stars come in). The spicy galbitang was YUM. I thought most dolsot bibimbaps come with a fried egg on top but this one didn't have one. I would've asked if you know, there was actually someone serving us. Didn't see anyone pay attention to our existence until it was clear we were done and looking to pay. Given that one person sat us down, another took the order, one person brought the food, and another person took the check, we weren't sure who was gonna get the tip. The other tables seemed to have established servers. I still don't get why we didn't have one. And to be fair, I was more annoyed after a 5 hr drive from VA beach (and craving korean food the entire time). I have to wonder what my Korean parents would've done if they were ignored like this. I guess no extra banchans, napkins, or refills for us. :( Now if this was the only Korean restaurant in the city, I'd bear with it. But come on, it's Annandale. There's plenty of other restaurants who won't ignore me this much.
(2)Ed L.
Please note, I would go 0 Stars if possible. After entering the Restaurant and being seated, everything seemed normal. My friend and I placed our orders and waited... My order came out first, my friend ordered a broiled Fish Dinner. We waited and waited and waited. Then our Waitress comes by and asks me if I wanted a bowl of rice on the side, I said yes. Then we waited some more. My friend finally asks, whats taking so long? The Waitress first replies "Oh we're re-firing your order" and my friend replies "Huh?" Then she changes her story and says "Oh, we're re-making your order because it turned out too dry". Finally her Order comes out. My dish is pretty much cold now, because I waited for my friend and to add insult to injury, the Waitress never brought me my rice !!! My friends dish looked like the Turkey in Christmas Vacation after Chevy cuts it open. These Waitresses look like they were transported here from NORTH KOREA...seriously...they have these blank looks on their faces and they all wear traditional dresses. Also, they dont give you sh@#!t for Bahn Chan !!! I'm from Chicago and this place BLOWS!! Avoid it at all costs!!! Before you decide to get mad at me and my review.....consider this: I'M KOREAN!
(1)Beck E.
You can't beat the hours, although if you want sushi, I think you have to go during the daytime. I don't think there are any sushi chefs working late at night.
(4)Mark A.
Seems likes Yechon is spiking a few drinks to bring out some spirited reviews. Nothing about being passionate about good Korean food right? And as I'm waiting on my order I got to read the last few reviews so I wasn't sure what I would get. Now my two cents. Agree with the comment about the Kimchi. Not sure what that kimchi slurry was but it tasted off. It might be added sugar but didn't want to know. It's kimchi, not rocket science. How can you mess up the kimchi?! Then to the side dishes. When I got the first one, meatballs and potatoes, I immediately thought Americanized. Then came the soup which was good. Finally, the dolsot bibimbap, and of course the first thing it's missing is well, the over-easy egg on top. I mean who doesn't put that on this dish? So, the bibimbap was not bad but feeling like I was already in a deficit, I know it could have been better. The rest of the side dishes were OK, but again not the traditional ones I get from authentic Korean restaurants. The service didn't seem all that bad. Yes the place was quite busy and everyone was running around but didn't sense rude. With the 24/7 operation, it did feel like ''fast food korean'' and I can understand some of the reviewers. But what's still throwing me off is that a lot of Koreans are partronizing this place which should mean the food is on par to expectations. Maybe I should have had some soju.... yes maybe. All in all, I'm still trying to find "the" Korean restaurant in the DC area. If I could train it up to Korea town in NYC I would, but since I can't I will continue the search.
(3)Hank C.
ah, totally didn't realize this was 24-7. However, my friend from the area brought me here, claiming it was the best Korean food in the area, and quite possibly as good as Korean food anywhere in the US. They mentioned that Presidents had come here, I believe? I was happy with the BBQ, that's surely true... plenty of meat, excellent sweet marinade, and a good selection of sides and more. Raucous environment, too, and decent soju selection. The parking lot was a bit off the beaten way, and a major road there for you to cross if you want to get there from the DSW, etc., but overall a great place to grab a bunch of friends and feast for a while. Will have to come back here again when I'm in the area!
(3)Candice M.
I love Yechon. It's open 24/7, AND it's delicious. The banchan is good and diverse. My favorite meals to get are the hot pots (dolsot). Their servers wear hanboks! So cute! :D They also have a button on each of the tables when you want to request service. I wouldn't recommend the jumuluk, as my Korean mother didn't much care for it. The bulgogi is good, though. Whenever my mom comes to visit, I take her to Yechon. She loves it.
(4)Alan C.
This is our favorite Korean restaurants in all of Northern Virginia. The menu selection is huge as they have tons of Japanese/sushi choices in addition to Korean. There is often a long wait, but that's just a sign that it's good. Food quality and service are both excellent. Our favorite dishes are: kalbi, dolsot bi bim bop, chap chae, and seafood pancake (pajeon).
(5)Tim H.
I love how this place is open 24 hours and they have an electronic paging system at each table. Overall the food is really good. I had the Dolsot Kimchae Bimbimbop. No real complaints. I'll definitely be coming back.
(4)Cameron B.
Me and two friends (none of us Asian by the by) went at 10pm on a Friday and were sat immediately at a 4 top. We ordered a massive meat plate (can't remember the name) and our waiter suggested we move over a table to a 6 top since we would get so many plates. As we chowed down on all the small appe plates that arrived quickly, a party of like 25 people rolled in. We were asked to move once again so they could merge our table, across the restaurant to another 6 top; we do so graciously, and for this they compted us our beer! Even with all this moving, you can see the star rating I gave them!! It's allll about the food. From the outside, this place looks like a trucker-stop fit for the most po-dunk backwater part of West Virginia; but inside, it was clean, spacious and well lit. Tables filled to the brim with small plates, and lots of food! The wait staff move quickly but don't give you that panicked sense of urgency that could spoil your meal. The waiter suggested we don't order to much on top of our mega dish, and I'm glad we listed because I think we took out half of Noah's arc that day. Perfectly seasoned chicken, ribs, beef, shrimp, lobster (the only thing not so great since it was kinda dry and over grilled), crab and pork flowed generously from a huge saucer! The pickles and other side dishes, along with rice and a thick brothy soup filled the table and our stomachs!! 3 people got gluttony up on that table for $24 each person (including tip)! We left at 12:30pm and several full cars were pulling up to start their dinner! This place gets two thumbs up! I'll be back for sure!!!
(4)Uno Tres Z.
Great authentic Korean!
(4)Kim L.
This is the best Korean restaurant around this part. Came here Wednesday night for dinner first time and tried the Yukhoe and was impressed by the generous serving. Excellent sauce and very fresh ingredient. Kimchi Jigae was delicious, I took the left over home and ate it the next day for lunch and it was still very tasty. Came back on Friday to try their BBQ and they did not disappoint. Good value, great service and definitely my favorite Korean Restaurant whenever I am in town.
(5)Dave H.
From the outside it's a bit garish, but inside is a pretty nice Korean restaurant. The place was crowded full of locals and then some! Definitely make reservations (like we did) to be safe, especially with a large group (like we had; we were a party of eight). Our server (Soon) was great, she was friendly, smiled, and cooked our food at the table grill. She helped bring out dishes along with other staff. We had gyoza, noodles, a few tasty orders of bulgogi (~$13) and then bought sake ($10), asked for five shotglasses and washed our food down. (OK, so maybe we had the sake first.) A friend noted they didn't refill our banchan (we also didn't receive a large variety of banchan plates). I was sad to not see any garlic cloves or peppers accompany our meats. The scallion salad was fine. Kimchi was delicious. The radish pickles also rocked. We had plenty of barley tea, and oranges came when we were done. Overall, a good value! I would definitely return, as Yechon is open 24 hours. Recommended.
(5)Joshua S.
Are you kidding? This is really a spectacular restaurant! Extremely authentic (I even had to ask for help reading the menu) and lots of side-dishes that are brought out before the main course. I went for lunch, and for $8.95 had a feast. The hospitality and decor were in keeping with the theme and spirit of the restaurant.
(5)Dan F.
I couldn't believe when I read that there is 24 hour Korean food in the general area. Usually if it is 1 AM on a weekday and you want food, your only options are Taco Bell, McDonalds, a greasy diner or a 7-11 of some kind. For those unfamiliar with Korean food, this place has very good Bibimbap (basically a bowl of rice with egg, beef, vegetables and a spicy sauce) and Korean bar-b-q (you choose a meat, they bring it out and cook it on a little grill on your table), and with your meals you get a huge assortment of side dishes called banchan. Don't worry nothing weird here, everything pretty much is what you think it is. Looks like mashed potatos? It is. Try the Korean beer Cass, it's good. Don't let the insane neon exterior fool you, it's pretty tastefully decorated on the inside. *edit* I had complained previously about inattentive service, it turns out it is a misunderstanding. Every table has a little "Call" button on a corner, or sometimes somewhat hidden on a wall. The waiters pretty much only come to you if you press the CALL button. Only on my 2nd visit did I realize this, Woops!
(4)Christina K.
My second day in DC (last weekend), a friend drove us out to Annandale for food and groceries. WOOHOO!! Fun times. Anyway, we ended up here for lunch and the place smells heavenly. There are Korean people running the place and eating, so that is a good sign. The waitresses were super nice and took all our orders, including my soondobu with vegetables (which wasn't an option but they accomodated). The ban chan was standard and tasty, as was my soondobu. Maybe I'm lowering my expectations, but this made me happy. I don't think it was the best Korean food I've ever had, but then again, as a vegetarian its hard to say anymore. And they're open 24 hours. WHAT?!
(4)Keon D.
Delicious korean food open 24 hours. I had the pleasure of stuffing my face here on a saturday at around 2-3am. When you get there, its easy to be overwhelmed by the menu. Just so many choices! When I finally made up my mind I got the dae jai bulgogi (sp?). I thought it was a bit expensive at $15 but I did consider that it was being made extremely late at night plus you get an INSANE amount of sides. There was soooooo much sides given it was ridiculous. Seaweed, mackarel, bean curd, potato salad, and lots more. There was barely any part of the table not covered with a side. As far as the main meal (and im not a korean food connosieur), it was pretty good. Rice was nice and fluffy, bulgogi was juicy. It tasted great there, and tasted great the next day when I ate my leftovers. The service was ok, but they did have really long stretches of no one checking up on us at all. Some of our waters were empty, but there is actually a button you can ring and call them. Had no idea about that. I'd recommend this place although id probably recommend it more highly late at night than during the day. I have a feeling there are cheaper mid day options.
(4)Geee P.
I'm always down for some YECHON. It's down the street fr my house. The food is consistent and they are always packed! I never had a problem with their service. I love how they give you so many side dishes compared to some Korean restaurants. I really like their seafood pancake. Meat dishes aren't the best I've had.. and not too big on their tofu soups. Guess I've had better tofu soup elsewhere. Bf & I always over ordered. Always full and satisfied after leaving Yechon.
(4)Jan S.
OMG this place is awesome!!! My husband had the yukejang and said it was the best he's ever had....He's not a big fan of Korean food. I grew up in Hawaii and my calabash (not blood related) auntie owned a Korean restaurant & I have loved Korean food all my life. We moved to VA in July & I was upset thinking I wasn't going to be able to find any good Korean food here. Last night my mind was changed. The mandoo & tempura appetizers were phenomenal & my bulgogi was perfect. All of the ban chan sides were delicious as well. Yechon is by far one of the best Korean restaurants anywhere! We will be coming back very soon. BTW this place is BUSY but well worth the wait. We went on a Friday night around 7pm and had to wait about 20 minutes. It gave us time to study the extensive menu, we were seated and orders taken right away. Food was delivered so quickly, and the quality was out of this world. You can tell everything is fresh and prepared to order. I have to stop raving now, I'm getting hungry!
(5)Jenny T.
I was super overwhelmed when i walked in for dinner one night. I was with my family and we had never eaten at a korean restaurant before other than bbq ones. So as we flipped through the menu, we were at a loss. Our waitress tried her best to give us some good options and we ended up ordering 2 bbq meat courses, noodles, and udon. As I looked around, everyone had orders that were all very different. It ranged from sushi to enormous plates of meat and vegetables. I definitely wanted to come back to try other dishes. When the food came out i was so excited! Everything was delicious and the little side dishes were wonderful! At the end of the meal, i was extremely happy with the food. Definitely check this place out with friends but be careful of racking up the bill! That night my family (4) had a bill that was $65.
(4)Chow N.
This place serves up pretty good Korean grub, but the standard that I compare Korean food with is the old Hee Been prior to their conversion to a buffet restaurant. Given that, the Kalbi was well marbled, marinated and tasty. Regardless, I can't figure out why two strips of thin rib meat cost $24. I had two orders and it was gone quick. One of the orders was part of the #1 combo which came with the buckwheat noodles. They didn't give you sliced green onions with Kalbi. Other stuff ordered include the seafood pancake, the 10 pc pan fried mandu, and the stir fried yakiudon noodles. The pancake was the best out of the bunch. Mandu was decent, although I can't tell between homemade or store bought. I wasn't too impressed with the panchan. There was no season dried fish. Ordered a last minute cali roll which looked good, but the sushi chef only put on his gloves after he saw me spying on him making it. Service was really attentive and my table even included a doorbell style ringer that you push if you want service. They came by to remove the grill grate after a black crust built up before all the kalbi was cooked. It was raining, so they even give you a plastic sleeve for your umbrella. Overall, the meal was more "oh my gawd expensive" than "oh my gawd good."
(3)Corinne M.
Love this place. Favorite part is all the little dishes of varying kimchi they automatically bring out for you. Healthy probiotics, and super tasty! The broiled fish is delicious. I usually order off the Japanese part of the menu, but it's notable that they put a Korean spin on Japanese dishes. I enjoy the creativity. I also really dig the vibe. Used to always come here at weird hours with my buddy Frank H. may he RIP.
(5)Fina A.
Let me contribute another 4 stars from me!! And when the yelpers said the menu is massive, Yechon's menu, IS, massive. Thank god I got to come here with a Korean Korean, like real Korean, you know. And he went to explain the food when I pick whatever menu I think is good. And as a pescetarian, having Korean meals is one of the best choices, like ever. We ended up having four of anything-with-seafood-and-no-meat meals. 1. Hae Mul Dolsot Bibim Bap (Bibim Bap with seafood in hot stone bowl) Boo me, but i'm actually not a big fan of the Bibim Bap I used to eat when I was a carnivore. I mean they are good but I prefer something else. So then, this time, I tried for the first time their seafood Bibim Bap. I thought it's gonna be the same with the regular Bibim Bap, its just that with this one they substitute the meat with seafood. No no no no, it's a complete different Bibim Bap. All seafood on top of the rice, with whatever sauce they have mixed, but I'm telling you, IT IS SO GOOD. trust me. 2. Dae Gu Mae Woon Tang (Codfish and clam stew with vegetables, tofu in spicy sauce). O, my, God! The soup tasted soooooooooooo good! The fish is scary for me with lots of little bones in it so I barely eat them, but the rest of the soup with the other seafood creatures here and there, some veggies, it's so good. with hot rice? my goodness! 3. Mae Woon Sae Woo (Shrimps with spicy sauce) Mmm mm mmm mmmmmm... the sauce is so good! the shrimp is of course, good, no explanation needed. Although, my Korean dude said it was alright, he gave it 6/10 but my tongue gave it 8/10, so so so good. I took the left over sauce and put it on top my hot rice, yumm! 4. Duk Man Doo Guk (Dumpling and sliced rice cake soup) My least favorite meal on the table. It's good, not bad. But nothing special. Maybe I said this because I have the winner (dae gu mae woon tang) on the table already. 5. The Banchan is good. so good. I love the kimchi, and whatever they have, idk each of them. Four of us, ended up paying each of fifteen bucks. Man, fifteen with those varieties of foods? I, am, pleased. Wish to go back here again! The services is awesome, I deserve it so bad after having too many Chinese meals (if you know what I mean). Definitely going back here again.
(4)Jayne C.
...... Yechon.. Yechon... Yechon... what the heck happened to my $24/serving kalbi... I got 2 tiny ass plates which I should've taken a picture of to post how shamefully small it was. I chose you over Honey Pig in Annandale (due to horrible service). Granted.. you were not busy at all this Saturday night so MAYBEEE you didn't want to start the grill.. but maybe because you're ripping them off with your really crappy servings. Peace out Yechon.. Peace Out... I guess portion of food is greater than quality service in Annandale for me.. I will go back to Honey Pig and suffer their horrible service for decent sized servings.. At least I know I'm eating my $24 of meat....
(2)Julia E.
My favorite Korean restaurant ever!!! 24hours/7days open. Amazing kimchi jiggae and galbi tang soup. Yummmm!!!
(5)Jen C.
Down a star for defensive service. As customers, if we order a $50 platter of food we're gonna want to eat everything on it. Because some of it was taking too long to bbq in front of us, they said they would take it inside to cook. Well, then the items on the plate never got back to us (they were side vegetables). We asked very nicely what happened to them... and instead, we got a very defensive waiter who said "I've been working here for years.... " and went on a shpeel. What is the deal? Everyone at my table was a little baffled, so I know it wasn't just me. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and hope it is because it was a late night shift. The quality of the food and quantity made up for it... otherwise I'd reconsider coming back.
(4)Mark S.
Tried this place.. it was good. their side dishes are plentiful and yummy. We ordered the short ribs and pork for korean BBQ. You have to order at least 2 korean BBQ dishes to have it cooked at your table. The beef short ribs seemed to be less in quantity than the pork.. they were similiarly priced though. next time maybe we'll just get 2 orders of pork or something. the food was good.. price was OK.. not cheap.. but not a rip off. it's nice that it's 24 hours.. but when i ate there.. i was still hungry. i should have ordered more.. but it's not cheap.
(4)Anna Y.
I had the nengmyun (cold noodle soup) and galbi (marinated spare ribs) combo today. It is a smaller portion of nengmyun and comes with one strip of galbi. The nengmyun comes out cold but bland. You have to add your own vinegar and mustard for flavor. The mustard is like wasabi. The galbi was tender and juicy. I wish they used a little more marinade on it and charred it up a little. I love the banchan at this place; it is a little bit of everything. I wished they gave us a little more; however, I have never had any problems here with asking for me. :) We also enjoyed the sheekae that they served at the end of the meal. It was cool and refreshing. It is like a dessert drink. If you are new to Korean food or someone you know is, then this is a good place to bring them. It is always busy and the food is consistently good. Is it the end all be all of all Korean restaurants? No. It is the place you come with a friend after you go out or to meet for lunch. Friends come in all ages and you will see them all here. It is a good place to try, if you want to try Korean food. You may even come back again. The servers are friendly and speak English well if you need them to. You may even come back again. Parking can be a pain, but that usually is a good sign isn't it?
(3)Kristen H.
Absolutely horrible service, but who can really say anything when you compare it to other Korean restaurants in the area...that's pretty much what you get. Expensive, too...another commonality with other area Korean restaurants...and Korean restaurants in general, for that matter. As far as the food, they really messed up my fave, which is japchae, but I've never had that done well in a restaurant. Their version was swimming in oil and the chopped veggies were huge. I have had catering from here at a friend's house and the food is actually really good, especially the galbi (Korean short ribs). All of my Korean friends say this is the best Korean restaurant and this is where they get their catering. When I go with a table of about 5 or 6, with me being the only non-Korean, everyone else seems to get the bibim bap and it does look really good. In sum: catering--5 jap chae - 2 service - 1
(4)Fenny L.
Do you have those rare moments of clarity where you know that you are about to do something incredibly dumb, but you don't care because you know that it will promise to be a good time, and well worth any fall-out that may arise from said stupid decision? I was standing at the Yelp booth at the Old Ebbitt Grill Block Party. I had just consumed: 1 beef brisket sandwich, 1 crab cake sandwich, 1 bratwurst, 3 Stoli Lemonades, 1/3 of a Strawberry daquiri...when Kevin L pipes up with an "OMG! I'm still hungry! Let's go to Yechon after this!". At that moment, I had that perfect moment of clarity. I could either, wisely say "nay, not I, for I have consumed enough to feed a small Third World family for a week, I must hie myself home and partake in the gym and to keep thy country's obesity rates at bay!" or..."SURE THING! LET'S GO!!!". As I am writing this review, you can surmise what was my answer. I am glad I came. My husband, who is of very few words and not of the "stuff-yourself-until-you-vomit" type, was very glad we came and couldn't stop chatting away about how good the food was. However, that doesn't mean that I'm pleased with the fact that my clothes are getting uncomfortably snug again, and the torturous 6 week diet (that I habitually cheated on with fellow Yelpers the entire time) was all for naught. But enough of my whining - onto Yechon. Surprisingly, I've never been here - I have a thing about going too far into Virginia. Although Virginia did vote Blue in the last election, so perhaps I need to revisit my policy. Anyhoo - everyone was shocked and dismayed that I've never been here, and now that I have - I have learned the error of my ways and I hang my head down in shame for having missed out such a gastronomic treat for so long! Yechon is open 24/7! And they are *fast*! Despite the place being extremely busy (it was around 9:30pm on a Saturday night), we were seated in less then 5 minutes, and someone came by to take our order in 10. First round of ban-chan (the freebie little side dishes) came out 5 minutes later...and the crazy massive second round of ban-chan came out 5 minutes after that. Then the parade of food started coming out. Endless amounts of delectable treats! Nom nom nommy goodness! The super hot and crispy, yet fluffy, seafood pancake was devoured with a song in our hearts. The bulgogi was tender and delicious. The galbi made my husband weep with joy (no really, he did. However, he hid his manly tears with another shot of the soju). The vegetarian bibimbop was insanely flavorful. As for the ban-chan...well, each one was like a magical dream. The best thing I can say about this entire meal, is that my husband normally dislikes pickled veggies of any type...and he was fighting with a fellow Yelper for the last bite for one of them. Yeah, it's that good. I could hardly believe it, but we completely devastated that huge table of food (the five of us had a 6 top, and the table was filled to capacity with dishes hanging off the edges) and rolled out of there with painfully full bellies. The service was great, although that could be because we had Jake K with us, who evidently, is the darling of the waitresses here, as they couldn't stop fawning and giggling at him the entire time. Hey, I'm not complaining, I reaped the benefits of his kevorka! YUM YUM YUM! I can not wait to come back...only this time, I will be ready for the onslaught of deliciousness!
(5)Patrick G.
Yechon is my "go-to" when I want to take friends from out of town somewhere. Open 24 hours, neat traditional attire worn by the wait-staff, and lots of free appetizers (kimchi, fish, things that I couldn't tell you the name of but taste great).
(4)Douglas W.
I am really becoming a fan of Korean food. I am a relative newbie but have come to really love this cuisine. I followed the huge trail of great reviews and was not disappointed in this restaurant. We ordered Yechon special menu #3. It was quite a feast for two and included table cooked beef, pork and lobster. It came out with a plethora of dishes that were too numerous to name here but were all delicious. Everything was wonderful. I do want to note that the service wasn't good. We were forgotten often and it didn't matter how many times I pushed the little service button at our table. We needed water and couldn't get it and they totally forgot about the lobster on our cooker and they ruined it. We still had to pay for it too. We were pretty well neglected for the evening. If the food hadn't been terrific I would give this place 3 stars. At the same time if they cared that I was there I probably would have given it 5 stars. I hope that this was an anomaly and will try it again another time and let you know. Do try it and afterwards, head on over to the Breeze next door for desert!
(4)Chris C.
Yechon is a dependable Korean restaurant when you want a little bit of everything from KBBQ, to tofu soups, to great side dishes. They really have it all. It's also affordable and open 24 hours so who wouldn't love that. I wouldn't say anything they offer is spectacular, just above average. Service is always good and they have the most side dishes out of any Korean restaurants in Annandale I've been to.
(4)Jey J.
delicious food and it's open 24 hours! sushi is fresh and delicious but i typically go for the bulgogi and have them cook it in the back instead of at the table because i don't trust myself with cooking. (which is why i eat out so often!)
(4)Christine Y.
After seeing the high ratings on Yelp, my friends and I decided to try this place two weeks ago, and it was definitely worth it! We went on a busy night without prior reservation, but we got seated within 20 minutes, and the service was great. They have a nice selection of small dishes, and really great Korean BBQ! They require a minimum order of two for each type of meat, so we decided to get the beef galbi, and it was just as good as expected! We ordered soju and beer to go with the BBQ and had a really good time. I'd definitely go back again!
(4)Anne C.
I'm confused...How have I not ever written a review for Yechon??? I used to come here a lot a few years ago and for some reason stopped going as often (maybe because honeypig opened up??). Recently, it' s been tradition between myself and a friend to go every Thursday when he gets back from a late flight. Service has been great - the boys working are funny and sweet. The food comes out fast and the panchan is delicious (especially the spicy fish they give you). The galbi tang is one of our faves and the mackeral and other broiled fishes are too. I would say the galbi is not the best and the portions are small, but if you stick with the non-meat items, you're in for a good meal! Thursdays are 10pm for a meal is perfect when it's not packed and overwhelming and the service is fast! the food has been tasty th elast two times we went and hope it continues to be this way! --- OH OOPS. lol I wasn't signed in loooooooooooool!!!! and now i realized why i hadn't been back in a long time. man, how awesome yelp is for helping me remember parts of my life I had blacked out.
(4)Sacha K.
One of my favorite restaurants in the DC Metro area. Authentic Korean fare. Never disappoints. Thumbs up!
(5)Dana S.
Yechon is great. I've never had a bad experience here. I usually get the ojingo bokkeum and one of the BBQ combos (if I'm with enough people). The service is better than at other Korean places but still not quite what some Americans might be used to from a restaurant in this price range (average bill for 2 is usually $50-60 in my experience). Overall the food is delicious. My only complaint is that they don't have my favorite Korean dish which is jjambbong.
(5)Eddy E.
Food tastes better! We're there last week and our regular Hejjangug (totally wrong spelling ;) :) ) tasted much better than for the last half year! Do they have new chef? If yes, keep him!!!! New wait stuff is little bit shy and insecure, but really good too. Was little bit reluctant lately, that's why we (as a family) stopped coming here every week as we used to. Maybe once in a month or two... But if food and service will improve like we experienced last time we will be back again more often! What I can say: this is only Korean place that we like!
(5)Jane Z.
FYI: Another huge "miss" at Yechon is the tofu stew (soondubujiggae). Quite bland.
(4)Andrew S.
Always top notch Korean Food. Delicious quality Kimchi, a nice assortment of side dishes, generous portions of Bulgogi, Sashimi, Flavorful Spicy Squid, Grilled Fish, Marinated Spicy Chicken, Finished with a Sweet Rice Dessert Drink. My picture kind of says it all.
(4)Yule K.
Yechon is an Annandale institution. It is a consistent, reliable standby that serves a wide variety of Korean staples 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most non-Koreans probably come for the BBQ (which I have yet to order), but there are plenty of items to choose from on the menu for bold epicurean or even the slightly less adventurous palate. For those seeking to expand beyond Korean BBQ, try the dolsot bibimbop. It essentially is rice served in a hot, stone bowl with various vegetables, both pickled and fresh, tossed in with a portion of Korean BBQ beef (bulgogi). When mixed together with the hot pepper paste and a little sesame oil, you get a nice melange of earthy spiciness, piquant acidity from the vinegary vegetables, and the heartiness of toasted rice. I would also urge you spend the extra money on the hot, stone bowl: the slight crust it develops on the rice really elevates the dish. They also have bokumbap, which is a Korean fried rice dish, that is a little softer and less sauced than Chinese fried rice. The stir-fried noodle dish (japchae) is also well made and an utterly correct rendition. For the more adventurous, I am a big fan of their oxtail soup (kkori gomtang) which is essentially just a milky beef broth made by slowly boiling beef bones and oxtails for several hours. It is a very refreshing dish, though many would probably characterize it as bland. But, throw in some diced scallions, salt, and red pepper, and it becomes a marvel of simplicity. On the other end of the spectrum you have the spicy buckwheat noodle dish (bibimnaengmyung) which is served cold. Traditionally a summer dish, I think it is still suitable for the fall. The gratis banchan dishes are all solid if unspectacular. The radish kimchi (kaktugi) is good, though I find the cabbage kimchi (baechu kimchi) a little bland. The potato salad and bean sprouts are nice. All in all, I ate with two other people and we got a huge spread for $40 plus tip. Service is efficient and polite and the ambiance is quiet and sedate (though I hear that it is quite hopping late night on weekends). It is a good place to go to try Korean food for the first and you really can't go too wrong with any of the Korean dishes they have to offer: probably one of the more consistent menus I have tried in Annandale. N.B.: One amusing detail my sister noticed as we left: the staff were eating Domino Pasta Bread Bowls for dinner. I guess even they get tired of Korean food (though we generally can't really kick our love for carbs, though).
(4)Maynard A.
Love this place. Pork belly, Kalbi, bulgogi all my favorite. Customer service is great, but when it gets busy they tend to delay a little which is not a problem. Food is always good here.
(4)Geoff c.
While the food is decent, I think it's a bit overpriced for Annandale. Perhaps I ordered the wrong dishes. But it's almost $10 for rice dishes like bokumbaep or bibimbap for lunch. That can go up a bit during dinner or on weekends. $16 for haemulpajeon. On the good side, theyre open 24/7. I havent tried any of the Japanese dishes or sushi yet. Or krn bbq. So i'll probably update this review after I do. But at the moment, it didnt seem like anything incredible.
(3)Kevin L.
Past midnight. Hae mul pa jun. Bulgogi. Need water. Obtained. Fast service. Satisfaction.
(5)Nai L.
I am in love with this place. I've eaten at a lot of different Korean restraurants in the DMV area but none come close to being as good as Yechon. My favorite thing to get is the #3 Special which serves 3 - 4 people. It comes with a lobster tail, shrimp, gaobi, bulgogi, spicy chicken, and spicy pork. They are flexible about substitutions. The Special also comes with (my favorite) a bean paste base tofu and beef spicy soup. It is seriously the best thing ever. The selections of kimchi and other side dishes are diverse and plentiful; the servers always come by to check on the bbq and refill drinks and kimchi. Something not on the special that I would recommend is the seafood pancake which is fluffy and has a lot of seafood in it. The sashimi here is pretty good too.
(5)Eric L.
Seriously... this place can't get any better. For a place that's open 24 hours and the food they serve actually taste like Korean food IN Korea. You really can't ask for more... espically with all the side dishes that they have to offer.
(5)Meredith H.
Pretty standard! Delicious food, attentive service. Delicious tea! It's a little expensive, especially for the area, but I feel like a lot of it is worth it. Try to go with a Korean speaker - although the food at my table is always delicious, I can't help but look at other tables and see things that dazzle me. Also, get the seafood/green onion pancake. So worth it.
(4)Mike T.
Usually solid, 4 or 5 stars each time ... but on the last trip, service was a little off -- server must have forgotten about the table ... if I hadn't acted, bbq meat would have burned on the grill! No apologies ... no service recovery. Hopefully, it was just a bad night for our server.
(3)Al A.
Decent Korean but I've had much better in Annandale. Service was decent. Things just weren't that tasty. :(
(2)Lindsay B.
Had a craving for Korean barbecue in the middle if the night and came here for the first time. We had such a good time. The food was surprisingly served in large portions. So many things to taste and try with our entrées we will definitely be back!
(5)Mocca T.
The best thing we had was the hot pepper and scallions pancake, not greasy, rather delightful. That was it though. We received a smaller selection of banchan than other guests, also no barley tea, both are not something that you have to ask for, but come standard at a Korean restaurant. Worse, the table attendant did not turn up the heat high enough on the grill for the pork belly meat to turn at least a little crispy. It was just soft fat. All in all a disappointing experience, since we had spent some time researching where to go and were hoping for more given the solid four stars after 500+ reviews.
(1)KC C.
Ordered the sushi/sashimi boat, seafood pancake and one seafood stew, which was enough to feed a family of eight. Definitely a good place to go if you are looking to feed a large family with some good old fashion Korean food. While we were there on what I thought was an off night, there was a line outside the building when we left.
(3)Diane B.
OMG(oodness)! Love this place. The wait was about 40 minutes for a Saturday evening ~8pm but the bakery next door was a welcome diversion. DH was feeling pretty good so we went with the $60 dinner for two. Forgive me for not knowing the official name. It's a great buy considering you get delicious soup, a heaping of this beautiful purple colored rice, a wonderful assortment of marinated meats cooked to perfection right in front of your very eyes and the deliciousness that is kimchi and pickled vegetables. I knew we were in for a treat when they brought out the soup - delicious! I will restate this because it's worth noting - they had me at the soup. One last thing, the dinner came with lobster and it was marinated. DH says when I order lobster I always complain because i'm hoping "this time it will be different" but it ends up tasting like tire anyway, yuck! Not here, the lobster was fabulous! Yechon is now on my short list of NOVA faves.
(5)Brian H.
I went here for what I thought was the first time tonight after finding it on yelp while in search of Korean place only to get there and realize I had been here a few times like 5+ years ago in the middle of the night - those were college days and those evenings involved being taken here by Korean friends and lots of soju followed by noraebang/karaoke. Needless to say it was cool to happen upon this place years later as a young professional just going out to for Korean food. On to the actual review... The food was very good. Lately I've been going to the Honey Pig in Ellicott City Maryland as until recently that was much closer to my residence than Annandale though I have also been to the Annadale Honey Pig; needless to say I'm going to use Honey Pig as the standard to compare this with. The atmosphere is much more traditional Korean compared to Honey Pig's corrugated metal, utilitarian chic feel, down to the waitresses traditional dress. It definitely feels like the kind of place older folks would prefer to Honey Pig's hip young crowd- I honestly liked this for a change, it took me back to the days when I worked with a Korean-American friend that used to take me all over the Eastcoast Korean community. Going off the idea of this being more traditional than hip I think the food was definitely better than Honey Pig's and the menu was also much larger. Prices were a bit higher than Honey Pig's but it still felt reasonable to me for Korean BBQ. I also like that they gave you rice like most Korean places- Honey Pig (in MD anyways) charges you for it. Service was decent- as a Korean place it was typically colder than the American standard but none the less relatively speedy and to the point. I guess if you want the waitress to BS with you and laugh like old friends you might be bugged, but conversely they won't annoy you by checking on you every two minutes. we got our food quickly and the waitresses seemed to know exactly when we were ready to order and ready for the check. Very business like, but it's not entirely a bad thing. Overall I think Yechon is a great choice if you want a slightly classier and more traditionally Korean experience and are a real foodie as opposed to Honey Pig's "let's go out and gorge on grilled meat and soju in the middle of the night because we're 21 years old". Of course being opened 24/7 I assume you can do the same at Yechon if you really want to, but it also would be a good choice for a birthday dinner with grandma thanks to it's atmosphere.
(4)Ritzie C.
I. Love. Yechon. Why? It's cheap, open 24 hours, and is a great place for groups. The food can be very good - depending on what you order. Each time I went, my group opted to have the food cooked in the back and brought to our table. Dishes we enjoyed include kalbi, bulgogi (spicy and regular), seafood pancake, and japchae. Also, they refill the banchan on request. The advantage of Yechon over Honey Pig (which I also love) is that it's quieter here - in that they're not blasting hip hop music so loud that you can't have a conversation with someone across the table. You must try it! Especially the kalbi.
(4)Andy P.
Korean food in northern VA is much like San Diego: there's nothing particularly outstanding. Sure, this place actually has a wide variety of dishes, very popular, and tastes pretty good--but it would be an overstatement to say that THIS is the standard of how Korean food should be. But for what it's worth--in a district not booming because of Korean restaurants, Yechon does decent justice if you want a quality Korean meal. Food: - Hweh Dup Bap (Chirashi Sashimi & mixed salad): Their sashimi is not very plentiful in this bowl, but it's not skimpy either. Of course they wouldn't use the best cuts of fish, but they did give a good selection and decently fresh fish. There's an overwhelming amount of baby greens but after mixing a bowl of rice and some of their red pepper sauce (dont use the whole bowl), it was a decent lunch meal. It's a little pricey, but it was fairly light and easy to eat. I would recommend it for those who don't want to feel like they're exploding but also want the satisfaction of knowing their meal wasn't going to ruin their diet! Yum. - Jogi Gui (Broiled Yellow croaker): The only thing I'm going to say about this meal is that you get two HUGE fishes. Seriously, someone must have fed them growth hormones because in Korea these are 1/3 the size. But dear God, it's a bit expensive but they are worth the insane amount of fish protein you're going to have. Better off splitting the dish with someone else--one fish is enough. I can't get over this...should have taken a picture. Pros: - Open 24 hours! - Many many side dishes. They dont shy away from giving you refills too. Also, very fresh ingredients. Impressive! Keep them rollin' - Hot tea? Yes. Kinda need that when it's freakin freezing outside. - Cheap lunch prices with a good menu selection. Some dishes will go for $7. Not bad for a Korean meal! - Attentive staff. Great service. - The Pavlov bell of service. Aka, service bell. I have too much fun pressing the little button the side of my table. Someone please don't separate us. Cons: - Very packed during peak hours. We all know what peak hours look like...and when they are. In the end, as a Korean restaurant that's doing really well in the area, and fairly popular on Yelp (I'm used to seeing less than 100 reviews on all places I find on yelp in northern VA)- Yechon is definitely a place I may come back to when I visit VA. You wont regret trying this place either!
(4)Brandon T. L.
This place is always packed for lunchtime and dinner. Love the lunch specials! Be aware, parking is a pain.
(4)Vlad R.
I drove for two hours to get here and it didn't disappoint. As a recent migrant from CA I miss my korean food dearly. Yechon is as good as you can find in this area.
(5)Maria N.
I've been here twice and both times have been a really good experience. We got the special #3 which includes shrimp, one lobster, pork, chicken, and of course the bulgogi. Everything was really good and marinated just right. I love how there's a lot of side dishes. I like eating them with the meat. Service is really good. Always checking up on you and refilling out drinks. And they cook the meat for you! Nice! We don't have to do anything lol. Usually at other places, we have to do it ourselves. And you can't beat a place that's open 24/7 even on holidays.
(5)Farris H.
Bulgogi. Do it. Twice. That is all.
(4)C.H. T.
It was a horrible experience dining at this restaurant. My friend went there before and had great dinner. This time, we decided to go there together. I went there with a friend who prefers not to have pork. Here were our horrific experiences. 1) We picked up their special #1 But, we were not sure if some dishes could be changed because no pork was preferred. So, we asked the waitress if we could change some of dishes. She just answered "NO! Choose something else!" ------ What was that attitude? Is anything wrong if customers prefer not to eat pork? If you gave that attitude, how could you expect them to tip? 2) We asked the waitress if there is anything with pork in the set of special #1. She answered "only pancake". So, we decided not to eat others dishes in that set, except pancake. They first delivered "sashimi". 2 pieces of tuna, 2 pieces of salmon and 3 pieces of white fish. Tuna looked sooooooo black, smelled so fishy, tasted not fresh at all. Salmon tasted not fresh as well. Only the 3 pieces of white fish was acceptable. Then, they delivered "dumpling soup." Before we ate that, we asked them if the dumpling contained pork. Ironically, they answered "yes." ----- We did ask if anything else with pork will be the set of our order. The waitress told us "only pancake." So, why did you deliver the "pork" dumpling soup to us?! Furthermore, the grilled beef and fish were burned. We didn't like that. 3) When we were waiting for our dinner, we heard something ridiculous. Two girls were seated next to us. Before they sat down, they asked the waitress if they could change their seats. The waitress just answered "no", and put the menu on the table and walked away. Same thing happened around 10 minutes later. Two guys came to that restaurant and were seated to the table they didn't like. Those two guys asked if they could change their seats. The waitress just answered "no", and put the menu on the table and walked away. ----- We couldn't understand why customers couldn't choose their tables since the restaurant was not that crowded yet. If they could not provide other tables, customers should have been noticed the reasons, instead of answering "no" and walking away. In my personal perspective, that dinner ruined my great day. I will never go there again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)Eric N.
Wow! I can't believe I haven't done a review for Yechon before. I've been here previously years ago but its been a long time since I've been back. Luckily for myself and a few friends, that we did come back. Honestly, the best late night food is found in Annandale. Not DC (sadly) or Arlington, but in Annandale. Why? Real Korean food. All of us order the Bulgolgi, but I opted for the USDA Prime option. Honestly, why not? Its only a few bucks more and tastes damn good. I also love how Yechon brings out the tapas style sides and you can always ask for more free of charge. Quite honestly, I wish we would drive out to Annandale more often after a night of barhopping. Legitimate Korean food with an extensive menu at reasonable prices. This ain't your neighborhood ihop. You want good food? Come to Annandale and check out Yechon.
(4)Yujin M.
Food from the motherland, open 24 hours! I was a bit skeptical because of the extensive menu, the usual experience being that places that have a shorter, specialized menu do it better. But Yechon seems to be at least above average for even the more adventurous items on the menu, and quite impressive for others. I'd recommend sticking to the traditional "Korean" food on the menu for optimal experience. The meat dishes are particularly good. We had the grilled rib lunch set and the teriyaki beef lunch set yesterday. The portions are very generous, and the extra side dishes on the lunch set were much better than the regular side dishes you get with every meal. The grilled ribs were perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of marinade and smokiness. Dare I say...better done than how my mom does it at home?? The teriyaki was good, but lacked a little bit of flavor compared to the ribs. On more adventurous days I've also had the hoe neng-myeon (cold buckwheat noodles with raw fish). This is a more difficult dish that's usually better done at places that actually specialize in sushi. I probably wouldn't get it again since there are so many other things on the menu that Yechon does much better, but it was enough to satisfy my sudden strong craving for spicy raw fish at 1 in the morning. In sum, unless you're planning to actually travel to Korea any time soon, Yechon is probably one of your best options among the wide selection of Korean restaurants in the Annandale area. ** One of the reasons that I have a particular fondness for Yechon is probably because it's right next to Breeze bakery. Save a little room for dessert, and head over to Breeze after your meal for a refreshing bowl of shaved ice!
(4)Danielle S.
I was told about a 24 hr Korean Restaurant by a girlfriend of mine and knew I had to try it! I went to the restaurant with my husband around 7 pm on a Saturday night and IT WAS PACKED. Aside from the crowded dining areas, the food was pretty good and I was a huge fan of the plentiful side dishes that the restaurant provides when you order your meal. The servers also wear adorable traditional Korean clothing which only improved my eating experience. However, the restaurant is very noisy and I'm sure it's because of how busy it is. I would definitely recommend the bulgogi (Korean beef) or the tofu soup!
(4)Ethan L.
This was our first time at a Korean restaurant and we knew very little going in. As others have noted, the place was crowded, but we were seated right away. After giving us a few minutes to study the massive menu, our server came over and helped us decide what to order, finally settling on bulgolgi and shrimp with gyoza to start. After ordering things happened pretty quickly. The grill was turned on, the gyoza arrived, and shortly thereafter a table's worth of tasty looking accompaniments for the meat. It would appear that you can be as involved or uninvolved in the cooking as you want. This being our first time, we let our server drive. She came by every few minutes to turn or redistribute our meat and shrimp, finally telling us that things were starting to get done and we could begin removing them from the grill. Everything was delicious. You can't go wrong. Full stop.
(4)Norry H.
It was okay. Nothing special. Bulgogi was pretty good. Kalbi was good but not excellent. It was too lean for me. I like Kalbi with more fat, which makes it juicier and sweeter. I think I'll go back to Il Mee next time for more variety of dishes and fattier Kalbi at much less cost.
(3)Sonia P.
I see how everyone says Yechon is the best in the area but I drive all the way from Gaithersburg, Maryland because even though tons of Korean restaurants have popped up here, nothing compares to Yechon. I always make it a point to take my friends and family here, and even though Honey Pig is a competition, I definitely recommend this more. You will never be disappointed with the food here. I love the spicy pork (excuse me for not remembering the Korean name and I have never had trouble ordering or getting recommendations because of language or cultural differences) It's a great atmosphere to gather with friends or family, anytime, given its 24 hour open schedule. You will get hoooked!
(5)Peter D.
We were all exhausted, having spent the night conquering meth-head overdoses, narrowly escaping monsoon-related car crashes, and battling the forces of evil.* Unable to function, the only thing I craved was bed. However, my companions were champions. Determined to end the night properly, they insisted we embark on an adventure to Annandale. Surrounded by better men (and women) than I, we forged ahead, sustained only by the promise of banchan and bulgogi. Everything was worth it when we arrived. Farther outside DC than I care to believe, Yechon shone like a neon beacon of hope. The Asian to my left expertly mixed our bibimbap as we dug into each and every dish ordered. Buoyed by the potato salad and the noodles, I eagerly stuffed my face with the seafood pancake, which is always a favorite. But tonight was the night of The Kalbi. Wrapped delicately in lettuce leaves with a touch of bean paste, I would've eaten endless amounts of this deliciously marinated meat. A 24-hour paradise of Korean comfort food, Yechon will provide everything you didn't know you needed. *Not the ska band. I meant it more as a general term to include various sinister elements. I may or may not be exaggerating about such elements.
(5)Jessica L.
After much deliberation of where to go to get our Korean BBQ experience in NoVa, we decided upon Yechon. Now I had previously gone to Yechon before for lunch and the food was just OK. We went this time for dinner and the kalbi and bulgogi were really tasty. I was pleased the the panchan as well and their kimchee was yummy. The seafood pancake was pretty good as well. The quality of the meat was definitely better than I expected. Our wait on a Saturday night was about 25 minutes and it was jam packed in the restaurant. No wonder why it's so popular. I'll come back again.
(4)Mia N.
I have been around the world and we eat out a lot because I do not cook worth a cent, and we always come to this place! We average 3 times a month for the cheapo lunch. When we were at Disney World eating up a storm in all the $$$$ restaurants 2 weeks ago during our vacation, I kept commenting to my husband, I wish we had Yechon food. Miss my bibimap! Service can be slow at times, but I am rating the food, people! Food during lunch is cheap and good.
(5)art f.
I live the ambiance - woody and low light without being dim. Servers are quite helpful if LEP (then again we're among their less barbecue proficient customers). We got two bul golgi orders - one spicy, one basic - and a cellophane noodle dish for 3 diners. The pan chan were more extensive and tastier than average and replaced when we finished. The barbecue was accompanied by fresh succulent lettuce and shredded scallions - perhaps not as much sauce as I would have liked. All in all, this remains my favorite Korean food place in Annandale.
(4)Jesse H.
Yechon is fairly typical of the Korean restaurants in the Annandale area. I've been there after midnight, lunch and dinner times with a group, one friend and by myself. I enjoy Kimchi jigae but they don't have kamjatang... There is an extensive menu especially for seafood luvrs. The staff is not overly friendly, but business-like and efficient.
(3)Juliana C.
It's a testament to the powers of Yelpdom that I not only had amazing pizza this past Saturday night (Valentino's), but unexpectedly delicious Korean BBQ seven hours later. By the time I rolled in to the Yechon parking lot at 3 am, I was beyond tired and not remotely hungry. I blearily eyed the Asian fashion show going on around me as I joined the remains of the PIG parole party. They had already put in a few orders of food, so my work was done for me -- thank god, because the massive menu would have taken me forever to navigate in my sleepy state. I perked up a little when the tiny appetizer plates arrived (banchan, I'm guessing? I'm so white that hearing or reading "bibim bap" starts the fairy godmother from Cinderella singing "bippity boppity boo" in my head, no lie). There was a weird creamy apple plate, some kind of noodle dish, and what looked like cabbage covered in red sauce (actually turned out to be pretty good). But then the pork bulgogi arrived. Game over, I have found my favorite late night food. Between the five (six? I can't remember now) of us, we scarfed the stuff down in minutes. Poor Eric was barely able to put any of the meat in the lettuce leaf wraps before it was gone. So we got another serving! Yessss. I believe I told Tina R, "I want this in my mouth for the rest of my life." First foray into Annandale: smashing success.
(5)Elizabeth C.
BEWARE OF SIDE DISHES. When we tried to wrap up some of the side dishes to take home to eat with our leftovers entrees, we were told of a policy that they don't let you take home the side dishes that were already served to you. I can't prove it but the only explanation I can think of is that they serve your leftovers to another table. When pressed for an explanation, the waitress mumbled something about the food going bad really fast so it is unsafe for them to let us take it out of the restaurant. This doesn't make any sense. I grew up eating Korean food. Nothing they serve should go bad in the 30 minutes it takes to go home. Kimchee can last for days at room temperature. Why do they care if you take home food that should be going in the trash?
(1)Rob C.
Surprising to find another K town outside of LA and NYC. We don't even have a 24 hr place in NorCal. Had a quick kalbi dolsot bibimbap -- crisped rice was nice, meat bits a little chewy and fatty, slightly skimpy on the mix-ins but worked. banchan mostly pickled stuff
(4)Tellsplatte ..
This place really isn't worth more than 3 stars. Food was subpar at best. Eight of us, we had bibimbap & mandu soup (Korean dumpling soup). The dumplings were very greasy inside (from seeing extent of floating grease after cutting a few in half). Bibimbap wasn't all that good. I could get much better Korean food here in Colorado Springs. The banchan (side dishes) were terrible. Really not sure why this place was so busy.
(3)Miriam W.
Just as one might judge a French restaurant, at first blush, on the quality of the bread served prior to the meal, I judge a Korean restaurant on its banchan. You know, the small side dishes of kimchee, spicy cucumber, pressed tofu and the like. Chances are, if the banchan is good, the rest of the meal will follow suit. In the case of Yechon, this assumption is proven true. The banchan is excellent and so are the kalbi and the pajeon! In fact, the pickled daikon was so exceptional I couldn't help accepting another dish when it was offered. As we ravaged the banchan, tucked the kalbi in supremely fresh red leaf lettuce and stuffed pieces of pajeon into our mouths, my favorite Washingtonian could not stop talking about how delicious everything was. Not one to trend toward ersatz keenness (nor to be particularly interested in driving to the suburbs for dinner), I took note of his fervent response. Yechon is a winner by all accounts - excellent food, great service and the fact that it's open 24 hours cannot be overlooked! (Look for me here soon, eating kimchee for breakfast.) Also, like a red beacon of hope and a foreshadowing of good food to come, I saw a "People Love Us on Yelp" window cling on the front door! Yes Yechon, people love you on Yelp. They really, really do!
(5)Tom N.
Hadn't been to Yechon in years (and almost never before 2am,) so I was pleasantly surprised to see they have some awesome lunch specials! There are a dozen meals for under $10. They always bring out banchan before your meal, so you won't go hungry. Plus, the sweet dessert drink thingy was nice. I'll upload a photo of the menu since I can't read Korean ( yelp.com/biz_photos/yech… ), but the lunch specials include various rice dishes and Korean soups with beef or squid or goat or whatever. You can find English language descriptions of the lunch specials on the regular menu, though the regular one lists them with just the dinner prices. I'll recommend ordering the galbi dolsot bibimbap; it's a vegetable and rice dish cooked in a claypot with egg and short ribs. Otherwise, just look at the pictures on the menu since everything is good in its own way. Some of the newer places may offer friendlier service, but the ambivalence of Yechon's staff to please just completes the experience of dining in a Korean restaurant.
(4)Boon K.
Hooray I found a korean place in the DC area that I want to go back to. This place had a great service and everyone was so nice, yup I am telling you this and I was shocked about it too. The food was great, it wasn't super spicy, it was perfect for me. I love the tofu jijae and the Kalbi was so good. They have a great selection of side dishes. I'm totally happy.
(4)Victor W.
The menu can be a little overwhelming, they did a good job formatting. Above average ambiance - something most Asian restaurants lack. Although their rice and noodles are great, the KBBQ are sub par. They're more seriously about their banchan vs their competition, which it's always a good thing.
(4)Marcia B.
Wow I love this place. Best Korean BBQ.. Hands down. Side dishes are awesome too. Samgyeopsal is my favorite! Just as I remembered in Korea. It's a popular joint and always busy. Parking can suck but it's worth it.
(5)Shelly N.
I can't believe I've lived in the DMV and haven't eaten here before. I love Korean food and have tried few places around, to much disappointment. I'd resolved myself to having to cook my own galbi since my mom's recipe still reigns supreme. However, I am happy I tried Yechon because this will be my new go-to Korean spot and I can't wait to try other dishes. Their menu is huge and my friend and I tried the following: fried mandu, bulgogi, and galbi. The banchans that came were all flavorful (although I will say they have been Americanized in that they are not very spicy...which is fine since I could actually eat them all) and service was fast. I was surprised by the quality of meat they served (I've found other restaurants use cheap, fatty, meat that just ends up being a stomach ache later) and was very happy to find that they actually marinated the meat long enough to absorb delicious flavor. I showed up at 5:30p on a Saturday night and lucked out with an open table. If you have to wait, there really isn't much room in the vestibule. I know why they wait and will definitely be back.
(5)Tracy C.
This Korean restaurant is my husband and I's go-to place for Korean food when the mood strikes. First off, it isn't too far from where we live and we have always experience good or great service. The food that is served has always been fresh and they give you good portions. The sushi menu is also not too bad either. The place can get rather busy at certain times but it has never gotten so bad that we didn't get great service. And also, there is a little Korean bakery/cafe next door which makes it nice if you are in the mood for dessert. :)
(4)Steve L.
Since Yechon place is open 24 hours, it's an awesome place to visit after a good night of beer drinking. I don't think I've ever been to this place before 1 am with a liquid free stomach. Plus it's right off 495 which makes it convenient location. Food wise, I don't think I've ever had a bad experience. The panchan is usually brought out very quickly and the service is generally good. I've ordered the tofu soup many times and it has everything you're looking for - piping hot in a stone bowl, right amount of spice, and a fair amount of seafood. There's plenty of variety on the menu. I've ordered a bunch of different items - kalbi tang, korean pancakes - and I generally found their food to very good and reasonably priced.
(4)Jackie G.
Large portions! I always split a dish with my girlfriend. They give you a variety of side dishes. Quick service! And sushi is good too
(5)Jill K.
Love different varieties of korean dishes and best is that they are open 24 hrs.
(4)Diane B.
Been to this restaurant twice. Both times, the food nicely flavored, but excessively greasy. We tried both the bbq and some regular entrees, and both were fine but not overwhelming. The service was fine -- we went later on a week night, so seating was not a problem.
(3)Cindy H.
I pass this popular 24-hour Korean restaurant on my way to and from work every day and finally got around to checking it out recently, once as a party of two and again a couple of nights ago as a party of four. There's a reason this place is always doing a brisk business and has consistently good reviews on Yelp -- it's fun, the food is delicious, and even your credit card can't complain. The menu is extensive and lists many tempting dishes, including the bibimbap, a rice dish containing meat or seafood, vegetables, and a spicy sauce, topped with a fried egg. There's also sushi for those more inclined to eat Japanese, and I've heard that it's very good, but why, oh why, when the Korean food is so wonderful? Both times I visited, my friends and I ordered from the barbecue section of the menu, which offers a variety of meats and a couple of seafood options, most of which are grilled at the table. The fun element is of course the banchan (small dishes) that come with the grilled food. There are almost a dozen little bowls of kimchi, spiced cucumbers, scallion strands, green beans with dried shrimp, pickled ginger, peanut sauce, and so on, accompanied by a basket of iceberg lettuce leaves for wrapping. I've sampled the bulgogi (tender marinated beef) twice and both times it was a hit because of the great flavor and texture and how well it pairs with all the little extras. Over the course of two visits, we also tried the beef brisket, pork belly, and shrimp. The bulgogi is the definite winner for me, but everyone was happy with all of the choices. What really cinched it for my budget-conscious friends is that a dinner for four that included an appetizer of steamed dumplings, three different barbecued meats, and generous refills of the banchan came to less than $20 per person. Win, win! We all left feeling full but yet somehow virtuous for eating healthy, (mostly) low-fat food, so we treated ourselves to coffee at Breeze bakery next door, which is owned by the same people and is a marvel in itself (see my Yelp review on it). If there is anything about these two places that isn't five-star for me, it's that the small shared parking lot is usually full, and that there's often a wait at Yechon if you go during prime dinner hours. But the wait is usually not long and you can park across the street if all else fails, so don't let that discourage you. One last thing I love about Yechon -- the button on each table that calls the waitstaff. How cool is that? Every restaurant should have call buttons on the tables. I'm happy that this place is so close to my apartment because it is definitely one of my go-to places now. There are a lot of good Korean places in Annandale, but for my money, this is the hand's-down winner.
(5)Cierra M.
5 stars for this amazing 24 hour korean spot! My fiancé and I were originally going to try out another spot up the street (I forgot the name because yechon blew me away) but they told us that we'd have to wait for 2 hours for a seat. Psssh yea right! So I yelped yechon, and boy was I pleased. It was cramped and loud but their food and service is the best! I've only tried korean food twice and it just didn't seem to match up to what I've heard about it but yechon changed my views! Had the spicy marinated pork, bibimbap, and mul mandu. Everything was delicious. The banchan was also yummy . Ooooh I want to go back soooooo bad
(5)Nicole M.
I have been to Yechon countless times over the years and find it to be the best KBBQ in the Annandale area. The galbi, sam kyop sal, and daeji bulgogi is excellent. They also give a generous amount of side dishes compared to others. Only gripe is that they do no not like to put the galbi and sam kyop sal on the same grill top and they do not switch out grill tops between the meats you order, so there are certain items that you cannot order together unless you are with a larger party of people and multiple grills are being used at the table.
(4)M Y.
The food is way too sweet. They are definitely catering to an Americanized palate. Had the lunch box chim-galbi and the food came out cold and sweet.
(1)Donna Y.
With 3 people we waited 20(ish) minutes which isn't too bad since there is a super nice bakery next door! We went on a Sunday at (6:30p (ish)) I'd recommend if it was any other day to arrive at non-dinner hours. The menu is very very extensive so you can pretty much get whatever you want. We ordered the Kalbi beef short ribs marinated in sauce, Hae Mul Pa Jun (seafood korean pancake 14.95) and a Bibim Bap. The Kalbi has always been a favorite of mine and Yechon has done a wonderful job with the marination. It comes with a bowl of rice and some lettuce for you to build a lettuce+beef+rice+pickled whatevers. The seafood pancake was also super tasty. It was almost the size of a medium pizza to put it in perspective. The outside had a nice crispy coating and the inside has a variety of vegetables, squid and shrimp. My recommendation for this dish is to eat it while hot and with the soy sauce dipping sauce because when you wait too long it looses it's crispy-ness. The Bibim Bap was alright (not the best) but it definitely filled us up. It had a variety of toppings: fried egg, pickled radishes, minced beef, bean sprouts etc. As always, we got a bunch of side dishes pickled cucumbers, radishes etc. The restaurant was overall very clean and the waitresses were very attentive. Our drinks were never empty. There is also (very conveniently) a buzzer at the table, when pressed it'll alert the waitresses that service has been requested. Private parking lot but is limited.
(5)Sheri G.
How have I not yet reviewed Yechon?! Probably because it already has almost 500 reviews, but I'll throw in my two cents anyway. We come here quite a bit, and it's the best restaurant in Annandale as far as selection goes. Many of the Korean restaurants in Annandale specialize in a few dishes, but Yechon does it all, and does it pretty well at that. The menu is HUGE and consists of both Korean or Japanese fare, so whether you're looking for udon or jjigae, BBQ meat or japchae, sushi or pajeon: they have it. You could probably eat here every day for half a year and not have the same entree twice. The amount of banchan at Yechon blows away most other places too. It's open 24/7 and always seems to be crowded no matter the time of day, although you don't usually have to wait for a table Mon-Wed or during off-hours. However, if you are stuck waiting, their buzzers reach Breeze Bakery next door, so you can have dessert first. We brought our Canadian relatives here while they were visiting this summer, and the waitstaff was very accommodating. They quickly realized our family was struggling with their chopsticks so they rushed over with the little chopstick grips to help them (I was mostly pleased that they recognized my husband and I didn't need them)! It's not the very best food I've ever had, but having a suburban restaurant open all night with the ability to prepare a wide variety of Korean and Japanese food earns 5 stars from me.
(5)Allison I.
Its a great 24-hour Korean restaurant. They're lunch specials are fantastic and flavors are great. Definitely savory and well marinaded beef as well. Sushi used to be good, lately it hasnt been the same but worth a try.
(4)Montaign G.
Okay, this Korean favorite hot spot located in "Action"-dale (Annandale) is a definite go-to late night destination for authentic and consistently high-quality ethnic cuisine! They serve savory dumplings, a nice assortment of flavorful Korean soups, a variety of broths, authentic hot pots, homemade stews, plus an entire slew noodle and rice dishes as well as the classic meats of bulgogi and kalbi (cooked to perfection by the expert tong-wielding waitstaff!). For sushi-lovers, they can find freshly made top-quality options here as well :) While the wait for available seating may initially appear daunting, it goes by steadily and patrons are efficiently provided with light-up buzzers to notify them when their table is ready. Definitely worth the wait, the excellent service is friendly, impeccable and well-paced (our table was consistently checked & waited on throughout the meal). Highly-rated and regularly visited by those-in-the-know, you are guaranteed to leave full and well-satisfied every time! As your friendly neighborhood "foodie ninja", I highly recommend :)
(4)Kelsi G.
One of the better korean restaurants in Annandale! I've been here once for lunch and had one of their boxed lunch specials, and it was an amazing deal for the price! The bulgogi was on point, and the side dishes were plentiful and delicious. I've been here once for dinner, and tried the stir fried udon and kalbi. Both were pretty good, although kind of expensive. Next time I go I'll try the bibimbap though, as many people have told me that it's one of the best dishes here. Overall, I'd recommend sticking to the Korean side of the menu over the Japanese side, as they do BBQ and Korean dishes the best!
(5)Ricky B.
3.5 Good food but the service is very inconsistent. You never know what you are going to get. I have been here before many times and some days the service is very attentive and other days (like my last visit) it took the host, who was taking reservations, to come over and take my order after he noticed all the other tables had been served before me, even though I was there first. Too sum it up: Food: Great. Service: Needs serious work Tip: If you are a male, do NOT go here alone and expect to get good service.
(3)John L.
We went with our son who'd just came back from overseas deployment, and he wants to go to his favorite restaurant, it is quite a long way, we drove from Gaithersburg, he drove from Quantico. We waited 40 minutes to be seated, and were served quite good initially, but before we finished eating (we are considered fast eater), the waitress gave us the check, two minutes later she came back to check if we paid, and our son is still eating, so she opened the check folder, stood it up on the table, (extremely rude), I closed the folder and laid it on the table, she immediately came back to pickup the check. Its like she can't wait to get rid of us!. Meanwhile the couple seated behind us, who were seated long before us are still eating unmolested!. We will not come back to this restaurant, there are many other restaurants in the area, and they are just as good or even better!
(1)Hien P.
Drove to Annandale with the boyfriend and heard all the rave of Yechon so we thought to stop by! There was a wait of 30 minutes on a weekend night. We ordered the Sashimi combo and two kalbi orders! Both choices were scrumptious! The sushi was very fresh and kalbi was favorable! The wait was well worth it and to think I can eat here anytime because they are open 24 hours! WIll definitely eat here again!
(5)Rich S.
After going here twice, food quality and service has proven to be consistently above average. Both times I have come for the BBQ. This time I went with a group of 5 to celebrate my partner's birthday. We ordered Galbi (beef short ribs), Dwaeji Bulgogi (spicy pork strips), and two portions of Bulgogi (thin beef strips). The flavors were intense, the meat was tender, and according to my friend "in the know" about Korean BBQ, it tasted just as it should. Along with the BBQ, we were served a large variety of small plates, which were mostly tasty and a good conversation piece (in the attempt to try to figure out what everything was). Our party pretty much cleared all of the dishes, but we walked away satisfyingly full. The service was quick; they typically cook the food at your table, but we instead requested that it be cooked in the kitchen. Perhaps a more well-known place to get KBBQ is Honey Pig. While the food there is comparable if not slightly better than Yechon, the atmosphere is much more conducive to a formal dining experience at Yechon. In addition, Yechon has a full bar. It ended up costing just under $80, which considering the quality of the food and the level of service, I felt was very reasonable.
(5)Jennie C.
I think the service can be a hit or miss, but the fact that they are open EVERYDAY, including Christmas, now that's something. Also free calendars (since I always tend to lose mine) work, too! Waited a bit long for my food, probably because it was packed for Christmas Eve, but the food was always good nonetheless. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't refill my water at all, but like I said, the service can be okay. Can you imagine wearing a Korean traditional dress and running around with scissors/hot plates? Always good in my book!
(4)Beena V.
Until recently, I was under the impression that Korean food mostly meant meat dishes. When I found this place, I was delighted to see enough veggie options to satisfy my palate. I am in love with the Bibimbap and Jap Chae. Probably the best I've eaten in this area, especially the KIMCHI. The hot sake was yum. The service is good and they are open 24 hours! I still need to try the bakery next door called "Breeze". Looking forward to my next visit.
(4)Todd S.
Always a great experience. This place is busy and you can expect a wait but the food is great.
(5)Gunbold B.
Found a plastic bag inside the galbitang that i was eating. Told the waiter, and her face was like "so what?". Told the manager, and didn't even get a "sorry". Very disappointed. I didn't try to make a scene, because I really liked the place. But now, I will never go there again, never ever forever. There are plenty of good places other than this. Will upload the picture soon.
(1)Aaron W.
Worst!!!! Service was average but the food ..... wow I left more than half of the food:( price was quite higher than other Korean restaurant and taste like shit .... I don`t get why they rated so high.
(1)E Y.
I've given this place numerous chances, yet Honey Pig in Annandale has always been better. Customer service at Yechon is not great. The food is good, but way overpriced. They require you to order (2) of the beef brisket and they still stiff you on the serving size. Don't waste your money. Go to Honey Pig!
(2)Azucena R.
I've had the opportunity to dine here and at honey pig, I prefer Yechon because they're not skimpy on the sides.
(3)Mariam S.
I got introduced to this restaurant by a vegetarian friend...and I usually am not fan of Korean or Japanese food. But this place is perfect, from sushi to salmon teriyaki. They are open 24 hours which is a big plus! The food is served HOT in front of you with variety of different appetizers from tofu to delicious mashed potatoes. They are not expensive at all for the food they serve and the service is amazing! Food comes out within minutes!
(5)Minn L.
This place is great! Wish there were something like this in DC for Korean food. They have a every extensive menu, and I've tried a variety of stuff, and all of them were surprisingly good. It's typical for Korean restaurants to have a specialty (bbq, kalbitang, soondoobu, etc) and not really excel in other areas, but this place gets a solid 4 for nailing each item on the menu.
(4)Ruth C.
Friendly service, and we never had to look around for refills despite a half-full house. Mostly fellow yellows pouring soju for each other. Yechon's food selection is odd in proportion but I suppose that means you're bound to find something for everyone. I ordered the goat meat soup, which came out in good time, still boiling. The great broth was meaty and pleasantly spiced; best Korean entree I've had this year. It was so filling that I simply couldn't finish. Rice was just right, and improved further by the soup. The bite I mooched of the beef yakisoba was decent. The nine banchan were less impressive than the entrees, but by no means unwelcome. Fried tofu, meh seaweed, chicken patties with broccoli and wood ear fungus, napa kimchi, vermicelli noodle salad, potato salad, ssamjang with purilla seeds and sesame oil, fresh cucumber salad, and spinach. The hot barley tea was exactly what I needed on a chilly evening. I'll definitely be back, even if it isn't the middle of the night. Second visit: Closer to three star food, but service was just as excellent as last time. I probably didn't have to request the tea, but I was parched and didn't want to leave things to chance. This time we had seven banchan between more people, possibly because of the later hour: pickled daikon and cucumber, bean sprout kimchi, spinach in sesame dressing, wakame, potato salad, napa kimchi, cucumber kimchi. My udong was okay. Light broth, nicely chewy udon noodles, various vegetables. I would've liked more than one piece of wood ear fungus, but the mushrooms I mooched from the sisters' vegetable yakisobas made up for it. The inclusion of tofu skin made for good hangover prevention. Not bad, but it's unlikely that I'd get this again. Third visit: I had envy over Keon's daeji bulgogi. I preferred it to my tonkatsu, as much as I adore apple bunny slices. The applesauce added as dressing to the relatively plain salad wasn't bad. Napa kimchi, bean sprout kimchi, wakame, potato salad, watercress, tofu, fermented daikon. Fourth visit: Miso soup was alright, not too mealy. Japchae was pretty good, more beef mixed in than wood ear fungus. I prefer a thicker glass noodle but I'd get it again. Gochu pajeon wasn't too greasy or spicy, cooked to an appealing texture with light crisping. Dak gui was inconsistent to me, good seasoning but the some of the white meat was on the dry side. Bulgogi was outshone by the galbi, which was quite good despite being trimmed off the bone. Both were accompanied by a few halved button mushrooms, no garlic. The oranges cut up as a birthday dessert were of varying ripeness. Napa kimchi, potato salad, watercress, tofu, cucumber kimchi, scallion salad, savory radish w/shrooms. The meat in maeun galbitang is cut thick but tender, outshining the protein of yukgaejang. Despite sporting the same broth, the former came with less glass noodles and bits of egg white but no yolk. Kimchi mul mandu were flat-style, drizzled with sesame oil and served with a maraschino-garnished gritty salad on the side. Yukgaejang is okay. Overall winner is the boyangtang, tenderest goat meat I've had in awhile. For KBBQ, the Yechon galbi is worth doing; samgyeopsal and bulgogi are okay, I've had better elsewhere.
(4)Jacky K C.
tip: combo dinners for 2-3 are a great deal, includes bugogi, squid, grilled fish, tofu soup, banchan dishes, sushi (not very good though), 2 bottles of beer. soup casseroles are very filling, great on cold nights, has many choices including seafood, tripe, intestines, etc. regular soups also have a lot of varieties such as the blue crab soup. also have table bbq option. great place with value.
(4)Maki P.
When I saw the extensive Japanese and Sushi menus at this "asian fusion" establishment, I was skeptical-- but Yechon delivers a quality Korean BBQ experience in a friendly environment. Solid 3.5 stars. Pluses and minuses: +Great banchan (the small dishes that come free to complement your meal and your rice), above and beyond the ordinary, with a good mix of veggies and protein +Good bulgogi and OK kalbi (sliced a bit thin for my taste)-- both were marinated a bit sweeter than I'd like, but definitely above average on the flavor, and high-quality meat +Service was very friendly and accommodating, though one of our servers didn't speak much English-- a smile is all it takes! Plus, they're all wearing traditional Korean garb-- very charming -If you're going for the BBQ, note that not every table has a grill-- they will bring you a tabletop grill instead, which does the trick, but is not quite the same -I asked for some spicy pepper paste (gochujang), and what they brought me was watery and not at all spicy I came in here after a hot day spent outside craving nangmyeon, but after smelling all the bbq, I deserted my plans-- would love to come back and give their nangmyeon a try, for real this time.
(4)Erin T.
Yechon was my first foray into the Annandale Korean restaurant scene (thanks to all the positive reviews here), and I am so glad I started there, because it was delicious and a wonderful experience! I recommend going at slightly off-hours because the line gets kind of long around 7 pm, but it is well worth the wait. My dining companion and I ordered a beef and a pork BBQ, both of which were cooked at our table, and found it to be a perfect amount of food for two people. Even though we didn't order any of the spicy dishes offered on the menu, there were plenty of spicy toppings and sides to complement the nice cuts of meat. Our waitress was extremely attentive without being obtrusive, promptly cooking our food with plenty of intervals in-between so that we could enjoy our conversation. The staff was exceptional and bumped this rating from a 4 up to a 5. Overall, we were extremely happy with our dinner and are already planning to bring a larger group back so we can try even more of the barbecue options.
(5)Anuj P.
THE go-to spot for me and my friends. My favorite Korean BBQ joint hands down.
(5)Jen F.
Yechon was alright- not worthy of four stars in my opinion, but not bad either. The small plates that came out at the beginning were about 50/50 in terms of yum and not-yum. The menu is large and has a lot of options but the lack of vegetarian dishes really struck me. I asked if they could substitute bean curd into one of my dishes and they said no. I settled on getting one of the spicy casseroles without the meat which ended up being tasty but not spectacular. I left here full and satisfied, but it was not good enough where I would come back again. 2.75 stars.
(3)Nicole H.
Pretty good Korean food. And they are open 24/7, good for those late night munchies. Horrible staff. Plain and simple. If you're not Korean or a rich looking White person, prepare for the worst service ever. They took forever to bring out our food and they neglected our table countless times. We asked for water and rice about 6 times (from the same server) and didn't even get it until we were all practically done eating. And that's only because I asked the Manager.
(2)D K.
the worst korean restaurant i have ever been. i lived in the west coast & the east coast, northern & southern states, been to hundreds of restaurants and this place has to be worst in food prep and quality. customer service is bad but i don't care much about that. most asian rest. are bad in service. old & stale fish, beef; smelly soup... and guess what? they serve "sushi" & chinese too... yes, another korean rest with identity crisis... if you want to run a korean restaurant, make korean food right. what are you doing trying to, make all diff kind of cuisine that you don't even know how to start? i think that most imp thing in asian food is rice.. and their rice had a worm looking bug inside. if i only had a camera back then... i was there about six years ago and just writing this up now because i was so traumatized by what i saw in my rice. so over priced for what they serve... and do you know what i found out about how they prepare kimchi? they "pickle" the cabbages using salt... and an immigrant cook helper steps on them with his rubber boots. the rubber boots that he walks around the kitchen and out to the dumpster... no no no...
(1)Super A.
Pretty darn good! I would have given them 5 stars but the service was a little slow and they were not even that busy when we were there. Nice atmosphere and a cute bakery next door for dessert if there is any room left- which I doubt!
(4)Lisa L.
Great food, service and the restaurant is clean! Seafood soondubu chige, seafood pancake, pork, kalbi and all the numerous sides were all delish!! Definitely going back ;)
(5)Amanda N.
Probably the best Korean food in the area. 100% authentic, really great service, a good range of selections, and prices are reasonable. You always, ALWAYS get your money's worth because almost every dish comes with a bunch of side dishes that are sure to fill you up. And, of course, the food is absolutely delicious. Plus, the waitresses dress in traditional hanboks - how much more Korean can you get? Ambiance is a bit loud, since it's usually packed. Watch out for weekend evenings - be prepared to wait if you arrive later than 6PM. Location is a little hidden, but it's literally five steps away from Breeze Cafe - which is a great stop to go to if you want a cute dessert afterwards. If you're ever in the area, make this a place to stop by.
(5)Tiffany N.
Good food, decent prices. Good variety of dishes including sushi. I think the best part of this place is the awesome side dishes! As for main entrees, I haven't had anything grilled here so I can't compare it to honey pig. However the bibambap is great, and the udon noodles are good as well. Good service. Open 24 hours. Parking is limited though, and often hard to find.
(4)Don H.
3.5 stars for variety of korean foods and being open 24/7 to get the grub on at anytime.
(3)Steven C.
Customer service here is not great. The food is ok, but I like To Soc Chon and Honey Pig more. For the Tofu soup, I like Arirang in Rockville.
(3)Kat B.
Came here late night with the husband hoping it would be less crowded. The food was good as usual: galbi dolsot bibimbap came in a very hot bowl which was nice and the yukaejang was pretty flavorful although the meat was a bit over like last time. One of my galbi pieces was pure tendon and inedible as well. I really enjoyed their banchan selection though and I was really hoping a waiter would come by and offer a refill like they normally do. Unfortunately despite the restaurant only having four filled tables and 3-4 waiters no one came to our table until after many many minutes of trying to flag one at the end of our meal. During the meal we pressed the button multiple times so either the button on our table was broken or they were choosing to ignore us. One of the waiters spent like half an hour sitting at a table of what appeared to be loud drunk guys and just fraternized with them the whole time. I find it really strange that we've had better service when the entire restaurant is packed than when it is empty. At the end of the meal when I asked a waiter if they could throw some extra banchan in with our doggy bags he got really awkward and said that they don't do that at the restaurant. Then another waiter came over and told us the same thing...which made me doubly regret asking. Are they are trying to cut back financially and no longer offer extra banchans when you run out or are the servers just not as generous late at night? I really wanted to tell them that I would've asked for more earlier in the meal if given a chance but I refrained because I didn't want to make it more awkward turtle than it already was. I would have gladly paid for the extra banchan too if given the choice. The food is ~3.5 stars and better than most of the Korean BBQ establishments in the area but the service is only 1 star late at night and inconsistent at best. I think from now on I'll only do takeout.
(2)Rod S.
Yecheon is fantastic food! The bulgogi steak bubbles and browns right in front and gets your senses ready for the feast to come. Nibble away at the array of kimchi, pickled cucumbers, bean sprouts, sea weed. They really are flavors to explore - I really liked the yellow bean sprouts. Once your done with that, time to start on the bulgogi wrapped in lettuce with rice and peanut sauce. It's divine and the best way to eat lettuce I've come across. We also had spicy chicken which was excellent, but bulgogi is my absolute favorite. The seafood pancakes and the whole mackerel were also very tasty - so many good options. Prepare to over do it! This place gets packed on weekend nights, so be ready for crowds and frenetic servers. You can pass the time at Breeze Bakery next door - which us a sight to see on its own. Bubble smoothies, pound cake, gelato, macaroons, and on and on!
(4)Krista B.
BF and I wanted something different and definitely wanted the bakery next door, so we settled on lunch here on a Saturday. We really wanted the bento box lunches but they were only served during the week. We both settled on yakisoba- chicken for me and beef for him. Both dishes had large portions and came with 6 small plates of, umm, not sure. Kimchee? One looked like a cold potato salad but it had apples in it. Anyway, the meal was ok, not really anything to write home about. The service was ok, too. Not terrible but not great. I would like to try the bento boxes though.
(2)Robert G.
This is one of the best Korean reatuarants in the Annandale village of Korean BBQ places
(5)Gregg M.
There's not much I can add to what has already been yelped about Yechon, but I'll give it a shot. I brought my girlfriend and a mutual friend of ours to Yechon. This was their first time to this 24-hour Korean gem. Hey, it has to be good as evidenced by the roomful of Korean families taking in their native cuisine. As an aside, I'd love to see the crowd that's rolling in here at 2:30am for their kimchi fix! But anyway, for the table, we ordered the Hae Mul Jun Gol (seafood and vegetable casserole/$34.95)) and the Kimchi Sam Gyup Sal Duruchiki (sauteed kimchi with sliced tofu and pork mixed with vegetables and spicy sauce/$18.95). We received the standard Banchan side dishes to accompany our meal. Personally, I could make a meal out of just Banchan! No beer or wine with this meal, however, the hot green tea flowed freely. Our casserole didn't skimp on seafood and was heated to bubbly perfection over a gas stove. The sauteed kimchi and pork dish was a revelation in deliciousness! The red pepper spicy sauce gave the pork and veggies a nice heat which balanced perfectly with the salty/sour/tanginess of the sauteed kimchi. The huge chunks of tofu provided a "cooling" soy blandness to spicy dish. Yechon is a very good place to get your Korean feedbag on. It's very reasonably-priced given the portion sizes. I recommend bringing friends and/or family and come hungry!
(4)Jason C.
The worst Korean restaurant in town and one of the most overrated place. The food is not special but service is really terrible. I think people giving a good rate for this restaurant seem not to know other Korean restaurant. Only good thing of this restaurant is open 24hrs.
(1)K Y.
I've dined here multiple times for dinner (Mon-Wed), and it's always busy! They are quick to seat you though as it seems they move people in and out pretty quickly. Nothing extraordinary about the side dishes, but they give you a wide variety so you can try multiple items. If you choose to grill your own meats, they tend to come around and take the tongs from you so they can grill the meats. Not sure why. . .and I know it's not customer ineptitude on my end. All the meats are standard by most Korean BBQ restaurants in which I've dined. Don't expect the waiters/waitresses to always come around to fill up drinks or answer questions. Press the button at the end of the table to get their attention (don't abuse though!). The other dishes such as soups and noodles are good. Overall, you won't be amazed with the Korean food (I haven't tried the others yet), but still a solid choice!
(3)Crystal-Nicole B.
The food here was stellar. I had the Deondang Jigae and the Galbi. Both were off the chain! It was busy when me and my friends went but the service was still on point. I would recommend this place to friends and will definitely be back.
(5)Natasha S.
I love this place and have been coming here for many many years! My favorite place to go especially during the late late nights! I've had a lot of the different soups, meats and seafood pancake! MMMMMMM! They give a generous amount of GOOD pon-chon! The service is always consistent and although the prices can get pricey, the food quality and taste is well worth it. Additionally being open 24 hours adds a huge aspect of convenience! One of my favorite places to go to in the Washington DC area!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Troy M.
Wow this place is really top notch, great Korean restaurant. Being new to the area I've been searching for a great Korean restaurant to frequent and after visiting 5 other restaurants I haven't had much success. Finally this place will be on my return list. The menu is huge, SO many options because it is Korean AND Japanese.. We ordered spicy pork bulgogi and bibimbap. Both dishes were great but the bulgogi was phenomenal. I liked that when I ordered a Cass there was a choice between a small bottle or a big bottle...and I had no trouble taking care of that. An overbearing amount of side dishes come to the table as well. My favorite was the un-fermented kimchi, the rest were good but the only bad one was the tofu....just no flavor at all, like emptiness. Service was great. We were greeted and seated immediately. A little into my meal I realized there wasn't a hostess stand...so I was curious how long of a wait would it take the waitresses to notice new customers, if they had to wait at all. For about 20 minutes I paid attention to all the customers coming in and every single time they were immediately greeted. It's great to see this because it means you won't end up having that awkward moment of walking in, no place to sit or wait, people looking at ya, and no service. My only complaint is that I think the menu is slightly over priced, my bolgogi meal was priced at $17 I believe...thats pretty steep.
(5)Donald P.
Updating my 5-star review of this place. (-2 stars) for this rather rude waitress who was TOO STINGY to give us a larger container to take our leftover food home. After having to INSIST that it wouldn't fit, she finally relented, but you could see the bitter look on her face. (+1 star) for the other rather pleasant waitresses ================================ Total 4 stars They give good amounts of banchan at Yechon compared to Gooldaegee's minute amounts. Come here during off-peak hours for better service. It's just amazing how an unpleasant waitress can totally RUIN the atmosphere of a restaurant. This especially as I was introducing 2 new guests to the restaurant, one of which was new to Korean food. I think my guests still managed to leave with a positive impression of Korean food but that was only because of the copious amounts of food we ordered (thus the take out containers).
(4)Jim D.
This mecca of Korean BBQ is located under the tacky neon lights you can spot a mile away. And trust me, you do not want to miss this place. You probably won't either when you see the sight of that monstrous crowd waiting anxiously outside for their table. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait if your party is more than 5. In fact, let someone in your party get out of the car and put their name down right away for a table. The aromas exuding out of this place is enough to drive you mad hungry. Their generous variety of banchan is always a lovely way to start a feast. I tend to overeat at this point so be patient and reserve that precious belly real estate for the really good stuff: the Kalbi (super tender beef short ribs) and the spicy Bulgogi (marinated barbeque beef). If you are hungry enough, I highly recommend the Hae Mul Pa Jun (seafood pancake) which is flavorful, crisp, and absolutely delicious (and not to mention enormous). I honestly cannot fathom how anyone is able leave Yechon not stuffed. Service is quite efficient considering how busy it gets, especially during lunch and dinner. People literally pour into this place. We never had to wait long for anything and the lovely ladies frequently check back on us. Repeat visits are obligatory.
(5)Nicole L.
I can't believe I left out a review on Yechon. This is the best all rounder 24 hr Korean restaurant. For those who commented they had bad service because they were not asians, it maybe true but I never had that issue haha. Anyhow I've had pretty much everything there from BBQ to tofu casseroles to seafood pancakes to korean chirashi to sushi. They were all good. They made casseroles spicy like I requested. Loved their banchans, the lovely waitresses always gave us extra if we asked. Most of the dishes were also inexpensive unless you ordered the BBQ or the large family style casseroles. I don't think you can say that about other korean restaurants they either specialise in certain type of korean dishes or they are big buffet joints. Yechon is the one stop shop and it's the first restaurant right off RT-495 when you arrive in Annandale via the highway.
(5)Maria G.
I don't know how this happens every time, but after a night out, somehow I get into my auto pilot mode and head straight to Yechon. This place is open 24/7 and good for any occasion. I come here with family, with dates, occasionally stumble in with what I'd like to call my 'sophisticated drunkeness', and even when I'm all by my bad-a$$ self. For lunch during the week, their bento boxes are a crazy good deal. I've come alone and ordered a single bento box but my table was overflowing with dishes of Banchan's. I love their bulgogi and kalbi, seafood pancake, tangsooyook, bibimbap, and cod fish head (sounds weird, taste awesome if you don't mind bones). Late night favorites are jap chae and tofu soup. Somehow that soup cures hangovers before it starts!
(5)Michelle P.
Pros: Delicious delicious delicious food. My favorite Korean place to eat. My favorites are the bulgogi, bibimbap, and the galbi tang. Everything is so flavorful and yummy, I always leave extremely satisfied. Cons: This place would get 5 stars if it weren't for their service. It's always extremely busy in the restaurant, service is slow, and they don't take reservations. The waitress that you originally get never comes back to you and I personally feel awkward and rude waving down someone else for help, but I gotta do what I gotta do. Conclusion: Definitely give this place a go. But be patient. Very patient. It's worth it in the end!
(4)Dan J.
We have been to Yechon a few times, and each time the dining experience has been excellent! We've ordered the BBQ, Gopdol Bibimbap, Oxtail Soup, and everything has been delicious. We really enjoy all the little side dishes they bring out before the entree. The restaurant is always packed, so we're definitely not the only people who thinks this place rocks! Service has always been fine. The menu is very expansive. Restaurant is open 24 hours a day. If you want authentic Korean fare, this is a good option.
(4)Irene F.
24 hours= awesome. Unlike most Korean places that open late at night, this place isn't like a night club. I can totally bring my kiddo for a late night snack. They have table ringers to call the waitress and I accidentally hit it a few times with my elbow and the waitresses were extremely prompt! and I was extremely embarrassed. Food was pretty good- above average. But great considering their other assets.
(4)Lilli M.
I've gone to Yechon at least half a dozen times in the last few months, so either I'm a masochist or I just like Yechon. It's the latter. Yechon's food service is speedy and their food is piping hot. The only reasons you might be deterred are the lack of attention you tend to receive during your actual meal -- for instance, you might need to flag someone down on occasion to get a refill on your tea -- and how packed the place can be. Lines are the norm at Yechon, not a rarity. I see the long lines/wait for tables as largely a good thing (except when you're hungry and waiting to be seated), b/c it means the food is probably fresh and you must be in a good place if a dozen or so other people also want to eat there. (Either that, or you guys are all in the wrong place, which I don't think you are.) I always see a lot of Koreans here, so I'm guessing that means the food is authentic. I tend order the bimbim bop and/or golbi bimbim bop a lot. I've ordered the kimchi jigae before, which I also like on cold days since it warms me up right away, but the meat in the kimchi jigae is a bit on the fatty side for me. I'm still coming back! One star down 'cause of the lack of attention to you once the food's on your table, but that's about it.
(4)Lucy X.
I was so excited to come here after all the rave reviews on Yelp. The only Korean BBQ type restaurants I've been to in Annandale are Honey Pig and Il Mee. Honey Pig will forever be my number one, but I was hoping maybe Yechon will replace it. Through the recommendations, we ordered the Galbi (with chef's special sauce) and the Bulgogi (spicy). O GOD! It might've been because I was ravishly hungry, but holy geezus the meat was SO tender and juicy, ESPECIALLY the bulgogi mmm :D. If anything, go to Yechon and get the galbi & bulgogi (min. of two orders per type of pan). I also wanted to order the Pork Bellies but I wasn't aware that it must be cooked on a different kind of plate, so you had to order at least two for that too (and there were only 3 options for that kind on the menu). So because we weren't fully full after the first two orders, we ended up getting the Pork belly and another Beef thing...which was definitely not that great of an idea considering they tasted NO WHERE as delicious as the galbi or the bulgogi! And it's not because we weren't as hungry as the beginning, but they were honestly mediocore. And the pork belly, unfortunately, was nothing like the one from Honey Pig (which I assumed it would be, that's why I ordered it in the first place). Besides that, we also ordered the Soondubu jjigae (stew with tofu and seafood). It was, of course, delectable as always and expected :) Overall, I would give Yechon 4.5 stars if I could, because I could do without the whole 2 minimum order thing. And the side sauces (for dipping the meat) wasn't that special or great (compared to HP). AND lastly, the portion of meat was not a lot at all (compared to HP and Il Mee). All this would/should make it a 3/4 stars rating but...the bulgogi is really THAT delicious!
(4)James S.
This place is a must for Korean food. I don't know how but they manage to stay open 24/7 and deliver excellent food and give great service, even when the place is packed with people. I have to give it up to the people who work here...they are dedicated and hard working. (In my personal experience I've never had an issue here and I've been here many times) Yechon is also located right next door to cafe breeze the best Korean pastry/coffee shop in the area! So after a good meal you can just walk on over to breeze for some delicious pastry or my fav Pat Bing Soo ^_^ Love this place!!
(5)Michael B.
my favorite Korean Food in NOVA
(5)Sara B.
"I only want a small Cass!" "Psh, I'm getting a large." "I'm not eating anything with seafood in it." "What's that!?" "Does it have mushrooms in it?" "That thing with the stuff is good..." "Soju? How many shots does it have?" Like a boss. That's how the staff at Yechon took care of us last night. Faced with a party of 16 of mi amigos who have attention problems, the ladies were able to decipher through our yapping to take our orders down to the minute details of beer sizes...We were all ravenous and the food was whisked out so fast I didn't have time to do my obligatory whine about how hungry I was. Yummy: bulgolgi, galbi, seafood pancake sliced up like a pizza... Pork belly was flavorfless and underwhelming to me. Size wise (snicker...) they weren't able to accomodate us all at one table which stunk but they did the best they could. AND Despite the naysayers, I was able to get a to go order of galbi. They just cooked it for me in the back and packed it up. Boo yah!
(4)Yuh-Line N.
sooooooooooo good. I love korean food. love love love korean food...and they do it pretty good here. we got one of their meal packages and it came with so much food. We had a party of four and we ordered two more dishes to share along with that. we threw down and showed that the chinese really are bigger at everything. we all had the BIGGEST food bellies when we left. 24/7 korean food=heaven. too bad it's in annandale. I would like there to be a stop for Yechon on the metro. thanks.
(4)Q. S.
I always go there during the midnight because it's kind of the only choice at that time. It was super busy last night (actually was Sun morning). My husband and I ordered our usual, stone bowl Bibimbap and tofu seafood soup. I think that the taste was pretty good, but super H has a bit little better price and taste. But my favorite thing about this restaurant is all the little free side dishes you get after you order. They always surprise me because there's always something new to try the side dishes. Potato salad is my favorite side dish. You should definitely try it.
(4)Suzanne B.
While my baptism into the world of Korean food was overseas, this was the first place in the USA... Yechon runs like a well-oiled machine 24/7. The service is efficient, the banchons are plentiful & fresh, and the tea is roasted and nutty to perfection. This is a great place to venture beyond the bibimbop & bulgogi. Try the stew, squid, etc. live a little... And when you're done since dessert isn't their forte, venture next door to the very classy Korean cafe for a rooftop sweet & coffee or tea.
(4)Desi W.
I'm not a Korean food expert but this place never disappoints.
(4)Leonard H.
Not many Korean eateries in the Washington DC area as compared to Seattle. My first observation is Korean restaurants in DC favor American sounding names. Apparently this restaurant is open 24 hours a day and it seems to have a very brisk business. Almost 930 in the evening on Monday. The food is so-so and the hospitality is average nothing spectacular With servers running around like little Machines. I was out voted on this adventure. Sorry this is not a venue I would count on a second appearance.
(2)Lia M.
A very successful first Korean food experience! I was here on a weekday, around 1:30pm, and it was extremely packed with limited parking (which I understand to be normal for Yechon). However, we were seated very quickly, though the food took a while. Our waitress was friendly. I had a lunch box - spicy pork that came with rice, beef with greens, shrimp tempura, veggies in a wonton wrapper, and salad. The pork was delicious and spicy. Tempura was good, as was the beef. My friend had the salmon lunch box and she got a piece of sushi in hers - very jealous. The salmon was substantial and came with steamed broccoli as well. Our sides were seaweed, mashed potatoes, watercress, water chestnuts, kimchi, and bean sprouts, along with miso soup. I enjoyed the miso and kimchi. Prices were very reasonable - each lunch box was only $7.95. I really do think I need to go back after being out all night - I could see the food being even better then. Oh, and I can't wait to eat Korean again...
(4)jessica L.
I love this place! I go here for the sit down, greater selection experience of mama's home-cooked Korean meal. PLUS, it's 24 hours. AND they make their own buckwheat noodles for their naengmyun! Warning though- they don't serve it after 11pm. They also don't serve the lunch specials on the weekends, fyi. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because there was something missing in the hwae naengmyun- it was barely there, but it was there. But aside from that, the yooksu (beef broth) that comes with it reminded me of a place I used to go frequently in Korea (yeah, the broth was pretty awesome). You can never go wrong with the pork belly, and the bossam is pretty damn good, too. So the last time I went, my friend and I were on a single-minded mission to achieve a food coma. My friend and I (the two of us) ordered 2 servings of samgyeopsal, the bossam, the naengmyun, and japchae. The waitresses are great at timing their check-ins at appropriate intervals (not too frequent, not ignoring us either), but they definitely let us know that we ordered a LOT of food. They said it EVERY time they visited our table. Perhaps it was because we were both Asian females (and I spoke Korean with them) that they felt okay reprimanding us about how much food we ordered. Hey, none of it went to waste and many others were fed from that meal. So no one died from a food coma. We'll definitely be back to tell them that. Make sure to hop over to the Breeze Bakery next door afterward!
(4)Ashley E.
Hands down, my favorite place to eat in the world. Must try the pork belly, kalbi, and bulgolgi. Also, the korean potato is my favorite side
(5)Ji Y.
The restaurant was very busy when I arrived to meet some friends for dinner. I have never been here and since part of the party I was with wanted sushi and other korean BBQ, it was a good solution for us all to be here. I ordered the korean bbq and the naeng myun. The kalbi was really tasty but the other beef was not very special. Naeng myun was okay and the noodles were overcooked. One great thing about this place is that give you a good selection of other foods besides Korean BBQ and they are opened 24 hours! Maybe next visit, I'll get a better impression once I try other things on the menu. It might make me give an extra star and be a fan of this place. Who knows until I try again right?
(3)Carol W.
Went here tonight with my boyfriend and another friend. Now, I'll be the first to admit - I don't know that much about Korean, but I do know what flavors I like. I know this is a very popular place and though it was my first time here, it wasn't my boyfriends first time. We ordered the seafood and vegetable casserole and the sauteed kimchi with pork. Along with this order came some nice hot green tea and the Banchan. Of the Banchan, the "eggplant" one was by and far one of the favorites - though the daikon radishes were pretty good too. Of our dishes - my absolute favorite was the kimchi with pork. It had just the right amount of spice, wow - definitely a dish I could eat again and again. Though the seafood casserole was good, I was disappointed that the octopus was so chewy - to the point it was difficult to actually eat it. The lobster though was delicious as was the crab, fish and shrimp. Both dishes had tofu served with them. All in all a positive experience and I would go back again.
(3)Lisa N.
Yechon is situated in Annandale at the intersection of Little River Turnpike and Hummer Road. It serves Korean bbq as well as sushi, bibimbap, soups, etc... Since it was only me and my boyfriend, they cooked the galbi in the kitchen and not on our grill so it turned out overcooked/chewy. The bibimbap was nice and hot, but barely had any meat. Overall, service was decent. I'd probably go back if I was craving Korean food and it was late/I was in the area, but I'd prefer Korshi or Honey Pig. (+) open 24/7 (-) value of food
(3)Eric O.
Usually a place that's open 24/7 means you need to be drunk to actually enjoy the food (a la Taco Bell or Denny's). Impressively, Yechon bucks this trend and can be enjoyed equally as much while sober. For your information, I was there sober, but I imagine I'd rate it 5 stars had I tried it while drunk. The inside is nice which is also surprising for a place that's open 24/7. The service is very prompt and friendly. The menu is VERY extensive, and even includes a few pages of sushi items. Though I avoided these, figuring it'd make more sense to eat Korean, at well, a Korean restaurant. As others have mentioned, the bul gogi is excellent. We had the daeji bul gogi which is the spicy kind, though I really didn't notice it. Next time, I'll ask them to really turn the heat up. Gop dol bibim bap was tasty as well, though nothing mind blowing. As for the banchan, the variety is good but it wasn't the best I've had. Altogether the meal was just a little over $30 and it was more than enough for two people--not bad at all. A bonus is that if you've got some room to spare, the next door bakery offers some nice cakes and ice cream. This makes for a great 1-2 punch of quality and convenience.
(4)Shawn O.
This restaurant takes shortcuts. It's not a true representation of Korean cuisine. Go to To Sok Jip if you want the authentic experience.
(1)Jon L.
Lettuce came from the kitchen with a dead fly right on top, in plain sight. The waitress that came to take it away didn't make any facial expression, which I thought made it seem like it was normal for there to be bugs in the food. The manager told me it happens all the time in the summer. Tell all your friends never to come here. I'm certainly never coming back.
(1)Antonio M.
Holy crap, what better way to stuff my face after fasting (for a blood test) than by having some Spicy Jap Chae for an 8am breakfast? Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!! This was my FIRST visit to Yechon and I had been dying to stop in and try some of their traditional Korean eats. At first, I was a bit reluctant to stop in so early in the morning, but then I figured, "Why not?". Afterall I love eating real "entree" type food for breakfast. Scanning the large menu I settled on the Spicy Go Choo Jap Chae and placed my order with the waiter. As I waited for my food, I looked around and appreciated the subtle wooden decor of Yechon. I wasn't the only person eating an early breakfast as there were men in business suits, and older couple, a woman and her daughter, and white haired old man and a gentleman sitting next to the front door happily slurping up some noodle soup. The waiter soon brought out a beautifully colored assortment of side items (see picture) which appeared to be Kimchi, spicy bean sprouts, seaweed, pickled radish, some thick egg like omelet, slightly sweet mashed potatoes with peas and a small cup of miso soup. I drank the miso and enjoyed bits of the side items combining the egg (which had a unusual dark green tinge) with the Kimchi and other items. As I began stuffing my face, the Go Choo Jap Chae arrived and it looked amazing! The Go Choo was the bolder more aggressive brother of a regular Jap Chae as its quite spicy due to the hot sauce and very generous amounts of hot peppers sprinkled throughout the dish. The dish itself is primarily made up of clear vermicelli rice noodles, thin strips of beef and julienned carrots, zucchini and onions. This massive dish of yum yum was accompanied by a good sized serving of rice (served in a covered steel bowl). The first bite of my big boy Jap Chae was not only hot temperature wise, but hot spicy! Wow! I love spicy Korean food but this was the first time in a long time that I said, "Wow that's spicy!" But it was soooooooo good! A warm feeling came over me as the hot peppers and sauce began working their magic. My nose started running and I could feel my face and tummy growing warm. I loved it! The noodles had sucked in all the flavor of the beef, sauteed veggies and slapped your taste buds with the spicy flavor mixed within the dish. The dish was SO big (how big is it?) that it could have easily fed two fatty Antonios. I was pretty full from eating most of the side items that I barely managed to eat half of my Go Choo Jap Chae. The gi-norous "can serve 2 or feed you again" size of the dish along with the price (a mere $16) made this early morning breakfast a real value. I asked the waiter to box up the rest of my food (and the uneaten rice) and happily paid my check. I loved the food here and will definitely be back with the wife. Unlike other reviewers, I noticed the service was amazing and had no complaints about the quality of the food. I truly enjoyed my first visit to Yechon and will come back very soon.
(4)Jon N.
As authentic as you can get when there isn't a large Asian community. I like the service here, the friendly waitress helped cook the meat at our table. yelp.com/biz_photos/w_KI… The ban chan dishes aren't bad. I always like the potato salad even if there is almost nothing Korean about it. yelp.com/biz_photos/w_KI… Parking can be a little rough since it's a small parking are relative to the number of seating they have. Yechon's Score - 86 Points
(4)Anson P.
When I think of late night eating, a few places come to mind. IHOP, Denny's, Waffle House, McDonald's drive-thru, Yechon. Which one of these places is the odd man out? My brother, his gf and I went here yesterday and we got ourselves some bibimbop, kalbi, and some fish and clam spicy soup. I love me some bibimbop of the non-dolsot (hot stone pot) variety. The bimbop was good except the egg was a little overcooked. Normally, I like it where the egg yolk is runny. It still hit the spot. The kalbi was ok. There are better korean bbq options in Annandale, but this place will feed your need. The spicy soup was spicy and definitely cleared the sinuses. The only complaint there was that there was only one clam in the whole pot. However, there was plenty of fish. The banchan was good and there was plenty of variety. The service was pretty good for an Asian restaurant. Water was refilled in a timely fashion. Food came out pretty quick as well. The parking lot always has a lot of cars no matter what time of day. This place is definitely filed away under late night reserves.
(4)Ryan B.
I've been eating at Korean restaurants for a long time and I have to say Yechon is one of the best....as far as taste goes anyway. I love the fact that it is open 24 hours a day. I always have the Korean BBQ like Kalbi, Dae Ji Bulgogi, and well, Bulgogi. The service could be better, but that's where the table buzzer comes in handy. I am not afraid to use that thing and will buzz buzz whenever I need something like my water glass filled, more rice, more lettuce, another coke. The waitresses seem to be annoyed when they see the buzz board light up but hey, that's what it's there for. If they paid more attention to their tables then I wouldn't have to use it. I also like the fact that they put out a lot of pan chon dishes too. Some places only give you a small selection. Ok so, the Kalbi marinade is really good. I don't know how else to describe it. I never leave this place feeling like I didn't get enough to eat. So if you haven't been, check it out.
(4)Varn S.
I came here in a group of 8 that included 3 Koreans - THEY WERE KEY! I left all the ordering up to them, but really I think we could've picked randomly from the menu and been ok. The only things I specifically remember getting were the seafood soup, a shredded beef dish, and a chunkier beef dish. The meat was tender, flavorful, fresh, really top notch. The servers were very attentive and we were well taken care of all night. The portions were ample and the smaller dishes diverse. The final check was a little more than I am used to paying at Asian restaurants, but it was definitely appropriate for this quality establishment.
(4)Erik W.
As Tom Sietsma has said "the service was hurried but helpful"
(4)Mary V.
Great food and great service. Crowded at times, be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes after 7pm. We will definitely become regulars here.
(4)Ken C.
Awesome, Great food and price. Service is OK and they are willing to cook for you. However at the end, we like to do it ourselves. I will have to go back to try other type of foods. A good tips is do not go there more than four people. Why? It is easy to get a table for four. Any number higher than that take long time on weekend and rush hours. Definitely is a Korean Town in VA,..
(4)Danilo B.
The food here is great. We usually have the ribs, steak and pork along with a rice dish of some sort. It's way too much food, but that's what doggie bags are for. Just be careful...eat too much and you'll feel like there's a brick in it (Korean BBQ is not light). Plan on waiting at least a few minutes to sit down regardless of when you go - the place is always packed (which is a good indicator of how good the food is). And the best part...it's open 24 hours making it a nice alternative to IHOP or other 24 hour joints!
(4)Daniel K.
I was here a couple weeks ago with 3 of my friends. I visit here often, its usually a monthly visit, though sometimes weekly basis. I love the food here especially the side dishes, more variety than other Korean/Japanese restaraunts. Not only is there more variety, they change up the side dishes when your done with them. I love the lunch special pricing here. They maybe a little higher than most places for lunch however it is definitely as the saying go "MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK" I beleive they give more than whats your money is worth. I recommend this place for anyone who has a love for authentic Asian foods. Though dinner time is very very crowded, try to avoid 6pm-8pm. Koreans in general tend to eat out late generally. I was waiting a good 15-20 minsOther than that everything is great!
(5)Danny M.
This place gets the high-five because not only is it great Korean food (my mother is Korean), but you can get it anytime day or night!!! My most recent trip there was this past Friday (November 14, 2008) and the food was just great. We got Kalbi and hot pork, neither of which were overy fatty, along with an order of Dol Sot Bi Bim Bap and Duk Guk soup. We also got an appetizer order of Gyoza. All that food for under $75 (including tax/tip) is not bad. The staff was very friendy, helpful, and all three or for of them that served us understood English (some extremely well). And at least three people thanked us for coming when we left.
(5)Seungja K.
There was crazy busy. I was waiting for our turn for a long time. I almost want to go to other place, but I understand why people was waitting without complain after eatting the food. Their food was so good. PaJun was my favorite thing. It was huge, and taste was so dilicious. All employees was very nice. I will go this weekend again..
(5)Anthony C.
I hit up this Korean restaurant back in April during a weekend visit to the DC area. It was a good thirty minutes from where I stayed but it came recommended and was so worth the trip. I've had a good amount of Korean food in NY and this place blows all of them away! The pan chan (sides) were plentiful and each was fresh in quality. For three people, we had the seafood pancake, kalbi, and bulgogi with the meats cooked at our table. The pancake was the standout; it had plenty of flavor and was not soggy. We polished off the dish in no time and probably should have ordered another; it was that good. The kalbi and bulgogi were also outstanding and very tasty. Waitresses came by to help with the cooking duties which was appreciated. Wrap the meat in the provided lettuce and add bean paste for a delicious sandwich! Orange slices rounded out the meal, and we were completely satisfied by the end of the meal. This is a must visit for my next trip to DC!
(4)Christine R.
I'm giving Yechon 4 stars because you really can't beat getting anything yummier to eat at 3am. I find that the atomsphere created by the other young, DC party goers you're surrounded by fulfilling and active. Everyone's on the same page, drunk and hungry. So partly I enjoy going here because it's a great way to wrap up the night. The food is that what you should expect getting at 3am. It's not fit for the Queen of England but it surely will do for my drunk ass. I highly would not recommend any of the sushi though. Not sure what we were thinking but it came out warm/room temperture and just nasty. Other than that stick to the usual, kalbi, bulgogi etc. Service is fast and prompt. If you're looking to be babied you're in the wrong establishment. Korean women simply put don't give two sh*ts about substituting an order, requesting special sauces or stuff on the side. If you're that picky about food please go elsewhere. I have been here during normal people hrs. for dinner and the service is always the same. Never rude, just fast and well I feel like my mom is feeding me dinner at home. Please don't take korean customs the wrong way, it's nothing personal, I swear. Yechon is definitely a place you have to experience at least once after a night out with friends. Sure does beat Quick Pita... bleeeeeed dat!
(4)Ruben P.
The best Korean restaurant in the States I have been to so far. Also, the servers wear traditional costumes and the interior of the place is great to have some feeling of Korea. Had no gripes with their food.
(5)Virak K.
I absolutely love this place. Great kalbi and bulgogi dishes. Sushi is pretty good. Always busy and some good energy. I've tired a lot of other korean places and no other place has come close to beating yechon to me. ANd of course teh 24/7 always helps. I come for lunch, dinner and after midnight hours. Service and food is always excellent. Recent spike in meat prices on the menu was a little surprise to me. But still good nonetheless.
(5)Ying F.
One of my favorite late night eats! Open 24 hours and it's the best korean food after 12am! When I come home to visit, my friends and family know to take me to this place right when I get off the plane. I love everything on the menu! The best free sides dishes too:)
(4)Richard J.
This restaurant is a favorite of me and my non-korean posse. Everything seems very authentic, well priced, communal atmosphere and of course, the 24-hour thing is a plus. Our favorite dishes are bulgogi (of course), oijingeau (pan fried squid), bibimbap, and their dumplings. Mmm. Service has been okay to good. I think the waitresses share responsibilities and therefore it's not common to see four or five different waitresses come at different times. They have recently installed a button used to call a waitress over to your table, which is an awesome innovation and I wish it would catch on. Overall, I will probably take visitors to Yechon until I find a serious problem with the restaurant.
(5)Erica S.
I highly recommend Yechon, even if you have to drive several miles because it is worth it. The food was really quite good. On Thursday night at 7:30 pm we drove all the way out to Annandale and were very surprised to find Yechon completely packed to the gills with Koreans, we think. That says a lot, no? We waited in the nonexistent waiting area for about 5 minutes for our table and were seated and had our drinks within a few moments. They are very efficient which we found to be a refreshing change from many restaurants. Our hungry party of three ordered the #3 special and it was more than we could eat of a wide array of tasty side dishes and savory grilled meat and seafood. Keep in mind, we have little experience with Korean food but it tasted like it was high quality, fresh, hot and well prepared. Nothing was boring or bland and nothing was too weird to eat. "We serve you with sincerest heart" is on the front of Yechon's extensive menu. The service honestly wasn't great. They sort of neglected us after they served our food-our meat was grilling at our table and we didn't know when to take it off and eat it (was it done yet? are we going to get worms?) or to just let it burn. We didn't mind flagging a server down when we really needed something and they came quickly. The staff do not speak English very well and seem a bit shy but they do try so maybe they do "serve you with sincerest heart". I give it 4 stars because of the service not being great and I'm very picky about cleanliness and though it seemed pretty clean it wasn't sparkling and I was a little concerned about drinking the water. An additional plus: its open 24 hours!!! I would love it if Yechon was in DC! I look forward to trying everything on the menu on subsequent visits.
(4)Craig L.
Yechon is definitely among the stars of the Annandale (K-Town) Korean all-night establishments. Comparable to Honey Pig, though perhaps slightly less ambiance, fewer people, and BBQ that slightly less appealing. The real winner was the "hangover" soup (not sure of the name in Korean). All in all a good place to go at 4am when famished.
(4)S A.
great food!!!! I love almost every thing!!!! they don't take reservations and the place is always packed!!! if your not too ful from the bulgogi and the bibimbap head next door to the breeze bakery for dessert!
(4)Brianne C.
Mmm, Korean comfort food in the middle of the night. I never expected to eat mounds of beef bulgogi, doe guk with mandoo (beef and rice cake soup with dumplings), and haemool pajeon (seafood pancakes) after a night of drinking, but there's a first time for everything. Yechon does most of the standard Korean dishes very well, with subtler flavors (I detected a touch of rice wine in the bulgogi marinade) and less saltiness than I have found at other restaurants. Their soup dumplings are excellent, with a perfect balance of vegetables and savory meat. Some of the dishes have slight American influences (one of the side dishes closely resembled potato salad), and the appetizer salad with its miso peanut dressing highlighted the (surprising) Japanese presence on the menu. The service is pretty standard for Korean places (very efficient, but just a touch above polite) and the wood paneled walls lend the place a nostalgic warmth. In a few words, Yechon's is a good spot for spicy early morning indulgences. Recommended.
(4)Michelle G.
One of my fave places to take people new to the area... I mean get this... if your looking for any of the following, it's a jewel! (Late night, sushi, korean, japanese, lots of choices (16 page menu!), more food than you can eat, reasonable prices, good food... etc. ) I take people here all the time, then they beg me to come back!... When its 2 in the morning and you dont want Denny's or McDonalds, this is perfect! I have to drive over a half hour to get there and its worth it.! Favorites are deji bulgogi and seafood pancake for people new to Korean food, but I love it all! They recently added little call buttons to each table, so if you need something or want a refill of all the extras (banchan) they provide, just call em over.
(5)Matthew L.
I enjoyed the experience. It was easy to get in and was relatively busy for a weekday. They had great side dishes. I especially liked the Kimchi Salad. I had a decent soup, and the rice dish in the stone pot was excellent. Probably one of the best i've had in sometime. The restaurant is clean, modern and pleasant. The wait staff is very friendly and attentive. Lunch was a great price and was close to the beltway access.
(4)Angela M.
I felt so retarded when I discovered that Annandale is only 25 minutes from me; only 25 minutes between me and delicious Korean food as well as a K-town where I can get all the things I miss about Korea in one place: No Reh Bangs, Bing Soo, Ban Chan galore....yikes! Hubby and I shared the same smirk on our faces as we made the left turn onto Hummer Rd. - gotta love that name! For a Tuesday night, the lot was packed and the restaurant was buzzing with customers. From Koreans to Caucasians....everyone was here enjoying the great food. It's been four years since I've had good Korean food state-side and this place made me so dang happy, I was kissing my husband whenever I thought about it on the way home and hours later for taking me here. The ambiance is pretty normal from what I've seen for Korean restaurants, but they had these really cute cobalt blue star-lights hanging from over the sushi bar. The servers, dressed in Korean traditional-style clothes (han bok) were friendly, polite and attentive without being intrusive. I think we freaked out every Korean waitstaff female because we started talking in Korean and inquiring about different ban chan, ordering in Korean and asking them questions. One lady came over and made us write our names in Korean on a piece of paper because she didn't believe it. I was especially pleased that they all spoke to us in Korean after that point. I realized why a lot of people that come here may think that the waitstaff is a little rude or standoff-ish. Their English skills aren't that good and I'm sure they are swayed from speaking because of that challenge. I loved all 8 side dishes they brought out; that has not happened in a long, long time. We ordered Bul Kalbi (Beef Short Ribs) as well as Dae Ji Bulgogi (Pork BBQ); the Bul Kalbi was tender and seasoned just right. Delicious! The pork was also very good; not very fatty and tender. It was great to have the traditional "Korean Taco" making sides like the lettuce, chive salad and the different gochu jang. We were very satisfied with the whole meal if you can't tell yet. We were served juicy and sweet, chilled orange slices at the end of the meal got us ready for the bingsoo (shaved ice dessert) we were about to enjoy at Dolce & You down the road.
(5)Trang O.
Hands down this is my favorite Korean restaurant. Besides the fact that it's open 24 hours (though you won't find me there eating bulgogi at 6 a.m.), the food is always good here. I love the panchan and always asks for seconds (sometimes even thirds!). Though we always order Bulgogi and Kalbi, my favorite dishes (besides panchan) are the Korean pancake, spicy seafood Jigae and the Dolsot Bibim Bap. The sushi is acceptable, slightly better than what you can find at Todai. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're in for a sushi fix (in that case, go to Tachibana or Sushi Ko). Service is friendly and efficient, the atmosphere electric (the place has always been pretty full each time we've been there for dinner and even lunch) and entree prices are a bit of the high side for a Korean restaurant, but well worth it. Parking can be difficult sometimes, as the restaurant has a tiny parking lot that it shares with a nearby 7 Eleven.
(4)M N.
Authentic Korean cuisine, on par with the best in Los Angeles' K-town, the only place where you can get any better cuisine is in Korea! Its a good sign that the majority of the folks working and patrons are Koreans and those few non-Koreans that enjoy authentic Korean food. I took a buddy who made that exact comment. In addition to authentic Korean cuisine, a full sushi bar is on the premises. The chef makes everything from maki-sushi to elaborate sushi master pieces. Open 24/7, always busy - many others have already commented on the food, I will state that the place is definitely a place to eat authentic Korean cuisine!
(4)Gene I.
Yechon is like the Korean version of Denny's! Open all night and it definitely hits the spot in a pinch!
(4)Kat T.
This is where you go if you dont want as hectic an atmosphere as honeypig, but you still want 24 hour KBBQ. I like that they have spicy bulgogi! When I want to keep the party going, I go to honeypig, but if I want to relax, I come here.
(4)AL K.
the attraction of this place lies on the fact that it stays open 24/7. food is ok. servers are suited up in korean costumes.sanitation of the place is questionable. price is reasonable.
(3)Ryan H.
their lunch specials are bargain. good foods with friendly service!
(4)Olivia H.
My main take on this place, was that it was not worth the drive to Annandale. I went with friends who were very excited about Korean food. I do not know that much about Korean food, I found out. But I had a perfectly fine meal of noodles and veggies and beef -- jap chae to those who know Korean menus. Most of my table ordered bebim bap and they were all very pleased with their meals. The good: - Quick to seat a group of 7, even on a very crowded night - Didn't assume the round eyes were novices The marginal: - no service. They have installed a call button on every table, and in fact, when your water glass is empty, you cannot catch someone's eye to get more. You have to summon them with the bell. - The menu is not for the uninitiated, as the descriptions are very brief, and don't completely explain what you are getting. Not wrong, it just doesn't paint a picture. The bad: -ANNANDALE -- this was not worth getting on the beltway for. Next time, I will order the perfectly lovely Thai that gets delivered to my house. In the District.
(2)Peter T.
Obviously a very popular place. Went there on a Sat night. The line waiting for a table was backed up at the entrance. Since I was by myself, I got seated at the sushi bar right away. Now, Crabby Ol' Critic often likes to sit at the sushi bar, but, in this case, it was less than a treat. There's very little room between the bar and the lane through which servers and busboys carry orders and push carts of empty dishes. It was not a peaceful meal. But, making the best of it, I just blocked out the noise and commotion. Being alone, I also couldn't try the barbeque, since they seem to do orders for only two or more people. I went with the mandoo soup and the kalbi dolsot bibim bap instead. The soup was very tasty, with three generous dumplings in a light broth. (I ordered the soup as an appetizer, but all the food came at once.) The bibim bap was quite acceptable and came with flavorful chunks of shortrib meat. The side dishes were all good, although the kimchi was very uninspired. COC is being a bit generous here with 4 stars. Not able to sample the barbeque, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. When I next have the opportunity to go with others, I would definitely want to try out the barbeque.
(4)J K.
I was on a business trip for the last weekend. When I first arrived into BWI, I was starving!!! COuldn't find anything to eat at Oakland airport... So i went on yelp to find a 24hour place to eat. I was surprised that a korean restaurant popped up called yechon. being korean, i was very tempted to go to this place. me and my partner drove to this place at 130am. omg! this place was packed. was super tired so couldn't order any drinks, so we ordered two soup dishes: Yuk gae jang (spicy soup) and hae jang gook(best soup after a hang over). it came out so fast! we tried it and it was sooo GOOD! Much better than the restaurants we could find in San Francisco or LA. It tasted like Korean food that we can eat at home. ^^ Next day, we went again and ordered seafood pancake (SO RECOMMENDED), nengmyun (buckwheat noodle) and another haejangkook because it was so good. this time we went a little earlier so they had women working in nice modernized hanbok. Everyone was so nice. The following day we had a meeting with two of our buyers and took them to this place. ordered galbi, pancake, fish soup (least favorite but still good). They were Japanese and was impressed in the dishes too. I will definately recommend this place to everyone! can't wait to go back!!! miss the food already!
(5)Bill H.
Bad sushi. We went here on a whim on New Year's Day on seeing that our favorite neighborhood Korean cafe was closed. The parking lot was jammed, so we thought we couldn't go wrong. This was a big mistake, or at least sitting at the sushi (not gimbab) bar was a big mistake. The sushi was only a step above ghastly, not expertly made, and overpriced. All I can say is, never again. There are so many great little Korean restaurants in Annandale, why risk this one again?
(1)Ina C.
I feel like Yechon has become too comfortable with its steady stream of diners coming in at all hours of the day/night that they feel like they can slack on the quality of the service and food. In most cases, you can judge the quality of a Korean restaurant by the banchan (complimentary side dishes). The greater the variety and quality of the banchan, the better the restaurant. At Yechon, the banchan they offer is kind of unique, and it was impressive at first sight. But upon further investigation, I saw that it was pretty sloppily put together -- not unlike the "Monet" archetype exhibited by the movie that defines 90's slang: "Clueless." (Monet = far away it's okay, but up close it's a big ol' mess.) Every time I come here, I see the Monet-ness infiltrating every element of this restaurant. Yes, the menu is huge, but how do they not have naengmyun on a warm Friday night? Yes, there are tons of servers, but how does it happen that our water didn't get refilled once? I admit that I'll probably come back here just because it's a convenient place to go when I'm hungry and wandering around in VA at 2 in the morning. But if I'm going for quality, you will not find me here.
(2)Kaylee P.
I've been here twice, service can be a bit slow but it's worth the wait. It's like a more grown up version of honey pig and is also more family based. And similarly they are also open 24/7. Two thumbs up here I just wish one would open up near me! I love this place I come in starving and leave the place two times the person I am. It definitely is a meat lovers paradise!
(4)Brandima A.
I question their food storage policies. I could have sworn some of the food should not have been served. I can't prove it and I didn't ask - but also didn't eat it due to the texture and smell. Maybe this was an off day.
(1)Daniel A.
I used to go to it alot when i live in Fairfax. Very tasty Korean food and definitely a plus open all hours. Sushi is OK but not worth driving there. I've always surprised that there are always a good amount of people in there regardless of the time. Impressive indeed. I'd definitely go again when I'm in that area and craving korean.
(3)Diana W.
Open 24 hours! I enjoy the convenience of this restaurant but the food as well as the side dishes are bland. I've definitely had better Korean food. Update: 4.2.2010 Sheesh, my last review was so short! I usually come in at late hours because other Korean restaurants in Annandale are closed by then. Truly my last resort yet, but will do. It's usually packed during the weekends because people come in after leaving bars/clubs and can get very loud. I'm part of the guilty party. The waiters are accommodating.... if you tag them down. I love the service buttons on the tables! They don't speak the best English, so what? Practice your patience here and adapt. There's a good selection of side dishes. There's sometimes more and sometimes less, don't know why. Just to list a few: potato salad, kimchi, mung bean sprouts, spinach, cucumber, nokdumuk (jelly) yum!, squid, eggplant. Soon dobu has an interesting grainy texture -not from the pepper sauce. Kimchi Jigae isn't spectacular as well. All in all, Thanks for being open 24 hours for my midnight Korean cravings.
(2)Hass L.
OMG best KoBQ specials here ever, gurl. I have not had the typical Korean entrees here (bi bim bap, etc.) but rather the two to three person $55 special. It includes: chicken, beef and pork bulgogi, a lil' bit of kalbi, shrimp and lobster, to be personally prepared by your friendly Korean server lady, who dashes around from table to table in her colorful outfit, snipping and flipping away with her power tongs and scissors. These women are machines, fo real. But friendly machines who make deliciousness happen. In addition to the proteins, you get enough small bowls of Korean appetizers to crowd the table, a hot pot of beef/tofu soup, and bowls of barley rice. As well as unlimited refills of refreshing corn tea. The garnishes for the meats are heaven: typical fashion is to grab meat/poutry/shellfish directly off the grill, dip into the garlic salt/sesame sauce (on special request), top with chili pepper and yummy shredded scallions, and then wrap in a large, fresh sesame leaf. So good. When your rice and meal are done, another one of the mission-oriented femme-bots will even come by and pour a fresh kettle of corn tea onto the remainder of the hot pot of rice. The delicacy here is all the burnt rice krispies - when mixed with the corn tea this creates a dessert soup. Not my cup of tea, but I appreciate the gesture! You can really eat well here for like $25-35 per person (depending on whether you're eating the combo as a duo or trio), well worth it. Perfect for celebrations or to really give someone a great first time Korean BBQ experience.
(5)Paul W.
Solid 3.5 stars for providing very consistent and reliable service and food. Despite late night popularity, this place seems to be holding up in terms of overall quality. Galbi here is good.
(3)Michelle K.
This is my absolute favorite Korean restaurant. We eat here all the time. The prices are reasonable and the food is always awesome. Yes, there are other Korean restaurants that may be better if you're just interested in BBQ or naeng myun or whatever, but Yechon is otherwise all around good (their BBQ and naeng myun are really good too, but price/experience isn't as good as some other places). I highly recommend this restaurant. An added bonus is the bakery that they just opened up next door. They sell great cakes/baked goods, and have good coffee and frozen yogurt.
(5)Nancy T.
The sushi here is hit or miss (unagi great, maguro awful), but the real star is the Korean food. It's delicious! You get a ton of food for your order also. Come hungry! The restaurant itself is very warm and cozy with lots of wood inside and out. It looks like a little Korean country inn. Excellent service with very nice waitstaff who practically dote on you. Great neighborhood, too. I love this place. I'd love to come here to see what it's like early in the morning since it's open 24 hrs a day. Oh, I just asked my friend if he'd like to add anything to this review and he said in a pained voice, "No, I'm too stuffed." That says it all!
(4)Leon Y.
I was going to give it three stars, but after thinking about it, four probably fits it better. Why? I love their side dishes!! LOL. Before I even ordered anythings, the side salad were served already. Excellent. Other than that, the food is regular. I like the fact i can come really late at night and order whatever I crave for, just super. Extra points now for having the Breeze bakery next door. After done, I head on over there and get some bing su...hm.. what a good night.
(4)Mari G.
Great Korean (Asian) food with great service. Food is very fresh. They take pride in customer service as they are constantly watching to see if you need anything. They even have a button on each table to let staff know you need service. But, don't touch it as I did by mistake and it makes a chime sound that carries all around restaurant (I was embarrassed). Can't say more than other people have not already mentioned. Highly recommend and is now one of my favorite places. Try to stick to Korean (their specialty) and not the Japanese.
(5)Andres W.
For me one of the best Korean BBQ Restaurants in the Annandale Area. Great selection of side dishes to accompany your BBQ selections. The seafood pancake, and spicy tofu supper are also excellent. What I love most is the impeccable service by the waitresses who are wearing traditional Korean Dresses and the fact that this place is 24HRS.......
(4)Heather M.
I'm a picky eater. I don't eat seafood. Okay, hang on. I'll save you the trouble. "You don't eat SEAFOOD?" No, I don't. "What's WRONG with you?" I just don't like it. I don't like how it smells or tastes. It makes my mouth go to the sad place. "But...you're ASIAN!" ...And? "Well, Asians are supposed to like seafood." And I'm supposed to be on a yacht eating grapes off of David Beckham's stomach. Not all things that are supposed to happen actually do. Shall we continue? Let's shall. I don't like raw tomatoes. There are several other things that make my gag reflex do a little angry dance if I try to eat them. While I do feel that my food horizons have broadened a bit over recent years, eating at certain places can still be tricky. Eating at Yechon? NEVER TRICKY. Especially since there's bul gogi involved. There is a lot of food available here, and while I won't eat some of it, the plethora of which I have tried is very good. [Get the bul gogi.] They bring you a ton of side dishes. [Get the bul gogi.] They bring more than they tend to bring at other Korean restaurants, I've found. [Get the bul gogi.] They bring you so many side dishes, in fact, that once when eating with a group of six people we BARELY had enough room for the food. [Okay, okay, I'm stopping.] Not all the staff speaks English fluently, but they suffice. I've never had any problems with the service. It's prompt, friendly, and the food is always excellent. Now, I am Korean. However, I don't speak Korean. I didn't grow up in a Korean household. I do not go home to home cooked Korean meals. Therefore, I really have no base of comparison to the "real deal." I have, however, tried other Korean restaurants and I have yet to find a place that trumps Yechon. It's that good. And the piece of genius? The icing on the cake? You can get your K-food fix at Yechon WHENEVER you want to because it's open FOREVER. [Okay, not forever. No place is open forever. But 24 hours most days, which gives you a better option than IHOP and Amphora at 3 AM. Oh, if only I had known this place existed in high school.] Then, just when you think you've entered a food coma of bul gogi proportions [a bul g-oma, if you will] you can go down the street to Le Matin and get some bubble tea. You might think that you're full and that you're about to explode, but you're really not. Seriously, if you haven't gone here yet you need to go. Now. And you can go, NOW. Because it's open. You have no excuse. Yechon is light. Yechon is love. Do it.
(5)Natasha B.
Upon moving to Annandale a few years ago, I realized I was living in the heart of Korean town, so I figured, why not try Korean food right? That was probably one of the smartest decisions I've made post college! My boyfriend and I have tried other Korean restaurants, however, non compares to Yechon. We absolutely love their bulgogi (beef) and their daeji bulgogi (pork) dishes. We also enjoy the eight or ten side dishes that come with every meal and the miso soup. Okay, so, the service is okay, especially if you aren't Korean, the servers tend to ignore you. We've learned that if we need anything, just to grab the first person we see walking our way and explain quickly what we need. They'll bring out what you need eventually, but sometimes, it takes a while. We've showed up before where there's a long line of people, but the wait is never long. The parking sucks but we've never had a huge problem finding a spot. Overall, we're willing to sacrifice the horrible service because the food truly makes up for it.
(4)Deborah K.
As everyone knows, the cure to a hangover is drinking more. What you may not know (yet) is that the cure to not having a hangover is to trek it to Annandale and have Yechon while you watch dawn come upon your drunk/insomniac culo. I do have to admit that I've only been here after midnight...like some other Yechoners, I only go because it's the only place open at certain hours. But the food's not awful, and I swear it's the best place to conclude eventful nights before you pass out and hope not to wake up for the next 24 hours. (actually, im one of the few lucky ppl to never get hungover, but this is what i'm told.) The banchan isn't the best, and they don't give you more unless asked, but let's face it...at 4am, your biggest concern wouldn't be refilling people's banchan plates. The Yelp sticker upon entry defenitely reassures the good decision of Yechoning. Yechon is to staying up late (early?), as limes are to tequila. You don't HAVE to, but you prolly should. ....ok, that was the worst analogy, but you get my point.
(4)Eunhye L.
Good Food. Feels Like Somewhere In Korea. Service is also same as Korea.
(3)Jeremy R.
Oh, where to begin? After spending the whole day in the rain this was the perfect night time meal. My friend and I both ordered variations on bibimbap. It was served up in a smoking hot bowl and did not disappoint in the least. And the assorted kimchi was pretty freaking good as well. I do agree with others that the menu can be intimidating if you have never had Korean food before. I truly think that you could order almost anything on this menu and not be let down. Everyone owes it to themselves to eat here at least once.
(5)Daniel K.
Hands down the best place. The soup here is awesome and would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Yasu Yori O.
Was going to review on Tripadvisor but was surprised to note that this restaurant was not on their list. When I go to this Koreantown restaurant in Annandale, I only eat one thing because I can't find it any where else as far I know so far. I love crispy rice so ordinary bibinbap is o.k. but not quite. Their hot stone bowl comes piping hot and rice is still cooking at the table. Just love the golden brown crispy rice which I will dig up from the bottom. Today crispy was not as crispy but I still enjoyed it.
(4)Michele D.
----Update 5/26/08---- Had dinner here with some friends on Saturday night, and it seems the banchan were on the stingy and not so great side. We had a party of 7, and they gave us 2 of everything, but the portions in the bowls were just....small. Even th
(5)nat m.
We were here for my sister's bday dinner last night. The food was good but the service was lacking. We didn't ask them to cook the bbq for us but 2 out of our 3 orders were cooked on another grill behind our tables while our galbi were cooking on the grill at our table. They didn't come back to refill our sides until we asked them too. They packed the eight of us into two small tables with only one small grill. They gave us oranges before we even finished our food. It's around $28-$30 a person since each dishes were $20. We will give it another chance if we crave for Kbbq but we will not go out of our way to come back here.
(3)Isaiah N.
If you want Korean food and are in the area you have to come here. with its 24 hour service this place is hoping at all hours of the day and even night. I went here at 1am and the place was packed. If you are wanting to excite your taste buds this is the place to go. The menu has a lot to offer and i must say being adventures at this place is the way to. The drink prices are also very well priced. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking or some good Korean food.
(4)Mimi P.
I came here for our sushi fix. I ordered the sashimi dinner plate. It was decent, I was not blown away by the quality of the sushi. I also had the spicy squid and banchan which was nothing special compared to my past experiences. The service was average. I'll have to come back to find out what the hype is all about.
(3)Trish N.
Yechon Yechon! You go mon!....ughhh that was weird....anywho.... I ate here awhile ago but now decided to be a more active yelper... The service was great! Everyone was so nice from the moment we step in the door (^_^)/")) ::Ahnyonghasehyo:: The food was good! I ordered the BBQ something so long ago I forgot. It was good =) I like the miso soup and all the many little variety mini veggie condiments kekeke. Like how it is 24 hours! Great for late night gravings! The only thing was parking is always packed!
(4)bill h.
Simply the best of its kind. Just get in the car and go. It's that good.
(5)Samnang M.
I heard a lot about this place and how good it was from all my friends. It has a lot of good choices and different variety of Korean food. I ordered the typical Korean dishes it was okay but definitely no "Wow Factor." Typical side (banchan) dishes. Portions are small. Wait staff is okay. All I can say it's "Meh". I probably won't go again unless someone drags me there. I didn't get a chance to look at the total bill but I bet that it was definitely overpriced. Most Korean restaurants in Annandale are though.
(3)Chris M.
It seems I've been branching out lately on my "dining solo" culinary exploits - broadening horizons, if you will. And Yechon, surprised me a little because I didn't expect it to be so far outside my usual comfort zone. But let me start from the beginning. Yechon is located on Hummer Road and just one block from the intersection with Little River Turnpike. Parking is easy on their private lot. I arrived at 5pm, before the rush started, and entered Yechon. I was greeted by several friendly "hello"s, immediately seated at a nice table, and provided with water and a menu. The size of the menu in this Japanese and Korean restaurant is vast - there is a lot to absorb. Fortunately, I quickly spotted the BBQ section and locked my sights on the Steak Teriyaki. My efficient server noticed I was ready, and took my order. I quickly scanned my Washington Post, but did not have to wait for long. My server brought out six side dishes and a small bowl of soup. The side dishes are apparently chosen depending on the entree selected - I don't really understand the system, but I rolled with it as it was all new to me. I was finishing the first spoonful of my soup when my Steak Teriyaki was presented sizzling on its platter. Hmm, looks good. The Food - The Steak Teriyaki was definitely tasty in its lovely Teriyaki juices and was perfectly cooked. My only criticism is that it was not the leanest of cuts, but flavorful and better than average. It's the side dishes that were out of my normal comfort zone. Honestly, I haven't a clue how they were selected, or even what they were. I tried them all, two were great, three were average and one I didn't care for. The soup didn't do much for me either. What are these dishes? I haven't a clue - Japanese? Korean? Your guess is as good as mine. It was certainly a learning experience for my typical, white-bread, suburban Ruby Tuesday taste buds. The Service - Yelpers seem to be confused about the service here. Some say it can be a bit rude, but I didn't sense that. I sensed a consistent efficiency - a constant sense of urgency from the staff to handle the tables as quickly as possible. I was out the door in 30 minutes, but never felt rushed or slighted. I was pleased with the service. 3.5 stars - better than average food, efficient service, open 24 hours a day(!), and an easy location. It's a good spot for dining solo, or ultra late night cravings.
(4)Yan W.
I've been a big fan for years. Their boxed lunch specials are also great, but albiet a little greasy.
(4)Sarah S.
Maybe there's good food here. Maybe Korean food isn't our thing. However, our bi bim bap and the hot pepper pancake were horrible. We paid and left most of our food on the table.
(1)Helen Y.
This was the very first Korean restaurant I had heard of and tried since moving to the DC/VA area. I have never been disappointed, so it is always my fall-back place whenever my bibimbap cravings become too much to bare. Visiting family members and bulgogi lovers will be taken there by me, no question.
(4)Tri T.
I went here with a friend of mine for dinner last week which was a bit strange because I've never been there before 2am EVER! Needless to say, it's as good as always and smelled even better. We ordered bi bim bop and a squid dish which was pretty rad. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Yachon at 2:30 am though.
(4)Sophie T.
Oh my late night, after club grub spot! You will usually find me there on a sat night/sunday morning between 3-5AM along with DC/MD/VA's party goers. Room full of people, some sober and some NOT. Service is decent, they are on a skeleton crew but you're drunk anyways so who cares. Just don't expect the service to be attentive during that time. Food is excellent, or maybe you're just so drunk by that point that everything taste delicious! I kid, I kid, the food there is really really good. We usually order the Bulgogi, the spicy pork, Jap jae, abolone porridge, spicy squid, seafood pancake, galbie and more - oh yes, we are a hungry group! The best part also is all the side dishes that come with your food: kimchi and company! They are open 24hrs, so no excuse not to check them out! During the day, they are just as busy but the staff are ladies dressed in Korean dresses - very pretty.
(5)Scarlette T.
high point: open 24 hours. low point: deteriorating food quality. it's quite a trek for me to get out to annandale but i do so occasionally. i have to say, though the service has gotten much nicer (though it's still hit or miss), the food seems like it's suffering from the bustling business. we only get about half to two-thirds of the side dishes, and the ordered items don't taste as good as they used to. all in all, very decent as a 24 hour backup joint. sometimes they're fantastic. take it for what it is.
(4)Mac O.
Yechon, I've renamed you "Yum-nom." Henceforth, this is how you shall be known. Your banchan makes me giddy, and you happily offer refills of whatever my little gullet desires. Thanks for changing it up, too, so that each visit finds a different parade of these cute little plates on the table. Husband and I enjoy the Korean potato salad, the dried shredded squid, the braised beef and peppers, and the glass noodles. I am so appreciative that you have beautiful, marinated shrimp for me, while carnivorous husband can indulge in Gal Bi, Samgyeopsal, or Bul Gogi. The couple that BBQs together, stays together. [But, um, could you pay particular attention to the cleaning of said shrimp? Last time I found a poop chute. It was only once, so I am willing to forgive the errant doo.] I enjoy the wide variety of your "side dishes." Air quotes because they could feed a small army all on their own, like the veggie yakisoba which is packed with veg and lasts us days for leftovers. The only side dish we haven't liked here was your oyster and scallion pancake. It was kinda bland, and the scallion pieces were enormous. I like soju, and the sexy lady on the Chum Churum bottle is hilarious. A dapper server said to husband once, "See cute girl? This drink for the man," even tho I'm the one who orders it (he gets the Sapporo) and some girls like girls, you know. Speaking of dapper servers, tho -- wow, are your staff ever pros. Really welcoming, efficient, and patient. And the bus-kids are so hard-working. I love that water glasses are never allowed to empty. I'm a notorious water guzzler, and this is one of my benchmarks of good service. Even tho you're usually packed, waits aren't long. And despite the crowds, I never feel like you're raring to turn my table. Thanks for being you, Yum-nom. [15 Minutes of Fame: WETA's "Neighborhood Eats"]
(4)Merly T.
One of my favorite places in VA. I love the fact that it open 24 hours. I didnt like the goat soup was very hard to chew the meat. Sushi is always good. Their side dishes are so tasty!!!!!!!
(4)Alicia G.
I'm willing to bet that if you mention brunch, mini-burgers or late night eats to Kevin L, the following conversations will ensue: You: Brunch...what should I get for brunch? Kevin: Bison burger at Cashion's! -- You: I could go for a mini-burger right now Kevin: Have you had the mini-burgers at Matchbox? Or Morton's? -- You: I really like _fill in the blank_ for late night eats! Kevin: OMG - YECHON! Open 24 hrs! -- I was prepared to go to Ben's Chili Bowl last Saturday since we were 2 metro stops away, dressed in 80's apparel but then Yechon was mentioned and it was all over! I've been wanting to come here for a long time because Mr. L raves about it all the time and now I finally made it! Gotta love a 24 hr Korean joint! We arrived and secured a table in the back corner. It was kind of drafty but I was more focused on the fact that I was really hungry instead of caring about being too cold. I did get a chance to glance through the menu before Kevin just went ahead and rattled off our order (I had never heard a Chinese man rattle off an order in Korean so quickly!) Hae mul pa jun, bulgogi, kalbi, dol sot bibimbap - it was the perfect amount of delicious food. The ban chan were plentiful and tasty. Oooh this was exactly the way to top off an already awesome night! Service was quick and efficient. Water was refilled. Can we do a Yechon UYE please? I'm craving the pancake today.
(5)Felix H.
I'm giving you 4 stars because you're open 24 hours a day and for the food. You have some very good Korean food, not the best - but again it's because you're open 24-7. Be prepared to suffer with probably some very bad service though. Unless you speak Korean, GL to ya. I always have a better experience when I go with my Korean speaking friends. The wait staff also rotates: all male servers or all female servers. DOUBLE GL if you happen to go on a male server day. The lady's are a lot better IMO. Parking does get full.
(4)E L.
Salmon Teriyaki - 2 stars (Very Dry) Steak Teriyaki - 3 stars Service - 2 stars
(2)Michael S.
I'm not a fan of Korean cuisine (I know, I'm such a hypocrite), so this will be a biased review. This place is OK. A pretty decent assortment of banchan, especially the sweet potato thing they had (yeah, I don't know the names). This place was CROWDED and filled with a ton of non-Koreans. Which I guess is a good sign, since it obviously satisfies non-Korean palates. Like any Korean place, service is nonexistent (but no one really expects service at a Korean restaurant--I know I don't). Very hard time getting my water refilled. The busboys like to give lecherous looks to pretty much everyone under the age of 30 (creepy). The orange slices they gave at the end were pretty sad. At least they didn't have plastic dishes and bowls!
(3)Bro H.
This is a great late-night option. None of the food we had blew me away, and it wasn't exactly cheap, but none of it was bad, and it wasn't expensive either. Would I come here before 10 pm? Probably not, but luckily it's open 24 hours.
(4)Cat L.
6 of us came on a Sunday lunch and didn't have to wait long despite the place being pretty crowded. The lunch specials are available everyday, but there's no descriptions on the lunch insert like there are on the regular menu, so if you don't know Korean dishes (i.e. bibimbap, yukgaejang, or seolleongtang) then you're out of luck. I tried to ask the waitress for help, but she didn't understand my confusion. I got the beef bibimbap lunch special, and our table got 3-4 types of side dishes. The bibimbap had way too much rice and didn't have egg or a lot of veggies/beef. I had about 1/2 the amount of rice left over in the bowl because there wasn't enough of the other stuff. The menu's huge, so I wouldn't be opposed to coming back here and trying other dishes. I'd stick to ordering off of the regular menu though.
(3)Alexandra P.
First Korean barbecue experience and it was amazing. I don't know the names but everything starting from the tea to the grilled pork and fish, steamed beef and side dishes tasted delicious. The service was fast and efficient. To sum up the night, just buy a desert at the Korean bakery next door. Probably, next thing to do is to find something almost the same in Brussels
(5)Janice P.
Food is alright, solid Korean and Japanese food, but the service is awful when it's busy (which it is most of the time). Last time I went with my family, we ordered within the first 10 minutes. Banchan (the small side dishes) and 3 out of 5 of the guests' orders came out in about 10-15 minutes (fine), but my uncle's naengmyun came out 15 minutes after everyone else's order. If that had been the only problem, we wouldn't really have had a huge issue. The main issue with our meal was that the sogogi/beoseot jeongol (beef and mushroom stew) we ordered to share had been cooking for 35-40 minutes and 4 or 5 different servers had all come by, said, "Wait, there's no beef yet?" and gone back to the kitchen with no results. We had to flag down 2 more servers before someone finally brought the beef to add to the stew, and by then the mushrooms were all wilted and the noodles had become swollen and fallen apart. We were still charged full price for everything even after speaking with the manager. We will probably not be going back again. Two stars for the food, which was mostly good otherwise.
(2)Nick M.
Absolutely amazing place! Been here recently and l can't wait to go here again! Had the Mung Bean Pancakes and a veggie sampler. The pancakes are so good! Kept eating beyond being full! Super convenient that it's open 24/7 and very reasonably priced. I've never had authentic korean food before this place and I'm very impressed. I'm glad i had someone with me to introduce me to a variety of new foods like this place. It's good to know that Yechon is open when everything else is closed, I'm a vegetarian but from what i hear, you can't go wrong with any item on their menu. Looking forward to going back to this place.
(5)Justine S.
For a 24/7 restaurant, the quality of this place is great. Whether you're coming for lunch or after a night out, the taste & quality of the food stays consistent. The menu is quite vast and consists of a fusion of Japanese and Korean dishes from sushi, udon, and teriyaki to soondubu, Korean BBQ, and bibimbap, the sky's the limit! I always get the seafood pancake-- crispy, warm, and always a big hit amongst a group of friends, but as a warning, it's HUGE. Their special marinated pork BBQ is also a top contender-- it's spicy, succulent, and delicious. The assortment of banchan here is probably the best out of all the Korean restaurants in the area in my opinion. And virtually any dish is pretty much a hit! There is plenty of seating and once you order, the service is quick. It's never a regretful late night food run if I'm eating at Yechon!
(4)Dani P.
I can't believe it's taken me so long to finally eat here. Oh wait, no I can. Parking has always been awful, and now construction eats up even more of the parking availability. Yechon is 24 hours, and it is busy for just about all of those hours. I went during the day when it wasn't AS busy. It was just before the recent snow, so my friend and I ordered soups. The soups are a good price, between $9-$15 depending on how fancy, but the bowls are big and the helpings are generous. They kept our glasses of hot tea flowing. I think it's easy to get lost in their menu. It's Korean and Japanese food, and the menu is a little too long for my taste. As long as all of the choices are tasty though, it's all good. It's conveniently right next to Breeze Bakery, so you can hop over and enjoy desert and coffee once you're done with your meal.
(4)Dmitry D.
This place is good. I thought this was going to be another honey pig but it wasn't.there must be a reason why everyone not just Koreans go here. At this place the menu is better suited for everyone. The wait staff speaks English can actually explain everything to you.our already most of them. The food was so good fresh with a bunch of little plates tat cone out with.which is actually every where. But w loved the atmosphere the sushi is so fresh and the seafood pancakes one big one really good crispy outside good amount of veggies and seafood on the inside. And for the amount of food it wasn't that expensive. We are going back soon and week try done more Korean favorites. Good bless the USA for the big variety of did places.
(5)Sheryl M.
This is our second time here! I don't love everything we order but a like a lot of it! It's such a fun evening and we always head over next door for desert at Breeze! The hot pepper scallion pancakes may be the best thing in the menu! They are truly fantastic if you like hot food! We love the atmosphere and both times had very helpful wait staff!
(3)Francis c.
Even though we had to wait for us to be seated. After being told we had to wait about 30 min. we got seated in 10-15 min Food is always gonna be good when its cooked fresh. Of course the meat is more expensive but definitely worth the price.
(5)Steve B.
If you've been to LA or OC, this place is shit. The meat quality is poor and sauces are terrible. The price is steep for the limited quantity and service is average. This review is for the kbbq only; Yechon also serves sushi and a variety of other dishes. I'm not sure how it has 4-star rating... maybe ppl need to venture outside of VA.
(2)Abbie A.
I have heard plenty about this place and was excited to try it out with the fam bam while we were up in NOVA. We go inside and get seated in an out of the way spot since we were a bigger party. We look over the menu and there are tons of options of what to order - Japanese and Korean food. We order a ton of food and wait for it all to appear. In the meantime, we all got served some green tea. Weird to have it in plastic cups. It's hard to hold on to with it being hot. Anyways, the food starts a lovely procession to our table. Only the pork belly is cooked on the table side grill. The bulgogi and other food are cooked in the kitchen. No big deal, but that's part of the fun with the table side grill is it being cooked right in front of you. Plus, we had to order 2 orders of the pork belly just to be cooked in front of us. In the end, all the food was amazing and boy was I full. We had ordered the grilled salmon, seafood pancake, bulgogi, pork belly, and probably some others that I might have forgotten. The wait staff was nice. I especially like the button we could use to get their attention rather than having to flag them down. Still, I much rather prefer Honey Pig. Why? The banchan (sp?) or sides were refilled better. More things were cooked in front of me. Plus there are no crazy limits on how much or how little we had to order for it to be cooked in front of us. I think the prices were for affordable at Honey Pig as well. I'd probably pick here if you're trying to avoid the repetitive Korean music videos and garage feel of Honey Pig or if you just wanna hit up Breeze Bakery afterward since it's right next door.
(3)Diana S.
What to eat: 1.) Galbijim is one of my favorite dishes here. The selection is large and the service is highly English-functioning. My best advice to you is if you're Korean and craving home food and you're not looking for an open-late restaurant, there's a lot better in the area. On the flip side, if you're looking for America-taylored ambiance and service, please come here or Honey Pig. The decor and waiter costume is fun and shows a bit of what Korea would look like on a post card. What to drink: Most likely, if you're coming here, you have already had your fair share of drinks. 1.) Otherwise, be sure to ask for "hot tea." It's complimentary. Service: Sometimes, there's a line out the door. Actually, there's almost always at least a bit of a line out front regardless of the time of day or day of the week. 90% of the consumers are not Korean so the service is definitely English-language functioning. As a restaurant with a traditional full service, sit-down menu, the food comes out in a lengthy 16-20 minutes. There are an excess of waiters and waitresses for table ratio, so it's not hard to flag down one a member of the staff. They stand huddled facing the patrons near the kitchen door. Parking: Shared lot with Breeze Cafe, let's just say you need to keep your fingers crossed while looking for a parking spot. There's an extra 4 spots behind the restaurant and another 4 for parallel along the side. The lot out front contains about 16-18 spots total.
(3)Joanna S.
Holy banchan. I've never been to a Korean restaurant where they serve so many dishes of banchan. We ran out of space on our table for all of the food and had to start stacking dishes. I really liked the apple salad one and the kimchi. The BBQ was also delicious and portions were decent. All of food came out very quickly-- as soon as we sat down and ordered. Be prepared to wait. We waited over an hour and 25 minutes for a table of 5. The host gave us an estimate wait time of 30 min. The line of people waiting was out the door. Don't think I would wait again, but otherwise, the food was good.
(4)Rosita C.
Fabulous food and good service. My only complaint is that since it caters to more non-Korean customers now they turned down the flavors and heat. Long lines but moves quickly. Limited parking.
(4)Kat L.
I'm so surprised I haven't written a review for Yechon yet, what's wrong with me?! Coming here on a date is fine. Coming here on a double date is better. But coming here with a group is the BEST. Even on a packed weekend night the wait is worth it. Once you sit you have quite a few options. Although part of the experience of KBB is cooking the food at your table yourself, it is much quicker if you request (at least) some of your items be cooked in the kitchen. Bulgogi, yes. Kalbi, yes. Both cooked in the kitchen? Yes please. Service is quick, and if its not quick enough for you there is a little button on the table you can press for some instant attention. They are very asian, they are there to get the job done, and don't care how your day was. You white folks might be put off by this, but its not rudeness, its efficiency. Sodas come in cans, and rice comes in nifty little silver containers. Its family style here, so be prepared to share.
(4)Michael L.
Yechon is a Korean establishment that's popular with late crowds cause it's open 24 hours. When I first moved to the area, I came with a friend for lunch but hadn't gone back since. Now, over six years later, I went back with a friend for a bowl of bibimbop. Yechon has a big menu and offers sushi, to traditional Korean foods, to Korean BBQ. It's been on television specials and is one of the more popular Korean restaurants in the area and for good reason. Yechon offers great traditional Korean food and the prices are very reasonable. Since it is so popular, be ready to wait for your table. On my visit to Yechon, I went with the galbi bibimbop. The bibimbop is served in a hot stone bowl that retains the heat and keeps everything nice and hot the entire time you're eating it. You're also served a wide array of traditional Korean side dishes, which are all very tasty. I also ordered some sushi, but as a self proclaimed sushi snob, if you're looking for high quality sushi, Yechon does not deliver. Sushi is average at best and not worth the money. If you want sushi, go to a real sushi restaurant. My bibimbop was great and would definitely go back for more some day. Overall, Yechon delivers good Korean food. I've never had the KBBQ here, so I can't comment on that. But if you're looking for good Korean food, Yechon will not disappoint.
(4)joe w.
The appetizers including kim chi were diverse and delightful. The sides make you feel like you have traveled to Korea and then some. This is a 24/7 opportunity to enjoy authentic Korean food and then some.
(4)R. G.
I love this place for being always open, and for providing me with pretty damned decent food at all hours of the day. I love that, when the tide of time surges to 11PM and beyond, and hunger pangs gnaw at my innards like a pack of starving ferrets, my options are not limited to digging through my sad and empty fridge. I have Yechon! May it live forever.
(5)Kino A.
PLACE: I like the set-up in this place. The center infront of the door I always see looks like a couple spot. Also, I never got to sit in the back behind the pillars either. It seems it may be for reservations or something but never bothered to ask. There is a bar but never tried it here. When you do seat avoid getting seated under an AC vent (usually in the two corners on the left and right side of the entrance as you enter. The waitresses are always nice and they are always dressed nicely, FOOD: Def 5 stars. Their food always satisfies me, but maybe its because my tastebuds already was tainted by alcohol. Believe it or not I finally came here when I wasn't drunk a week ago. The food was still really good, the usual korean mini dishes (dunno the real name for it) before the meal I always love. The raddish, squid, kimchi, potato, all of it is good. You can never go wrong with bulgogi and kalbi. I tried one of the soups once and tried my friends rice dish with eggs. It was good too. OTHER: Def go here if you've got the munchies right after a DC debauchery... OPEN 24 hrs. OR come back for a good meal when you just want some korean food.
(5)Kenny B.
The atmosphere and service are very pleasant. The food was very good. I had the Bulgogi box at lunch time and it was very busy. It was inexpensive, presented well and was delicious. Parking is tight when they are busy.
(4)Candi W.
Oh Yechon, I wish I can remember all the times that I 've stumbled into your restaurant late at night. Over all from what I can remember, I think it is pretty good. I need to come back here sober.
(4)David L.
I am surprised I didn't know about this place all these years. This place is packed on Saturday night even late. We had to wait for about 30 minutes for a table. When we left around 10pm, there's still a line to get in. Anyway, we ordered the seafood with noodles that is cooked on the grill in a steel bowl. We also ordered a bibimbob(beef). Both are great. The small side dishes that they bring out are pretty good also. I notice a lot of people order the Korean BBQ beef. Probably 75% of the tables did. The only downside is the waitresses speak mostly Korean and understand very little English. So if you want something specific, it's hard to get it. But that is trivial. Overall, a great place to eat with family and friends. Will be back for more.
(4)Margaret S.
Delicious bulgogi and kimchi. Miso soup and lots of starter dishes come almost as soon as you sit down. We love to go here and they are open 24 hours!
(4)L M.
For Korean grill, this is my go-to place in the DC metro area. The meat is good, well marinated and prepared, they grill at the table, the servers are very attentive, and they bring copious amounts of the free side dishes (there were at least 8 I think). Remember to save a little bit of room for Breeze bakery next door afterwards!
(5)Qinjiao T.
The food is just okay, the service is not good. We waited for a long time for our dishes.
(2)Ken R.
Frankly, I got disheartened a few years ago looking for good Korean within the NoVA beltway area. Most places were either over-done, way too expensive dressed up versions of Korean food (which I never associated w/ Korean food the 6 months I spent there) or were dives that promised much but delivered ho-hum results. I can't believe I hadn't been to Yechon before and have been missing out all this time on the best Korean not more than 5 miles down the road from me. This is the real deal and is fantastic. Food, service, atmosphere. I was instantly taken back to my time spent in Korea. Not sure there's anything else left to say but that I've found my go-to place for Korean food in the DC area!
(5)Brenna R.
Ah.. what a find. Worth the drive off the "main strip" of restaurants out near Honey Pig. Pros: For less than $15 a person everyone in my group walked away stuffed on some of the best Korean food I've ever had. Sides were delicious though not the most creative one's I've ever had ( a lot of ___ in a hot sauce, much like a lot of Korean food). I opted for a hot beef soup which was just spicy enough, packed with veggies, beef, and noodles, and incredibly satisfying. The broth was clear and clean, a mark of well-make soups, yet complex and flavorful. We also ordered a hot pepper pancake for the table- a very filling and interesting addition to the meal whose leftovers make a great breakfast the next day. Its also worth noting that without any calling ahead on a Friday night, a table of 3 got a table after a 15 minute wait. That's worth the 4 stars alone! It's also 24-hours, and in theory the perfect place to get something spicy and greasy at 3 am after a night out. Though being so far off the metro I have trouble imagining the logistics of making this new dream a reality. Cons: The place is a flurry of chatter in every language imaginable, servers franticly running around, and the occasional cart of food. I wouldn't call it loud per se (there were people on dates all over this place seeming to hear each other well enough), but just... busy. Also...the service. The bussers were great, fast to take dishes and refill glasses, but getting a server was an event. Service is a game of push the button on the table to ring the service bell (?), wait, ring it again, wait.. then finally just flag down someone to take your order, get your check, etc. Though this did give us a certain leisurely feel in this chaotic space, a sense that we had the freedom to enjoy a our good food with good friends without interruption. And really... isn't that what eating out is all about?
(4)Kate O.
I found out about this restaurant when I stopped by at the bakery next door a few months ago and I told my husband that I would like to have dinner here sometime. Last night, we finally had a chance to eat here. We arrived at the restaurant around 6:30pm on a Sunday evening and we waited about 15 minutes before we were able to be seated. I had been craving the raw fish salad with the spicy sauce and I ordered that. I thought it was very good. They cut up the fish into nice bite-sizes piece. The veggies in the bowl were crisp and fresh. They served rice along with the salad, but I saved the rice for later as I had to eat the raw fish all in one shot. My husband ordered the raw beef babimbap and he liked it. My mom ordered the seafood stir-fried platter. The dish was huge. We had plenty of left over so my husband and I were able to eat the leftover for lunch. My brother ordered the grilled meat. He was not too impressed with the sauce, but he is hard to please so I wouldn't pay attention to his observation. I also the enjoyed the side-dishes that came with the dinner. Even though the restaurant was busy, service was prompt. They brought out food as each dish was ready instead of all together as customary in many American restaurants.
(4)Joanna M.
Yechon has a wide range of dishes (Korean, Japanese), open 24/7, and reasonable priced. I went with a couple of my friends so this place is great for family and friend outings or late night eats. There was a bit of a fish stench so I thought it best to stick with Korean meat dishes. They bring out lots of ban chan side dishes which are great. I ordered a spicy oxtail soup and order of spicy pork belly. I was disappointed that they wouldn't cook it on the grill at our table unless you order more meats but it was just me eating it so they cooked it in the back. My friends ordered rice bowls and said they were good. My Yechon experience was A-OK and I would return but I prefer Honey Pig nearby- better sauce on their spicy pork belly and they'll cook on the grill in front of you and better service overall.
(3)Anthony T.
Yechon is a machine. Though the servers, who are mostly women wearing flowy hanbok, may seem harmless, do not stand in their way because they will bulldoze you in pursuit of superior customer service. And that's what really made my experience at Yechon stand out. Even though I visited with my boyfriend on a busy Sunday night (the restaurant whenever I drive by, though, always seems busy), we were seated within 10 to 15 minutes, ordered in the next five, and received our food in less than 10 minutes. Our server was attentive, bright, and always expeditious in refilling our water glasses or banchan. Speaking of banchan, let's go to the food. For the price, Yechon offers pretty good Korean and Japanese offerings. We didn't order barbecue that night (Yechon is pretty famous for the late night bbq), but we did order sushi rolls as well as bibimbap. Along with your meal, you're given about six different banchan, or side dishes. These dishes included rice cake, kimchi, seaweed salad, and more. Don't be afraid to ask what things are and try everything. It all tasted fresh and delicious! The sushi rolls we ordered were large and tasted fresh. The bibimbap was prepared in the hot stone pot, but I was a bit disappointed by the relative lack of meat and the doneness of the egg (when it arrived, the yolk was already cooked as opposed to runny). I think their gochujang (red pepper paste sauce) lacked some punch as well, but the dish definitely hit the spot in terms of leaving me full. Overall, I'd give Yechon three stars for the food and added an additional star for quick and attentive service! Give it a try next time you're in Annandale~ Final tips: - They give you a buzzer that will notify you when a table is ready, but feel free to take a walk to the cafe next door. - If you run out of a certain side dish, ask for more! It's free refills, but of course, use tact and discretion. - You may want to eat slowly if you're looking to take your time in your meal--the server was very eager to give us our check once she noticed our dishes getting cleaned. Must come with the machine-like efficiency!
(4)sonia g.
Unfortunately, unless you're a native Korean speaker there's no way of ordering food to go. If misunderstood they either hang up on you, or tell you that they don't have the dish that you're reading directly off of their menu listed on their website. Being a first generation immigrant myself, I still find this type of customer service frustrating.
(1)Angela A.
Yeesh, I wrote a fabulous review just last week and was craving Korean food again, so I convinced my parents and boyfriend to come out to Yechon for lunch this weekend. We noticed there were some lunch specials, so we all ordered bibimbap - my dad, boyfriend, and myself ordered the kalbi dolsot bibimbap and my mom ordered the regular kalbi bibimbap. Meh, it tasted fine. Was lacking alot of flavor, there was no egg included in the bibimbap, which is strange, and the kalbi was tough and also had no flavor - lots of fatty pieces. The banchan was fine, but not nearly as good as it was the week before. Of course, the place was packed just like the last time, which is fine because all you need to do is push the button on your table and you get service right away. So we all left completely stuffed and I wasn't feeling very satisfied at all. Later in the day, both my boyfriend and I got sick from the food, and I haven't asked, but my dad probably did too since we all ate the same thing. There was definitely something not clean about the food that day. Bummer. It looks like I'm going to start frequenting a new spot for Korean. Bad, Yechon, bad.
(2)Mark S.
I'd call this a "higher end" Korean restaurant for Annandale. Food quality and prep is very good. The menu is a bewildering combination of Japanese, Korean and Korean-style Chinese food, and almost anything off the menu is really great. The sushi quality is among the best around. My impression with the Korean food is that they try to flavor it towards a more traditional Korean "royal" flavor, which means it ends up a little sweet and rich for my tastes (I prefer more "village-style" flavors, savory and salty). But I can't deny the quality of the food is high. Parking is a nightmare, buts that's because this place and the co-owned Breeze Cafe next door are extraordinarily popular. They have some set menus which offer a great value and tons of courses. Makes for a nice night out. Finish up at Breeze next door.
(4)Daniel K.
Horrible service, waiter and waitress both gave my friend and i the stank face, never in my life hve i experienced the stank face. Spat on my food as they brought it, gave me another stank face and left.
(1)Ana B.
Seriously good Korean food! A little bit of something for every taste too. Very good service. Only downsides: inflated pricing, somewhat limited options if you're craving Korean BBQ, the parking is insane, and the wait can be long. Another upside, they cook their rice PERFECTLY. It's the little things that make such a difference.
(4)William W.
Great food! Staff shares responsibility in helping tables. lots of locals. place is always packed. Have enjoyed our meals every time we have been.
(5)Roanna O.
I believe this restaurant discriminates against white people. You are absolutely ignored and treated differently. You are given water. Korean people get tea. They ignore you while providing amazing service to tables around you. That is my experience. I will never return.
(2)S H.
When you think of Yechon, the two things that come to mind is Korean BBQ and that it's open 24 hours. But what you forget about is the fantastic SUSHI that they have here. I don't understand how anyone can just slide that under the rug and just highlight the BBQ! Anyway, I think the sushi bar closes at 11pm but who cares. That's still late enough for me. I managed to finally come here and actually dine-in after being tired of ordering takeout. My friend and I ordered the Chirashi and one spicy tuna roll and one spicy salmon roll. A M A Z I N G . I honestly first doubted their sushi just because I'm not the biggest fan of their Korean food (home cooked is the way to go). I was thinking how can a 24 hour restaurant really have good quality sushi. But fortunately, I was wrong. Their sashimi is so fresh, it's unbelievable.... and their maki rolls? If you look at my picture, you can clearly see how beautiful the sushi chef rolled it: very evenly with just enough rice to fully satisfy your sushi cravings. The ratio between rice and fish made my day. Both the spicy salmon and spicy tuna were extra spicy and just so yummy. BUT....! Hate to ruin such a great review but I have to mention that the chef used just regular white rice instead of the usual sushi rice (with vinegar). The white rice was also very soggy and a mouthful to chew. :( Sucked...... On their menu, they don't have specialty rolls or that many classic rolls to choose from since this restaurant is mainly Korean food and BBQ. But I guarantee that you'll love what they have to offer though. They are simply delicious.
(5)Yue F.
I like this place because it's 24/7 everyday, even on holidays where most of other places are closed. The food is delicious and their menu has a good variety of dishes to choose from. One of my favorite is the grilled fish. The place is crowded most of the time, and I often had to wait for half an hour or longer. But one time they didn't call me for seat for a long time even though I had the buzzer with me the whole time. And the guy worked there didn't want to admit that he forgot about me, so he didn't apologize for it. Anyway, there is a nice Korean bakery store next to this restaurant, called breeze. So I often went to bakery store while waiting to be seated. It seems that their waiters/waitresses don't have assigned tables, so sometimes the service could be slow or confusing when the place gets busy. Overall, this is my go-to place for late night dinner, and there are quite a few dishes that I really like.
(4)Rose C.
This is my go to place when everywhere else require a reservation or if I don't want that *goosh goosh here comes the bass drop!* sound going off in the background making you feel as if you're eating your meal in a club and yes, I've done that before. Haha Depending which table you get, there will be a service button on the corner. Just make sure your elbow steers clear from it or you'll be hearing a doorbell sound that will echo throughout the restaurant. I also saw in Sin Y.K's past review that the buzzer works in Breeze Bakery (side note: If you're a student, you get discounts Mon-Friday sometime up until 5pm) so if you're stuck waiting, I suggest going next door to check it out until buzzed to be seated. I've come here plenty of times with friends and my boyfriend and with each visit I have not been disappointed (yet). This place does get packed and the situation with the parking lot doesn't help much either. I remember coming here early lunch 11am and it wasn't that terrible of a wait. :)
(5)Victoria V.
The lunch special is awesome at Ye Chon. Many of the Japanese bento boxes and Korean entrees are less than $10. Service and food quality are consistent 4-star. Parking spaces are limited and during peak hours can be a pain.
(4)Oksana I.
Let me start with "I love(d) this place". It is a little bit out my way, but today I made it! Was really exited until I walked into the door. Rushed, rude service, undercooked seafood... 15 minutes to get a sushi roll (only 6 tables were seated). Not a good experience.
(2)Henan L.
We love here! Great good and great price! The stone bowl food and side food are our favorite. We go here every two weeks.
(5)Dee D.
I love this place. Terrific Korean BBQ! Love their food, love how quickly the food comes, and love that they are open 24 hours! What makes it even better is that they have a bakery/cafe next door! It would have been 5 stars, but their parking lot and it's accessibility made me more than frustrated. It looks like their working on it though, at least I hope so.
(4)Alexandra M.
I give this 4 stars only because its the only place Ive ever eaten korean bbq...still the seafood pancake, banchan, & brisket were excellent. The service was also top-notch.
(4)April A.
I love the beef bulgogi, especially the spicy version! I tried the bibimbap, but it wasn't anything special-- haven't ordered it since. They serve mashed potatoes with bits of apples as a banchan and it is SO good! I love coming here and ordering the seafood & scallion pancake, it is my mom's favorite! The spicy seafood soup is very flavorful, the pork belly is super fatty, and the hot tea they serve is a nice touch. I live out of state so this is a great treat for those special events with family & friends. It is so hard to find parking, since it is always busy. The service can be a hit or miss, the waitresses tend to leave you alone for lengthy periods of time if not altogether. I've had to flag down the busboys many times to refill my water. Overall, this is a great place to share yummy food with company.
(4)Dan C.
Horrible service. Waiters are very forgetful and the wait can be ridiculous on the weekends. The bbq here is very overpriced with very small portion. Not a fan of this place at all. The only good thing to the place is that it is opened 24/7
(1)Josh K.
Not sure where to start, from terrible service, flagging down multiple waiters for water and what not, and to the small portion sizes on the meat and pricing, I think I'll stick with Oegadigib, Kogiya, or Honey Pig for my korean bbq needs.
(1)Jindo D.
OK, This place caters to two main types of people. First, those who have an expectation of sushi, BBQ, and what you think Asian food should taste like. This food is totally decent and very serviceable. Don't think of the fact that most korean's don't eat or want sushi and rarely will you see a bento box in korea. Second, those who prefer traditional Korean food. In this regard the restaurant is top notch, the old style soups are delicious and filling and the ingredients are quality. If you go here, do yourself a favor and go for the good stuff that they are famous for.
(4)Cyndy K.
Cyndy's Bottom Line: Tasty Korean dishes anytime since they are open 24 hrs. I called in a take out order of chop chae and kalbi as we call it in Hawaii. It is always better to eat in because it seems like the portions are bigger. Everything was wrapped up nicely. From the soup, the variety of ban chans and the rice. The ban chans consisted of kim chee, turnip kim chee, and wakame. Love the kim chee flavor perfect hot spicy. The chop chae was tasty and the variety of vegetables such as zucchini slices, carrots, onions and the beef made it so flavorful and delicious. Kalbi was good but a little over cooked for my taste because I enjoy meat medium rare. Perhaps I could have specified when calling in my order. The meat was marinated well comes through with the delicious garlic flavor. Yummy!
(4)Brian L.
I've only been here during dinner service and have been satisfied for my Korean cravings. But to be honest, this is just an average restaurant. The food is ok, price ok, and the drinks menu is not too extensive. PROS: 24 hours CONS: Wait time
(3)Gerri S.
What they all said. This place is awesome. Set in a residential neighborhood in annandale, this 24hr Korean establishment is a beacon of light. It's pleasantly lit and has a lovely ambiance. A good place to take someone who has never had Korean BBQ. The staff are very friendly, professional and quick to explain the various dishes. The sides were really awesome and overwhelming. I had the beef and chicken BBQ but could hardly get through half of it. It was a lot of food. We washed it all down with plenty of Soju and enjoyed a fat and happy afterglow. It is a little pricier as we each spent $25. However it was well worth it.
(4)Mike T.
We went in a Sunday afternoon and the parking lot and place were both packed. We did get a seat right away and immediately were waited upon with hot tea and a complimentary appetizer. The place was bustling and chatter everywhere, but it all seemed right. The wait staff was attentive to every need. The menu was so extensive it was hard to decide, everything sounded and looked good. As the plates were coming out of the kitchen each plate looked better than the last. I finally chose the beef yakisoba, which was little pieces of beef with noodles and plenty of different vegetables (snow peas, broccoli, carrots, red and green peppers, scallions, mushrooms,...). My wife ordered the Korean seafood pancake which had shrimp, tiny calamari, and vegetables. I tasted her pancake and thought it was a little greasy but nonetheless very good. The beef yakisoba was very tasty. With both meals they also brought about 8 or so side dishes which were fun as well as flavorful. I ate the kimchee and they immediately brought me a second dish. I never heard of a Cass beer before so I tried it and it was pretty good. I was surprised when the bill came at how inexpensive the place was. I highly recommend this place.
(5)J K.
For a 24/7 place, I was surprised at how amazing this place was. The service was fine and prompt, and they had a wide variety of dishes. When I say a wide variety, I mean that they have current favourite Korean standards (like bulgogi and sushi) to more traditional Korean dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere (like mung bean pancakes). I prefer my nokdu-jeon without kimchi in it though, but they only had it with the kimchi pureed into the batter. It was definitely a place that I would go again!
(4)Lynn C.
I hardly ever rate anything five stars, but I've been coming to this place for years now and I really really do love it. It's my "go-to" in Annandale for Korean. I love the Soon Du Boo and looking forward to trying other things on the menu other than the BBQ. Great service and they are open 24/7. Also, their lunch menu is really phenomenal (cheap, lots of it and super quick).
(5)Julia M.
I'm so happy a mom friend recommended this place to me! I loved the fact that we get complimentary appertizers before the meal and the Bim Bim Bap was good too. Probably could have fed two people, but I wolfed down the whole thing myself! Can't wait to be back!
(5)Keith N.
The food is awesome! Reasonably priced! Go early...the restaurant is usually packed! If you go before or around 5:30 p.m., the wait is minimal.
(5)Mai T.
How have I not reviewed Yechon?? I had my first Korean experience here years ago.. Although I have found other great Korean joints, Yechon will always be my first love. The banchan spread is plentiful and tasty. My personal faves that I get every time I come, is bim bim bop and bul kalbi. The kalbi is super tender but slightly chewy in a good way. Their bulgogi is a good staple here as well. Udon here is good.. and the list goes on and on. Think it tastes good for 7pm dinner? Try 3am stuff your face while drunk dinner.. awesome.
(4)omid a.
first and foremost, i can give this place at least 3 stars for being open 24 hours! coming from the land of 24 hour mexican hole in the walls, i can not emphasize the importance of having a late night eatery for those nights where you have had your alcohol consumption, and now just need some good food to follow! my boy brought me hear after telling me about it the week before. i was definitely excited because i have always been a fan of korean food. the service here was fast and friendly at about 1am on a saturday night (sunday morning) and the food was definitely delicious. i dont like to give a place 5 stars after only my first visit, but i definitely will look to shop here again and verify that it is in fact a 5 star spot.
(4)Xi W.
I brought my parents here, after a long day of playing tourist in DC, making it my second visit to Yechon. My parents are hard to please when it comes to dining. They don't like venturing outside of Asian cuisine and they have finely-tuned senses that can detect unfreshness (yes that word exists in my vocabulary) from a mile away. To my shock, not only did my parents like all the dishes at Yechon, but they were actually impressed with the restaurant. The menu is endless (in a good way), the service quick and professional, and everything is super fresh and delicious! If you're new to Yechon or have never ventured outside of Mandu, Beef Bulgolgi and Bibimbap (like me), I would highly recommend their Jap Chae, Haemul Dolsot Bibimbap (I know it's Bibimbap, but it's so tasty in a stone pot!), and Dae Ji Bossam (warm pork, fresh oysters!, and pickled vegetables wrapped in napa). The combination of temperatures, tastes, and textures in the Bossam set off sensational fireworks in my mouth ... like Remi in Ratatouille! I've always thought of Yechon (open 24 hours!!!) as a great Plan B when you're lost for a good place to go late at night, but judging by the spectacular variety of food and clockwork service, not to mention the brownie points it earned me with my parents, it is quick becoming my Plan A. Did I also mention they have an extensive Japanese menu and full service sushi bar?
(5)Tuan N.
Nothing special, very overrated
(3)CYNTHIA C.
I like Yechon. I have been here several times in the past 2 months. I usually order the tofu casserole. I ordered the beef teriyaki once and wasn't impressed. Stick with the Korean food here. I've never had bad service here. Open 24 hours is pretty interesting though I have never taken advantage of it.
(4)Melanie Y.
Who knew you can have korean food at 4am in the morning or more specifically a korean restaurant that opens 24 hours. This is the best and only place to go - hands down. Unless you want buffet then drive a little further down the road and come to Ill Mee Buffet.
(4)Jay A.
I'm not going to lie; I go to Yechon all the time. But It's not because of their food but it's for their hours. They're open 24 hours and 7 days a week and no one can beat that. After a hard core clubbing at DC, Yechon is a place to be. They have a very extensive menu just like many other korean places do, and they also have a sushi bar. But their food is just okay. Perhaps I have higher standards since I'm korean and I grew up eating homemade korean food with no MSG, but still Yechon's food is pretty blah. But still, no one can beat yechon's hours and I know I'll be there sometime in the near future. It's an okay restaurant with great hours.
(2)shawn g.
Although a bit of a drive, Yechon is a great spot for a quick Lunch. The Lady loves this spot, and I have to say, that filling lunch for two under $20 is nearly unbeatable. Particularly when it comes with all the banchan. We've transitioned from the late-night after clubbing crowd, to the delicious hot lunch on a cool fall day crowd, and the food is just as good. The bibimbap is tasty, and the bulgogi box lunch is a deal with all the sides. we even found a mozzarella stick in with the tempura veggies. The only thing the Lady doesn't like here, is when I eat whole cloves of garlic with our bulgogi. I can't help it though!
(4)Jake K.
Alright, having eaten Korean food in Korea, Japan, Canada, Uzbekistan, LA, Las Vegas, NY, and DC, I'd say this is the most versatile place I've ever been. If I had to make an analogy, Yechon is to Korean food as Outback is to steak. Why the comparison to outback? Well, simple. I'll break it down into several categories. Facility: Ok - it's a medium sized restaurant whose demand quickly outpaces the seats it can supply. You will wait a bit if you go during the rush (typically 6-9 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) but otherwise you'll be seated quickly. The bathrooms are clean unless you're there at 2 AM and the damn college students and "I-can't-believe-I-graduated-five-years-ago-but-Âstill-party-at-Aqua" folks have puked it up (thankfully it's more in the ladies bathroom than the men's). There is a non-smoking section but if you're sitting near old Korean men or drunk students, they'll be smoking anyway. The rest of the restaurant still let's you smoke (hey, they have to cater to the tobacco habits of Asia or the staple customer base dies with the habit). The music is a lot of old Korean pop downloads - I get to reminisce of college and high school when I hear the songs (how I ever listened to the crap is beyond me). Service: Ok - personally, some will say they like the guys better than the ladies. I like the ladies better than the guys. I say that because I'm a regular and there are two favorite ladies who will make sure that I'm taken care of (both are taller than the rest and I believe they're the youngest). The rest of the ladies are hit and miss depending on how bad their day went. Then there's the one middle aged lady who I heard mutter under her breath, "damn, just eat it and stop asking for this and that." I guess she thinks I can't hear her over the dull roar. She's right - but I can read lips, so GOTCHA B!%$#!!!. Anyway, if you ask the two nicer ladies, you'll get things quickly. The ladies will slice your kalbi or other grilled meats, refill your banchan without asking (but again, this could be because of the frequent diner status), and even come chat with you. I did have one gently chastise me because I noticed too many details (to include the burn marks on her arm from handling the grill pans) but they do it with a smile so I can't complain. Once 9-10 PM hits, it's shift change and the guys come in. Personally, it goes down from there but I think it's because I don't have 34B breasts, I don't wear short skirts, and I don't do the nasally, "oppaaAAAaaAAa" to get what I want. But then again, I'm a guy and if I do that, we have problems. Back to the service though....I don't think it's the guy's fault - they have dining room full of drunks, it's past a reasonable bed time, and frankly, I'd rather be drinking and watching TV with my wife at midnight than slinging kalbi to drunk students. Food: Ok - I do have some basis for comparison since I eat at different places for different dishes. If you're wanting kalbi with some great kimchi (I mean, that combo is like peanut butter and jelly), then this is the place to come. Han Sung Ok is good too - but it's a little bit pricier than Yechon. The menu is diverse and has tastes to suit every interest. The dol sot bibimbap is great - always a favorite staple but if you're wanting an egg on top, don't get the kalbi dol sot bibimbap. My personal favorite on a cold day in the morning is the hae jang guk, for lunch and dinner it's the mae woon kalbi tang (spicy kalbi soup). For the more adventurous (or those used to eating Korean fare), some of the jun gols aren't a bad idea - bul nak is a favorite but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're used to eating bulgogi, squid, and veggies mixed in broth. A couple of tips though for the uninitiated: 1. Don't order the pancakes (seafood, scallion, etc.) unless all four people are going to eat them. They're heavy on oil no matter where you buy it from and you'll fill yourself up quickly. 2. Re-order the ban chan when you're down to about 30% of the dish - by the time you finish it your requested replacement will come out. 3. Drink the 'dirty water' as some have called it - it's barely tea. AKA unfiltered and unfermented beer. On a final note, if you see me in the restaurant, please don't smoke next to me. If you're finished eating and I'm not, then go outside. If I'm in the non-smoking section and you're blazing up, I'll make sure I fart loudly for revenge. And yes, ask my wife, I can fart on command. Enjoy!
(5)David W.
Personally, I don't like my Korean restaurants with Japanese sushi bars. I don't think that they fully commit to one cuisine or the other. But this place wasn't too bad. We had the former. I had the BiBimBap, which was actually ok. They didn't give me enough - tegejung (hot sauce) but after asking twice - first getting "hot soup"... they finally got me "hot sauce". HAHAH Good stuff (and we asked both the Korean lady and the Mexican guy). Anyhow, my friends Kalbi Bento box was OK too. She didn't really like the sides she got. The PanChan was great. PanCHan is always great as long as you get at least 4 of them. =) My friend also wanted the Gyoza. That was horrible. Mostly veggies with a little beef, this semi soft semi crunchy dumpling was pretty sad. This place is OPEN 24 hours so come on by after the clubs!!!!
(3)Rajesh O.
Loved the BBQ. Food was great. I will recommend this to all.
(4)Amy S.
I usually come here when it's seriously late and there is no other decent place open. And yes there are a bunch of half-drunk college students who invade the place around 2-3am. But then again if you're one of those who complains about that then you're either 1)too damn old or 2)weren't invited to the kick ass party we just went to. It's definitely the hang out for locals espeically the asian crowd. It's clean and the service is prompt. Oh and be a decent human being and be patient with the wait staff that aren't fluent in english. I know I know that whole "you're in america learn english" thing but come on. These are old korean ladies working till 3 am, give them a break.
(4)Arthur O.
Extensive menu, et c., I don't know, it seems like one of the run-of-the-mill* Korean restaurants in Annandale, and the area has some really tasty joints. Also, it's supposedly open 24-hours, so if you are into partying late into the bright night that is the greater Annandale/VA area . . . You'd think that in the current 21st, they would have concocted a device that can effectively prevent/kill flies at restaurants . . . I guess we have something to look forward to in the 22nd century. * That's right. Run-of-the-mill in this area nets a solid 4-star rating. Only if K-Town Manhattan can get the same type of self-respect and step the hell up . . .
(4)Audrey L.
This place is awesome for two reasons: they're open 24/7 and the quality of the food is magnificent no matter what time you go! This is the best place to go to for authentic Korean food.
(5)Le L.
I came here for the second time ever since I lived in Annandale for many years now. I heard this place was good for their lunch special so I decided to take my boyfriend here for the first time with me. I did not see anything about lunch special menu or lunch special price for their food. I was very disappointed on that and they were not very nice on greeting us. I ordered the sushi with California rolls and my boyfriend ordered the spicy pork with rice. It came out like 35 minutes later and I was like how come other table has the food and we don't. I have to ask the waitress so many things rather they come and check on us. The service was really bad and I did not feel very welcome at that place. I actually do like their food,so I give them 2 stars for the food quality but not their service. I don't think I will ever come back unless someone drag me then yes.
(2)Janey L.
Wow. I was VERY happy with my experience here, and let me tell you why. 1. The menu has a HUUUUGE variety of Korean food. I was really craving soondooboo jjigae so I knew I wanted that, but I was so impressed by their assortment of dishes, from soups and stews to barbeque to Korean pancakes and more. They also have a wide range of banchan. 2. The SERVICE is MARVELOUS. I like that they are dressed in traditional Korean clothes, which makes me feel like I'm back home (even though the waitresses in Korea don't really wear hanboks in restaurants...). But more importantly, despite the chaos of the restaurant during dinner time, they would come to our table from time to time, make sure we had enough banchan and water, and promptly refill anything that was lacking. In other restaurants I usually have to ask for these things, but they were completely on top of it. Also they are just very friendly in general. 3. My soon dooboo was delicious and just what I wanted. Clams, shrimp, tofu - yum. Although it was a little spicy. 4. You get oranges at the end of your meal! IS IT CHEAP? I would say the soups are moderately priced and the meat/bbq is pretty expensive, but not extraordinarily so. My friends ordered the chadohlbaegi and they seemed very happy with it. So I guess the short answer is no, but VERY WORTH IT!
(5)Robert W.
This is by far my favorite Korean restaurant in the Annandale area. I have been a regular here for nearly 8 years and the food has been consistently good on every visit. They have a large selection of dishes on the menu but their best food tends to be the stews and soups as opposed to BBQ. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a late night meal, by far my favorite is the lunch special here. It is definitely worth going to this restaurant for lunch and ordering a Kal Bi lunch box. Another terrific dish here for those who want to try something delicious is Boyangtang.
(5)Yasmine B.
Ethnic food at its best! What a variety of foods are presented at this humble little tucked away outfit. Suggest you try their menu for 2 which provides enough food for three people. Top hits are the mackerel, the bean rice (which takes some getting used to) and their codfish stew that comes out bubbling in a clay pot. They don't take reservations, and they are quite popular, so either go early or late, to be seated fast.
(4)Donna W.
Food and side dishes were delicious. We went on a Saturday night and waited 40 minutes for a table. They don't take reservations, but at least you can go whenever bc they're open 24/7. Beware of sensory overload as it is crowded, loud, and crowded.
(4)Sandra May L.
I love te fact that it's open 24/7! I ordered the bibimbap and it was simply beyond my favorite! The hot stone bowl kept my food hot till I finished every bite and the hot stone bowl actually made my rice crispy too which is what I love as well :)
(5)Yujin C.
Korean food! I really liked the interior! The wooden interior with the waitresses wearing tradition korean outfits was so cute. It's definitely not like the typical korean restaurant's but it was definitely an experience. The menus very diverse and definitely has a simpe array of side dishes. It was a bit chilly and raining so I had the Ox Tail Soup (). The broth was goood and they definitely give you a lot, but I was surprised when I saw the noodles. I'm used to having the sweet potato noodles (transparent) ones, so I was a bit taken aback. Nonetheless the food was good. It didn't have the 'fake' taste or americanized taste.
(4)Hannah H.
About a 2-2.5: I was excited to try this place out as it's a Korean restaurant that is opened 24 hours, 7 days a week. They are literally located next door to Breeze Bakery. I love how the ajummas wear the hanboks; they were unbelievably sweet, too. We ordered the fried kimchi mandoos as an appetizer; they were crispy and had ripened kimchi within and it was pretty okay. I tried out their Yechon Special Galbi, which were beef short ribs marinated in the restuarant's special sauce - I thought it was more sweeter than usual, and the galbi was more 'wet.'; my husband had the Galbi Dolsot Bibimbop, which came with steamed rice, galbi, vegetables, all in a hot stone bowl; he also ordered mul nengmyun, which he thought was okay. There was a decent amount of banchans (I only stuck to the potato salad, and my husband was a fan of their pan-fried tofu). Service was efficient and very friendly! I am glad that I was finally able to check this place out! +open 24/7 +friendly staff
(3)Alison S.
Wow! I think I've found my new favourite Korean BBQ place!! And so close to home! We came on a Saturday night with no reservation (don't even know if they take reservation). We arrived just after 6pm and there was already a line out the door! Which is a good sign of course. They have a nice system of giving out pagers, so you can be sure that it's fair and efficient. We were told that the wait is around 20mins. We got a table after around 30mins wait -- not too bad, considering . The service was good and the food came out fast. Despite the obviously very busy evening, the waitresses never forgot us. They offered us the option of having our Galbi pre-grilled in the kitchen, and given the small size of our table, we decided that that would be a good idea. With all the side dishes that come with a Korean spread we were going to need all the space we could get. In contrast to many other Korean BBQ places, the tables don't have the built in grilling well. The restaurant is quite tightly packed so the tables tend of be close to each other. It's cozy. Everything was super yummy. Side dishes were plentiful and the kimchi was excellent. We left with our tummies happily full. We'll surely be back.
(5)Jackie N.
Yechon is a must for any korean bbq lover! I personally like to go during lunch b/c their lunch specials are the bomb. They have bento boxes, noodle soups, and sushi for all around $10-$15 if I remember correctly. My favorite dish is the hoe de bop....uh don't quote me on that spelling. It is a extremely big salad with sliced up sashimi and a spicy dressing that you mix in yourself. it also comes with a bowl of rice. It is healthy and filling at the same time! Even though I have been to Yechon many times, I still get overwhelmed with the large menu! Lunch specials are in the front, followed by the sushi, which is excellent, and then the typical noodle, meat, etc. dishes. One of their best deals is the fixed price meal. They have different menus for how ever many people you have. My dad and I usually get the 2 person meal, which comes with sashimi, soup, a whole fried fish, rice dishes, pork belly, and so much for I can't even remember! And it's all for around 30 something dollars! Note - parking is intense, but at night you can usually park across the street. Also - late night is just korean bbq, no sushi and all that jazz.
(5)Elizabeth C.
So good! We went late night and had a great time.
(4)Cang N.
Best late nice place you can go to. Great food, good portions. Also there lunch specials are awesome. under 12$ from any box. I usually get there galbi box. They have the best condiments they serve with there foods. Plenty of variety of different small kimchi dishes.
(4)A B.
Awesome place! Can't believe it's 24/7. Mandu are very tasty! Prices are fair. Parking is difficult sometimes, but not a huge deal. Highly recommend.
(4)Emily L.
I absolutely love this place. The atmosphere and the food is amazing with a decent price and the best part is that it's 24/7! I come here after picking up my boyfriend from union station because it's the only place that's really open. I have tried everything from maeun galbitang to dolsotbibimbap and everything has been good. The service is quick and they seat you as soon as possible. It's always busy when I arrive and the waiters tend to your needs swiftly. My water was always full too by a gentleman who has both the hot tea and the cold water on hand. All in all, for the convenience and quality of food, this place is a sure 5 stars!
(5)Brenda L.
Food was simply amazing and the service was pretty good. I will definitely return!
(4)Ross M.
Pros: + Good and Fast Service + Open 24 hours + Decent food + Fun to people watch Cons: -Jack of all trades, master of none -Your hair, clothes and iphone will smell afterwards - Young male waiters only I wasn't really blown away by any of the food. I've had better. But if you are looking for something decent in the middle of the night and don't want diner food, have some Korean! Is it better than Honey Pig? I don't know. You tell me.
(3)Steven K.
Yechon is a very popular Korean restaurant that serves traditional Korean food in Annandale. Expect to wait most of the time but the wait isn't too long. The most popular items on the menu are usually good but anything soup/stew is loaded with MSG. My face and hands swell up like a balloon next morning after eating Yechon. Food is good but don't expect good service especially if they seem busy which is all the time. Their waitresses are usually too preoccupied with other orders that they have trouble taking your order. I once tried to explain to the manager that I received a wrong order and he smiled and said he verified the order before the waitress has put it in the kitchen. Not only that, he insisted that I ordered what I had received which was wrong. While smirking, he handed me the bill and said the order was correct. So I basically ordered the wrong food that I have been ordering for the past 10 years or so. Their service is progressively getting worse as their business volume increases. Either they need to expand and hire more staff or improve on efficiency with service. Changing the manager would help greatly too! I will take my business elsewhere now that yechon is rolling in dough and customer service is on back burner.
(2)Jian C.
I was there with three friends for their Bento box lunch. We ordered two Sashimi lunch, one tenpura box, one rib beef box. As expected the food are very delicious, and come in big size. The only thing needs improvement is their speed for delivering the appetizers. We were sitting there for a long time before it finally arrives.
(4)PC W.
By the time Karmz and I arrived to Yechon last night, the yelpers had already handled the ordering which was great because the menu is infinite. As much as I am a fan of Korean BBQ (particularly bulgogi and galbi), I am still learning about other Korean dishes. The bulgogi and galbi were incredible. There was dish after dish of yumminess. You can't miss the place - it looks like a saloon and has neon lighting that says open 24 hours.
(4)John S.
As a Korean American, I would say I would go to Yechon for some Korean food. That says a lot. I gave it 4 stars because service can be spotty at times when they are busy. As for reviews that state kal-bi (Korean short rib) being over priced, you are correct. As a Korean I would never order kal-bi in a restaurant because it is way over priced. You can go to H-Mart and buy a pack of short ribs for under 20 dollars. And that pack can probably feed a family of 5 or 6. Good restaurant that serves good food. They do give plenty of ban-chan (side dishes) also.
(4)Melissa G.
great mom and pop restaurant. this was the very first korean restaurant ive ever been to. staff is friendly. food is great!
(5)Niki V.
Was there last weekend for dinner - it was a bit crowded (20min wait) - dinner rush. It was worth the wait. A wide range of food - we ended up ordering short beef ribs and bulgolgi ( cooked on the gas stove on our table - short beef ribs was my favorite), udon noodles and a plate of cold meat (pork belly, garlic, some sort of spicy veggie, pickle veggie). Everything was tasty. OH and we got a bunch of small dishes - they we're ok. I'm not a big fan of spicy food and --- majority of their small dishes we're spicy. Any who - we had lots of food for 4 people.
(5)Keri M.
Came here with a yelp recommendation. This place gets a solid O.K. from me. It's not great nor is it bad - just ok. We started with dumplings, which were fresh and tasty and were made with soft noodles. We also tried the soft shell crab roll, which was not very flavorful. Somehow we both got miso soup, too. My goodness there was a lot of food! I ordered #12 on Table d'hote menu, which is a salad with raw fish, roe, one or two non-leafy vegetables and rice with the spicy red korean sauce as dressing. This dish is an historical favorite of mine and here it was not great. The raw fish gets 2 stars. It was almost flavorless and a few pieces tasted borderline bad. The salad came with all mixed greens that were fresh, so some points were recovered there. My companion got Bulgogi, thank goodness, b/c as a result we got all the yummy side dishes. The BBQ meat was not great quality. It was thinly cut and had too many chunky strips of fat. Otherwise, the seasoning was just right. The service here was attentive and fast. A waitress was around whenever we needed one - i.e. to answer our questions. We were served food almost immediately. My water never ran low. One complaint is that we had to wait a while for the BBQ meat, so my companion got his meal a while after I got mine, so the timing could have been better. As far as the atmosphere, this place is pretty nice inside. Sound level was good. Most people here were dressed slightly nicer than casual. *Note: if you want to cook the BBQ meat at your table you have to place 2 orders of BBQ. Otherwise, they cook it in the kitchen.
(3)Jessica A.
Haha...i'm laughing at the "like a virgin" review of this restaurant... I'm from a town where you can eat out 24 hours a day at a number of restaurants, though most are diner/tex-mex oriented...so when I found a 24 place in Fairfax, i was so excited! the whole Korean aspect...I have to admit...freaked me out. I had never eaten Korean food before! My boyfriend and I headed over at about 11 to experience all that you Yelpers had been raving about...and we had a blast! The menu was definitely confusing...but we both picked fun, exciting, and new dishes, and we had a blast trying new things together. I don't know if Yechon will be my weekly late-night hotspot...but I'm definitely glad I found it! Thanks Yelp!!
(4)Rachelle G.
YUM! The perfect first meal after arriving! All I wanted after I got off the plane was food and lucky me, my friends knew exactly what would hit the spot. Thank you Yechon for being a 24 hour joint! I've been told that this place is also packed to the gills once the clubs close. I was a bit too lazy to read the menu because it seemed like they had plenty to offer so I ordered my usual bulgoki and was definitely pleased, it was a bit sweeter than I would have liked, but still definitely tasty. Great selection of panchan, but I wish they would have offered enoki and sea weed. Service is minimally attentive. They take your order, bring your food and bill, should you need more, flag them down. Interior is clean and bright. I'm sure this will be a regular stop for me when I'm in the DC area.
(4)K. P.
I grew up eating Korean food and I love coming here for my comfort food at any hour of the day/night. The service is nice and the food is good...what more do you need?
(4)Kim G.
Throughout the years, I have found myself at Yechon for lunch (great deal!), dinner, birthdays and in the wee hours of the morning. Something draws me there, it's magnetic...must be the neon signs or my good sense of smell. I was coming down with a cold and congestion, so after poking myself and ingesting some herbs, I headed there for some kimchi jigae (under $10). I was immediately relieved of my stuffiness as soon as I tasted the spicy tofu and cabbage, which in turn allowed me to feast on banchan and bulgogi. That's right, Yechon healed me and I will always be a loyal customer.
(5)Julia K.
I love this place. The food is tasty and authentic. The bulgogi lunch box special is a bargain! I've loved everything I've tried here, and the staff is so helpful!
(4)Greg T.
Thanks to Cameron B., I have rediscovered Yechon. When I first moved to the DC area about 3 years ago, I was taken to Yechon by a family friend who had spent several years stationed in Seoul and said that this was one of the best Korean places in the area. Being so new to the area, I forgot the name and location... until now. On my trip to Yechon, I ate Galbi (Korean BBQ). The portions were huge and the kimchi was nice and spicy! Service was brisk and typical of a Korean restaurant. Our waitress kept our mean grilling steady on the in-table grill. Nice marinade on the beef. I am looking forward to heading back as soon as I can now that I have rediscovered this gem. Oh yeah, it is open 24 hours too...
(4)CJ S.
Took my 2 grown carnivore to this location. Not really impressed. It was Sunday, around 8 pm. Ordered assorted meats to be cooked at the table. The beef was TOTALLY delicious. 3 small pieces of beef, 2 beef ribs...The ribs absolutely had very little meat on them..$23.. Not worth it. The marinated pork was okay. Service here is very lacking. The waiter dropped our bill off at the table and we were nowhere near done with our dinner! I am a total foodie...rarely cook at home, so I eat out a lot. So, I know there's some better places out there...$60 for 3 people was not too bad though.
(2)H. P.
Tasty! Open twenty-four hours!
(4)Anpan W.
Old school style Korean bbq, as in what you would encounter in Seoul or Osaka. Ambience was cool, the kimchi starters were great. But the kalbi, pork, and squid were just okay. You can do better on your marinated beef bbq dining.
(2)Alan N.
This is generally the go to spot for everyone I know when it comes to korean food and I'll have to say its pretty good but I'd avoid the sushi at all cost. If you can make it here during the day time then be prepared for great service but if you decide to go at night then watch out. Its 24 hours so you never have to worry about it being closed and its super easy to find once you turn onto hummer road.
(3)Edwin V.
whenever we're in the area, I'll go here for good korean food. i find it to be consistently good. the staff can seem inattentive at times, but it doesn't surprise me. it's not too expensive, and we always have a good time here. definitely a must try. i give it 4 stars for the food. the waitstaff, not really.
(4)John R.
I took a handful of Japanese clients here and they still wont stop raving about the place. Authentic and top of the line quality and service. From the outside the place doesn't look like it will amount to much, but once you step through the door you're transported. I couldn't tell you what we ordered, I rarely know what's going on, but we had everything from fish, beef, tongue - you name it. 24 hour korean bbq. Don't know when I'll need it, but it's filed away in the back of my mind and it should be in your arsenal as well...
(5)Chris W.
Overview: Korean garb, bbq pits on the tables, overhead vents and the smell of beef and spice. Need I say more? Awesome place to go post-drinking, since it's open 24 hrs!! Staff: Very friendly and Korean! Food: One of my most favorite traditional Korean places in the area. I love the Dae Go Mu Rhee Jjim and Bo Ssam while she likes the Gal Bi Dol Sob Bi Bim Bap. Of course you can revel in their Gal Bi and Bul Go Gi... but if you ever want to change things up... Parking: Easy peasy Money: Korean food isn't the cheapest. But this is definitely worth the value!
(5)Michico F.
Nice place, good food but service? sucks...most of the servers are very rude. I prefer eating at Honey Pig with friendly servers and also much cheaper.
(1)DeeDee O.
Love the banchan dishes. SO MANY! Have to keep them in mind when ordering, otherwise you end up with A LOT of food. Had bulgogi & tonkatsu, which were pretty good. Sushi's expensive. Actually, I think most of the items are kind of pricey. Except the lunch box specials which are my favorite. You can get a variety for a good price. Usually comes w/salad, miso soup, scoop of rice, kimbap pieces, potato salad, etc. I like the drink they sometimes serve at the end of the meal. Sweet & delicious! The takeout boxes are SO small though! Advice to newbie tippers using cash like me: You have to WAIT until they give you back the change tray to add tip. I don't think it will work when you add it to the check 'cause my friend & I tried that & the service literally hunted us down for "their" tip. Other that that, service was okay. Our glasses were always full. Oh & I like the waitresses' hanboks.
(4)Emma L.
From what I can remember from my Christmas 2009 lunch, it was fantastic! Very attentive waitresses with a push-button call system, good abundance selection of pancheon (sp?), and good decent food? Sounds like a great Christmas with the family. I typically yelp about NYC establishments and do not fare well with over priced Korean food located on a garbage filled 32nd Street but I'll tip my hat off to Yechon -- they've established a warm/friendly restaurant that is very unlike their kind of 32nd Street NYC. Bravo.
(4)Zhenyu S.
great food, their kimchi is ok, not as good as the ones made by honey pig, but the food is great.
(4)Lester K.
"It's not what you eat, but who you eat it with" This is my favorite line that I learned from my wife and I think it's pretty true. It's also the line I reuse on her when I make crap tasting food. More often than not, good company makes bad food better. No, this is not a negative review of Yechon. It's been 2+ or maybe 3 years since I've been to Yechon. Before that time, I've eaten at Yechon a handful of times. Since, I've eaten in Annandale more times than I can remember, but just never went back to Yechon. It's not that the food is bad, it was just never memorable enough to crave again. 3/1/9 - 1:45am EST Return trip to Yechon along with PIGs who stuck around. List of participants: * Jimena "Disappearing Act" M. * m. "Don't touch me I'm sick but will still eat in cramped proximity and breath on everybody to make sure you catch my Hepatitis B" m. * tina "Motherfucking fuck fucking bullshit fucking this motherfucking shit is the shiznit. I hug trees" r. * eric "The Judd" b. * (Non Yelper) Jeremiah "The Bullfrog that i sacrificed my Hae Mool Pa Jun To" NoLastName * lester "Can't get an order right" k. * Paul "I'm so spit wasted that I humped the waiter and crapped my Depends" M. * Marc Anthony. Yes, THE Marc Anthony. Apparently, he lives in Northern Virginia. Looks kinda Greek in person. I believe Tina, Eric, and Marc Anthony started off with hot sake, which they seemed to enjoy. Yechon strictly obey's Virginia's liquor laws, meaning they must clear all alcohol from the table by 2am EST. Food: * Bulgogi (2) - It was a bit bland and fatty but you couldn't tell when watching eric demolish it along with all the burnt gristle at the end. I wanted to tell him that it was OK to lift the grill and lick it off. * Galbi - See notes about Bulgogi. * Dwaeji Bulgogi (pork bulgogi) - Only meat we ordered to be cooked then brought out on a cast iron skillet. Pretty decent flavor. Wish it had a bit more kick to it. * Mandoo Gook - tina ordered this and graciously shared much of her hot, succulent, tender, um, dumplings with the rest of us and it was good. Broth was OK. * Kimchi chigae - m.m. ordered this and ate this all by herself to prevent the spread of her avian bird flu. It looked and smelled pretty good. * Ahl Tang (Ahl Chigae) - Spicy fish roe soup. Decent. Paul M. gobbled the roe like it was his lifelong mission. * Hae Mool Pa Jun (Seafood Pancake) - Seemed like a hit with everyone by the reactions of "Mmmm", "Ooooh", "Aaaaah", "Ahhhh", "Ohhhhh", and "Uhhhhh"'s everyone was screaming. From appearance, there was a lot of seafood in it and it didn't look very oily, which is good. I had one piece, but sacrificed it to Bullfrog Boy after seeing how orgasmic he got while eating his piece. I immediately regretted my decision * Soon Doo Boo - I think it was me who left this out of the initial order, but came out relatively quick once I did put the order in later. Don't know how it tasted because, well, Jimena did her Valossa Raptor impression when I attempted to attempt to reach over and taste it. * I can't remember if Marc Anthony ordered something or not. I wanna say Yook Gae Jang, but that could be my imagination. This place was half empty when we arrived. By the time we were eating, more and more people came, assuming they came after last call at wherever place they were at. By the time we left, it was pretty packed. I thought the service was pretty good. Obviously, it was better earlier on when it was less busy, but still wasn't bad when it got busier. Why you ask? I've said before in my review of Honey Pig: You must bring out your inner turrets. Service level at most Korean places really depends on how well you can outburst your requests via turrets. And I'm being totally serious about this. Yuh Gee Yuh !!! - Pronounced 1) Yuh as in yucky. 2) Gee as in geek 3) Yuh as in yucky * This means "Over here!" I'm giving this place 3 stars for this dining experience (A-OK), which is 1 more star than I would have given 3 years ago. Large menu/lots of variety. Good for introductory Korean food sessions and after hours food source.
(3)Melanie P.
PROS: Open 24 hours. Pretty extensive menu. Not too pricey. Gives you a table full of ban-chan. Cheap lunch specials. CONS: small parking lot, you might run into your parent's friends, and the worst is if you go at 3 am...you will most likely see that weirdo that was hitting on you at the club...doh!!
(5)Rachel A.
24hr and the food is amazing. After a night of clubbing I always go here to get late night eats at around 4am
(5)Christine E.
The waitstaff here is pretty attentive, inspite of the language barriar. I actually find the some of the night shift (the guys in the button up white shirts) to be pretty cute, at least the guy I saw last time. ::squeel:: But I digress. My first experience with Korean BBQ and panchan was here, and I couldn't have been luckier. The portions were good, and every little dish was tastier than the last. No matter what time of the day it is, this place is buzzing with customers, so don't expect anything too intimate. But that's what I love about this place, if it weren't for the tables, it'd almost be social. Everything that I've tried so far has been delicious--sushi, soups, beef BBQ, etc. The prices are reasonable, which is nice--at least I know that if I stumble in drunk at 3 AM, I'm getting a good price despite my vulnerable state. :)
(4)Jimena M.
What's better than Korean food? Korean food 24/7!! After a night of straight up revelry and plenty of crapulence (yay for word of the day!) the best thing to clear up the mind is a big bowl of spicy korean food. A group of us PIG's made it out to Annandale for some late night Grub. Lester K's review pretty much sums up what we ate. Though my soon dooboo came late, it was great - big chunks of tofu, lots of seafood, tasty broth, not as spicy as I would have liked though. I would have loved to try the yookgaejang, but I can't have beef at this time :( I tried a piece of mandoo from Tina's mandoo gook, it was big, moist and flavorful. The hae mool pajun was also great, filled with scallions and lots o' seafood. Ahhhh...that hit the spot!
(3)Ann-Marie N.
[Sept 2010] We went there on our home from Shenandoah and both had the BBQ - bulgogi and the one meat with special sauce. I'm not sure about the protocols, but it was hard to discuss as the ladies (very nicely dressed) barely speak English. We prefer our meat not well-done but these ladies seemed almost hellbent on cooking our meat until crispy. For the second round, we were able to leave it medium-rare, but then the meat was difficult to chew. Not sure what we were missing. The other thing was I was not impressed by the bachan (side dishes). Normally when I eat Korean there are at least 2-3 that I'm salivating for... something was missing. (Granted, I am comparing Korean food to KTown in Manhattan... sorry). In any case, this place is very civilized... maybe it needs to get less civilized to get some edge to it. Who knows, maybe it was just an off-Sunday...?
(3)David C.
How can you go wrong with 24 hour Korean food?? And not just Korean food but good Korean food at a good price. Why go eat IHOP or some other nasty 24 hour diner place when you can get some good quality Korean food at 3 or 4 in the morning, beware it gets pretty busy after last call. It's just perfect to satisfy that drunken hunger for kimchee or mandoo or Korean BBQ or bibim bap. Where's all my Koreans at? But of course, when you have a 24 hour Korean restaurant with a bunch of drunk ass Koreans sometimes it can get a little rowdy so beware all you non-Koreans. Yechon is a Northern VA staple for late night eating.
(5)J H.
The first time I went to Yechon was when I was 17 and I puked all over the bathroom hallway. Why you may ask? A combination of underage liquid intake and an inability to understand there is something called, ...no tolerance... simply put, gosh darn't Joyce was trying to be so cool and it didn't quite work out that way. So because of that ever so embarrassing moment, i refused out of pure shame to even enter this fine establishment. Up until three years ago. It was a night of hanging out with friends as hunger set in. They suggested Yechon, i said no! No way jose! But when they asked me why, I couldn't bare tell them my walk of shame. So you know what I did?, I fell for the bucket and went to Yechon... My, my how it had changed! Even at 3:00 in the morning (which is probably the best times to go) it was busy as a bumble bee. This was the BHP days (before honey pig) We ate mounds and mounds of bbanchan and an incredible amount of gogi and jigaes. My, my what a wonderful meal... until I had to excuse myself to the bathroom. I walked to the corner and embarked along that familiar hallway... ah whatver... So tracking ten years later, Yechon still creates that traditional Korean familiarity but definitely kicked it up a knotch. Their food is good and clean, the servers are pretty in their hanboks and the restaurant is bright and elegant. Even for three o'clock in the morning extravaganzas, its A-Ok_ in my book!
(4)Tom D.
Open 24 hours -- and they give you a table full of panchan and are happy to bring you more if you ask. The food is really quite good too -- I think it might be as good if not better than Sorak Garden (where the panchan and service is not as good either). Fun and funky atmosphere -- it gets a little stranger as you get into the late night hours.... I am a fan -- another jewel in the Annandale crown.......
(4)Jennifer B.
Large delicious menu, can't go wrong with the BBQ. If its busy, expect service to be slow. Actually, even if its not busy expect service to be slow. But don't worry - this is a great place to hang with friends and enjoy a meal to its fullest. Take your time and try each one of those lovely appetizer dishes!
(4)Maria D.
I was just going to say the same thing as Tu-Van about the Haemul Pajeon (seafood scallion pancakes)...so good that I took the leftovers home and am now eating them for breakfast the next day! Yechon provided good, friendly, patient, and knowledgeable service for our group of 8 who was well mixed with some folks intimately familiar with Korean food, and others who had never tried it before. The food of course was excellent.
(5)molly l.
I'm obsessed with this place. Authentic, spicy, awesome and cheap. I get cravings for it constantly. If you've ever tried Korean food and kind of liked it, or consider yourself a casual fan of "Asian" food, you MUST go here, it will become your obsession too. Not all the waitstaff speaks fluent English, but they're really nice (I think.. hell, they could be talking about me and I would have no idea) just go for it, trust them, ask for recommendations, be adventurous. And it's open 24/7. I mean, how cool is that?
(5)Quinn T.
Such a good tasty place but the service is crap. I have to say I felt neglected and got the "whatever" vibe from the waitresses. But that doesn't really matter to me cause for the most part I was left alone to eat the yummy food. And the prices are decent too, not all that expensive like other places.
(4)Cindy Y.
If you're looking for a place to go really late at night, YeChon's the place to go. It's open 24 hours/7days a week. YeChon has a pretty large selection of Korean dishes and offer a decent selection of Ban Chan (small side dishes) to go with your meal. It's great because you can find things on the menu that aren't really served around the area. My favorite is probably the Heuk YumSo Jeon Gol (Goat Meat Stew). It's supposed to be a healthy dish and great for the complexion. After saying all these great things about this place, you're probably wondering why I gave it two stars, right? It's because they threw me an unpleasant surprise in my dish. I had a piece of hair in my soup. If it was just hair, then fine, but it was more than just a little piece of hair. It was thick, dark, somewhat curly/wirey. It looked like pubic hair, and I'm sure it probably was since it definitely grossed out the waitress who had to deal with it. So naturally, you see, I no longer go to YeChon.
(2)CR N.
OMG! I had never had Korean before my friends took me to lunch at this place. We arrived before the lunch rush and the place was packed. I can see why. The food was great. The service was very good and I felt like a got a good value for the money. I would definitely go back.
(5)Elana G.
Always good. If I go for Korean BBQ, and I get to pick the place, I go here, hands down. Stay with the classic BBQ fair though. A friend once got the chicken teriyaki, and it wasn't good. Their seafood pancakes are awesome too. I remember the sushi being fine (only had it once).
(5)Go K.
Date Attended: Saturday, 1/1/10 Came here late night, early morning after partying it up for NYE. The place was packed. There was no semblance of a line to wait to be seated. There was no acknowledgement from any host. When something became available, they would let you know that they were ready for you. Now just because you get a seat does not mean that you will be served right away. After placing our orders, we had to wait another 30-40 minutes for our food. When you see a huge party getting served first when your smaller group placed an order before theirs, that does not sit very well with me. We didn't even get the side appetizers until our meals came out. We got no service during our meals either. The Kalbi we ordered wasn't even seasoned. Think bland beef. Now think blah. On this nice, this place failed. On other nights, they would get 3 stars or maybe a 4 if I'm feeling nice. They are 24 hours which is why they were packed on this night. I should've just gone to the 24 hour McDonald's drive-thru. At least there I would've got served in 5 minutes!
(1)Laurie C.
One of my favorite foods is Korean BBQ and it is hard to find a place since I left home (Los Angeles) that is just as delicious. Though, this is not comparable to my favorite kbbq place in LA. It is the best I found so far in the DC area--even better than Honey Pig (why do people rave about it?). Definitely get the marinated galbi--delicious! If you say it is your birthday, they'll sing for you (and maybe dance too). :)
(4)Clinton S.
I was taken to Yechon last weekend after a day of rough travel and a few rougher nights enjoying the Maryland landscape. I was in the need of kimchi to restore my health to what a more youthful version of me used to feel like. Having grown up with a Korean mother who raised me on Korean food I have a pretty good taste for the unique cuisine. First thing, the building looks pretty cool from the outside next to a 7-11. The inside is equally as nice, definitely going for the whole Asian feel. The staff is authentic to the surroundings, luckily I know enough Korean to get me by and I am familiar with the menu so I was able to direct my companion on a dish that they would surely love. Everything on the table was great. Most importantly the rice was cooked to perfection. The banchan selection was very good. They offered everything from fried tofu to spinach to tempora. My kimchi jjigae was great and the bulgogi I sampled was delicious. I was very happy with everything at Yechon and I highly recommend it. Also, the place is open 24 hours, fucking fantastic.
(5)Judy Y.
holy mother, yechon wins for the most number of plates on the table at one time! This place is simply amazing, the pictures people posted say it all. I love variety and this place offers about a dozen small dishes before your order even hits the table. The seafood pancakes are a million happys in your mouth. my one complaint: I'm not a fan of fishy flavor and thought the fish stews tasted too fishy, in a day too old sort of way. sorry. other than that, AMAZING!
(4)Viet D.
Yechon is so good. Their banchan they bring out is so plentiful. I went there recently with 6 other friends and we had a blast trying all the different Banchan. We ordered tons of food and we ate it all. The only thing that I don't understand is with some of the barbeque meats, you have to order 2 orders. We had so much pork it was crazy...but we still ate it all.
(4)Sara B.
PROS: -great price: many dishes under $10, very reasonable sushi prices -extensive menu: the menu was like a book; 7-10 pages long! -awesome value: it is customary at Korean restaurants to bring you various small plates of appetizers after you order (for free!), and they even gave us complimentary glasses of tea with the check -great food: I've had both sushi and Bulgoki here; both were tasty, with generous portions. -open 24/7. 'nuff said. CONS: -noise: they always seem quite busy. if you're looking for a quiet, intimate meal, this isn't the place. -service: really slow and disorganized. Some waitresses are friendly while some aren't, and many don't speak much English. -outward appearance is tacky; neon "24 HOURS" signs and a large parking lot out front. a lot nicer inside. -no explanation of what the appetizers are(most of their clients are Korean and probably already know), and their menu descriptions are a bit bare. this can make for an...adventurous dining experience. All in all, great place to go if you're hungry, craving authentic Korean or Japanese food, and you want to get the best bang for your buck. And it's 3am in the morning and nothing else is open.
(4)Helena J.
I wonder who has been writing reviews on this place? My husband and I decided to check out this place, because it got great reviews here on yelp. Boy were we dissapointed! First we got a varied selection of korean side dishes (panchan). The problem was that most of them were not good. The kimchi had potential, but the rest of the side dishes looked and tasted artifical. Then we got beef to be grilled at our table (ju mul rock). The meet was ok. But we did not get the usual condiments to the meet. No garlic. No sauce. No sesame oil with salt. We decided to ask for the sesame oil, but when we could detect the msg crystals swimming in the oil we were given, we just ate our meat the way it was and left. To top it off, the service was not even good.
(1)Ron M.
Great place for a rookie Korean food enthusiast. This was only the second time I've eaten Korean food. My wife and I were very impressed. We're adventurous eaters and like to try to new cuisines, and this was the latest on our list. Very nice decor and waitstaff. The sides (bon chon) were very good, but the BBQ cooked at the table was even better. We'll be back.
(4)Rachel P.
this will be short and sweet: i've been here a handful of times. i've always had good, prompt service; always had yummy yummy food no matter what i've ordered; the place has always been bustling, packed with chatty hungry people; you can't beat that it's a 24 hour joint. i agree with others, this isn't a place for sushi. it's not horrible, but it's nothing special whatsoever. then again, this is only coming from friends that have ordered a few rolls. i myself am too eager to have the korean food to bother with the sushi. (go to yamazato or koi koi for some damn good sushi!)
(4)Lina C.
Yechon is my all time favorite late night snacks place to go. They have the best Korean side dishes; the soups (degumaewongtang); meats (Kalbi) and appetizers (Seafood Pancakes). I am not a big fan of rice but I eat a lot rice when every time I go there. I think most of their Korean dishes are good except the Sushi. Yep! Yechon is my first pick Korean restaurant to go, a bit far but worth the drive
(5)S6 5.
my go to korean spot; and i know korean food as i've grown up eating it all my life. yechon is the all-around best korean restaurant in the area; if you're not sure what you're in the mood for regarding korean food, go here. they do mostly everything pretty well. its a bit pricier compared to other places in annandale, but the environment and service make it worth the extra money. plus they are 24x7! nothing beats korean food @ 5 am after a night out on the town
(4)Tommy M.
Always reliably good food, always open, and the best and most extensive set of side dishes in Annandale. I've only had basic dishes such as bulgoggi and duk mandooguk and bibimbap, and haven't had a bad meal yet. Like many Korean restaurants, this place also has a sushi bar. Waitresses wear a casual hanbok giving the place a nice atmosphere.
(4)Hugh A.
I've been to Yechon twice for lunch and had the Bi Bim Bap both times (what can I say, I'm a "bap" junkie!). It wasn't the best I've had, but very good. I'm a big fan of the side dishes that they serve - especially the kimchi. The service was outstanding. The waitress was very helpful and attentive. Yechon is a great value for lunch. Both times we walked out of there for around $20 for two including tip.
(4)Bear R.
you gotta give it to this place for being open in the latest of hours. korean food is legit. the meats are good. the entrees are good. they let you in when you drunk. they get you drunker if you want them to. good korean food.
(5)Fi T.
Let me just start off by saying: I FREAKING LOOOOOOOOVE THIS PLACE. I think I crave this place at least 2-3x a week. No joke!!! I love their bbq meat and their diverse selection of banchan (kinda neat, you get something new each time you visit, lol). It's very convenient in the sense that you can come in at all hours of the morning or night to satisfy your craving for some good ol' Korean food. While I do order from their selection of sushi, it's usually hit-or-miss in that area. Their sushi is kind of dry if you order it at night (maybe when it's not being freshly prepared? Eww, to think if it's being sitting there all day...) My only complaint is that if you come during a busy time (lunch time or think late weekend nights when people just came back from clubbing), the service SUCKS!!! You have to flag down your waitress, and sometimes most of them are limited in their English. But if you're lucky, you might just get one of the nicer waitresses. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend if you want to try something new in this area for a reasonable price and just a new experience.
(4)Irene A.
Normally when you think of a 24 hour restaurant, it's Denny's or IHOP. After a night at the bar, my group and I decided to go to Yechon. Growing up in the midwest and now residing in PHX, there are no such asian restaurants that are 24 hours. So I was pleasantly surprised to go to Yechon. I had the chicken fried rice and it was very good. If you are ever in DC and looking for something late night. Definitely check this place out.
(4)Alexis N.
Definately some good, yummy Korean food. The restaurant is cute and looks like a traditional Korean restaurant from the outside as well as inside. The hosts/hostesses are even dressed in some kind of traditional outfit which is really cute and adds to the experience. I ordered a shredded beef soup dish and also tried the bulgogi meat. The beef was well-seasoned and tasted excellent. The soup was also unexpectedly delish! I would definately recommend anyone to check this place out. They are open 24hrs, which is a huge plus for a relaxing spot after a night out in town.
(4)ronnie k.
every ktown has a late-late nighter spot. this is it for VA. food is spectacular at 4am with one eye shut barely hanging onto your chopsticks. ive been here dozens of times but between the hours of 2-6am. wonder what the food is like during the day??
(4)Leah B.
So good! We had a large group and ordered two of the full meals. It came with beef short ribs, pork, chicken, lobster, and a ton of little side dishes. The food was amazing and so fresh. I couldn't get enough of the short ribs with the peanut sauce and this shaved veggie in sesame oil. The service was great and the price was awesome. We had a ton of food, two drinks each, and two sushi rolls and it came out to like $30 a person. Can't be beat!
(5)Jennifer P.
This place is amazing! I think mainly for the fact that they are open 24 hours and when you walk in at 3 in the morning, its packed!!! We always order a bunch of meat to be cooked at the table and then they bring out the 10+ little side dishes that are always so tasty! Some of them are questionable as to what they are, but always good! Great lunch bowls too! Service isn't the best, but I usually go late night and I know they are dealing with alot at that time.
(4)Christine L.
Recommended by a Korean friend of mine... it was authentic and amazing! I'm a big fan of the Seafood pancake and of course, the BBQ! You can never go wrong with Bulgogi and Kalbi. And like all Korean restaurants, they always give you lots of appetizers with the BBQ.
(4)Chris G.
It's pretty cool that there's a 24 hour restaurant in the area that is not an American-style diner. That's the first thing. Second, from my one visit (so far - there will be more) I have to admit that the food is great and I like it a lot. It helped to have someone guiding me through an unfamiliar cuisine. It looks like the main attractions here are the meats that they grill at your table, but my group ordered what I imagined would be a few snacks to share, and ended up with a plate of 10 fried dumplings, a big bowl of spicy tofu and beef stew, and a hot pot of bibimbap . The tiny pickled dishes are great too. It's a fun place to eat. If I felt more knowledgeable about Korean food I might be give this place 5 stars, but I frankly don't know the difference between good, really good, and great. So this place might be great, but it is certainly good.
(4)Alice L.
Really, how many restaurants are out there that are 24 hours, and give you little dishes to munch on before the main course arrives. I really like their ox-tail soup and bi-bam-bop. So goooood. And it's always so lively there, with ladies dressed up so nicely in traditional gowns. Truly, if you're look for some good korean food, and you sit down at a table, and take a look around to see yourself surrounded by korean people. You're at the right spot.
(4)Charles B.
Good stuff. Staff does the best they can with the volume of business. Great kimchi and other banchan. Intimidating for first-timers, but worth coming back.
(4)E S.
Went to lunch on Sunday, didn't have a reservation, showed up at 12:30 and still got a table right away, yay! I either have not been out for Korean food for a while or am spoiled by prices elsewhere in Annandale because the BBQ looked on the expensive side. We decided to order other things. I have to agree, yook gae jang (shredded beef soup) could be spicier. I also didn't like that it's served in a ceramic dish because when it's served in a stone pot it stays temperature hot much much longer. Ojing Au Jigae (spicy squid stirfry) wasn't very spicy either, but the squid was perfectly cooked! We saw fried rice on the menu and asked if we could have kimchi fried rice, we were told "no". Booo! Kimchi fried rice is the best. Opted for deep fried pork in sweet and sour sauce and that was very good. I must compliment their banchan, a very nice selection, they do korean potato salad so well. The place did get busy, so the servers were practically throwing the dishes on the table before rushing away, but I didn't think the service was too terrible, you just have to stick your hand up assertively to get attention.
(4)Ji-In L.
Whenever I used to visit DC back before I moved here, I would always hear about how great the Korean food was in Annandale. And people would always take me to Yechon. As a result I've been here probably 5+ times and I always try to order something different. I've never had a dish here that I've liked. I wouldn't mind that the soups and stews weren't very flavorful if the price reflected a boonshik jum (Korean fast food place) type of quality. I'm just put off by the fact that you can tell the dishes aren't prepared as they should be and they still try to price them at $15. A lot of times these Korean places that try to do everything (and aren't known for a specific dish) don't do anything that great. Jack of trades... ace of none.
(2)Jeannie L.
I heart Yechon, especially late at night! This is still my favorite Korean restaurants after all these years. They provide super tasty Korean entrees, like stir fry octopus, seafood pancake, spicy bbq pork, etc.. Great service. The waitresses are always dressed in very colorful traditional Korean outfits and are usually pretty attentive. Even their array of free side dishes is delish! Yechon can do no wrong in my opinion.
(5)Kenneth L.
Where else to go at 3:30am and why not treat your tastebuds with Korean food? The dishes are presentable as well as satisfying. But you may feel like an outsider in this place as you may be surrounded by Koreans. Typical for korean food, they're spicy - but aren't some them too spicy, even for Koreans?
(3)Arslaan K.
the most awesome place ever. great food, great prices.
(5)T N.
This place has GREAT hours but the food is just mediocre. I usually have trouble picking out what I want to eat when I'm there and so I usually get a spicy soup or something quick. We only stop by there when all of the other restaurants in town are closed and the only one open is Yechon. I do give 2 stars for its convenient hours but food wise I don't have much to say or comment on.
(2)Dominic C.
When the phone rings at 3am and the person on the other end says 'I'm thinking Korean', Yechon is the way to go.
(4)K S.
Variety in food selection is great. The prices and taste are good but the service is terrible. Why are middle aged korean women so bitter?!?! I also find them racist. If you speak korean then they give you better and more side dishes. The exception is if you are white, then they are nicer to you but you still don't get better/more side dishes.
(3)Lee T.
What can I say, it's 3 am and the ribs were great. Besides what else is open? I wouldn't recommend eating anything too spicy, because it's so late at night. Sure beats going to IHOP.
(3)Miles W.
Good Korean food, solid four stars. I enjoyed my Kal Bi Bibimbap!
(4)Trang N.
When I started eating here, it was always in the middle of the night after clubbing. I was drunk out of my mind 90 percent of the time I would come after 2AM, so I honestly don't remember how the food or service was then. I just remember it being jammed packed (it's one of the few places in No. Va that is open 24 hours) and it took forever to get our orders in because nobody would ever come around. By the time the food actually got to the table, it was scarfed down immediately. For the times I do remember, the food was very good and surprisingly cheap. ($15 for Bulgogi! It's usually $20+ anywhere else). l really like their sushi. However, the service is wishy washy. The waitresses there are always either having a good day or a bad day.. I would too if I had to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I swear, every time I come here, no matter what time of day it is, the same exact women are working. Do they ever get a break? With that being said, I can almost cut the service some slack. I've been here a couple times for lunch. That's probably when the women are the nicest. Once a lady even took the time to help me decide what to order. I was pleased with her recommendation. Don't ask me what it was though: she just pointed at something that was written in Korean and I just nodded. The time that totally threw me off about this place was when my boyfriend and I went for dinner. It was somewhere around 8PM so it wasn't packed. We've been to dinner here before, so we knew it wouldn't be. There was only about 1/3 of the tables in the whole place being used. My boyfriend and I ordered the usual: Bulgogi, Kalbi, and 2 orders of sushi. (We love to eat Korean/Japanese food, okay?) Halfway through our meal, we notice this huge party of people seated nearby us. I'm assuming they ordered sushi or at least something that needed soy sauce, because the lady serving them thought it was alright for her to come to OUR table and take OUR soy sauce for the large party to use. Um, HELLO? What if I was still using that?! Why did you not think to swipe the soy sauce from the empty table right next to them?! I was utterly speechless. I could barely eat the rest of my meal. Thank goodness I had already finished the sushi we had ordered. Now that I think about it, this actually might be the last time I had a meal there.. I hate to say, but I have to say it: I sometimes think the service provided there is favored to Koreans. I may be absolutely wrong and this might bite me in the ass later, but it really appears this way. Being Asian does not suffice either: It's as though you must know how to speak their native tongue in order to get decent service. 4 stars for the fairly priced good food. Only come if you're feeling patient that day.
(4)Shannon A.
I've been here many, many times (maybe 12 times) and my last two visits compelled me to write a review. BEFORE these last two visits, I would've given Yechon 4 stars. The food was always good (except the Sushi, but it is hard to find amazing sushi here) and the service was also comparable. Now let me explain my last two visits that made me change my opinion about this joint... I usually go to Yechon with my boyfriend, but this afternoon I went with a girl friend of mine. Usually the waitresses are very friendly and I am greeted as soon as I walk in, but this time they just glared at us and asked how many and sat us down. Two Korean families came in 5 minutes after us and were greeted (yes, I am one of those people who pay attention to little customer service touches such as this). They were also given drinks before us and their orders were also taken before our orders and we were there first! And yes, they got their food before we did too. The place wasn't packed either, I'd say 10 tables full. The waitresses were SO (yes, I needed to make that emphasis) rude to us, glaring at us as she took our orders with a pissed off, annoyed look. When I asked for more panchan she literally rolled her eyes and uttered an "Ugh" !!! Oh, but when she came around to the Korean people seated around our table she was all smiles! Now, I don't ever usually pull out a race card but I could definitely see the difference in how she was treating the Korean people seated around us. I am a mix of Polynesian, Japanese, and German and my friend is Filipino/White, and we don't look that Asian although we are. I've experienced this type of treatment before at Koreatown in Los Angeles. I usually go to Yechon with my boyfriend who is 100% Asian and what do you know, we get excellent treatment even when the restaurant is extremely busy and crowded! But my friend and I decided to give Yechon another chance and we returned a couple days ago. It was quite empty. I've never seen the parking lot or restaurant so empty at 5 pm! I've been here at all times too, for lunch, din, and between 2-5 a.m. for some after-party grub. Anyway, there were 2 other couples in there dining. Most of the waitresses were sitting at a table talking and the busboys were quiet and polite as usual, minding their own business. So basically, my friend and I were the only one they had to wait on. I don't know what happened but it took a good 10 minutes for them to rudely take our order (Kalbi and Shrimp Tempura Roll) and it took even longer for the food to come out! The food usually comes out pronto! I usually always order the Shrimp Tempura Roll and it always comes out within 5 minutes after ordering. This time it didn't, and after waiting nearly 20 minutes for the food, the Kalbi came out and the roll still wasn't there. I didn't say anything because I wanted to test the waitress and see when or if she would even remember (I was already so peeved, I didn't want to even speak to the waitress). Needless to say, she remembered when we were almost thru with our Kalbi so I just politely told her to cancel my order. She looked really embarrassed and did not even apologize. She just came by our table and looked around and uttered "Oh, sushi!" and ran to the sushi bar when I proceeded to follow her and told her to cancel it. She just said "Ok." I'll probably only go here when I'm drunk and starving at 4 a.m. after a night of partying, with my boyfriend in tow. Other than that, I'm finally going to give some other Korean restaurants a try.
(2)Kerry C.
Open 24/7. Great food, long wait times, and service is rushed. I usually get the bbq but cannot order anything I want because they separate into cook at table side and not. I think they mean cook yourself and cook for you, both at table side. Cannot order the cook yourself platter with the cook for you platters. Any platter is good so you cannot go wrong with any choice as long as you like meat. Tofu soups and pancakes are also good. I wouldn't order the noodles due to the prices. Be sure to ask for their hot tea and sesame oil salt sauce for the bbq.
(4)Timothy H.
Decent Korean food! Now, if you've read my reviews from LA, you'd know that I love this place by my old office called Seongbukdong. I refer to it as Grandma's because it was opened by an older Korean lady, and if you look in the kitchen, it looks like Grandma's cooking for you . And that place is awesome. 3000 miles later, I'm at Yechon. It's not quite Grandma's, but it's close. The food is solid, the banchan tasty, though not as plentiful, there's the little button to push for help (an excellent idea that more places should incorporate), and their sul lang tang tastes just like the good ones in LA. I haven't tried their sushi yet, but their beef is really good. Too bad it's not all-you-can-eat, but maybe that's a good thing for my arteries.
(4)A H.
Parking is a nightmare at this popular Korean restaurant, and the line is long (though they are efficient and the turn over rate is high). We have had grilled fish here as well as Korean BBQ (grilled at table with assistance of waitresses). Yummy! Their free side dishes are a highlight; plentiful; free refills; literally filling the entire table even if you just order a small entree. Rice too, all included. They are FAST! As soon as you place the order, the dishes arrive! Possibly the best Korean BBQ place in the greater DC area
(5)Jesse W.
The service was great. The food was excellent. The only reason I do not give Yechon a five star is I am not a huge Korean foodie. The BBQ was fabulous but do not think it is anything similar to southern BBQ. Coming from North Carolina I am used to a different style of BBQ.
(4)Cynthia F.
OMG this place is amazing, we ate so much until we felt we were going to pass out. The food is fresh, the selection is HUGE, the service prompt and the ambiance traditional. We had the spicy squid and the beef picy noodle soup...highly recommend.
(4)Kyle F.
Ordered a sea food soup, ended up puking my guts out for a few hours later. Reported Yechon to the Office of the Inspector General of the FDA. My experience at this place was pleasant up until they made me have food poison, great service, great setting, great food (minus the seafood). If you want to eat the seafood, expect the worst.
(1)Anh N.
The last time I went here they were no longer 24 hours, but I'm not sure if they went back to their normal hours. I used to go here for years until one night we had muchies for korean and drove out to Annandale to find out they were closed. The 2 star rating goes to a few reasons. I find this place a bit overpriced and I witnessed the waitress cleaning up the tables and collecting all the used/old lettuce from other tables to reuse. After seeing that, I was pretty turned off and never felt the need to go back. Honey Pig is another option that's 24 hours if you are craving some Korean food.
(2)Adele C.
Great Korean BBQ spot, open 24 hours. The price is reasonable and the service efficient. I am usually suspicious about a korean bbq places (well any non-sushi bar really) that offer sushi as well, but after trying an order of hamachi out of curiosity, I was pleasantly surprised. The alcohol selection for me is limited, I am a fan of flavoured soju and Ye-chon has none. With the BBQ, I was informed you could only mix certain meats on the grill (marinated vs non-marinated). This was disappointing as I like a mixture. The meats that I did try were delicious though. I was a fan of all the complementary side dishes. The gyoza were very filling. They were also crispy on both sides, and I prefer the more traditional way of crispy on just the one. To conclude, Ye-chon is great restaurant that will definitely satisfy a craving for Korean BBQ at any time of the say or night!
(4)Nick N.
Food: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Cleanliness: 4/5 Decor & Style: 3/5 I'll start out by saying this would be my second fav Korean place in the NoVa area. Honey Pig is still my favorite. Nonetheless, I still give it a 5/5 overall. Yechon has a much better variety than Honey Pig, thus, why I go here a lot as well. I like the family size portions and variety when you order the "family of 2 or 3" specials. However, as far as the taste of BBQ goes, I prefer Honey Pig more. If you like different types of variety and Japanese food as well, Yechon is the better fit. If you like "hardcore Korean BBQ", then Honey Pig is better. Both are authentic IMO, and also according to my Korean roommates. Yechon has the old school look and feeling. I prefer the city modern look & vibe. I also like how it's next to the cafe/desert place next door. Nothing better than getting some desert next door after consuming 10,000 calories of Korean food!
(5)Ha N.
My family and I (total of about 6 or 7 people) went out to Annandale specifically to eat some good Korean food and Yechon didn't disappoint. We got the seafood casserole (Haemul Jeongol), cold noodles with beef (Mul Naengmyeon), Galbi Dolsot Bibimbap, Kimchi Jigae, and Bulgogi to share. Everything was freaking delicious. I can't remember a single thing that I didn't like about that meal. The meat had a nice char, the bibimbap sauce was perfect (not too sweet), and the soups/stews were very well-seasoned and not at all skimpy. I especially loved teh casserole. That is plenty of food for about 3 people. I think they might've said it's for 2, but my family doesn't really eat much. The menu is HUGE, so I think there's definitely something for everyone at this place. In terms of service, I'm someone who doesn't like too much interaction with my waiter/waitress so I loved the bell system. We were left alone to eat our food until we needed them and rang the bell. HUGE plus: it's next to a nice bakery, so you can have a nice walk around and some dessert afterwards.
(5)B L.
Good K food...open 24 hrs...try their seafood & meat grill...yum...can get crowded so don't expect to get seated quickly during peak times...
(4)Susan R.
Good food. People generally don't like Korean service but the button on your table is to call for the wait staff which is actually a great system. Don't be surprised when you can't take home any bachan. I hear it's fairly regular at restaurants. You can blame overly litigious people who leave a dairy potato salad on their table while they eat a long meal (the small portions of banchan are the first to arrive) and then expect it to still be fresh a couple days later. The restaurant owners are just protecting themselves.
(4)Esther W.
I know this is a huge and popular establishment in this neighborhood, but there were a few things that didn't sit too well with me. 1. The lunch dolsot bibimbap I ordered didn't have an egg. That was pretty disappointing. It also didn't have as many vegetables as I've gotten in other restaurants. There was a lot of rice though (unproportional imho) 2. My friend asked the waitress what some of the items on the lunch menu were, and the waitress was dismissive and impatient. She didn't really explain what they were, and we couldn't keep the menus to compare and find the Korean word in the regular menu. 3. We had to ask for extra banchan more than once and the waitress didn't really pay attention to us.
(3)Heather M.
There are a lot of korean restaurants lying around in this area but which of them is open 24/7, offers good Korean bbq + many other tasty Korean dishes, offers speedy service, and is neighbors with a Korean bakery? Only Yechon. I kid you not, all of their dishes are exceptionally tasty. I've come here multiple times and I have loved EVERYTHING I've tried- from their tangsooyook, rajogi, soondubu, kimchi jigae, to their haejangguk and seafood pajeon, I really cannot rave about their food enough. My top two here are their tangsooyook and seafood pajeon- great dishes for sharing with a group! Portions are generous (and they don't skimp out on the flavor either) It gets crowded both inside and outside. It's pretty hard to find parking in the limited space they have. It's always packed inside- but they have a policy where all the servers are your servers so you don't have to rely on just one. Also, if it gets so busy where no server is giving you the attention you desire, there's a little button on your table you can press to be assisted by a server! They really know how to run this place successfully and efficiently. It's always loud and it's not the prettiest place in the world but definitely a great to go with a group!
(4)Joannah Y.
Whenever I come here I end up stuffing myself. They give you appetizers that would make someone's lunch/dinner already. Service is so so, our order taker got our order wrong. Maybe I spoke too fast or something. They were willing to take it back but I didn't mind the mistake. The food is good especially the barbeque. Will be going back because I haven't had everything in the menu yet.
(4)Dane C.
,One of my most favorite restaurants. I moved to Nor Cal 3 years, and haven't been able to find Korean food this good. It's got quite a few seats, and usually it's packed. The food is amazing. So it's been over 3 years since I've been here last, and the food is still as good today as it was over 3 years ago. Service staff is friendly, and helpful. I used to come here at least once a month, when I lived here. I am glad I made the trip over here. If you like Korean food, chances are you won't be disappointed with the food. I always get the gyoza, delicious and not to heavy. And usually get the bulgogi. Today I got bimbimbap, #7, and it's so good. It's also open 24/7, which is good when you're hungry late night. Way better choice then Dennys, or IHOP. Check this place out!!
(5)Madeleine Q.
I love this place overall! The one thing you MUST TRY at Yechon is their gamasot-bop (literally translated as rice cooked in a caldron). This is one of the most chewy, nutritious, and tasty rice you could get at korean restaurants. It comes with purple rice, other grains as well as ginseng and chestnut. This rice comes as part of the jung-shik package dinner for 2. We tried combo special A, $38 for two people, which comes with short rib BBQ, grilled mackarel, soybean stew (den-jang-jjigae), dumpling soup, and a variety of side dishes. I agree with some of the reviewers here that the quality of service is subpar. They rarely come back to check up on you but they are not rude either. They just let you be. I also love the fact that this is a 24-hour restaurant and they have expanded the parking space in the back so plenty of space for every car!
(4)JOhn P.
must have to cal ahead for a table reservation. Service is prompt but I recommend other places such as Iron Age for beef. all you can beef is pork, which I don't care for.
(3)Ben F.
This place is legit if you're looking for authentic Korean food. Service was quick and mindful, food was amazing. Just how restaurants are in Korea. Will definitely go back. Their cold noodle soup was on point.
(5)Arvie M.
I always come here after midnight when nothing else is open. I would never come here at 6pm when everything else is open, because this is by no means my first choice of Korean restaurant in Nova. The food is good, but in my opinion, I've had much better Korean food elsewhere. I should say that some people would say that the service is not very good. I had a server once tell me to shut up after I asked him a question (he was trying to answer me but I kept rambling on) but I'm pretty sure he was joking. Also, in the middle of the night they have like one or two servers in the whole restaurant, so when it's packed, it's very slow. But that's not the servers fault I suppose. I'm pretty easygoing, so I didn't mind these things so much, but I'm sure other people would.
(3)Erick H.
Excellent authentic Korean food. We went with a deaf Korean friend, and had an awesome experience. The Panchan is great, the Bulkogi is amazing. Bibimbap was excellent, with lots of veggies and meat. It was missing the egg, though. They have a buzzer at the table that you can push and someone will come and find out what you need. They are always willing to bring out more side dishes. Loved the atmosphere and the food.
(4)Pin C.
I like to come here on special occasions and it has always been great no complaints. Tonight we came and got a table for 6 and the host or manager (old man) kept walking to our table kept asking how much longer until the rest of our guest arrives. He kept eyeing us and I told him that they are almost here and we were eating appetizers; it's not like we were just sitting here. Then he comes by again asks again every 5 minutes and says that we've been here an hour already and I said no it's only been 30 minutes. All this man cared about was turning tables quickly and not the quality of customer service. He even bothered the table next to us because they were waiting on the rest of their group too. NEVER COMING BACK..The servers are awesome but not that man.
(1)Kevin Z.
I had a great experience here. Quick with their service! We got a table for 2 under 10 minutes on a Friday afternoon for lunch. We were greeted by a waitress at the right time to order. Ordered the Galbi Bibimbap from the lunch menu. Only thing I wish they added was the egg. Kinda disappointed but hey it was good!! There is a bakery called breeze next door and they have a lot of interesting baked goods the atmosphere is really great!
(4)Mila C.
Although, I would have love to give this place 3.5 stars, I can't since there is no option for half stars. After looking at the pros and cons, unquestionably, the pros outweigh the cons. Let me just say how much I love the fact this place is 24 hours. I was craving korean food so early, that I was worried there wouldn't be any places open. Yechon was the optimal choice. When we first came in, I was surprised that there were waitresses dressed up in hanboks. I commend them for having to wear those hot clothes while running around all day catering to the customers' needs. I was craving something fried, so we ordered the tangsooyook (fried pork). They didn't have it because it was too early or something. Granted, I arrived at 10:30 am, but if it was too early, there should have been a separate menu or a time sheet for when something is available. Then, I ordered naengmyun and they didn't have it either. We finally settled on the pajeon (korean pancake). Regardless, it was all delicious. I ordered some fish soup while my boyfriend ordered the kalbitang. The soups were incredibly cheap for lunch. I didn't think you could find these prices anywhere else. It was so affordable $6 for each soup. I'll definitely be going back again, but perhaps at a later time.
(4)James Y.
Came here with family after another Korean joint was closed at 4pm. Worst service I've ever had the displeasure to experience. They sat us down in a timely manner, gave us our menus, and then promptly ditched us. Ten minutes, still no water, no service. Fifteen minutes, I decided to ring the bell. Lady manager looked at the number, LOOKED AT US, and then ignored us. It was unbelievable. Five more minutes later, nothing. Rang the bell again. The lady manager looked at the number, LOOKED AT US AGAIN, gave a look of contempt, which was infuriating, and sent a server to our table. I told my parents let's leave because I was pissed. My parents being much more patient, decided to stay. We got our orders in. Kalbi Dolsot Bibimbap for me as per usual. After ten minutes, no side dishes, no water, no nothing. I rang the bell, stared the lady manager down, and she sent someone over. I asked about the water and side dishes. Mumbled something about it coming. They brought everything out together. My dish had half the kalbi it normally comes with. Finished the side dishes, asked a passing server for me. Of course it never shows up. Told my parents that we're leaving zero tip. I don't mind tipping 20% or more when the service is good, and 18% if the server is average. But I felt zero remorse over leaving zero tip. Never going back.
(1)Tatiana R.
Food was pretty good but Im actually writing this review because of the horrible, offensive, and down right rude service that my family received today at this restaurant. Just love being rushed from my table and when the waitress opened all of my to go boxes shes lucky I didn't smack her hand! I am beyod pissed at my experience here. Have be coming here for years but will NEVER SPEND ANOTHER PENNY AT THIS PLACE!! Save yourself the trip and just go to Honey pig down the street!! They lost more then just one loyal customer today......
(1)Julie B.
My late night go to spot for years since its in my neighbor :) Food is always consistent!Service is off/on but that's not why I eat here. My bf & I always get the same thing, galbi & spicy squid soup. I've tried to get something different but always find myself going back to the usual. Get the galbi, you won't be disappointed!
(3)Thanh B.
This place is huge!! It was a long wait but they said we could wait at the bakery next door with the buzzard, pretty cool. Service was great, the Korean lady's are really nice and attentive. Got the special number 2 Combo with a side order of soju. Great place for large groups and midnight snacking.
(5)Sarah C.
This place is always bumping with people. Definitely made for all cultures. Customers are not mainly Korean but it draws a diverse community. Good is all authentic and the menu is so vast. I've never had a bad experience here. However I will say it is always busy, no matter what time of day you go. Sushi is fresh and portions are pretty big/filling. I've shared with someone every time I come.
(4)Charlotte Y.
Like 99% of Korean restaurants, this place has pretty aggressive service. If you come during busy lunch or dinner hours and have already finished your meal, don't expect to linger and have nice long conversations there. They might start off subtle by clearing your table and giving you the check, and later literally ask you to leave. This doesn't bother me much since I'm Korean (and this is culturally somewhat acceptable) but for non-Koreans, I understand it could definitely be a WTF moment. For the most part these traditional hanbok wearing ladies speak limited English, so when asking them questions, speak slowly. They might not even speak any English... so point at the thing you want on the menu. The food is consistently good here. If you're clueless about Korean food, try the Kalbi or Kalbi hot stone bowl bibimbap. (If you get the stone bowl, DONT MIX THE BOTTOM LAYER OF RICE, let that baby sizzle a little and you'll get a nice crunchy layer of rice on the bottom). While traditional bibimbap usually comes with a fried egg on top, the Kalbi one does not. Ask and you shall receive. I forgot how much it was, I think $1 upcharge. The sashimi is (surprisingly) very good here as well. Hwe Dub bap (Korean version of the Japanese Chirashi) is highly recommended for anyone that prefers fish or in the mood for something that taste fresh/light. Try the Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Gi-Gye) or Seafood Stew (Mae Eun Tang) if you are feeling adventurous. Open 24 hours. Lightning fast service. Consistent food.
(4)Vera C.
The food wasn't bad and everything tasted fine. I just thought the service was half and half. There was one waiter that was great, one that was so-so, and one that just didn't seem that friendly. There was a helpful level to a degree but, they kept bringing us the wrong order or not giving us parts of our order. Again food wasn't bad just little bit of funny service.
(3)Mireya C.
I liked the spicy shredded beef soup, without the egg though. it was even better the next day.
(4)Jane K.
Horrible service. DO NOT COME HERE. Just don't come. Don't ever get the udon. Rather go to other nearby Korean restaurants. My food took 40 mins and the udon was inedible. It lost texture and couldn't eat it. Then the second one took another 40 mins. Ridiculous.
(1)Khoi U.
I can see why this place is always crowded and have a hard time getting a table :) This place is a good place to eat if youre looking for a fusion restaurant around Annandale. My friends and I go here all the time when we have a chance to. The only thing I dont like about this place is that they have bad service and that its hard to get a table. They need to expand this place soon. Also what I dont like is that when you order lunch bento box, it only comes with one california roll sushi..... Like really was it necessary... That so turned me off. Anyway its a good place to go eat. Anyway I can put up with the bad service.
(5)Tina T.
Been coming to Yechon for awhile now and it's always been consistent. Last night I came here because I was craving my usual kimchi jjigae (pork, tofu, rice cake and kimchi stew). Yechon, by far, has one of the best kimchi jjigae's in the area. It's always consistent and never changes. What makes a good kimchi jjigae, is good kimchi that has been fermented for awhile and Yechon delivers that. For $10-11 dollars I get my kimchi jjigae cravings satisfied with the delicious side dishes. The potato and kimchi radish side dishes are always on point. The other dishes such as the chirashi bowl, broiled fish, and the Korean bbq are pretty tasty as well. Also, try their bibimbap! I mainly go to Yechon for the kimchi jjigae so I can't really review much of the other foods (can't remember the other items I get besides this stew). Service is pretty tentative for the most part, it's a hit or miss. But you have the little button at your table to call for service whenever you need them. Also, Yechon is 24 hours so great for late night eats or to get your drunk food on. Yechon is always busy no matter the time or day that you go.
(4)Eric T.
We ate at Yechon this evening with another couple and a friend. The service was OK and the food freshness was no more than ordinary. I think that it is time for Yechon to set up their game. I recommend revamping their menu to showcase a modern, yet popular selection of Korean food, update the tables, and swap out the old carpet.
(3)Sarah L.
Love that it's 24 hours - my family is from the Bay Area and it's really a shame that there's not korean place like this in San Francisco. Only complaint is that the food is a little salty, but portions and quality were great, especially considering the price! You'll be studded for no more than 10-15$ (included tip/tax)!
(4)Chris A.
Has anything happened to Yechon? The place was half empty! We have been going to Yechon for years and have always had a great dinner. Yesterday was a disaster. Service was nonexistent. We could not get a waitress to come to our table. The seafood pancake had more grease than flour. The Bulgogi looked more boiled than barbecued. The 2 korean friends with me were equally shocked! Sad if this is the new yechon! They have lost us as customers!
(1)Kk D.
This is one of my favorite places to eat because I love their food. The food is delicious and their establishment next door (Breeze) is an amazing way to top it off. This is the best authentic korean food Ive ever had. I love the bibimbap and the bulgogi! One thing I would say is if you come later in the evening be prepared to wait; they get crazy busy and there is not a lot of room to stand and wait. They can't help that people love them so much! Once you get to your table, if it is busy be prepared wait some more. I am really happy they have those call buttons on the table. I try not to use it but on some nights it can be the only way to get someone to come to your table (especially if you are in the corners). For me, it is worth the wait. If you are coming with a group take one car because parking is impossible! The parking lot is very small and if you park across the street watch your car because they will tow (it is a private lot).
(4)P V.
Me and hubby went on sunday and had the bimbimbop. I had the marinated short ribs and they were terrible with so much fat and gristle. also on both of our meals, the rice was not pressed into the sides of the hot stone bowl which would have given us that yummy crunchy rice. It was not memorable in a good way and just an average meal. Sad but true. We'll be looking for a new place for our Korean food fix now.
(3)Giovanna P.
I've going here for years now...from lunch, dinner, and even late night. Its a staple in the Annandale/Northern VA area. Since I've been going there for so long there is 1 waitress that knows me very well and makes sure to give us all the extra little small plates of goodies. My normal order consists of sushi, bulgogi, and fried dumplings. I have no complaints anywhere for there food- its always fresh and flavorful and I always leave a satisfied customer. I've seen many korean and japanese families eat there as well which leads me to believe that its pretty good if the locals enjoy it as well. I definitely cant wait to try more of the menu and if you are around definitely stop in to try there food. Please note: The sushi can not be ordered late night as the sushi chef is not there & I highly recommend having the bulgogi cooked at your table- just makes the experience that much better. Enjoy! -Mangia bene, vive bene! P.S. The owners of Yechon opened a bakery/gelato/bubble tea free standing building next door. If I'm correct it is also 24/7 and I believe they offer free wi-fi. I've only had the bubble tea and loved it every time I've ordered! Some days they do run out of bubble's though so fair warning! The bakery was a great place for late night studying when I was in college.
(5)Christine H.
My reasoning for three stars is as follows: The pros with this place is that its 24/7 open korean fare which is awesome! There is a HUGE and I mean HUGE variety of dishes mainly Korean and a mix of Japanese cuisine. So I bring my hubster here since he only eats a few items since I cant drag him to a spot that only serves soondubu, jambong, and or jajamyun, he will not eat nothing. So Yechon is our go to place in the Northern Virginia area and I feel the prices are reasonable except for the bbq, its high priced in my mind just cuz I know I can get three times as much meat for what I pay here. But when I feel lazy to cook and since our townhome does not allow a grill (shhh dont tell anyone) we settle for restaurant Korean bbq. Cons, hmm well first off the staff here is mainly Korean (what?! Who knew) and Spanish and its mainly broken English spoken, so asking for substitutions and modifications is asked with great difficulty and therefore just stick to what you know you will like and order by the number or point to the menu. Another point is the parking can get hectic and since its next to Breeze, and 7/11 it is pretty hard to find parking sometimes for prime time and weekends. And when you do come to eat in the wheee hours of post clubbing or whatever it is kids do late night nowadays, the sushi bar is closed. One time I couldn't get noodles. But that was one time so not sure. And of course the quality of the soondubu does not beat Lighthouse Tofu or the other savory soups like from Gom dang e, but its decent enough to have your tastes buds Korean food satisfied. This afternoon I came here with the hubster and my sister and we shared a couple maki rolls, kimchi mandu (fried dumplings), beef soondubu, and two orders of chadol baegi (lean thin slices of brisket) cooked at the table. The waitress came and cooked the food at the table and served us the first round, but ban chan was not refilled which would have been nice. Overall the food was tasty but always room for improvement with the authentic Korean taste and just a tad bit expensive. But it was plenty for three of us and we walked out belly's full.
(3)Chi Z.
Love this place! It's always busy so you know their good. Best banchan aka side dishes. The only place where we can get a good beef intestine stew. I'm sure there are others but it's totally awesome here. Ewwwy gooey umami goodness. The seafood stew is also a good choice. Great for hangovers or the super hungry.
(4)Jen S.
I had heard so many great reviews about this place so I came in with very high expectations. However I was disappointed to find that it is not the place it apparently once used to be. First off, the service was slower than it should have been. Granted, it was busy, but I have been told that there are times when it is even busier so they should know how to deal with several customers efficiently. The quality of the meat was mediocre. I've been told that the meat here is the best in this area, but truth be told, I've tasted better. I also found a piece of hair in one of the side dishes that was served. This is not something that should ever happen, regardless of if it is busy or not. Servers or food preps (or both) should be more cautious when dealing with the food to ensure that this doesn't happen. Overall the experience I had wasn't the best, but I did go in with very high expectations of the place. In comparison to your average Korean BBQ restaurant, it was a decent meal, but I probably wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for high quality food.
(3)Candace J.
My family is Korean so I know what good, authentic Korean food tastes like. This place is just about as good as restaurant Korean food can get. We've eaten in Korean restaurants all over the country and in numerous large cities and we always find ourselves saying 'this place isn't as good as Yechon'. I've been here numerous times and always leave with a big smile and a very full belly. It's always packed (open 24 hours) and always amazing. I usually try to eat nothing the day that we go so that I can pack in as much as I can. The portion sizes are pretty large (for sharing). Take note that the waitresses ONLY come to the table when you press the button/doorbell attached to each table. They arrive like magic fairies within seconds after pressing. It's a fun game. Ask for the barley tea. It's good. And free. Get your name on the list, get your pager, then go next door to the bakery (also owned by Yechon) and ogle their goodies while you wait for a table. Everything there is also... you guessed it... amazing. If you have room after dinner come back and get dessert. Favorite dishes: Japchae Haemul Paejon Duk Mandu Guk Seollongtang Spicy Pork Bulgogi the Banchan is always amazing. we get multiple refills.
(5)Katie L.
Yechon is in fact my favorite Korean restaurant in the area. I always order the kalbi, the spicy beef tofu soup, and the seafood pancake. Though they have diverse menu, these are my staples. Although I prefer to come here in the winter, I know Yechon always has a nice crowd. They give each customer the traditional Korean small plates with the kimchee, bean sprouts, etc. The rice is soft and moist, just how I like it, and I love dipping the grilled BBQ on the sesame oil-salt sauce. Ohmygosh, my mouth is watering. You don't come here for the ambiance, that's for certain, but if you want authentic flavorful Korean food, this is the place to dine at. Mmmmmm.
(4)Dana C.
I walked in with a mission: bibimbop with tofu. I may be vegetarian, but I still love a fried egg oozing over marinated veggies and rice, with tofu! The staff here were really unreasonable with my request to replace beef with tofu. Grant it, I can understand that for a traditionalist, my request my sound weird or gross, but I tried explaining that I have had tofu bibimbop many times before, but they didn't buy it and told me they would charge me extra to have a block of tofu on the side. Forget it. Korean food may not be traditionally vegetarian, but look out Annandale, vegetarians exist, and we will demand tofu under our fried egg instead of the usual beef.
(1)Joseph W.
So this is a buffet, but it's also sort of like a fondue buffet. They cook lots of meat right at your table. Like as much as you want. Trust me I want a lot. This was my first time at a Korean restaurant, so I was hipped to eating the meat with a large leaf of lettuce underneath and some red sauces as well. It was sosososo good! They also have a pretty extensive sushi bar. I don't do sushi so I'm not going to lie and review that, but I can say that the other meats were good too. They had curry chicken, sweet and sour chicken, and all sorts of vegetable. All pretty high quality too, especially for a buffet. They cook barbeque chicken, squid, shrimps, barbeque pork and beef right at your table. They will do as many helpings as you like and it tastes great! They also have jello and fruits for dessert and trust me after a heavy meal like that... it's not a bad thing to have an orange for dessert! Loved it!
(5)Robert M.
Great eats, good ambiance, very reasonable prices. Had the bulgogi (very good) noodle soup (meh) and beef spareribs (mouth wateringly delicious). Dug the waitresses, diners and the environment. Stayed away from the sushi so have no idea how it is, but the bbq was fantastic. They are busy and the Korean gentleman who takes names can struggle a bit with pronunciation leading to a missed opportunity to get your table. If you have a non super easy name you may want to dumb it down a bit to help the brother out and make sure you get your table in a timely fashion. Will definitely be back.
(5)Mike E.
It's always a good sign when you go into a Korean food place and there is nothing but Koreans in there. Fantastic food and quite plentiful for what you pay. The servers were traditional Korean garb and the place has a great atmosphere. Will be going back. Also, I've been told that they are open REALLY late (maybe 24 hours???).
(4)Andy P.
I'm updating the review because I didn't like my first one, I let others sway me too much towards dropping a star. Even in DC's ultimate Korean neighborhood, this stands out as one of the top places. For starters, you can't go wrong with 24 hr Korean BBQ. It's simple, it's good, it's available at 2. am. Beyond the BBQ the other Korean staples I've tried have been pretty good. Seafood pancake, Jap chae (sp?) and others have always been good. They also have sushi, though it doesn't really seem like their specialty. Overall, I'd say it's as good or better than any place I've had outside NY. Only negatives are price (and even that isn't all that high). Service is standard asian. That doesn't bother me but does tend to bother some people.
(4)Susan S.
Usually good reliable food but after the last visit, haven't returned since. That was about 6 months ago. I took a friend there to celebrate a birthday. I'd ordered this dish before - combination meats/seafood to grill at the table. The waitress said they were out of the Lobster and then told me they would serve chicken in lieu of the lobster. When I requested shrimp in lieu of the lobster, the waitress had to ask management and made it seem as though they were doing me a huge favor. Then as we were leaving the restaurant, I passed another table which had lobster grilling at the table. When I pointed this out to a waitress, they scrambled for management and told me the lobster truck had just arrived. No apologies, just that blank ignorant look.
(3)Emily M.
Yechon is one of the few restaurants that I will gleefully leave the city to visit. I love the kitsch of its 24 Korean-diner (I know it's a restaurant, but I equate 24hour operation with a diner) atmosphere and heart the food even more. I've had some tastier dishes elsewhere (Japchae is way better at Woo Lae Oak, for example) but in general this is my fave place to get Korean BBQ and especially to take out-of-towners for an "experience". The panchan is generous, servers friendly, menu diverse (pork belly BBQ anyone?) and it's just good all around.
(4)Miss T.
2004: Thought the food was really good and service was spectacular. 2009: I can't believe the quality has slipped so much in the past 5 years. The food now is only decent. The side dishes were meh. The bbq was also meh. The soup was meh. Everything was just... meh! Regarding service, waiters were very quick and attentive although sulky and unfriendly. I am doubtful of the cleanliness here. I saw a busboy clear a table, and he took utmost care in trying not to disturb the untouched lettuce basket and putting it in the nasty slop bucket to bring to the back. This gave me the impression that they "recycled" their lettuce, which I took care not to touch at all at our own table. Overall, I will not come back. I don't think the prices are reasonable for the quality, and I know the economy is bad with the recession and all, but expect fresh, non recycled lettuce at my own table thank you very much.
(2)Mike W.
daymn i miss this place. i used to eat here ALL the time back when i lived in virginia. dood - when i was a freshman in college they had this cool geeky waiter who wore glasses... when i graduated and working he was still working there - he's like a icon - heh. anyway, yah - this place gets a 5 for nostalgic reasons, ya hurr?
(5)Jamie S.
I recently moved to Annandale from Falls Church, funny how 4 miles can transform you into a whole new world. I've been wanting to try some of the Korean places in my neighborhood. So I started with Kechon which is right up the street. The food was good but the service was terrible. No one talked to you, no one explained what food they had brought to your table, even after being asked. The woman basically yelled at us when we politely asked what was in the bowl..."ITS BBQ SAUCE" and walked away. After tasting,it was not bbq sauce but bean paste :) We got the beef short rib, which was good and the pahjun (Korean pancake) w/ seafood. It was fine but when the bill came for our 2 item lunch was $60. Iam glad we went to try something new but it won't be replacing Vietnamese in Eden Center anytime soon.
(2)Noel C.
Being relatively new to yelp, I gather that it is coveted to be the "First to Review." Yet does that conversely mean that it is passe to review where seemingly everyone has already chimed in? Me thinks not. So as to all the other great reviews garnered by Yechon, I say: Ditto.
(5)Juliet K.
i have been here plenty of times, mostly after a night drinking since they are open 24 hours. the food is great and they have a huge selection of foods from meats to veggies. i thought maybe i was drunk so it was tasty, but then i went there completely sober and it was still tasty. the service is great but def helps if you go with someone who speaks korean. if u dont like being around a lot of poeple all the time then this might not be the place for you. i have never been here whne it wasnt busy on matter what time of day it is.
(4)G P.
I would have given it five stars if hadn't been for a couple of things: 1. The galbi was a bit too fatty. Fat is good but not this much. I had to spit out one of the portions because of the excess fat. My five minutes of chewing apparently wasn't enough. 2. The raw garlic/sliced peppers condiment was not fresh, especially the peppers. It looked like it had been sitting out for a few days. I brought a friend here who had never had Korean food. He was concerned that I had ordered two orders of the galbi. I guess he thought I was crazy for ordering two of the same thing. I advised him that in order to cook at the table, I had to order two servings. He pointed to some other things on the menu that I should have ordered. I told him that the galbi was the safest bet. I wanted to be sure that he would like it. When the galbi came, I was very surprised at the portions. For $19.95 x 2, you get pretty hefty portions. I'm used to the portions served in New York City - very small. The galbi was tender and tasty. But I felt like the tenderness was due to the excess fat, especially on the edges. I could tell the quality of the meat was not there. I have some premium cuts of galbi in NYC and it was both tender and not fatty. But then you have to fork over $29 for a small serving. We had a good assortment of banchans: kimchi, scallions, poached eggs, imitation crab, potato/sausage/peppers, mashed potatoes, bean sprouts, shredded daikon, raw garlic/peppers, pajeon, cucumbers, and red leaf lettuce. Service was good. I liked the fact that the waitress, who was dressed in a traditional Korean dress (hanbok), took the time to cook all of the meat for us. That's a nice touch. Most places, especially in NYC, will start the cooking for you and then later disappear. They'll occasionally come back but by that time, the meat has already been eaten. It was refreshing to see the hanbok being worn by all of the waitress. Very nice. I wish I could give this place five stars but the not-so-fresh garlic/peppers was a disappointment. I will certainly come back if I'm in the area again.
(4)Jake N.
all around good korean food. decent prices and good service. opens 24 hrs so that's a plus. there is sometime a wait line to get in but you just have to plan ahead about what time to get there. like a couple of other korean restaurants I've seen, they have the service button on your table. just have to press it if there's no waitress in your immediate area.
(5)Maria L.
Being hispanic, I'll admit right off the bat that I am not well versed in Korean food . However, my family- including my two kids- loves to try foods from other countries. Ethiopian, Afgan, and Indian are among our favorites. Lately, we've been on a Vietnamese food trend- so we were looking for a change. Loved Yechon. From the outside, doesn't look like much, but feels warm and cozy inside. We wanted to miss the dinner rush- and the late night revelers, so we ate at 9:30. Busy, but not ridiculously so. We tried beef Galbi and bulgogi- which to my childrens delight - is prepared right at the table, Dolsot bibambop, and Hae Mul Pae Jeon - in addition to hearty banchan (thanks trifood.com glossary- which had explanations of different Korean foods..... our servers understood limited english) We loved every bite- licked our plated clean, and rolled out of there a leisurly 1.5 hours later. As we looked around the restaurant, we definitely saw other appetizing dishes that we'll have to try on other occasions! We'll be back for sure. Really nice dining experience P.S.- After the amount of food we ate, I was prepared for a HUGE bill. Nice shocker that it wasn't so bad. Around $20.00 a person - and that was full to the brim!
(4)Justin S.
To be frank, I don't have any way of comparing Yechon to any competitors, as my experience here was my 1st foray into Korean dining. That said, I went here last week and PIGGED OUT on delicious lumps of tasty beef grilled up right on my dining table. There were perhaps 15 plates of food between myself and 3 other companions, and everything was delicious. I was very happy with the entire experience, save one HUGE pet peeve... this place allows smoking. Let me rephrase that: Yechon allows smoking in the main dining area. Luckily no one was smoking until after I had finished eating. With food as good as what they're serving though, I just might brave a smoky dining area.
(4)Gregory C.
Yeochon is worth the drive out to Annandale. Especially for a late dinner, and even better when it's cold outside. Their hotpots are superb, and their smaller dishes complement the hotpot selection. It has been a while since I've been, but I wanted to review this nice find for all those that live in the DC area. Tasty dishes in a nice atmosphere !!!
(4)A B.
Our waitress definitely had an attitude. She gave me the look of death when I asked to have my soup packed for carry out, as if that was some deadly sin of eating Korean food. So sue me, I was sick. And after all the banchan they load you up with, I wanted my soup at home. Not to mention I ordered soup with chicken in it...and there was no chicken in it. Warning if you order an oyster pancake - it's like as big as a pizza. Be hungry. Good variety of banchan. Please, Yechon, work on your service. I'd give you two stars but I'm a late night fiend and this place is 24 hours so that's slightly redeeming.
(3)Lisa R.
best bulgogi ever! open 24/7 - love love love it!
(5)Wai T.
Great banchan, great soup (hae jan guk), great hae mul jun gol (seafood casserole). Open 24/7. 'Nuf said.
(5)Hello H.
I've only been once for Sunday lunch, but I thought the hwe-dup-bop was totally awe$ome and decently priced.
(4)Allan N.
I've only been here for late night. Some of my friends were scared to drink the beverage they serve you. They say it looks like dirty water, but it tastes pretty good to me. The food is always decent. My go to dish is bim bim bap. The fact that it's open 24 hours is pretty crazy. Come here late night and you'll see all the people that were clubbing downtown.
(4)Carolina M.
I'd prefer a 2.5 star rating. Went for Korean BBQ yesterday, and I would guess if I didn't grow up in a very Korean neighborhood in SoCal, then I would rate this place higher, but it just doesn't live up to my expectations. I was very disappointed in the side dishes that come with the Korean BBQ - they were all a bit bland and nothing felt really special. The meat was good quality and tasted good, but for having ordered the seasoned beef, I would expect more actual seasoning. I imagine a major draw would be to eat here for late night after drinking, then it would probably seem a lot more delicious.
(2)Jack P.
epic mehhhh
(2)Tina L.
Our go-to place for 24/7 Korean food. My favorites are the seafood pancakes, and bibimbap. I also love how after each meal, we could go for some dessert/froyo at Breeze just next door.
(4)Molly P.
Without a doubt this is in my top 10 all time best restaurants! This place has become an addiction. We usually order the short rib BBQ and the gyoza, but we have tried multiple other entrees and they are all delicious! The wait staff is awesome! They are all very helpful and courteous. Honestly I can't say enough wonderful things about this restaurant!
(5)Mads L.
Yechon carries a wide variety of foods but everything tastes very mediocre to me. My friends and I have ordered different dishes every time we go and we have yet to found a dish that tasted good. But we keep going back there because we hang out at non-conventional hours and we don't want to eat crappy IHOP food.
(3)Annie W.
Great service. The ladies here are so cute and although there was that slight language barrier, we communicated well. They give us a TON of panchan (and are very generous with refills). Yummy food. Busy times. We got the pipin' hot galbi, jap chae (YUUUUM), and dolsot bi bim bap. I just wish there was a metro to Annandale because I miss my Asian food and can't afford to always zipcar around!
(4)K C.
Can get very busy during weekends. Full sized fish and lots of side dishes. I love it.
(4)John L.
I've only had the bulgogi at this location and it's really good. I wish this place has that same sweet dipping sauce Honey Pig has. I'm not sure what it's called, but I think it'd taste better with that sauce.
(4)Shanti C.
The best two things about this place is that it is open 24 hours and the diners are very diverse. Although mostly Asians there was a nice mix of other nationalities including Latino, Caucasians, and Black Americans. There were senior citizens, groups of teens, couples on dates, and families sitting and enjoying good Korean food. We ordered bibimbap and scallion pancakes. This is always our safe menu choice. The pancake was monstrous, doughy, and surprisingly had veggies in as well. It was not greasy so that was a plus. I ordered the non meat bibimbap and my friend had the seafood bibimbap in hot sauce. Warning: it arrives extremely hot so be careful and let the rice get crispy. The amount of rice versus seafood and vegetables was perfect. Very flavorful especially with the side sauces. I especially love all the little side dishes (kimchi, spinach, miso soup, etc) that arrive on the table. Service is quick so don't worry if you arrive hungry. Your food will come soon after. My only negative mention would be the steam, smoke, heavy aromas of the restaurant will definitely seep into your hair and clothes and eventually your car. I recommend driving with your windows down when leaving. All in all, I always try to stop by this place whenever I visit The DC area. I forgot to mention that the prices are pretty inexpensive so If you like Korean food, you will definitely not be disappointed.
(4)David H.
Really good. Open 24 hours. Busy. Pancakes are good, bonchon is good, loved the galbi bibimbap, sushi was surprisingly pretty good, and the BBQ is delicious. All around great meal, although can be a little cramped inside because it's so popular. Service is whatever (very slow to refill water) but the food is worth it
(5)Winston S.
This is a good place to go if you are around the annadale little turnpike exit and it's really late. There aren't a ton of places open to eat late at night and they are open 24/7. One of the few places that I can think of that is open 24/7 in the area. Aside from that the pros are the menu is pretty large, wait is usually not an issue, and they are pretty attentive when it comes to service. Downside is the price, it's pretty expensive for what they give you. Like 5 little plates of stuff I don't want to eat, then the main entree is majorly over priced. The taste, I thought it was a bit tasteless but few friends said the soups were ok. I prefer the lighhouse place, which is a bit further down the road. If you scan their menu the entire menu is over priced. My korean friends told me that's not the place to go for korean food but for late night cravings it's definitely a nice alternative to nothing else open aside from grocery store and possibly drive through mcdonalds.
(3)Cathy D.
As far as Korean restaurants go, this one is pretty popular because it is open 24 hours. The last time I went here was for a friend's birthday and we ordered an assortment of dishes that was very appetizing and friendly to the wallet. (My favorites are bibambap, bbq pork & beef, shortribs, jap chae). If you don't mind communal eating, Asian restaurants in general are the ideal place to do it, since you can try a lot of different dishes.
(4)Aileen D.
I've been to this restaurant many times throughout the year and I must say that it always seems to be busy. Although their menu has both Korean and Japanese dishes, I have only tried to Korean ones. The best experience I have had thus far was when I went with two other friends and ordered their BBQ special. Although it was meant for two people, the food was enough for three. The BBQ came with a good variety of meats and seafood, which is ideal if you want to taste a bit of everything. The meats were well marinated and had a bit of the sweetness I always look for when I eat Korean BBQ. The special also came with a bean-paste soup. Some of the good points about this restaurant include the fact that it is open 24/7 and also, because it is fairly well-staffed, the food arrives relatively quickly. If you are looking for an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, I suggest choosing the Korean BBQ buffet down the street by Shilla's Bakery.
(4)Michael F.
This place is just awesome! The food is great and very reasonably priced, and they're always open. What's really amazing is that the quality of the food is the same, no matter what time you go. This is pretty rare for 24-hour restaurants. I think the reason for this is that they are always busy. Every time I've gone here, the place is packed; even after midnight!
(5)jenn h.
24 hour Korean - what could be better? Get your Kimchee on, even at the break o dawn.
(4)lAy O.
Not bad for a 24hour place. Good service and food. Lots of side dish's. Just wish they had a better menu for splitting dish's.
(4)Adri B.
Not really a Korean bbq aficionado, but I definitely know a good piece of meat when I taste one. And the meat here is goooood! I had the Bul Gogi and the Kalbi. The Bul Gogi: on point!!! Service was great, it's spacious, and (though I haven't been able to take advantage of it yet) it's open 24hrs! What more could you ask for?
(5)z k.
Great range of Korean dishes; good banchan, bimbim bap, pancake, and soon tofu; ok bulgogi and dumplings.
(4)Azn G.
Probably my favorite restaurant in the annandale area. Great place if you are craving korean food. The service is so-so. If you can speak korean, it's a definite plus. The place is usually crowded when i go, but you get fast service once you order. Plus, its open 24hr/day.
(4)Todd Y.
The food was great, but the service was so-so. The only person working was a young man running around. All of the female waitress did little things and appeared to act too-good and princess-like to do any work.
(2)Ka-Loon T.
For those that want kimchee 24/7, Yechon is an inexpensive (and good) Korean food eatery. If the gauge of whether an ethnic food restaurant is good or not depends on how many of that ethnicity dines there, then Yechon certainly fits the bill. Read more about it at the Washingtonian website: washingtonian.com/Dining…
(5)Josh B.
My favorite all around Korean in the DC area. Bright, friendly service. High quality sushi and Hue dap bap. Good bar-b-que.
(4)Rosalie S.
The food was great and the service prompt and helpful. WE will go back!
(4)Patrick S.
I used to like going to Yechon, especially when I am hungry late at night. Maybe something happens when the Sun comes up, but Yechon just was not the same place when I stopped in for lunch yesterday. Not with the food, which was OK, but the management was really poor. While i was eating, one customer was upset about something and stared arguing with the waitress loudly. The manager was standing right there, but just stood and watched. When the customer lady started talking to the manager, he just argued back, prolonging the drama. The customer stormed out of the place evidently very upset. The manager did not offer any apology to her, or anyone in the vicinity that were unwilling participants in this nasty scene. I, for one, was very uncomfortable, and ended up with an upset stomach. I hope Yechon management will realize that customers do not want to witness loud arguments while eating, regardless of who is right.
(1)vinnie t.
great Korean BBQ. sushi is ok. service is pretty fast when it not too busy. try to stay away after club hours that's when all the messy drunks come in and expect to wait for a table at 2am!
(3)Corinne G.
at 1:30am the seafood pancake was way too good for me to feel as embarrassed as i should by the fact that the way i was eating it made them offer me first a fork, and then at least the dang plastic things for chopstick retards. yum.
(4)Vivian L.
Beef, chicken and pork over marinated. Barbeque over cooked the lobster. Too pricey for this kind of food quality and service. Will not come back again.
(2)Michael E.
There may be better places for Korean BBQ in Annandale, but I always end up at Yechon. Good food, not a long wait, decent prices and easy to get to off 495. I always get a serving of Bulgogi (diced beef), Dak Gui (spicy chicken) and japchae (noodles). The food is always tasty with the plethora of sides that come streaming to your table. I have been told there is better, but the ease of dining at this restaurant always wins out for me.
(4)Hannah C.
New Year's Day... Came here to celebrate the new decade with some bibimbop, and was pleasantly surprised to not see the hordes of drunken college kids that I envisioned would be here. Nope. These weren't the wee hours of the morning... It was mid afternoon on a federal holiday and the place was occupied by large groups of sensible adults and families with small kids. The largely wooden interior was clean with lots of light. There were tables with cooking surfaces, but we sat at the others. The bulgogi I saw on other tables looked yummy. The food was pricier than I thought it would be, but it was well cooked, and the banchan were good. I even liked the shape of the miso soup bowl. The service was excellent. But most importantly, and the reason they went from 4 stars to 5, they had the anchovies that I've been looking for for months. Yay!
(5)Elliot P.
Four adults and a kid with a penchant for noodles. Solid Korean BBQ, we went with the Special #3 and opted to keep the Lobster, but in hindsight would have switched it for more bulgogi or something else. Not the best range of side dishes I have seen, but well priced and tasty. Would definitely go again.
(4)Steve O.
The ultimate utility Korean restaurant. I use the word "utility" not like Anthony Bourdain. I use the word like how some baseball players are described as utility fielders - players that can play many different positions well albeit not playing any one amazingly well. OK back to Yechon. So no, they don't specialize like many others places you see off of Little River Turnpike but it seems like everything they have, you can probably bet your ass it's good. It's been around for a while and has stood the test of time with their great food and full gamut of Korean dishes offered on its menu - lots of options for BBQ, fish, soups, and stews. And all at very decent prices. Another huge plus is that they give a lot of banchan (side dishes) with your order. It can get pretty crowded, especially during weekend dinner time, but staff here always seem helpful and attentive.
(4)Steph L.
Always busy but the turnover rate is high so you never have to wait too long. The food is usually pretty decent. Nothing's bad but nothing really blows your mind. Offers a good banchan selection. The food comes out quickly, which is impressive considering how busy they are. The wait staff speaks the best English among the area Korean restaurants, which is a plus if you are a non-Korean speaker. The food is on the pricey side compared to some other good Korean restaurants in Annandale, but I guess it's worth it when you can count on Yechon for your Korean craving at all hours.
(4)Deanna J.
Korean BBQ flavored with eating at midnight. . . or really anytime since this place incredibly opens 24 hours a day! Drive up and be bombarded by a building covered in neon signs. It'll certainly wake you up if you're even close to sleeping! I was surprised that the inside of this place is really nice, with a nice wooden interior. But more importantly, the food. Minimal talking happened at our table because we were all too busy concentrating on the re-donk beef sitting in front of us. Thirty or so frantic minutes of eating later, our entire table was close to clear. Satisfaction at its finest!
(5)Scott L.
Definitely the standard to compare to. Nothing is amazing but everything is solid. Other Korean restaurants have couple dishes that are good, but you can't go wrong with anything you order here. They are able to keep things ethnic and still bring non-Korean clientele consistently. Don't get there after 10pm - food goes to shxx during late night.
(4)Mr H.
Very good Korean cuisine. Reasonable price and good quality. Usually very crowded. Expect to wait if you show up on a Friday or Sat night. Extensive menu offerings. Soon doo boo chigae is spot on. Interesting offerring of panchan as well.
(5)K L.
Went at lunch and I was less impressed this time. The service was still great. The food just wasn't as good as the first time. The beef ribs were good but the rest of it that came in the galbi lunch box was mediocre at best. The shrimp seemed to be fried with eyeballs and shell still on, the California roll piece was loaded with roe which isn't my thing. There was something that I think was a fish stick which wasn't appealing. The salad was lettuce and dressing. There was some unknown items swimming in a brown gravy in one section. Nothing else really stands out. There are places I like better so its unlikely I will return.
(3)Jessica K.
i've been here late night after drinking so getting kimchi jigae was bomb. another time i came was early morning so i got the abalone stew was good. i came here for lunch and ordered the sushi special, was was good. for dinner, i ordered a bunch of small korean plates which was also good. my experience here has been good so far. but i wouldn't say that it screams excellence. being korean, korean food is just food. nothing really special about it. the service is good. i like the banchan they give. the place is open 24-7. so, why not??
(3)Daya B.
Loved it here for a quiet lunch; it's very busy, but chill. Pricing, environment and service are excellent!! Very cozy, and the cuisine is delicious!
(5)Tu-van L.
You come here on Halloween night and all the slut-tastic Sailor Moon wannabe Harajuku girls come out for late night grub. Plus the jap chae (clear noodles with kalbi and stuff) was delicious and the scallion pancake and the kalbi dolsot bibimbap are solids as usual....
(4)Beryl N.
Best place to go if you're craving for Korean AND Sushi in Annandale area. I usually get a sushi roll and one Korean dish (pork rib soup, bibimbap, bbq meat, etc.) My friends and I all agree that Yechon have the best bibimbap around. Yechon used to be the only 24 hr place around (pre-honey pig, etc.) so it was a total hit for after clubbing grubbing. Still a popular spot but the service and quality went down a bit in terms of side dishes and bbq meats. Since the place is nicer in decor and the staff is friendly, I take my first timers (non-Asian friends) here to try Korean food. Although you might want to ask specifically that you want them to grill the meats in front of you instead of having them cook it in the kitchen if you want the full experience of Korean BBQing.
(4)Cafe W.
I'm still not used to korean food.. but I went to this place late night yesterday with my friends I order Bulgogi.. it was lil plain but still really tasty with rice.. and I stole some of my friend's tonkatsu... it was pretty good as well this place is pretty expensive.... but I think it's worth it to eat with friends and have a great time :)
(3)Chris L.
I used to love coming here to eat the "Boyang Tang" spicy goat meat soup. I loved coming here because they used to give you huge portions in a big "dolsot" bowl but they give it to you in a smaller bowl now and give 80% less meat. I haven't been there in a couple months and drove all the way from Laurel, MD just to eat this and they now give you smaller portions, significantly less meat, and the price is still the same. Other than that everything else seemed to be the same.
(2)Mauricio M.
Good consistency and great lunch specials.
(4)Anna D.
Best banchan ever!
(5)Chrystina Z.
Damn I love this place! Open 24/7. The log cabin exterior has neon lights... think of the Simpsons episode where Homer eats the blowfish and thinks he has 24hrs to live ("Well 22hrs, I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long"). You know what I'm talking about? The sushi place where the sumo wrestlers are in neon lights bumping bodies? Yeah, that place. This is it come to life... although Korean and not in Springfield. Never ordered the sushi. We always get the #3 Ye Chon combo/variety platter (perfectly feeds 3 ppl) and also bibimbap and jap jae (when feeding 5). Huge delicious meal for about $100 for 5 ppl. You MUST eat here. No vegetarians allowed. Surprisingly those Koreans eat lots of meat. The servers never smile, but hey, they're Asian and just look pissed off. I would know; I'm 1/2 of one. Worth the drive out from the city... even though Glebe Road haunts me in my sleep tonight.
(5)Doug P.
Great Traditional Korean food. Their seafood pancakes are delicious, bi bim bap is good, and bulgogi is very good. The staff is attentive for such a busy place (love the paging systems on the tables)
(4)Micah P.
This place is okay. I've been here twice. One time was about 2 years ago and I recently went a couple weeks ago. I like Korean BBQ, so the taste didn't disappoint me. However, it was greasy and their service isn't so cool. I remember the workers were rude 2 years ago and this most recent time, they would just brush you off. I really don't know what else to say... but that might say a lot. P.S. I went a second time to give it a another try and meet up with friends visiting the area, but I don't think I'd do it again by my choice.
(2)Dale H.
Customer of many years. Food is very good. Enjoy hae jang guk a lot. Special menu prices are unbeatable. Service is ok and rushed. Ambiance is ok. Busy place.
(5)Noha M.
This place was awesome! I tried Korean BBQ for the first time at Honey Pig and I wrote it off for good. But I was convinced by some friends to give it another shot and I am super happy that I did! The ambiance is great. The food was excellent! The service was on point. I was very happy. And I will definitely go again!
(5)Janet H.
24 hour korean food? What else can go wrong? I like Yechon because I know where I can go in the weee hours of the night when I have a craving for korean food. Their variety of ban chan is awesome and I thought their food taste pretty good too. Granted, I don't come here that often because it's a bit far from where I live and how often do I really drive all the way to Annandale late at night for food lol. I can barely stay awake past 10pm nowadays. If I wasn't already in VA at Fast Eddie's (see my last review), I probably wouldn't come here. They have a pretty extensive menu... offering both Japanese and Korean options. This past visit, we were in Fairfax for some company event and ended up leaving hungry so I thought.. hey let's go get some Koreannn!! I got the beef bibimbap and some soup dumplings. I loved their ban chan and sadly, I was full from ban chan by the time my food came out =P You can't really mess up a bibimbap so it was tasty and the soup dumplings were okay, nothing too special. As for price, I thought they were decent. I'm pretty satisfy with all my visits at Yechon :)
(4)Cindy S.
Me and my boyfriend go here at least once a week! Short rib soup is always amazinggggggg!! Did I mention the great side dishes?! YUMM! We are always there for late night, and be sure to get the tall guy with the glasses! I don't know his name, but every time we are there, hes nothing but fantastic!!
(4)Erika K.
The first time I can here I was like 17, and it was 3 o'clock in the morning and the place was PACKED. from that moment I knew it was going to be amazing. and it was! The Kalbi beef is to die for, and they also grill delicious mushrooms along with the meat to give an extra little something something (It is a little pricey, but def. worth it..trust me!) Kim chee gigae is also amazing here, perfectly spicy and piping hot! I don't remember the name of this next dish, but it was basically a Korean seafood fritata, and it was CRACK! Also, all of the side dishes they bring out are delicious! Their kimchi tho is very hot and cold, sometimes its ridiculously perfect, other times its less than ehh.. The only reason I am not giving Yechon 5 stars is because of the service. The waitresses do NOT like people outside of the korean race. I eat ALOT of korean food and know a little korean, so I always try and be respectful and they always shoot me down...basically super bitchy and slow service..except when I go there with Korean friends.. But still one of the best Korean restaurants in the DC area for shizzle
(4)H L.
Yechon is a great Korean restaurant that I find myself coming back from time to time. The food is always great with decent amount of choices, and the service is usually good if you manage to avoid their peak-times. Compared to other Korean restaurants in the area, Yechon gets really packed with people during their peak-times, and I have had several occasions when I had to leave for some other restaurants. Other than that, I've always been satisfied eating at this place.
(4)Pat O.
This is my go to place for Korean food. I have tried Korean eateries all over DC & Northern Virginia and Yeochon is where I come back to. It's not knock your socks off good but it is by far the most consistently good place to get your Korean food fix...also it's open 24-7 so if you really, really must have soondubu or denjang jigae 3 in the morning there's no better place. I've had most of their tang, kuk and jigae's (all types of soup), bibimbap's and their bbq fare. They've slightly Americanized their food and are therefore a bit sweeter, greasier and less spicy than what you would find in most Korean restaurants in Korea but it is still good. Yechon will bring out more banchan (side dishes) if you order meat dishes versus the meager spread you get if you just order the rice or soup dishes...so we usually ensure at least one person in the group orders the bulgogi just to get the better banchan.
(4)Brandon C.
This was a first-time experience for me and Korean food and I was just wow'ed. The beef was so juicy and flavorful, you'd think that the cow was marinating before it became food. The side dishes were quite tasty and certainly welcome interludes between the meatening. I had a preference for the Korean Mashed potatoes and cucumber salad. Kimchee is not my strong suit, but the wife gladly took one for the team. But I can't stress the quality of the meat. It's expensive, so it's not something you should go to often, but a welcome occasional treat.
(4)Chris S.
24-Hour Heaven! If you happen to have a few extra 1s around, this place is not for you. If you have an expensive late hour appetite after partying this is the joint 4 you. Korean food tastes better than Denny's, IHOP, and diners any Friday or Saturday night. Ordered 2 meat dishes (number 3 and8). Chicken and beef in specialized sauce. I later found this tender mild chicken and medium-cooked beef was special. The customer service was amazing. I LOVE KOREAN SPOTS. Waters filled, bbq flippin on time, delicous chicken/meat ? this place was legit! 2 Dishes ended up being around. 37.........Worth Every Bite (:
(4)Hyunoo P.
My mom cooks better than you. But otherwise, you're a decent alternative. My mom won't make me bibim bap at 3 AM, nor will she set out 6 dishes of banchan and tolerate my white friend's raucous laughter. For that I applaud you. While your methods and decor are modern, my mother is a classy ol' gal. The food she makes is classy too. Her ox tail soup is clear and perfectly seasoned with love and affection. Yours looks like the cloudy veins of an opiate addict (which are trendy). And tastes like you didn't even try to season. Thankfully though, you provide a saucer of salt (because your salt shakers are broken. How roundabout of you!) Now, it may have been the booze buds talkin, but I liked your bibim bap. I've had it countless times before and never have been a big fan. I mean, your gochuchang was this thin sauce-like substance rather than a thick paste but still, I ate nearly half of that huge bowl. Kudos. Your Daeji bulgogi was ok. The marinade was right but where were the charred crispy edges? Where were the searing hot coals pulled from Hades? Where was the old man drinking soju while grilling garlic chips? I digress. I've been hungry at awful hours and you've been there. I gave you an extra star just for that. Keep it up Yechon; one day you'll convince me to gel my hair back, wear black square framed glasses, and hit on korean girls at restaurants.
(4)Jane K.
After calling 911 on an overdosing meth addict at midnight outside a party in DC after working 15 hours straight with a hangover...the thing I wanted most was a hot shower and bed. The greater group (and my ride back to the hotel) had a different ending in mind. A Korean feast in Annandale. Open 24 hours and located almost an hour from my hotel (which brought on initial feelings of sadness and regret) the food, our hosts promised, was worth the pain of exhaustion. And they were right. Everything, from the bi bim bap to the seafood omelette to the bbq short ribs...all was the best quality/flavor I've had yet in the realm of Korean feasts. We stuffed our tired bellies until they sagged. We must have looked like a heard of zombies but I was determined to power through and continue to eat so that I could justify the journey. It was justified. Unfortunately, on the way home it began to flash flood on the Virginia highways and we had about 3 near death hydroplaning experiences. At least I lived to tell the tale of Yechon.
(5)Ray C.
I measure a good restaurant as not only having great tasting stuff, but it has to be filling, with respect to price. So Yechon has achieved the former but not the latter. We had a group of four(one girl) and I would say that my palate was satisfied but I was still hungry. We had five meat dishes which were tastefully cooked on our table with the portable grill. So maybe you think I'm a fatass...tough call. 50/50. I got home and had to eat immediately as I was still about half full. If I pay $30 for one meal, I sure better be leaving painfully full. This was not the case so the next time I go there I'll be sure it's after I've eaten already. PS. The service and wait time were very good considering this place was jam packed to the walls on a Saturday night.
(3)JJ K.
Food was excellent. Portion were good. We had Kimchi Jjigae and kimchi dolsot bibimbap. Could have had few more banchan.
(5)Annie K.
Yechon is great for two things: lunch and late night! Plus, it's open 24/7! You definitely get your bang for your buck during lunch! You get a huge bento box with the meat of your choice, (galbi with a bunch of other food in a box for $9.95?! Don't mind if I do!) and although it's lunch, you still get banchan, which are the appetizer dishes that come before your entree. My favorite dish is the kalbi dolsat bibim bap-- which is a mix of kalbi and bibim bap in a hot stone pot. Everything is still sizzling when it gets delivered to your table! (Be sure to mix everything immediately, or else it'll get stuck to the bottom of the pot) Everything is reasonably priced and the portions are huge! The service can be spotty, but it's a pretty busy place for lunch and late night, so I don't expect too much.
(4)Ashley H.
The 24 hour concept is amazing. Endless food and everything was So good!! Even the sides! Usually the sides at places like this are nothing special. Pleasant atmosphere. The service was a little aloof though. Super packed.
(4)Joshua S.
My favorite time to come here is around hours when other food places may not be open. Parking always seems a little tight but I never have trouble finding a spot. Conveniently located near another great eatery.
(5)Lauren O.
Consistent favorite. Our go to place for Korean BBQ. They also have sushi that is quite good. They serve lots of yummy side dishes too! We have been here at all different hours and we have never been disappointed.
(5)Kumbi D.
Amazing today!! They would get a 5 if they were friendlier. The food was really good. We ordered the japchae noodles and bulgogi with two sides of rice. Side dishes were nice and fresh. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Cathy N.
First time here, seated quickly. Food came out quick, and out of there quick to get back to work. Will come back again!
(5)Angela P.
The banchan here is simply the best--I love the mashed potatoes (secret is Japanese mayo) and spicy cucumbers. They bring out many dishes and aren't a rag about refilling them. My top picks here: Beef ribs (min two orders to cook in front of you which is worth it!): So juicy and flavorful!! Fish/Seafood stew: Ingredients are put together in a large pot then placed in front of you on low heat for your eating pleasure. Generous with the monkfish and I think there was half a lobster tail floating around. Bibimbap: Though bibimbaps are a safe bet anywhere, no place does it as good as they do. If you're feeling adventurous: Intestines stew: Deliciously creamy upon first bite. After about two bowls of these the creaminess turns a little gamey. Only order with a larger sized group b/c it won't taste very good reheated. -1 Star for how service can be spotty when they get busy which is understandable, but we had 2-3 different waitresses which adds to the confusion. Tips: Parking is horrendous-there's usually some free spots next to a sketchy dumpster in the back. Wait can be long, too. However, they opened a nice little Korean bakery next door where you can stroll and sample the goods while you wait.
(4)Joyce C.
Wait staff are busy but they are able to give good services. Food is okay. Good for around the area. Tables aren't too close together which is good. Can go next door for the Korean cafe while waiting for the table. They give you a peeper for the wait.
(4)Vivian Z.
I have been to Yechon multiple times and I still have mixed feelings about it. On some days that I go I have great fast service and good food or the complete opposite. I dislike their lunchbox specials it was bland and overall not very good. However, when I come in the evening for dinner with friends I love the grilled meats and abundant amount of side dishes. The bimbimbap was on the dry side and I would prefer if they gave out the gochujang (red hot sauce) in the squeeze bottle because the little dish they give it out in is not enough for me. This restaurant gives a cozy family atmosphere which is great with a large group gathering or a regular family dinner. Furthermore, this place is usually packed on the weekends at dinner time so arrive early or the wait time is 30-45 minutes.
(3)Emily L.
Good place for a late night dinner with friends! The galbi is excellent with spicy pork bulgogi when doing BBQ on the table.
(4)Cristina K.
If you aren't local Korean and know the good mom and pop places this will seem amazing to you. The food is good but I think there are equal if not better places for Korean food that's not so expensive. We probably won't come again. The wait was long but seemed par for the course. They were busy. I had the mul negmung, my husband the galbi tang, my son soon-dubu jig, my daughter California roll. For the prices and hype we were expecting stellar food. However we were left feeling... eh. My guess is that they are popular for their galbi and what I like to call foreigner friendly korean food. The negmung was decent but I like Manna's in Burke better. The galbi tang disappointed my husband, his is far better. The soon-dubu jige was average. If you want authentic, go to Lighthouse tofu. The only thing we thought was worth the price was the California roll. The service was a bit lack luster. It took forever to get our banchan and equally as long to get our food. Again, they were busy but from what I've heard it's always busy. So that would mean service will always be slow. My great confusion was WHY so many people were waiting to get in? My guess isn't because of the food but the hype they've been able to build up. I'll stick to my real korean food joints.
(2)Melissa H.
Came to Annandale after a friend mentioned all the great Korean restaurants. We picked Yechon because it had the best reviews. The service was good here and we were seated quickly. We ordered dumplings, and each had a different bowl of bibimbap. The lunch special bibimbap was quite good with very fresh ingredients! The barley tea was new for me but very enjoyable.
(4)Nicole Y.
Food is decent, but not great. I wouldn't order any specialty dishes, but the staples, such as Korean barbecue and most stews, are fine. What makes Yechon a go-to spot is the fact that it's 24-hours, convenient to get to, and friendly to non-Koreans.
(3)Dan M.
A nod to these guys for being 24 hours already as it was a life saver for me. I have actually been here a few times now and its known for being open 24/7 but surprisingly the food is actually good as well. This place is somewhere you can expect to be seated relatively quickly without some absurd wait time, and the staffs are extremely friendly and even joke around with you oddly enough or maybe it was just the witty Korean banter. This place Is a jack of all trades and serves up a variety of Korean dishes, Korean BBQ, and then a sushi bar which is always concerning for me as places that are too spread for their menu tend to do make mediocre food. The service is always quick and they keep the soju flowing so already won this Koreans heart over. The meat is a good portion without feeling like you are go into a meat coma and the sashimi boat is enough to feed a family of 4 easily while the quality remains fresh too. They give you plenty of banchan so delicious. As started in this review, there was one weekend I was here where I caught the flu and was dying while tossing and turning at 4 in the morning. There was only one cure which was a hearty bowl of yook hwe jang but where can I find this at 4 Am? Yechon. Boom problem solved. Thank you for being reliable and always open.
(4)Leonard C.
This place is overrated, it is terrible, the food is not good and really bad service, first of all, the table I sat down at was messy, there was dirty napkins on the floor and the table was not clean, the menu was sticky and falling apart, the sides weren't that good, I tried ordering sushi and the server gave me a dirty look telling me that their sushi bar is closed. The menu nor the sign tells the customer at what time the bar closes which was very inconvenient. I ordered the bibimbap, and it was the worst thing I've ever seen. The "ground beef looked like frozen dirt with thrown vegetables in a plate. I had to painfully eat the sides to get rid of the nasty taste the food had. AVOID this place and save your money for a better place, I will not be coming again.
(1)Kirk S.
God, I love Yechon. And Breeze (their sister restaurant, a cafe). There needs to be more places like this in the world. Yechon is a Korean BBQ place, meaning you get delicious meat dishes quickly and 24/7. It's genuinely impressive how nice this place is for being 24/7 - it's way cleaner than I expected and everyone seems a lot nicer than you'd expect. Prices are decent for the market. The food is superb. It's hard to screw up cooked meats or bibimbap, but everything I've had here has been beyond excellent. Even their free appetizers - including kimchei - are amazing and refreshing, and add a nice acidic kick to what is normally a rather hearty meal. While the bulgolgi is excellent, the real winner in my mind is the marinated short ribs, which are basically perfect in every way. Go here! Especially if it's 2 AM and you have no idea where else to go.
(5)Sin Y. K.
The food here is actually good but the waiting AND service STINKS. If you go on a weekend night-- have fun waiting. What everyone usually does is go to the bakery next door and chills until their beeper goes off. YES-- the beeper still works next door! The stews, meat and sushi are all really good. Maybe it's because I've waited over 30 mins for a table that I'm just starving at this point. The service-- well, I've gone here with as little as 2 to all the way to 6. Same exact mannerism to all parties. At least they're not biast? Whether you are Korean, white, other Asian, Hispanic, mixed parties, etc. you will be treated the same with the same stare if you take too long to order. Just be expected to know what to order when the ladies in the traditional Korean clothes comes up to you. The value for the food is pretty good priced. The suggestion is to go on a non-busy time (which I've never done) and NOT at night-- especially weekend. It is 24-hours!
(3)Chay T.
Ive been wanting to check this place out for awhile. We didn't do Kbbq, but had the pancake, and hawe dup bap. The pancake was tasty, not too salty. I was really disappointed with the hawe dup bap. I have had better...in a food court. I would come back to check out their other menu items. I am totally loving the expanded parking lot. They needed it.
(4)Tom C.
Ahhh Yechon.... "The Korean restaurant" staple of Annandale that everyone knows and every Korean visits as well. They do it all well but this is NOT a Korean Bbbq restaurant. This is more a Korean 24/7 diner that has authentic soups and entrees and then throws in sushi just to prove that Koreans have there own sushi style as well. Confusing yes, but more importantly...there lunch specials are spectacular.
(4)Chieh Y.
My family and I have frequent Yechon for almost 7 years now. Back then, it was really good. However, I am not sure what happened today. We went in for lunch and the waitress looked distressed. She was not friendly at all and sat is quickly. Came over and asked us what we would like right away. We asked a few question about the lunch menus (as we have never been here for lunch.) and she didn't seem like she knew much English to explain certain dishes. I feel like the menu is ver over priced. $16.95 for Japchae? Really? That's insane! It's just clear glass noodles with a few veggies and few meat thrown in. Nothing that special. So back to the service. We ordered. Got our food, and it tasted very bland. I got the Galbitang and my mother got the kimchi pork stew (spicy). Both tasted very bland. However, I will say that their rice... Is on point. I love the texture and the consistency of their rice. We've also ordered the bulgogi and the flavor is good, although the meat is all in small pieces. We didn't get much for paying dinner price. I think it was $16.95 or $18.95 around there for the bulgogi. At the end, I looked at our receipt and realized that they have charged me for a soda. I've never ordered a soda. I talked to the waitress and she acted as if I had ordered it. After saying no, I didn't... She took it off. I gave 10% tip because the service was very bad from the moment we have stepped in. Fast, but bad. Right when I put my check book down, the waitress came over and picked it up, opened it and looked at the tip. I, myself have been working in the restaurant industry for over 8 years now can tell you that, that is very rude to do while the customer is still there. Tips are a privilege not entitled. We all work to make money as waitress/waiters but you have to work for it, shouldn't be expecting it when giving your customers bad service. She walks away and started speaking in Korean, showing the other waitress the tip I gave. Pointing at it and all looking at me. I almost want to walk up to her and tell her that she's lucky I'm even giving her 10%. I felt like giving nothing. Not coming back ever again, as there are abundant of different Korean restaurants around here. Too bad, we've been loyal customers for so long too.
(1)Tiffany B.
Oh Yechon... How I love thee... I digress... Like.. how can you not LOVE this place! 24 hr authentic Korean food! OMG... You can find almost any traditional Korean dish here! The Bi Bim Bap is the best too! It can get pretty busy, but it's never a long wait... Their sushi bar is the best! They have a great selection of rolls and the price is right too! I usually get the Mexican Roll with salmon sushi! And the portions are niiiiiiceeeee!
(5)Jane P.
They had a decent and cheap lunch special. I got the galbi bento box and it made me full. I liked some stuff on the bento box, but not everything. The galbi was tasty and i liked the roll. Although, they only gave you one of that. The salad was good too, but didn't really enjoy the fries food on the side. I saw a man get a sushi and sashimi combo and that looked really good! I was regretting what I got:( the combo was huge for like ten dollars. There were huge slices of sashimi and it looked so fresh and delicious. well, next time im going to try the sushi and sashimi combo!
(3)Jill W.
This place is legit. The 4 stars are on the food. I've been here and the service varies. Sometimes it is very fast sometimes it is slow. Everything I've had here has been delicious. The first time I came here with 2 friends. One of those friends ate here another 2 times that week it was so good.
(4)Emily N.
It was the first time I tried it and it was really good to try the lunch special it was the best
(5)Jennifer B.
Food was the best Korean BBQ we ever had. One word awesome! Breeze next door is also an amazing bakery with so many options. Dinner+Dessert+Coffee= Good Times!
(5)Connie C.
Food is pretty alright and it's one of a few places that's one 24/7 in NOVA, so that you can feed that hunger at any time! Service is spotty but I'm sure I would be pretty out of it by 3am too! I would say their Korean pancakes are something I order every time. I think it all just depends on what time you're heading in there so keep that in mind!
(3)Merry M.
Never disappoints. Also love the fact that they have the option to cook the bbq in the kitchen for you because sometimes you don't want to smell like a meat pit. I've tried this place at so many different times. Lunch-great lunch box deals, midday-good, dinner-good, late night- still good. The sides are plentiful and the prices aren't too bad compared to their competitors. I do wish they had a spicy pork belly option, but the spicy pork bulgogi is good enough! Service is acceptable, especially for a kbbq spot.
(4)Irene C.
Great place to go for late night grub. Only gripe I have is that last night, we were packing over leftovers to go, we wanted to take what was left of the banchan. The waiter or manager comes over and says we are not allowed to take banchan. I dont understand why b/c they would throw it out after we leave. It's not like we asked for refills and then asked for it to be packed so we can take it home but these were leftovers!
(2)Alexis K.
I avoid Yechon like the plague not because parking is a nightmare, but because the food is just not good, in my humble opinion. If you've got the drunchies, then Yechon probably tastes like delicious fireworks in your mouth, but if you're just trying to enjoy some good Korean food, Yechon is not the place. Yechon is probably the most well-known Korean restaurant in the DMV area, but it always falls short of my expectations. I grew up eating Yechon, and it seems like as soon as the restaurant gained massive popularity, the food quality took a serious nose dive. Service is usually just fine (quick & efficient), but the food itself is either too bland, too salty, or sloppily executed - like a cook just threw a mish mash of things into a pot with hot water + gochujang and deemed it edible. Because Yechon is a 24/7 restaurant, there are inevitably many different chefs/cooks that work the kitchen. So pretty much, your food will taste different all the time depending on who's cooking it. I'm impartial to Korean restaurants that try to do sushi, KBBQ, jjigaes, and entrees. If the menu reminds me of The Cheesecake Factory, then a huge red flag goes up, at least for me. Gom Ba Woo and To Sok Jip are my go-to Korean restaurants in the area. The menu selection is definitely smaller, but their food really packs a punch, which Yechon unfortunately lacks. NOTE: Yechon is expanding their parking lot - good news for those that spend 10+ minute circling the tiny lot for a spot!
(2)Roo N.
My fave korean bbq that gives you everything you ever wanted from bbq (that's korean)..HMM! I mean, this place is comparable to that special person in your life that always is there for you..in times when you're drunk, sober, want to take the family out and impress them with the skillz...this place is like that!! My shoulder to cry on when i'm in need of some korean soul food! This is another place I always ask my husband to take me too but he won't take me since its always crazy jam pack!! so now we just order and pick up!! Even more amazing!! Yechon cuisine at home and no crazy drunk kids! Did I mention this place is open 24/7...seems like it anyway.. This place holds dear memories to my heart...ode to my after-the-club-grub days in 2005.
(5)Tony P.
It's odd, but I've been finding myself here more often at the early wee hours of the morning after a long night out. The facility is bright, roomy and handles large raucous yelp crowds with aplomb. There are buttons on the table that can summon the wait staff, if you're not able to flag one down in the crowd that congregates here in the middle of the night. The menu is extensive, but I like to stick to the savory bulgogi. The usual banchan and kimchi sides augment the entree. Considering this is one of the few places available at late night to satiate your alcohol hunger I guess it's not so odd after all.
(4)Dan W.
It's a relatively traditional looking restaurant which is neat since it's open 24hrs and others are trying to look mainstream to get the younger crowd. Yet you'll find lots of younger gens eating there after... 2am, and usually has a good amount of people during normal hours. The menu is great but makes harder to decide. The food was awesome: the side dishes are fresh and can be refilled, good quality ingredients, made the way they were supposed to. Sure many people go there for the BBQ but that's not the only good thing they have to offer (like sushi for Japanese). The price is reasonable for the quality, compared to other Korean places around the area. Service was good, they're always polite and I like the waitresses' outfit.
(5)Melody C.
the Kalbi Dolsot Bibimbap is really good. It's like regular dolsot bibimbap (hot stone bowl with rice & veges and some meat topped with a dollop of korean hot sauce and an egg) BUT WITH KALBI (marinated short ribs). yumm. also if you order the seafood pancake it's pretty huge. dont over order b/c they always provide complimentary panchan (?) the little small dishes with kimchi, potato salad, bean sprouts, or other korean styled pickled veges. i always enjoy meeting friends here for late night dinner. i see the place still bumpin' past midnight (and for much longer i'm sure since it's one of the only good 24/7 places in the DC area).
(4)Keith K.
This is one of my favorite restaurants! Options include Korean BBQ, sushi, soups, etc.. My favorite dish here is the spicy shrimp "Mae Woon Sae Woo". The shrimp are battered and a spicy/sweet sauce is poured over them. Add in the Korean beef + an assortment of side dishes that come with your meal and it's a good night every time. Did I mention it is open 24 hours!?! You have to try it if you even remotely like Korean food.
(5)Krista V.
I'm 5 months pregnant, and had a craving for Jap Chae. Mind you, I haven't had Korean food in about three years, so this craving took me by surprise. But I was determined. I set up a Meetup with my mom's group, and a few of us met up for lunch. The parking lot was packed---the first good sign. It was very crowded inside but the RELATIVELY nice host/manager found us a table and highchairs. Before our meals came out, we were given complimentary appetizers (?), and while Kimchi was the only thing I could CLEARLY identify, they were all very tasty. For lunch, I ordered Jap Chae, a flavorful glass noodle dish with beef and vegetables. My friends all ordered Bi Bim Bap. Good, but not as good as the Jap Chae. I'd certainly return. After all, it's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
(4)Lindsey L.
Went here last night with a group of 6. It was a decent time, a fun thing to do with a larger group. The place was PACKED at 8pm, a good sign, and we waited about 10 min before being seated in the semi-private back part of the place. We jumped ship from Heebeen Restaurant down the street a bit for this place and were very happy we did. The fact that this place is full of legit Asian people gives a newcomer confidence. The waitresses (with their neat outfits with bright colored skirts) were no doubt being pushed to their capacity and service was curt but efficient. We the Yechon Special #3 which is a lot of meat and side orders for $55. It fed 6 people, but maybe I got the short end of the stick because I was still hungry. I REALLY wanted to try another dish that is jumbo shrimp in a light breading with spicy sauce! As a "plain-old-white-girl" I don't even think I can accurately assess the quality of the food. The mackerel was too foreign for me but the tofu soup was good and the side orders were all unique flavors. My bottom line: Go, try it, you might love it! Very family friendly. FYI: Our bill came to $85 (6 people before tip!)
(3)E M.
How can you not like Yechon? Open all hours, service has been great for me. Great food. Definitely worth a visit if you haven't been and like korean food.
(5)Steph W.
The 24 hour Korean bbq is AMAZING! This is one of my favorite places to eat in the area. The best deal is the Yechon special: (54 bucks) and you get 3 types of meat, tofu soup, shrimp, lobster, rice, and side dishes! It usually feeds a family of four people (even though on the menu it recommends only feeding 3). The only criticism I have of the restaurant is that some of the female waitresses are not that friendly, but other than that if you want Korean food with variety and authenticity, this is the place to go! I didn't give it five stars because I'm torn between this restaurant and another 24 hour Korean spot (see next review).
(4)Susan L.
Atmosphere/Service: The prices are definitely eye catching. Sunday brunch is always busy and packed with a diverse group of people. You have your mom and pop Koreans coming in as well as your non-Koreans. This is quite the casual place--don't expect a huge explanation of your menu. But rather, they say hello and what do you want to order in the same breath. The women servers are always bustling about getting more dishes, drinks, or whatever you need. It's like a whirlwind of traditional Korean skirts. There's a button at the table that you press when you need something and a number/bell rings. They'll come in a jiffy--but they don't always look happy. Food: Side dishes are the best part of this place for me. The variety alone and quantity alone was enough for me where I could go without ordering an entree. The miso was boring and didn't even have sea weed in it. We ordered bibimbap for our entree. I've had bibimbap more times than I can count, but this one didn't have an egg in it! Blasphemy!! The price was much cheaper by a few dollars--but I'd forego that for an egg! It's part of the dish and yet they skimped on that. The spicy red sauce they give wasn't spicy at all, but seemed rather watered down (probably to stretch it more). i usually walk out with my tongue burning but not this time. Much worse, my friend found not one, but TWO strands of curly/wavy long black hair wrapped up in her food. Oh it wasn't laying on top or bottom, but looped up in our food. When she found the first one, I tried to laugh it off. Oh, it's a semi-fast food/diner place. There's bound to be some hair...just ignore it. But the 2nd one killed me. Watching her unwind it out of her rice was the closer for me. Overall, food was subpar...but you get what you paid for. The prices tempt you. If you're looking for just ok Korean food, just OK service, and speed, come here. Otherwise, spend a few bucks more and go elsewhere that won't have curly hair.
(2)Kevin O.
I used to live in South Korea and Yechon is better than most of the food i had there. I'll make this short and sweet: -way nicer than honey pig -don't bother with sushi -they are open 24 hours! -get some friends and order the #3 special grab dessert next door and go home stuffed and happy
(5)Yelper O.
This place is just simply below average. They are excellent about advertising though. It's popular among non Koreans. Have you noticed that the customers are mostly non Koreans (Remember that Asian does not necessarily mean that they are Korean). That's because Korean people know that there are MUCH better Korean restaurants in that area than Yechon. Perhaps Yechon is considered to be THE Korean restaurants because they advertise pretty well and the waiters and waitresses do not get intimidated by non Koreans (many other Korean restaurants do, which means poor service). Personally, the only time I would go here is late at night because everywhere else is closed, oh wait! Honey Pig is open, okay, nevermind... I have a better place to go. Don't settle for mediocre food.
(2)Ron M.
First of all, let me preface this by saying that I attended this restaurant a little tipsy, as do most people I would imagine. It was 4AM and I wanted something to eat, but just anything, I wanted bulgogi. The place was surprisingly packed for how late it was, but I guess I wasn't the only one with early morning Korean food cravings. We sat down and were promptly served our small plates of kimchi and other items (I especially love the spicy cucumber). After snacking for a bit, we placed our order for some bulgogi and other BBQ items. On a side note, if cooking the food at your table is your thing (it is for us) be sure to sit at a table with a built-in grill. The meat arrived soon after we ordered and the cooking began. The wait staff was even kind enough to flip the meat in case we were too occupied (or drunk) to take care of it ourselves. The meat was tender, flavorful and quickly devoured. Overall it was a great experience.
(4)Jill H.
Yechon is a great Korean place! I love the small 6 plates they serve as starters. (They're included!) I ordered the duck & dumpling soup; it was really tasty. The dumplings were light & fresh. My colleague ordered the BBQ ribs; SOOOO good! His lunch meal came with a little bit of everything. Other lunch item menus come like that too. The place was packed for lunch! I can only imagine how busy it is for dinner!
(4)Lindasauce B.
24 hours + the menu is massive! Korean + Japanese cuisine, but this is a Korean joint. It's next to a cute Korean bakery, and the bon chon is really good! : )
(4)Emceen N.
The food is okay. Service is not great, but not horrible either in my experience. I would have given the place four stars, but I ordered the kalbi bibimbap and it came without an egg. Bibimbap without egg just seems odd and wrong to me. Obviously it wasn't a mistake because BF's bibimbap also had no egg. Also, the mushroom was white mushroom instead of shitake, and white mushroom just doesn't go well in the dish. It still tasted decent, and the banchans were pretty good. Not my favorite restaurant, but a good late night alternative.
(3)Corinne G.
Yechon probably doesn't need any more business (there's usually a line) or positive reviews, but here it goes anyway. We ate here for the first time about three months ago and have been back twice since. The food and service are both consistently excellent. They have a great variety of side dishes, which they rotate when you ask for seconds.
(5)BJ K.
not a big fan... their banchans are stale and old. They used to be so good back in the days, what happened?
(2)k s.
I lived in NOVa for 6 years and down the road on main street fairfax for 2, so this place was a regular for me. the reason i gave this a 4 star is cause the food never ever tasted the same, it was good 8 out of 10 times. i think it was better after 10 pm when the lady servers left and the male counterparts took over the floor, but that is my opinion. although i went here a lot, i did not try everything on the menu but most of it. the sushi was good 8/10. the bulgogi and dakgui were my favorites. the service was good most of the time , maybe an instance or 2 it was ok. this place can handle large groups very easy. the thing about korean joints is that they give you this small serving before the main meal, like salads, fish cake, eggs, evegteables, kimchi, etc. it kinda distracts you with the service. i have taken upto 35 people to this place , and things were handled very smoothly, although i waws kinda a server. highly recommed it and try the yakisoba noodles, bul kalbi, seafood casserole. hey it is open 24 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(4)eugine p.
Service is good most of the time and the food is great. Be kind and courteous to the waitresses and they will treat you the same. I've had most of their dishes and they are all good. If you plan on going out after dinner I recommend not bbq'ing at the table because you'll smell like it all night... just ask them to grill it for you in the back. Overall this place can't be beat, 24/7, cheap prices, and great food... what more could you ask for.
(5)Mia C.
still fabulous, but should point out that after midnight, all the women wait staff go home and only men work there - for a reason. for some fun people watching, go check it out at 1 a.m., the prostitues are in full force. ..and it always seems to be with the nerdy lawyers or military guys
(5)Nina L.
I had my usual scallion pancake, komsot rice, and sushi...the food was delicious as usual, but the service from the waitress was poor. However the owner Kevin is always friendly and polite. I always use the ladies room when I'm done with dinner...I proceeded to the ladies room and noticed that there was a urinal...the bathroom had been recently remodeled with new flooring, granite counter top, a glass vessel sink...they decided to switch, what used to be the ladies room was now the men's room...the mens room looked nice. The ladies room now has 2 toilet stalls (yeahhh), blue pearl granite counter top, clear vessel sink, and laminate flooring...I complimented Keven on the bathrooms and he stated that his contractor was going to replace the sink and counter top because it wasn't practical...I love vessel sinks and granite counter tops...I'm so disappointed that he's going to replace it with something else :( oh well...
(4)Geoffrey W.
This place is good. It's kind of like the Korean Denny's. The menu is huge, it's open 24 hours, and if you go on off times, the wait isn't usually too bad. There's nothing that really wows me about this place, but there's nothing that's really that bad either. The service tends to be pretty attentive and the food comes out fairly quickly. If you're ever hungry (and slightly tipsy) late night, this is the perfect place to go.
(4)Mary Kate M.
Wow. Just wow. I was stunned and how friendly the service was, how fresh and how cheap everything was too! To think only one person has reviewed this little gem down in Annandale. I got here at the tail end of lunch break around 2:15. Lunch concluded at 2:30pm. I was immediately greeted where I opted to sit at the sushi bar. I figured since I was a party of one, why take up a 4 top table all by my lonesome. Trust me, I didn't mind. I requested to sit where I was. Surprisingly I was the only white girl in the place. Again, I didn't mind a bit. The servers all were very fluent speakers and I hate no trouble communicating with them. I gathered from the area that this was a highly populated Asian part of NoVA. The women servers were all dressed in what seemed to be colonial style dress. I know right? A bit different. They had their buns up in their hair, neatly pressed white dresses with an apron around their waists. I had probably 2 or 3 women checking on me in a rotation. Never an empty glass of water, never missed a beat when I needed something. The menu is quite extensive. Almost to the point of overwhelming. The do offer some pretty excellent lunch specials on the cheap. I really had not ate today and decided to be glutinous. I opted for 2 sushi rolls from their sushi menu and a tempura box. The sushi was spicy tuna which was really spicy and the Japanese bagel roll aka the Philly commonly known. The tempura box came with 5 mini dishes of a variety of pickled veggies and potatoes before you receive your actual entree, miso soup, then the actual meal itself. The tempura box consisted of tempura shrimp, a salad with dressing and cucumbers, tempura veggies, another veggie dish that had mushrooms and sliced beef, and a single California roll sushi piece ...not a whole roll. We are talking a lot of food. The tempura box itself was only $8.95 and man it is filling. I brought over half of the left overs home for a second meal since I filled up on the salad, sushi, and soup. Everything was so fresh and wonderful. I can't believe that it was so good. Heaven in your mouth for sure. At the end of your meal, they bring you a complimentary cup of rice sweet tea. It has bits of rice flowing around at the bottom of the cup. Believe it or not this was a perfect ending to a perfect meal. It is very light and sweet. A cup of happiness. For everything -- my bill was under $20. I was shocked. A perfectly wonderful meal that could easily be considered fine dining to some. I lucked out on this one. Have you ever heard of a sushi establishment being open for 24 hours? Yeah, me either. Well, Ye Chon is! Nice to see something different for a change. If I ever want to get my sushi fix at 3am on a Sunday night -- it is possible to do it. Ye Chon really is a diamond in the rough that has not been sought out by many Yelpers, I certainly hope some folks make their way down here to see what I am talking about.
(5)Peter K.
My 'go-to' for Korean food. Open 24 hours, food is consistent and good, and price is reasonable. Get's crowded real quickly.
(4)Tey C.
They're food is ON POINT! but the parking sucks! thats the only reason why I am giving them 4 stars instead of 5.
(4)Jerry Y.
service is the worst. Tt starts with the manager/owner. I was there Saturday for dinner with party of 5. We get there and place is packed. We wait for someone to take our name.. as we are waiting a group of 3 people comeup and as if we are on the wait list... I tell them we haven't spoken to anyone. An elderly man and women walk right past us and go directly to the manager and speaks Korean to him. Next thing I know that party of 6 walks right past us and gets a table. The manager asks us how many in our party, I tell him 5. I get a pager. The party of 3 get their pager along with another party of 3. Then a party of 8 get a pager too... Next thing I know, everyone who is waiting after us are getting a table... even the party of 8. It has been more than 20 mins since we first arrived... I got pissed and left.. There are way too many Korean restaurants in Annandale to be treated like this... It's as if you don't speak Korean you are second class citizen... The worst? I am Korean.
(1)John T.
Top-notch Korean. Don't order any Japanese dishes. I regret getting the Yakisoba. It was aweful Supermarket market grade lo mein. But their BBQ is always good but a bit pricy. $17 for pork belly or bulgogi. You have to order 2 expensive BBQ dishes in order to get BBQ. (we ordered bulgogi and pork belly and was told we needed to order another BBQ because bulgogi dousnt count). Anyway, lots of great sides: kimchi, spicy tofu, cold steamed egg, mashed potatoes, and many more. Also 24 hrs. Very consistant.
(4)Kim N.
Korean food. That is decent. Available 24 hours. 365 days a year. Ok, you get the drift. I love Yechon! I've come here for dinner, I've been here late night, and what some may call as breakfast. It's awesome! Some of my faves: soon du bu with beef, steamed man doo, spicy kalbi tang, and dolsot bibim bap. Their banchan is great and i've been able to ask for my faves if they're not given to me (ex. mashed potatoes, spicy bean sprouts, etc.)
(4)Katie F.
Stop 3 for the Yelp Saturday Night Crew Around mid-night Kevin L, Alicia C & G, Cadence R, Brian, and PC W went to Yechon. 3 of us had never been here, so we left the ordering to the experts--and they did good. While I can't list off all the things that I ate, they were all delicious. I liked the Kimchi and other Banchans, but I am not sure my stomach likes that I ate it this morning. The meat---oh the meat. So flavorful. SO delicious I know where I am going late nights from now on.
(5)Christina C.
yechooooon!! So I'll be straight forward. Came here first time with some friends for lunch on a Saturday; it was crowded, but we got a table right when we walked in. Yakiniku, yay!!! I love how they have it right in the middle of the table. Anyways, ordered a lot of stuff... well we went straight to the BBQ menu and ordered three things: 1. Bul Kalbi - beef short ribs marinated in chef's special sauce 2. Joo Mul Luk Gul - specially treated beef marinated in special sauce 3. Sae Woo Gul - marinated jumbo shrim broiled at the table The marinated meat in the special sauce was awesome. That's all I can say. You have to try some, and if you did, go get some again! And the small portions with bowls of vegetables were delicious as well. It's something about marinated beef and a small bowl of hot, steaming white rice that hits the spot. Our service was awesome, constant water refills, and our wonderful waitress cooked our meat for us (she was probably afraid us youngins might burn the beef lol). Great job Yechon, I shall see you soon. Most likely around 3 am, drunk lol.
(4)Yilen R.
HANDS DOWN THE BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT!! The wait to be seated was quick but i can see how many might have to wait a few minutes when it's very busy(usually later hrs). Regardless I'd wait whatever to be seated and have the opportunity to eat here. the food was amazing!! And I love all their side dishes! I lobe how everyone works together and if a waiter is extremely busy another comes to help and I thought that was great because they DO get busy. Price is decent,quality is just supper! I would def recommend this to anyone as everyone!
(5)Oggie E.
Omg SERVICE is always not great! Servers dont know how to serve in the restaurant. Very rude!!!!!!! Well dont take it personally, just leave your 10% besides that food is decent.
(2)Jane C.
The quality isn't always consistent, but overall a nice korean establishment to go to, ingredients are fresh and tasty. A bit on the pricy side though.
(4)Phi N.
This place is worst of all the korean bbq restaurants I go to in annandale. The kalbi is skimp and expensive, they are understaffed, and the menu has like a billion things to order... I hate when the menu has too much stuff on it. I had to do a lot of my own cooking yesterday, they brought the meat out but were pretty much too busy after that. I did however get lucky and they gave us an extra dish. No one realized it because portions are so small. lol. but when they told us, they decided not to charge us... so it went into the tip. Also, the little side dishes were of good portion, and there was plenty of variety. Probably the best thing about Yechon though, is that it is opened 24hrs on Sunday. Honeypig, the place across the street, il mee, and the one behind the butcher shop were all closed...
(3)Stephen T.
Yechon is one of those places everyone knows about. Its 24/7 like the 7-11 next to it. Great meeting place, nice atmosphere, and decent service. The menu has good variety and is usually very good, the problem of course is consistency. Its hard to do when you have a large staff and operating non-stop. I've come here for years and years, and have come here at all hours of the day and night. I've had my share of excellent meals here, and I've also had my share of horrid ones as well. Overall, Yechon is a ceaseless Korean staple of Ananndale, a gateway to all those treasures Annandale holds.
(3)C P.
The food here is not fantastic, and the service is fairly poor. However, the portions are plentiful, and the prices are reasonable. Added bonus, the place is open 24hrs... so, if you think of this place as the "silver dinner" of Korean joints, you wont be disappointed. Be warned: items in the "side dishes" portion of the menu are easily big enough to feed two people, and the wait staff will not advise you.
(3)Ferdinand H.
This review will be written in reverse. 5 stars minus. The food quality gets a 4 minus, but it gets a whole lot of extra love because it's 24 hours, seven days a week, has a huge amount of friendly, accessible social energy and -- serves you the same amount of Panchan whether or not you're hanguksaram. :) Yechon is a ritual for me. I get into DC at all sorts of random hours, and Yechon is always open to greet me. My brother and I will frequently ravage 2 dolsot bibimbaps, 2 orders of Kalbi, 4-6 large Kirin ichibans, and cut a swathe through a dazzling array of panchan. None of their dishes will make you fall over and die of ecstasy... but it will make you feel at home. Why home? Well -- because at most homes you don't have an opulent dining room, obsequious servers, chatty hostesses, or porcelain work that belongs in a museum. Ditto for Yechon. Mom's concerned whether you ate enough, and whether you ate well. The Ajimas that serve so attentatively are by and large warm and friendly. The food is solid -- not exquisite -- not stratospheric ... but the meat quality prior to marinade is fresh, and the marinade effective. The panchan are of good quality and of good variety, with the typical seasonal variations in Kimchee. Beer, Soju and Sake are available -- with a good basic selection. No real "high end" sakes... but this isn't that kind of restaurant. Yukhwe is available here. (Yum!) Yechon is an establishment that truly is more than the sum of its parts. Maybe I'll see you there some dark evening... :)
(5)Jina K.
Food was better this past sunday. Service-- still poor. Seafood pancake-- the best! They seem to use "sweet rice flour"; so it is extra chewy. Pan fried Dumplings -- the best out of all the Korean restaurants I have tried in Annandale. 3) Yook Gae Jang-- it's pretty decent, though I think it can be spicier. 4) Kalbi Hot Stone Bibimbap -- Pretty good! I was actually surprised. The ribs were delicious! The only thing I didnt like was that they don't serve fermented kimchi --but that's just my preference.
(3)Jon C.
What is amazing about this place is not only it's open 24/7 the food is amazing and is definitely worth the price! Living in Central PA with very little korean restaurants driving down to the DC area late at night I know that I will be satisfied! Be warned if you try to come here during dinner hours be expected for a long (30-40min) wait luckily I planned and came 30 min before our group dinner date. They'll give you the pager and you can go chill in the bakery next door. Though I see many people get korean bbq there I constantly get the seolleongtang and their generous portions of the side dishes will satisfy me. My most recent visit I tried their hoe deopbup since I'm a fan of raw fish and w/ salad makes a healthy choice it definitely satisfied! Their seafood pancake is alittle pricey to me but its def worth it. Their hot barley tea in the glass cup is nice to drink on a cold winter night!
(5)Laura L.
As a frequent patron of this establishment, I am a fan! While not every dish is the absolute best korean food in the world, Yechon can be proud that they consistently serve yummy food every time... even if it's 4 AM on a Monday morning (why are we drunk on a Monday morning?). Every visit starts with a delicious assortment of small dishes: pickled radish, kimchee, fish cake, salty egg custard, seaweed salad, potato salad, watercress, etc. I always request my favorite side dish, which I selfishly hoard close to my side of the table. Our favorite server there is aware of my obsession, so he automatically knows to bring two of this dish to the table so my compadres can have some too. :D My favorites? -beef oxtail soup, w/ only sea salt and scallions. -kalbi tang, minus the onions. -pork belly -seafood pancakes -Al jigae (fish roe stew) As you can tell, this is my default place to meet friends for dinner when we want some comfort food. Feeling under the weather? You can get close to a hot, comforting broth soup. Feeling really hungry? An order of pork belly, a diet coke, and I am all business. In the end, who doesn't want to return to a place where everybody knows your name? :D
(4)Grace T.
You would think that with an enormous menu like Yechon's I would want to get something spicy, BBQ-ed, hot and hearty... but this hungover Korean girl wanted duk guk (Korean rice cake and beef soup). Yes, the traditional soup of choice on New Year's day... don't ask why. I was craving it and boy did it hit the spot! We also ordered fried mandoo gui (dumplings), pahjun (Korean pancake), something similar to jaeook bokkum (kimchi, pork, onions marinaded in a spicy sauce with blocks of steamed tofu on the side). Everything tasted good and the service was efficient. And I am a fan of their awesome hours!
(4)Diana K.
One of the best Korean restaurants in Annandale - from the banchan to the food itself. Also, they're open 24/7. GO HERE!
(5)Jason S.
Yechon is kind of like Batman, you can only begin to truly appreciate it during the late hours of the night. Other sit down food joints cry and go to sleep because they're too tired to stay awake. Not Yechon, they deliver the goods when you need it the most - late at night when you're either too drunk or tired to stand. The MaeWoon(Spicy) Galbi Tang is awesome here, it's probably one of the best I've ever had in my whole life. The spiciness can vary, but spice lovers can always turn up the heat by asking for some red pepper paste. It's also a fairly large portion so theres a good chance you'll leave fighting the itus. Chug it down with some ice cold Sapporo... man that's heaven. Overall, I've never heard anybody complain about the quality of this place or any of their dishes. It's been able to maintain the same high quality throughout all 24 hours of the day - I don't know of any place in the area that can say the same. Plus any gaijins will appreciate the menus here - it does a much better job of describing dishes here compared to other Korean places. I'd also recommend the JooMuhLuc Galbi and any big spicy seafood stew.
(5)Shine S.
Late NIght Dining (24 hours to be exact) Hard to find a place which is not like a diner style at 2AM. This place can get crowded at nights. The food is of good quality but it definitely can get expensive. I really like the Yook Hwae - raw beef - only for adventurous people. Overall quality, I do like alot, parking is easy.
(4)Paul M.
There should be a law or guideline against writing reviews when only your body went to a place and not your mind. I am pretty sure that's what happened me late last night. But I am not going to let that stop me. Three things I remember: 1. A beautiful pink or purple neon light in cursive welcoming us to the place. I just wanted to sit and stare at that for hours. 2. A bounteous table full of food and friends and conversation. 3. Lester talking to the waiter and I did not understand a word he said - like Lester - you're not making any sense at all - are you wasted or what? Thank you for the ride home Jimena. 4.10am when I got to bed. A sesh of exactly 11 hours. I really didn't think I had it in me, and actually, since I have no memory of Yechon, but I am pretty sure I enjoyed it, perhaps I don't.
(5)Kathleen M.
Yechon is located on Hummer Road. Teehee. Now that I've gotten that bit of 8 year old humor out of the way, I've got to say that Yechon is awesome. I had heard so very much about it over my years in DC and finally made it out in a post-80s party frenzy. Yes, I was wearing *that* dress, with *those* heels, and *also* legwarmers. Mmhmm. I'm surprised there aren't more 24 hour Korean joints, namely in the city. I mean, it's the perfect drunk food. Meat, carbs, lots of little things to snack on, and pickled shit. Okay, so maybe pickled shit isn't the best way to go after a night of gin and tonics, but I don't eat it any time of the day, so maybe it works. Who knows. Service is quick and I can't say I ever looked at the menu since I was with someone who knew exactly what to order. Everything I tasted was fresh and yummy, especially the seafood pancake. Loved that. So yeah, Yechon is awesome. Go there, especially with someone who knows what to order.
(4)Michelle P.
Its late, i'm dressed like Punky Brewster and starving. So when Kevin suggested Yechon, i immediately forgot the fact that i was dressed like an 8 year old TV star and focused on the starving. I realized upon arrival that i wouldn't stand out for my outfit, but more because i was not Asian. However, the fact that i was one of very few in this packed restaurant is a good sign.... more Asians means better food in my book! Kevin expertly ordered not only the perfect food, but the perfect amount of food... yum! I have absolutely no idea what i ate for the most part... but i ate everything. I kept an open mind and allowed anything to be placed on my plate. The galbi and bulgogi were AWESOME. Perfectly cooked and perfectly moist and seasoned. Well done. I also enjoyed my pancake thing. However, when i normally think of pancakes i think of moist and delicious and fluffy, not stuffed with seafood. But whatever. I ate my shrimp and octopus and was proud of myself. Service was great and they didn't even mock when i asked for a fork... ok when Brian asked for a fork for me. Overall, it was an awesome place for a late night meal... definitely will be back!
(5)Gene R.
ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE!!! I went there late one night with 5 or 6 friends after we were at a bar. The waiters acted like we were bothering them every time we asked them for something. They literally tossed our drinks and food at us. I asked for a Pepsi, and the waiter brought me a warm can. When I asked for a glass of ice, he rolled his eyes and went to get it. Also, the food wasn't that great. Everyone that worked there was Korean, and it seemed like they treated their Korean customers better than everyone else. This was on a weekend night, so it was packed with younger people, a lot of them drunk. I'll admit we were being a little rowdy, but so were a lot of other customers. Being open 24 hours, you'd think they'd be used to drunk people coming in all the time. I guess not. Our bill was over $100. We tipped $1 and some change. Abysmal service. Despite all that, I may give them another try since all the other reviews for this place are good. Maybe they were having an off night the time I went, but until I do go again, they are getting a bad score.
(1)George N.
I absolutely love Korean food and I am spoiled as I have spent many afternoons stuffing myself at my friends house and his mother makes some ridiculous bul gogi and kimchi. My Korean-american roommate recommended this place, but I wasnt impressed. the bulgogi wasnt too sweet and even the kimchi wasnt potent and the staff seemed very matriarchal and seemed to rush us! I tried some new dishes, but it seems the best thing to order is the bbq they make on your table. very crowded and the only redeeming value was to see such beautiful Korean women as patrons.
(2)Mike S.
Apparently I am in the minority that wasn't completely wooed by Yechon. The miso soup was good but my bibimbop was okay but just didn't taste like anything. Generally, the beef should be bursting with flavor but that flavor definitely wasn't in my meal. The hot sauce that they gave me to accompany my dish was not amazing but it was good enough to give the bibimbop some flavor. The sides (kimchi, mashed potatoes, bean sprouts) were okay but didn't really do much for me. Yes, it is open 24 hours a day, which is pretty awesome, but that isn't really a compelling argument to return any time soon.
(3)Maggie M.
Great service, very quick and friendly staff. we went for a friends birthday and we had 8 grills going! Great time and the Chadolbaegi was sooo good! We also got bulgogi and it was pretty good too. But that brisket was delicious. I def will go back to YeChon and the prices were very reasonable!
(3)Judith L.
Bumped up to 5 stars. Why? 1. Seated quickly. 2. Order taken quickly. 3. Ban chan and water given almost instantaneously. 4. The rest of the food came out shortly after. 5. All the food was solid and plentiful (I have the remainders in my fridge right now, will be worked on tomorrow- possibly morning-) 6. Alright... I haven't been here in a while, so I don't know how "new" this is, but it is NEW to ME. And it is quite possibly the greatest thing I have ever encountered. No longer do I have to stare at my waitresses back, sending her telepathic messages to bring me my check. No longer must I send up a smoke signal when I need something... They now have "call" buttons on every table. Given, when you press it, as my curious dinner partner and I did, it sends off this awful dinging airplane-esque noise and everyone looks around... But at least two waitresses will be at your table in less than 30 seconds. Amazing, especially when it's crowded. All my complaints about service/waiting have been solved. And now, my food baby and I will spend the rest of the night sprawled on the couch watching TV. Thank you, Yechon.
(5)Tony M.
Great food. Efficient service. You might have to wait for a table, but you won't wait long for your food. Not just my favorite Korean restaurant, but one of my favorites period.
(5)Cornelius E.
This got to be my favorite 24/7 joint. I am definitely a fan of their bbq goodness.
(4)Sarah L.
We came here last night after catching a movie in Fairfax. We didn't intentionally set out for Yechon because we were looking for Honey Pig and/or Pho Hot, which we didn't find, even with Microsoft's Streets & Trips on my netbook. Oh well! Yechon by default! We got the same entrees we got last time, and the service was very good. Oddly enough, only male servers were working when we arrived (past midnight) but it was better service than our first visit to this establishment. We'll be back again. Same time, same Bat channel.
(4)Wilbert O.
This place is quite popular to Koreans, Chinese and many Americans. Luckily when we got there tonight, we found a parking lot just before the gate of the resturant, and there was no queue waiting. We ordered two seafood bibimbap with other foods. It is quite delicious, especially if you mixed the soup with rice.
(4)Sarah W.
First time Korean BBQ! The restaurant was packed, no reservations on Saturdays so we waited next store at Breeze for about 45 minutes. It was worth the wait. Loved the Bulgogi and Chadolbaegi. Came with lots of sides, they were hit or miss for me. Also had fried rice and a noodle dish. All delicious. Great place will be back!
(4)Christina S.
Absolutely the best place ever!! I go at least once a week if not more. A bit pricey than what I'm used to, but definitely worth it. The place is clean and service is great. Best of all 24 hrs!! :)
(5)James L.
This is a good place to eat. Late night. Lots of stupid drunks. i feel real bad for the workers that have to deal with them. It's a 24 hour place. Great delicious Korean food. i really love their soup dumplings and their hot iron sizzling bowls. Service a good every time I go. Reasonable prices. Overall: Open 24 hrs Great Korean food Good service Reasonable price Why not try it out?
(4)Molly T.
My boyfriend and I have gone here many times- very late or very early depending on how you look at it- and it's always busy. Even with it being busy, the service is courteous and accurate and food comes out quickly. I always get the bibimbap. It's a favorite of mine and a nice, big portion. My boyfriend and our friends have tried many dishes and I've never seen an unhappy face:o) Prices are reasonable, inexpensive. It's a nice eclectic group of older people, younger people, many diverse nationalities. It's a great little restaurant with better than average service and it's open 24 hours! Huge plus! Give it a try if you're in the mood for authentic Korean Cuisine.
(4)Sonya K.
Yechon is a 24 hour korean hang-out / restaurant. It's not the very best Korean food that I've ever had, but it's pretty darn good. The service is incredibly efficient despite the throngs of customers that pack into this place. I've gone here at 8:30 on a Wednesday night and had to wait for 3 more groups to be seated. Definitely a hit with a lot of folks. The line goes fast though to the credit of the staff. The food is really good-- vegetarian options are somewhat limited (like many traditional Korean restaurants), but the ones that they have are extremely delicious. Meat eaters are in for a treat here too. It's clean, has decent atmosphere, fast service, and yummy food. I would say that makes this restaurant a winner in my book.
(4)Keisha D.
I am so proud of myself. I faced down the enemy cuisine and emerged a fan. About 10 years ago I had written off Korean food because of a nasal assault by my co-worker who brought leftover kimchi to work and heated it in the microwave. After leaving the office abruptly to recover I decided then and there I would never ever eat any Korean food. I know it was wrong to X out the entire cuisine because of the putrid and horrifying smell of one dish, but I did. Recently, with the co-workers, I visited for birthday lunch. The restuarant is smaller than what I expected and a little congested at lunch time but we made it work. They have these cool little call bells on the table (i.e. door bell) to use to ring for service. Why don't they have this everywhere to avoid the across room stare down and flailing arms that diners usually use to get the attention of service staff. At any rate I was really nervous and not sure what to order. I was even more nervous that one of my fellow diners would order the dreaded kimchi and I would have to run out again. I ordered from the lunch box specials, I chose tempura shrimp and that wasn't even the half of that. The lunchbox came with an obscene amount of food for less than $10. There were various sides (rice, sushi, veggies, etc) on the tray in addition to the sides delivered to the table for sharing - even the dreaded kimchi and I couldn't smell it at all. Still not brave enough to try it but we peacefully co-existed alongside each other at the table as I sampled the rest of the meal. I will definitely give Yechon another visit. Everything was delicious and more importantly affordable. Sidebar: Parking can be a chore, lot is small and Yechon is popular.
(3)Arthur K.
Pros: - 24-hour Korean food - Right off of 495; most of the other Annandale restaurants are further down oft-congested Little River Turnpike - Decent service; how to put it.. quick, to the point, but gets it done. - Large menu Cons: - It can get chaotic - It can get crowded, especially in the (essentially non-existent) waiting area at the door Recommendations: - Everything is pretty good, but I still usually regret it when I don't get the Galbi Dolsot Bibimbap (Grilled marinated beef, rice, veggies, mixed into a hot stone pot). Best bang for the buck and a favorite among friends. - I've never had the sushi. Do you really want sushi from a 24-hour joint? Final Thoughts: - Food is decent, so is service, but this place has a sort of accessibility that attracts all sorts of customers: old, young, korean, non-korean, families, couples, friends, etc. 3.5 Stars.
(3)Brian M.
Since Annandale is the unofficial Korea Town of northern Virginia, there is a variety of restaurants to choose from. Ye Chon continues to rank above most, if not all, for taste and value. The word must have finally gotten out because there has been a wait for a table during dinner hours that last few times I went. Avoid going late Friday and Saturday nights when most of the customers are folks coming from the bars and clubs, so the restaurant turns into a drunk food haven.
(5)Andrew D.
This is one of the best Korean restaurants I have been to. We had the Bul Gogi and the Kalbi BBQ as well as some steamed dumplngs. It was more than enough food and they also gave us miso soup. The service was top notch and the staff is extremely polite. I will have to come again on my next trip to DC! Conveniently, my brother lives close by.
(4)Sheila D.
Ok..so I put this joint as a spot to trot in my bookmarks. I'm glad I did. First off, LOVE the fact they are open 24/7, reminds me of my vegas days =) 2nd, the service was quick, we didn't even sit down yet and the server had water for all of us. 3rd, the food was great and service with a smile. We ordered the bulgogi, fried croaker fish, and dak gui. I wasn't too crazy about the dak gui, but wasn't sure on what to order in regards to chicken. Doesn't hurt to try I guess. Over all, good food, fast service, open 24/7; can't beat that!
(4)Mick A.
Went again this week. My 14 month old Irish Thai son was seriously working the waitresses. He could have gotten digits if he would have been just slightly more aggressive, the Korean girls were smiling and flirting with him every time they walked by our table while his parents dug into their 2nd helping of banchan. What a smooth bast#@d, wish I had his game when I was his age, or when I was 14, or 25. His game in a nutshell: Smile and laugh. Cry and throw kimchi on the floor when the girls walk away. "Play on Player" I whispered to him later when I was changing his diaper that looked like the aftermath of Mt. Vesuvius, "Play on Player"
(5)Tiffany Y.
Yechon is a nice small restaurant that transports you to Korea with the wooden decor and wait staff dressed in Korean attire. We were able to get a table easily as we went a little earlier than the dinner rush on a weekend. The menu is old and beaten up and needs a face lift. They even spelled Japanese wrong on the menu. We initially wanted to order Dak Gui (chicken marinated in special spicy sauce) and Samgyeopsai (thinly sliced pork belly). Unfortunately, we were told Dak Gui was cooked in the kitchen and not at the table and so did not satisfy the minimum of two orders to be cooked at the table side. Plan B - we ordered the Samgyeopsai and Chadolbaegi (thin slices of brisket beef). The banchan arrived quickly. It included miso soup, kimchi, salad, various pickled vegetables, and one of my favorites was the unique sweet mashed potato. It was delicious and filling. However, as we continued to eat the salad we discovered a sliced red pepper with the sticker still attached. Gross. They do not pay attention to how their meals are cooked and prepared. Our waitress began barbecuing our dishes. Without the sauces the meat was bland. We got a bean type sauce and the sesame oil & black pepper dip that we used to accompany the meat. I wished there was an option to have the meat in spicy sauce versus the sesame oil dip. A couple times our meat was cooking and left unattended, until one waitress noticed and finally took it off the grill, a bit overcooked and crispy. As much as I wanted to love Yechon. The Korean BBQ just did not entice. I have had better at Honey Pig. With the red pepper sticker found in our salad, limited table side Korean BBQ choices, and mediocre service. It was a hit and miss.
(3)Sam L.
After 900+ reviews for Yechon, I'll sum it here: great food, spotty service, 24-hours, and they don't take reservations. We recently celebrated a friend's birthday, who was craving for Korean food (and not the buffet Iron Age or Honeypig style). There are limited "good" options in Maryland so we decided to venture out to Annandale, where there are plenty of options. Knowing Yechon's reputation, we decided to come here for an early Sunday dinner and even then there was a wait. The first thing you'll notice is like most Korean restaurants, your clothes and ultimately sweat will smell like cooked meat. Even if you decide not to get Korean BBQ, you'll definitely smell it from one of your neighbor's tables. Good luck getting a menu during peak hours, so you'll have to employ the ol' traditional Asian tactic, which is flag down anyone and everyone that works there (busboy included). Their portion sizes are fairly generous and any food that says "for two people," it's really for 3-4 people. So not knowing, we ordered an outrageous amount but still ended up finishing majority (what can I say, we loved the food). We ordered a seafood hot pot, bossam, seafood pancake and chicken fried rice - all were super good. I subtracted one star because their service was spotty, where we often couldn't flag anyone down or any requests take a good 10 minutes to get. They also didn't have oysters, like at all. No oysters for the bossam (shouldn't that be cheaper then?) or oyster pancake. That's a pretty big deal. Pro tip: Korean fried rice is unlike your Chinese and other style, it's definitely tasty. Pro tip II: there isn't a designated waiter/waitress, so embrace the Asian culture, take the initiative and flag down anyone who works there to place orders, extra napkins, extra bowls, ask questions, and get recommendation for dessert (Siroo is the place to go afterwards)
(4)Prairie S.
What else can I give but a 5, for the gift of an escape (even if illusory) from the soulless, indistinguishable 'burbs of greater Washington to a dark, wooden shop bustling with all the toil and relish of a Korean kitchen? This ethnic restaurant wraps its menu offerings in the full-blown cultural experience of the cuisine. The majority of its patrons appear to be Korean families; they obviously feel well catered to here. Of that I take note, and am appreciative. Walking in from the dedicated parking lot (which appears to be in expansion mode) you are greeted by a waitresses in full Korean costume complete with delicate, embroidered blouse. She courteously and efficiently escorts you to an open table (no wait at a recent weekend lunch time) and hands you a massive menu. Lots of adequately-described and well-edited English translations of menu items are available (hallelujah!) The restaurant has a full sushi bar and 2 pages worth of Japanese offerings, which we skipped because...Korean. A quick scan of my trusty Yelp app and quick conference with my mostly vegetarian dining companion, and we've settled on the scallion/chilli pancake which I have been rather craving, as well as a spicy stew with rice. I am partial to food that resembles Indian plating, so the choices make me happy (translates as: I'm getting a Korean version of a stuffed paratha and rice with curry! Yay!) The panchan arrives first followed by the food in short order. No noticeable wait. The waitress served the pancake by cutting it with scissors into triangle wedges, and patiently tolerated my anthropologist-style questioning about the correct pronunciation of "pajeon". We start chomping on the hot and slightly greasy pancake combined with the various panchan. Wholly delicious, though I did desire an even more fermented, overpowering version of the kimchi than the one they served. We dived into the vegetarian stew whose vegetables were basically zuchinni, soft tofu, and onion, but whose seriously-spiced, seafood-based broth offered lots of clams/shrimps/chunks of fish, with strong fishy, umami? flavor. Now I'm not one to shy from spice and strong flavor, but the thing was literally simmering at the table and I needed it to cool down. Korean spiciness is cooked into the broth, so it wasn't like biting into a raw Thai or Mexican chilli bomb where your lips tend to go numb and you have to coat your tongue in dairy balm to be able to taste anything again. This heat just leaves you panting. Good panting though. We were just stuffed, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves being surrounded by Koreans and their exquisitely presented foods. Perhaps the only thing lost in translation here was a sign I saw in the bathroom stall, saying "No Dumping". They are missing some kind of object at the end of that imperative construction, perhaps "trash items". No matter.
(5)Jenny L.
I love that this place is open 24/7. Sometimes you just need your Korean fix at midnight. The parking lot is small and treacherous -- I've come across many close calls and one full on crash. I also wish that the sushi bar were open at late hours since I tend to crave it then. All-in-all a tasty and reliable Korean/Japanese place.
(3)Tim Y.
This is what a Korean BBQ should be. For an example of what it absolutely should not be, please reference my review for Honey Pig. As far as Korean goes in the Baltimore, DC, Virginia area, this is the best place that I can find. It's open 24 hours and the vibe that you'd expect from every good Korean place. The Banchan is excellent and quickly refilled.... you get a selection of at least 8 things and soup every time you go. The Kimchi is on point and the ojingeo bokkeum, aka spicy squid/my favorite dish is spicy and excellent every time. I also typically order a seafood or vegetable pancake, which here is the size of a large pizza. It's humongous and always great to have as leftovers for later. On the downside, the service is a bit hit or miss... I always feel like if I spoke fluent korean, I'd do better here, but I really can't complain about it, because it really is THE BEST place to go to get Korean in this region. There's also a great Korean bakery/coffee shop next door that is the perfect coupling with Yechon... you can go there to sit and think about how much food you just consumed over coffee and a variety of desserts. If you want to try solid, authentic Korean, you should go here.
(5)Jenna W.
Where to begin??? This place is GREAT and what Korean BBQ should be! It is open 24 hours every day of the week and all holidays (dangerous knowledge). They have a huge menu with many of the Korean BBQ staples. My friend and I got the Dwaeji bulgogi (spicy sliced pork) and Dak Gu (spicy marinated chicken) which were both cooked tableside. We also ordered the Gochu Pajeon (hot pepper and scallion pancake). All of this comes with multiple sides of kimchi, tofu, and steam rice. This was way more food than two people could eat but we welcomed all the left overs! If you can save room, there a great bakery next door selling adorable baked goods as well as tea sets, mugs, and other related items. The restaurant is large and was packed when we went on a Wednesday night at 7:30 though we fortunately did not have to wait. The staff is very good and attentive with quick service. Considering how many people they have to serve, it is impressive. I have found my new favorite Korean BBQ restaurant. This is definite repeat!
(5)Ann P.
I have been here so many times and each time I can never get them past the three star point. The pro! They are open 24/7. How perfect is that? You can eat here after playing in DC! When I came here last night, after a long night of partying, the service was slow. I asked them for more ban chan and they took forever. I had to ask them three times to get more ban chan. I would say their udon is a 2/5. It is not that great. The shrimp tempura is the best part of the dish. The shrimp tempura is crispy and crunchy. The broth is muddy and not refreshing as you would find at other restaurants. The soonduboo is a 4/5. It's not too spicy that's why I loved it! The actually soft tofu in the soup makes the dish a 4! The soonduboo is soft and melts in your mouth. They give you big chucks of it which I love! The bimbimbap is not the bolsook bimbimbap so it does not come in the traditional clay pots.
(3)Josie F.
One of the best Korean food in DMV area! Must get item: Korean BBQ and Kimchi Jjigae!
(5)Jean S.
I have been going to Yechon for decades (yikes, I'm old) - it was always a favorite late night eats place after clubbing in DC with friends. Now that I'm much older, I appreciate this institution, which not only has stayed in business for so long in an area with lots of failed Korean restaurants, it is busier than ever! Whether I go in for their early breakfast special or during the mad busy lunch time, this place is so packed, it's hard to find parking. Their Korean food is solid - nothing extraordinary, but it is just honest-to-goodness homecooked Korean comfort food. My family likes that they have a sushi bar, because we all love their hwe dup bap, which is sashimi and fresh veggies served over rice with spicy red pepper paste. Last time my family dined here, we ordered a variety of foods to include hwe dup bap, udon with shrimp tempura, kalbi tang, soft tofu stew, mae woong tang (spicy cod fish stew) and hae jang gook (blood cube soup, aka "hangover soup"). Despite being super busy (I really think there were no empty tables), the wait staff was efficient and very friendly. Sure, Yechon isn't the most exciting place to go for Korean food, but when I want food like my Mom makes at home, this is where I would go.
(4)Misa C.
Food's typically good here but service leaves much to be desired. Ordered a $35 soup to go PRIOR to actually eating a meal in and behold, 45 minutes AFTER finishing and paying for the ticket do we get our food. Most likely never returning here. Goodbye! Never coming back here again. Korean to Koreans, horrible service.
(1)DeAndrea C.
I have been to Yechon about 6 times now and it's pretty much as good as it gets for Korean food on the East Coast. For reference: I have been to Korea 3 times for a total of 2.5 years and I LOVE Korean food. Yechon is not cheap if you go alone or with one other person, but if you go as a group you can order from the set menus and do very, very well. Like another reviewer said, if it says "serves 2 people" it really can serve three or four. One time, a group of 15 of us went for a birthday and paid about 11 dollars a head. This included a few of the set menus, BBQ, and drinks. Parking is a PAIN. Yechon is immensely popular and therefore it gets incredibly busy in the evening and on weekends. They also share a parking lot with Breeze Bakery next door (Same owners, I think) therefore, I recommend you avoid the aforementioned times. If you are new to Korean food, I recommend you get one of the set menus. It is a good representation of Korean "sit down" food. It's served family style so don't feel weird about reaching over someone to get to the kimchi or about eating soybean stew from the same bowl. Each table has a call button if you need a server so you don't have to worry about flagging them down. Also, Yechon is open 24 hours. You really can't beat that. Side note: A lot of people complain about the "crappy" service. They are not super friendly and can be extremely terse, but they are a lot nicer than servers in Seoul. If you go in expecting this, you will enjoy your dinner much more.
(5)Ken L.
I've been here a lot in the past, every now and then. This review is based on my previous visit. They recently expanded the parking lot which was great because we don't have to fight for parking spots or parking across the street anymore. I visited with five other friends around midnight and it was very crowded still. We got seated all the way in the back about 10 minutes later. The place was just crazy, as always. The service was very slow (as they usually are). The waiters were also very rude and not attentive, I mean I understood they were busy, but come on! Our food came out about 25 minutes later, not all at once. And they happened to run out of rice... I'd only come here because they open 24 hours and it's somewhere to go to after 11pm.
(3)Stephanie M.
Originally I would have given this restaurant 5 stars, but I went a second time and had a completely different experience. First, we asked the host how long the wait was. He said 20-25 minutes. Okay we can do that. 7.5 months pregnant with a craving for bulgogi, so I don't mind standing in the heat for 20 minutes if it's for good food! 35 minutes later I go in and ask how long we have left. The guy gives me an attitude and says he doesn't know, asks for the pager number in a very rude way. But then he gives us the next table, so I forgive him. However, I truly believe that if I had not gone in to bug him we would have been waiting a lot longer. Second, we want to get pork belly and bulgogi - we ordered the same last time. This time though, the waitress says no, you have to order two servings of pork belly. What? I try to explain that we didn't do this last time, but she didn't understand me. Okay, so we order galbi instead. Third, they basically kicked us out as soon as we signed the receipt. Literally, she came to our table and asked us to leave because people were waiting. At 9:30 on a Sunday night. I get it, you're busy, but can I finish putting my leftovers away? Three strikes, you're out Yechon. This pregnant lady who often craves Korean food will be visiting the several other Korean establishments in your area.
(2)Jun Y.
Fun fact: They spelled Japanese wrong on the menu.The best part of this restaurant is it's open 24/7 and their seafood pancakes cannot be duplicated. I tried to make my own seafood pancake from the pre-packaged mix from the korean market but it just don't come out the same as the fluffy bit of carb guilt served at Yechon. First, the dish comes out golden brown on both sides with a nice crisp when you pick it up but the insides are soft and warm. There's a sprinkling of seafood pieces here and there but you're eating mostly for that crispy dough. Maybe it's the oil or the technique but I can try to replicate it but it can never be duplicated in your home kitchen. The seafood pancake is just a must-order here every visit; even if you're on a low-carb diet it's cheat day when you come here. Other honorable mentions are the Galbi bibambap, and the Galbi beef. The prices are reasonable; it comes out to roughly 20 bucks per person and that'll stuff you and have some leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. This place is packed during dinner time. You're averaging around 20-30 minute wait around 7p.m. The servers feel the pressure too because you often get the stank eye when you ask for any additional cold dishes. I always feel like you have to come here with a person that speak Korean because the servers always sound much more polite when speaking Korean. That also means the servers aren't really fluent in English so you have to point to what you want and know what you want. I guess that's what Yelp is for so you find out what other people recommends.
(4)Mei L.
Hands down my favorite restaurant and one of the best Korean restaurants I've been to!! The food there is so good and it's consistent everytime I go there! The service is great but it gets really busy so the service gets slow but it's understandable because they have so many customers to take care of. I usually go with a large group and we order the party platter and it's a lot of food for a lot of people! When we split the cost between everyone, it's pretty cheap compared to other Korean restaurants. Also the lunch special is amazing!! The food and price makes me go there so often even though I live 45 mins away. Don't be surprised by how many people are in there because their food speaks for it self. And the side dishes are on point!! We always so many orders of side dishes. And when you're done, breeze bakery finishes your meal just right. :) Foods I love: seafood soon du bu, seafood pancake, sushi there is good, galbi tang, bulgogi, all the kbbq meat actually, side dishes (sweet potatoes omg), etc
(5)Hank D.
Reasonable prices for Kbbq for two people. They have a two order minimum, so our total came out to like $38 for an order of bulgogi (meh) and tongue (GOOD). The tongue is an excellent bbq meat: leaner, less fatty, and more satisfying to chew than the bulgogi. The side dishes are pretty good. It's nice of them to include hand leafed lettuce in the banchan. I noticed some cats at another table ignoring it while wolfing down their meat and banchan, then they left and the staff threw all those healthy leaves in the trash bin. Come on fellas, if the staff notices lettuce being neglected, they'll stop including it in the spread, to the dismay of we who enjoy it! On the banchan refill, they don't bring you everything, just select items, so you might want to be persistent about requesting the items you really liked, such as the potato and bean sprouts! Staff are fast and personable. We would be back!
(4)Krystle B.
Yechon, I love you let me count thy ways. 1. Open 24 hours 2. Kimchi on fleeeeeeeek 3. Sides are amazing and not the exact same every time 4. The hot tea doe 5. Miso soup 6. I don't have to cook my own food on the table I let the professionals stick to that 7. DAT BULGOGI DOE 8. DAT SPICY CHICKEN SON 9. GALBI GOT ME LIKE WHAAAAAAAA 10. SERIOUSLY DAT BULGOGI DOE
(5)Jarell M.
One of my many go-to KBBQ spots in Annandale. A little on the pricey side but the unlimited rice and sides make up for it ;) Staff are usually a hit or okay (not a miss) when it comes to service so it usually depends on the day that you go. Ive received exceptional service at 3AM on a Sunday Morning and received acceptable service at 7PM on a Friday. The one thing main thing that has always remained consistent though is the FOOD. Always in a timely manner and if you look like you don't know what you're doing, the staff will help you out. (Crispy bulgolgi is better burnt bulgolgi)
(4)Caitrin O.
After a recent trip to South Korea, my friend and I have been wanting to share the joy of Korean BBQ with our other DC friends. We stopped by Yechon at 6:30 on a Saturday night because Kogiya was booked through 9 PM. Two of our party arrived early (bless them) and put our names down. The wait was about 30 minutes for a table for 6, which wasn't too bad because it was an opportunity to scope out the awesome bakery next door! The atmosphere is more subdued and family-focused than Honey Pig and other KBBQ spots, but the food was great and the prices are pretty awesome. We ordered two orders of bulgogi, one of pork belly, and one of the thin-sliced brisket. The waitress said that wouldn't be enough food so we also got a scallion and seafood pancake, which was delicious. We left extremely full and each person's tab with a drink was $20- not too shabby when other locations are charging $25-30 per person before alcohol. Overall it was a fantastic dinner at a great price. Things to note: 1) Only a few meats are actually cooked tableside. The bulgogi was my favorite but they cooked it in the kitchen and then brought it out on plates. I guess they are trying to save time and let people order as many different dishes as possible, but Yechon eliminates my favorite part about Korean BBQ, which is getting to cook the meat myself, which isn't allowed- even for the "cook at table" meats, only the waitresses are allowed to use the tongs. 2) The parking situation is an absolute nightmare. It is basically impossible to find a spot unless someone happens to be leaving at the same time as you arrive. I'd suggest factoring this into your commute time. 3) Go to the bakery next door. It is very cute and a fun experience!
(4)Moe G.
I tried this place while visiting family in the DC area and enjoyed it very much! I love Korean food and have had my fair share of it in various places on the west coast, but they do it a little differently here. You have to ask for water separately as they serve you hot tea instead. For grilling you can only order two of the same dish, which is hard when you want to try multiple dishes. The food is so good though, both the sushi and the BBQ. The price is a little high, but it's worth it. I would definitely come here again!
(4)Phuong O.
Finally got to give this place a try. The food was OK in my opinion. We ordered the bulgogi, bimbap, seafood pancake, and the beef yokisoba. The pancake was OK, I don't know what the raving is all about. There was barely any seafood and this dish is made out of flour, I thought it was egg. Beef yakisoba, can they put any more onions in the damn dish. 60% of the dish was all onions and barely any noodles. But it tasted pretty decent. Bulgogi was done nicely. Bimbap, looks delish but tasted ehhh. What I didn't like was the fact that they didn't let me carry out my side dishes. We barely touched them and would like to have saved them for dinner. The waitress said no... So I wonder if they reuse the side dishes. That would be effin gross!! It's a big waste to just to throw it away... So hmmmmm. Oh yeah they are expensive. I paid $70ish plus tip for these dishes.
(3)Micah V.
This restaurant is pretty good. We eat here fairly regularly and they are consistently good. Not perfect, but good enough.
(4)Lenny T.
I came here with seven people and we ate and drank like kings! After a long wait (a sure sign of a good establishment), we ordered two large combos and an extra meat entree for the odd number. This made the ordering easy for our large group. If you order a la carte, try your choice of Korean BBQ cooked at your table (Gogi Gui), a savory seafood pancake (Haemul Pajeon), and a deliciously spicy Korean Soon Tofu Soup that is perfect on a cold winter nights. And, all meals are served with a variety of small side dishes (banchan), lettuce leaves to wrap the 'Gogi' meats. Although the combos come with a few bottles of domestic beer, order Korean beer or soju to compliment your meal. Yechon is 24 hours Korean food and an experience not to be missed with family or friends. No matter what time of day you go, your sure to leave fully satisfied! And, after dinner, go and get dessert at a Korean coffee house or go karaoke nearby. The suburbs of Annandole couldn't get much better!
(4)B C.
Good service, delicious food, and always open for 24-hours. I've been here three or four times at different hours of the day, and it always seem packed with a huge Korean crowd. Given the portion sizes and the quality, the prices are extremely generous. Where else can you get a salmon bento box with a side salad, tempura pieces, a delicious vegetable side, and a nicely cooked (generously sized) slab of salmon for $7.95 during their lunch special? Their soondubu jigae (spicy seafood tofu soup) always hits the spot, and it's something I look forward to after being done with a rough semester at school. Their galbi and bulgogi, the benchmarks in any good Korean joint, are consistently tasty. This place is fantastic.
(5)Misono A.
I have a few friends who swear by Yechon -- it definitely has an extensive menu selection, and the fact that it is open 24 hours definitely plays to its advantage. The food is pretty good, although I'm not sure how it competes with the plethora of other Korean restaurants in Annandale. The place can get pretty crowded and noisy, though, so it is definitely not the venue of choice for a quiet intimate dinner with friends or your significant other.
(3)Sam H.
Ok If i could take a half a star off... I would for the fact that it's 15 miles away from my house. But of the places I've been in Annandale I'll give place it's props for having the best "ban chans" aka side dishes of the restaunts in the area. Another extra point for being open 24 hours... few points for having pretty prompt servers... pulling in a diverse customer crew... and having the variety that it does. With this place, if you ask for more, BOOM you get more. And I did come to this place to introduce some of my roommates to Korean food. If your gonna go with a group, I would recommend getting the special (#2 and #3). It feels alot and it feels well. It says one special feeds 2 but... I think it feels more like 2.5-3 guys. So that's my recommendation. :)
(5)Raquels C.
I'm still eating left overs lol!! Not much more I can add than what's been said by sooo many. Food is great, portions are huge and the cost is very reasonable. I would suggest not coming during peak hours if you are in a hurry as the wait for the food can be long. We went on a Wed night around 7pm and the place was CROWDED! Luckily for us as soon as we walked in we were immediately seated in a small table by the window! The people after us had a little wait a LONG time to be seated. No wait at all to be seated but we did have to wait about 8 min for the waitress to acknowledge us and then another 5 or more min for our drinks to arrive. We weren't in a hurry so I didn't mind and we weren't the only people who were waiting for service. We ordered the Yechon Special #3 and extra meat, everything was great and there was actually too much food!! The service was rushed during the cooking process as the waitresses go from table to table making the food. She was very friendly and kept apologzing. Being that I have eaten at several establishments such as this I understand (not saying I like it) how it works. So we just kept cooking our meal ouurself. This is the only reason I'm giving it 4 stars. The quality of the food is great,the price is reasonable ( total meal for 2 was $100 plus tip) and eventhough service is slow everyone was very friendly. I didn't feel rushed while eating as I have felt at other croweded eateries like this. I would recommend this place but only come when you have a few hours to spare and not in a hurry.
(4)Nam N.
This is one of my go to places for late night food. It's open 24/7 so that makes it better. Their sushi chef leaves around 10-11 ish at night so no late night sushi but the food is great! Love Korean food and this is one of the best. I am giving them 4 stars because sometimes it gets so busy that I feel they are so under staffed. Parking can be tough sometimes.
(4)Calvin L.
They are 2 mins walking distance from my office so I come here often. Best Ethnic Korean so far and I love their soup! They are very busy all day long so expect loud noises, I am here to enjoy the food so that's not my concern. Like most other busy places can't say much about the floor or corners but table/silverware are clean. Lunch boxes - 4/5 (Good size lunch with everything you will need/want and tasty) Lunch soups - 5/5 (I love their spicy soup) Sushi - 4.5/5 (Surprisingly good) BBQ / Shabu - 4/5 (Had this few times and satisfied) They are popular so show up before noon for lunch or before 6pm for dinner or you are looking at 15-30 min wait.
(5)Melissa A.
We went midweek around 1:30, and the restaurant was packed with a line out the door. Nevertheless, we waited maybe 10 minutes for a table, and service was prompt and very friendly. The banchan and mandu were absolutely delicious, and my son and I enjoyed our galbi dolsot bibimbap. We saw quite a few other dishes that looked amazing on nearby tables so we'll have to come back. There's quite a bit to choose from, including Japanese dishes. The parking is a challenge right now as there is some construction nearby, and the restaurant as well as the bakery next door seem quite popular.
(4)Monica H.
Food was good and they have the preparation down to a science. We were new to this kind of food so we got a sampler which was great but difficult to know what everything was and wait staff wasn't very helpful.
(3)Mimi C.
yechon, yechon oh how i love thee yechon!!! where do you get great korean food 24/7??? YECHON!! shout it loud!!! for breakfast, we wanted hangover food (ok, more like i did). so ... we drove out to annadale (cuz that's where all the legit korean food is!!) sat down at a bbq table (cuz they do kbbq~!), opened the menu and.. OH!! $6.95 breakfast & lunch specials! PERFECT!!! we both ordered the sul lang tang (translate - korean beef noodle soup). they had other specials like juk and bibimbap. one sip.. we were back in ktown... :) perfect milky beef broth with small noodles and generous amounts of tender beef DIY salt, green onion, and spice powder mmmm.........................great for a cold day *it wasn't that cold, but whatever* and in between...they gave us all these banchans!! I LOVE BANCHANS!! napa kimchee, cucumber, daikon was fresh. loved the seaweed salad... staff was so nice they kept asking if we wanted more. do you see me floating out of my chair?? cuz that was definitely me!! great location next to breeze bakery (for dessert ;)) and h mart!
(4)Winston S.
Concept similar to Honey Pig, but somewhat less popular and without a hot plate on your table. My friend swore by this place, and while the serving portions are indeed LARGE and CHEAP, the food is nothing to write home about. My fish dish was unremarkable and full of bones, while the rest of the food was both spicy and bland at the same time (not an easy feat to accomplish). Being open 24 hours, I would imagine it would be a good place to go after an evening of heavy drinking with good friends. Or take the ravenous in-laws and extended family from Minnesota and don't break the bank.
(3)Kim A.
Been coming here for a while now since its down the street from my house. I mostly go here late at night after a night out with some friends. Mostly on the weekends, late at night, its busy. First time I actually came here was late at night. I ordered just bulgogi. my friends ordered pork belly. Honestly, it's not that great if they were to cook it themselves. its very dry and somewhat cold/warm. Seems like it was sitting for a while. I tried coming here during the lunch hours also but the food is somewhat the same. nothing really special. It's a bit pricey late at night but thats expected. Funny thing is, every time we get finished eating, we step outside to smoke a cigarette, and I always witness someones car getting hit. Always a hit and run moments I see. So if you come here late at night, I suggest you park a little farther, just in case (;
(3)Nhi L.
Yechon would've gotten more stars if it weren't for the terrible service. I went there with my family (grandparents, uncles, aunts, the kids, and all that jazz) We had a total of 8 adults, 1 eleven year old and a two year old. We were sat at a corner table that was not connected, now I know that taking 9 other people to a small Korean restaurant on a friday night is a terrible idea, but the least the employees could've done was have some common courtesy for the people that will be giving them tip. Not only were they confused with our order, but their staff was rude and disrespectful. On another note, the food was delicious. We ordered the seafood pancakes, Shrimp Tempura sushi, Salmon Skin sushi, Spicy Tuna Sushi, seafood tofu soup, chicken teriyaki, rice noodles, bulgogi, spicy pork and other things. Yechon would've definitely gotten at least a 4.5 if it weren't for the sucky service. Maybe ill have better luck next time.
(3)Hee L.
3.7 stars. What? Almost 4, but not quite. I'm korean so I'm pretty picky when it comes to reviewing korean establishments. NOTHING and I repeat NOTHING comes close to mom and grandma's home cooking. They have spoiled my tastebuds so of course I am going to compare to their cooking. I'm kind of torn with this place. I like it enough, but nothing I would do dancing circles for. I guess they do have good appetizers/starters. Their fried dumplings (mandu) and seafood pancake (haemulpajun) is good. Their korean bbq is above average, other stuff such as tang soo yuk (fried beef or pork in a sweet and sour sauce), fried shrimp in sweet and spicy sauce is pretty good too. All my non korean friends think this place is "the bomb" in their words. They always call me up and request yechon. Meh, I tell them lets just go to my mom's instead and she will make food 100 times better. But then again, mom is not always in the mood to cook. Thanks mom. =) I was really dissapointed with the kimchi jigae (a kimchi soup/stew) which happens to be my favorite korean dish. It tasted like they just dumped a bunch of kimchi and water in the clay pot and boiled it. No other add ins. Hardly any meat pieces (most traditional kimchi jigae is made with pork belly cuts). Yechon's version of "mystery meat" was some mushy gray dissapointment which was NOT edible. C'mon guys, this is a korean staple. Let's step it up on the kimchi jigae please. =) All in all, good place to come. The waitresses were always nice to us when we came.
(4)Rachel S.
My first Korean BBQ experience and god it was heavenly. Me and my gal went on Christmas Eve at 10:30PM and the place was still packed. We wanted about 15 minutes and then the feast began. We ordered SOO much food that our waitress was worried about us, but #YOLO. BBQ wise, we got the shortribs. Holy shit, they were amazing. Couldn't stop eating and wanted more. I also loved all the side dishes / salads it's served with. Reminds me of Israeli meals when they "open the table". We also had a grilled fish which was incredible. Simple and tasty, could have picked at it all night. We also both got a spicy stew, shit cleared my sinuses right up!! Waitresses were sweet and impressed by our nom-ing skills, although like another reviewer mentioned, it's hard to get your water filled. The vibe was great, families/friends laughing and enjoying food, waiters running around, the smell was awesome. ALSO, this place is 24/7, 7 days a week. AMAZE. God, I need to get back here ASAP. Also check out the bakery next door, SO good!
(4)Camey S.
If you are in search of some authentic Korean BBQ with a rather large selection including some Japanese, I would recommend Yechon. The portions are plentiful, they cook your choice of meats at the table right there for you, plenty of sides and miso soup to start you off and wonderful service with a staff that is attentive and accommodating! I recommend the bulgolgi (thinly sliced marinated beef) and kalbi (marinated beef short ribs). Be ready for a wait, and be patient when parking, it may take a while... But it'll be worth the wait, and the hours make it a great place to try anytime!
(4)Tammy B.
i usually give places benefit of the doubt. and im super nice everywhere i go. the food here is pretty good (not good enough to come back) but the service is terrible. there were so many people that came in after my boyfriend and i, and they got served before us and even finished before we got our food. no one checked on us throughout the whole time we were there, and it took 30 minutes for our tiny plates to come. we were there for a total of an hour and 10 minutes maybe. we didnt get everything until 10 minutes before we left. one server just apologized for the wait but didnt do anything about it. they were running back and forth helping all their other customers but didnt care about us. i rang the buzzer and even then no one came! we rang it again and the server came like he was annoyed at us. sorry that we are a paying customer just like everyone else. im surprised i was so nice the whole time. but i am never going back. i'll go to heebeem next time, they have always been so friendly with great service.
(1)Vivian T.
Only some of the items on the menu is great, it's convenient for being open 24hrs. I love the side dishes! The service is okay and some of the time the wait could be long. Their sushi is really good! They are also known for their kbbq as well. I would recommend their kimchi jigae, udon, shrimp tempura and their salmon teriyaki!
(4)Eric M.
Everything was amazing. I had the short ribs while my friends had bulgogi. All was tender and flavorful. I cant wait to come back.
(5)James D.
Excellent service ( even with a party of 11)! Wide variety of very good food...and I would agree with previous suggestions about Breeze Bakery. A must do for dessert! Great gelato (try the green apple).
(4)Josh G.
The menu here is extensive and has options for everyone. I went with bibimbop which was tasty and authentic. The food is reasonably priced and the service was attentive. We went on a weekend afternoon and it was fairly busy, so we went next door to Breeze to browse the bakery while we waited for our table to become available. Overall, nothing really stood out, but it was a good experience and I'd be willing to return.
(3)Julia N.
Now I'm not going to try to pretend I'm an expert on Korean food or anything, but my experience here was pretty good. I love how the female staff are in traditional Korean dress, it sort of makes you feel like you're immersing yourself in the culture. They're also very friendly. Well maybe except for when they cook for you, they just do their job nice and efficiently. As for the food, I can't be one to compare. All I know is it was good. Plenty of delicious side dishes along with awesome Korean barbecue. We got the special package that included lobster and shrimp along with your pork, beef, and chicken. My party consisted of three people and the course was for two people. Was still enough food for all of us, but I didn't walk out with a full stomach. That's a good thing for me though because I just ended up going over to Breeze next door to get some dessert. My favorites were the kimchi and most of the meats. Yum.
(4)Michael N.
When you go to a restaurant during Aug in the DC area on a Tuesday night and there is a wait to get in you know that they are doing something right, especially if you keep in mind that they are in the most competitive restaurant market in the country. Hats off to the operators of Yechon, it is by far the best Korean Restaurant in NOVA. I dine here regularly and the food is excellent, the menu variety is superb and diverse and I have never had a bad meal.I love the Korean apps that come complimentary with your meal, Furthermore the price is right, I can eat with my family of four for about 60 bucks (without alcohol) which is about what I would pay at a big corporately owned chain for an inferior meal compared to Yechon. Yechon is well worth waiting to get in, you will not be disappointed! Be sure to stop next door for some desert at Breeze (also owned by the Yechon folks) The only thing that stops them from 5 stars is the less than accommodating wait staff, if Korean is not your first language you may have some trouble asking questions about the extremely complicated menu but it is all part of the true Korean dining experience so I will give them a pass on the rude servers, the excellent food outweighs this one negative.
(4)Reony T.
Out of all the Korean places I've been to, so far, this is our favorite. Great service, excellent food for the price, they even have sushi that's GOOD! Can't beat the 24 hrs too. Plus Breeze Bakery is next door which is open till 2 AM FYI. The side dishes are excellent here too.
(4)Moe Z.
Very good food! We went there around midnight and it was packed .. We had to wait for about 20 min before e could get a table for 2. Their menu is a mixture of Korean and Japanese food (they also have sushi) so it is perfect if you are not sure what you really want!
(5)Alan M.
Updated: I have dined here multiple times this year (2014) and other than the wait, the food is delicious. Only place to eat Korean food in my humble opinion. Parkings tight on weekend evenings and lunches. Plenty of side dishes and a large menu selection. Service can get a bit slow when really busy but not a big deal.
(4)Jennifer T.
delicious. Everything is delicious
(5)Vu H.
The lunch special over is a steal! For only $9.99, you get a very decent amount of food - japanese lunch box.
(4)Benjamin D.
Gotta love Yechon~~~! Never had a bad experience here. Great food, attentive staff, dont really have a bad thing to say. Try their sushi as well!
(5)Brian C.
This place is great for late-family dinner. Though it's usually crowded, and it's best to get there early to get in line. Their food is great, and I've never had problem them!
(4)Jina S.
Yum! This Korean restaurant is the real deal. I will say it was kind of busy and hectic inside, but service was fast and the food was authentic. My parents and I came here on a Sunday for lunch. We ordered a seafood dolsot bibimbap, a kalbi dolsot bibimbap, and mae un tang. All very delicious.
(5)Yessica I.
I LOVE Yechon. I have only been with my cousins and extended family, who would always take care of ordering for the whole table, so I longed to order something just for me from their large menu. BTW, I will always ask for more hot tea. Last week I went on a late Thursday night with a friend and got Bibimbap, because their sushi bar closes around 10ish it seemed (they were packing it up). I was devastated but absolutely loved it. I can't remember the name of it but the description said it was beef rib with a mixture of vegetables, served over rice in a hot stone pot. Yes please. The rice and meat portions were generous and I did not have more of one leftover. Last night I went with my parents who also have only came here before when my cousins took care of ordering. We were seated as soon as we entered. We looked over the menu for about 20 minutes before buckling down on our final decisions. We ordered bulgogi of course, my mother ordered a codfish and clam soup, and I got sushi (shrimp tempura roll, spicy tuna roll, and my mom wanted to get weak ass pickled radish roll lol). The table was FULL of food since they give you those yummy side dishes, and after about an hour, all that was left was enough bulgogi and rice for one person. My mother loved her soup, which was one of the few non-spicy soups they offered. My dad ate all the bulgogi up, thanks to the bean curd paste he loves so much. The shrimp tempura roll was unforgivable - in a good way, of course! I didn't care too much about the spicy tuna roll... My mother was content with her pickled radish roll. All that food and we were surprised at the bill! We were expecting to pay way more. I will always love Yechon and recommend everyone to come here!
(5)Paula F.
Great Korean restaurant with a HUGE menu. Parking is tight, and it's busy, but service is really efficient. Got the usual Bulgogi and it was great.
(4)Xinyi T.
Yechon is my favorite everything korean restaurant in Annadale. The galbi dolsot bibimbap is the best bibimbap I've had! the seafood korean pancake is great! they give you so much free side dishes here! i love the mashed potato. i also love the BBQ here. the staff here can communicate in english, which is big plus. I tried other things here it's kind of hit or miss. some dishes are great and some are okay. I love this place and I can't wait to go back again.
(4)Bella B.
Went here for the first time with my best friend. We're not skinny girls, but we're not obese either. Debating whether we were going to order more food, our waitress, sweet as could be, told me "No order no more. That's enough" Hahahahaha We ordered the short ribs, chicken, gochu japchae and the shrimp tempura rolls. Everything was delicious and knowing that it's open 24 hours, we will definitely be returning soon. Wish there was more parking tho.
(4)C L.
The whole experience was decent. The food was good enough but I was not really blown away by it. Maybe because I heard it was so much better than honey pig. Or maybe because it was about average as far as the food was concerned. The service was not missing anything other than a towel to wipe the table down before we sat. Over all the late night hot meal was exactly what it needed to be. I might return, but I don't feel like I must go back and try it all.
(4)Ryan H.
Simply gets 3 stars because it is open 24 hours and their menu offers a gazillion different items. You'd be hard pressed to find anything that leaves you walking away overwhelmed however. Hot pots are decent.. Sushi is alright.. Korean BBQ is hit or miss. I Frequent this place.. But it's really my late night go to if I don't feel like honey pig or something. Moderately priced.. Unpretentious.. Ok food. Enough said
(3)Emily K.
This is a good Korean restaurant for late night eats. It it 24 hours and has a decent sized menu so you can find something that you like :)
(4)Cindy L.
Yechon is always there for you, no matter what. From the variety and 24 hour service with no menu limitation, it can't be beat. I can't say anything is particularly amazing but everything I've tried is pretty good. Service is not particularly friendly but it's always fast. Great to people watching and for running into friends.
(5)Teresa G.
I can't say enough good things about Yechon. The food is delicious, the service is great, and they're always open. There is a wait, but Breeze is conveniently parked next door so you can walk over and grab some baked goods. I got the sushi boat for the table and the quality was incredible. I will recommend to everyone and absolutely come back.
(5)Jina Y.
I come back again and again thinking it'll be better this time... yet only to be disappointed. Perhaps because I am Korean and I am being biased, but seriously the only reason why I go here is those nights my friends and I want late night Korean food after a good night out (but not necessarily want Korean BBQ). Every time I go I get so disappointed. This time I ordered hae jang guk (aka hangover soup) and also had some of the hamul pajun (aka seafood pancake.) Seafood pancake was over flowing with green onions, but not enough seafood. Basically, too floury and definitely not worth $17.00 for it. The hae jang guk had too much cabbage. Other places make it spicy and has big pieces of meat in them. I had probably 2 small pieces and I didn't eat the rest of the soup. I just think there are better Korean restaurants for better quality. I don't like taking my friends there because to me it's not what Korean food should taste like. I do admit I like their side dishes though. That's about it. If you guys really want some legit Korean food, there are other places even just around Annandale you can go to for much better taste.
(1)Jessica O.
Came here with my boyfriend for the first time about a week ago and I definitely don't plan on going back. The staff was pretty rude to us...I'm guessing because we aren't Korean cause everyone else around us that was seemed like they were getting great service. Our waiter took forever to come greet us and take our order. This place wasn't very clean either. The floor had a lot of trash, the cups weren't washed good and the plates where they brought our food on were really sticky from the bottom and had food residue. Gross! Stay away from this place and just go to Honey Pig.
(1)Tiffany H.
I always come to yechon with my family. Although it's a little pricey, the food is great. We always order the sushi boat and bulgogi and it satisfied 10 people! I also like the lunch special with the bento boxes. My favorite is the tempura with their salad dressing.
(4)William A B.
It's a favorite pastime for late night meals, being open 24 hours a day is a huge convenience, the food is good, I usually get the garbi and something else, not a huge fan of their bulgogi. But I will always venture back after a long night;-)
(4)Carlo G.
This is my go to when it comes to Korean BBQ. This place never fails me and its 24 hours. Anytime I have the craving it's always satisfied.
(5)Dennis L.
I like Yechon, I think it's a bit pricey for the quality and amount of food given, but it tastes okay. I love that it's 24/7 and has a wide variety of food which is always good because sometimes I can feel korean barbeque or sometimes I'm feeling sushi. The service is always friendly, but when it gets packed, it does lack, but they do have a button call system if you ever need anything and they are usually pretty quick after that. Overall because it's has such convenient hours and pretty decent food, I usually have a lot of Yechon pretty often!
(4)Elizabeth L.
One of the only authentic korean places in the area. They have the buttons to press for service just like in Korea! We had the bulgolgi and spicy pork dishes. The kimchi mandu was decent but not shaped like a mandu! It was flat -_- The bulgolgi and spicy pork were both very tender and well marinated. I liked all the panchan except for the spinach one which was too bitter for me. The wait was shorter than what they told me - we probably waited 15 min when they said 20. They use the buzzers so it is easy to keep track of while waiting outside. Overall it was really good and this has been our korean food to go spot since we moved here last year. I still miss la ktown but it is nice to have yechon to fill the gap!
(4)In Y.
I've decided to write a review after years of eating at this place. Why? Because I decided not to go anymore.... Here is the thing. Yechon was the place where all of us go when drunk after 3am on weekends, it was a place where we can have all almost everything from Korean cuisine. BBQ, bibimbap, bulgogi... you name it. They have it. But then, one of my friend visited there about a month back. He ordered a soup and as he started to eat the soup suddenly he chewed some sort of meat that doesn't chew very well so he spited it out. Guess what. It was.... paper towel....... the towel that you clean your kitchen with. Sure, it could be one mistake every kitchen can make. But then... another friend of mine went and ordered a soup again. Yukhaejang. Aw i don't even want to and i will not mention what was in there. Overall, decent restaurant with decent food quality. You just have to be careful while eating one.
(2)Sookyung L.
I like their food and i love their service. Their food is consistent and delicious and 5 star hotel service with any server. Highly recommended.
(5)Kilani W.
this place is always busy , open 24/7 . it is nice though , good food and the people are nice . there is a next door bakery cafe that is also very good .
(4)Mary F.
Pros: wait staff in beautiful traditional attire, attentive staff, clean and not too noisy Cons: long line, small servings, a little pricey
(2)Nomin D.
I'm giving three stars solely based upon food and minus two stars because of lack of customer service and organization of the restaurant itself. Their food is typical; nothing special compared to other korean restaurants in the area. They are little more pricier that others. But oh boy, the servers are just frustrating. Half the time, they take forever to bring you refill on side dishes... Takes wrong orders and blames you for not ordering correctly... They chase you out the door if you give them less than 15% because of lack of customer service. In addition, they don't take reservations at all which means waiting can be hour+ at times. And they are not attentive at all. I don't see why people are still hyping over this place. But I'm over it. I'll come if I have to, but not need to.
(3)Alan W.
Great selection of food! Only been two times, but it's been good so far. I will be going back.
(4)Angel W.
OH MY GOD!!!!! THIS PLACE IS SO FANTASTIC. the wait: about 20 minutes for 2 people on a friday evening (not too bad, considering we first tried Kogiya and got told the wait was 2 HOURS...) we waited next door at Breeze Bakery, which happens to be a delicious place to source gelato, bingsoo, bubble tea, and asian cakes. I am totally okay with eating dessert before dinner :) FOOD: the panchan alone is worth coming for. we sat down and ordered the 2 types of bulgogi listed on the menu for the bbq (one is pork, one is beef) and it was promptly cooked in front of us while we nibbled on the side dishes. my favorites? the tofu, kimchi, and the mayo apple salad. the "appetizers" may vary between korean restaurants, but they are meant for maximum enjoyment and to eat your heart out. the meat was FREAKING AMAZING. marinated and seasoned just divinely, went so perfectly with the hot bowl of rice. we also ordered ox tail soup, which came with chunks of ox tail. SO perfect to drink with its 'healing' powers and during the cold of winter. the gelatin from the tendon being cooked into the broth is out of this world. service: just perfect. we had about 3 servers rotate our area throughout our meal, and they took our orders, refilled our drinks and flipped the meat on the bbq. just don't get annoyed when the servers don't speak English that well-- no excuses, the menu is even in english. price for 2 bulgogis, ox tail soup, sake, and beer was $58 before tip. can you say bang for your buck??!?!?! and it's a perfect date option, excellent food without breaking the bank.
(5)Jessica N.
Even though it is a Korean restaurant I only eat sushi/sashimi here. My sushi always comes out SO BOMB! &&& the slices are thick, not those wimpy half an inch kinda thing which I LOVE. It's always fresh and absolutely perf the only thing I would "complain" about is some of the waitresses don't seem to speak English very well but that's okay everybody's gotta make a living and they'll learn. Also, the making of the sushi is a bit slower than other places but it's okay because I usually order a TON. My family is like their worst nightmare
(5)Colton J.
I came across this place on my way home one night and the exterior lighting really caught my eye. The parking lot is a little chaotic with all the construction going on around it. It took about 15 minutes for me to be seated. I ended up ordering the salmon teriyaki. I loved it. It was fresh and not over cooked. Their teriyaki sauce is really amazing as well. The staff was very lovely and I can't wait to go back again.
(4)Hj W.
Yechon is an institution. It's always busy, it has a lot of great options in terms of BBQ. The service is good for foreigners and native Koreans alike. Why 3-Stars? Yechon is a place that hasn't really evolved to meet the needs of the Korean BBQ space that is Annandale. There is increasing competition in terms of high quality Korean food and Yechon provides the goods but at a cost point that is not quite right on the high end. Some of the food options for BBQ are practically meh. Get their beef tongue. Thin slivers of beef tongue that have a meaty taste like beef heart but melt-in-your-mouth texture of tenderloin. You'll barely notice what it is because it's sliced super thin and resembles just another cut of beef. I mean, an actual cut of beef.
(3)Adrienne C.
+ efficient service + waitresses traditional korean garb is a nice touch + the waitress's mindblowingly adept deconstruction of our lobster - i didn't realize it was possible to cut up a lobster w such apparent ease and no mess at all +KBBQ +Korean bakery
(3)Emily P.
I ordered Jun Bok Juk (abalone porridge) and Bipbimbap (fried rice). Okay, I can understand how the Juk could come out bad..it is a pretty uncommon dish to order in any Korean restaurant. BUT C'mon, how could any Korean restaurant your staple dish wrong..bipbimbap was one of worst fried rices I have tried, yes including homemade ones. I cannot believe how busy this place is.
(1)Wally K.
If you live in the area, you should know Yechon. It's been around for a long time. All the food here is pretty good. Can't go wrong with anything really. It's 24/7 which is rare to nova. It's not somewhere I go for korean bbq though. I'm actually not sure if they do that, there are better options for korean bbq in annandale and centreville and some scatter throughout fairfax. The soups and the dolsot bibimbaps are usually what I get here.
(4)Antonio C.
I used to come here all the time after a long night of Karaoke down the street at Cafe Muse. The food here is consistently good and you can't get better "real" late night food.
(3)Nadine F.
I'm not a huge fan of Korean food, but Yechon is very good, and I'd gladly go again. I was there with a group of 10, so we did family style and I got to try a little bit (OK maybe a lot) of everything. By far, the casserole (spicy noodle soup) was my favorite. Bulgogi and short ribs were also excellent. I would not get the seafood pancake again, because I found it a little too heavy and greasy, but most people liked it. For such a crowded restaurant, service was surprisingly fast. They have little buzzers on the table, which helps a lot, because otherwise it would be impossible to flag down your server, who will be covering a ton of tables and going back and forth a lot. Yechon didn't make me a convert to Korean food, but I did enjoy it. I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but I'd gladly return if I were in the area or if someone else wanted to go.
(4)Gina C.
I really dont get why this place has 4 stars... Went there for lunch but the service was so slow and the foods were very salty :(
(2)Lewis A.
McCormick & Schmick's Crystal City VA This restaurant hit the trifecta tonight: mediocre, overpriced food; glacially slow service; a dining room so noisy that normal conversation was impossible. The only thing lacking to make the evening perfect would have been an application by the staff of CIA enhanced interrogation techniques.
(1)Tao N.
Pretty bad service today. Waited for 15 min for ordering. Asked for ice water but never came.
(2)M D.
Having eaten here quite a few more times, if you want great korean soup dishes, go during lunch. That's when all the Omas are in. If you go on the dinner or late night hours, their sundubu and kimchi jigae are watered down and not worth the $9-10 cost.
(3)Zach H.
What's great about this place is the food. What makes it better? It's 24/7. I've spent many nights here satisfying my late-night/post-drinking craving for Korean food. I have had several things here and have never had a bad bite. Among my favorites are the Dduk Mandu Guk (Rice Cake and Dumpling Soup) and Seolleongtang (Ox bone soup with sliced beef). You can't go wrong with the many BBQ options either... well, you can't go wrong with any of the Korean options. Sushi is also served here, but I haven't had the sushi here so I'm unable to comment on it. Overall, the service is excellent and the food is delicious. Better than that, it's great any time of the day whether it's for lunch or a midnight snack. Personally, it seems I find myself here around 2am more often than not :-P. With the extensive menu, everyone is sure find something they'll enjoy.
(5)Amanda K.
I was on this side of town and looking for a place to eat. I decided to give this place a shot based upon my bookmarks/location. My husband and I rolled up around 6pm on a Saturday evening. The parking lot was very full but we managed to squeeze into a spot around back. Upon entering we were immediately greeted and seated. I have had Korean BBQ once about 10 years ago and went with people who knew what to order. My husband had never had Korean food and had no clue what to get. I had did a little research via Yelp before we showed up and we decided on Bul Gogi and Sae Woo Gul. Basically BBQ shrimp and beef. My husband ordered clam soup which was good. He didn't know our meals included a cup of miso cup. I love the challenge of not knowing what things were in the tiny bowls they bring to the table and you get to just try them. It is a mystery for my taste buds. I had found some delicious things that night. Overall the food was delicious and I would come back for that alone. It was a little difficult ordering because of the language barrier with our waitress. I had did a lot of pointing on the menu while I said what I wanted. There are big portions here and also it seems with smaller parties they will cook your food in the kitchen. I would have enjoyed cooking my food at the table but at the same time it was fun. Imust note I didn't like the table we sat at. The seat was in the window and people on the outside were standing outside of it. My husband waved at this lady who kept staring back so she would get the hint she was annoying us.
(4)Lisa P.
This place is a Korean heaven-on-earth. Korean barbecue and sushi that's open 24/7? Count me in. Came here at 10 on a Friday night after being hit with a random bulgogi craving. Ordered yellowtail and salmon sushi which was surprisingly fresh and came out super fast. As for entrees, the bulgogi and spicy pork bulgogi were so delicious and tender. Most importantly, Yechon offers a ridiculous amount of bon chons. No joke, it took up the entire table! We were stuffed at the end of our meal and had numerous leftovers. Definitely coming back.
(5)Ha T.
The food is good, prices are decent. Been here numerous times. However, service has not been great for us each time. There are times where we do not get orange pieces (not that it matters) but be consistent. And sometimes service seems a bit cold? I'm not sure how to say it but it just seems off. We like that there's the bell service so we don't have hovering servers. We also do not go during busy hours either, so I'm not sure why it's this way.
(3)Lucy C.
First time here On a Sunday loved the food huge portions. Our waitress was great. My seafood pancake was exactly what I expected the same as a place I went to in Tampa. First time experience with BBQ where they cooked the meat in front of me great little appetizers as well. Will come back.
(5)Xinwei Z.
I have pretty high standard for Korean food, but with that said, Yechon is definitely a comforting place. It's a good place to take a large group of people - lots of choices, different set menus, and large quality. It's quite popular and I probably waited half an hour before being seated. Once seated, we were immediately brought some hot barley tea and menus. Service is quick and banchans and entrees were quickly brought out. The banchans are pretty basic but also very fresh. They do simple things, but they do them well. As for food, we ordered soondubu and agujjim, two of my favorite dishes and something my dining partner had never tried before. Soondubu: My biggest gripe about the soondubu is that they didn't bring us an egg to crack into it. Other than that, it was hot, nicely flavored, had plenty of ingredients in it, and definitely comforting. Agujjim: Can I just say holy monkfish? I was expecting a large serving, but not that huge. We barely finished half of it and were absolutely stuffed. The monkfish is plentiful and I was happy to see that they didn't skimp on the sea squirts. Not many places serve agujjim, so I do recommend trying it out here.
(3)Craig B.
My favorite Korean restaurant in Annandale. The beef and mushrooms casserole is very delicious. They use five or six different kinds of mushrooms. Especially good for a person that is not a fan of spicy food. The grilled mackerel, kalbi, bulgogi, and bbq pork are very delicious too. I love that you can get sushi and other Japanese dishes there too. Definitely try the seafood pancake and ask for the anchovies as one of the little dishes otherwise you won't get them. They do a grilled lobster as part of their specials that is fantastic as well. I highly recommend it. Be careful on the weekends as it can get crowded during peak times. I like to eat their late at night as it is open 24/7.
(5)Linsey M.
Love this place after a long night of drinking Prices are reasonable with a large crowd. Food is served fresh also so enjoy!
(4)Kimmy L.
*****____________200th Review!!!!!! Woop Woop___________**** My mission to eat at every Korean BBQ place in Annadale is in full swing...and this is my favorite non-AYCE Korean BB place. We came around 7pm on a Friday night and only had to wait about 15 minutes. They were organized about the waitlist and handed all of us fancy buzzers. I am so glad we came when we did because right after we sat down, the place was packed to the brim and there were a lot of people waiting. The BF loves starting with the seafood pancake, I always order Galbi and he gets Brisket. We were informed that there was a min of 2 Brisket orders so we would have to forego the Galbi or just order too much meat. We went for the latter but were bummed about this meat rule. Everything was delicious! The pancake filled with seafood and perfectly crisp. Their bonchon is the best I have ever had - fresh and so many options. The Galbi and Brisket were not too fatty and perfectly cooked. The only thing missing was steamed egg to go with our rice. Subtracting a star because they don't take reservations, they don't cook Galbi in front of you, and because of the minimum 2 orders for Brisket. We also felt really rushed...is it possible to complain about food coming out too fast? Well here I go...our bonchon, apps, galbi and brisket all came out at the same time! We looked like pigs and I was bummed we felt so rushed to eat our apps/meat before they got cold.
(4)Kim K.
Parking was a breeze :)! Waited 20 mins on Friday night. So far so good. Six of us were squeezed into a table made for four. Our order barely fitted on the table. Ordered seafood pancake, sushi bibimbap, spicy pork, spicy beef soup, spicy fish soup, bibimbap in stone bowl and seafood hotpot. No standouts. Regrets of the night were spicy pork and seafood hotpot. Spicy pork was almost watery. Hmmmm how is that possible. The spicy sauce really didn't adhere to the meat and was pooling in the plate. There must have been at most about five pieces of meat besides the soggy vegetables. The biggest disappointment was the seafood hotpot. It used to be an outstanding dish full of fresh lobster and fresh shellfish when we've had it previously. This time it was full of previously frozen seafood that tasted like it was frozen little too long. Service was exceptional considering it's a Korean restaurant. I will be back here for sure but probably around 1am when everything else is closed.
(3)Daniel K.
Awesome food made lightning quick and served 24 a day? Yes! Lines can be long so be aware. We sat at the bar and got seated right away. Sushi was good too.
(4)Gayatri P.
Nothing beats the korean dining experience for me, which is exactly why this type of cuisine is my favorite. ...and of all the places in Annandale. ---Yechon is the best hands-down. Talk about a value of a meal ---This place is amazing. For those of you who have never had real korean food, seriously go now. It is the best. The flavors, the freshness of the ingredients, the spice -- It is pure bliss for your stomach. When you go to Yechon, you will receive an assortment of side dishes to feast on. And oh yes, they are free. In my opinion, the side dishes at Yechon are way better than other places in Annandale ---scallion pancake, potato salad, kimchi ( you guys, one of the 5 healthiest foods in the world according to many), pickled seaweed-- everything is delicious. When it comes to the entrees I usually go with one of two options -- the soon dubae jigae or the dolsot bibimbop. If I ate beef, I probably would go with the bulgogi, but I don't so those are my two go-to dishes. The soon dubae jigae is happiness for me. If you are looking for a great casserole stew dish, this is your meal. I usually get the seafood version -- it is my go-to meal on a chilly day or just when I'm looking for that spice in my food that is unavailable to me in the District. Tip, I usually like mine with egg in it. They charge you a $1 which I think is way overpriced, but if you want it, you will need to ask them to include it. If you are in the mood for something lighter, the dolsot bibimbop is wonderful. It is comprised of a bowl of vegetables, rice, egg, cooked with rice in a stone bowl. Healthy and packed with spicy flavors, it is a great meal that will leave you satisfied.
(5)Tana V.
This is a good korean restaurant, and the food is great, but they can improve on their service...Not too accommodating with big parties because they don't take reservations, and they won't seat your group until all parties are there. Parking is a train wreck, so good luck with that! This place is always busy, so I can understand how they may feel entitled to act "snobby". The servers always rush you to order, and sometimes the language barrier and noise makes it hard to communicate. If you have a lot of time and patience, then it's worth trying out.
(4)Chris S.
I recommend bringing a small army when you come here, the amount of food they give is way too much for any normal couple to finish without serious help. I left with an assortment of carryout boxes. Food is good, a lot of these places they give you a lot of meat but the quality of the meat is second tier, from taste Yechon's meat is on a slightly higher scale. Meat was also seasoned well, I was able to try the bul-go-gi and also the spicy pork and both were flavored well and cooked perfectly. Accompanying rice was also well done, you would be surprised how many places give you sub-par rice but their rice was cooked well with excellent consistency. Service was good, you can have your food cooked at the table or in the back but waitresses are around no matter the option you pick. They also have this cool airplane style call button that will get the attention of your waitress should you ever need them and not see them patrolling the dining area. All in all one of the better Korean BBQ places I have experienced, I could definitely see a return visit in my future should a BBQ craving hit me again.
(4)Jennie Jae S.
I was pretty disappointed by this place. It was pretty popular though, so I figured it would be okay. I could barely hear my friend talk; and the banchan was okay but it was nothing to write home about. I liked the fried tofu and the kimchi jeon. I got the oxtail soup and it was just okay. There were only three pieces of meat in it. What got me was that when they were splitting the check, they clearly said that they would split it evenly. They did but they took the tip out of mine as well and then asked me oh why are you not giving tip? And then we tried to explain to them that we had, and that they had taken it out of my bill. So we did leave w them telling us okay. But their attitude was very off putting. But my friend and I still had a good time, and it was only a dollar or two difference. At the end of the day, I feel like I had a good time w my friend and we were able to talk without feeling like others were eavesdropping on us, had a good meal, and the orange at the end was a nice touch. I liked being able to speak Korean, and the food just reminded me of home( but not as good).
(3)Liz S.
Definitely the best Korean food in all of northern VA, 24 hours a day. Perfect! My go to place for Korean or sushi.
(5)Harvey D.
This is my favorite and go to Korean spot in all of the DMV! I miss the East Coast because of this restaurant.
(5)Y D.
Yechon. just plain awesome service and tons of dishes and sushi. every one we tried so far great. open late, right by 495 so easy to get to. we love us some yechon
(5)Haesol K.
Terrible service. It's like our table was completely invisible. The meat came cooked inside, but it was cold when it came out to the table. The manager took our order, but he wasn't too friendly either. All the servers basically avoided our table and had to constantly remind the ladies working there for things we needed, like napkins, extras... etc. It took over 10 minutes for us to even get water or silverware at our table. They did get us the check fast, after we finished eating. Funny how we got their attention when it was time to go. We used to be regulars here. Needless to say, we won't be coming back.
(1)May B.
Came here with a friend for a late night dinner. We ordered the bibimbap and udon. The food are amazing!! Price are average as well. There is no service what so ever, not as friendly. But would come again for the food!
(4)Michelle H.
I have been a loyal customer to this place for over ten years and the older I get, the more disappointed I get with the service. Today I took my son there for lunch. We were a tad early for the lunch specials and were told that we could not order a lunch special and had to wait 20 more minutes if we wanted sushi, even though the sushi chef was behind the bar working when we got there. Three Asian families walked in after us, and ALL of them were served before we were. We sat for over 30 minutes waiting for our food order. This is completely unacceptable. I also noticed that every table received an additional warm drink with their water and ours was skipped. I agree with the other reviewers when they say the servers are prejudice against non-Asians (can't say Korean because I can't verify the other three families were in fact Korean). By the time we got our food, the couple behind us was paying their check and they came in two tables after us. As always, the food was absolutely amazing; it never disappoints, which is why I gave 3 stars. I doubt I'll be dining here anytime in the near future. I think I'll watch the reviews to see if the service gets any better.
(3)Brian M.
Food here is amazing and one of the best Korean restaurants I've been to. I came here with my parents and my girlfriend for dinner on a Saturday night and normally this place is packed but we only had to wait about 30 minutes for a table of 4 which isn't too bad considering I've had to wait upwards of 1 hour before (theres a bakery store right next door that you can go to while you wait). I got the spicy kimchi bibimbop while my girlfriend got the seafood bibimbop. My parents ordered the eel over rice and the sashimi salad with rice and we ordered another seafood pancake as well. Overall the food is just delicious and I want to try everything on the menu until my stomach can take no more and I would definitely recommend this place to everyone who is in the mood for good Korean food. I'd say that the prices are fairly reasonable and the atmosphere is ok, because of the amount of people its easy to understand that it will be loud but the servers are very attentive and were always stopping by to come refill our tea and ask us if we needed anything. Foodwise this place is 5 stars. Only giving it 4 stars because the parking situation sucks and the parking lot is terrible because its wayy to cramped and people are just sitting there taking up room waiting for spots to open up causing more of a jam than is needed. TL:DR-- come here and eat delicious food, try to take one car
(4)Misha T.
It's a little pricey but I think it's better than the much beloved Honey Pig. The service is surprisingly slow, even though they have the waiter/waitress buttons at the table. The portions are also pretty enormous. Here's what we had: Special Marinated Beef - Good quality and rich. Not cooked at the table but honestly I don't care about that anymore as long as it tastes good. Beef Intestine and Octopus Hot Pot - Hot and rich. Make sure to turn the heat down after a bit because it'll boil itself out while you're eating your first serving of the stuff. Seafood Pancake - Enormous. Not the best tasting bite for bite that I've had but there's so many bites that there's upside. Broiled Mackerel - You know what you're getting with this and it acted as a good foil to the other dishes we had.
(4)Christina L.
My favorite Korean restaurant in Annandale! It has both Korean and Japanese cuisine so I love the variety. It is also next door to a bakery/cafe which is nice for dessert :-)
(5)Andrea A.
I miss this place!!! It's always packed even though they're open 24/7. This was my go to place for good Korean BBQ. It's more expensive than Honey Pig but I think they're way much better! I always ask for their Bimbimbop sauce on the side even though I always just do their BBQ. I don't live in VA anymore but I can't go back!
(4)Joseph S.
Ordered Short Ribs, Bulgogi, and Japchae. All my favorites. The meat was prepared at the table in a very traditional manner and was exceptionally tasty. The sides were very fresh and well prepared. The interior was very unique but also very busy (which is a good thing). If you are familiar with Korean BBQ and plan on getting that, be sure to tell them you want a table with the burner before being seated. We had to switch tables as not every table has a burner. I think they can prepare it for you in the kitchen anyway but I prefer it at the table. Prices to me were a bit high but were worth it, because of that I would probably give them a 4.5. Great place!! Great food!!
(5)Kristina P.
I find that my family and I go to this restaurant every time we're in the mood for Korean bbq. (Been going to this restaurant for years now) They have such a wide variety of food! We tend to order the special orders (#3 to be specific) and it comes with plenty of meat, sides, and even soup. (It says for 2 people but we find it's still filling for a family of 3 or 4) Only issue I would have is that it can be pretty crowded, so you might have to wait a couple of minutes and there isn't much space for the waiting area. Even the parking can be a hassle but it looks like their expanding it? But the food is totally worth it!
(4)Helen C.
Service was great, price was quite reasonable (for lunch specials). Got a vegetarian dolsot bibimbap. It was average, but nicely hot.
(4)May S.
Nice place! good service:) I had a dish that was rice and some meat on top. went with a friend can't remember what she said it was called. Prices are reasonable! I was shocked that this place is open 24 hours
(5)Seung Yeon C.
They should change Ban chan (menu). And most of soup wasn't tasty. I had soondoobu jiggae (tofu soup ), Yukaejang, soy soup. But I couldn't have as much as I want. I went last month but Ban chan was the same. I was disappointed.
(3)Sophie H.
Yechon is a nice and decent restaurant with serving good quality of food. I like their sashimi, which is always fresh and tasty.Also, this is 24hour restaurant, so you can have access to the good food any time. The con that i think of is they usually get very busy during the dinner time and weekends. If you don't feel like to wait for a seat, phone ordering is a good option. Even though Yechon is a little bit pricey, it is a good restaurant in general.
(4)Ashish S.
I've lost count of how many times i've been to Yechon. This place is packed with patrons all the time, and for a good reason. Best time to go on the weekend is anytime after 11 p.m otherwise you'll have to wait at least 45 mins to an hour for a table, but it's worth it.
(4)Joy C.
I went to Ye Chon for my birthday. Luckily we got there a titch early for dinner, about 6p because by 7p the place was packed. Neither of us got the Korean Barbecue but it seemed to be popular with everyone around us (which brings up the temperature of the restaurant significantly so be sure to layer rather than wear long sleeves). We started with the Nokdu Jeon, which is a mung bean pancake. Neither of us had had them before but they were really tasty. I ordered the seafood dolsot bibimbap and my friend got the bulgogi. I was a bit disappointed because I didn't realize that the seafood dolsot bibimbap doesn't come with the fried egg so I'll probably stick with the beef next time. My friend thought her bulgogi was was really good. I've never been there but my friend also mentioned she liked Ye Chon more than Honey Pig because the food was a little cheaper and the atmosphere was much better.
(4)Dan W.
This place is the best. It's no wonder it's always busy. They give you an awesome amount of side dishes, and you can request ones that are your favorite if they don't bring them out to you. The bbq is always good, but I prefer the dolsot bibimbaps. They are always super hot and tasty. I take my family here whenever we can and are never unsatisfied.
(5)Kevin L.
The worst thing about this place is how crowded it is when you want Korean bbq on a friday night and the prices arent too bad as the quality tops your dollar and youll know why and I mean that positively I've never had bad service here the cute old asian ladies are always nice and ready to serve you I usually get bulgogi and its delicious even your entree comes with extra dishes and miso soup to fill you up the service is great and the food is wonderful if you want to branch out with oriental try the korean bbq here its delicious also head over to breeze bakery afterwards amazing desert too!
(5)Daniel C.
Always packed and cramped w/ very little parking, but damn is it worth it! All the kimchi, bulgogi and sides you could ask for. The barbecue is a must!
(4)Colin C.
I have been trying to go here for years but always some other Annandale location that we end up at or yechon is far too busy. The parking lot gets crazy with cafe breeze and seven eleven and the waits can be very long at times. Not unlike some of the other popular Annandale establishments. Menu is vast and well laid out with sections and lots of pictures. The prices aren't horrible and they have a great lunch special during the week and even a decent one on weekends. Sides are good and service is ok. The food was pretty standard but not great. Not really seeing what is so special here. The kalbi bimbimbap was horrible with grisly kalbi and no egg with not much variety in the ingredients. Some of the other dishes were fine. Overall just seeing why the wait is so long. Go for the lunch special though.
(3)Justin W.
Favorite go to spot for Korean food other than soondubu or Korean BBQ. This place has great soups and bimbimbaps. There is not too much parking and it gets ridiculously packed at night during the weekends. I love the service and the friendly staff.
(4)Gene S.
Lunch Specials are always the best, we even take food home!. Being Korean helps and Yechon is probably my favorite. I just wish they would have better parking and maybe the construction being done around the property is for that. Food is very good, I am not a huge sushi fan so I cant attest to how good it is but for the Korean Food: the Kalbi and Bulgoki are very good and I should mention the soups too!
(5)Hunter Z.
Decent restaurant but always crowded. The owner also owns the bakery next-door so you could grab a number and wait while enjoying delicious cakes. The seafood rice bowl is the one I like. If true Korean BBQ is what you want, Honey Pig probably is a great competitor.
(4)Esther K.
This used to be my go-to place for a late night food craving but I've noticed they increased most of the prices on their menu. The croaker has a major price increase of 30% (used to be $15.95, now $19.95)! That's pretty ridiculous considering you can go one mile away for the same thing but half the price... Oh, and they have the most expensive galbi in the area ($27.95 compared to $20 for most places). That being said the food here is consistently good so if you don't mind paying a few extra bucks Yechon is a pretty good place to get your Korean fix.
(3)James B.
Food is above average. Long lines and rushed service on weekends. Communication in English is limited. The servers do not take time to explain all the dishes. Try to sit away from the entrance in the winter. Don't get me wrong, I'm a regular.
(2)YJ D.
I am full on Korean and their food is average. They are always packed with A LOT of people so the customer service isn't that great. I'm okay with that but do feel like sometimes they rush you. I don't come here often but I'll go once in a while for late night food with friends since it is 24/7
(3)Sam Y.
I've been coming here for soooooo many years. Back in the day, this place used to be packed on Friday/Saturday nights after all the kids came back from the clubs in DC haha. That might still be the case, I wouldn't know. It's open 24 hours, so it's the perfect late night restaurant. But it is definitely a family restaurant during the day. The food is actually pretty decent as well. It's great because it's not just focused on one type of food like meats or stews, but there are a lot of different options to choose from. They offer Korean (including BBQ), as well as Japanese cuisine. You can also get sushi during the day (not an option for late night). I'm not going to try to write a review for every single item I've tried here (that would take a very long time...), but I will mention a couple of items which are worth trying. 1) Kal bi tang or Mae woon Kal bi tang (Beef short rib soup/spicy beef short rib soup) - This place has one of the best ones in the area. The broth always tastes the same, very flavorful and not super greasy like other places. They usually put in a good amount of meat and the portions are pretty big. 2) Hae mul soon doo boo jji gae (seafood soft tofu soup) - people in this area usually go to Light House Tofu to eat soon doo boo jji gae, but I really like the seafood soup from Yechon. It's a little spicy and they add in mushrooms, clams and green onion. The tofu is always incredibly soft and the soup is very good. It comes in a hot pot so it stays hot through your entire meal. 3) If you come during lunch, you must try one of their boxes. My favorite one is the Kalbi box, which is marinated short ribs. It comes with a variety of different sides as well as a bowl of miso soup on the side. The sides change everytime we come, but there's usually one type of meat, a bunch of little fried dishes, one california roll and salad with a yellow dressing. All this for only $10.95. Awesome deal! -Their other lunch menu items are very cheap and delicious as well. The table side dishes are usually always the same, but one thing always stands out. The potato salad! I've never met anyone who has been here and hasn't loved the potato salad. We usually ask for a couple extra dishes because that's the first thing to go haha. I don't really have much to say for the service here. The ladies who work during the day are friendly at times and then so unattentive at other times. The wait time can be a little long if you come during lunch because it gets incredibly packed, but they usually get everyone seated as quickly as they can. The guys who work the late night shifts are pretty friendly, but are short staffed so it takes awhile for everything to get to your table. I usually come here when I don't know what I'm in the mood for. Since they have so many things to choose from I always know I'll find something good to eat. Almost everything I've tried off of their menu so far has been fantastic. I would recommend this place especially to Non-Koreans because you can get a general idea of how many different types of Korean foods there are.
(4)Tom C.
First off.. Good ventilation here so you wont smell afterwards..like you would at some other korean bbq places. I've been here countless of times and always get awesome service here. I tend to get the rice cakes and dumping soup.. it's just my thing here :D Three main things I like about this place is... 1) its 24/7 with a large menu 2) it's right next to Breeze bakery which opens fairly late. 3) attentive service (which is pretty much standard at most k-annandale places at least to me)
(3)Lien T.
I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical when I first heard about this place. My cousin kept raving about how they had the best Korean food and that they were open 24 hours. What?! Open 24 hours and the food is good?! Impossible, I thought! We came here around dinner time and although it was pretty busy, we were seated immediately. The restaurant was pretty large and spacious, so wait times probably aren't that long. They had a pretty extensive menu, which included Korean dishes, Japanese dishes, and barbecue. We went with their marinated bulgogi, tofu soup with seafood and intestines, and a bibimbap. Surprisingly, everything was authentic and delicious! The bulgogi was very well marinated and tasty. The tofu soup was spicy and loaded with tons of tofu, seafood, and intestines--it went very well rice. The bibimbap was well-made and savory. I liked their banchan selection too. Service was lacking, but we managed to get what we needed in a timely manner. Yechon is pretty impressive, considering they are open 24 hours (all holidays too)! Their food is good and prices are decent, I'd come back if I were in town again.
(5)Christie Y.
3.5 great place for korean food. they give you more than enough food so come with lots of people! Super crowded so the wait was a bit long, fortunately there is a semi exp korean bakery next door that you can buy some delicious bread
(3)Michael Y.
24 hour convenience, and conveniently located right next to Breeze bakery. And tons of variety on their menu. That being said, the food here is hit-or miss. Soups tend to be pretty good, but some items, such as the galbi-jjim, are too sweet for my liking and the bo-ssam was just OK.
(4)Mangala M.
OMG..... this place is hands down amazeballs. The only thing that I did not like about it is that you can't customize any dish, so if you don't eat beef, too damn bad for you... .or rather me (insert sad face). So I had limited options, but that's OK. I was able to find a thing or two that I could eat, and it was phenomenal. I ordered the Sundubu Jigae, which had soft boiled tofu. Yummoo , I could eat this all day long. I loved all the bachans (no, not the famous Bollywood family but Korean side dishes!) that came with my meal too. I had to laugh when I saw the dessert section on the menu, they had listed coffee for $1.00. I found out later it's because they have a fantastic bakery next door, which we headed to next.
(5)Chad K.
Yechon is a 24/7 Korean restaurant in Annandale, VA. The menu covers wide variety of Korean food from BBQ to hot pot soups. If you avoid the BBQ combo meals, you would be satisfied. They also have very bargain priced breakfast and lunch menu. The Breeze bakery (next door) operated by the same owner is a good place to have a desert.
(4)Chan L.
Wow. I think this is the best Korean food in DC. We had a great experience here. The food and service was the best. Our family had the Korean Short Ribs, Yukejang, and seolong tang. All dishes that if not made properly really taste bad. They did an tasty job on all the dishes. Has very traditional decor in side. If you are in VA and are craving good Korean food. This place is it.
(5)Jessie H.
I like this place a lot. I love the hwe dup bap (sashimi) dish here. Come during lunch and it's cheaper and you still get a decent amount of food. The pan chan (side dishes) are really good! The bo saam (Pork belly) is kind of pricey here but good. The galbi tang is good too. Service is fairly quick, food is great, and there's a wide variety of selections on their menu. I had the bbq once here , it was average, I wouldn't recommend getting it here but definitely try their other dishes or the ones I listed above. Food is fresh and flavorful!
(4)Brian F.
Solid-performing Korean BBQ. Our family went here recently to celebrate my wife's birthday. Service was friendly, and the food was good. I liked the side dishes here compared with other Korean BBQ places (Honey Pig, Heebeen). The BBQ was good, but I wasn't particularly blown away by it -- no strong differentiation in my mind... then again, I'm no expert in Korean BBQ. Yechon worked well for our family -- as our kids were able to get some Japanese dishes that they liked to go along with the Korean BBQ (which they don't like as much as we do).
(4)Kimmie O.
After a huge snow storm, we were stuck at our hotel looking for a restaurant at 10pm. After few calls to different restaurants, someone finally picked up the phone at Yechon. The food is typical korean BBQ with typical prices. I appreciate this place very much, it saved two starving souls in their battle against the wild snowstorm!
(4)Saara Z.
Not much to say that hasn't been said already. Yechon is so good. I typically order the Galbi and shrimp. Their seafood pancake is also very well made and highly recommended. The sushi can be quite fresh and comes with generous pieces of fish, so don't be scared to order it as an appetizer or something. The only thing I've been disappointed with here is the Sundubu (seafood/tofu soup). Definitely wouldn't order that here again. Lighthouse tofu is the place to go for Sundubu! Service is good and the restaurant is clean.
(4)Mark L.
Yechon was against the odds for me. We came here on the tail end of a weekend food trip in the DC-Baltimore-VA area that unintentionally consisted of nearly all Korean cuisine. By that time I was ready for anything other than Korean, but there I was in K-town, with my Korean friend offering to treat me. She was so enthusiastic. I knew that if it wasn't Yechon, it was going to be some other Korean restaurant. I'm glad it was Yechon. Service was good. They had a service button at every table--ours was busted, but we didn't need it. I had the Kalbi Dolsot Bibimbap. GET THE KALBI DOLSOT BIBIMBAP. Whenever I order bibimbap, I end up slightly unsatisfied and wishing I got something else. Yechon decided they would break that pattern and whip up the best f'ing pot of bibimbap I've ever had. It was missing the raw egg which may not come with the kalbi version, but I probably could've and should've asked for it... because... egg makes everything awesome. The banchan variety was average, but tasted good. Also tried the kalbi jjigae, which was alright. Yechon is a solid place with solid food and good service. They have a large menu so I'd definitely return for more.
(4)Jodi G.
Love this place. It's always consistent and has a ton of great options.
(4)Emily T.
All of the dishes were great except the udon noodles. The udon tasted a little bland.
(4)Roxy J.
I love this place! Have yet to be disappointed. Consistently, good, high quality authentic korean food. Open 24/7. The bulgogi is the best here. Perfectly seasoned and seared each time. Their menu selection is HUGE. They have everything to bbq at your table (seafood and meats) , hot pots galore, stews, Sushi -it's korean food heaven. I first heard of yechon through a feature on this foodie special on weta or pbs. They spoke of the authenticity and great value so I added it to my list and I was not led astray. The service is always great. It can get packed in there, especially after the club. We've come here after concerts and have tag teamed up with other patrons in line to be seated when a table for two was'nt available. I like the ambiance, it's always clean. They give you lots of yummy sides to compliment your food. Definitely check this place out.
(5)Erica W.
Is it sad that I've gone there 6 times in the past two months? Customer Service: Excellent. Food: Delicious every time. Atmosphere: More upscale and appropriate for families than Honeypig I think the Korean BBQ (Yechon special Kalbi) is cooked best when they do it in the kitchen as opposed to at your table... Bibimbop with Kalbi is yummy - be sure to leave the rice and press for longer to get the most crispiness because these bowls are not as effective as the traditional style stone bowls. I like the Sashimi Appetizer - good deal and the perfect amount for splitting before you start devouring beef and pork. This ain't Ktown in NYC, but it's definitely my go-to spot for Korean in NoVa.
(4)Jason W.
We always judge Korean resertaunts by their bonchon (kimchees) and this one has the little bowls of yummy goodness in spades. Of course the meats were high quality as well! Hanna-do Yechon dinner juseao!
(5)Tiensa L.
Family dinner for my mothers birthday. We had a good time. The food was good. Kalbi , pork belly , bulgoggi and sashimi sampler. There were so many side dishes and everything tasted fresh. We will be returning.
(5)Ash C.
Great food, terrible service. My friends and I have been here many times in the past, and we always had good service. But last night, we experienced some of the worst service we'd ever seen. Two friends ordered something that comes with bulgogi, spicy squid, and mackerel. They were brought the wrong meat and no squid or mackerel, so they asked the waitress about it. It turned out they got the order wrong. My friends, trying to be reasonable, said they didn't have to take the meat back if it would be too much work, they're fine with just getting the squid and mackerel. The waitress immediately became standoffish and insisted they ordered exactly what they got(I should point out that one of the friends comes here with her family almost every week and often gets this meal). They brought a man in(chef or manager, maybe?), and he immediately raised his voice and borderline shouted at them that this is exactly what they ordered. After trying to explain what happened to the man, he finally gave up and told the waitress something. She returned a few minutes later with the squid and mackerel. We hadn't seen a smile on anyone's face since then. When it was time to pay, they flat out declined my friend's $60 gift card, refusing to give a reason. As we left, we were met with glares from all the staff as they said with a flat, passive-aggressive tone, "Thanks. Come back later." It's a shame, because I loved this place, but my friends and I feel unwelcome and likely will never go back.
(2)Eunice K.
spicy galbo tang is really good. mandoos are always good everything i've tried has been good. have yet to try something that isnt good.
(4)Nalini B.
Amazing Korean bbq! This is my family's favorite Korean restaurant. It's a bit of a hike for us as we're in the Rockville/Potomac, MD area where there are other excellent Korean restaurants, but Yechon takes the cake for its excellent bbq. Also, they're open 24/7, which is just crazy impressive. This place is so popular that it's always packed. We've never waited more than 15 minutes, though. The food and the overall experience is definitely worth the wait! Despite being busy, the servers are very attentive and quick. It's just an excellent, excellent Korean restaurant. I highly recommend it to everyone!
(5)Joel B.
Best Korean, short ribs are a must, japchea is a must, and be aware that sides are not small.
(5)Jinnie N.
This seems to be the best Korean place in Virginia. I liked the traditional feel set by the waitresses wearing the Han boks. However, aloof Korean service is the same here or as in K-town in LA. Haha!! We ordered the Kalbi dolsot bibimbap, kimchee chigae, and the mandoo. The ban chan was good & the food came out pretty quickly. The key to dolsot bibimbap is getting the hottest stone pot that you can get so that you can get the crispy crust on the rice underneath!! It was perfect. Better than a lot of Korean restaurants. I had a Kalbi dolsot!! Surprisingly, the Kalbi portion was good!! The mandoo was also cooked well.
(4)J L.
Food is okay. Ridiculously huge menu. Galbi was fine but the seafood pancake was meh. I don't know - the bad service is kind of a bummer and my parents were unhappy with the server..
(3)Catharine M.
My go to Korean BBQ place in the DC area. While it's not the cheapest, it's not insanely priced with good quality and good portion sizes. Also they are pretty nice to my white friends that I bring here. And I bring a lot of white friends here to introduce them to the food of my people. The service is a bit brusk, but I think it has to do with the volume of people that come through. Most of the wait staff speak English - big plus for getting friends to come back here again. But the clientele is still predominately korean (sign that the ethnic food isn't catering for american taste buds). The banchan is plentiful. And the waitresses have been really nice if I special request something I see at another table. Typically I will get the family combo #3, as it has a little of everything that Korean BBQ is known for ... plus lobster (which I always thought was a random addition). While it says it only feeds 2 people, I would like to meet the 2 people that they are feeding, because 3 people can barely finish it all. The pan fried kimchee dumplings and seafood pancakes are also something that I will typically order for a group of friends. But the more traditional korean dishes - kalbitang, manduguk, and other broth stuff are pretty good for when I go by myself. A little heavy on the MSG, but hits the spot when I miss my mom's cooking and I don't want to fly out to California.
(5)Tom C.
Just had a very disappointing Korean meal out of all Korean restaurants in Annandale. We ordered yechon special #1, instead of asking wether we wanted white rice or ginseng rice, waiter brought us white rice, who later said we could choose in between. He did bring us ginseng rice after we requested but the point is some people may just not know and end up with white rice and don't even get to try the ginseng rice. The bean paste soup that came with the meal must have had a salt accident before it was brought out. It was so salty that just a drop of it would numb my taste buds. The grilled fish used to be much better quality fish. We were served salted mackerel today and I would not be surprised if the chef mistaken the mackerel was unsalted and added more as he saw fit. All in all, won't be back for a while...
(2)Kevin L.
Great food, great side dishes, nice cozy ambiance.
(4)Jessica V.
I've been going here regularly for over twenty years. Food is awesome! I love their sushi so much! This place can get really crowded, but I've never felt rushed to finish or order. The side dishes that come out before the entrees are really fun, especially if you aren't all that familiar with Korean food. The tea is also great and free! They don't take reservations, so if you are planning on visiting during the weekend, anticipate an hour or so wait. Also, parking is pretty limited. They are just too popular and for good reason. Perfect place for adventurous foodies.
(5)Peter L.
1 Star for the Seafood Pancake, 1 Star for opening 24/7, 1 Star for the service, and that's about it. Pretty expensive but considering that I'm from California and the prices are cheaper with more meat than Yechon. The only thing that I really like in this restaurant was the Seafood Pancake, perfect crisp and texture. Yummm.
(3)Jeremy F.
It gets busy and there is a wait if you get there at dinnertime, but this is the best authentic Korean in Annandale IMO.
(4)Benny C.
The food in this place is ok, but the service isn't. The waiters aren't attentive to people that come in. I live in the local area, and I'm willing to go somewhere else at a distance because if I'm going to pay for food I'd like get great service. I don't think you should have to ring a bell in order to have people come to serve you. I'm from NY and I'm used to having great service and what I've received in this place is not what I'm used to. I've been to places here in VA that when I asked the server what time do you close they've told me when ever you are finished. Now that's a place I would frequent more often because of the level of professionalism. The person that served us was not the owner it was just someone that believed in delivering great customer service. One day I believe that person will own their own restaurant. Having customers that frequent your business doesn't guarantee you success, what keeps businesses open is new exposure, especially when it comes to restaurants. Good luck with all you do is what I say.
(2)Jieming L.
Great value, 3 orders for 2 people - sashimi appetizer, ox tail soup and binbimbap with beef steak chunks, all for 30 bucks before tax and before tips. Good service. Had to push the button several times but all requests had been taken care of in timely fashion. Tastes good, everything! Con - Parking is a mess ...
(4)Christina G.
I love Korean food, so I was excited when I discovered 24-hour Korean BBQ only a 25-minute drive from DC. I'd been to Yechon once before a few years ago and enjoyed my kimchee chigae, but when I recently trekked out for a midnight dinner with my husband, I have to say I was less than impressed. I was sad that the panchan was missing a lot of my favorites--no cucumbers, no daikon, no greens. They had sprouts, but they had chunks of meat in them with very few actual sprouts. The panchan seemed to be American picnic sides with a Korean twist, such as potato salad and a coleslaw type thing. They did have good kimchee though. I could have eaten three helpings of it. We ordered bulgogi and kalbi BBQ, as well as jogae maeyuntang (spicy clam stew) and beef japchae (clear noodles). I thought the meat itself was well-marinated and had a pretty good flavor, but when we asked for gochujang (Korean hot sauce), we got sriracha. Now, I love sriracha and put it on most things, but with Korean BBQ, I want Korean hot sauce! The clam stew was frankly rancid and the clams were rubber. The japchae was OK, but nowhere near the best I've ever had. Next time I make a midnight trek out to the Beltway, I think I'll try Honey Pig.
(2)RaMel V.
We were really excited to try this place out but left disappointed. Had the sampler for two with chicken, beef, lobster and shrimp .. The whole nine yards.. (70$ for two) I think the problem was twofold: - portable grill temperature - weak seasoning and low spice level Our proteins were barely "barbecued" and the shrimp was actually not edible. The lobster was really underwhelming too.. I am a lover of the Asian spices ginger, soy sauce, sesame, teriyaki etc.. But at this place the only noteworthy flavor was the kimchi. Skip this place if you can..
(2)Kristine B.
This place is A-OK but honestly if you're craving korean tofu soup in the middle of the night it does the job. Coming from LA next to Ktown, I've definitely had better korean bbq and tofu soup (BCD Tofu House). The prices here are also out of control but then again, most kbbq places are expensive. It's about a 25 minute drive from DC, so you have to be REALLY craving it if you want to come here. Best part of this place is that its 24 hours. I was surprised to come here at 1am on a sunday and it was still poppin'. This is the perfect place to go to fill your korean cravings and make sure to stop by next door at Breeze Cafe for desserts =)
(3)S G.
I can see how this place could be intimidating for some.. Come for the Korean BBQ- ask for a table with a built in grill... Order the Beef Bulgogi and Beef Kalbi- and enjoy trying everything. You'll be served an assortment of banchan, don't be shy to ask what the dishes are, the ladies serving are are so helpful and hospitable! Even for you non-adventurous eaters- a trip to Yechon is something you should do, at least once. It can be very busy and loud- The menus is vast. Don't be intimidated, just go, have fun, and don't be afraid to experience new things. Your taste buds will thank you.
(4)Kayla H.
Sometimes the waiters don't speak English well enough for clear communication. Fortunately, the food is so delicious, I'm content with pointing and nodding if that's what it takes. The seafood dishes are especially good. I'm docking a star because the service can be slow sometimes...not in getting the food, but usually in getting the bill. Last time I went, my group ended up waiting at least 15 minutes after we were finished eating before we saw our waiter to request the bill.
(4)Esther Y.
It was raining, but Yechon and its 24 hour BBQ was beckoning. Who knew this part of VA had such great Korean food? Yes, a bit pricey, but it was all worth it. Great ambiance, and an excellent Korean bakery next door to boot. Here's what we ordered: Chadolbaegi -- brisket beef Bulgogi Sashimi Japchae Haemul pajeon Grilled fish -- Kkongchi gui Needless to say, I was pretty much exploding by the end of all this goodness. It's not LA, but it stands on its own.
(5)Alise K.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! This place is one of my favorite spots to go to! Now yes the place is usually packed but also depends on the time you go. For there are times the crowd has died down a bit, but in the end it is worth the wait. I can tell you, this was the first Korean BBQ place I had ever been to and it was love when I tried their Bul Go gi. ^w^ and their Miso soup is deeeeeelicious! This is a great place to try out and you might end up like me, going back time and time again.
(5)Jen P.
Do you want to try authentic Korean cuisine? If you answer is "yes", Yechon is definitely one of Korean restaurants you might want to check out in Annandale, VA. You will experience of home-cooked small side dishes which are the main reason why I go to this place. Here are my recommendations: - Kalbi Dolsot Bibimbop : You can taste both Kalbi (beef ribs)and lots of vegetables with hot steamed rice. If you can't handle anything spicy, please don't order this. -Sashimi Bibimbop: This is my favorite at Yechon. If you want to try some healthy Korean food, this is for you. It has fresh Sashimi and lots of vegetables with spicy red hot chili paste. - Kalbi/bulgogi: If you don't want to try anything spicy, these are the safe choices for you. Who wouldn't like Korean BBQ? :)
(4)Jess Y.
4.5 stars. This place is simply delicious and amazing for a late-night snack. I love that they are 24 hours. I've been here several times and I have never left disappointed. In fact, I usually leave stuffed, amazed, and super satisfied. First off, their panchan (the complimentary appetizers/side dishes served with your meal) are varied and delicious. Also, they happily replenish and refill them...this is not true of many other Korean restaurants. Love the variety but there's almost too many to fit on the table! All of their standard dishes are delicious. The seafood pancake is spot on and their barbecue meat is also great. I am also super impressed by the Yechon Bossam. If you've never had it, you need to try it...but make sure you bring friends because it's huge (even though it's listed in the "side dishes" section--it's a conundrum). Anyway, basically they bring you tons of slices of steamed pork belly, fresh kim chi radish, raw garlic and jalapenos, and soaked napa cabbage leaves. You take one of the cabbage leaves, add a little rice if you desire, add the brown bean sauce, 2 slices of the pork belly, and pile on the delicious fresh kim chi (P.S. I am not a fan of kim chi so the fact that I find this concoction mind-blowing is telling) and then you put it in your mouth and wait for the explosion of delicious, scrumptious flavors. Seriously, it totally changed my view of Korean cuisine. I have been more accustomed to eating the lettuce-wrapped rolls of kalbi or bulgogi (which are also delicious)...but this was like a whole 'nother level of hands-on Korean eating. One plate can easily be shared with a group of other people. For our group of starving 4 adults, we ordered one plate of the Yechon Bossam, a seafood pancake, and an order of Dolsot Bibimbap and had plenty leftover (we probably could have done without the pancake or the bibimbap). Anyway, I love this place. And if you forget to make reservations and come during a busy time, you can just hop next door to Breeze Bakery and pick up some delicious pastries as appetizers while you wait. Or, you can do it the other way around, and eat first at Yechon and then walk next door for some lovely dessert.
(4)Jazzy K.
Sorry for those people loving this restaurant but...it is a mediocre reataurant using lots of MSG!!! Especially in the soups! Watch out for that those of you who have high blood pressure or diabetes.
(2)Peg S.
We had a feast at this 24 hour eatery. I have not had a real Korean pancake before coming here. Do order this.
(5)Jae L.
I have no idea why this restaurant got high ratings. Yes I agree that the taste of food here is good. But I srtongly felt that they put too much MSG into their foods. I ordered seafood stew and tofu with stir-fried kimchi. The service was okay but I would not visit here again if i want to have a healthy home style korean food.
(2)Berna D.
I've dined at Yechon twice: once for a business lunch with a large group and once for a late dinner with my boyfriend. On both occasions the restaurant was packed, and I get the impression that it's consistently busy, even during odd times. The service is not stellar, but it is impressively attentive considering the constant rush and the demands of at-table BBQ. I haven't tried the BBQ yet. Unfortunately, several of the BBQ dishes I found most appealing can be prepared only if ordered by a minimum of two people. (This is true whether cooked at the table or in the kitchen, even though the menu says "Only Cook at Your Table.") If you go with a group, chadolbaegi (Korean brisket with sesame and a salt dip) and samgyeopsal (same preparation of pork belly) both sound like great options. I'll update my review if and when I try the BBQ. Both of my visits included hearty gopdol bibimbap. On this last visit, I also enjoyed maeun galbitang, a slightly spicy soup with clear noodles and short ribs on the bone. Yechon provides a dizzying array of banchan, all of which are fresh and tasty. The bibimbap was better on my first visit, but it was good both times. As others have mentioned, Breeze Bakery next door is a great place to either kill time while waiting for a table or pick up some dessert.
(3)Kim E.
Amazing place! Such a large selection of foods to choose from. Employees were very polite (I got to practice some of my Korean here!), food was amazing and filling, environment was very comforting. I recommend the Tempura Box, it will fill you right up!
(4)Tim L.
Wow, it's been a while since I wrote my previous review and I've been here a few more times, actually during normal business hours. Based on my experience, I feel I have to update my rather scathing review. Both service and food are much better than after hours. It does get really packed though, which is to be expected when it's the norm to see tour buses in the parking lot. While I still feel that there are better places in Annandale if you are craving specific Korean dishes, I would come here for an all-around decent meal, provided that it isn't in the middle of the night!
(3)Jess H.
This place was paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacked. Go shop at Breeze next door while you wait. They even insist that you do. We waited about 20 minutes, which wasn't too bad. I felt bad for the table that sat just inside the door...even though there was a separating wall, there were still little windows through which I stared at their food like a creeper, licking my lips. If you're nervous about the ventilation in the restaurant, don't be. It's pretty top-notch. They do bring out all the little side dishes, which is great. My mushroom/beef/tofu jigae was just alright, though. I've definitely had better. They were pretty skimpy on the mushrooms and beef, and all the cuts of beef were like...stringy. Meh.
(3)Sarah W.
Before bothering with some of the more ridiculous reviews, go in with some friends and enjoy your meal. Good customer = good service. Simple. Being Korean, having lived in Korea, etc... means nothing. I make better burgers at home, but that doesn't mean I don't eat them out whenever I can. Great meal, service was on point.
(5)Jonathan Y.
Add 1 star for being one of few places open late night Add 1 star for having a pretty wide range of dishes to choose from (if you don't want just Korean BBQ, this place has a lot of other dishes. But if you want Korean BBQ, DON'T come here, there are so many better places for better prices and quality) Add 1 star for the food tasting good even at late night I'm not going to be an extreme grader here, and just give 1 star because I had a negative experience, but here is why they only got 3: Cost/quantity: They don't get any more than 3 stars because the Kalbi I ordered was ~$25 and it was tiny. Not only were there not many pieces, but the pieces themselves were very thin (See my pictures I uploaded comparing the size of the dish to a $20 bill). Customer service/satisfaction: I asked if we could change it to another dish because it was a rip. Waiter ignored my question and said "it's been served like this for a long time, two pieces of short ribs". But I wasn't surprised or offended. I didn't expect them to accommodate the request because 9 times out of 10 Korean owned restaurants will pinch every penny and almost never give in to any type of customer escalated issue. But that's just the norm. The waiter was a little rude in that he gave no effort or could care less to try to ease a customer by at least talking nicely. I can't really blame the waiter all the way, as poor business always trickles down from poor management. They do NOT follow the "customers first" or "customers always right" business frame. They have hundreds of reviews and are highly rated for the 3 reasons / stars I gave above and they don't have real competition late at night, especially with their prime location right before the beltway. Conclusion: I'll still come here and would suggest a lot of other great dishes they have. But long story short, I'll never order the kalbi short ribs ever again, nor would I go to expect any type of kind service. So if you take coworkers or a date, just be aware of that ahead of time. If you want Korean BBQ, go to an actual Korean BBQ restaurant, they are popping up everywhere, just look them up in Yelp. And I would suggest management to school their employees a little bit on customer service and how to smile to diffuse a situation. A little smile goes a long way.
(3)Jay L.
I was hesitant coming here since I've known it as a late night spot. However, I was pleasantly surprised. We ordered kalbi dot sot bibimbap, kalbi, and bugolgi. The Kalbi was a winner, very tender and delicious. The Kalbi dot sot was also delicious but the portion was small. Disappointingly, the Bugolgi was only OK. We got it because of the Yelp reviews, but I don't think it was worth it. Overall a nice dinner spot despite its reputation. Be prepared to wait for your table though.
(4)Alison L.
I love, love, LOVE this restaurant. Every time I'm in the area, I always try to stop by. The prices are not too high for authentic Korean, and the food quality itself is always really great. I've had almost everything on the menu including soups, stews, rice dishes, seafood, kalbi, bulgogi, and so on, and I have yet to be disappointed. The service is impeccable because all the servers seem to share the tables. Also, the food comes out fast, so go hungry! The bento boxes for lunch are definitely worth the ~$9, served with sushi, rice, tempura, entree of choice, salad, vegetable stir fry and miso soup. Definitely stop by if you're in the area. They're open 24/7, so you have no excuse not to. Also great to grab coffee and Korean pastries afterwards at Breeze Bakery next door.
(5)Annie L.
Yechon is awesome - it has everything you want from a Korean restaurant, and it has a killer sushi sashimi and really good basic Japanese dishes. And the service is really fast and friendly! One menu item that is glaringly missing is edamame. I know, I know, they are not a Japanese restaurant, but my kids live off edamame's, and when most of the banchan that is served is too spicy for the kids, it would be nice to have edamame as an option for them (and us adults) to snack on. Oh and they do not serve hot water, if you ask for hot water they will only give you hot tea. Yes, weird. So other than these two things, I love Yechon, we always get the bulgogi, an assortment of sashimi and sushi, and either the tofu soup or the nabeudon. I'm getting hungry just thinking about the food!
(4)Emily L.
Love yechon! The best late night spot that's not only good if you go late at night. Their food is consistently good, but be prepared to wait during the typical dinner rush. We waited 45 minutes for a table for 2 checking in at 8 pm on a Saturday night. But they give you a pager and you can wait at breeze bakery, next door. We've never tried their Japanese dishes, but their Korean food is great - we usually get hae mul pajun (seafood pancake) which is huge and can serve a whole table, soondubu (spicy tofu soup with seafood or beef), or their kalbi. Servings are really generous and prices are fair. Highly recommend.
(5)Farah K.
Great place that's Open 24 hours ... I love their food probably the best korean food I have had in NoVA
(5)Kimberly K.
Open 24 hours? 7 days a week? Cool! Upon entering, we were greeted by a kind gentleman. He seated us immediately. As we scanned the menu, we couldn't help but notice how extensive it was. Nice :) Our server, wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) took our order quickly. About 8 panch'an (small complimentary dishes that accompany a Korean meal) were offered, along with a small bowl of complimentary miso soup. The panch'an were delicious! All of these small side dishes and a bowl of rice could have been a meal in itself. We decided to order the Japchae (clear noodles w/ beef and veg), Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake), and Dwaeji Bulgogi (pork marinated in spicy sauce). Each dish was prepared well. The consistency and taste was spot on for all three dishes. The Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake), didn't have as much seafood in it as I'd like. It was still delicious. The batter was lightly crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. Filled with tender veggies and some seafood. The Japchae had a generous serving of beef and veg mixed into it. The Dwaeji Bulgogi wasn't as spicy as it sounds. There is a picture of a red flame next to this dish on their menu warning you that it's spicy. If you can handle a bit of heat, you will have no problem devouring this dish. It actually tasted more sweet to ME, that is. Our server was attentive. She came to check on us twice. We did have to call over the young gentlemen for some water a few times, but they were quick to do so and also very kind. Looking for some delicious Korean food with a LOAD of panch'ans? Yechon's got that covered! {Note} Don't forget to visit the cute bakery next door, Breeze Bakery Cafe.
(4)Jason C.
24-hour restaurant? Who wouldn't love a 24-hour Korean restaurant... I know I would.... I could only give three stars for this place as I feel their food isn't superb enough to earn 4 stars from me. Parking is easy.... granted, some people don't know how to park within the line :) I went in, got a table and waited for my friend to arrive... as I waited, reviewed the menu and it's extensive! I like their combo meals for 2 or 3 people and I think for those that aren't sure what to eat should opt for these, as it'll introduce them to variety of Korean food to them. I went with spicy kalbi tang while my friend went with cod stew. We also ordered haemul jeon. We got our food first before the jeon, but that was okay... and be warned the jeon is large (almost big as a large pizza!!). The spicy Kalbi tang was decent, but it could have used more chili powder to enhance the flavor. I'll admit though, they had really good radish kimchi and napa kimchi! The best I had thus far in VA area. Other side items were just ok. As always, swing by if you are near to give it a try and judge it for yourself. I would recommend this place if you are in town/area. Don't let the menu scare you away... look carefully and you'll find what you want to eat.
(3)Daniel H.
This was my first 24 restaurant which was a plus. The parking was was filled to the brim but it is shared with another business. The restaurant was filled but we only had a short wait. The service was very good and they have a buzzer system to alert the waitstaff. Being a nursing I had to resist the urge to overuse the bell ! I ordered bibimbap and my friend had bulgogi. The bulgogi is amazing the bibimbop was a new experience for me because it was served in a hot stone which keep the food hot the from first to last bite. I am not big into panchan but a friend who has lived in korean was unimpressed. It is a solid place to eat and I would go back
(4)Chris K.
For a town that has a million Korean restaurants this one definitely stands out. My first visit here was with a group of 8 people at 10 o'clock at night. We were sat immediately and the servers were more than accommodating. We ordered multiple rounds of food and drinks and enjoyed just about everything the menu had to offer. I have also returned during lunchtime with a smaller group and received the same, great service. Prices are reasonable, food quality is great and its open 24 hours!
(5)Paul K.
Ohh yeahhh. This is a hoppin Korean joint. A wait out the door for dinner but these guys can turn over a table in no time. Food was great! From the side dishes to the staff taking special requests, this place was outstanding. One dish that stood out was the pal bo chae (8 seafood dish-including lobster!). Omg, was in heaven. Don't be afraid to try something new. You won't regret this choice.
(5)Yelp_user M.
Not a big fan of Korean food but since all my friends love this place I couldn't say "no" lol. I think food is great and it changes the entire outlook and stereotype about Korean cousine as such. I'm giving one star less simply because I'm generally not into Korean foods. Five stars from all my friends. If you like Korean foods, you definitely gota love this place...
(4)Ian F.
Yechon is the perfect place for a group that can't decide what to eat, because well, they have everything. Boasting a 10-page (maybe more) packed menu, they have a huge selection. Some of my personal favorites include HueDoBap (Korean Chirashi), Kalbi Dol Sot Bibimbap (Rice over hot stone pot with Kalbi). They also have sushi, cook at your table korean bbq, a number of different chiggaes (stews) for sharing. Heck, i came here once with my friend, and he ordered a Goat Stew. Prices are reasonable, and it's open 24/7. Probably one of the biggest perks is the fact that right next door is Breeze Bakery. So you don't even have to move your car to get dessert and find a place to hang. I feel like they should offer some coupons to Yechon customers to get stuff at Breeze after since they have the same owner.
(4)Tanya S.
Ahhhhhh, the good old Yechon. What's not to love? Maybe the highly flammable dresses the waitresses are wearing? So cute, though. Service fast, food good. Lots of things on the menu so satisfy everyone's taste. That being said, taking a star off because these people think if you are not Korean, then you don't know your Kimchi. Not true, Yechon! Your kimchi has "out of the bucket" taste, but as a vegan in a rush, I'll take it.
(4)Anna N.
The food is pretty good. Always a pleasant experience whenever I eat here. Worth trying!
(4)Krystal M.
Definitely recommend this restaurant. The atmosphere covers half of what you pay for to be honest. Everything seems very traditional, and the food is amazing! Might be a little pricey depending on what you order, but not if you consider the amount that you get (not to mention the side dishes). The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is because the service was so-so. The food came out very quickly, but the waitress seemed a bit unfriendly. Maybe it was just that specific waitress but everything else about my experience at Yechon was exceptional.
(4)Michael Q.
Yechon is renowned for its 24 h open accessibility. The food is consistently good and compares well with other Korean restaurants in the area. Busy all the time. Good bbq and seafood. Great when you are craving decent galbi late night. Can't compare with places in LA or seoul but if you are in dc Metro Area can't go wrong. Better quality ingredients than buffet places or all you can eat places. Woomi garden in wheaton has better quality meat but they are not 24 h open and are much pricier
(4)Scarlet K.
24 hour restaurant. I go here if it too late and want a good bowl of Korean soup. It isn't the best service, but the food is good. I don't like the parking area here, it is narrow and uneven like many Korean restaurant parking lots. I like to go here for lunch too because it is quick.
(4)Orchid L.
Big fan of their lunch boxes. Love their soups too.
(4)Charlotte S.
I was here a long time ago, about August or September of 2010. This place stuck with me, though, because they had pretty good food. I'd always wanted to suggest this place to my friends or come back again. I'll start with the basics - it's pretty crowded once you get inside - the flooring is carpet so it's a bit questionable. This makes the smell of ribs/whatever's being cooked on tables linger in the air no matter when you're there. Plates/dishes are actually ceramic, which is a plus! Waitstaff are dressed in traditional Korean dresses (hanbok) except for their shoes, which kind of kills the whole outfit. The last time I was here, I got the yakisoba with chicken and it was alright, I just ended up getting full really quickly and feeling a bit nauseated (noodles tend to not agree with me). The helping was very generous and I thought the price was really appropriate - no qualms about that! I was here again, for the second time, with my family yesterday. I got the chicken teriyaki and it was pretty good - they skimped a little on the sauce and, per usual, I couldn't finish it. So I asked for a box and they kindly did so, along with an actual Yechon-printed plastic bag. I stored it to eat for lunch the next day, aka today. So I open it up, blah blah, dig in, and some foods taste better the day after (like pizza, ESPECIALLY Ledo's, totally tastes better the next day!!!). Until I spear a red bell pepper with my fork. And guess what? The label/sticker with the little barcode, SKU number, and place of origin - "Product of Mexico", it said. (I have uploaded a photo of it) I was mortified. How can a restaurant be so careless? Not only that, but my first thought and assumption (which I am still holding) is that they don't even go through and wash their vegetables. I convinced myself mentally that I wouldn't get sick from it and I think that's how I'm holding myself together. I only wish I could've discovered it AT the restaurant so I could see how they handled it/responded to it. Either way, all my praises about this place have gone out the window and I am still on the search for a Korean restaurant that won't disappoint me - a journey I've been on for all of my life.
(1)Ali B.
Large portions, reasonably priced but I've had better Korean food for the same price. I've more than 3 waiters come to take my order because none of them knew what was in their menu or have failed to communicate with me. No sushi after 7 or 10, I don't plan to come again here. Only advantage is they are open 24hrs.
(2)Holly S.
Always fast service, to the point where it's a bit overwhelming. Last night it took my husband and I 10 minutes to decide on our food and we were visited at least 10+ times by various servers including the man who regulates restaurant table traffic (if you've eaten here then you know whom I speak of). That is no exaggeration either. It became a bit of a joke for us. Regardless, I can't say they neglect you here. Side dishes are always plentiful and delish. Get the California rolls because although they're lacking adventure, they're fresh and large and worth the money. The spicy pork is amazing as well. A must do!!
(4)Ron H.
OK, I'm sold. I mean, I thought I was in Korean BBQ heaven with Honeypig, but after trying Yechon I think I've found my home. Here's the skinny: First: Yechon has amazing banchan - those are the little appetizer dishes that come out before the main course that you poke your chopsticks in. The particular selections that they choose to serve are unique, fresh and absolutely delicious, and I really mean that. I couldn't find a single dish I didn't like - they were all super yum. Second: the service is great. Our drinks were constantly topped off, the waiter attended our table several times to make sure we were happy. He even replaced our spent kimchi banchan without us even asking. Compared to previous experiences at Korean service, I was simply amazed. Third: the better quality of the meat here is easily noticed. We had Kalbi and the spicy pork and it was so flavorful and instantly addictive. The marinade they use for the spicy pork is much much better than other places I've tried. The Kalbi here was thick like little miniature juicy steaks that exploded with flavor as you chomped down on every bite. The only drawback is their higher prices. Honeypig is a better buy, but it seems to me that you really get what you pay for. Plus, at Yechon, you don't have the loud, smoky, dishes crashing, K-pop blasting environment that HP is known for. Much more intimate and adult experience here.
(5)David T.
Dude, a 24 hour Korean BBQ place! Let me repeat: 24 HOUR KOREAN BBQ!!! How friggin' awesome is that...and it's not low quality either -- they have amazing service and don't hold back on the meat and side dishes. My GF and I ordered the bulgogi and short ribs and was totally stoked that they grilled the meat in front of you. They also have a good system of making sure that the side dishes are continuously replenished on your table! The wait is a little long, but totally worth it in my opinion. AND you can always go next door to get a head start on your desserts and boba! :P
(5)Angie L.
Love this place! The food here is really good. If you are looking for authentic Korean food, this is the place to go. They are always busy so wait time is a little long at times. They have special lunch boxes until 2:30 on weekdays that are really good at a pretty good price. Their customer service is ok. But that's understandable since the servers are not fluent in English. Overall I would recommend this place. We come here all the time for family dinners and birthday celebrations. When I have family in town this is always one of the restaurants I take them too.
(4)Thomas L.
Love this place! Great food and great service but you can't get that in this area for a decent price. Be prepared to pay unless you catch a lunch special. Tip well and repeat visits will be smoother.
(4)Ashleigh C.
This place gets 5 stars because it was the best Korean restaurant I've ever been to! Can't wait to try it again and do the BBQ !! Love that it is 24 hours... I would so utilize that if I still lived in the area.
(5)Farris H.
Bulgogi. Do it. Twice. That is all.
(4)Andres W.
For me one of the best Korean BBQ Restaurants in the Annandale Area. Great selection of side dishes to accompany your BBQ selections. The seafood pancake, and spicy tofu supper are also excellent. What I love most is the impeccable service by the waitresses who are wearing traditional Korean Dresses and the fact that this place is 24HRS.......
(4)Heather M.
I'm a picky eater. I don't eat seafood. Okay, hang on. I'll save you the trouble. "You don't eat SEAFOOD?" No, I don't. "What's WRONG with you?" I just don't like it. I don't like how it smells or tastes. It makes my mouth go to the sad place. "But...you're ASIAN!" ...And? "Well, Asians are supposed to like seafood." And I'm supposed to be on a yacht eating grapes off of David Beckham's stomach. Not all things that are supposed to happen actually do. Shall we continue? Let's shall. I don't like raw tomatoes. There are several other things that make my gag reflex do a little angry dance if I try to eat them. While I do feel that my food horizons have broadened a bit over recent years, eating at certain places can still be tricky. Eating at Yechon? NEVER TRICKY. Especially since there's bul gogi involved. There is a lot of food available here, and while I won't eat some of it, the plethora of which I have tried is very good. [Get the bul gogi.] They bring you a ton of side dishes. [Get the bul gogi.] They bring more than they tend to bring at other Korean restaurants, I've found. [Get the bul gogi.] They bring you so many side dishes, in fact, that once when eating with a group of six people we BARELY had enough room for the food. [Okay, okay, I'm stopping.] Not all the staff speaks English fluently, but they suffice. I've never had any problems with the service. It's prompt, friendly, and the food is always excellent. Now, I am Korean. However, I don't speak Korean. I didn't grow up in a Korean household. I do not go home to home cooked Korean meals. Therefore, I really have no base of comparison to the "real deal." I have, however, tried other Korean restaurants and I have yet to find a place that trumps Yechon. It's that good. And the piece of genius? The icing on the cake? You can get your K-food fix at Yechon WHENEVER you want to because it's open FOREVER. [Okay, not forever. No place is open forever. But 24 hours most days, which gives you a better option than IHOP and Amphora at 3 AM. Oh, if only I had known this place existed in high school.] Then, just when you think you've entered a food coma of bul gogi proportions [a bul g-oma, if you will] you can go down the street to Le Matin and get some bubble tea. You might think that you're full and that you're about to explode, but you're really not. Seriously, if you haven't gone here yet you need to go. Now. And you can go, NOW. Because it's open. You have no excuse. Yechon is light. Yechon is love. Do it.
(5)Michele D.
----Update 5/26/08---- Had dinner here with some friends on Saturday night, and it seems the banchan were on the stingy and not so great side. We had a party of 7, and they gave us 2 of everything, but the portions in the bowls were just....small. Even th
(5)Natasha B.
Upon moving to Annandale a few years ago, I realized I was living in the heart of Korean town, so I figured, why not try Korean food right? That was probably one of the smartest decisions I've made post college! My boyfriend and I have tried other Korean restaurants, however, non compares to Yechon. We absolutely love their bulgogi (beef) and their daeji bulgogi (pork) dishes. We also enjoy the eight or ten side dishes that come with every meal and the miso soup. Okay, so, the service is okay, especially if you aren't Korean, the servers tend to ignore you. We've learned that if we need anything, just to grab the first person we see walking our way and explain quickly what we need. They'll bring out what you need eventually, but sometimes, it takes a while. We've showed up before where there's a long line of people, but the wait is never long. The parking sucks but we've never had a huge problem finding a spot. Overall, we're willing to sacrifice the horrible service because the food truly makes up for it.
(4)Deborah K.
As everyone knows, the cure to a hangover is drinking more. What you may not know (yet) is that the cure to not having a hangover is to trek it to Annandale and have Yechon while you watch dawn come upon your drunk/insomniac culo. I do have to admit that I've only been here after midnight...like some other Yechoners, I only go because it's the only place open at certain hours. But the food's not awful, and I swear it's the best place to conclude eventful nights before you pass out and hope not to wake up for the next 24 hours. (actually, im one of the few lucky ppl to never get hungover, but this is what i'm told.) The banchan isn't the best, and they don't give you more unless asked, but let's face it...at 4am, your biggest concern wouldn't be refilling people's banchan plates. The Yelp sticker upon entry defenitely reassures the good decision of Yechoning. Yechon is to staying up late (early?), as limes are to tequila. You don't HAVE to, but you prolly should. ....ok, that was the worst analogy, but you get my point.
(4)Eunhye L.
Good Food. Feels Like Somewhere In Korea. Service is also same as Korea.
(3)Jeremy R.
Oh, where to begin? After spending the whole day in the rain this was the perfect night time meal. My friend and I both ordered variations on bibimbap. It was served up in a smoking hot bowl and did not disappoint in the least. And the assorted kimchi was pretty freaking good as well. I do agree with others that the menu can be intimidating if you have never had Korean food before. I truly think that you could order almost anything on this menu and not be let down. Everyone owes it to themselves to eat here at least once.
(5)Daniel K.
Hands down the best place. The soup here is awesome and would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Yasu Yori O.
Was going to review on Tripadvisor but was surprised to note that this restaurant was not on their list. When I go to this Koreantown restaurant in Annandale, I only eat one thing because I can't find it any where else as far I know so far. I love crispy rice so ordinary bibinbap is o.k. but not quite. Their hot stone bowl comes piping hot and rice is still cooking at the table. Just love the golden brown crispy rice which I will dig up from the bottom. Today crispy was not as crispy but I still enjoyed it.
(4)nat m.
We were here for my sister's bday dinner last night. The food was good but the service was lacking. We didn't ask them to cook the bbq for us but 2 out of our 3 orders were cooked on another grill behind our tables while our galbi were cooking on the grill at our table. They didn't come back to refill our sides until we asked them too. They packed the eight of us into two small tables with only one small grill. They gave us oranges before we even finished our food. It's around $28-$30 a person since each dishes were $20. We will give it another chance if we crave for Kbbq but we will not go out of our way to come back here.
(3)Isaiah N.
If you want Korean food and are in the area you have to come here. with its 24 hour service this place is hoping at all hours of the day and even night. I went here at 1am and the place was packed. If you are wanting to excite your taste buds this is the place to go. The menu has a lot to offer and i must say being adventures at this place is the way to. The drink prices are also very well priced. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking or some good Korean food.
(4)Mimi P.
I came here for our sushi fix. I ordered the sashimi dinner plate. It was decent, I was not blown away by the quality of the sushi. I also had the spicy squid and banchan which was nothing special compared to my past experiences. The service was average. I'll have to come back to find out what the hype is all about.
(3)Trish N.
Yechon Yechon! You go mon!....ughhh that was weird....anywho.... I ate here awhile ago but now decided to be a more active yelper... The service was great! Everyone was so nice from the moment we step in the door (^_^)/")) ::Ahnyonghasehyo:: The food was good! I ordered the BBQ something so long ago I forgot. It was good =) I like the miso soup and all the many little variety mini veggie condiments kekeke. Like how it is 24 hours! Great for late night gravings! The only thing was parking is always packed!
(4)bill h.
Simply the best of its kind. Just get in the car and go. It's that good.
(5)Samnang M.
I heard a lot about this place and how good it was from all my friends. It has a lot of good choices and different variety of Korean food. I ordered the typical Korean dishes it was okay but definitely no "Wow Factor." Typical side (banchan) dishes. Portions are small. Wait staff is okay. All I can say it's "Meh". I probably won't go again unless someone drags me there. I didn't get a chance to look at the total bill but I bet that it was definitely overpriced. Most Korean restaurants in Annandale are though.
(3)Gerri S.
What they all said. This place is awesome. Set in a residential neighborhood in annandale, this 24hr Korean establishment is a beacon of light. It's pleasantly lit and has a lovely ambiance. A good place to take someone who has never had Korean BBQ. The staff are very friendly, professional and quick to explain the various dishes. The sides were really awesome and overwhelming. I had the beef and chicken BBQ but could hardly get through half of it. It was a lot of food. We washed it all down with plenty of Soju and enjoyed a fat and happy afterglow. It is a little pricier as we each spent $25. However it was well worth it.
(4)Chris M.
It seems I've been branching out lately on my "dining solo" culinary exploits - broadening horizons, if you will. And Yechon, surprised me a little because I didn't expect it to be so far outside my usual comfort zone. But let me start from the beginning. Yechon is located on Hummer Road and just one block from the intersection with Little River Turnpike. Parking is easy on their private lot. I arrived at 5pm, before the rush started, and entered Yechon. I was greeted by several friendly "hello"s, immediately seated at a nice table, and provided with water and a menu. The size of the menu in this Japanese and Korean restaurant is vast - there is a lot to absorb. Fortunately, I quickly spotted the BBQ section and locked my sights on the Steak Teriyaki. My efficient server noticed I was ready, and took my order. I quickly scanned my Washington Post, but did not have to wait for long. My server brought out six side dishes and a small bowl of soup. The side dishes are apparently chosen depending on the entree selected - I don't really understand the system, but I rolled with it as it was all new to me. I was finishing the first spoonful of my soup when my Steak Teriyaki was presented sizzling on its platter. Hmm, looks good. The Food - The Steak Teriyaki was definitely tasty in its lovely Teriyaki juices and was perfectly cooked. My only criticism is that it was not the leanest of cuts, but flavorful and better than average. It's the side dishes that were out of my normal comfort zone. Honestly, I haven't a clue how they were selected, or even what they were. I tried them all, two were great, three were average and one I didn't care for. The soup didn't do much for me either. What are these dishes? I haven't a clue - Japanese? Korean? Your guess is as good as mine. It was certainly a learning experience for my typical, white-bread, suburban Ruby Tuesday taste buds. The Service - Yelpers seem to be confused about the service here. Some say it can be a bit rude, but I didn't sense that. I sensed a consistent efficiency - a constant sense of urgency from the staff to handle the tables as quickly as possible. I was out the door in 30 minutes, but never felt rushed or slighted. I was pleased with the service. 3.5 stars - better than average food, efficient service, open 24 hours a day(!), and an easy location. It's a good spot for dining solo, or ultra late night cravings.
(4)Yan W.
I've been a big fan for years. Their boxed lunch specials are also great, but albiet a little greasy.
(4)Sarah S.
Maybe there's good food here. Maybe Korean food isn't our thing. However, our bi bim bap and the hot pepper pancake were horrible. We paid and left most of our food on the table.
(1)Helen Y.
This was the very first Korean restaurant I had heard of and tried since moving to the DC/VA area. I have never been disappointed, so it is always my fall-back place whenever my bibimbap cravings become too much to bare. Visiting family members and bulgogi lovers will be taken there by me, no question.
(4)Mike T.
We went in a Sunday afternoon and the parking lot and place were both packed. We did get a seat right away and immediately were waited upon with hot tea and a complimentary appetizer. The place was bustling and chatter everywhere, but it all seemed right. The wait staff was attentive to every need. The menu was so extensive it was hard to decide, everything sounded and looked good. As the plates were coming out of the kitchen each plate looked better than the last. I finally chose the beef yakisoba, which was little pieces of beef with noodles and plenty of different vegetables (snow peas, broccoli, carrots, red and green peppers, scallions, mushrooms,...). My wife ordered the Korean seafood pancake which had shrimp, tiny calamari, and vegetables. I tasted her pancake and thought it was a little greasy but nonetheless very good. The beef yakisoba was very tasty. With both meals they also brought about 8 or so side dishes which were fun as well as flavorful. I ate the kimchee and they immediately brought me a second dish. I never heard of a Cass beer before so I tried it and it was pretty good. I was surprised when the bill came at how inexpensive the place was. I highly recommend this place.
(5)J K.
For a 24/7 place, I was surprised at how amazing this place was. The service was fine and prompt, and they had a wide variety of dishes. When I say a wide variety, I mean that they have current favourite Korean standards (like bulgogi and sushi) to more traditional Korean dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere (like mung bean pancakes). I prefer my nokdu-jeon without kimchi in it though, but they only had it with the kimchi pureed into the batter. It was definitely a place that I would go again!
(4)Lynn C.
I hardly ever rate anything five stars, but I've been coming to this place for years now and I really really do love it. It's my "go-to" in Annandale for Korean. I love the Soon Du Boo and looking forward to trying other things on the menu other than the BBQ. Great service and they are open 24/7. Also, their lunch menu is really phenomenal (cheap, lots of it and super quick).
(5)Julia M.
I'm so happy a mom friend recommended this place to me! I loved the fact that we get complimentary appertizers before the meal and the Bim Bim Bap was good too. Probably could have fed two people, but I wolfed down the whole thing myself! Can't wait to be back!
(5)Keith N.
The food is awesome! Reasonably priced! Go early...the restaurant is usually packed! If you go before or around 5:30 p.m., the wait is minimal.
(5)Mai T.
How have I not reviewed Yechon?? I had my first Korean experience here years ago.. Although I have found other great Korean joints, Yechon will always be my first love. The banchan spread is plentiful and tasty. My personal faves that I get every time I come, is bim bim bop and bul kalbi. The kalbi is super tender but slightly chewy in a good way. Their bulgogi is a good staple here as well. Udon here is good.. and the list goes on and on. Think it tastes good for 7pm dinner? Try 3am stuff your face while drunk dinner.. awesome.
(4)omid a.
first and foremost, i can give this place at least 3 stars for being open 24 hours! coming from the land of 24 hour mexican hole in the walls, i can not emphasize the importance of having a late night eatery for those nights where you have had your alcohol consumption, and now just need some good food to follow! my boy brought me hear after telling me about it the week before. i was definitely excited because i have always been a fan of korean food. the service here was fast and friendly at about 1am on a saturday night (sunday morning) and the food was definitely delicious. i dont like to give a place 5 stars after only my first visit, but i definitely will look to shop here again and verify that it is in fact a 5 star spot.
(4)Xi W.
I brought my parents here, after a long day of playing tourist in DC, making it my second visit to Yechon. My parents are hard to please when it comes to dining. They don't like venturing outside of Asian cuisine and they have finely-tuned senses that can detect unfreshness (yes that word exists in my vocabulary) from a mile away. To my shock, not only did my parents like all the dishes at Yechon, but they were actually impressed with the restaurant. The menu is endless (in a good way), the service quick and professional, and everything is super fresh and delicious! If you're new to Yechon or have never ventured outside of Mandu, Beef Bulgolgi and Bibimbap (like me), I would highly recommend their Jap Chae, Haemul Dolsot Bibimbap (I know it's Bibimbap, but it's so tasty in a stone pot!), and Dae Ji Bossam (warm pork, fresh oysters!, and pickled vegetables wrapped in napa). The combination of temperatures, tastes, and textures in the Bossam set off sensational fireworks in my mouth ... like Remi in Ratatouille! I've always thought of Yechon (open 24 hours!!!) as a great Plan B when you're lost for a good place to go late at night, but judging by the spectacular variety of food and clockwork service, not to mention the brownie points it earned me with my parents, it is quick becoming my Plan A. Did I also mention they have an extensive Japanese menu and full service sushi bar?
(5)Tuan N.
Nothing special, very overrated
(3)CYNTHIA C.
I like Yechon. I have been here several times in the past 2 months. I usually order the tofu casserole. I ordered the beef teriyaki once and wasn't impressed. Stick with the Korean food here. I've never had bad service here. Open 24 hours is pretty interesting though I have never taken advantage of it.
(4)Melanie Y.
Who knew you can have korean food at 4am in the morning or more specifically a korean restaurant that opens 24 hours. This is the best and only place to go - hands down. Unless you want buffet then drive a little further down the road and come to Ill Mee Buffet.
(4)Jay A.
I'm not going to lie; I go to Yechon all the time. But It's not because of their food but it's for their hours. They're open 24 hours and 7 days a week and no one can beat that. After a hard core clubbing at DC, Yechon is a place to be. They have a very extensive menu just like many other korean places do, and they also have a sushi bar. But their food is just okay. Perhaps I have higher standards since I'm korean and I grew up eating homemade korean food with no MSG, but still Yechon's food is pretty blah. But still, no one can beat yechon's hours and I know I'll be there sometime in the near future. It's an okay restaurant with great hours.
(2)shawn g.
Although a bit of a drive, Yechon is a great spot for a quick Lunch. The Lady loves this spot, and I have to say, that filling lunch for two under $20 is nearly unbeatable. Particularly when it comes with all the banchan. We've transitioned from the late-night after clubbing crowd, to the delicious hot lunch on a cool fall day crowd, and the food is just as good. The bibimbap is tasty, and the bulgogi box lunch is a deal with all the sides. we even found a mozzarella stick in with the tempura veggies. The only thing the Lady doesn't like here, is when I eat whole cloves of garlic with our bulgogi. I can't help it though!
(4)Jake K.
Alright, having eaten Korean food in Korea, Japan, Canada, Uzbekistan, LA, Las Vegas, NY, and DC, I'd say this is the most versatile place I've ever been. If I had to make an analogy, Yechon is to Korean food as Outback is to steak. Why the comparison to outback? Well, simple. I'll break it down into several categories. Facility: Ok - it's a medium sized restaurant whose demand quickly outpaces the seats it can supply. You will wait a bit if you go during the rush (typically 6-9 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) but otherwise you'll be seated quickly. The bathrooms are clean unless you're there at 2 AM and the damn college students and "I-can't-believe-I-graduated-five-years-ago-but-Âstill-party-at-Aqua" folks have puked it up (thankfully it's more in the ladies bathroom than the men's). There is a non-smoking section but if you're sitting near old Korean men or drunk students, they'll be smoking anyway. The rest of the restaurant still let's you smoke (hey, they have to cater to the tobacco habits of Asia or the staple customer base dies with the habit). The music is a lot of old Korean pop downloads - I get to reminisce of college and high school when I hear the songs (how I ever listened to the crap is beyond me). Service: Ok - personally, some will say they like the guys better than the ladies. I like the ladies better than the guys. I say that because I'm a regular and there are two favorite ladies who will make sure that I'm taken care of (both are taller than the rest and I believe they're the youngest). The rest of the ladies are hit and miss depending on how bad their day went. Then there's the one middle aged lady who I heard mutter under her breath, "damn, just eat it and stop asking for this and that." I guess she thinks I can't hear her over the dull roar. She's right - but I can read lips, so GOTCHA B!%$#!!!. Anyway, if you ask the two nicer ladies, you'll get things quickly. The ladies will slice your kalbi or other grilled meats, refill your banchan without asking (but again, this could be because of the frequent diner status), and even come chat with you. I did have one gently chastise me because I noticed too many details (to include the burn marks on her arm from handling the grill pans) but they do it with a smile so I can't complain. Once 9-10 PM hits, it's shift change and the guys come in. Personally, it goes down from there but I think it's because I don't have 34B breasts, I don't wear short skirts, and I don't do the nasally, "oppaaAAAaaAAa" to get what I want. But then again, I'm a guy and if I do that, we have problems. Back to the service though....I don't think it's the guy's fault - they have dining room full of drunks, it's past a reasonable bed time, and frankly, I'd rather be drinking and watching TV with my wife at midnight than slinging kalbi to drunk students. Food: Ok - I do have some basis for comparison since I eat at different places for different dishes. If you're wanting kalbi with some great kimchi (I mean, that combo is like peanut butter and jelly), then this is the place to come. Han Sung Ok is good too - but it's a little bit pricier than Yechon. The menu is diverse and has tastes to suit every interest. The dol sot bibimbap is great - always a favorite staple but if you're wanting an egg on top, don't get the kalbi dol sot bibimbap. My personal favorite on a cold day in the morning is the hae jang guk, for lunch and dinner it's the mae woon kalbi tang (spicy kalbi soup). For the more adventurous (or those used to eating Korean fare), some of the jun gols aren't a bad idea - bul nak is a favorite but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're used to eating bulgogi, squid, and veggies mixed in broth. A couple of tips though for the uninitiated: 1. Don't order the pancakes (seafood, scallion, etc.) unless all four people are going to eat them. They're heavy on oil no matter where you buy it from and you'll fill yourself up quickly. 2. Re-order the ban chan when you're down to about 30% of the dish - by the time you finish it your requested replacement will come out. 3. Drink the 'dirty water' as some have called it - it's barely tea. AKA unfiltered and unfermented beer. On a final note, if you see me in the restaurant, please don't smoke next to me. If you're finished eating and I'm not, then go outside. If I'm in the non-smoking section and you're blazing up, I'll make sure I fart loudly for revenge. And yes, ask my wife, I can fart on command. Enjoy!
(5)David W.
Personally, I don't like my Korean restaurants with Japanese sushi bars. I don't think that they fully commit to one cuisine or the other. But this place wasn't too bad. We had the former. I had the BiBimBap, which was actually ok. They didn't give me enough - tegejung (hot sauce) but after asking twice - first getting "hot soup"... they finally got me "hot sauce". HAHAH Good stuff (and we asked both the Korean lady and the Mexican guy). Anyhow, my friends Kalbi Bento box was OK too. She didn't really like the sides she got. The PanChan was great. PanCHan is always great as long as you get at least 4 of them. =) My friend also wanted the Gyoza. That was horrible. Mostly veggies with a little beef, this semi soft semi crunchy dumpling was pretty sad. This place is OPEN 24 hours so come on by after the clubs!!!!
(3)Rajesh O.
Loved the BBQ. Food was great. I will recommend this to all.
(4)Amy S.
I usually come here when it's seriously late and there is no other decent place open. And yes there are a bunch of half-drunk college students who invade the place around 2-3am. But then again if you're one of those who complains about that then you're either 1)too damn old or 2)weren't invited to the kick ass party we just went to. It's definitely the hang out for locals espeically the asian crowd. It's clean and the service is prompt. Oh and be a decent human being and be patient with the wait staff that aren't fluent in english. I know I know that whole "you're in america learn english" thing but come on. These are old korean ladies working till 3 am, give them a break.
(4)Arthur O.
Extensive menu, et c., I don't know, it seems like one of the run-of-the-mill* Korean restaurants in Annandale, and the area has some really tasty joints. Also, it's supposedly open 24-hours, so if you are into partying late into the bright night that is the greater Annandale/VA area . . . You'd think that in the current 21st, they would have concocted a device that can effectively prevent/kill flies at restaurants . . . I guess we have something to look forward to in the 22nd century. * That's right. Run-of-the-mill in this area nets a solid 4-star rating. Only if K-Town Manhattan can get the same type of self-respect and step the hell up . . .
(4)Audrey L.
This place is awesome for two reasons: they're open 24/7 and the quality of the food is magnificent no matter what time you go! This is the best place to go to for authentic Korean food.
(5)Jian C.
I was there with three friends for their Bento box lunch. We ordered two Sashimi lunch, one tenpura box, one rib beef box. As expected the food are very delicious, and come in big size. The only thing needs improvement is their speed for delivering the appetizers. We were sitting there for a long time before it finally arrives.
(4)PC W.
By the time Karmz and I arrived to Yechon last night, the yelpers had already handled the ordering which was great because the menu is infinite. As much as I am a fan of Korean BBQ (particularly bulgogi and galbi), I am still learning about other Korean dishes. The bulgogi and galbi were incredible. There was dish after dish of yumminess. You can't miss the place - it looks like a saloon and has neon lighting that says open 24 hours.
(4)John S.
As a Korean American, I would say I would go to Yechon for some Korean food. That says a lot. I gave it 4 stars because service can be spotty at times when they are busy. As for reviews that state kal-bi (Korean short rib) being over priced, you are correct. As a Korean I would never order kal-bi in a restaurant because it is way over priced. You can go to H-Mart and buy a pack of short ribs for under 20 dollars. And that pack can probably feed a family of 5 or 6. Good restaurant that serves good food. They do give plenty of ban-chan (side dishes) also.
(4)Chris W.
Overview: Korean garb, bbq pits on the tables, overhead vents and the smell of beef and spice. Need I say more? Awesome place to go post-drinking, since it's open 24 hrs!! Staff: Very friendly and Korean! Food: One of my most favorite traditional Korean places in the area. I love the Dae Go Mu Rhee Jjim and Bo Ssam while she likes the Gal Bi Dol Sob Bi Bim Bap. Of course you can revel in their Gal Bi and Bul Go Gi... but if you ever want to change things up... Parking: Easy peasy Money: Korean food isn't the cheapest. But this is definitely worth the value!
(5)Michico F.
Nice place, good food but service? sucks...most of the servers are very rude. I prefer eating at Honey Pig with friendly servers and also much cheaper.
(1)Peter T.
Obviously a very popular place. Went there on a Sat night. The line waiting for a table was backed up at the entrance. Since I was by myself, I got seated at the sushi bar right away. Now, Crabby Ol' Critic often likes to sit at the sushi bar, but, in this case, it was less than a treat. There's very little room between the bar and the lane through which servers and busboys carry orders and push carts of empty dishes. It was not a peaceful meal. But, making the best of it, I just blocked out the noise and commotion. Being alone, I also couldn't try the barbeque, since they seem to do orders for only two or more people. I went with the mandoo soup and the kalbi dolsot bibim bap instead. The soup was very tasty, with three generous dumplings in a light broth. (I ordered the soup as an appetizer, but all the food came at once.) The bibim bap was quite acceptable and came with flavorful chunks of shortrib meat. The side dishes were all good, although the kimchi was very uninspired. COC is being a bit generous here with 4 stars. Not able to sample the barbeque, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. When I next have the opportunity to go with others, I would definitely want to try out the barbeque.
(4)J K.
I was on a business trip for the last weekend. When I first arrived into BWI, I was starving!!! COuldn't find anything to eat at Oakland airport... So i went on yelp to find a 24hour place to eat. I was surprised that a korean restaurant popped up called yechon. being korean, i was very tempted to go to this place. me and my partner drove to this place at 130am. omg! this place was packed. was super tired so couldn't order any drinks, so we ordered two soup dishes: Yuk gae jang (spicy soup) and hae jang gook(best soup after a hang over). it came out so fast! we tried it and it was sooo GOOD! Much better than the restaurants we could find in San Francisco or LA. It tasted like Korean food that we can eat at home. ^^ Next day, we went again and ordered seafood pancake (SO RECOMMENDED), nengmyun (buckwheat noodle) and another haejangkook because it was so good. this time we went a little earlier so they had women working in nice modernized hanbok. Everyone was so nice. The following day we had a meeting with two of our buyers and took them to this place. ordered galbi, pancake, fish soup (least favorite but still good). They were Japanese and was impressed in the dishes too. I will definately recommend this place to everyone! can't wait to go back!!! miss the food already!
(5)Bill H.
Bad sushi. We went here on a whim on New Year's Day on seeing that our favorite neighborhood Korean cafe was closed. The parking lot was jammed, so we thought we couldn't go wrong. This was a big mistake, or at least sitting at the sushi (not gimbab) bar was a big mistake. The sushi was only a step above ghastly, not expertly made, and overpriced. All I can say is, never again. There are so many great little Korean restaurants in Annandale, why risk this one again?
(1)Ina C.
I feel like Yechon has become too comfortable with its steady stream of diners coming in at all hours of the day/night that they feel like they can slack on the quality of the service and food. In most cases, you can judge the quality of a Korean restaurant by the banchan (complimentary side dishes). The greater the variety and quality of the banchan, the better the restaurant. At Yechon, the banchan they offer is kind of unique, and it was impressive at first sight. But upon further investigation, I saw that it was pretty sloppily put together -- not unlike the "Monet" archetype exhibited by the movie that defines 90's slang: "Clueless." (Monet = far away it's okay, but up close it's a big ol' mess.) Every time I come here, I see the Monet-ness infiltrating every element of this restaurant. Yes, the menu is huge, but how do they not have naengmyun on a warm Friday night? Yes, there are tons of servers, but how does it happen that our water didn't get refilled once? I admit that I'll probably come back here just because it's a convenient place to go when I'm hungry and wandering around in VA at 2 in the morning. But if I'm going for quality, you will not find me here.
(2)Kaylee P.
I've been here twice, service can be a bit slow but it's worth the wait. It's like a more grown up version of honey pig and is also more family based. And similarly they are also open 24/7. Two thumbs up here I just wish one would open up near me! I love this place I come in starving and leave the place two times the person I am. It definitely is a meat lovers paradise!
(4)Brandima A.
I question their food storage policies. I could have sworn some of the food should not have been served. I can't prove it and I didn't ask - but also didn't eat it due to the texture and smell. Maybe this was an off day.
(1)Daniel A.
I used to go to it alot when i live in Fairfax. Very tasty Korean food and definitely a plus open all hours. Sushi is OK but not worth driving there. I've always surprised that there are always a good amount of people in there regardless of the time. Impressive indeed. I'd definitely go again when I'm in that area and craving korean.
(3)Diana W.
Open 24 hours! I enjoy the convenience of this restaurant but the food as well as the side dishes are bland. I've definitely had better Korean food. Update: 4.2.2010 Sheesh, my last review was so short! I usually come in at late hours because other Korean restaurants in Annandale are closed by then. Truly my last resort yet, but will do. It's usually packed during the weekends because people come in after leaving bars/clubs and can get very loud. I'm part of the guilty party. The waiters are accommodating.... if you tag them down. I love the service buttons on the tables! They don't speak the best English, so what? Practice your patience here and adapt. There's a good selection of side dishes. There's sometimes more and sometimes less, don't know why. Just to list a few: potato salad, kimchi, mung bean sprouts, spinach, cucumber, nokdumuk (jelly) yum!, squid, eggplant. Soon dobu has an interesting grainy texture -not from the pepper sauce. Kimchi Jigae isn't spectacular as well. All in all, Thanks for being open 24 hours for my midnight Korean cravings.
(2)Hass L.
OMG best KoBQ specials here ever, gurl. I have not had the typical Korean entrees here (bi bim bap, etc.) but rather the two to three person $55 special. It includes: chicken, beef and pork bulgogi, a lil' bit of kalbi, shrimp and lobster, to be personally prepared by your friendly Korean server lady, who dashes around from table to table in her colorful outfit, snipping and flipping away with her power tongs and scissors. These women are machines, fo real. But friendly machines who make deliciousness happen. In addition to the proteins, you get enough small bowls of Korean appetizers to crowd the table, a hot pot of beef/tofu soup, and bowls of barley rice. As well as unlimited refills of refreshing corn tea. The garnishes for the meats are heaven: typical fashion is to grab meat/poutry/shellfish directly off the grill, dip into the garlic salt/sesame sauce (on special request), top with chili pepper and yummy shredded scallions, and then wrap in a large, fresh sesame leaf. So good. When your rice and meal are done, another one of the mission-oriented femme-bots will even come by and pour a fresh kettle of corn tea onto the remainder of the hot pot of rice. The delicacy here is all the burnt rice krispies - when mixed with the corn tea this creates a dessert soup. Not my cup of tea, but I appreciate the gesture! You can really eat well here for like $25-35 per person (depending on whether you're eating the combo as a duo or trio), well worth it. Perfect for celebrations or to really give someone a great first time Korean BBQ experience.
(5)Paul W.
Solid 3.5 stars for providing very consistent and reliable service and food. Despite late night popularity, this place seems to be holding up in terms of overall quality. Galbi here is good.
(3)Melissa G.
great mom and pop restaurant. this was the very first korean restaurant ive ever been to. staff is friendly. food is great!
(5)Niki V.
Was there last weekend for dinner - it was a bit crowded (20min wait) - dinner rush. It was worth the wait. A wide range of food - we ended up ordering short beef ribs and bulgolgi ( cooked on the gas stove on our table - short beef ribs was my favorite), udon noodles and a plate of cold meat (pork belly, garlic, some sort of spicy veggie, pickle veggie). Everything was tasty. OH and we got a bunch of small dishes - they we're ok. I'm not a big fan of spicy food and --- majority of their small dishes we're spicy. Any who - we had lots of food for 4 people.
(5)Kim G.
Throughout the years, I have found myself at Yechon for lunch (great deal!), dinner, birthdays and in the wee hours of the morning. Something draws me there, it's magnetic...must be the neon signs or my good sense of smell. I was coming down with a cold and congestion, so after poking myself and ingesting some herbs, I headed there for some kimchi jigae (under $10). I was immediately relieved of my stuffiness as soon as I tasted the spicy tofu and cabbage, which in turn allowed me to feast on banchan and bulgogi. That's right, Yechon healed me and I will always be a loyal customer.
(5)Julia K.
I love this place. The food is tasty and authentic. The bulgogi lunch box special is a bargain! I've loved everything I've tried here, and the staff is so helpful!
(4)Keri M.
Came here with a yelp recommendation. This place gets a solid O.K. from me. It's not great nor is it bad - just ok. We started with dumplings, which were fresh and tasty and were made with soft noodles. We also tried the soft shell crab roll, which was not very flavorful. Somehow we both got miso soup, too. My goodness there was a lot of food! I ordered #12 on Table d'hote menu, which is a salad with raw fish, roe, one or two non-leafy vegetables and rice with the spicy red korean sauce as dressing. This dish is an historical favorite of mine and here it was not great. The raw fish gets 2 stars. It was almost flavorless and a few pieces tasted borderline bad. The salad came with all mixed greens that were fresh, so some points were recovered there. My companion got Bulgogi, thank goodness, b/c as a result we got all the yummy side dishes. The BBQ meat was not great quality. It was thinly cut and had too many chunky strips of fat. Otherwise, the seasoning was just right. The service here was attentive and fast. A waitress was around whenever we needed one - i.e. to answer our questions. We were served food almost immediately. My water never ran low. One complaint is that we had to wait a while for the BBQ meat, so my companion got his meal a while after I got mine, so the timing could have been better. As far as the atmosphere, this place is pretty nice inside. Sound level was good. Most people here were dressed slightly nicer than casual. *Note: if you want to cook the BBQ meat at your table you have to place 2 orders of BBQ. Otherwise, they cook it in the kitchen.
(3)Jessica A.
Haha...i'm laughing at the "like a virgin" review of this restaurant... I'm from a town where you can eat out 24 hours a day at a number of restaurants, though most are diner/tex-mex oriented...so when I found a 24 place in Fairfax, i was so excited! the whole Korean aspect...I have to admit...freaked me out. I had never eaten Korean food before! My boyfriend and I headed over at about 11 to experience all that you Yelpers had been raving about...and we had a blast! The menu was definitely confusing...but we both picked fun, exciting, and new dishes, and we had a blast trying new things together. I don't know if Yechon will be my weekly late-night hotspot...but I'm definitely glad I found it! Thanks Yelp!!
(4)Rachelle G.
YUM! The perfect first meal after arriving! All I wanted after I got off the plane was food and lucky me, my friends knew exactly what would hit the spot. Thank you Yechon for being a 24 hour joint! I've been told that this place is also packed to the gills once the clubs close. I was a bit too lazy to read the menu because it seemed like they had plenty to offer so I ordered my usual bulgoki and was definitely pleased, it was a bit sweeter than I would have liked, but still definitely tasty. Great selection of panchan, but I wish they would have offered enoki and sea weed. Service is minimally attentive. They take your order, bring your food and bill, should you need more, flag them down. Interior is clean and bright. I'm sure this will be a regular stop for me when I'm in the DC area.
(4)K. P.
I grew up eating Korean food and I love coming here for my comfort food at any hour of the day/night. The service is nice and the food is good...what more do you need?
(4)Greg T.
Thanks to Cameron B., I have rediscovered Yechon. When I first moved to the DC area about 3 years ago, I was taken to Yechon by a family friend who had spent several years stationed in Seoul and said that this was one of the best Korean places in the area. Being so new to the area, I forgot the name and location... until now. On my trip to Yechon, I ate Galbi (Korean BBQ). The portions were huge and the kimchi was nice and spicy! Service was brisk and typical of a Korean restaurant. Our waitress kept our mean grilling steady on the in-table grill. Nice marinade on the beef. I am looking forward to heading back as soon as I can now that I have rediscovered this gem. Oh yeah, it is open 24 hours too...
(4)CJ S.
Took my 2 grown carnivore to this location. Not really impressed. It was Sunday, around 8 pm. Ordered assorted meats to be cooked at the table. The beef was TOTALLY delicious. 3 small pieces of beef, 2 beef ribs...The ribs absolutely had very little meat on them..$23.. Not worth it. The marinated pork was okay. Service here is very lacking. The waiter dropped our bill off at the table and we were nowhere near done with our dinner! I am a total foodie...rarely cook at home, so I eat out a lot. So, I know there's some better places out there...$60 for 3 people was not too bad though.
(2)H. P.
Tasty! Open twenty-four hours!
(4)Anpan W.
Old school style Korean bbq, as in what you would encounter in Seoul or Osaka. Ambience was cool, the kimchi starters were great. But the kalbi, pork, and squid were just okay. You can do better on your marinated beef bbq dining.
(2)Alan N.
This is generally the go to spot for everyone I know when it comes to korean food and I'll have to say its pretty good but I'd avoid the sushi at all cost. If you can make it here during the day time then be prepared for great service but if you decide to go at night then watch out. Its 24 hours so you never have to worry about it being closed and its super easy to find once you turn onto hummer road.
(3)Edwin V.
whenever we're in the area, I'll go here for good korean food. i find it to be consistently good. the staff can seem inattentive at times, but it doesn't surprise me. it's not too expensive, and we always have a good time here. definitely a must try. i give it 4 stars for the food. the waitstaff, not really.
(4)John R.
I took a handful of Japanese clients here and they still wont stop raving about the place. Authentic and top of the line quality and service. From the outside the place doesn't look like it will amount to much, but once you step through the door you're transported. I couldn't tell you what we ordered, I rarely know what's going on, but we had everything from fish, beef, tongue - you name it. 24 hour korean bbq. Don't know when I'll need it, but it's filed away in the back of my mind and it should be in your arsenal as well...
(5)DeeDee O.
Love the banchan dishes. SO MANY! Have to keep them in mind when ordering, otherwise you end up with A LOT of food. Had bulgogi & tonkatsu, which were pretty good. Sushi's expensive. Actually, I think most of the items are kind of pricey. Except the lunch box specials which are my favorite. You can get a variety for a good price. Usually comes w/salad, miso soup, scoop of rice, kimbap pieces, potato salad, etc. I like the drink they sometimes serve at the end of the meal. Sweet & delicious! The takeout boxes are SO small though! Advice to newbie tippers using cash like me: You have to WAIT until they give you back the change tray to add tip. I don't think it will work when you add it to the check 'cause my friend & I tried that & the service literally hunted us down for "their" tip. Other that that, service was okay. Our glasses were always full. Oh & I like the waitresses' hanboks.
(4)Emma L.
From what I can remember from my Christmas 2009 lunch, it was fantastic! Very attentive waitresses with a push-button call system, good abundance selection of pancheon (sp?), and good decent food? Sounds like a great Christmas with the family. I typically yelp about NYC establishments and do not fare well with over priced Korean food located on a garbage filled 32nd Street but I'll tip my hat off to Yechon -- they've established a warm/friendly restaurant that is very unlike their kind of 32nd Street NYC. Bravo.
(4)Zhenyu S.
great food, their kimchi is ok, not as good as the ones made by honey pig, but the food is great.
(4)Lester K.
"It's not what you eat, but who you eat it with" This is my favorite line that I learned from my wife and I think it's pretty true. It's also the line I reuse on her when I make crap tasting food. More often than not, good company makes bad food better. No, this is not a negative review of Yechon. It's been 2+ or maybe 3 years since I've been to Yechon. Before that time, I've eaten at Yechon a handful of times. Since, I've eaten in Annandale more times than I can remember, but just never went back to Yechon. It's not that the food is bad, it was just never memorable enough to crave again. 3/1/9 - 1:45am EST Return trip to Yechon along with PIGs who stuck around. List of participants: * Jimena "Disappearing Act" M. * m. "Don't touch me I'm sick but will still eat in cramped proximity and breath on everybody to make sure you catch my Hepatitis B" m. * tina "Motherfucking fuck fucking bullshit fucking this motherfucking shit is the shiznit. I hug trees" r. * eric "The Judd" b. * (Non Yelper) Jeremiah "The Bullfrog that i sacrificed my Hae Mool Pa Jun To" NoLastName * lester "Can't get an order right" k. * Paul "I'm so spit wasted that I humped the waiter and crapped my Depends" M. * Marc Anthony. Yes, THE Marc Anthony. Apparently, he lives in Northern Virginia. Looks kinda Greek in person. I believe Tina, Eric, and Marc Anthony started off with hot sake, which they seemed to enjoy. Yechon strictly obey's Virginia's liquor laws, meaning they must clear all alcohol from the table by 2am EST. Food: * Bulgogi (2) - It was a bit bland and fatty but you couldn't tell when watching eric demolish it along with all the burnt gristle at the end. I wanted to tell him that it was OK to lift the grill and lick it off. * Galbi - See notes about Bulgogi. * Dwaeji Bulgogi (pork bulgogi) - Only meat we ordered to be cooked then brought out on a cast iron skillet. Pretty decent flavor. Wish it had a bit more kick to it. * Mandoo Gook - tina ordered this and graciously shared much of her hot, succulent, tender, um, dumplings with the rest of us and it was good. Broth was OK. * Kimchi chigae - m.m. ordered this and ate this all by herself to prevent the spread of her avian bird flu. It looked and smelled pretty good. * Ahl Tang (Ahl Chigae) - Spicy fish roe soup. Decent. Paul M. gobbled the roe like it was his lifelong mission. * Hae Mool Pa Jun (Seafood Pancake) - Seemed like a hit with everyone by the reactions of "Mmmm", "Ooooh", "Aaaaah", "Ahhhh", "Ohhhhh", and "Uhhhhh"'s everyone was screaming. From appearance, there was a lot of seafood in it and it didn't look very oily, which is good. I had one piece, but sacrificed it to Bullfrog Boy after seeing how orgasmic he got while eating his piece. I immediately regretted my decision * Soon Doo Boo - I think it was me who left this out of the initial order, but came out relatively quick once I did put the order in later. Don't know how it tasted because, well, Jimena did her Valossa Raptor impression when I attempted to attempt to reach over and taste it. * I can't remember if Marc Anthony ordered something or not. I wanna say Yook Gae Jang, but that could be my imagination. This place was half empty when we arrived. By the time we were eating, more and more people came, assuming they came after last call at wherever place they were at. By the time we left, it was pretty packed. I thought the service was pretty good. Obviously, it was better earlier on when it was less busy, but still wasn't bad when it got busier. Why you ask? I've said before in my review of Honey Pig: You must bring out your inner turrets. Service level at most Korean places really depends on how well you can outburst your requests via turrets. And I'm being totally serious about this. Yuh Gee Yuh !!! - Pronounced 1) Yuh as in yucky. 2) Gee as in geek 3) Yuh as in yucky * This means "Over here!" I'm giving this place 3 stars for this dining experience (A-OK), which is 1 more star than I would have given 3 years ago. Large menu/lots of variety. Good for introductory Korean food sessions and after hours food source.
(3)Melanie P.
PROS: Open 24 hours. Pretty extensive menu. Not too pricey. Gives you a table full of ban-chan. Cheap lunch specials. CONS: small parking lot, you might run into your parent's friends, and the worst is if you go at 3 am...you will most likely see that weirdo that was hitting on you at the club...doh!!
(5)Rachel A.
24hr and the food is amazing. After a night of clubbing I always go here to get late night eats at around 4am
(5)Christine E.
The waitstaff here is pretty attentive, inspite of the language barriar. I actually find the some of the night shift (the guys in the button up white shirts) to be pretty cute, at least the guy I saw last time. ::squeel:: But I digress. My first experience with Korean BBQ and panchan was here, and I couldn't have been luckier. The portions were good, and every little dish was tastier than the last. No matter what time of the day it is, this place is buzzing with customers, so don't expect anything too intimate. But that's what I love about this place, if it weren't for the tables, it'd almost be social. Everything that I've tried so far has been delicious--sushi, soups, beef BBQ, etc. The prices are reasonable, which is nice--at least I know that if I stumble in drunk at 3 AM, I'm getting a good price despite my vulnerable state. :)
(4)Jimena M.
What's better than Korean food? Korean food 24/7!! After a night of straight up revelry and plenty of crapulence (yay for word of the day!) the best thing to clear up the mind is a big bowl of spicy korean food. A group of us PIG's made it out to Annandale for some late night Grub. Lester K's review pretty much sums up what we ate. Though my soon dooboo came late, it was great - big chunks of tofu, lots of seafood, tasty broth, not as spicy as I would have liked though. I would have loved to try the yookgaejang, but I can't have beef at this time :( I tried a piece of mandoo from Tina's mandoo gook, it was big, moist and flavorful. The hae mool pajun was also great, filled with scallions and lots o' seafood. Ahhhh...that hit the spot!
(3)Ann-Marie N.
[Sept 2010] We went there on our home from Shenandoah and both had the BBQ - bulgogi and the one meat with special sauce. I'm not sure about the protocols, but it was hard to discuss as the ladies (very nicely dressed) barely speak English. We prefer our meat not well-done but these ladies seemed almost hellbent on cooking our meat until crispy. For the second round, we were able to leave it medium-rare, but then the meat was difficult to chew. Not sure what we were missing. The other thing was I was not impressed by the bachan (side dishes). Normally when I eat Korean there are at least 2-3 that I'm salivating for... something was missing. (Granted, I am comparing Korean food to KTown in Manhattan... sorry). In any case, this place is very civilized... maybe it needs to get less civilized to get some edge to it. Who knows, maybe it was just an off-Sunday...?
(3)J H.
The first time I went to Yechon was when I was 17 and I puked all over the bathroom hallway. Why you may ask? A combination of underage liquid intake and an inability to understand there is something called, ...no tolerance... simply put, gosh darn't Joyce was trying to be so cool and it didn't quite work out that way. So because of that ever so embarrassing moment, i refused out of pure shame to even enter this fine establishment. Up until three years ago. It was a night of hanging out with friends as hunger set in. They suggested Yechon, i said no! No way jose! But when they asked me why, I couldn't bare tell them my walk of shame. So you know what I did?, I fell for the bucket and went to Yechon... My, my how it had changed! Even at 3:00 in the morning (which is probably the best times to go) it was busy as a bumble bee. This was the BHP days (before honey pig) We ate mounds and mounds of bbanchan and an incredible amount of gogi and jigaes. My, my what a wonderful meal... until I had to excuse myself to the bathroom. I walked to the corner and embarked along that familiar hallway... ah whatver... So tracking ten years later, Yechon still creates that traditional Korean familiarity but definitely kicked it up a knotch. Their food is good and clean, the servers are pretty in their hanboks and the restaurant is bright and elegant. Even for three o'clock in the morning extravaganzas, its A-Ok_ in my book!
(4)Tom D.
Open 24 hours -- and they give you a table full of panchan and are happy to bring you more if you ask. The food is really quite good too -- I think it might be as good if not better than Sorak Garden (where the panchan and service is not as good either). Fun and funky atmosphere -- it gets a little stranger as you get into the late night hours.... I am a fan -- another jewel in the Annandale crown.......
(4)Jennifer B.
Large delicious menu, can't go wrong with the BBQ. If its busy, expect service to be slow. Actually, even if its not busy expect service to be slow. But don't worry - this is a great place to hang with friends and enjoy a meal to its fullest. Take your time and try each one of those lovely appetizer dishes!
(4)Maria D.
I was just going to say the same thing as Tu-Van about the Haemul Pajeon (seafood scallion pancakes)...so good that I took the leftovers home and am now eating them for breakfast the next day! Yechon provided good, friendly, patient, and knowledgeable service for our group of 8 who was well mixed with some folks intimately familiar with Korean food, and others who had never tried it before. The food of course was excellent.
(5)Cindy Y.
If you're looking for a place to go really late at night, YeChon's the place to go. It's open 24 hours/7days a week. YeChon has a pretty large selection of Korean dishes and offer a decent selection of Ban Chan (small side dishes) to go with your meal. It's great because you can find things on the menu that aren't really served around the area. My favorite is probably the Heuk YumSo Jeon Gol (Goat Meat Stew). It's supposed to be a healthy dish and great for the complexion. After saying all these great things about this place, you're probably wondering why I gave it two stars, right? It's because they threw me an unpleasant surprise in my dish. I had a piece of hair in my soup. If it was just hair, then fine, but it was more than just a little piece of hair. It was thick, dark, somewhat curly/wirey. It looked like pubic hair, and I'm sure it probably was since it definitely grossed out the waitress who had to deal with it. So naturally, you see, I no longer go to YeChon.
(2)CR N.
OMG! I had never had Korean before my friends took me to lunch at this place. We arrived before the lunch rush and the place was packed. I can see why. The food was great. The service was very good and I felt like a got a good value for the money. I would definitely go back.
(5)Elana G.
Always good. If I go for Korean BBQ, and I get to pick the place, I go here, hands down. Stay with the classic BBQ fair though. A friend once got the chicken teriyaki, and it wasn't good. Their seafood pancakes are awesome too. I remember the sushi being fine (only had it once).
(5)Go K.
Date Attended: Saturday, 1/1/10 Came here late night, early morning after partying it up for NYE. The place was packed. There was no semblance of a line to wait to be seated. There was no acknowledgement from any host. When something became available, they would let you know that they were ready for you. Now just because you get a seat does not mean that you will be served right away. After placing our orders, we had to wait another 30-40 minutes for our food. When you see a huge party getting served first when your smaller group placed an order before theirs, that does not sit very well with me. We didn't even get the side appetizers until our meals came out. We got no service during our meals either. The Kalbi we ordered wasn't even seasoned. Think bland beef. Now think blah. On this nice, this place failed. On other nights, they would get 3 stars or maybe a 4 if I'm feeling nice. They are 24 hours which is why they were packed on this night. I should've just gone to the 24 hour McDonald's drive-thru. At least there I would've got served in 5 minutes!
(1)Laurie C.
One of my favorite foods is Korean BBQ and it is hard to find a place since I left home (Los Angeles) that is just as delicious. Though, this is not comparable to my favorite kbbq place in LA. It is the best I found so far in the DC area--even better than Honey Pig (why do people rave about it?). Definitely get the marinated galbi--delicious! If you say it is your birthday, they'll sing for you (and maybe dance too). :)
(4)Clinton S.
I was taken to Yechon last weekend after a day of rough travel and a few rougher nights enjoying the Maryland landscape. I was in the need of kimchi to restore my health to what a more youthful version of me used to feel like. Having grown up with a Korean mother who raised me on Korean food I have a pretty good taste for the unique cuisine. First thing, the building looks pretty cool from the outside next to a 7-11. The inside is equally as nice, definitely going for the whole Asian feel. The staff is authentic to the surroundings, luckily I know enough Korean to get me by and I am familiar with the menu so I was able to direct my companion on a dish that they would surely love. Everything on the table was great. Most importantly the rice was cooked to perfection. The banchan selection was very good. They offered everything from fried tofu to spinach to tempora. My kimchi jjigae was great and the bulgogi I sampled was delicious. I was very happy with everything at Yechon and I highly recommend it. Also, the place is open 24 hours, fucking fantastic.
(5)Judy Y.
holy mother, yechon wins for the most number of plates on the table at one time! This place is simply amazing, the pictures people posted say it all. I love variety and this place offers about a dozen small dishes before your order even hits the table. The seafood pancakes are a million happys in your mouth. my one complaint: I'm not a fan of fishy flavor and thought the fish stews tasted too fishy, in a day too old sort of way. sorry. other than that, AMAZING!
(4)Viet D.
Yechon is so good. Their banchan they bring out is so plentiful. I went there recently with 6 other friends and we had a blast trying all the different Banchan. We ordered tons of food and we ate it all. The only thing that I don't understand is with some of the barbeque meats, you have to order 2 orders. We had so much pork it was crazy...but we still ate it all.
(4)Rachel P.
this will be short and sweet: i've been here a handful of times. i've always had good, prompt service; always had yummy yummy food no matter what i've ordered; the place has always been bustling, packed with chatty hungry people; you can't beat that it's a 24 hour joint. i agree with others, this isn't a place for sushi. it's not horrible, but it's nothing special whatsoever. then again, this is only coming from friends that have ordered a few rolls. i myself am too eager to have the korean food to bother with the sushi. (go to yamazato or koi koi for some damn good sushi!)
(4)Sara B.
PROS: -great price: many dishes under $10, very reasonable sushi prices -extensive menu: the menu was like a book; 7-10 pages long! -awesome value: it is customary at Korean restaurants to bring you various small plates of appetizers after you order (for free!), and they even gave us complimentary glasses of tea with the check -great food: I've had both sushi and Bulgoki here; both were tasty, with generous portions. -open 24/7. 'nuff said. CONS: -noise: they always seem quite busy. if you're looking for a quiet, intimate meal, this isn't the place. -service: really slow and disorganized. Some waitresses are friendly while some aren't, and many don't speak much English. -outward appearance is tacky; neon "24 HOURS" signs and a large parking lot out front. a lot nicer inside. -no explanation of what the appetizers are(most of their clients are Korean and probably already know), and their menu descriptions are a bit bare. this can make for an...adventurous dining experience. All in all, great place to go if you're hungry, craving authentic Korean or Japanese food, and you want to get the best bang for your buck. And it's 3am in the morning and nothing else is open.
(4)molly l.
I'm obsessed with this place. Authentic, spicy, awesome and cheap. I get cravings for it constantly. If you've ever tried Korean food and kind of liked it, or consider yourself a casual fan of "Asian" food, you MUST go here, it will become your obsession too. Not all the waitstaff speaks fluent English, but they're really nice (I think.. hell, they could be talking about me and I would have no idea) just go for it, trust them, ask for recommendations, be adventurous. And it's open 24/7. I mean, how cool is that?
(5)Cameron B.
Me and two friends (none of us Asian by the by) went at 10pm on a Friday and were sat immediately at a 4 top. We ordered a massive meat plate (can't remember the name) and our waiter suggested we move over a table to a 6 top since we would get so many plates. As we chowed down on all the small appe plates that arrived quickly, a party of like 25 people rolled in. We were asked to move once again so they could merge our table, across the restaurant to another 6 top; we do so graciously, and for this they compted us our beer! Even with all this moving, you can see the star rating I gave them!! It's allll about the food. From the outside, this place looks like a trucker-stop fit for the most po-dunk backwater part of West Virginia; but inside, it was clean, spacious and well lit. Tables filled to the brim with small plates, and lots of food! The wait staff move quickly but don't give you that panicked sense of urgency that could spoil your meal. The waiter suggested we don't order to much on top of our mega dish, and I'm glad we listed because I think we took out half of Noah's arc that day. Perfectly seasoned chicken, ribs, beef, shrimp, lobster (the only thing not so great since it was kinda dry and over grilled), crab and pork flowed generously from a huge saucer! The pickles and other side dishes, along with rice and a thick brothy soup filled the table and our stomachs!! 3 people got gluttony up on that table for $24 each person (including tip)! We left at 12:30pm and several full cars were pulling up to start their dinner! This place gets two thumbs up! I'll be back for sure!!!
(4)Uno Tres Z.
Great authentic Korean!
(4)Kim L.
This is the best Korean restaurant around this part. Came here Wednesday night for dinner first time and tried the Yukhoe and was impressed by the generous serving. Excellent sauce and very fresh ingredient. Kimchi Jigae was delicious, I took the left over home and ate it the next day for lunch and it was still very tasty. Came back on Friday to try their BBQ and they did not disappoint. Good value, great service and definitely my favorite Korean Restaurant whenever I am in town.
(5)Dave H.
From the outside it's a bit garish, but inside is a pretty nice Korean restaurant. The place was crowded full of locals and then some! Definitely make reservations (like we did) to be safe, especially with a large group (like we had; we were a party of eight). Our server (Soon) was great, she was friendly, smiled, and cooked our food at the table grill. She helped bring out dishes along with other staff. We had gyoza, noodles, a few tasty orders of bulgogi (~$13) and then bought sake ($10), asked for five shotglasses and washed our food down. (OK, so maybe we had the sake first.) A friend noted they didn't refill our banchan (we also didn't receive a large variety of banchan plates). I was sad to not see any garlic cloves or peppers accompany our meats. The scallion salad was fine. Kimchi was delicious. The radish pickles also rocked. We had plenty of barley tea, and oranges came when we were done. Overall, a good value! I would definitely return, as Yechon is open 24 hours. Recommended.
(5)Joshua S.
Are you kidding? This is really a spectacular restaurant! Extremely authentic (I even had to ask for help reading the menu) and lots of side-dishes that are brought out before the main course. I went for lunch, and for $8.95 had a feast. The hospitality and decor were in keeping with the theme and spirit of the restaurant.
(5)Dan F.
I couldn't believe when I read that there is 24 hour Korean food in the general area. Usually if it is 1 AM on a weekday and you want food, your only options are Taco Bell, McDonalds, a greasy diner or a 7-11 of some kind. For those unfamiliar with Korean food, this place has very good Bibimbap (basically a bowl of rice with egg, beef, vegetables and a spicy sauce) and Korean bar-b-q (you choose a meat, they bring it out and cook it on a little grill on your table), and with your meals you get a huge assortment of side dishes called banchan. Don't worry nothing weird here, everything pretty much is what you think it is. Looks like mashed potatos? It is. Try the Korean beer Cass, it's good. Don't let the insane neon exterior fool you, it's pretty tastefully decorated on the inside. *edit* I had complained previously about inattentive service, it turns out it is a misunderstanding. Every table has a little "Call" button on a corner, or sometimes somewhat hidden on a wall. The waiters pretty much only come to you if you press the CALL button. Only on my 2nd visit did I realize this, Woops!
(4)Christina K.
My second day in DC (last weekend), a friend drove us out to Annandale for food and groceries. WOOHOO!! Fun times. Anyway, we ended up here for lunch and the place smells heavenly. There are Korean people running the place and eating, so that is a good sign. The waitresses were super nice and took all our orders, including my soondobu with vegetables (which wasn't an option but they accomodated). The ban chan was standard and tasty, as was my soondobu. Maybe I'm lowering my expectations, but this made me happy. I don't think it was the best Korean food I've ever had, but then again, as a vegetarian its hard to say anymore. And they're open 24 hours. WHAT?!
(4)Keon D.
Delicious korean food open 24 hours. I had the pleasure of stuffing my face here on a saturday at around 2-3am. When you get there, its easy to be overwhelmed by the menu. Just so many choices! When I finally made up my mind I got the dae jai bulgogi (sp?). I thought it was a bit expensive at $15 but I did consider that it was being made extremely late at night plus you get an INSANE amount of sides. There was soooooo much sides given it was ridiculous. Seaweed, mackarel, bean curd, potato salad, and lots more. There was barely any part of the table not covered with a side. As far as the main meal (and im not a korean food connosieur), it was pretty good. Rice was nice and fluffy, bulgogi was juicy. It tasted great there, and tasted great the next day when I ate my leftovers. The service was ok, but they did have really long stretches of no one checking up on us at all. Some of our waters were empty, but there is actually a button you can ring and call them. Had no idea about that. I'd recommend this place although id probably recommend it more highly late at night than during the day. I have a feeling there are cheaper mid day options.
(4)Geee P.
I'm always down for some YECHON. It's down the street fr my house. The food is consistent and they are always packed! I never had a problem with their service. I love how they give you so many side dishes compared to some Korean restaurants. I really like their seafood pancake. Meat dishes aren't the best I've had.. and not too big on their tofu soups. Guess I've had better tofu soup elsewhere. Bf & I always over ordered. Always full and satisfied after leaving Yechon.
(4)Jan S.
OMG this place is awesome!!! My husband had the yukejang and said it was the best he's ever had....He's not a big fan of Korean food. I grew up in Hawaii and my calabash (not blood related) auntie owned a Korean restaurant & I have loved Korean food all my life. We moved to VA in July & I was upset thinking I wasn't going to be able to find any good Korean food here. Last night my mind was changed. The mandoo & tempura appetizers were phenomenal & my bulgogi was perfect. All of the ban chan sides were delicious as well. Yechon is by far one of the best Korean restaurants anywhere! We will be coming back very soon. BTW this place is BUSY but well worth the wait. We went on a Friday night around 7pm and had to wait about 20 minutes. It gave us time to study the extensive menu, we were seated and orders taken right away. Food was delivered so quickly, and the quality was out of this world. You can tell everything is fresh and prepared to order. I have to stop raving now, I'm getting hungry!
(5)Hsing P.
Very comparable to Korean food in L.A. K-town. Which is a big plus. the bulgogi, is a little dry, but their Bibimbap is awesome. Definitely should get it if you are in a mood for it, especially the Bibimbap with Galbi. The only gripe that I have with it is that the Galbi does not have the bone in it. There's that certain satisfaction of taking that meat off of the bone, but could be a plus for some people. The Soondubu (tofu stew) is good, but not the best. It's better in Rowland Heights, CA. Like here, they don't really know what "as spicy as possible" means really. Thought that it was odd that they don't give eggs to put in the Soondubu. It's good, but not great. Appetizers were good as usual. Not much to say there. Definitely would go again. Comparable. Just not the best. Oh, and it's a very traditional Korean restaurant. The waitresses are very courteous and definitely give you the service that you would expect from a Korean restaurant. They are pretty prompt too, which is sort of hard to find at a Korean restaurant I find.
(4)Jessica L.
24 hour Korean BBQ - what could be better? You can have kimchi and bulgogi for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you like! DC/Northern VA food is not all that good, but Yechon is certainly one of the best restaurants in the area. I've had better kimchi in NJ, but Yechon is good too. The bulgogi is amazing - not too too greasy and you have the option of having the waitresses cook in front of you at the table. The mushrooms included in it are also a nice touch. Some things to note, the restaurant is always packed, no matter what time of day you go. The waitresses dress in traditional Korean outfits which is cool too. The staff overall aren't particularly friendly, but they get the job done. I had one encounter with the manager when I went with a friend at lunch time on a busy afternoon and he was kind of rude, but it didn't impact my feelings towards the food or the overall experience. Lastly, Lunch specials are a great deal too...lots of food for only $8 or $9!
(4)Frank C.
Annandale has probably the 3rd largest Korean community outside of Los Angeles, CA and Flushing, NY. When business takes us to Virginia and we are craving some Korean food, we always make a stop at Yechon. This restaurant is easy to find and is located right off of Route 236 and Hummer Road next to 7-Eleven. This BBQ house is open 24-hours and has people eating at all hours of the night. They offer their full menu except for their sushi bar. Kalbi is my first choice and is pretty well marinated. The side dishes "ban-chan" they bring out with your order is plentiful. Other dishes recommended are Bulgogi, Spicy Daeji Bulgogi and Bulgogi Bibim Bap. For the inexperienced, Kalbi is not cheap. You can estimate about $25-27 per order and chances are you will need about one order per person!
(3)Marcus L.
$8.95 for a BIG lunch box,great deal!
(5)Vannie N.
The variety of side dishes here is why i like it more than honeypig and its nicer. The bbq is awesome too. They also have sushi here too...but i would def go for he korean dishes. Wait for table can be awhile during dinner and weekends but you can always wait next door at breeze bakery and the pager will still work there when yechon has ur table
(4)Bro H.
This is a great late-night option. None of the food we had blew me away, and it wasn't exactly cheap, but none of it was bad, and it wasn't expensive either. Would I come here before 10 pm? Probably not, but luckily it's open 24 hours.
(4)art f.
I live the ambiance - woody and low light without being dim. Servers are quite helpful if LEP (then again we're among their less barbecue proficient customers). We got two bul golgi orders - one spicy, one basic - and a cellophane noodle dish for 3 diners. The pan chan were more extensive and tastier than average and replaced when we finished. The barbecue was accompanied by fresh succulent lettuce and shredded scallions - perhaps not as much sauce as I would have liked. All in all, this remains my favorite Korean food place in Annandale.
(4)Jesse H.
Yechon is fairly typical of the Korean restaurants in the Annandale area. I've been there after midnight, lunch and dinner times with a group, one friend and by myself. I enjoy Kimchi jigae but they don't have kamjatang... There is an extensive menu especially for seafood luvrs. The staff is not overly friendly, but business-like and efficient.
(3)Catherine G.
This was my first Korean restaurant I went to when I moved to Virginia. And though my first reaction was SHOCK at the prices for the entrees, etc. I have of course since settled into the "DC/ Northern VA" norm and way of life. Aside from their pricing, this is a decent Korean restaurant who's staff is better than average. Although their food is decent, because their service is good too, I feel comfortable giving them 4 stars. Selection of banchon (side dishes) are ok. Decent tasting, nothing that says to me, " I MUST HAVE MORE!" All in all, I like Yechon and appreciate that they are consistent..with both food and service.
(4)Josh S.
A typical, traditional, boring-looking, but quality-foods Korean restaurant in Northern Virginia. I took my two non-Koreans here for dinner. It was my first time and didn't know what to expect. We were there quite early for dinner, around 5:30pm. There weren't that many people inside. The menu is quite over-whelming. They include both Korean and Japanese cuisine and have anything you can ask for. I didn't know what to order and was busy explaining what's what to my friends. The waitress, who dressed in cute Korean traditional clothes (han-bok), came by at least every 15 seconds and asked us whether we're ready to order or not. I had to send her back at least three times because we were ready to order. Maybe she thought she was being attentive but I found it bit annoying and they just wanted to quickly take our order (or our money...). I ordered a traditional beef stew called Kalbi-Tang and my two fellow friends followed me. The foods came about 7-8 minutes later, which tells me that stews were already cooked and they just re-heated. I don't know. I just didn't like how they quickly brought the foods. Maybe they're just fast people. -1 star The foods, however, wasn't very good. This is my favorite Korean dish, and I have had many of these at other Korean restaurants and this place ranks in bottom half on my list. The stew didn't have many meat to begin with and the soup wasn't flavorful at all. It kinda reminded me of those H-Mart $5 container soup that I paid $12 for. Not worth it. -1 star Maybe I do need to give this place another try. I hear from many friends who grew up in the area that this is one of better restaurants in the neighborhood. As of now, I'll remain at 3 stars and will write an update if I ever come here again. It may take a while.
(3)Kenny W.
I LOVE Korean food! I would place this cuisine as my number 1 favorite out of all Asian foods. I got my Korean food experience NOVA style at Yechon. My friend raved about this place and after some late night drinking/catching up we decided to hit up this 24-hour spot. The decor made me feel as if I was flashbacked into 1985/86. Let me tell you, you will get overwhelmed by the menu because there is SO MUCH food! There were 3 of us, so we ordered a set meal for 2. We had bimbap, bulgogi, sashimi (the sashimi was super fresh - yum!), an extra plate of bulgogi, spicy beef tofu soup and of course the many sides that make Korean food extra special. The bulgogi was tasty, but being spoiled by LA's Koreatown, I felt that I've tasted better. I did notice that other patrons had their meat cooking in a pan at their table, while our meat was cooked in the kitchen. I felt the table option would have been better. Out of everything we had on our table the sashimi and spicy soup was my favorite. Next time a make another visitation, my focus will be on the sashimi & kalbi.
(3)Andrew K.
I love Korean food. After being spoiled with 24-hour Korean barbecue places in Manhattan, I was excited to find that Annandale boasts its own set of landmarks for all night deliciousness. I've been here twice, and both times there was a fairly lengthy line. Fortunately, there's a great bakery next door, which is a lovely place to pass the time. Yechon does not have ddok boki, which is too bad. That dish makes a great complement to bulgogi and kalbi. They do have an attentive and helpful waitstaff, solid entrees, and a deep menu. The Dolsot Bibimbop was very good last night with bulgogi. The first time here, I tried some sushi and was generally nonplussed. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. So venture to that part of the menu at your own discretion. There's a reason this place is busy. It's good. Enjoy.
(4)Myonghwan E.
Just returned from my first time eating at Yechon and I wanted to share my experience. I treated my mom, dad, sister, and her boyfriend for some Mother's Day lunch. My mom picked this restaurant because of a previous experience so I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, the experience has left me fuming. First the good: The food is excellent. Because I am Korean (through my mom), I've eaten at almost every (if not every) Korean restaurant in the area. The food here is some of the best in the area, which is a tough thing to say considering the number of excellent Korean restaurants. I had the Dak Gui, which is spicy chicken that they grilled in front of us. My sister had some beef dish that was very well prepared. The portions were pretty big considering the price. The parking lot is small so it looks full, but the building itself is nicely done. The tables are kind of smushed together, but I actually enjoyed the ambiance. It was private enough for personal conversation, but with everyone packed in there, it really made the place lively. Now the bad: The service is absolutely dreadful. It is probably the worst in the business. It was over 20 minutes before anyone came around to even say hello, so my mom attempted to flag one of the waitresses down. She was met with a quick hand to the face (like the "talk to the hand" gesture). Now, normally I'm a really laid back guy: I tend to look the other way when there is bad service and I try to be understanding of the tough work that waitresses do. But even this gesture was enough to make me want to jump up and tear into the waitress, which I would have done had I not seen that my mom was even angrier. She is old school Korean and for a younger woman to do that to her is unacceptable (any Korean can explain if you don't understand), so she tore into her. The waitress politely apologized but she must have told the other waitresses because they treated us like crap the rest of time we were there. I could maybe understand this behavior if my mom would have caused a scene when she ripped the waitress, but she did it quietly so that only she could hear. One waitress borderline ignored my mom, but we gave her the benefit of the doubt and assumed that she just did not hear my mom's request. This was not a one time, isolated event. I looked around the restaurant and noticed that other patrons were equally upset with the service. Once we placed our order, the service was decent. It's just getting them to acknowledge you that's the problem. The problem with this restaurant is obvious: they do not have assigned sections for the waitresses. They all serve every customer, but they don't coordinate to know if any of them has taken an order from guests or not. So they just assume that someone has and they go about their business. About the only effective employees there are the water guys because they constantly filling up water glasses. And the cooks because they are awesome. I do recommend that you try the restaurant once to taste the food. But do not expect exemplary, or even average service.
(2)Sonia P.
I see how everyone says Yechon is the best in the area but I drive all the way from Gaithersburg, Maryland because even though tons of Korean restaurants have popped up here, nothing compares to Yechon. I always make it a point to take my friends and family here, and even though Honey Pig is a competition, I definitely recommend this more. You will never be disappointed with the food here. I love the spicy pork (excuse me for not remembering the Korean name and I have never had trouble ordering or getting recommendations because of language or cultural differences) It's a great atmosphere to gather with friends or family, anytime, given its 24 hour open schedule. You will get hoooked!
(5)Andrew H.
looking at the reviews, i had higher expectations. making my first visit, i thought the food was average. good...but nothing great. but i will appreciate the authenticity. i love asian restaurants when the servers barely speak english and the literal translations of their dishes result in names like "rice cake rids proper form". i've always tried to sit and walk with proper posture or form, but i'm more than a little perturbed that simply eating rice cakes will cause me to end up like quasimodo. i had one of the tofu bowls, which i hoped was a bit more spicy and had more tofu. it looked like the bugolgi dishes my friends ordered were decent. next time i venture all the way out to annandale, i'll be sure to try something else to see if yechon warrants an upgrade.
(3)Bonnie T.
Came here twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. Both times enjoyed the food but did not care so much about the decorations and ambiance here (needs some updating in the dining area). Maybe because they have korean BBQ here it smelled greasy inside. Side dishes were plentiful and parking was easy. It's next to a cute bakery called Breeze for some after mean treats and snacks to take home!
(3)Kara N.
The first time I visited, they seated me little ol' me (a table for one) at a big ol' table for four. I ordered one dish but I soon discovered why I was given so much elbow room. BOWLS. So many bowls of colorful Korean flavor! Spicy dishes, tangy dishes, pickeled and grilled. Then comes your entree. I've been for lunch and dinner and although dinner was quite reasonable, lunch on a weekday is a bargain. I've listened to the enthusiastic Yelp! reviews of Yechon and ordered their recommendations. As long as you stay with a hot dish, it's delicious chow. Cold noodle soup was not a winner. After my first visit, I was back within the week for more. Bi Bim Bap makes me happy so I guess that makes Yechon my new happy place! Be sure to stop next door to Breeze Bakery for shave ice and azuki bean dessert!
(5)Qihui X.
This place is ridiculous. It's my go-to Korean restaurant in Nova and open 24/7! Where else could you go after midnight and get good food?! One possible con: my Korean friend says "when you leave Yechon, you'll always smell like Yechon," but she probably just eats there too much. I always get one of three things: soondubu jjigae (tofu soup), yukgaejang (beef soup), and bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables). Soups are the best. You don't feel the spiciness until it enters your stomach. Also, for a restaurant open 24/7, the atmosphere is amazingly upscale and service really good. This is the perfect place to satisfy my Korean cravings.
(5)Kelly M.
Crowded. Tasty. Convenient. Impressive menu. 24 Hours. Can't beat it, I should have gone here today instead of Honey Pig in Centerville. All this and a bakery open till very late right next door. Mmmm.
(4)Ange M.
Okaaaay so this was my very first time at a Korean restaurant and I think I'm in love! I went with my sisters and brother and we've been dying to go after watching all the Korean series like Boys Over Flowers and My Lovely Sam Soon (anyone? anyone? no one? okay). I really don't know what all the other reviewers are talking about, we didn't come across any mean or rude wait staff. They all called a greeting as we walked in and seated us right away. For a Monday night at 10:30, it was pretty hoppin. I mean not like crazy busy or anything, more like six to eight or so other tables with people at them. I must say, our server was really patient with us. We knew nothing about the menu or how to order or what anything is and he tried his best to explain even though he didn't know much English and was a little overwhelmed. There was K-pop playing in the background and we asked if he had any SS501 and he gave us a confused look. Anways, he first brought out these leaves of lettuce and peanut sauce and we all looked at each other and were like...wtf? He said it's an appetizer, you dip the lettuce in the peanut sauce and it was actually pretty yummy. Okay so now the side dishes. They're included with your meal, I think they're called banchan? I didn't recognize the names of any of them except kimchi, which was soo good, even though I wish they had made it a little spicier. The one that looked like coleslaw with chicken in it and the one that was like strips of fish with seaweed in it and the tofu one were all pretty awesome. I think they give you about ten little side dishes, and they're all worth trying. We really enjoyed them all. Okay so now for what we ordered. We got your traditional Japanese Chicken Teriyaki, then for Korean BBQ we got Dak Gui (chicken cooked in a red marinade) and Bul Gogi (sliced marinaded beef) and a seafood pancake. Now we got this seafood pancake because so many peeps here on yelp said it was awesome. It was very, very yummy. It's HUGE too! It's as big as a medium pizza, and they cut it like a pizza too when they bring it out. I'd say if you have four or more people, order it as an appetizer, since it's in slices. Warning: if you're squeamish about octopus, then maybe you shouldn't order it. I know I was before trying it, but then when I picked up one of the...arms? legs? and bit into it, it was so good. I had a new appreciation for it, and if you're daring enough, try it you'll really like it. It's crispy and cooked just right. Now for the Chicken Teriyaki...it was okay. This is partly the reason why I knocked off a star. It wasn't anything special, plus I think this restaurant caters to more Korean dishes than anything. The Dak Gui was really, really good! I definitely recommend this one if it's your first time at a Korean restaurant, it's tastes so good. The red marinade was delicious and savory. Now for the Bul Gogi...it's so good!! This was my favorite out of all of them. It was a little crispy, and marinaded just right with the perfect blend of....whatever, it was just amazing. You gotta order this if you try out this restaurant. I still remember the taste and it makes my mouth water. All this wrapped up together with a few bottles of soju and good company, we had an awesome meal. If I could have given it 4.5 stars, I would, I only wanted to take off a bit for the Chicken Teriyaki for the most part. Altogether, the bill came out to about $90 including tax, which was a bit pricey, but we blamed it on the ah-ah-ah-ah-alcohol....anyways yeah, eat here. Oh, and right before leaving, we asked one of the waiters where the best karaoke is, since we wanted to keep riding our Korean kick. He recommended Dain, which I'll be reviewing next :)
(4)Lenny T.
I came here with seven people and we ate and drank like kings! After a long wait (a sure sign of a good establishment), we ordered two large combos and an extra meat entree for the odd number. This made the ordering easy for our large group. If you order a la carte, try your choice of Korean BBQ cooked at your table (Gogi Gui), a savory seafood pancake (Haemul Pajeon), and a deliciously spicy Korean Soon Tofu Soup that is perfect on a cold winter nights. And, all meals are served with a variety of small side dishes (banchan), lettuce leaves to wrap the 'Gogi' meats. Although the combos come with a few bottles of domestic beer, order Korean beer or soju to compliment your meal. Yechon is 24 hours Korean food and an experience not to be missed with family or friends. No matter what time of day you go, your sure to leave fully satisfied! And, after dinner, go and get dessert at a Korean coffee house or go karaoke nearby. The suburbs of Annandole couldn't get much better!
(4)B C.
Good service, delicious food, and always open for 24-hours. I've been here three or four times at different hours of the day, and it always seem packed with a huge Korean crowd. Given the portion sizes and the quality, the prices are extremely generous. Where else can you get a salmon bento box with a side salad, tempura pieces, a delicious vegetable side, and a nicely cooked (generously sized) slab of salmon for $7.95 during their lunch special? Their soondubu jigae (spicy seafood tofu soup) always hits the spot, and it's something I look forward to after being done with a rough semester at school. Their galbi and bulgogi, the benchmarks in any good Korean joint, are consistently tasty. This place is fantastic.
(5)Misono A.
I have a few friends who swear by Yechon -- it definitely has an extensive menu selection, and the fact that it is open 24 hours definitely plays to its advantage. The food is pretty good, although I'm not sure how it competes with the plethora of other Korean restaurants in Annandale. The place can get pretty crowded and noisy, though, so it is definitely not the venue of choice for a quiet intimate dinner with friends or your significant other.
(3)Sam H.
Ok If i could take a half a star off... I would for the fact that it's 15 miles away from my house. But of the places I've been in Annandale I'll give place it's props for having the best "ban chans" aka side dishes of the restaunts in the area. Another extra point for being open 24 hours... few points for having pretty prompt servers... pulling in a diverse customer crew... and having the variety that it does. With this place, if you ask for more, BOOM you get more. And I did come to this place to introduce some of my roommates to Korean food. If your gonna go with a group, I would recommend getting the special (#2 and #3). It feels alot and it feels well. It says one special feeds 2 but... I think it feels more like 2.5-3 guys. So that's my recommendation. :)
(5)Anson P.
When I think of late night eating, a few places come to mind. IHOP, Denny's, Waffle House, McDonald's drive-thru, Yechon. Which one of these places is the odd man out? My brother, his gf and I went here yesterday and we got ourselves some bibimbop, kalbi, and some fish and clam spicy soup. I love me some bibimbop of the non-dolsot (hot stone pot) variety. The bimbop was good except the egg was a little overcooked. Normally, I like it where the egg yolk is runny. It still hit the spot. The kalbi was ok. There are better korean bbq options in Annandale, but this place will feed your need. The spicy soup was spicy and definitely cleared the sinuses. The only complaint there was that there was only one clam in the whole pot. However, there was plenty of fish. The banchan was good and there was plenty of variety. The service was pretty good for an Asian restaurant. Water was refilled in a timely fashion. Food came out pretty quick as well. The parking lot always has a lot of cars no matter what time of day. This place is definitely filed away under late night reserves.
(4)Ryan B.
I've been eating at Korean restaurants for a long time and I have to say Yechon is one of the best....as far as taste goes anyway. I love the fact that it is open 24 hours a day. I always have the Korean BBQ like Kalbi, Dae Ji Bulgogi, and well, Bulgogi. The service could be better, but that's where the table buzzer comes in handy. I am not afraid to use that thing and will buzz buzz whenever I need something like my water glass filled, more rice, more lettuce, another coke. The waitresses seem to be annoyed when they see the buzz board light up but hey, that's what it's there for. If they paid more attention to their tables then I wouldn't have to use it. I also like the fact that they put out a lot of pan chon dishes too. Some places only give you a small selection. Ok so, the Kalbi marinade is really good. I don't know how else to describe it. I never leave this place feeling like I didn't get enough to eat. So if you haven't been, check it out.
(4)Varn S.
I came here in a group of 8 that included 3 Koreans - THEY WERE KEY! I left all the ordering up to them, but really I think we could've picked randomly from the menu and been ok. The only things I specifically remember getting were the seafood soup, a shredded beef dish, and a chunkier beef dish. The meat was tender, flavorful, fresh, really top notch. The servers were very attentive and we were well taken care of all night. The portions were ample and the smaller dishes diverse. The final check was a little more than I am used to paying at Asian restaurants, but it was definitely appropriate for this quality establishment.
(4)Erik W.
As Tom Sietsma has said "the service was hurried but helpful"
(4)Mary V.
Great food and great service. Crowded at times, be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes after 7pm. We will definitely become regulars here.
(4)Ken C.
Awesome, Great food and price. Service is OK and they are willing to cook for you. However at the end, we like to do it ourselves. I will have to go back to try other type of foods. A good tips is do not go there more than four people. Why? It is easy to get a table for four. Any number higher than that take long time on weekend and rush hours. Definitely is a Korean Town in VA,..
(4)Danilo B.
The food here is great. We usually have the ribs, steak and pork along with a rice dish of some sort. It's way too much food, but that's what doggie bags are for. Just be careful...eat too much and you'll feel like there's a brick in it (Korean BBQ is not light). Plan on waiting at least a few minutes to sit down regardless of when you go - the place is always packed (which is a good indicator of how good the food is). And the best part...it's open 24 hours making it a nice alternative to IHOP or other 24 hour joints!
(4)Daniel K.
I was here a couple weeks ago with 3 of my friends. I visit here often, its usually a monthly visit, though sometimes weekly basis. I love the food here especially the side dishes, more variety than other Korean/Japanese restaraunts. Not only is there more variety, they change up the side dishes when your done with them. I love the lunch special pricing here. They maybe a little higher than most places for lunch however it is definitely as the saying go "MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK" I beleive they give more than whats your money is worth. I recommend this place for anyone who has a love for authentic Asian foods. Though dinner time is very very crowded, try to avoid 6pm-8pm. Koreans in general tend to eat out late generally. I was waiting a good 15-20 minsOther than that everything is great!
(5)Danny M.
This place gets the high-five because not only is it great Korean food (my mother is Korean), but you can get it anytime day or night!!! My most recent trip there was this past Friday (November 14, 2008) and the food was just great. We got Kalbi and hot pork, neither of which were overy fatty, along with an order of Dol Sot Bi Bim Bap and Duk Guk soup. We also got an appetizer order of Gyoza. All that food for under $75 (including tax/tip) is not bad. The staff was very friendy, helpful, and all three or for of them that served us understood English (some extremely well). And at least three people thanked us for coming when we left.
(5)Seungja K.
There was crazy busy. I was waiting for our turn for a long time. I almost want to go to other place, but I understand why people was waitting without complain after eatting the food. Their food was so good. PaJun was my favorite thing. It was huge, and taste was so dilicious. All employees was very nice. I will go this weekend again..
(5)Anthony C.
I hit up this Korean restaurant back in April during a weekend visit to the DC area. It was a good thirty minutes from where I stayed but it came recommended and was so worth the trip. I've had a good amount of Korean food in NY and this place blows all of them away! The pan chan (sides) were plentiful and each was fresh in quality. For three people, we had the seafood pancake, kalbi, and bulgogi with the meats cooked at our table. The pancake was the standout; it had plenty of flavor and was not soggy. We polished off the dish in no time and probably should have ordered another; it was that good. The kalbi and bulgogi were also outstanding and very tasty. Waitresses came by to help with the cooking duties which was appreciated. Wrap the meat in the provided lettuce and add bean paste for a delicious sandwich! Orange slices rounded out the meal, and we were completely satisfied by the end of the meal. This is a must visit for my next trip to DC!
(4)Maggie M.
Great service, very quick and friendly staff. we went for a friends birthday and we had 8 grills going! Great time and the Chadolbaegi was sooo good! We also got bulgogi and it was pretty good too. But that brisket was delicious. I def will go back to YeChon and the prices were very reasonable!
(3)Christine R.
I'm giving Yechon 4 stars because you really can't beat getting anything yummier to eat at 3am. I find that the atomsphere created by the other young, DC party goers you're surrounded by fulfilling and active. Everyone's on the same page, drunk and hungry. So partly I enjoy going here because it's a great way to wrap up the night. The food is that what you should expect getting at 3am. It's not fit for the Queen of England but it surely will do for my drunk ass. I highly would not recommend any of the sushi though. Not sure what we were thinking but it came out warm/room temperture and just nasty. Other than that stick to the usual, kalbi, bulgogi etc. Service is fast and prompt. If you're looking to be babied you're in the wrong establishment. Korean women simply put don't give two sh*ts about substituting an order, requesting special sauces or stuff on the side. If you're that picky about food please go elsewhere. I have been here during normal people hrs. for dinner and the service is always the same. Never rude, just fast and well I feel like my mom is feeding me dinner at home. Please don't take korean customs the wrong way, it's nothing personal, I swear. Yechon is definitely a place you have to experience at least once after a night out with friends. Sure does beat Quick Pita... bleeeeeed dat!
(4)Ruben P.
The best Korean restaurant in the States I have been to so far. Also, the servers wear traditional costumes and the interior of the place is great to have some feeling of Korea. Had no gripes with their food.
(5)Virak K.
I absolutely love this place. Great kalbi and bulgogi dishes. Sushi is pretty good. Always busy and some good energy. I've tired a lot of other korean places and no other place has come close to beating yechon to me. ANd of course teh 24/7 always helps. I come for lunch, dinner and after midnight hours. Service and food is always excellent. Recent spike in meat prices on the menu was a little surprise to me. But still good nonetheless.
(5)Ying F.
One of my favorite late night eats! Open 24 hours and it's the best korean food after 12am! When I come home to visit, my friends and family know to take me to this place right when I get off the plane. I love everything on the menu! The best free sides dishes too:)
(4)Richard J.
This restaurant is a favorite of me and my non-korean posse. Everything seems very authentic, well priced, communal atmosphere and of course, the 24-hour thing is a plus. Our favorite dishes are bulgogi (of course), oijingeau (pan fried squid), bibimbap, and their dumplings. Mmm. Service has been okay to good. I think the waitresses share responsibilities and therefore it's not common to see four or five different waitresses come at different times. They have recently installed a button used to call a waitress over to your table, which is an awesome innovation and I wish it would catch on. Overall, I will probably take visitors to Yechon until I find a serious problem with the restaurant.
(5)Erica S.
I highly recommend Yechon, even if you have to drive several miles because it is worth it. The food was really quite good. On Thursday night at 7:30 pm we drove all the way out to Annandale and were very surprised to find Yechon completely packed to the gills with Koreans, we think. That says a lot, no? We waited in the nonexistent waiting area for about 5 minutes for our table and were seated and had our drinks within a few moments. They are very efficient which we found to be a refreshing change from many restaurants. Our hungry party of three ordered the #3 special and it was more than we could eat of a wide array of tasty side dishes and savory grilled meat and seafood. Keep in mind, we have little experience with Korean food but it tasted like it was high quality, fresh, hot and well prepared. Nothing was boring or bland and nothing was too weird to eat. "We serve you with sincerest heart" is on the front of Yechon's extensive menu. The service honestly wasn't great. They sort of neglected us after they served our food-our meat was grilling at our table and we didn't know when to take it off and eat it (was it done yet? are we going to get worms?) or to just let it burn. We didn't mind flagging a server down when we really needed something and they came quickly. The staff do not speak English very well and seem a bit shy but they do try so maybe they do "serve you with sincerest heart". I give it 4 stars because of the service not being great and I'm very picky about cleanliness and though it seemed pretty clean it wasn't sparkling and I was a little concerned about drinking the water. An additional plus: its open 24 hours!!! I would love it if Yechon was in DC! I look forward to trying everything on the menu on subsequent visits.
(4)Craig L.
Yechon is definitely among the stars of the Annandale (K-Town) Korean all-night establishments. Comparable to Honey Pig, though perhaps slightly less ambiance, fewer people, and BBQ that slightly less appealing. The real winner was the "hangover" soup (not sure of the name in Korean). All in all a good place to go at 4am when famished.
(4)S A.
great food!!!! I love almost every thing!!!! they don't take reservations and the place is always packed!!! if your not too ful from the bulgogi and the bibimbap head next door to the breeze bakery for dessert!
(4)Brianne C.
Mmm, Korean comfort food in the middle of the night. I never expected to eat mounds of beef bulgogi, doe guk with mandoo (beef and rice cake soup with dumplings), and haemool pajeon (seafood pancakes) after a night of drinking, but there's a first time for everything. Yechon does most of the standard Korean dishes very well, with subtler flavors (I detected a touch of rice wine in the bulgogi marinade) and less saltiness than I have found at other restaurants. Their soup dumplings are excellent, with a perfect balance of vegetables and savory meat. Some of the dishes have slight American influences (one of the side dishes closely resembled potato salad), and the appetizer salad with its miso peanut dressing highlighted the (surprising) Japanese presence on the menu. The service is pretty standard for Korean places (very efficient, but just a touch above polite) and the wood paneled walls lend the place a nostalgic warmth. In a few words, Yechon's is a good spot for spicy early morning indulgences. Recommended.
(4)Michelle G.
One of my fave places to take people new to the area... I mean get this... if your looking for any of the following, it's a jewel! (Late night, sushi, korean, japanese, lots of choices (16 page menu!), more food than you can eat, reasonable prices, good food... etc. ) I take people here all the time, then they beg me to come back!... When its 2 in the morning and you dont want Denny's or McDonalds, this is perfect! I have to drive over a half hour to get there and its worth it.! Favorites are deji bulgogi and seafood pancake for people new to Korean food, but I love it all! They recently added little call buttons to each table, so if you need something or want a refill of all the extras (banchan) they provide, just call em over.
(5)Matthew L.
I enjoyed the experience. It was easy to get in and was relatively busy for a weekday. They had great side dishes. I especially liked the Kimchi Salad. I had a decent soup, and the rice dish in the stone pot was excellent. Probably one of the best i've had in sometime. The restaurant is clean, modern and pleasant. The wait staff is very friendly and attentive. Lunch was a great price and was close to the beltway access.
(4)Angela M.
I felt so retarded when I discovered that Annandale is only 25 minutes from me; only 25 minutes between me and delicious Korean food as well as a K-town where I can get all the things I miss about Korea in one place: No Reh Bangs, Bing Soo, Ban Chan galore....yikes! Hubby and I shared the same smirk on our faces as we made the left turn onto Hummer Rd. - gotta love that name! For a Tuesday night, the lot was packed and the restaurant was buzzing with customers. From Koreans to Caucasians....everyone was here enjoying the great food. It's been four years since I've had good Korean food state-side and this place made me so dang happy, I was kissing my husband whenever I thought about it on the way home and hours later for taking me here. The ambiance is pretty normal from what I've seen for Korean restaurants, but they had these really cute cobalt blue star-lights hanging from over the sushi bar. The servers, dressed in Korean traditional-style clothes (han bok) were friendly, polite and attentive without being intrusive. I think we freaked out every Korean waitstaff female because we started talking in Korean and inquiring about different ban chan, ordering in Korean and asking them questions. One lady came over and made us write our names in Korean on a piece of paper because she didn't believe it. I was especially pleased that they all spoke to us in Korean after that point. I realized why a lot of people that come here may think that the waitstaff is a little rude or standoff-ish. Their English skills aren't that good and I'm sure they are swayed from speaking because of that challenge. I loved all 8 side dishes they brought out; that has not happened in a long, long time. We ordered Bul Kalbi (Beef Short Ribs) as well as Dae Ji Bulgogi (Pork BBQ); the Bul Kalbi was tender and seasoned just right. Delicious! The pork was also very good; not very fatty and tender. It was great to have the traditional "Korean Taco" making sides like the lettuce, chive salad and the different gochu jang. We were very satisfied with the whole meal if you can't tell yet. We were served juicy and sweet, chilled orange slices at the end of the meal got us ready for the bingsoo (shaved ice dessert) we were about to enjoy at Dolce & You down the road.
(5)Trang O.
Hands down this is my favorite Korean restaurant. Besides the fact that it's open 24 hours (though you won't find me there eating bulgogi at 6 a.m.), the food is always good here. I love the panchan and always asks for seconds (sometimes even thirds!). Though we always order Bulgogi and Kalbi, my favorite dishes (besides panchan) are the Korean pancake, spicy seafood Jigae and the Dolsot Bibim Bap. The sushi is acceptable, slightly better than what you can find at Todai. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're in for a sushi fix (in that case, go to Tachibana or Sushi Ko). Service is friendly and efficient, the atmosphere electric (the place has always been pretty full each time we've been there for dinner and even lunch) and entree prices are a bit of the high side for a Korean restaurant, but well worth it. Parking can be difficult sometimes, as the restaurant has a tiny parking lot that it shares with a nearby 7 Eleven.
(4)M N.
Authentic Korean cuisine, on par with the best in Los Angeles' K-town, the only place where you can get any better cuisine is in Korea! Its a good sign that the majority of the folks working and patrons are Koreans and those few non-Koreans that enjoy authentic Korean food. I took a buddy who made that exact comment. In addition to authentic Korean cuisine, a full sushi bar is on the premises. The chef makes everything from maki-sushi to elaborate sushi master pieces. Open 24/7, always busy - many others have already commented on the food, I will state that the place is definitely a place to eat authentic Korean cuisine!
(4)Gene I.
Yechon is like the Korean version of Denny's! Open all night and it definitely hits the spot in a pinch!
(4)Kat T.
This is where you go if you dont want as hectic an atmosphere as honeypig, but you still want 24 hour KBBQ. I like that they have spicy bulgogi! When I want to keep the party going, I go to honeypig, but if I want to relax, I come here.
(4)AL K.
the attraction of this place lies on the fact that it stays open 24/7. food is ok. servers are suited up in korean costumes.sanitation of the place is questionable. price is reasonable.
(3)Ryan H.
their lunch specials are bargain. good foods with friendly service!
(4)Olivia H.
My main take on this place, was that it was not worth the drive to Annandale. I went with friends who were very excited about Korean food. I do not know that much about Korean food, I found out. But I had a perfectly fine meal of noodles and veggies and beef -- jap chae to those who know Korean menus. Most of my table ordered bebim bap and they were all very pleased with their meals. The good: - Quick to seat a group of 7, even on a very crowded night - Didn't assume the round eyes were novices The marginal: - no service. They have installed a call button on every table, and in fact, when your water glass is empty, you cannot catch someone's eye to get more. You have to summon them with the bell. - The menu is not for the uninitiated, as the descriptions are very brief, and don't completely explain what you are getting. Not wrong, it just doesn't paint a picture. The bad: -ANNANDALE -- this was not worth getting on the beltway for. Next time, I will order the perfectly lovely Thai that gets delivered to my house. In the District.
(2)Jason S.
Yechon is kind of like Batman, you can only begin to truly appreciate it during the late hours of the night. Other sit down food joints cry and go to sleep because they're too tired to stay awake. Not Yechon, they deliver the goods when you need it the most - late at night when you're either too drunk or tired to stand. The MaeWoon(Spicy) Galbi Tang is awesome here, it's probably one of the best I've ever had in my whole life. The spiciness can vary, but spice lovers can always turn up the heat by asking for some red pepper paste. It's also a fairly large portion so theres a good chance you'll leave fighting the itus. Chug it down with some ice cold Sapporo... man that's heaven. Overall, I've never heard anybody complain about the quality of this place or any of their dishes. It's been able to maintain the same high quality throughout all 24 hours of the day - I don't know of any place in the area that can say the same. Plus any gaijins will appreciate the menus here - it does a much better job of describing dishes here compared to other Korean places. I'd also recommend the JooMuhLuc Galbi and any big spicy seafood stew.
(5)Shine S.
Late NIght Dining (24 hours to be exact) Hard to find a place which is not like a diner style at 2AM. This place can get crowded at nights. The food is of good quality but it definitely can get expensive. I really like the Yook Hwae - raw beef - only for adventurous people. Overall quality, I do like alot, parking is easy.
(4)Paul M.
There should be a law or guideline against writing reviews when only your body went to a place and not your mind. I am pretty sure that's what happened me late last night. But I am not going to let that stop me. Three things I remember: 1. A beautiful pink or purple neon light in cursive welcoming us to the place. I just wanted to sit and stare at that for hours. 2. A bounteous table full of food and friends and conversation. 3. Lester talking to the waiter and I did not understand a word he said - like Lester - you're not making any sense at all - are you wasted or what? Thank you for the ride home Jimena. 4.10am when I got to bed. A sesh of exactly 11 hours. I really didn't think I had it in me, and actually, since I have no memory of Yechon, but I am pretty sure I enjoyed it, perhaps I don't.
(5)Kathleen M.
Yechon is located on Hummer Road. Teehee. Now that I've gotten that bit of 8 year old humor out of the way, I've got to say that Yechon is awesome. I had heard so very much about it over my years in DC and finally made it out in a post-80s party frenzy. Yes, I was wearing *that* dress, with *those* heels, and *also* legwarmers. Mmhmm. I'm surprised there aren't more 24 hour Korean joints, namely in the city. I mean, it's the perfect drunk food. Meat, carbs, lots of little things to snack on, and pickled shit. Okay, so maybe pickled shit isn't the best way to go after a night of gin and tonics, but I don't eat it any time of the day, so maybe it works. Who knows. Service is quick and I can't say I ever looked at the menu since I was with someone who knew exactly what to order. Everything I tasted was fresh and yummy, especially the seafood pancake. Loved that. So yeah, Yechon is awesome. Go there, especially with someone who knows what to order.
(4)Michelle P.
Its late, i'm dressed like Punky Brewster and starving. So when Kevin suggested Yechon, i immediately forgot the fact that i was dressed like an 8 year old TV star and focused on the starving. I realized upon arrival that i wouldn't stand out for my outfit, but more because i was not Asian. However, the fact that i was one of very few in this packed restaurant is a good sign.... more Asians means better food in my book! Kevin expertly ordered not only the perfect food, but the perfect amount of food... yum! I have absolutely no idea what i ate for the most part... but i ate everything. I kept an open mind and allowed anything to be placed on my plate. The galbi and bulgogi were AWESOME. Perfectly cooked and perfectly moist and seasoned. Well done. I also enjoyed my pancake thing. However, when i normally think of pancakes i think of moist and delicious and fluffy, not stuffed with seafood. But whatever. I ate my shrimp and octopus and was proud of myself. Service was great and they didn't even mock when i asked for a fork... ok when Brian asked for a fork for me. Overall, it was an awesome place for a late night meal... definitely will be back!
(5)Gene R.
ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE!!! I went there late one night with 5 or 6 friends after we were at a bar. The waiters acted like we were bothering them every time we asked them for something. They literally tossed our drinks and food at us. I asked for a Pepsi, and the waiter brought me a warm can. When I asked for a glass of ice, he rolled his eyes and went to get it. Also, the food wasn't that great. Everyone that worked there was Korean, and it seemed like they treated their Korean customers better than everyone else. This was on a weekend night, so it was packed with younger people, a lot of them drunk. I'll admit we were being a little rowdy, but so were a lot of other customers. Being open 24 hours, you'd think they'd be used to drunk people coming in all the time. I guess not. Our bill was over $100. We tipped $1 and some change. Abysmal service. Despite all that, I may give them another try since all the other reviews for this place are good. Maybe they were having an off night the time I went, but until I do go again, they are getting a bad score.
(1)George N.
I absolutely love Korean food and I am spoiled as I have spent many afternoons stuffing myself at my friends house and his mother makes some ridiculous bul gogi and kimchi. My Korean-american roommate recommended this place, but I wasnt impressed. the bulgogi wasnt too sweet and even the kimchi wasnt potent and the staff seemed very matriarchal and seemed to rush us! I tried some new dishes, but it seems the best thing to order is the bbq they make on your table. very crowded and the only redeeming value was to see such beautiful Korean women as patrons.
(2)Mike S.
Apparently I am in the minority that wasn't completely wooed by Yechon. The miso soup was good but my bibimbop was okay but just didn't taste like anything. Generally, the beef should be bursting with flavor but that flavor definitely wasn't in my meal. The hot sauce that they gave me to accompany my dish was not amazing but it was good enough to give the bibimbop some flavor. The sides (kimchi, mashed potatoes, bean sprouts) were okay but didn't really do much for me. Yes, it is open 24 hours a day, which is pretty awesome, but that isn't really a compelling argument to return any time soon.
(3)Judith L.
Bumped up to 5 stars. Why? 1. Seated quickly. 2. Order taken quickly. 3. Ban chan and water given almost instantaneously. 4. The rest of the food came out shortly after. 5. All the food was solid and plentiful (I have the remainders in my fridge right now, will be worked on tomorrow- possibly morning-) 6. Alright... I haven't been here in a while, so I don't know how "new" this is, but it is NEW to ME. And it is quite possibly the greatest thing I have ever encountered. No longer do I have to stare at my waitresses back, sending her telepathic messages to bring me my check. No longer must I send up a smoke signal when I need something... They now have "call" buttons on every table. Given, when you press it, as my curious dinner partner and I did, it sends off this awful dinging airplane-esque noise and everyone looks around... But at least two waitresses will be at your table in less than 30 seconds. Amazing, especially when it's crowded. All my complaints about service/waiting have been solved. And now, my food baby and I will spend the rest of the night sprawled on the couch watching TV. Thank you, Yechon.
(5)Michelle K.
This is my absolute favorite Korean restaurant. We eat here all the time. The prices are reasonable and the food is always awesome. Yes, there are other Korean restaurants that may be better if you're just interested in BBQ or naeng myun or whatever, but Yechon is otherwise all around good (their BBQ and naeng myun are really good too, but price/experience isn't as good as some other places). I highly recommend this restaurant. An added bonus is the bakery that they just opened up next door. They sell great cakes/baked goods, and have good coffee and frozen yogurt.
(5)Nancy T.
The sushi here is hit or miss (unagi great, maguro awful), but the real star is the Korean food. It's delicious! You get a ton of food for your order also. Come hungry! The restaurant itself is very warm and cozy with lots of wood inside and out. It looks like a little Korean country inn. Excellent service with very nice waitstaff who practically dote on you. Great neighborhood, too. I love this place. I'd love to come here to see what it's like early in the morning since it's open 24 hrs a day. Oh, I just asked my friend if he'd like to add anything to this review and he said in a pained voice, "No, I'm too stuffed." That says it all!
(4)Leon Y.
I was going to give it three stars, but after thinking about it, four probably fits it better. Why? I love their side dishes!! LOL. Before I even ordered anythings, the side salad were served already. Excellent. Other than that, the food is regular. I like the fact i can come really late at night and order whatever I crave for, just super. Extra points now for having the Breeze bakery next door. After done, I head on over there and get some bing su...hm.. what a good night.
(4)Mari G.
Great Korean (Asian) food with great service. Food is very fresh. They take pride in customer service as they are constantly watching to see if you need anything. They even have a button on each table to let staff know you need service. But, don't touch it as I did by mistake and it makes a chime sound that carries all around restaurant (I was embarrassed). Can't say more than other people have not already mentioned. Highly recommend and is now one of my favorite places. Try to stick to Korean (their specialty) and not the Japanese.
(5)Lillian W.
The restaurant is good for the fact that it is open 24 hours and the servings are generous. Other than that however, I wouldn't choose this place over the other options nearby. The food is decent, but there are much better options for korean food here in Annandale. They some Chinese-korean fusion dishes such as the sweet and sour shrimp, which was a little gunky in my opinion. The pork belly was okay, but too oily. The side dishes are good though. Also, the bibimbap looks appetizing- i'll have to try it next time. The crowd here is pretty diverse. You'll find alot of koreans, chinese, and non-Asians. It's an appealing place, really. I would definitely recommend those who party late night to try this place. It's very filling and will definitely "wake" you up ;) Parking is easy as well!
(2)Jasmine A.
Food was great but service was TERRIBLE. We ordered 2 BBQ dishes and the waiter brought the raw meat first along with the side dishes. Then she attended the table next to us who are Koreans instead of cooking our meat right away. While waiting, we started nibbling on the side dishes. We drove 2 extra hrs to come to this restaurant which was not even on our way. Plus we waited 45 mins to get a table and it was already past 9pm when we finally sat down. When the waiter finally came back to our table, our side dishes were almost gone, so I asked for another round. She said in this very tone as if scolding a child "THEY ARE NOT APPETIZERS, THEY ARE SIDE DISH AND YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO EAT THEM ALONG WITH THE MEAL. I CAN BRING A LITTLE MORE BUT THAT'S IT." I was absolutely appalled! I've been to many Korean restaurants, never once I turned down when I asked for more side dish. This waiter is just a mean racist! She smiled and brought more side dish when the table next to us asked for more without a word. First off, if she had cooked our meat promptly at the beginning like she's supposed to, then we wouldn't have to eat the side dish by themselves. It was late and we were starving, so what are we supposed to do? Cook the meat ourselves? We called the manager at the end to complain about the situation. He is a very nice sweet man, but I don't think he understands us well. He apologized and then he moved on to complaining about his day to us (the fact that he's been working since 9am and he's very tired and he's been working here for such and such number of yrs). Wow!!! I don't think this restaurant knows what CUSTOMER SERVICE entails. I will never come back here again! I rather go to other Korean restaurants like Honey Pig where I don't have to wait for long or don't have to pay too much for the entrees or don't get scolded like a child after paying $30 for a dish.
(1)David L.
The best kalbi I've had ever is at the restaurant. It's slightly pricier than I'd prefer, but the food is worth it and makes me forget how much of a cheapass I am :P So glad that there's good Korean food somewhat close to DC. Make sure you get here early, since it gets packed quick for dinner.
(5)Judy E.
Always good food bulgogi and spicy chicken good service yum even though it's 24 hr
(5)Miriam W.
What a feast we had here. Yechon has a high fun factor as well as having great food, and I really enjoyed my dinner. Doug and I decided to split one of their special meals for two, which comes with a seemingly unending variety of meats and seafood cooked over the fire tableside, and numerous little bowls of the vegetables, both pickled and cooked, that make Korean food such a treat. We ate too much. Our dining companions chose the sushi/sashimi entree and a veggie stirfry with soba noodles that were both excellent. I would come here for the sushi alone. The service suffered during our dinner, as these servers are very busy, and the woman who was cooking our meal left the lobster on, probably thinking she'd come back, and then never did. For first timers, there's a little button on the tabletop that you push when you're ready to order. We didn't know about it and sat awhile waiting for someone to take our order. We went on a Saturday night and it was outta control busy, so I'd try it on a weeknight next time, although my guess is that this place is always busy. Parking can be an issue too. Terrific food, lots of fun.
(5)James P.
I've tried the KBBQ and a soup here. In line with traditional korean restaurants, they bring out a bunch of appetizers for you to munch on before your entree comes out - really awesome. The KBBQ is fantastic - and the menu has so many options. I know I'll be back for more.
(4)CHRYSTIE N.
Whenever I'm in town, my cousins and I all try to get together for dinner. They picked Yechon this time. I was really surprised that they were open 24 hours. The place was packed on a Friday night but we were able to find a parking spot... The menu was massive... We ordered some dishes off the menu and also did the bbq. The meats were tasty, the sides were mostly good... It was very crowded and really loud but the 9 of us did ok conversing. I wasn't that impressed and won't be going back. @ $35 for each of us -- it just wasn't worth the money. I could get better food and better service elsewhere.
(3)Foodie C.
Keeping it simple Great Korean BBQ Each dish is very flavorful Service is ehhhhhh open all night
(4)Kelly K.
I am a fan and really like all of the little side dishes even more than the main course! Best deal is during weekdays Monday-Friday for lunch for a box lunch. Wish they had it during the weekend. Food is yummy...Place is always busy. Parking lot can be insane. Only thing I didn't enjoy was the BBQ cooked table side by the waitress. I wouldn't order this again but other than that I really like to eat here.
(4)Haiguang D.
Went there for lunch. They offer a huge appetizers (free i guess) w/ mashed potato, kimchi, tofu, kelp(hope I make it right) and miso soup. Ordered 2 lunch boxes (ton-katsu and bulgogi beef.) The lunch box is highly recommended. Low price ($8.95 or so) but very big sized. Cold noodle is fairly good (if you like it.) However, the dish came slowly (I guess it's due to the high occupancy at noon. when we left there around 1:30pm there were still two groups of people waiting for seats.)
(4)Jae Y.
Yechon. It has always existed as far as I know. Nestled into its own little corner by the intersection of 236 and Hummer Road, it is known primarily for its 24-hour availability. The food is overall not that great and is a little bit above the norm for Korean food. I do not know a single Korean person who would choose Yechon as a first choice between the hours of 10 am and 9 pm. Other than that, it's pretty much the only choice (I will never give away the other options to you gringos!) which presents a bit of a predicament. Service is much better during daylight hours when the ladies in traditional Korean garb are working and there are a few dishes not available during the night. If the sushi man is off, there is no sushi for you. There are some upsides to Yechon though! The staff is more tolerant of drunk non-Koreans than most places, it fills the Korean food void at 3 am, and it is one of few places that serves yook hwae bi bim bbap (bi bim bbap with raw beef and a raw egg). The yook gae jjang is okay too. Yechon is sort of like the ugly booty call. You only visit it at night when you're desperate and there's no alternative. It may never get the respect it truly wants from you and you may never really boast about it, but hey.. it offers pretty much the same thing as the other places and will always welcome you in.
(3)J K.
Advice: Go before 7 pm, because they do not take reservations! As background, I am used to Manhattan and Flushing's Koreatown food scene. I was really impressed with the combination set #1 (for 2 ppl), which is best for families with grandparents. It comes with mandoo dumpling soup (with real beef broth - this was a standout), bindae duk, kalbi, grilled mackerel, dwenjang soup, and I loved the purple rice in the pot, with black beans, peeled chestnut and ginseng root. Also good were the clear radish soup and various kimchis. Dessert is sliced orange. The line was insane and out the door at 7 pm, a solid 30+ minute wait, and everyone got a plate that vibrates when it's your turn. It was humid outside, so we waited in the 2-floor bakery next door - also a scene with samples and tons of people. Service was fast and courteous. Love this place!
(4)Joyce H.
It says something about a restaurant that is open 24/7 and has a line out the door. The side dishes were plentiful with free refills. The kalbi was good. The soon tofu was tasty, nothing spectacular. The 4 stars is because the bossam that was ordered was subpar. There were no oysters as the photo showed and the pork was tough, cartilage was very tough and had lots of fat. Order something else & you'll leave satisfied. Great to go with friends so you can share. Prices were a bit high compared to Korean Restaurant prices that I am used to in Los Angeles! But you can't complain for the authenticity of the taste and variety that Yechon offers.
(4)Hayden B.
We were introduced to this restaurant by a colleague of my husband and we have been keep coming back here since then. Beef slices BBQ, seafood combination BBQ and beef soup are our favorite. The restaurant setting is very simple and all kinds of people come in here; meaning different ethnicities, different age group, so do not worry about bringing an under-aged company.
(4)Alex H.
Was in DC for an event last week; stopped by Annandale on my way back to good ol' Springfield. Drove by a million Korean Restaurants, I think on the LRT. Even doubled back a few times looking for a place where I felt comfortable. I ended up at Yechon because, at least, the outside looked a bit more inviting than many of the other Korean establishments in the area. First of all, Yechon was packed; it was 9-ish on a Thursday evening. The female waitresses, dressed in the Traditional 'Hanbok', were plentiful. The footwear, however, was a motley crew of white and off-white with every variety from sandals to shoes. Isn't there such a things as traditional Korean footwear that's worn with the Hanbok? At least choose something that's works. That was my first impression after entering the restaurant....not good. The waitress arrived with at least 8 side dishes - banchan. All kinds of good stuff with the ubiquitous 'kimchi' - Korean's national dish. The side dishes were fantastic. If you are not a real lover of garlic, however, you might want to rethink 'banchan' - it's garlic personified. Was flying solo that evening, so had no plans of ordering the full gamut of Korean favorites. I decided to go simple..."Let's try the Kalbi Bibimbap". That's a staple, something that every Korean Restaurant should be able to do well. It arrived to the table in the stone bowl and it was angry - spitting and hissing. I added the gochujan (spicy sauce) and gave it a few swipes with the oval spoon. Had the right amount of rice, a variety of vegetables, and topped with chopped pieces of Kalbi. The meat was reddish and not the usual dark caramelized pieces. Maybe I wasn't paying attention - Did the menu say this was beef or pork? Of course, I assumed it would be beef. I don't think this was beef, though. I'm confused....what did I just order? Above my confusion, the dish was not bad. If it was beef, it gets a 2; if it was pork, however, it gets a solid 3. Fifteen minutes or so into the service, my waitress said good night to her co-workers and took off. I wasn't surprised all the much, but I've worked in restaurants and most ask you to stay until your last table is cleared. It's more a service issue and not as much a tip opportunity, in my opinion. At 10-ish or so, the guys take over the service of the dining room. I wasn't too hurt, though. Overall, the experience was not bad. Yechon is not the best Korean Restaurant I've ever eaten at, but I would surely go again. After driving around Annandale for 30 minutes or so looking for a good place to eat, Yechon was a decent choice.
(3)Thi T.
Get their fish dishes ... I got the yellow croaker. The meat tasted fresh and just right. Their casseroles were also very good. This is one of the few places where they gave out many different side dishes. I counted a total of 9! Next time I'll get their Yechon Specials !!! Be prepare to wait as the restaurant can get pretty crowded.
(4)Ross S.
Pork Tonkatsu
(4)Georgina S.
After much urging from my dear Korean friend, we tried Yechon. We frequent Hwa Gae Jang Tuh in Rockville. The side dishes in Yechon are better quality. But the BBQ items are better at HGJT from quality of meat, quantity and freedom of options on BBQ. The seafood pancake and accompanying sauce are better at HGJT. Service is inferior at this location as the waitresses try to be high class and are less sincere in delivering consistent service. Yechon is expensive. However I see the value of 24/7. HGJT has House of Shilla bakery which is a plus! Still a good satisfying experience if you are in the neighborhood.
(3)John K.
The original 24 hours Korean restaurant. Good Korean food. I don't expect good service from Korean restaurants anyways, to all you non-Koreans, my only advice is BE AGGRESSIVE. It's not about being polite or having manners. Yell across the room if you want more water! Just observe the people around you, they're all doing the same thing. Had the Yook Geh Jang which is a spicy beef soup. Very good, not a very hard soup to mess up. I recommend it for people in your group who aren't too adventurous and aren't willing to try the more "exotic" Korean dishes. Also had the Pah Jun which is a big giant seafood pancake. Very large, could easily be shared with a table of 4-8 people. Fried pancaky goodness. Usually when I'm in Annandale, and we want Korean, we usually go to Honey Pig or Yechon. I guess I have to expand my horizons a bit.
(4)Marshall M.
Waitress come right away after press the call bottom, don't need to wave your hand, try to make eye contact, or wait and wait. I've been eaten @ Yechon more than 15 years, good place to get hot & spicy lobster&seafood soup after late work or at 3 in the morning. No one can't beat the lunch special under $10 with miso soup, 4-5 side dishes and big bento.
(5)Vighna K.
So some friends and I were studying for an exam laaate on a Sunday night at UMCP. It was about 3am and we were craving some Honey pig badly. Honey pig had always been our "IHOP" if you know what I mean. A place that is always open and always hits the spot. Apparently the always open claim is not 100% accurate. We drove about 45 min on the middle of a Sunday night to find it closed for a 3 hr period. We were extremely upset and desperately googled on my phone another place that could hit or Korean BBQ spot. That is where Ye Chon came in...it was actually open 24/7. ANNNDD it was much much better. They welcomed us and took pleasure in listening to the story of how we got there. We got the marinated beef as always, I think its somethings Galbi. We got 6 orders for 6 people, just like we did at Honey Pig. But man were we surprised when 6 college guys could only get through 4 orders. Everything was good....the food, the salad, he sides, the rice, and the service. Def going back to this place from now on. The only bad thing is that its more expensive, but def worth it.
(4)angela n.
I enjoyed my ice-cold vegetarian noodles (literally, it came with ice cubes tossed among the ingredients). The veggies were fresh, and the thick, dark red sauce was pleasantly gritty with ground pepper. My husband liked his beef be bim bap too. He cleaned that bowl nicely.
(4)Juliane N.
This place was definitely popping when I came here to eat. I got their bibimbap. and pancake Super delicious! It was interesting to see a Japanese Korean place because I can order a tofu bowl with sushi. The pricing was definitely affordable, for the price you're paying, you'll definitely be full. What I really enjoyed more is the diversity of this place. I'll definitely be visiting this place the next time I'm in town.
(4)Kat L.
I'm so surprised I haven't written a review for Yechon yet, what's wrong with me?! Coming here on a date is fine. Coming here on a double date is better. But coming here with a group is the BEST. Even on a packed weekend night the wait is worth it. Once you sit you have quite a few options. Although part of the experience of KBB is cooking the food at your table yourself, it is much quicker if you request (at least) some of your items be cooked in the kitchen. Bulgogi, yes. Kalbi, yes. Both cooked in the kitchen? Yes please. Service is quick, and if its not quick enough for you there is a little button on the table you can press for some instant attention. They are very asian, they are there to get the job done, and don't care how your day was. You white folks might be put off by this, but its not rudeness, its efficiency. Sodas come in cans, and rice comes in nifty little silver containers. Its family style here, so be prepared to share.
(4)Michael L.
Yechon is a Korean establishment that's popular with late crowds cause it's open 24 hours. When I first moved to the area, I came with a friend for lunch but hadn't gone back since. Now, over six years later, I went back with a friend for a bowl of bibimbop. Yechon has a big menu and offers sushi, to traditional Korean foods, to Korean BBQ. It's been on television specials and is one of the more popular Korean restaurants in the area and for good reason. Yechon offers great traditional Korean food and the prices are very reasonable. Since it is so popular, be ready to wait for your table. On my visit to Yechon, I went with the galbi bibimbop. The bibimbop is served in a hot stone bowl that retains the heat and keeps everything nice and hot the entire time you're eating it. You're also served a wide array of traditional Korean side dishes, which are all very tasty. I also ordered some sushi, but as a self proclaimed sushi snob, if you're looking for high quality sushi, Yechon does not deliver. Sushi is average at best and not worth the money. If you want sushi, go to a real sushi restaurant. My bibimbop was great and would definitely go back for more some day. Overall, Yechon delivers good Korean food. I've never had the KBBQ here, so I can't comment on that. But if you're looking for good Korean food, Yechon will not disappoint.
(4)joe w.
The appetizers including kim chi were diverse and delightful. The sides make you feel like you have traveled to Korea and then some. This is a 24/7 opportunity to enjoy authentic Korean food and then some.
(4)R. G.
I love this place for being always open, and for providing me with pretty damned decent food at all hours of the day. I love that, when the tide of time surges to 11PM and beyond, and hunger pangs gnaw at my innards like a pack of starving ferrets, my options are not limited to digging through my sad and empty fridge. I have Yechon! May it live forever.
(5)Kino A.
PLACE: I like the set-up in this place. The center infront of the door I always see looks like a couple spot. Also, I never got to sit in the back behind the pillars either. It seems it may be for reservations or something but never bothered to ask. There is a bar but never tried it here. When you do seat avoid getting seated under an AC vent (usually in the two corners on the left and right side of the entrance as you enter. The waitresses are always nice and they are always dressed nicely, FOOD: Def 5 stars. Their food always satisfies me, but maybe its because my tastebuds already was tainted by alcohol. Believe it or not I finally came here when I wasn't drunk a week ago. The food was still really good, the usual korean mini dishes (dunno the real name for it) before the meal I always love. The raddish, squid, kimchi, potato, all of it is good. You can never go wrong with bulgogi and kalbi. I tried one of the soups once and tried my friends rice dish with eggs. It was good too. OTHER: Def go here if you've got the munchies right after a DC debauchery... OPEN 24 hrs. OR come back for a good meal when you just want some korean food.
(5)Kenny B.
The atmosphere and service are very pleasant. The food was very good. I had the Bulgogi box at lunch time and it was very busy. It was inexpensive, presented well and was delicious. Parking is tight when they are busy.
(4)Candi W.
Oh Yechon, I wish I can remember all the times that I 've stumbled into your restaurant late at night. Over all from what I can remember, I think it is pretty good. I need to come back here sober.
(4)Esther W.
I know this is a huge and popular establishment in this neighborhood, but there were a few things that didn't sit too well with me. 1. The lunch dolsot bibimbap I ordered didn't have an egg. That was pretty disappointing. It also didn't have as many vegetables as I've gotten in other restaurants. There was a lot of rice though (unproportional imho) 2. My friend asked the waitress what some of the items on the lunch menu were, and the waitress was dismissive and impatient. She didn't really explain what they were, and we couldn't keep the menus to compare and find the Korean word in the regular menu. 3. We had to ask for extra banchan more than once and the waitress didn't really pay attention to us.
(3)Heather M.
There are a lot of korean restaurants lying around in this area but which of them is open 24/7, offers good Korean bbq + many other tasty Korean dishes, offers speedy service, and is neighbors with a Korean bakery? Only Yechon. I kid you not, all of their dishes are exceptionally tasty. I've come here multiple times and I have loved EVERYTHING I've tried- from their tangsooyook, rajogi, soondubu, kimchi jigae, to their haejangguk and seafood pajeon, I really cannot rave about their food enough. My top two here are their tangsooyook and seafood pajeon- great dishes for sharing with a group! Portions are generous (and they don't skimp out on the flavor either) It gets crowded both inside and outside. It's pretty hard to find parking in the limited space they have. It's always packed inside- but they have a policy where all the servers are your servers so you don't have to rely on just one. Also, if it gets so busy where no server is giving you the attention you desire, there's a little button on your table you can press to be assisted by a server! They really know how to run this place successfully and efficiently. It's always loud and it's not the prettiest place in the world but definitely a great to go with a group!
(4)Joannah Y.
Whenever I come here I end up stuffing myself. They give you appetizers that would make someone's lunch/dinner already. Service is so so, our order taker got our order wrong. Maybe I spoke too fast or something. They were willing to take it back but I didn't mind the mistake. The food is good especially the barbeque. Will be going back because I haven't had everything in the menu yet.
(4)Dane C.
,One of my most favorite restaurants. I moved to Nor Cal 3 years, and haven't been able to find Korean food this good. It's got quite a few seats, and usually it's packed. The food is amazing. So it's been over 3 years since I've been here last, and the food is still as good today as it was over 3 years ago. Service staff is friendly, and helpful. I used to come here at least once a month, when I lived here. I am glad I made the trip over here. If you like Korean food, chances are you won't be disappointed with the food. I always get the gyoza, delicious and not to heavy. And usually get the bulgogi. Today I got bimbimbap, #7, and it's so good. It's also open 24/7, which is good when you're hungry late night. Way better choice then Dennys, or IHOP. Check this place out!!
(5)Madeleine Q.
I love this place overall! The one thing you MUST TRY at Yechon is their gamasot-bop (literally translated as rice cooked in a caldron). This is one of the most chewy, nutritious, and tasty rice you could get at korean restaurants. It comes with purple rice, other grains as well as ginseng and chestnut. This rice comes as part of the jung-shik package dinner for 2. We tried combo special A, $38 for two people, which comes with short rib BBQ, grilled mackarel, soybean stew (den-jang-jjigae), dumpling soup, and a variety of side dishes. I agree with some of the reviewers here that the quality of service is subpar. They rarely come back to check up on you but they are not rude either. They just let you be. I also love the fact that this is a 24-hour restaurant and they have expanded the parking space in the back so plenty of space for every car!
(4)JOhn P.
must have to cal ahead for a table reservation. Service is prompt but I recommend other places such as Iron Age for beef. all you can beef is pork, which I don't care for.
(3)Ben F.
This place is legit if you're looking for authentic Korean food. Service was quick and mindful, food was amazing. Just how restaurants are in Korea. Will definitely go back. Their cold noodle soup was on point.
(5)Arvie M.
I always come here after midnight when nothing else is open. I would never come here at 6pm when everything else is open, because this is by no means my first choice of Korean restaurant in Nova. The food is good, but in my opinion, I've had much better Korean food elsewhere. I should say that some people would say that the service is not very good. I had a server once tell me to shut up after I asked him a question (he was trying to answer me but I kept rambling on) but I'm pretty sure he was joking. Also, in the middle of the night they have like one or two servers in the whole restaurant, so when it's packed, it's very slow. But that's not the servers fault I suppose. I'm pretty easygoing, so I didn't mind these things so much, but I'm sure other people would.
(3)Erick H.
Excellent authentic Korean food. We went with a deaf Korean friend, and had an awesome experience. The Panchan is great, the Bulkogi is amazing. Bibimbap was excellent, with lots of veggies and meat. It was missing the egg, though. They have a buzzer at the table that you can push and someone will come and find out what you need. They are always willing to bring out more side dishes. Loved the atmosphere and the food.
(4)Pin C.
I like to come here on special occasions and it has always been great no complaints. Tonight we came and got a table for 6 and the host or manager (old man) kept walking to our table kept asking how much longer until the rest of our guest arrives. He kept eyeing us and I told him that they are almost here and we were eating appetizers; it's not like we were just sitting here. Then he comes by again asks again every 5 minutes and says that we've been here an hour already and I said no it's only been 30 minutes. All this man cared about was turning tables quickly and not the quality of customer service. He even bothered the table next to us because they were waiting on the rest of their group too. NEVER COMING BACK..The servers are awesome but not that man.
(1)Mila C.
Although, I would have love to give this place 3.5 stars, I can't since there is no option for half stars. After looking at the pros and cons, unquestionably, the pros outweigh the cons. Let me just say how much I love the fact this place is 24 hours. I was craving korean food so early, that I was worried there wouldn't be any places open. Yechon was the optimal choice. When we first came in, I was surprised that there were waitresses dressed up in hanboks. I commend them for having to wear those hot clothes while running around all day catering to the customers' needs. I was craving something fried, so we ordered the tangsooyook (fried pork). They didn't have it because it was too early or something. Granted, I arrived at 10:30 am, but if it was too early, there should have been a separate menu or a time sheet for when something is available. Then, I ordered naengmyun and they didn't have it either. We finally settled on the pajeon (korean pancake). Regardless, it was all delicious. I ordered some fish soup while my boyfriend ordered the kalbitang. The soups were incredibly cheap for lunch. I didn't think you could find these prices anywhere else. It was so affordable $6 for each soup. I'll definitely be going back again, but perhaps at a later time.
(4)James Y.
Came here with family after another Korean joint was closed at 4pm. Worst service I've ever had the displeasure to experience. They sat us down in a timely manner, gave us our menus, and then promptly ditched us. Ten minutes, still no water, no service. Fifteen minutes, I decided to ring the bell. Lady manager looked at the number, LOOKED AT US, and then ignored us. It was unbelievable. Five more minutes later, nothing. Rang the bell again. The lady manager looked at the number, LOOKED AT US AGAIN, gave a look of contempt, which was infuriating, and sent a server to our table. I told my parents let's leave because I was pissed. My parents being much more patient, decided to stay. We got our orders in. Kalbi Dolsot Bibimbap for me as per usual. After ten minutes, no side dishes, no water, no nothing. I rang the bell, stared the lady manager down, and she sent someone over. I asked about the water and side dishes. Mumbled something about it coming. They brought everything out together. My dish had half the kalbi it normally comes with. Finished the side dishes, asked a passing server for me. Of course it never shows up. Told my parents that we're leaving zero tip. I don't mind tipping 20% or more when the service is good, and 18% if the server is average. But I felt zero remorse over leaving zero tip. Never going back.
(1)Tatiana R.
Food was pretty good but Im actually writing this review because of the horrible, offensive, and down right rude service that my family received today at this restaurant. Just love being rushed from my table and when the waitress opened all of my to go boxes shes lucky I didn't smack her hand! I am beyod pissed at my experience here. Have be coming here for years but will NEVER SPEND ANOTHER PENNY AT THIS PLACE!! Save yourself the trip and just go to Honey pig down the street!! They lost more then just one loyal customer today......
(1)Julie B.
My late night go to spot for years since its in my neighbor :) Food is always consistent!Service is off/on but that's not why I eat here. My bf & I always get the same thing, galbi & spicy squid soup. I've tried to get something different but always find myself going back to the usual. Get the galbi, you won't be disappointed!
(3)Thanh B.
This place is huge!! It was a long wait but they said we could wait at the bakery next door with the buzzard, pretty cool. Service was great, the Korean lady's are really nice and attentive. Got the special number 2 Combo with a side order of soju. Great place for large groups and midnight snacking.
(5)Sarah C.
This place is always bumping with people. Definitely made for all cultures. Customers are not mainly Korean but it draws a diverse community. Good is all authentic and the menu is so vast. I've never had a bad experience here. However I will say it is always busy, no matter what time of day you go. Sushi is fresh and portions are pretty big/filling. I've shared with someone every time I come.
(4)Charlotte Y.
Like 99% of Korean restaurants, this place has pretty aggressive service. If you come during busy lunch or dinner hours and have already finished your meal, don't expect to linger and have nice long conversations there. They might start off subtle by clearing your table and giving you the check, and later literally ask you to leave. This doesn't bother me much since I'm Korean (and this is culturally somewhat acceptable) but for non-Koreans, I understand it could definitely be a WTF moment. For the most part these traditional hanbok wearing ladies speak limited English, so when asking them questions, speak slowly. They might not even speak any English... so point at the thing you want on the menu. The food is consistently good here. If you're clueless about Korean food, try the Kalbi or Kalbi hot stone bowl bibimbap. (If you get the stone bowl, DONT MIX THE BOTTOM LAYER OF RICE, let that baby sizzle a little and you'll get a nice crunchy layer of rice on the bottom). While traditional bibimbap usually comes with a fried egg on top, the Kalbi one does not. Ask and you shall receive. I forgot how much it was, I think $1 upcharge. The sashimi is (surprisingly) very good here as well. Hwe Dub bap (Korean version of the Japanese Chirashi) is highly recommended for anyone that prefers fish or in the mood for something that taste fresh/light. Try the Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Gi-Gye) or Seafood Stew (Mae Eun Tang) if you are feeling adventurous. Open 24 hours. Lightning fast service. Consistent food.
(4)Cristina K.
If you aren't local Korean and know the good mom and pop places this will seem amazing to you. The food is good but I think there are equal if not better places for Korean food that's not so expensive. We probably won't come again. The wait was long but seemed par for the course. They were busy. I had the mul negmung, my husband the galbi tang, my son soon-dubu jig, my daughter California roll. For the prices and hype we were expecting stellar food. However we were left feeling... eh. My guess is that they are popular for their galbi and what I like to call foreigner friendly korean food. The negmung was decent but I like Manna's in Burke better. The galbi tang disappointed my husband, his is far better. The soon-dubu jige was average. If you want authentic, go to Lighthouse tofu. The only thing we thought was worth the price was the California roll. The service was a bit lack luster. It took forever to get our banchan and equally as long to get our food. Again, they were busy but from what I've heard it's always busy. So that would mean service will always be slow. My great confusion was WHY so many people were waiting to get in? My guess isn't because of the food but the hype they've been able to build up. I'll stick to my real korean food joints.
(2)Melissa H.
Came to Annandale after a friend mentioned all the great Korean restaurants. We picked Yechon because it had the best reviews. The service was good here and we were seated quickly. We ordered dumplings, and each had a different bowl of bibimbap. The lunch special bibimbap was quite good with very fresh ingredients! The barley tea was new for me but very enjoyable.
(4)Nicole Y.
Food is decent, but not great. I wouldn't order any specialty dishes, but the staples, such as Korean barbecue and most stews, are fine. What makes Yechon a go-to spot is the fact that it's 24-hours, convenient to get to, and friendly to non-Koreans.
(3)Dan M.
A nod to these guys for being 24 hours already as it was a life saver for me. I have actually been here a few times now and its known for being open 24/7 but surprisingly the food is actually good as well. This place is somewhere you can expect to be seated relatively quickly without some absurd wait time, and the staffs are extremely friendly and even joke around with you oddly enough or maybe it was just the witty Korean banter. This place Is a jack of all trades and serves up a variety of Korean dishes, Korean BBQ, and then a sushi bar which is always concerning for me as places that are too spread for their menu tend to do make mediocre food. The service is always quick and they keep the soju flowing so already won this Koreans heart over. The meat is a good portion without feeling like you are go into a meat coma and the sashimi boat is enough to feed a family of 4 easily while the quality remains fresh too. They give you plenty of banchan so delicious. As started in this review, there was one weekend I was here where I caught the flu and was dying while tossing and turning at 4 in the morning. There was only one cure which was a hearty bowl of yook hwe jang but where can I find this at 4 Am? Yechon. Boom problem solved. Thank you for being reliable and always open.
(4)Leonard C.
This place is overrated, it is terrible, the food is not good and really bad service, first of all, the table I sat down at was messy, there was dirty napkins on the floor and the table was not clean, the menu was sticky and falling apart, the sides weren't that good, I tried ordering sushi and the server gave me a dirty look telling me that their sushi bar is closed. The menu nor the sign tells the customer at what time the bar closes which was very inconvenient. I ordered the bibimbap, and it was the worst thing I've ever seen. The "ground beef looked like frozen dirt with thrown vegetables in a plate. I had to painfully eat the sides to get rid of the nasty taste the food had. AVOID this place and save your money for a better place, I will not be coming again.
(1)Jennifer B.
Food was the best Korean BBQ we ever had. One word awesome! Breeze next door is also an amazing bakery with so many options. Dinner+Dessert+Coffee= Good Times!
(5)Connie C.
Food is pretty alright and it's one of a few places that's one 24/7 in NOVA, so that you can feed that hunger at any time! Service is spotty but I'm sure I would be pretty out of it by 3am too! I would say their Korean pancakes are something I order every time. I think it all just depends on what time you're heading in there so keep that in mind!
(3)Kirk S.
God, I love Yechon. And Breeze (their sister restaurant, a cafe). There needs to be more places like this in the world. Yechon is a Korean BBQ place, meaning you get delicious meat dishes quickly and 24/7. It's genuinely impressive how nice this place is for being 24/7 - it's way cleaner than I expected and everyone seems a lot nicer than you'd expect. Prices are decent for the market. The food is superb. It's hard to screw up cooked meats or bibimbap, but everything I've had here has been beyond excellent. Even their free appetizers - including kimchei - are amazing and refreshing, and add a nice acidic kick to what is normally a rather hearty meal. While the bulgolgi is excellent, the real winner in my mind is the marinated short ribs, which are basically perfect in every way. Go here! Especially if it's 2 AM and you have no idea where else to go.
(5)Sin Y. K.
The food here is actually good but the waiting AND service STINKS. If you go on a weekend night-- have fun waiting. What everyone usually does is go to the bakery next door and chills until their beeper goes off. YES-- the beeper still works next door! The stews, meat and sushi are all really good. Maybe it's because I've waited over 30 mins for a table that I'm just starving at this point. The service-- well, I've gone here with as little as 2 to all the way to 6. Same exact mannerism to all parties. At least they're not biast? Whether you are Korean, white, other Asian, Hispanic, mixed parties, etc. you will be treated the same with the same stare if you take too long to order. Just be expected to know what to order when the ladies in the traditional Korean clothes comes up to you. The value for the food is pretty good priced. The suggestion is to go on a non-busy time (which I've never done) and NOT at night-- especially weekend. It is 24-hours!
(3)Vera C.
The food wasn't bad and everything tasted fine. I just thought the service was half and half. There was one waiter that was great, one that was so-so, and one that just didn't seem that friendly. There was a helpful level to a degree but, they kept bringing us the wrong order or not giving us parts of our order. Again food wasn't bad just little bit of funny service.
(3)Mireya C.
I liked the spicy shredded beef soup, without the egg though. it was even better the next day.
(4)Chay T.
Ive been wanting to check this place out for awhile. We didn't do Kbbq, but had the pancake, and hawe dup bap. The pancake was tasty, not too salty. I was really disappointed with the hawe dup bap. I have had better...in a food court. I would come back to check out their other menu items. I am totally loving the expanded parking lot. They needed it.
(4)Tom C.
Ahhh Yechon.... "The Korean restaurant" staple of Annandale that everyone knows and every Korean visits as well. They do it all well but this is NOT a Korean Bbbq restaurant. This is more a Korean 24/7 diner that has authentic soups and entrees and then throws in sushi just to prove that Koreans have there own sushi style as well. Confusing yes, but more importantly...there lunch specials are spectacular.
(4)Emily N.
It was the first time I tried it and it was really good to try the lunch special it was the best
(5)Chieh Y.
My family and I have frequent Yechon for almost 7 years now. Back then, it was really good. However, I am not sure what happened today. We went in for lunch and the waitress looked distressed. She was not friendly at all and sat is quickly. Came over and asked us what we would like right away. We asked a few question about the lunch menus (as we have never been here for lunch.) and she didn't seem like she knew much English to explain certain dishes. I feel like the menu is ver over priced. $16.95 for Japchae? Really? That's insane! It's just clear glass noodles with a few veggies and few meat thrown in. Nothing that special. So back to the service. We ordered. Got our food, and it tasted very bland. I got the Galbitang and my mother got the kimchi pork stew (spicy). Both tasted very bland. However, I will say that their rice... Is on point. I love the texture and the consistency of their rice. We've also ordered the bulgogi and the flavor is good, although the meat is all in small pieces. We didn't get much for paying dinner price. I think it was $16.95 or $18.95 around there for the bulgogi. At the end, I looked at our receipt and realized that they have charged me for a soda. I've never ordered a soda. I talked to the waitress and she acted as if I had ordered it. After saying no, I didn't... She took it off. I gave 10% tip because the service was very bad from the moment we have stepped in. Fast, but bad. Right when I put my check book down, the waitress came over and picked it up, opened it and looked at the tip. I, myself have been working in the restaurant industry for over 8 years now can tell you that, that is very rude to do while the customer is still there. Tips are a privilege not entitled. We all work to make money as waitress/waiters but you have to work for it, shouldn't be expecting it when giving your customers bad service. She walks away and started speaking in Korean, showing the other waitress the tip I gave. Pointing at it and all looking at me. I almost want to walk up to her and tell her that she's lucky I'm even giving her 10%. I felt like giving nothing. Not coming back ever again, as there are abundant of different Korean restaurants around here. Too bad, we've been loyal customers for so long too.
(1)Tiffany B.
Oh Yechon... How I love thee... I digress... Like.. how can you not LOVE this place! 24 hr authentic Korean food! OMG... You can find almost any traditional Korean dish here! The Bi Bim Bap is the best too! It can get pretty busy, but it's never a long wait... Their sushi bar is the best! They have a great selection of rolls and the price is right too! I usually get the Mexican Roll with salmon sushi! And the portions are niiiiiiceeeee!
(5)Jane P.
They had a decent and cheap lunch special. I got the galbi bento box and it made me full. I liked some stuff on the bento box, but not everything. The galbi was tasty and i liked the roll. Although, they only gave you one of that. The salad was good too, but didn't really enjoy the fries food on the side. I saw a man get a sushi and sashimi combo and that looked really good! I was regretting what I got:( the combo was huge for like ten dollars. There were huge slices of sashimi and it looked so fresh and delicious. well, next time im going to try the sushi and sashimi combo!
(3)Jill W.
This place is legit. The 4 stars are on the food. I've been here and the service varies. Sometimes it is very fast sometimes it is slow. Everything I've had here has been delicious. The first time I came here with 2 friends. One of those friends ate here another 2 times that week it was so good.
(4)Merry M.
Never disappoints. Also love the fact that they have the option to cook the bbq in the kitchen for you because sometimes you don't want to smell like a meat pit. I've tried this place at so many different times. Lunch-great lunch box deals, midday-good, dinner-good, late night- still good. The sides are plentiful and the prices aren't too bad compared to their competitors. I do wish they had a spicy pork belly option, but the spicy pork bulgogi is good enough! Service is acceptable, especially for a kbbq spot.
(4)Irene C.
Great place to go for late night grub. Only gripe I have is that last night, we were packing over leftovers to go, we wanted to take what was left of the banchan. The waiter or manager comes over and says we are not allowed to take banchan. I dont understand why b/c they would throw it out after we leave. It's not like we asked for refills and then asked for it to be packed so we can take it home but these were leftovers!
(2)Alexis K.
I avoid Yechon like the plague not because parking is a nightmare, but because the food is just not good, in my humble opinion. If you've got the drunchies, then Yechon probably tastes like delicious fireworks in your mouth, but if you're just trying to enjoy some good Korean food, Yechon is not the place. Yechon is probably the most well-known Korean restaurant in the DMV area, but it always falls short of my expectations. I grew up eating Yechon, and it seems like as soon as the restaurant gained massive popularity, the food quality took a serious nose dive. Service is usually just fine (quick & efficient), but the food itself is either too bland, too salty, or sloppily executed - like a cook just threw a mish mash of things into a pot with hot water + gochujang and deemed it edible. Because Yechon is a 24/7 restaurant, there are inevitably many different chefs/cooks that work the kitchen. So pretty much, your food will taste different all the time depending on who's cooking it. I'm impartial to Korean restaurants that try to do sushi, KBBQ, jjigaes, and entrees. If the menu reminds me of The Cheesecake Factory, then a huge red flag goes up, at least for me. Gom Ba Woo and To Sok Jip are my go-to Korean restaurants in the area. The menu selection is definitely smaller, but their food really packs a punch, which Yechon unfortunately lacks. NOTE: Yechon is expanding their parking lot - good news for those that spend 10+ minute circling the tiny lot for a spot!
(2)Monica H.
Food was good and they have the preparation down to a science. We were new to this kind of food so we got a sampler which was great but difficult to know what everything was and wait staff wasn't very helpful.
(3)Sheryl M.
This is our second time here! I don't love everything we order but a like a lot of it! It's such a fun evening and we always head over next door for desert at Breeze! The hot pepper scallion pancakes may be the best thing in the menu! They are truly fantastic if you like hot food! We love the atmosphere and both times had very helpful wait staff!
(3)Justine S.
For a 24/7 restaurant, the quality of this place is great. Whether you're coming for lunch or after a night out, the taste & quality of the food stays consistent. The menu is quite vast and consists of a fusion of Japanese and Korean dishes from sushi, udon, and teriyaki to soondubu, Korean BBQ, and bibimbap, the sky's the limit! I always get the seafood pancake-- crispy, warm, and always a big hit amongst a group of friends, but as a warning, it's HUGE. Their special marinated pork BBQ is also a top contender-- it's spicy, succulent, and delicious. The assortment of banchan here is probably the best out of all the Korean restaurants in the area in my opinion. And virtually any dish is pretty much a hit! There is plenty of seating and once you order, the service is quick. It's never a regretful late night food run if I'm eating at Yechon!
(4)Dani P.
I can't believe it's taken me so long to finally eat here. Oh wait, no I can. Parking has always been awful, and now construction eats up even more of the parking availability. Yechon is 24 hours, and it is busy for just about all of those hours. I went during the day when it wasn't AS busy. It was just before the recent snow, so my friend and I ordered soups. The soups are a good price, between $9-$15 depending on how fancy, but the bowls are big and the helpings are generous. They kept our glasses of hot tea flowing. I think it's easy to get lost in their menu. It's Korean and Japanese food, and the menu is a little too long for my taste. As long as all of the choices are tasty though, it's all good. It's conveniently right next to Breeze Bakery, so you can hop over and enjoy desert and coffee once you're done with your meal.
(4)Dmitry D.
This place is good. I thought this was going to be another honey pig but it wasn't.there must be a reason why everyone not just Koreans go here. At this place the menu is better suited for everyone. The wait staff speaks English can actually explain everything to you.our already most of them. The food was so good fresh with a bunch of little plates tat cone out with.which is actually every where. But w loved the atmosphere the sushi is so fresh and the seafood pancakes one big one really good crispy outside good amount of veggies and seafood on the inside. And for the amount of food it wasn't that expensive. We are going back soon and week try done more Korean favorites. Good bless the USA for the big variety of did places.
(5)Abbie A.
I have heard plenty about this place and was excited to try it out with the fam bam while we were up in NOVA. We go inside and get seated in an out of the way spot since we were a bigger party. We look over the menu and there are tons of options of what to order - Japanese and Korean food. We order a ton of food and wait for it all to appear. In the meantime, we all got served some green tea. Weird to have it in plastic cups. It's hard to hold on to with it being hot. Anyways, the food starts a lovely procession to our table. Only the pork belly is cooked on the table side grill. The bulgogi and other food are cooked in the kitchen. No big deal, but that's part of the fun with the table side grill is it being cooked right in front of you. Plus, we had to order 2 orders of the pork belly just to be cooked in front of us. In the end, all the food was amazing and boy was I full. We had ordered the grilled salmon, seafood pancake, bulgogi, pork belly, and probably some others that I might have forgotten. The wait staff was nice. I especially like the button we could use to get their attention rather than having to flag them down. Still, I much rather prefer Honey Pig. Why? The banchan (sp?) or sides were refilled better. More things were cooked in front of me. Plus there are no crazy limits on how much or how little we had to order for it to be cooked in front of us. I think the prices were for affordable at Honey Pig as well. I'd probably pick here if you're trying to avoid the repetitive Korean music videos and garage feel of Honey Pig or if you just wanna hit up Breeze Bakery afterward since it's right next door.
(3)David L.
I am surprised I didn't know about this place all these years. This place is packed on Saturday night even late. We had to wait for about 30 minutes for a table. When we left around 10pm, there's still a line to get in. Anyway, we ordered the seafood with noodles that is cooked on the grill in a steel bowl. We also ordered a bibimbob(beef). Both are great. The small side dishes that they bring out are pretty good also. I notice a lot of people order the Korean BBQ beef. Probably 75% of the tables did. The only downside is the waitresses speak mostly Korean and understand very little English. So if you want something specific, it's hard to get it. But that is trivial. Overall, a great place to eat with family and friends. Will be back for more.
(4)Margaret S.
Delicious bulgogi and kimchi. Miso soup and lots of starter dishes come almost as soon as you sit down. We love to go here and they are open 24 hours!
(4)L M.
For Korean grill, this is my go-to place in the DC metro area. The meat is good, well marinated and prepared, they grill at the table, the servers are very attentive, and they bring copious amounts of the free side dishes (there were at least 8 I think). Remember to save a little bit of room for Breeze bakery next door afterwards!
(5)Connie C.
24 HOUR Korean BBQ?!?! We were starving, exhausted, and cold -- Yechon was our savior at 11pm! We drove through many miles of quiet towns and darkness, and finally a beacon of neon lights and a packed parking lot appeared. We ran in, decked out in party dresses and all, and got seated immediately. The place was nice and toasty, and we enjoyed the occasional bursts of warm air from the overhead fan as we waited for the banchan, pork dumplings, kalbi, bul go gi, and kimchi jigae to arrive at our table. The food hit the spot! The fried dumplings were huge - an order comes with 5 pieces - and I'm not sure if we managed to finish the 5th one. It was a bit oily, but flavors were great. The meat dishes were deliciously marinated and grilled, and the kimchi jigae -- the vermicelli noodles inside the stone pot were a nice surprise -- was great over rice. This late night feast definitely made up for the lamb sliders, sweet potato fries, fried deviled eggs and mini cupcakes that we had missed out on earlier in the evening. It's great knowing that I can have Korean BBQ at 5pm or 5am in VA!
(5)Ed L.
Many other reviewers here have articulated the wonderful dining and eating experience here, so I won't bore you with those details. I will add that the place was shockingly packed at 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon when we arrived for a late lunch. But this restaurant will always be special to me because of their forgiveness regarding my son. My 18-month-old son likes to wander and he was drawn to two gigantic vases inside the front door of the restaurant. He walked over to one and before I could make my way to him, he had placed both of his grubby little paws on one of the vases and pushed it over. The vase cracked like an egg, and the vase was ruined. Mortified beyond words, I told the waitress who was sweeping up the pieces that I would pay for a new vase, and my wife approached the owner to say the same thing. However, he gently refused my wife's offer and told her not to worry about the vase. Despite repeated offers, he continued to turn us down and made me feel so much better about not being more vigilant about my son. So this place will always be special to us and we will be committed customers forever.
(5)Claiborne C.
Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. We ordered the Yechon special # 3 and the bibim naeng myun. It was was WAY to much food for three people and but oh so delicious. The wait staff wear traditional Korean dress (hanbok) and there is even light Korean music playing in the background. The place is open 24 hours a day. If you really want the authentic Seoul experience, visit the Korean bakery just next door. Prices were good, I will definitely try this place again.
(5)Arzo I.
Yum. Why have I waited this long to eat here?! Only had one thing so far, so I will be back to update this review. Pretty good priced sushi rolls. Had the Cali and the spicy salmon. Very attentive and nice staff. Def will go back soon, maybe tomorrow...
(4)Trisha D.
I freakin love this place!! It seems like it always costs A LOT, but I'm beyond stuffed when we leave here, and even have food left over (although usually not much). The beef short ribs are the best thing to get for the BBQ in my opinion, but the spicy bulgogi is also very good. Their banchan is always a little different, but it's all very good. Love the fact that they are open 24 hours too!! The service is good, even when busy. And the ladies are so nice!! Once (I think it was our first time) our waitress didn't speak very good English so it made it kinda difficult for our first visit, but now that we understand how it works, it's all good!!
(5)Carolyn B.
I had heard about this place and seen all the reviews and longed to go. I walked in around 7pm on a Sunday night and we did have to wait a bit. It was about 10 - 15 mins before we got seated. We choose to get Samgypsal (you have to have a minimum of 2 orders of meat) and then we ordered more food later. We started eating the banchan (side dishes) which were delicious! I had a lot of fun speaking Korean to the waiters/waitresses. Most of them were amused with my Korean and I really enjoyed chatting with them. We got a bottle of soju (about $13) and then ordered a spicy Korean pancake later to fill our brimming with happiness tummies. All in all, the overall experience left me satisfied and wishing I could pitch a tent inside and never leave. I wished that I could be fat so I could eat more... ASA! May the year of the tiger shine brightly on Yechon! I'll be back with my tiger hat on!
(5)Steve N.
Been here a few times. The service is from fair to bad, but in all fairness, I usually go at peak times when there's a line for a table. So, they're quite busy. The food is great and the banchan seems to keep on coming. Great assortment and always fun to try new stuff. Definitely worth a try.
(4)Kevin Z.
I had a great experience here. Quick with their service! We got a table for 2 under 10 minutes on a Friday afternoon for lunch. We were greeted by a waitress at the right time to order. Ordered the Galbi Bibimbap from the lunch menu. Only thing I wish they added was the egg. Kinda disappointed but hey it was good!! There is a bakery called breeze next door and they have a lot of interesting baked goods the atmosphere is really great!
(4)Arabella J.
Me and my parents drive by this place a lot, but we never went in. When we FINALLY came I knew we had hit the jackpot. Like most Asian restaurants it is open 24 hours so you can drop by whenever you want. Their menu is gigantic so its good for big groups. One of my favorite dishes is he bulgogi it is really good. I had Nokd Jeon (mung bean pancake) and Yakisoba udong (pan grilled Japenese udong noodles tossed with vegetables.) The udong noodles were delicious. Thick noodles lightly drizzled with sauce and just the right amount. The Nokd Jeon was pure delicassy. Fried, with a crisp outside. They also served many sides including: Kimchi (spicy picked cabbage,) Potato salad, and seaweed salad. The sewead salad was ok. It had a squishy texture and a strong taste that I did not care for. Instead of water they served warm barley tea which had a flavor similar to corn. Suprisingly it was very likable. The service was nice, fast, and attentive. I recommend this for people that enjoy good Asian food.
(5)Mary A.
Late-night Asian (Korean) food that is actually pretty good. I would normally be a bit wary of 24-hour restaurants when it comes to quality, but this place was a surprise. I'd recommend it over other 24-hour restaurants (like Amphora or Bob & Edith's).
(4)Mary S.
DEEE-LISH!!!!!! their food is fairly priced and the sushi is great - I don't really do the korean barbeque part, but my friends say that is delicious as well - and i love their chicken yakisoba! 6/11/11 After a disappointing experience at another restaurant (the salsa room) we came to yechon. I love this place, we've been coming here for years so they know my husband and I quite well. U'll love them! The manager, the sushi chef and the waitresses are SO eager to please. thanks to them, they salvaged the night that another restaurant almost destroyed.
(5)Soo W.
Discrimination! Discrimination! Discrimination! It gets busy at this place all the time. I will not argue the food is good. And usually since there is no host stand you have to wait for the lady to put you down on the little notepad she walks around with to get you the next seat. She speaks good English so she is very confident. Well...this one evening I got a very Korean Korean speaking young guy, with glasses. Who obviously did not want anything to do with the English speaking people and definitely not someone that is not Korean "looking." We stood in line for 30 minutes until finally I said, "Do you not see us here? We've been waiting here for 30 minutes and still have not gotten a seat." His only response was, "Why didn't you ask to be put on the list?" Notice, not an apology. The lady that usually plays "host" puts your name down, she actually walks down the line and asks for name and how many people. This dork just stood there in the front waiting for you to come up to him and he wrote down your name ONLY if you spoke to him in Korean. I know, my husband heard her telling her significant other she just spoke to him in Korean. Not even 5 minutes later, they get seated before us and we were in line first. Classic, unfortunately. Hey Yechon owner, before you pick you substitute host, make sure they can speak English, respects the guests since we, the paying customers are your paycheck. I was so angry with the disrespect I refused to speak to him in Korean. 45 min. later we get seated. We will never go back there again.
(1)Duane S.
I am a Korean food novice, but I really liked this place. It is a bit cramped though. The line was out the door for lunch service. The accompaniments were a bit different than other Korean restaurants I have been to, but still really good. Our group had bulgogi and short ribs. Both were excellent. Though the bulgogi had mushrooms instead of onions like other restaurants. I will definitely go back.
(4)Dong H.
Its a Korean/Asian I-Hop 24hours which still doing well and alive today. This place never changes unlike any other Korean restaurants around...back in the days we used to come and order after club hangouts in d.c to eat and go home. Now the quality of their food seem to decreased but still worth it. they got best Raw Beef YookHwe gotta ask to see if they have it...Haejangguk, Galbi jjim, BoSsam steamed pork is normally what we order every time I come here. there are some good days and bad days depending on their rush hour time...but their service is good... this place is well known don't be shy if ur non-korean... This used to be the one and only 24hour korean restaurants there's many to choose from now a days.
(3)Roll T.
3.25 stars. Yechon has an almost cult-like following on Yelp so the chances of you finding anyone actually disparaging this place are going to be few and far between. Still, the best thing I can say about Yechon is that it is 24 hour Korean food. While that is definitely a compliment, it doesn't make it a comparable experience to other Korean places I have tried both inside and outside of the DC area. My experience with Yechon was probably horribly scarred from the forefront. First, it wasn't 3 AM. Second, I was sober. Thus, it appears that two of the main criteria for enjoying Yechon were not present for me on this visit. They started us with a healthy amount of banchan. I don't remember all of what we had, but I do remember the kimchi (spicy cabbage) wasn't as flavorful and crisp as I would have liked. The bean sprout dish tasted like they might have been marinated in vinegar (good). Miso soup was tasty; I annoyed my dining companions by using a spoon to eat it. We had bibim bap served in a hot stone bowl with spicy sauce. Oddly (and unlike any other experience I have had with bibim bap), the resulting mixture tasted more like paella. While that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, it definitely was not what I was expecting. The bulgogi here was rough and spidery. This particular version lacked a healthy dose of marinade. There were no nice, crispy edges to the beef. It was a clear departure from one of my favorite Korean dishes. Despite these faults, it should be noted that the menu is expansive. I think on a subsequent visit, I might try some of the less talked about dishes and see whether I can revel in some authentic Korean glory. At this point, however, if I happen to be in Virginia late at night and someone suggests Yechon, I'm probably going to counter with Kabob Palace or Ravi Kabob. Yechon is decent, but it isn't yet on my list of favorite late night ethnic food options in Northern Virginia.
(3)Alice A.
If my suitcase was big enough I would bring this place back to the SF bay area. 1) 24 hr Korean restaurant! I don't know any Korean place in SF that's open 24 hrs. 2) Amazing lunch menu selection: for really reasonable price ($10.95), I had what I consider a perfect combination. Korean bbq (the ribs) and cold noodles (spicy). Not surprisingly this place is popular and I am told you often have to wait in line for dinner.
(4)Ann C.
Not Bad Virgina...Not Bad =) I'm from Los Angeles- home of the best Korean food around! Even fobs from Korea visiting agree we got some BOMB korean restaurants in Cali. We got a lot of 24 hr joints too. So my review should be held valid for all reasons above: Location: Right by the freeway, next to 7-11...easy access. Decor & Staff: How cute- the waitresses are wearing hanboks =) keeping it old school I like it! Food: SO MUCH variety of food to choose from! Japanese, BBQ, korean soups/noodles and more where do I begin? Overall pretty good! My uncle and I shared a combo 1 and it came with the following: - grilled fish: meaty, salty and good! - sashimi of salmon and yellowtail... not that fresh but still edible. - 2 bowls of dumpling soup: not as hearty and thick as I'd like but was delicious. - bean paste soup: tons of tofu, beef and mushrooms I liked it but it was a bit too "jja" aka salty. - 2 korean bbq ribs: I liked how they cut it up for you. It was sweet and addicting! Prices are decent and for a 24 hr joint the quality and quantity of food is really good. I saw a lot of tables w/ interracial couples and non-koreans dining and I can see why the food is considered good for me so for a non-asian it must taste booooomb diggity for them! lol I also saw a table with some boys one who looked pretty cute =) dang uncle cock blocking hahaha
(4)Christine S.
Our table ordered the beef bulgogi, spicy pork bulgogi, hot pepper pancake, gyoza, spicy tuna roll, udon soup, and jap chae. The food was awesome. The hot pepper (and scallion) pancake itself wasn't very hot, but when you dip it in the sauce, that's where the kick comes. The gyoza were good and had the perfect crunch. The dipping sauce for the gyoza is the same for the pancake - if you don't like hot, just avoid the seeds in the sauce or use the soy sauce, which is available on the table. The spicy tuna roll was good, fresh and cheap - only $4! when they brought out all the food (and banchan...err...kind of like little side dishes), it was quite the spread. I totally recommend getting something to cook at your table --- the smells of bulgogi cooking are scintillating. the jap chae was pretty good...or at least I am pretty sure it was. The guy who ordered the jap chae scarfed it down and didn't share. haha It was a lot of good food. The service was great. People were constantly coming by - refilling our waters, adjusting the heat for the bulgogi, asking us if we needed anything, etc. They have a call button that you can press if you need someone. We pressed in and within a minute or two, someone was there at the table. The place IS busy and was packed so it's sometimes hard to hear, but after the food comes out, you'll be so into the grub, you won't be talking all that much until when you're in the car, remarking on how good it was and how full you are. Bonuses: They are opened for 24 hours and are right near a Korean bakery that's open until midnight.
(5)Hue K.
If you are not planning on having BBQ or expensive dish BUT want to have good time for your lunch or dinner, Yechon might not be the best choice. This place gives different side-dishes depending on what you order. I and my friend just got regular korean dishes and we saw different side-dishes between our table and other who was having BBQ, so we asked one that we saw on the other people's table and the waitress said they didn't have that item. My friend said she had similar experience and that time, the waitress said that there was no more the side-dish my friend asked for after seeing it from other's table. I don't think one small side-dish would cost their business that much or would increase their expense a lot, but this type of discrimination just ruins the customer's day. I felt pretty bad while I was having my meal there and swearing to myself that I would never come back there again. I would rather go to a place that gives me friendly service without any side-dish or discrimination, and then at least I wouldn't feel bad about what I ordered or was eating.
(2)David L.
I'm always skeptical of 24-hour restaurants, but maybe that's because I associate them with dirty diners. This is not the case with Yechon. The inside is spacious and well-kept. We stopped in at 8:30pm on a Saturday and still had to wait for a table, so be prepared for later crowd. It's worth the wait though. I can't say what I ate because my Korean friend ordered, but it was good all around.
(4)Brenna R.
Ah.. what a find. Worth the drive off the "main strip" of restaurants out near Honey Pig. Pros: For less than $15 a person everyone in my group walked away stuffed on some of the best Korean food I've ever had. Sides were delicious though not the most creative one's I've ever had ( a lot of ___ in a hot sauce, much like a lot of Korean food). I opted for a hot beef soup which was just spicy enough, packed with veggies, beef, and noodles, and incredibly satisfying. The broth was clear and clean, a mark of well-make soups, yet complex and flavorful. We also ordered a hot pepper pancake for the table- a very filling and interesting addition to the meal whose leftovers make a great breakfast the next day. Its also worth noting that without any calling ahead on a Friday night, a table of 3 got a table after a 15 minute wait. That's worth the 4 stars alone! It's also 24-hours, and in theory the perfect place to get something spicy and greasy at 3 am after a night out. Though being so far off the metro I have trouble imagining the logistics of making this new dream a reality. Cons: The place is a flurry of chatter in every language imaginable, servers franticly running around, and the occasional cart of food. I wouldn't call it loud per se (there were people on dates all over this place seeming to hear each other well enough), but just... busy. Also...the service. The bussers were great, fast to take dishes and refill glasses, but getting a server was an event. Service is a game of push the button on the table to ring the service bell (?), wait, ring it again, wait.. then finally just flag down someone to take your order, get your check, etc. Though this did give us a certain leisurely feel in this chaotic space, a sense that we had the freedom to enjoy a our good food with good friends without interruption. And really... isn't that what eating out is all about?
(4)Michael E.
There may be better places for Korean BBQ in Annandale, but I always end up at Yechon. Good food, not a long wait, decent prices and easy to get to off 495. I always get a serving of Bulgogi (diced beef), Dak Gui (spicy chicken) and japchae (noodles). The food is always tasty with the plethora of sides that come streaming to your table. I have been told there is better, but the ease of dining at this restaurant always wins out for me.
(4)Hannah C.
New Year's Day... Came here to celebrate the new decade with some bibimbop, and was pleasantly surprised to not see the hordes of drunken college kids that I envisioned would be here. Nope. These weren't the wee hours of the morning... It was mid afternoon on a federal holiday and the place was occupied by large groups of sensible adults and families with small kids. The largely wooden interior was clean with lots of light. There were tables with cooking surfaces, but we sat at the others. The bulgogi I saw on other tables looked yummy. The food was pricier than I thought it would be, but it was well cooked, and the banchan were good. I even liked the shape of the miso soup bowl. The service was excellent. But most importantly, and the reason they went from 4 stars to 5, they had the anchovies that I've been looking for for months. Yay!
(5)Elliot P.
Four adults and a kid with a penchant for noodles. Solid Korean BBQ, we went with the Special #3 and opted to keep the Lobster, but in hindsight would have switched it for more bulgogi or something else. Not the best range of side dishes I have seen, but well priced and tasty. Would definitely go again.
(4)Steve O.
The ultimate utility Korean restaurant. I use the word "utility" not like Anthony Bourdain. I use the word like how some baseball players are described as utility fielders - players that can play many different positions well albeit not playing any one amazingly well. OK back to Yechon. So no, they don't specialize like many others places you see off of Little River Turnpike but it seems like everything they have, you can probably bet your ass it's good. It's been around for a while and has stood the test of time with their great food and full gamut of Korean dishes offered on its menu - lots of options for BBQ, fish, soups, and stews. And all at very decent prices. Another huge plus is that they give a lot of banchan (side dishes) with your order. It can get pretty crowded, especially during weekend dinner time, but staff here always seem helpful and attentive.
(4)Steph L.
Always busy but the turnover rate is high so you never have to wait too long. The food is usually pretty decent. Nothing's bad but nothing really blows your mind. Offers a good banchan selection. The food comes out quickly, which is impressive considering how busy they are. The wait staff speaks the best English among the area Korean restaurants, which is a plus if you are a non-Korean speaker. The food is on the pricey side compared to some other good Korean restaurants in Annandale, but I guess it's worth it when you can count on Yechon for your Korean craving at all hours.
(4)Deanna J.
Korean BBQ flavored with eating at midnight. . . or really anytime since this place incredibly opens 24 hours a day! Drive up and be bombarded by a building covered in neon signs. It'll certainly wake you up if you're even close to sleeping! I was surprised that the inside of this place is really nice, with a nice wooden interior. But more importantly, the food. Minimal talking happened at our table because we were all too busy concentrating on the re-donk beef sitting in front of us. Thirty or so frantic minutes of eating later, our entire table was close to clear. Satisfaction at its finest!
(5)Scott L.
Definitely the standard to compare to. Nothing is amazing but everything is solid. Other Korean restaurants have couple dishes that are good, but you can't go wrong with anything you order here. They are able to keep things ethnic and still bring non-Korean clientele consistently. Don't get there after 10pm - food goes to shxx during late night.
(4)Mr H.
Very good Korean cuisine. Reasonable price and good quality. Usually very crowded. Expect to wait if you show up on a Friday or Sat night. Extensive menu offerings. Soon doo boo chigae is spot on. Interesting offerring of panchan as well.
(5)K L.
Went at lunch and I was less impressed this time. The service was still great. The food just wasn't as good as the first time. The beef ribs were good but the rest of it that came in the galbi lunch box was mediocre at best. The shrimp seemed to be fried with eyeballs and shell still on, the California roll piece was loaded with roe which isn't my thing. There was something that I think was a fish stick which wasn't appealing. The salad was lettuce and dressing. There was some unknown items swimming in a brown gravy in one section. Nothing else really stands out. There are places I like better so its unlikely I will return.
(3)Jessica K.
i've been here late night after drinking so getting kimchi jigae was bomb. another time i came was early morning so i got the abalone stew was good. i came here for lunch and ordered the sushi special, was was good. for dinner, i ordered a bunch of small korean plates which was also good. my experience here has been good so far. but i wouldn't say that it screams excellence. being korean, korean food is just food. nothing really special about it. the service is good. i like the banchan they give. the place is open 24-7. so, why not??
(3)Daya B.
Loved it here for a quiet lunch; it's very busy, but chill. Pricing, environment and service are excellent!! Very cozy, and the cuisine is delicious!
(5)Tu-van L.
You come here on Halloween night and all the slut-tastic Sailor Moon wannabe Harajuku girls come out for late night grub. Plus the jap chae (clear noodles with kalbi and stuff) was delicious and the scallion pancake and the kalbi dolsot bibimbap are solids as usual....
(4)Beryl N.
Best place to go if you're craving for Korean AND Sushi in Annandale area. I usually get a sushi roll and one Korean dish (pork rib soup, bibimbap, bbq meat, etc.) My friends and I all agree that Yechon have the best bibimbap around. Yechon used to be the only 24 hr place around (pre-honey pig, etc.) so it was a total hit for after clubbing grubbing. Still a popular spot but the service and quality went down a bit in terms of side dishes and bbq meats. Since the place is nicer in decor and the staff is friendly, I take my first timers (non-Asian friends) here to try Korean food. Although you might want to ask specifically that you want them to grill the meats in front of you instead of having them cook it in the kitchen if you want the full experience of Korean BBQing.
(4)Cafe W.
I'm still not used to korean food.. but I went to this place late night yesterday with my friends I order Bulgogi.. it was lil plain but still really tasty with rice.. and I stole some of my friend's tonkatsu... it was pretty good as well this place is pretty expensive.... but I think it's worth it to eat with friends and have a great time :)
(3)Chris L.
I used to love coming here to eat the "Boyang Tang" spicy goat meat soup. I loved coming here because they used to give you huge portions in a big "dolsot" bowl but they give it to you in a smaller bowl now and give 80% less meat. I haven't been there in a couple months and drove all the way from Laurel, MD just to eat this and they now give you smaller portions, significantly less meat, and the price is still the same. Other than that everything else seemed to be the same.
(2)Mauricio M.
Good consistency and great lunch specials.
(4)Anna D.
Best banchan ever!
(5)Chrystina Z.
Damn I love this place! Open 24/7. The log cabin exterior has neon lights... think of the Simpsons episode where Homer eats the blowfish and thinks he has 24hrs to live ("Well 22hrs, I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long"). You know what I'm talking about? The sushi place where the sumo wrestlers are in neon lights bumping bodies? Yeah, that place. This is it come to life... although Korean and not in Springfield. Never ordered the sushi. We always get the #3 Ye Chon combo/variety platter (perfectly feeds 3 ppl) and also bibimbap and jap jae (when feeding 5). Huge delicious meal for about $100 for 5 ppl. You MUST eat here. No vegetarians allowed. Surprisingly those Koreans eat lots of meat. The servers never smile, but hey, they're Asian and just look pissed off. I would know; I'm 1/2 of one. Worth the drive out from the city... even though Glebe Road haunts me in my sleep tonight.
(5)Doug P.
Great Traditional Korean food. Their seafood pancakes are delicious, bi bim bap is good, and bulgogi is very good. The staff is attentive for such a busy place (love the paging systems on the tables)
(4)Micah P.
This place is okay. I've been here twice. One time was about 2 years ago and I recently went a couple weeks ago. I like Korean BBQ, so the taste didn't disappoint me. However, it was greasy and their service isn't so cool. I remember the workers were rude 2 years ago and this most recent time, they would just brush you off. I really don't know what else to say... but that might say a lot. P.S. I went a second time to give it a another try and meet up with friends visiting the area, but I don't think I'd do it again by my choice.
(2)Dale H.
Customer of many years. Food is very good. Enjoy hae jang guk a lot. Special menu prices are unbeatable. Service is ok and rushed. Ambiance is ok. Busy place.
(5)Noha M.
This place was awesome! I tried Korean BBQ for the first time at Honey Pig and I wrote it off for good. But I was convinced by some friends to give it another shot and I am super happy that I did! The ambiance is great. The food was excellent! The service was on point. I was very happy. And I will definitely go again!
(5)Janet H.
24 hour korean food? What else can go wrong? I like Yechon because I know where I can go in the weee hours of the night when I have a craving for korean food. Their variety of ban chan is awesome and I thought their food taste pretty good too. Granted, I don't come here that often because it's a bit far from where I live and how often do I really drive all the way to Annandale late at night for food lol. I can barely stay awake past 10pm nowadays. If I wasn't already in VA at Fast Eddie's (see my last review), I probably wouldn't come here. They have a pretty extensive menu... offering both Japanese and Korean options. This past visit, we were in Fairfax for some company event and ended up leaving hungry so I thought.. hey let's go get some Koreannn!! I got the beef bibimbap and some soup dumplings. I loved their ban chan and sadly, I was full from ban chan by the time my food came out =P You can't really mess up a bibimbap so it was tasty and the soup dumplings were okay, nothing too special. As for price, I thought they were decent. I'm pretty satisfy with all my visits at Yechon :)
(4)Cindy S.
Me and my boyfriend go here at least once a week! Short rib soup is always amazinggggggg!! Did I mention the great side dishes?! YUMM! We are always there for late night, and be sure to get the tall guy with the glasses! I don't know his name, but every time we are there, hes nothing but fantastic!!
(4)Erika K.
The first time I can here I was like 17, and it was 3 o'clock in the morning and the place was PACKED. from that moment I knew it was going to be amazing. and it was! The Kalbi beef is to die for, and they also grill delicious mushrooms along with the meat to give an extra little something something (It is a little pricey, but def. worth it..trust me!) Kim chee gigae is also amazing here, perfectly spicy and piping hot! I don't remember the name of this next dish, but it was basically a Korean seafood fritata, and it was CRACK! Also, all of the side dishes they bring out are delicious! Their kimchi tho is very hot and cold, sometimes its ridiculously perfect, other times its less than ehh.. The only reason I am not giving Yechon 5 stars is because of the service. The waitresses do NOT like people outside of the korean race. I eat ALOT of korean food and know a little korean, so I always try and be respectful and they always shoot me down...basically super bitchy and slow service..except when I go there with Korean friends.. But still one of the best Korean restaurants in the DC area for shizzle
(4)H L.
Yechon is a great Korean restaurant that I find myself coming back from time to time. The food is always great with decent amount of choices, and the service is usually good if you manage to avoid their peak-times. Compared to other Korean restaurants in the area, Yechon gets really packed with people during their peak-times, and I have had several occasions when I had to leave for some other restaurants. Other than that, I've always been satisfied eating at this place.
(4)Pat O.
This is my go to place for Korean food. I have tried Korean eateries all over DC & Northern Virginia and Yeochon is where I come back to. It's not knock your socks off good but it is by far the most consistently good place to get your Korean food fix...also it's open 24-7 so if you really, really must have soondubu or denjang jigae 3 in the morning there's no better place. I've had most of their tang, kuk and jigae's (all types of soup), bibimbap's and their bbq fare. They've slightly Americanized their food and are therefore a bit sweeter, greasier and less spicy than what you would find in most Korean restaurants in Korea but it is still good. Yechon will bring out more banchan (side dishes) if you order meat dishes versus the meager spread you get if you just order the rice or soup dishes...so we usually ensure at least one person in the group orders the bulgogi just to get the better banchan.
(4)Brandon C.
This was a first-time experience for me and Korean food and I was just wow'ed. The beef was so juicy and flavorful, you'd think that the cow was marinating before it became food. The side dishes were quite tasty and certainly welcome interludes between the meatening. I had a preference for the Korean Mashed potatoes and cucumber salad. Kimchee is not my strong suit, but the wife gladly took one for the team. But I can't stress the quality of the meat. It's expensive, so it's not something you should go to often, but a welcome occasional treat.
(4)Chris S.
24-Hour Heaven! If you happen to have a few extra 1s around, this place is not for you. If you have an expensive late hour appetite after partying this is the joint 4 you. Korean food tastes better than Denny's, IHOP, and diners any Friday or Saturday night. Ordered 2 meat dishes (number 3 and8). Chicken and beef in specialized sauce. I later found this tender mild chicken and medium-cooked beef was special. The customer service was amazing. I LOVE KOREAN SPOTS. Waters filled, bbq flippin on time, delicous chicken/meat ? this place was legit! 2 Dishes ended up being around. 37.........Worth Every Bite (:
(4)Hyunoo P.
My mom cooks better than you. But otherwise, you're a decent alternative. My mom won't make me bibim bap at 3 AM, nor will she set out 6 dishes of banchan and tolerate my white friend's raucous laughter. For that I applaud you. While your methods and decor are modern, my mother is a classy ol' gal. The food she makes is classy too. Her ox tail soup is clear and perfectly seasoned with love and affection. Yours looks like the cloudy veins of an opiate addict (which are trendy). And tastes like you didn't even try to season. Thankfully though, you provide a saucer of salt (because your salt shakers are broken. How roundabout of you!) Now, it may have been the booze buds talkin, but I liked your bibim bap. I've had it countless times before and never have been a big fan. I mean, your gochuchang was this thin sauce-like substance rather than a thick paste but still, I ate nearly half of that huge bowl. Kudos. Your Daeji bulgogi was ok. The marinade was right but where were the charred crispy edges? Where were the searing hot coals pulled from Hades? Where was the old man drinking soju while grilling garlic chips? I digress. I've been hungry at awful hours and you've been there. I gave you an extra star just for that. Keep it up Yechon; one day you'll convince me to gel my hair back, wear black square framed glasses, and hit on korean girls at restaurants.
(4)Jane K.
After calling 911 on an overdosing meth addict at midnight outside a party in DC after working 15 hours straight with a hangover...the thing I wanted most was a hot shower and bed. The greater group (and my ride back to the hotel) had a different ending in mind. A Korean feast in Annandale. Open 24 hours and located almost an hour from my hotel (which brought on initial feelings of sadness and regret) the food, our hosts promised, was worth the pain of exhaustion. And they were right. Everything, from the bi bim bap to the seafood omelette to the bbq short ribs...all was the best quality/flavor I've had yet in the realm of Korean feasts. We stuffed our tired bellies until they sagged. We must have looked like a heard of zombies but I was determined to power through and continue to eat so that I could justify the journey. It was justified. Unfortunately, on the way home it began to flash flood on the Virginia highways and we had about 3 near death hydroplaning experiences. At least I lived to tell the tale of Yechon.
(5)Ray C.
I measure a good restaurant as not only having great tasting stuff, but it has to be filling, with respect to price. So Yechon has achieved the former but not the latter. We had a group of four(one girl) and I would say that my palate was satisfied but I was still hungry. We had five meat dishes which were tastefully cooked on our table with the portable grill. So maybe you think I'm a fatass...tough call. 50/50. I got home and had to eat immediately as I was still about half full. If I pay $30 for one meal, I sure better be leaving painfully full. This was not the case so the next time I go there I'll be sure it's after I've eaten already. PS. The service and wait time were very good considering this place was jam packed to the walls on a Saturday night.
(3)Roo N.
My fave korean bbq that gives you everything you ever wanted from bbq (that's korean)..HMM! I mean, this place is comparable to that special person in your life that always is there for you..in times when you're drunk, sober, want to take the family out and impress them with the skillz...this place is like that!! My shoulder to cry on when i'm in need of some korean soul food! This is another place I always ask my husband to take me too but he won't take me since its always crazy jam pack!! so now we just order and pick up!! Even more amazing!! Yechon cuisine at home and no crazy drunk kids! Did I mention this place is open 24/7...seems like it anyway.. This place holds dear memories to my heart...ode to my after-the-club-grub days in 2005.
(5)Tony P.
It's odd, but I've been finding myself here more often at the early wee hours of the morning after a long night out. The facility is bright, roomy and handles large raucous yelp crowds with aplomb. There are buttons on the table that can summon the wait staff, if you're not able to flag one down in the crowd that congregates here in the middle of the night. The menu is extensive, but I like to stick to the savory bulgogi. The usual banchan and kimchi sides augment the entree. Considering this is one of the few places available at late night to satiate your alcohol hunger I guess it's not so odd after all.
(4)Dan W.
It's a relatively traditional looking restaurant which is neat since it's open 24hrs and others are trying to look mainstream to get the younger crowd. Yet you'll find lots of younger gens eating there after... 2am, and usually has a good amount of people during normal hours. The menu is great but makes harder to decide. The food was awesome: the side dishes are fresh and can be refilled, good quality ingredients, made the way they were supposed to. Sure many people go there for the BBQ but that's not the only good thing they have to offer (like sushi for Japanese). The price is reasonable for the quality, compared to other Korean places around the area. Service was good, they're always polite and I like the waitresses' outfit.
(5)Melody C.
the Kalbi Dolsot Bibimbap is really good. It's like regular dolsot bibimbap (hot stone bowl with rice & veges and some meat topped with a dollop of korean hot sauce and an egg) BUT WITH KALBI (marinated short ribs). yumm. also if you order the seafood pancake it's pretty huge. dont over order b/c they always provide complimentary panchan (?) the little small dishes with kimchi, potato salad, bean sprouts, or other korean styled pickled veges. i always enjoy meeting friends here for late night dinner. i see the place still bumpin' past midnight (and for much longer i'm sure since it's one of the only good 24/7 places in the DC area).
(4)Keith K.
This is one of my favorite restaurants! Options include Korean BBQ, sushi, soups, etc.. My favorite dish here is the spicy shrimp "Mae Woon Sae Woo". The shrimp are battered and a spicy/sweet sauce is poured over them. Add in the Korean beef + an assortment of side dishes that come with your meal and it's a good night every time. Did I mention it is open 24 hours!?! You have to try it if you even remotely like Korean food.
(5)Krista V.
I'm 5 months pregnant, and had a craving for Jap Chae. Mind you, I haven't had Korean food in about three years, so this craving took me by surprise. But I was determined. I set up a Meetup with my mom's group, and a few of us met up for lunch. The parking lot was packed---the first good sign. It was very crowded inside but the RELATIVELY nice host/manager found us a table and highchairs. Before our meals came out, we were given complimentary appetizers (?), and while Kimchi was the only thing I could CLEARLY identify, they were all very tasty. For lunch, I ordered Jap Chae, a flavorful glass noodle dish with beef and vegetables. My friends all ordered Bi Bim Bap. Good, but not as good as the Jap Chae. I'd certainly return. After all, it's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
(4)Lindsey L.
Went here last night with a group of 6. It was a decent time, a fun thing to do with a larger group. The place was PACKED at 8pm, a good sign, and we waited about 10 min before being seated in the semi-private back part of the place. We jumped ship from Heebeen Restaurant down the street a bit for this place and were very happy we did. The fact that this place is full of legit Asian people gives a newcomer confidence. The waitresses (with their neat outfits with bright colored skirts) were no doubt being pushed to their capacity and service was curt but efficient. We the Yechon Special #3 which is a lot of meat and side orders for $55. It fed 6 people, but maybe I got the short end of the stick because I was still hungry. I REALLY wanted to try another dish that is jumbo shrimp in a light breading with spicy sauce! As a "plain-old-white-girl" I don't even think I can accurately assess the quality of the food. The mackerel was too foreign for me but the tofu soup was good and the side orders were all unique flavors. My bottom line: Go, try it, you might love it! Very family friendly. FYI: Our bill came to $85 (6 people before tip!)
(3)E M.
How can you not like Yechon? Open all hours, service has been great for me. Great food. Definitely worth a visit if you haven't been and like korean food.
(5)Steph W.
The 24 hour Korean bbq is AMAZING! This is one of my favorite places to eat in the area. The best deal is the Yechon special: (54 bucks) and you get 3 types of meat, tofu soup, shrimp, lobster, rice, and side dishes! It usually feeds a family of four people (even though on the menu it recommends only feeding 3). The only criticism I have of the restaurant is that some of the female waitresses are not that friendly, but other than that if you want Korean food with variety and authenticity, this is the place to go! I didn't give it five stars because I'm torn between this restaurant and another 24 hour Korean spot (see next review).
(4)Susan L.
Atmosphere/Service: The prices are definitely eye catching. Sunday brunch is always busy and packed with a diverse group of people. You have your mom and pop Koreans coming in as well as your non-Koreans. This is quite the casual place--don't expect a huge explanation of your menu. But rather, they say hello and what do you want to order in the same breath. The women servers are always bustling about getting more dishes, drinks, or whatever you need. It's like a whirlwind of traditional Korean skirts. There's a button at the table that you press when you need something and a number/bell rings. They'll come in a jiffy--but they don't always look happy. Food: Side dishes are the best part of this place for me. The variety alone and quantity alone was enough for me where I could go without ordering an entree. The miso was boring and didn't even have sea weed in it. We ordered bibimbap for our entree. I've had bibimbap more times than I can count, but this one didn't have an egg in it! Blasphemy!! The price was much cheaper by a few dollars--but I'd forego that for an egg! It's part of the dish and yet they skimped on that. The spicy red sauce they give wasn't spicy at all, but seemed rather watered down (probably to stretch it more). i usually walk out with my tongue burning but not this time. Much worse, my friend found not one, but TWO strands of curly/wavy long black hair wrapped up in her food. Oh it wasn't laying on top or bottom, but looped up in our food. When she found the first one, I tried to laugh it off. Oh, it's a semi-fast food/diner place. There's bound to be some hair...just ignore it. But the 2nd one killed me. Watching her unwind it out of her rice was the closer for me. Overall, food was subpar...but you get what you paid for. The prices tempt you. If you're looking for just ok Korean food, just OK service, and speed, come here. Otherwise, spend a few bucks more and go elsewhere that won't have curly hair.
(2)Kevin O.
I used to live in South Korea and Yechon is better than most of the food i had there. I'll make this short and sweet: -way nicer than honey pig -don't bother with sushi -they are open 24 hours! -get some friends and order the #3 special grab dessert next door and go home stuffed and happy
(5)Yelper O.
This place is just simply below average. They are excellent about advertising though. It's popular among non Koreans. Have you noticed that the customers are mostly non Koreans (Remember that Asian does not necessarily mean that they are Korean). That's because Korean people know that there are MUCH better Korean restaurants in that area than Yechon. Perhaps Yechon is considered to be THE Korean restaurants because they advertise pretty well and the waiters and waitresses do not get intimidated by non Koreans (many other Korean restaurants do, which means poor service). Personally, the only time I would go here is late at night because everywhere else is closed, oh wait! Honey Pig is open, okay, nevermind... I have a better place to go. Don't settle for mediocre food.
(2)Ron M.
First of all, let me preface this by saying that I attended this restaurant a little tipsy, as do most people I would imagine. It was 4AM and I wanted something to eat, but just anything, I wanted bulgogi. The place was surprisingly packed for how late it was, but I guess I wasn't the only one with early morning Korean food cravings. We sat down and were promptly served our small plates of kimchi and other items (I especially love the spicy cucumber). After snacking for a bit, we placed our order for some bulgogi and other BBQ items. On a side note, if cooking the food at your table is your thing (it is for us) be sure to sit at a table with a built-in grill. The meat arrived soon after we ordered and the cooking began. The wait staff was even kind enough to flip the meat in case we were too occupied (or drunk) to take care of it ourselves. The meat was tender, flavorful and quickly devoured. Overall it was a great experience.
(4)Jill H.
Yechon is a great Korean place! I love the small 6 plates they serve as starters. (They're included!) I ordered the duck & dumpling soup; it was really tasty. The dumplings were light & fresh. My colleague ordered the BBQ ribs; SOOOO good! His lunch meal came with a little bit of everything. Other lunch item menus come like that too. The place was packed for lunch! I can only imagine how busy it is for dinner!
(4)Lindasauce B.
24 hours + the menu is massive! Korean + Japanese cuisine, but this is a Korean joint. It's next to a cute Korean bakery, and the bon chon is really good! : )
(4)Jerry Y.
service is the worst. Tt starts with the manager/owner. I was there Saturday for dinner with party of 5. We get there and place is packed. We wait for someone to take our name.. as we are waiting a group of 3 people comeup and as if we are on the wait list... I tell them we haven't spoken to anyone. An elderly man and women walk right past us and go directly to the manager and speaks Korean to him. Next thing I know that party of 6 walks right past us and gets a table. The manager asks us how many in our party, I tell him 5. I get a pager. The party of 3 get their pager along with another party of 3. Then a party of 8 get a pager too... Next thing I know, everyone who is waiting after us are getting a table... even the party of 8. It has been more than 20 mins since we first arrived... I got pissed and left.. There are way too many Korean restaurants in Annandale to be treated like this... It's as if you don't speak Korean you are second class citizen... The worst? I am Korean.
(1)John T.
Top-notch Korean. Don't order any Japanese dishes. I regret getting the Yakisoba. It was aweful Supermarket market grade lo mein. But their BBQ is always good but a bit pricy. $17 for pork belly or bulgogi. You have to order 2 expensive BBQ dishes in order to get BBQ. (we ordered bulgogi and pork belly and was told we needed to order another BBQ because bulgogi dousnt count). Anyway, lots of great sides: kimchi, spicy tofu, cold steamed egg, mashed potatoes, and many more. Also 24 hrs. Very consistant.
(4)Kim N.
Korean food. That is decent. Available 24 hours. 365 days a year. Ok, you get the drift. I love Yechon! I've come here for dinner, I've been here late night, and what some may call as breakfast. It's awesome! Some of my faves: soon du bu with beef, steamed man doo, spicy kalbi tang, and dolsot bibim bap. Their banchan is great and i've been able to ask for my faves if they're not given to me (ex. mashed potatoes, spicy bean sprouts, etc.)
(4)Katie F.
Stop 3 for the Yelp Saturday Night Crew Around mid-night Kevin L, Alicia C & G, Cadence R, Brian, and PC W went to Yechon. 3 of us had never been here, so we left the ordering to the experts--and they did good. While I can't list off all the things that I ate, they were all delicious. I liked the Kimchi and other Banchans, but I am not sure my stomach likes that I ate it this morning. The meat---oh the meat. So flavorful. SO delicious I know where I am going late nights from now on.
(5)Christina C.
yechooooon!! So I'll be straight forward. Came here first time with some friends for lunch on a Saturday; it was crowded, but we got a table right when we walked in. Yakiniku, yay!!! I love how they have it right in the middle of the table. Anyways, ordered a lot of stuff... well we went straight to the BBQ menu and ordered three things: 1. Bul Kalbi - beef short ribs marinated in chef's special sauce 2. Joo Mul Luk Gul - specially treated beef marinated in special sauce 3. Sae Woo Gul - marinated jumbo shrim broiled at the table The marinated meat in the special sauce was awesome. That's all I can say. You have to try some, and if you did, go get some again! And the small portions with bowls of vegetables were delicious as well. It's something about marinated beef and a small bowl of hot, steaming white rice that hits the spot. Our service was awesome, constant water refills, and our wonderful waitress cooked our meat for us (she was probably afraid us youngins might burn the beef lol). Great job Yechon, I shall see you soon. Most likely around 3 am, drunk lol.
(4)Yilen R.
HANDS DOWN THE BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT!! The wait to be seated was quick but i can see how many might have to wait a few minutes when it's very busy(usually later hrs). Regardless I'd wait whatever to be seated and have the opportunity to eat here. the food was amazing!! And I love all their side dishes! I lobe how everyone works together and if a waiter is extremely busy another comes to help and I thought that was great because they DO get busy. Price is decent,quality is just supper! I would def recommend this to anyone as everyone!
(5)Oggie E.
Omg SERVICE is always not great! Servers dont know how to serve in the restaurant. Very rude!!!!!!! Well dont take it personally, just leave your 10% besides that food is decent.
(2)Jane C.
The quality isn't always consistent, but overall a nice korean establishment to go to, ingredients are fresh and tasty. A bit on the pricy side though.
(4)Phi N.
This place is worst of all the korean bbq restaurants I go to in annandale. The kalbi is skimp and expensive, they are understaffed, and the menu has like a billion things to order... I hate when the menu has too much stuff on it. I had to do a lot of my own cooking yesterday, they brought the meat out but were pretty much too busy after that. I did however get lucky and they gave us an extra dish. No one realized it because portions are so small. lol. but when they told us, they decided not to charge us... so it went into the tip. Also, the little side dishes were of good portion, and there was plenty of variety. Probably the best thing about Yechon though, is that it is opened 24hrs on Sunday. Honeypig, the place across the street, il mee, and the one behind the butcher shop were all closed...
(3)Stephen T.
Yechon is one of those places everyone knows about. Its 24/7 like the 7-11 next to it. Great meeting place, nice atmosphere, and decent service. The menu has good variety and is usually very good, the problem of course is consistency. Its hard to do when you have a large staff and operating non-stop. I've come here for years and years, and have come here at all hours of the day and night. I've had my share of excellent meals here, and I've also had my share of horrid ones as well. Overall, Yechon is a ceaseless Korean staple of Ananndale, a gateway to all those treasures Annandale holds.
(3)C P.
The food here is not fantastic, and the service is fairly poor. However, the portions are plentiful, and the prices are reasonable. Added bonus, the place is open 24hrs... so, if you think of this place as the "silver dinner" of Korean joints, you wont be disappointed. Be warned: items in the "side dishes" portion of the menu are easily big enough to feed two people, and the wait staff will not advise you.
(3)Ferdinand H.
This review will be written in reverse. 5 stars minus. The food quality gets a 4 minus, but it gets a whole lot of extra love because it's 24 hours, seven days a week, has a huge amount of friendly, accessible social energy and -- serves you the same amount of Panchan whether or not you're hanguksaram. :) Yechon is a ritual for me. I get into DC at all sorts of random hours, and Yechon is always open to greet me. My brother and I will frequently ravage 2 dolsot bibimbaps, 2 orders of Kalbi, 4-6 large Kirin ichibans, and cut a swathe through a dazzling array of panchan. None of their dishes will make you fall over and die of ecstasy... but it will make you feel at home. Why home? Well -- because at most homes you don't have an opulent dining room, obsequious servers, chatty hostesses, or porcelain work that belongs in a museum. Ditto for Yechon. Mom's concerned whether you ate enough, and whether you ate well. The Ajimas that serve so attentatively are by and large warm and friendly. The food is solid -- not exquisite -- not stratospheric ... but the meat quality prior to marinade is fresh, and the marinade effective. The panchan are of good quality and of good variety, with the typical seasonal variations in Kimchee. Beer, Soju and Sake are available -- with a good basic selection. No real "high end" sakes... but this isn't that kind of restaurant. Yukhwe is available here. (Yum!) Yechon is an establishment that truly is more than the sum of its parts. Maybe I'll see you there some dark evening... :)
(5)Jina K.
Food was better this past sunday. Service-- still poor. Seafood pancake-- the best! They seem to use "sweet rice flour"; so it is extra chewy. Pan fried Dumplings -- the best out of all the Korean restaurants I have tried in Annandale. 3) Yook Gae Jang-- it's pretty decent, though I think it can be spicier. 4) Kalbi Hot Stone Bibimbap -- Pretty good! I was actually surprised. The ribs were delicious! The only thing I didnt like was that they don't serve fermented kimchi --but that's just my preference.
(3)Jon C.
What is amazing about this place is not only it's open 24/7 the food is amazing and is definitely worth the price! Living in Central PA with very little korean restaurants driving down to the DC area late at night I know that I will be satisfied! Be warned if you try to come here during dinner hours be expected for a long (30-40min) wait luckily I planned and came 30 min before our group dinner date. They'll give you the pager and you can go chill in the bakery next door. Though I see many people get korean bbq there I constantly get the seolleongtang and their generous portions of the side dishes will satisfy me. My most recent visit I tried their hoe deopbup since I'm a fan of raw fish and w/ salad makes a healthy choice it definitely satisfied! Their seafood pancake is alittle pricey to me but its def worth it. Their hot barley tea in the glass cup is nice to drink on a cold winter night!
(5)Laura L.
As a frequent patron of this establishment, I am a fan! While not every dish is the absolute best korean food in the world, Yechon can be proud that they consistently serve yummy food every time... even if it's 4 AM on a Monday morning (why are we drunk on a Monday morning?). Every visit starts with a delicious assortment of small dishes: pickled radish, kimchee, fish cake, salty egg custard, seaweed salad, potato salad, watercress, etc. I always request my favorite side dish, which I selfishly hoard close to my side of the table. Our favorite server there is aware of my obsession, so he automatically knows to bring two of this dish to the table so my compadres can have some too. :D My favorites? -beef oxtail soup, w/ only sea salt and scallions. -kalbi tang, minus the onions. -pork belly -seafood pancakes -Al jigae (fish roe stew) As you can tell, this is my default place to meet friends for dinner when we want some comfort food. Feeling under the weather? You can get close to a hot, comforting broth soup. Feeling really hungry? An order of pork belly, a diet coke, and I am all business. In the end, who doesn't want to return to a place where everybody knows your name? :D
(4)Grace T.
You would think that with an enormous menu like Yechon's I would want to get something spicy, BBQ-ed, hot and hearty... but this hungover Korean girl wanted duk guk (Korean rice cake and beef soup). Yes, the traditional soup of choice on New Year's day... don't ask why. I was craving it and boy did it hit the spot! We also ordered fried mandoo gui (dumplings), pahjun (Korean pancake), something similar to jaeook bokkum (kimchi, pork, onions marinaded in a spicy sauce with blocks of steamed tofu on the side). Everything tasted good and the service was efficient. And I am a fan of their awesome hours!
(4)Diana K.
One of the best Korean restaurants in Annandale - from the banchan to the food itself. Also, they're open 24/7. GO HERE!
(5)Tony M.
Great food. Efficient service. You might have to wait for a table, but you won't wait long for your food. Not just my favorite Korean restaurant, but one of my favorites period.
(5)Cornelius E.
This got to be my favorite 24/7 joint. I am definitely a fan of their bbq goodness.
(4)Sarah L.
We came here last night after catching a movie in Fairfax. We didn't intentionally set out for Yechon because we were looking for Honey Pig and/or Pho Hot, which we didn't find, even with Microsoft's Streets & Trips on my netbook. Oh well! Yechon by default! We got the same entrees we got last time, and the service was very good. Oddly enough, only male servers were working when we arrived (past midnight) but it was better service than our first visit to this establishment. We'll be back again. Same time, same Bat channel.
(4)Wilbert O.
This place is quite popular to Koreans, Chinese and many Americans. Luckily when we got there tonight, we found a parking lot just before the gate of the resturant, and there was no queue waiting. We ordered two seafood bibimbap with other foods. It is quite delicious, especially if you mixed the soup with rice.
(4)Sarah W.
First time Korean BBQ! The restaurant was packed, no reservations on Saturdays so we waited next store at Breeze for about 45 minutes. It was worth the wait. Loved the Bulgogi and Chadolbaegi. Came with lots of sides, they were hit or miss for me. Also had fried rice and a noodle dish. All delicious. Great place will be back!
(4)Christina S.
Absolutely the best place ever!! I go at least once a week if not more. A bit pricey than what I'm used to, but definitely worth it. The place is clean and service is great. Best of all 24 hrs!! :)
(5)James L.
This is a good place to eat. Late night. Lots of stupid drunks. i feel real bad for the workers that have to deal with them. It's a 24 hour place. Great delicious Korean food. i really love their soup dumplings and their hot iron sizzling bowls. Service a good every time I go. Reasonable prices. Overall: Open 24 hrs Great Korean food Good service Reasonable price Why not try it out?
(4)Molly T.
My boyfriend and I have gone here many times- very late or very early depending on how you look at it- and it's always busy. Even with it being busy, the service is courteous and accurate and food comes out quickly. I always get the bibimbap. It's a favorite of mine and a nice, big portion. My boyfriend and our friends have tried many dishes and I've never seen an unhappy face:o) Prices are reasonable, inexpensive. It's a nice eclectic group of older people, younger people, many diverse nationalities. It's a great little restaurant with better than average service and it's open 24 hours! Huge plus! Give it a try if you're in the mood for authentic Korean Cuisine.
(4)Sonya K.
Yechon is a 24 hour korean hang-out / restaurant. It's not the very best Korean food that I've ever had, but it's pretty darn good. The service is incredibly efficient despite the throngs of customers that pack into this place. I've gone here at 8:30 on a Wednesday night and had to wait for 3 more groups to be seated. Definitely a hit with a lot of folks. The line goes fast though to the credit of the staff. The food is really good-- vegetarian options are somewhat limited (like many traditional Korean restaurants), but the ones that they have are extremely delicious. Meat eaters are in for a treat here too. It's clean, has decent atmosphere, fast service, and yummy food. I would say that makes this restaurant a winner in my book.
(4)Keisha D.
I am so proud of myself. I faced down the enemy cuisine and emerged a fan. About 10 years ago I had written off Korean food because of a nasal assault by my co-worker who brought leftover kimchi to work and heated it in the microwave. After leaving the office abruptly to recover I decided then and there I would never ever eat any Korean food. I know it was wrong to X out the entire cuisine because of the putrid and horrifying smell of one dish, but I did. Recently, with the co-workers, I visited for birthday lunch. The restuarant is smaller than what I expected and a little congested at lunch time but we made it work. They have these cool little call bells on the table (i.e. door bell) to use to ring for service. Why don't they have this everywhere to avoid the across room stare down and flailing arms that diners usually use to get the attention of service staff. At any rate I was really nervous and not sure what to order. I was even more nervous that one of my fellow diners would order the dreaded kimchi and I would have to run out again. I ordered from the lunch box specials, I chose tempura shrimp and that wasn't even the half of that. The lunchbox came with an obscene amount of food for less than $10. There were various sides (rice, sushi, veggies, etc) on the tray in addition to the sides delivered to the table for sharing - even the dreaded kimchi and I couldn't smell it at all. Still not brave enough to try it but we peacefully co-existed alongside each other at the table as I sampled the rest of the meal. I will definitely give Yechon another visit. Everything was delicious and more importantly affordable. Sidebar: Parking can be a chore, lot is small and Yechon is popular.
(3)Arthur K.
Pros: - 24-hour Korean food - Right off of 495; most of the other Annandale restaurants are further down oft-congested Little River Turnpike - Decent service; how to put it.. quick, to the point, but gets it done. - Large menu Cons: - It can get chaotic - It can get crowded, especially in the (essentially non-existent) waiting area at the door Recommendations: - Everything is pretty good, but I still usually regret it when I don't get the Galbi Dolsot Bibimbap (Grilled marinated beef, rice, veggies, mixed into a hot stone pot). Best bang for the buck and a favorite among friends. - I've never had the sushi. Do you really want sushi from a 24-hour joint? Final Thoughts: - Food is decent, so is service, but this place has a sort of accessibility that attracts all sorts of customers: old, young, korean, non-korean, families, couples, friends, etc. 3.5 Stars.
(3)Brian M.
Since Annandale is the unofficial Korea Town of northern Virginia, there is a variety of restaurants to choose from. Ye Chon continues to rank above most, if not all, for taste and value. The word must have finally gotten out because there has been a wait for a table during dinner hours that last few times I went. Avoid going late Friday and Saturday nights when most of the customers are folks coming from the bars and clubs, so the restaurant turns into a drunk food haven.
(5)Andrew D.
This is one of the best Korean restaurants I have been to. We had the Bul Gogi and the Kalbi BBQ as well as some steamed dumplngs. It was more than enough food and they also gave us miso soup. The service was top notch and the staff is extremely polite. I will have to come again on my next trip to DC! Conveniently, my brother lives close by.
(4)Sheila D.
Ok..so I put this joint as a spot to trot in my bookmarks. I'm glad I did. First off, LOVE the fact they are open 24/7, reminds me of my vegas days =) 2nd, the service was quick, we didn't even sit down yet and the server had water for all of us. 3rd, the food was great and service with a smile. We ordered the bulgogi, fried croaker fish, and dak gui. I wasn't too crazy about the dak gui, but wasn't sure on what to order in regards to chicken. Doesn't hurt to try I guess. Over all, good food, fast service, open 24/7; can't beat that!
(4)Mick A.
Went again this week. My 14 month old Irish Thai son was seriously working the waitresses. He could have gotten digits if he would have been just slightly more aggressive, the Korean girls were smiling and flirting with him every time they walked by our table while his parents dug into their 2nd helping of banchan. What a smooth bast#@d, wish I had his game when I was his age, or when I was 14, or 25. His game in a nutshell: Smile and laugh. Cry and throw kimchi on the floor when the girls walk away. "Play on Player" I whispered to him later when I was changing his diaper that looked like the aftermath of Mt. Vesuvius, "Play on Player"
(5)Micah V.
This restaurant is pretty good. We eat here fairly regularly and they are consistently good. Not perfect, but good enough.
(4)Quinn T.
Such a good tasty place but the service is crap. I have to say I felt neglected and got the "whatever" vibe from the waitresses. But that doesn't really matter to me cause for the most part I was left alone to eat the yummy food. And the prices are decent too, not all that expensive like other places.
(4)David C.
How can you go wrong with 24 hour Korean food?? And not just Korean food but good Korean food at a good price. Why go eat IHOP or some other nasty 24 hour diner place when you can get some good quality Korean food at 3 or 4 in the morning, beware it gets pretty busy after last call. It's just perfect to satisfy that drunken hunger for kimchee or mandoo or Korean BBQ or bibim bap. Where's all my Koreans at? But of course, when you have a 24 hour Korean restaurant with a bunch of drunk ass Koreans sometimes it can get a little rowdy so beware all you non-Koreans. Yechon is a Northern VA staple for late night eating.
(5)Helena J.
I wonder who has been writing reviews on this place? My husband and I decided to check out this place, because it got great reviews here on yelp. Boy were we dissapointed! First we got a varied selection of korean side dishes (panchan). The problem was that most of them were not good. The kimchi had potential, but the rest of the side dishes looked and tasted artifical. Then we got beef to be grilled at our table (ju mul rock). The meet was ok. But we did not get the usual condiments to the meet. No garlic. No sauce. No sesame oil with salt. We decided to ask for the sesame oil, but when we could detect the msg crystals swimming in the oil we were given, we just ate our meat the way it was and left. To top it off, the service was not even good.
(1)Ron M.
Great place for a rookie Korean food enthusiast. This was only the second time I've eaten Korean food. My wife and I were very impressed. We're adventurous eaters and like to try to new cuisines, and this was the latest on our list. Very nice decor and waitstaff. The sides (bon chon) were very good, but the BBQ cooked at the table was even better. We'll be back.
(4)Lina C.
Yechon is my all time favorite late night snacks place to go. They have the best Korean side dishes; the soups (degumaewongtang); meats (Kalbi) and appetizers (Seafood Pancakes). I am not a big fan of rice but I eat a lot rice when every time I go there. I think most of their Korean dishes are good except the Sushi. Yep! Yechon is my first pick Korean restaurant to go, a bit far but worth the drive
(5)S6 5.
my go to korean spot; and i know korean food as i've grown up eating it all my life. yechon is the all-around best korean restaurant in the area; if you're not sure what you're in the mood for regarding korean food, go here. they do mostly everything pretty well. its a bit pricier compared to other places in annandale, but the environment and service make it worth the extra money. plus they are 24x7! nothing beats korean food @ 5 am after a night out on the town
(4)Tommy M.
Always reliably good food, always open, and the best and most extensive set of side dishes in Annandale. I've only had basic dishes such as bulgoggi and duk mandooguk and bibimbap, and haven't had a bad meal yet. Like many Korean restaurants, this place also has a sushi bar. Waitresses wear a casual hanbok giving the place a nice atmosphere.
(4)Hugh A.
I've been to Yechon twice for lunch and had the Bi Bim Bap both times (what can I say, I'm a "bap" junkie!). It wasn't the best I've had, but very good. I'm a big fan of the side dishes that they serve - especially the kimchi. The service was outstanding. The waitress was very helpful and attentive. Yechon is a great value for lunch. Both times we walked out of there for around $20 for two including tip.
(4)Bear R.
you gotta give it to this place for being open in the latest of hours. korean food is legit. the meats are good. the entrees are good. they let you in when you drunk. they get you drunker if you want them to. good korean food.
(5)Fi T.
Let me just start off by saying: I FREAKING LOOOOOOOOVE THIS PLACE. I think I crave this place at least 2-3x a week. No joke!!! I love their bbq meat and their diverse selection of banchan (kinda neat, you get something new each time you visit, lol). It's very convenient in the sense that you can come in at all hours of the morning or night to satisfy your craving for some good ol' Korean food. While I do order from their selection of sushi, it's usually hit-or-miss in that area. Their sushi is kind of dry if you order it at night (maybe when it's not being freshly prepared? Eww, to think if it's being sitting there all day...) My only complaint is that if you come during a busy time (lunch time or think late weekend nights when people just came back from clubbing), the service SUCKS!!! You have to flag down your waitress, and sometimes most of them are limited in their English. But if you're lucky, you might just get one of the nicer waitresses. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend if you want to try something new in this area for a reasonable price and just a new experience.
(4)Irene A.
Normally when you think of a 24 hour restaurant, it's Denny's or IHOP. After a night at the bar, my group and I decided to go to Yechon. Growing up in the midwest and now residing in PHX, there are no such asian restaurants that are 24 hours. So I was pleasantly surprised to go to Yechon. I had the chicken fried rice and it was very good. If you are ever in DC and looking for something late night. Definitely check this place out.
(4)Alexis N.
Definately some good, yummy Korean food. The restaurant is cute and looks like a traditional Korean restaurant from the outside as well as inside. The hosts/hostesses are even dressed in some kind of traditional outfit which is really cute and adds to the experience. I ordered a shredded beef soup dish and also tried the bulgogi meat. The beef was well-seasoned and tasted excellent. The soup was also unexpectedly delish! I would definately recommend anyone to check this place out. They are open 24hrs, which is a huge plus for a relaxing spot after a night out in town.
(4)ronnie k.
every ktown has a late-late nighter spot. this is it for VA. food is spectacular at 4am with one eye shut barely hanging onto your chopsticks. ive been here dozens of times but between the hours of 2-6am. wonder what the food is like during the day??
(4)Leah B.
So good! We had a large group and ordered two of the full meals. It came with beef short ribs, pork, chicken, lobster, and a ton of little side dishes. The food was amazing and so fresh. I couldn't get enough of the short ribs with the peanut sauce and this shaved veggie in sesame oil. The service was great and the price was awesome. We had a ton of food, two drinks each, and two sushi rolls and it came out to like $30 a person. Can't be beat!
(5)Jennifer P.
This place is amazing! I think mainly for the fact that they are open 24 hours and when you walk in at 3 in the morning, its packed!!! We always order a bunch of meat to be cooked at the table and then they bring out the 10+ little side dishes that are always so tasty! Some of them are questionable as to what they are, but always good! Great lunch bowls too! Service isn't the best, but I usually go late night and I know they are dealing with alot at that time.
(4)Christine L.
Recommended by a Korean friend of mine... it was authentic and amazing! I'm a big fan of the Seafood pancake and of course, the BBQ! You can never go wrong with Bulgogi and Kalbi. And like all Korean restaurants, they always give you lots of appetizers with the BBQ.
(4)Jeannie L.
I heart Yechon, especially late at night! This is still my favorite Korean restaurants after all these years. They provide super tasty Korean entrees, like stir fry octopus, seafood pancake, spicy bbq pork, etc.. Great service. The waitresses are always dressed in very colorful traditional Korean outfits and are usually pretty attentive. Even their array of free side dishes is delish! Yechon can do no wrong in my opinion.
(5)Chris G.
It's pretty cool that there's a 24 hour restaurant in the area that is not an American-style diner. That's the first thing. Second, from my one visit (so far - there will be more) I have to admit that the food is great and I like it a lot. It helped to have someone guiding me through an unfamiliar cuisine. It looks like the main attractions here are the meats that they grill at your table, but my group ordered what I imagined would be a few snacks to share, and ended up with a plate of 10 fried dumplings, a big bowl of spicy tofu and beef stew, and a hot pot of bibimbap . The tiny pickled dishes are great too. It's a fun place to eat. If I felt more knowledgeable about Korean food I might be give this place 5 stars, but I frankly don't know the difference between good, really good, and great. So this place might be great, but it is certainly good.
(4)Alice L.
Really, how many restaurants are out there that are 24 hours, and give you little dishes to munch on before the main course arrives. I really like their ox-tail soup and bi-bam-bop. So goooood. And it's always so lively there, with ladies dressed up so nicely in traditional gowns. Truly, if you're look for some good korean food, and you sit down at a table, and take a look around to see yourself surrounded by korean people. You're at the right spot.
(4)Charles B.
Good stuff. Staff does the best they can with the volume of business. Great kimchi and other banchan. Intimidating for first-timers, but worth coming back.
(4)E S.
Went to lunch on Sunday, didn't have a reservation, showed up at 12:30 and still got a table right away, yay! I either have not been out for Korean food for a while or am spoiled by prices elsewhere in Annandale because the BBQ looked on the expensive side. We decided to order other things. I have to agree, yook gae jang (shredded beef soup) could be spicier. I also didn't like that it's served in a ceramic dish because when it's served in a stone pot it stays temperature hot much much longer. Ojing Au Jigae (spicy squid stirfry) wasn't very spicy either, but the squid was perfectly cooked! We saw fried rice on the menu and asked if we could have kimchi fried rice, we were told "no". Booo! Kimchi fried rice is the best. Opted for deep fried pork in sweet and sour sauce and that was very good. I must compliment their banchan, a very nice selection, they do korean potato salad so well. The place did get busy, so the servers were practically throwing the dishes on the table before rushing away, but I didn't think the service was too terrible, you just have to stick your hand up assertively to get attention.
(4)Ji-In L.
Whenever I used to visit DC back before I moved here, I would always hear about how great the Korean food was in Annandale. And people would always take me to Yechon. As a result I've been here probably 5+ times and I always try to order something different. I've never had a dish here that I've liked. I wouldn't mind that the soups and stews weren't very flavorful if the price reflected a boonshik jum (Korean fast food place) type of quality. I'm just put off by the fact that you can tell the dishes aren't prepared as they should be and they still try to price them at $15. A lot of times these Korean places that try to do everything (and aren't known for a specific dish) don't do anything that great. Jack of trades... ace of none.
(2)Kenneth L.
Where else to go at 3:30am and why not treat your tastebuds with Korean food? The dishes are presentable as well as satisfying. But you may feel like an outsider in this place as you may be surrounded by Koreans. Typical for korean food, they're spicy - but aren't some them too spicy, even for Koreans?
(3)Arslaan K.
the most awesome place ever. great food, great prices.
(5)T N.
This place has GREAT hours but the food is just mediocre. I usually have trouble picking out what I want to eat when I'm there and so I usually get a spicy soup or something quick. We only stop by there when all of the other restaurants in town are closed and the only one open is Yechon. I do give 2 stars for its convenient hours but food wise I don't have much to say or comment on.
(2)Dominic C.
When the phone rings at 3am and the person on the other end says 'I'm thinking Korean', Yechon is the way to go.
(4)K S.
Variety in food selection is great. The prices and taste are good but the service is terrible. Why are middle aged korean women so bitter?!?! I also find them racist. If you speak korean then they give you better and more side dishes. The exception is if you are white, then they are nicer to you but you still don't get better/more side dishes.
(3)Lee T.
What can I say, it's 3 am and the ribs were great. Besides what else is open? I wouldn't recommend eating anything too spicy, because it's so late at night. Sure beats going to IHOP.
(3)Miles W.
Good Korean food, solid four stars. I enjoyed my Kal Bi Bibimbap!
(4)Emily M.
Yechon is one of the few restaurants that I will gleefully leave the city to visit. I love the kitsch of its 24 Korean-diner (I know it's a restaurant, but I equate 24hour operation with a diner) atmosphere and heart the food even more. I've had some tastier dishes elsewhere (Japchae is way better at Woo Lae Oak, for example) but in general this is my fave place to get Korean BBQ and especially to take out-of-towners for an "experience". The panchan is generous, servers friendly, menu diverse (pork belly BBQ anyone?) and it's just good all around.
(4)Miss T.
2004: Thought the food was really good and service was spectacular. 2009: I can't believe the quality has slipped so much in the past 5 years. The food now is only decent. The side dishes were meh. The bbq was also meh. The soup was meh. Everything was just... meh! Regarding service, waiters were very quick and attentive although sulky and unfriendly. I am doubtful of the cleanliness here. I saw a busboy clear a table, and he took utmost care in trying not to disturb the untouched lettuce basket and putting it in the nasty slop bucket to bring to the back. This gave me the impression that they "recycled" their lettuce, which I took care not to touch at all at our own table. Overall, I will not come back. I don't think the prices are reasonable for the quality, and I know the economy is bad with the recession and all, but expect fresh, non recycled lettuce at my own table thank you very much.
(2)Kimmy L.
*****____________200th Review!!!!!! Woop Woop___________**** My mission to eat at every Korean BBQ place in Annadale is in full swing...and this is my favorite non-AYCE Korean BB place. We came around 7pm on a Friday night and only had to wait about 15 minutes. They were organized about the waitlist and handed all of us fancy buzzers. I am so glad we came when we did because right after we sat down, the place was packed to the brim and there were a lot of people waiting. The BF loves starting with the seafood pancake, I always order Galbi and he gets Brisket. We were informed that there was a min of 2 Brisket orders so we would have to forego the Galbi or just order too much meat. We went for the latter but were bummed about this meat rule. Everything was delicious! The pancake filled with seafood and perfectly crisp. Their bonchon is the best I have ever had - fresh and so many options. The Galbi and Brisket were not too fatty and perfectly cooked. The only thing missing was steamed egg to go with our rice. Subtracting a star because they don't take reservations, they don't cook Galbi in front of you, and because of the minimum 2 orders for Brisket. We also felt really rushed...is it possible to complain about food coming out too fast? Well here I go...our bonchon, apps, galbi and brisket all came out at the same time! We looked like pigs and I was bummed we felt so rushed to eat our apps/meat before they got cold.
(4)Kim K.
Parking was a breeze :)! Waited 20 mins on Friday night. So far so good. Six of us were squeezed into a table made for four. Our order barely fitted on the table. Ordered seafood pancake, sushi bibimbap, spicy pork, spicy beef soup, spicy fish soup, bibimbap in stone bowl and seafood hotpot. No standouts. Regrets of the night were spicy pork and seafood hotpot. Spicy pork was almost watery. Hmmmm how is that possible. The spicy sauce really didn't adhere to the meat and was pooling in the plate. There must have been at most about five pieces of meat besides the soggy vegetables. The biggest disappointment was the seafood hotpot. It used to be an outstanding dish full of fresh lobster and fresh shellfish when we've had it previously. This time it was full of previously frozen seafood that tasted like it was frozen little too long. Service was exceptional considering it's a Korean restaurant. I will be back here for sure but probably around 1am when everything else is closed.
(3)Daniel K.
Awesome food made lightning quick and served 24 a day? Yes! Lines can be long so be aware. We sat at the bar and got seated right away. Sushi was good too.
(4)Gayatri P.
Nothing beats the korean dining experience for me, which is exactly why this type of cuisine is my favorite. ...and of all the places in Annandale. ---Yechon is the best hands-down. Talk about a value of a meal ---This place is amazing. For those of you who have never had real korean food, seriously go now. It is the best. The flavors, the freshness of the ingredients, the spice -- It is pure bliss for your stomach. When you go to Yechon, you will receive an assortment of side dishes to feast on. And oh yes, they are free. In my opinion, the side dishes at Yechon are way better than other places in Annandale ---scallion pancake, potato salad, kimchi ( you guys, one of the 5 healthiest foods in the world according to many), pickled seaweed-- everything is delicious. When it comes to the entrees I usually go with one of two options -- the soon dubae jigae or the dolsot bibimbop. If I ate beef, I probably would go with the bulgogi, but I don't so those are my two go-to dishes. The soon dubae jigae is happiness for me. If you are looking for a great casserole stew dish, this is your meal. I usually get the seafood version -- it is my go-to meal on a chilly day or just when I'm looking for that spice in my food that is unavailable to me in the District. Tip, I usually like mine with egg in it. They charge you a $1 which I think is way overpriced, but if you want it, you will need to ask them to include it. If you are in the mood for something lighter, the dolsot bibimbop is wonderful. It is comprised of a bowl of vegetables, rice, egg, cooked with rice in a stone bowl. Healthy and packed with spicy flavors, it is a great meal that will leave you satisfied.
(5)Tana V.
This is a good korean restaurant, and the food is great, but they can improve on their service...Not too accommodating with big parties because they don't take reservations, and they won't seat your group until all parties are there. Parking is a train wreck, so good luck with that! This place is always busy, so I can understand how they may feel entitled to act "snobby". The servers always rush you to order, and sometimes the language barrier and noise makes it hard to communicate. If you have a lot of time and patience, then it's worth trying out.
(4)Chris S.
I recommend bringing a small army when you come here, the amount of food they give is way too much for any normal couple to finish without serious help. I left with an assortment of carryout boxes. Food is good, a lot of these places they give you a lot of meat but the quality of the meat is second tier, from taste Yechon's meat is on a slightly higher scale. Meat was also seasoned well, I was able to try the bul-go-gi and also the spicy pork and both were flavored well and cooked perfectly. Accompanying rice was also well done, you would be surprised how many places give you sub-par rice but their rice was cooked well with excellent consistency. Service was good, you can have your food cooked at the table or in the back but waitresses are around no matter the option you pick. They also have this cool airplane style call button that will get the attention of your waitress should you ever need them and not see them patrolling the dining area. All in all one of the better Korean BBQ places I have experienced, I could definitely see a return visit in my future should a BBQ craving hit me again.
(4)Jennie Jae S.
I was pretty disappointed by this place. It was pretty popular though, so I figured it would be okay. I could barely hear my friend talk; and the banchan was okay but it was nothing to write home about. I liked the fried tofu and the kimchi jeon. I got the oxtail soup and it was just okay. There were only three pieces of meat in it. What got me was that when they were splitting the check, they clearly said that they would split it evenly. They did but they took the tip out of mine as well and then asked me oh why are you not giving tip? And then we tried to explain to them that we had, and that they had taken it out of my bill. So we did leave w them telling us okay. But their attitude was very off putting. But my friend and I still had a good time, and it was only a dollar or two difference. At the end of the day, I feel like I had a good time w my friend and we were able to talk without feeling like others were eavesdropping on us, had a good meal, and the orange at the end was a nice touch. I liked being able to speak Korean, and the food just reminded me of home( but not as good).
(3)Liz S.
Definitely the best Korean food in all of northern VA, 24 hours a day. Perfect! My go to place for Korean or sushi.
(5)Harvey D.
This is my favorite and go to Korean spot in all of the DMV! I miss the East Coast because of this restaurant.
(5)Y D.
Yechon. just plain awesome service and tons of dishes and sushi. every one we tried so far great. open late, right by 495 so easy to get to. we love us some yechon
(5)Haesol K.
Terrible service. It's like our table was completely invisible. The meat came cooked inside, but it was cold when it came out to the table. The manager took our order, but he wasn't too friendly either. All the servers basically avoided our table and had to constantly remind the ladies working there for things we needed, like napkins, extras... etc. It took over 10 minutes for us to even get water or silverware at our table. They did get us the check fast, after we finished eating. Funny how we got their attention when it was time to go. We used to be regulars here. Needless to say, we won't be coming back.
(1)Michelle H.
I have been a loyal customer to this place for over ten years and the older I get, the more disappointed I get with the service. Today I took my son there for lunch. We were a tad early for the lunch specials and were told that we could not order a lunch special and had to wait 20 more minutes if we wanted sushi, even though the sushi chef was behind the bar working when we got there. Three Asian families walked in after us, and ALL of them were served before we were. We sat for over 30 minutes waiting for our food order. This is completely unacceptable. I also noticed that every table received an additional warm drink with their water and ours was skipped. I agree with the other reviewers when they say the servers are prejudice against non-Asians (can't say Korean because I can't verify the other three families were in fact Korean). By the time we got our food, the couple behind us was paying their check and they came in two tables after us. As always, the food was absolutely amazing; it never disappoints, which is why I gave 3 stars. I doubt I'll be dining here anytime in the near future. I think I'll watch the reviews to see if the service gets any better.
(3)Seung Yeon C.
They should change Ban chan (menu). And most of soup wasn't tasty. I had soondoobu jiggae (tofu soup ), Yukaejang, soy soup. But I couldn't have as much as I want. I went last month but Ban chan was the same. I was disappointed.
(3)Steve B.
If you've been to LA or OC, this place is shit. The meat quality is poor and sauces are terrible. The price is steep for the limited quantity and service is average. This review is for the kbbq only; Yechon also serves sushi and a variety of other dishes. I'm not sure how it has 4-star rating... maybe ppl need to venture outside of VA.
(2)Diana S.
What to eat: 1.) Galbijim is one of my favorite dishes here. The selection is large and the service is highly English-functioning. My best advice to you is if you're Korean and craving home food and you're not looking for an open-late restaurant, there's a lot better in the area. On the flip side, if you're looking for America-taylored ambiance and service, please come here or Honey Pig. The decor and waiter costume is fun and shows a bit of what Korea would look like on a post card. What to drink: Most likely, if you're coming here, you have already had your fair share of drinks. 1.) Otherwise, be sure to ask for "hot tea." It's complimentary. Service: Sometimes, there's a line out the door. Actually, there's almost always at least a bit of a line out front regardless of the time of day or day of the week. 90% of the consumers are not Korean so the service is definitely English-language functioning. As a restaurant with a traditional full service, sit-down menu, the food comes out in a lengthy 16-20 minutes. There are an excess of waiters and waitresses for table ratio, so it's not hard to flag down one a member of the staff. They stand huddled facing the patrons near the kitchen door. Parking: Shared lot with Breeze Cafe, let's just say you need to keep your fingers crossed while looking for a parking spot. There's an extra 4 spots behind the restaurant and another 4 for parallel along the side. The lot out front contains about 16-18 spots total.
(3)Joanna S.
Holy banchan. I've never been to a Korean restaurant where they serve so many dishes of banchan. We ran out of space on our table for all of the food and had to start stacking dishes. I really liked the apple salad one and the kimchi. The BBQ was also delicious and portions were decent. All of food came out very quickly-- as soon as we sat down and ordered. Be prepared to wait. We waited over an hour and 25 minutes for a table of 5. The host gave us an estimate wait time of 30 min. The line of people waiting was out the door. Don't think I would wait again, but otherwise, the food was good.
(4)Rosita C.
Fabulous food and good service. My only complaint is that since it caters to more non-Korean customers now they turned down the flavors and heat. Long lines but moves quickly. Limited parking.
(4)Qinjiao T.
The food is just okay, the service is not good. We waited for a long time for our dishes.
(2)Ken R.
Frankly, I got disheartened a few years ago looking for good Korean within the NoVA beltway area. Most places were either over-done, way too expensive dressed up versions of Korean food (which I never associated w/ Korean food the 6 months I spent there) or were dives that promised much but delivered ho-hum results. I can't believe I hadn't been to Yechon before and have been missing out all this time on the best Korean not more than 5 miles down the road from me. This is the real deal and is fantastic. Food, service, atmosphere. I was instantly taken back to my time spent in Korea. Not sure there's anything else left to say but that I've found my go-to place for Korean food in the DC area!
(5)Mark S.
I'd call this a "higher end" Korean restaurant for Annandale. Food quality and prep is very good. The menu is a bewildering combination of Japanese, Korean and Korean-style Chinese food, and almost anything off the menu is really great. The sushi quality is among the best around. My impression with the Korean food is that they try to flavor it towards a more traditional Korean "royal" flavor, which means it ends up a little sweet and rich for my tastes (I prefer more "village-style" flavors, savory and salty). But I can't deny the quality of the food is high. Parking is a nightmare, buts that's because this place and the co-owned Breeze Cafe next door are extraordinarily popular. They have some set menus which offer a great value and tons of courses. Makes for a nice night out. Finish up at Breeze next door.
(4)Daniel K.
Horrible service, waiter and waitress both gave my friend and i the stank face, never in my life hve i experienced the stank face. Spat on my food as they brought it, gave me another stank face and left.
(1)Ana B.
Seriously good Korean food! A little bit of something for every taste too. Very good service. Only downsides: inflated pricing, somewhat limited options if you're craving Korean BBQ, the parking is insane, and the wait can be long. Another upside, they cook their rice PERFECTLY. It's the little things that make such a difference.
(4)William W.
Great food! Staff shares responsibility in helping tables. lots of locals. place is always packed. Have enjoyed our meals every time we have been.
(5)Roanna O.
I believe this restaurant discriminates against white people. You are absolutely ignored and treated differently. You are given water. Korean people get tea. They ignore you while providing amazing service to tables around you. That is my experience. I will never return.
(2)S H.
When you think of Yechon, the two things that come to mind is Korean BBQ and that it's open 24 hours. But what you forget about is the fantastic SUSHI that they have here. I don't understand how anyone can just slide that under the rug and just highlight the BBQ! Anyway, I think the sushi bar closes at 11pm but who cares. That's still late enough for me. I managed to finally come here and actually dine-in after being tired of ordering takeout. My friend and I ordered the Chirashi and one spicy tuna roll and one spicy salmon roll. A M A Z I N G . I honestly first doubted their sushi just because I'm not the biggest fan of their Korean food (home cooked is the way to go). I was thinking how can a 24 hour restaurant really have good quality sushi. But fortunately, I was wrong. Their sashimi is so fresh, it's unbelievable.... and their maki rolls? If you look at my picture, you can clearly see how beautiful the sushi chef rolled it: very evenly with just enough rice to fully satisfy your sushi cravings. The ratio between rice and fish made my day. Both the spicy salmon and spicy tuna were extra spicy and just so yummy. BUT....! Hate to ruin such a great review but I have to mention that the chef used just regular white rice instead of the usual sushi rice (with vinegar). The white rice was also very soggy and a mouthful to chew. :( Sucked...... On their menu, they don't have specialty rolls or that many classic rolls to choose from since this restaurant is mainly Korean food and BBQ. But I guarantee that you'll love what they have to offer though. They are simply delicious.
(5)Yue F.
I like this place because it's 24/7 everyday, even on holidays where most of other places are closed. The food is delicious and their menu has a good variety of dishes to choose from. One of my favorite is the grilled fish. The place is crowded most of the time, and I often had to wait for half an hour or longer. But one time they didn't call me for seat for a long time even though I had the buzzer with me the whole time. And the guy worked there didn't want to admit that he forgot about me, so he didn't apologize for it. Anyway, there is a nice Korean bakery store next to this restaurant, called breeze. So I often went to bakery store while waiting to be seated. It seems that their waiters/waitresses don't have assigned tables, so sometimes the service could be slow or confusing when the place gets busy. Overall, this is my go-to place for late night dinner, and there are quite a few dishes that I really like.
(4)Jindo D.
OK, This place caters to two main types of people. First, those who have an expectation of sushi, BBQ, and what you think Asian food should taste like. This food is totally decent and very serviceable. Don't think of the fact that most korean's don't eat or want sushi and rarely will you see a bento box in korea. Second, those who prefer traditional Korean food. In this regard the restaurant is top notch, the old style soups are delicious and filling and the ingredients are quality. If you go here, do yourself a favor and go for the good stuff that they are famous for.
(4)Rose C.
This is my go to place when everywhere else require a reservation or if I don't want that *goosh goosh here comes the bass drop!* sound going off in the background making you feel as if you're eating your meal in a club and yes, I've done that before. Haha Depending which table you get, there will be a service button on the corner. Just make sure your elbow steers clear from it or you'll be hearing a doorbell sound that will echo throughout the restaurant. I also saw in Sin Y.K's past review that the buzzer works in Breeze Bakery (side note: If you're a student, you get discounts Mon-Friday sometime up until 5pm) so if you're stuck waiting, I suggest going next door to check it out until buzzed to be seated. I've come here plenty of times with friends and my boyfriend and with each visit I have not been disappointed (yet). This place does get packed and the situation with the parking lot doesn't help much either. I remember coming here early lunch 11am and it wasn't that terrible of a wait. :)
(5)Victoria V.
The lunch special is awesome at Ye Chon. Many of the Japanese bento boxes and Korean entrees are less than $10. Service and food quality are consistent 4-star. Parking spaces are limited and during peak hours can be a pain.
(4)Oksana I.
Let me start with "I love(d) this place". It is a little bit out my way, but today I made it! Was really exited until I walked into the door. Rushed, rude service, undercooked seafood... 15 minutes to get a sushi roll (only 6 tables were seated). Not a good experience.
(2)Henan L.
We love here! Great good and great price! The stone bowl food and side food are our favorite. We go here every two weeks.
(5)April A.
I love the beef bulgogi, especially the spicy version! I tried the bibimbap, but it wasn't anything special-- haven't ordered it since. They serve mashed potatoes with bits of apples as a banchan and it is SO good! I love coming here and ordering the seafood & scallion pancake, it is my mom's favorite! The spicy seafood soup is very flavorful, the pork belly is super fatty, and the hot tea they serve is a nice touch. I live out of state so this is a great treat for those special events with family & friends. It is so hard to find parking, since it is always busy. The service can be a hit or miss, the waitresses tend to leave you alone for lengthy periods of time if not altogether. I've had to flag down the busboys many times to refill my water. Overall, this is a great place to share yummy food with company.
(4)Dan C.
Horrible service. Waiters are very forgetful and the wait can be ridiculous on the weekends. The bbq here is very overpriced with very small portion. Not a fan of this place at all. The only good thing to the place is that it is opened 24/7
(1)Josh K.
Not sure where to start, from terrible service, flagging down multiple waiters for water and what not, and to the small portion sizes on the meat and pricing, I think I'll stick with Oegadigib, Kogiya, or Honey Pig for my korean bbq needs.
(1)Cyndy K.
Cyndy's Bottom Line: Tasty Korean dishes anytime since they are open 24 hrs. I called in a take out order of chop chae and kalbi as we call it in Hawaii. It is always better to eat in because it seems like the portions are bigger. Everything was wrapped up nicely. From the soup, the variety of ban chans and the rice. The ban chans consisted of kim chee, turnip kim chee, and wakame. Love the kim chee flavor perfect hot spicy. The chop chae was tasty and the variety of vegetables such as zucchini slices, carrots, onions and the beef made it so flavorful and delicious. Kalbi was good but a little over cooked for my taste because I enjoy meat medium rare. Perhaps I could have specified when calling in my order. The meat was marinated well comes through with the delicious garlic flavor. Yummy!
(4)Brian L.
I've only been here during dinner service and have been satisfied for my Korean cravings. But to be honest, this is just an average restaurant. The food is ok, price ok, and the drinks menu is not too extensive. PROS: 24 hours CONS: Wait time
(3)Dee D.
I love this place. Terrific Korean BBQ! Love their food, love how quickly the food comes, and love that they are open 24 hours! What makes it even better is that they have a bakery/cafe next door! It would have been 5 stars, but their parking lot and it's accessibility made me more than frustrated. It looks like their working on it though, at least I hope so.
(4)Alexandra M.
I give this 4 stars only because its the only place Ive ever eaten korean bbq...still the seafood pancake, banchan, & brisket were excellent. The service was also top-notch.
(4)Le L.
I came here for the second time ever since I lived in Annandale for many years now. I heard this place was good for their lunch special so I decided to take my boyfriend here for the first time with me. I did not see anything about lunch special menu or lunch special price for their food. I was very disappointed on that and they were not very nice on greeting us. I ordered the sushi with California rolls and my boyfriend ordered the spicy pork with rice. It came out like 35 minutes later and I was like how come other table has the food and we don't. I have to ask the waitress so many things rather they come and check on us. The service was really bad and I did not feel very welcome at that place. I actually do like their food,so I give them 2 stars for the food quality but not their service. I don't think I will ever come back unless someone drag me then yes.
(2)Yujin C.
Korean food! I really liked the interior! The wooden interior with the waitresses wearing tradition korean outfits was so cute. It's definitely not like the typical korean restaurant's but it was definitely an experience. The menus very diverse and definitely has a simpe array of side dishes. It was a bit chilly and raining so I had the Ox Tail Soup (). The broth was goood and they definitely give you a lot, but I was surprised when I saw the noodles. I'm used to having the sweet potato noodles (transparent) ones, so I was a bit taken aback. Nonetheless the food was good. It didn't have the 'fake' taste or americanized taste.
(4)Janey L.
Wow. I was VERY happy with my experience here, and let me tell you why. 1. The menu has a HUUUUGE variety of Korean food. I was really craving soondooboo jjigae so I knew I wanted that, but I was so impressed by their assortment of dishes, from soups and stews to barbeque to Korean pancakes and more. They also have a wide range of banchan. 2. The SERVICE is MARVELOUS. I like that they are dressed in traditional Korean clothes, which makes me feel like I'm back home (even though the waitresses in Korea don't really wear hanboks in restaurants...). But more importantly, despite the chaos of the restaurant during dinner time, they would come to our table from time to time, make sure we had enough banchan and water, and promptly refill anything that was lacking. In other restaurants I usually have to ask for these things, but they were completely on top of it. Also they are just very friendly in general. 3. My soon dooboo was delicious and just what I wanted. Clams, shrimp, tofu - yum. Although it was a little spicy. 4. You get oranges at the end of your meal! IS IT CHEAP? I would say the soups are moderately priced and the meat/bbq is pretty expensive, but not extraordinarily so. My friends ordered the chadohlbaegi and they seemed very happy with it. So I guess the short answer is no, but VERY WORTH IT!
(5)Robert W.
This is by far my favorite Korean restaurant in the Annandale area. I have been a regular here for nearly 8 years and the food has been consistently good on every visit. They have a large selection of dishes on the menu but their best food tends to be the stews and soups as opposed to BBQ. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a late night meal, by far my favorite is the lunch special here. It is definitely worth going to this restaurant for lunch and ordering a Kal Bi lunch box. Another terrific dish here for those who want to try something delicious is Boyangtang.
(5)Yasmine B.
Ethnic food at its best! What a variety of foods are presented at this humble little tucked away outfit. Suggest you try their menu for 2 which provides enough food for three people. Top hits are the mackerel, the bean rice (which takes some getting used to) and their codfish stew that comes out bubbling in a clay pot. They don't take reservations, and they are quite popular, so either go early or late, to be seated fast.
(4)Donna W.
Food and side dishes were delicious. We went on a Saturday night and waited 40 minutes for a table. They don't take reservations, but at least you can go whenever bc they're open 24/7. Beware of sensory overload as it is crowded, loud, and crowded.
(4)Sandra May L.
I love te fact that it's open 24/7! I ordered the bibimbap and it was simply beyond my favorite! The hot stone bowl kept my food hot till I finished every bite and the hot stone bowl actually made my rice crispy too which is what I love as well :)
(5)Hannah H.
About a 2-2.5: I was excited to try this place out as it's a Korean restaurant that is opened 24 hours, 7 days a week. They are literally located next door to Breeze Bakery. I love how the ajummas wear the hanboks; they were unbelievably sweet, too. We ordered the fried kimchi mandoos as an appetizer; they were crispy and had ripened kimchi within and it was pretty okay. I tried out their Yechon Special Galbi, which were beef short ribs marinated in the restuarant's special sauce - I thought it was more sweeter than usual, and the galbi was more 'wet.'; my husband had the Galbi Dolsot Bibimbop, which came with steamed rice, galbi, vegetables, all in a hot stone bowl; he also ordered mul nengmyun, which he thought was okay. There was a decent amount of banchans (I only stuck to the potato salad, and my husband was a fan of their pan-fried tofu). Service was efficient and very friendly! I am glad that I was finally able to check this place out! +open 24/7 +friendly staff
(3)Kerry C.
Open 24/7. Great food, long wait times, and service is rushed. I usually get the bbq but cannot order anything I want because they separate into cook at table side and not. I think they mean cook yourself and cook for you, both at table side. Cannot order the cook yourself platter with the cook for you platters. Any platter is good so you cannot go wrong with any choice as long as you like meat. Tofu soups and pancakes are also good. I wouldn't order the noodles due to the prices. Be sure to ask for their hot tea and sesame oil salt sauce for the bbq.
(4)Timothy H.
Decent Korean food! Now, if you've read my reviews from LA, you'd know that I love this place by my old office called Seongbukdong. I refer to it as Grandma's because it was opened by an older Korean lady, and if you look in the kitchen, it looks like Grandma's cooking for you . And that place is awesome. 3000 miles later, I'm at Yechon. It's not quite Grandma's, but it's close. The food is solid, the banchan tasty, though not as plentiful, there's the little button to push for help (an excellent idea that more places should incorporate), and their sul lang tang tastes just like the good ones in LA. I haven't tried their sushi yet, but their beef is really good. Too bad it's not all-you-can-eat, but maybe that's a good thing for my arteries.
(4)A H.
Parking is a nightmare at this popular Korean restaurant, and the line is long (though they are efficient and the turn over rate is high). We have had grilled fish here as well as Korean BBQ (grilled at table with assistance of waitresses). Yummy! Their free side dishes are a highlight; plentiful; free refills; literally filling the entire table even if you just order a small entree. Rice too, all included. They are FAST! As soon as you place the order, the dishes arrive! Possibly the best Korean BBQ place in the greater DC area
(5)Jesse W.
The service was great. The food was excellent. The only reason I do not give Yechon a five star is I am not a huge Korean foodie. The BBQ was fabulous but do not think it is anything similar to southern BBQ. Coming from North Carolina I am used to a different style of BBQ.
(4)Cynthia F.
OMG this place is amazing, we ate so much until we felt we were going to pass out. The food is fresh, the selection is HUGE, the service prompt and the ambiance traditional. We had the spicy squid and the beef picy noodle soup...highly recommend.
(4)Kyle F.
Ordered a sea food soup, ended up puking my guts out for a few hours later. Reported Yechon to the Office of the Inspector General of the FDA. My experience at this place was pleasant up until they made me have food poison, great service, great setting, great food (minus the seafood). If you want to eat the seafood, expect the worst.
(1)Vivian L.
Beef, chicken and pork over marinated. Barbeque over cooked the lobster. Too pricey for this kind of food quality and service. Will not come back again.
(2)Catharine M.
My go to Korean BBQ place in the DC area. While it's not the cheapest, it's not insanely priced with good quality and good portion sizes. Also they are pretty nice to my white friends that I bring here. And I bring a lot of white friends here to introduce them to the food of my people. The service is a bit brusk, but I think it has to do with the volume of people that come through. Most of the wait staff speak English - big plus for getting friends to come back here again. But the clientele is still predominately korean (sign that the ethnic food isn't catering for american taste buds). The banchan is plentiful. And the waitresses have been really nice if I special request something I see at another table. Typically I will get the family combo #3, as it has a little of everything that Korean BBQ is known for ... plus lobster (which I always thought was a random addition). While it says it only feeds 2 people, I would like to meet the 2 people that they are feeding, because 3 people can barely finish it all. The pan fried kimchee dumplings and seafood pancakes are also something that I will typically order for a group of friends. But the more traditional korean dishes - kalbitang, manduguk, and other broth stuff are pretty good for when I go by myself. A little heavy on the MSG, but hits the spot when I miss my mom's cooking and I don't want to fly out to California.
(5)Tom C.
Just had a very disappointing Korean meal out of all Korean restaurants in Annandale. We ordered yechon special #1, instead of asking wether we wanted white rice or ginseng rice, waiter brought us white rice, who later said we could choose in between. He did bring us ginseng rice after we requested but the point is some people may just not know and end up with white rice and don't even get to try the ginseng rice. The bean paste soup that came with the meal must have had a salt accident before it was brought out. It was so salty that just a drop of it would numb my taste buds. The grilled fish used to be much better quality fish. We were served salted mackerel today and I would not be surprised if the chef mistaken the mackerel was unsalted and added more as he saw fit. All in all, won't be back for a while...
(2)Kevin L.
Great food, great side dishes, nice cozy ambiance.
(4)Jessica V.
I've been going here regularly for over twenty years. Food is awesome! I love their sushi so much! This place can get really crowded, but I've never felt rushed to finish or order. The side dishes that come out before the entrees are really fun, especially if you aren't all that familiar with Korean food. The tea is also great and free! They don't take reservations, so if you are planning on visiting during the weekend, anticipate an hour or so wait. Also, parking is pretty limited. They are just too popular and for good reason. Perfect place for adventurous foodies.
(5)Peter L.
1 Star for the Seafood Pancake, 1 Star for opening 24/7, 1 Star for the service, and that's about it. Pretty expensive but considering that I'm from California and the prices are cheaper with more meat than Yechon. The only thing that I really like in this restaurant was the Seafood Pancake, perfect crisp and texture. Yummm.
(3)Jeremy F.
It gets busy and there is a wait if you get there at dinnertime, but this is the best authentic Korean in Annandale IMO.
(4)Benny C.
The food in this place is ok, but the service isn't. The waiters aren't attentive to people that come in. I live in the local area, and I'm willing to go somewhere else at a distance because if I'm going to pay for food I'd like get great service. I don't think you should have to ring a bell in order to have people come to serve you. I'm from NY and I'm used to having great service and what I've received in this place is not what I'm used to. I've been to places here in VA that when I asked the server what time do you close they've told me when ever you are finished. Now that's a place I would frequent more often because of the level of professionalism. The person that served us was not the owner it was just someone that believed in delivering great customer service. One day I believe that person will own their own restaurant. Having customers that frequent your business doesn't guarantee you success, what keeps businesses open is new exposure, especially when it comes to restaurants. Good luck with all you do is what I say.
(2)Jieming L.
Great value, 3 orders for 2 people - sashimi appetizer, ox tail soup and binbimbap with beef steak chunks, all for 30 bucks before tax and before tips. Good service. Had to push the button several times but all requests had been taken care of in timely fashion. Tastes good, everything! Con - Parking is a mess ...
(4)Jinnie N.
This seems to be the best Korean place in Virginia. I liked the traditional feel set by the waitresses wearing the Han boks. However, aloof Korean service is the same here or as in K-town in LA. Haha!! We ordered the Kalbi dolsot bibimbap, kimchee chigae, and the mandoo. The ban chan was good & the food came out pretty quickly. The key to dolsot bibimbap is getting the hottest stone pot that you can get so that you can get the crispy crust on the rice underneath!! It was perfect. Better than a lot of Korean restaurants. I had a Kalbi dolsot!! Surprisingly, the Kalbi portion was good!! The mandoo was also cooked well.
(4)Kumbi D.
Amazing today!! They would get a 5 if they were friendlier. The food was really good. We ordered the japchae noodles and bulgogi with two sides of rice. Side dishes were nice and fresh. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Cathy N.
First time here, seated quickly. Food came out quick, and out of there quick to get back to work. Will come back again!
(5)Angela P.
The banchan here is simply the best--I love the mashed potatoes (secret is Japanese mayo) and spicy cucumbers. They bring out many dishes and aren't a rag about refilling them. My top picks here: Beef ribs (min two orders to cook in front of you which is worth it!): So juicy and flavorful!! Fish/Seafood stew: Ingredients are put together in a large pot then placed in front of you on low heat for your eating pleasure. Generous with the monkfish and I think there was half a lobster tail floating around. Bibimbap: Though bibimbaps are a safe bet anywhere, no place does it as good as they do. If you're feeling adventurous: Intestines stew: Deliciously creamy upon first bite. After about two bowls of these the creaminess turns a little gamey. Only order with a larger sized group b/c it won't taste very good reheated. -1 Star for how service can be spotty when they get busy which is understandable, but we had 2-3 different waitresses which adds to the confusion. Tips: Parking is horrendous-there's usually some free spots next to a sketchy dumpster in the back. Wait can be long, too. However, they opened a nice little Korean bakery next door where you can stroll and sample the goods while you wait.
(4)Anh N.
The last time I went here they were no longer 24 hours, but I'm not sure if they went back to their normal hours. I used to go here for years until one night we had muchies for korean and drove out to Annandale to find out they were closed. The 2 star rating goes to a few reasons. I find this place a bit overpriced and I witnessed the waitress cleaning up the tables and collecting all the used/old lettuce from other tables to reuse. After seeing that, I was pretty turned off and never felt the need to go back. Honey Pig is another option that's 24 hours if you are craving some Korean food.
(2)Adele C.
Great Korean BBQ spot, open 24 hours. The price is reasonable and the service efficient. I am usually suspicious about a korean bbq places (well any non-sushi bar really) that offer sushi as well, but after trying an order of hamachi out of curiosity, I was pleasantly surprised. The alcohol selection for me is limited, I am a fan of flavoured soju and Ye-chon has none. With the BBQ, I was informed you could only mix certain meats on the grill (marinated vs non-marinated). This was disappointing as I like a mixture. The meats that I did try were delicious though. I was a fan of all the complementary side dishes. The gyoza were very filling. They were also crispy on both sides, and I prefer the more traditional way of crispy on just the one. To conclude, Ye-chon is great restaurant that will definitely satisfy a craving for Korean BBQ at any time of the say or night!
(4)Nick N.
Food: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Cleanliness: 4/5 Decor & Style: 3/5 I'll start out by saying this would be my second fav Korean place in the NoVa area. Honey Pig is still my favorite. Nonetheless, I still give it a 5/5 overall. Yechon has a much better variety than Honey Pig, thus, why I go here a lot as well. I like the family size portions and variety when you order the "family of 2 or 3" specials. However, as far as the taste of BBQ goes, I prefer Honey Pig more. If you like different types of variety and Japanese food as well, Yechon is the better fit. If you like "hardcore Korean BBQ", then Honey Pig is better. Both are authentic IMO, and also according to my Korean roommates. Yechon has the old school look and feeling. I prefer the city modern look & vibe. I also like how it's next to the cafe/desert place next door. Nothing better than getting some desert next door after consuming 10,000 calories of Korean food!
(5)Ha N.
My family and I (total of about 6 or 7 people) went out to Annandale specifically to eat some good Korean food and Yechon didn't disappoint. We got the seafood casserole (Haemul Jeongol), cold noodles with beef (Mul Naengmyeon), Galbi Dolsot Bibimbap, Kimchi Jigae, and Bulgogi to share. Everything was freaking delicious. I can't remember a single thing that I didn't like about that meal. The meat had a nice char, the bibimbap sauce was perfect (not too sweet), and the soups/stews were very well-seasoned and not at all skimpy. I especially loved teh casserole. That is plenty of food for about 3 people. I think they might've said it's for 2, but my family doesn't really eat much. The menu is HUGE, so I think there's definitely something for everyone at this place. In terms of service, I'm someone who doesn't like too much interaction with my waiter/waitress so I loved the bell system. We were left alone to eat our food until we needed them and rang the bell. HUGE plus: it's next to a nice bakery, so you can have a nice walk around and some dessert afterwards.
(5)B L.
Good K food...open 24 hrs...try their seafood & meat grill...yum...can get crowded so don't expect to get seated quickly during peak times...
(4)Susan R.
Good food. People generally don't like Korean service but the button on your table is to call for the wait staff which is actually a great system. Don't be surprised when you can't take home any bachan. I hear it's fairly regular at restaurants. You can blame overly litigious people who leave a dairy potato salad on their table while they eat a long meal (the small portions of banchan are the first to arrive) and then expect it to still be fresh a couple days later. The restaurant owners are just protecting themselves.
(4)Khoi U.
I can see why this place is always crowded and have a hard time getting a table :) This place is a good place to eat if youre looking for a fusion restaurant around Annandale. My friends and I go here all the time when we have a chance to. The only thing I dont like about this place is that they have bad service and that its hard to get a table. They need to expand this place soon. Also what I dont like is that when you order lunch bento box, it only comes with one california roll sushi..... Like really was it necessary... That so turned me off. Anyway its a good place to go eat. Anyway I can put up with the bad service.
(5)Tina T.
Been coming to Yechon for awhile now and it's always been consistent. Last night I came here because I was craving my usual kimchi jjigae (pork, tofu, rice cake and kimchi stew). Yechon, by far, has one of the best kimchi jjigae's in the area. It's always consistent and never changes. What makes a good kimchi jjigae, is good kimchi that has been fermented for awhile and Yechon delivers that. For $10-11 dollars I get my kimchi jjigae cravings satisfied with the delicious side dishes. The potato and kimchi radish side dishes are always on point. The other dishes such as the chirashi bowl, broiled fish, and the Korean bbq are pretty tasty as well. Also, try their bibimbap! I mainly go to Yechon for the kimchi jjigae so I can't really review much of the other foods (can't remember the other items I get besides this stew). Service is pretty tentative for the most part, it's a hit or miss. But you have the little button at your table to call for service whenever you need them. Also, Yechon is 24 hours so great for late night eats or to get your drunk food on. Yechon is always busy no matter the time or day that you go.
(4)Eric T.
We ate at Yechon this evening with another couple and a friend. The service was OK and the food freshness was no more than ordinary. I think that it is time for Yechon to set up their game. I recommend revamping their menu to showcase a modern, yet popular selection of Korean food, update the tables, and swap out the old carpet.
(3)Sarah L.
Love that it's 24 hours - my family is from the Bay Area and it's really a shame that there's not korean place like this in San Francisco. Only complaint is that the food is a little salty, but portions and quality were great, especially considering the price! You'll be studded for no more than 10-15$ (included tip/tax)!
(4)Chris A.
Has anything happened to Yechon? The place was half empty! We have been going to Yechon for years and have always had a great dinner. Yesterday was a disaster. Service was nonexistent. We could not get a waitress to come to our table. The seafood pancake had more grease than flour. The Bulgogi looked more boiled than barbecued. The 2 korean friends with me were equally shocked! Sad if this is the new yechon! They have lost us as customers!
(1)Kate O.
I found out about this restaurant when I stopped by at the bakery next door a few months ago and I told my husband that I would like to have dinner here sometime. Last night, we finally had a chance to eat here. We arrived at the restaurant around 6:30pm on a Sunday evening and we waited about 15 minutes before we were able to be seated. I had been craving the raw fish salad with the spicy sauce and I ordered that. I thought it was very good. They cut up the fish into nice bite-sizes piece. The veggies in the bowl were crisp and fresh. They served rice along with the salad, but I saved the rice for later as I had to eat the raw fish all in one shot. My husband ordered the raw beef babimbap and he liked it. My mom ordered the seafood stir-fried platter. The dish was huge. We had plenty of left over so my husband and I were able to eat the leftover for lunch. My brother ordered the grilled meat. He was not too impressed with the sauce, but he is hard to please so I wouldn't pay attention to his observation. I also the enjoyed the side-dishes that came with the dinner. Even though the restaurant was busy, service was prompt. They brought out food as each dish was ready instead of all together as customary in many American restaurants.
(4)Joanna M.
Yechon has a wide range of dishes (Korean, Japanese), open 24/7, and reasonable priced. I went with a couple of my friends so this place is great for family and friend outings or late night eats. There was a bit of a fish stench so I thought it best to stick with Korean meat dishes. They bring out lots of ban chan side dishes which are great. I ordered a spicy oxtail soup and order of spicy pork belly. I was disappointed that they wouldn't cook it on the grill at our table unless you order more meats but it was just me eating it so they cooked it in the back. My friends ordered rice bowls and said they were good. My Yechon experience was A-OK and I would return but I prefer Honey Pig nearby- better sauce on their spicy pork belly and they'll cook on the grill in front of you and better service overall.
(3)Anthony T.
Yechon is a machine. Though the servers, who are mostly women wearing flowy hanbok, may seem harmless, do not stand in their way because they will bulldoze you in pursuit of superior customer service. And that's what really made my experience at Yechon stand out. Even though I visited with my boyfriend on a busy Sunday night (the restaurant whenever I drive by, though, always seems busy), we were seated within 10 to 15 minutes, ordered in the next five, and received our food in less than 10 minutes. Our server was attentive, bright, and always expeditious in refilling our water glasses or banchan. Speaking of banchan, let's go to the food. For the price, Yechon offers pretty good Korean and Japanese offerings. We didn't order barbecue that night (Yechon is pretty famous for the late night bbq), but we did order sushi rolls as well as bibimbap. Along with your meal, you're given about six different banchan, or side dishes. These dishes included rice cake, kimchi, seaweed salad, and more. Don't be afraid to ask what things are and try everything. It all tasted fresh and delicious! The sushi rolls we ordered were large and tasted fresh. The bibimbap was prepared in the hot stone pot, but I was a bit disappointed by the relative lack of meat and the doneness of the egg (when it arrived, the yolk was already cooked as opposed to runny). I think their gochujang (red pepper paste sauce) lacked some punch as well, but the dish definitely hit the spot in terms of leaving me full. Overall, I'd give Yechon three stars for the food and added an additional star for quick and attentive service! Give it a try next time you're in Annandale~ Final tips: - They give you a buzzer that will notify you when a table is ready, but feel free to take a walk to the cafe next door. - If you run out of a certain side dish, ask for more! It's free refills, but of course, use tact and discretion. - You may want to eat slowly if you're looking to take your time in your meal--the server was very eager to give us our check once she noticed our dishes getting cleaned. Must come with the machine-like efficiency!
(4)sonia g.
Unfortunately, unless you're a native Korean speaker there's no way of ordering food to go. If misunderstood they either hang up on you, or tell you that they don't have the dish that you're reading directly off of their menu listed on their website. Being a first generation immigrant myself, I still find this type of customer service frustrating.
(1)Angela A.
Yeesh, I wrote a fabulous review just last week and was craving Korean food again, so I convinced my parents and boyfriend to come out to Yechon for lunch this weekend. We noticed there were some lunch specials, so we all ordered bibimbap - my dad, boyfriend, and myself ordered the kalbi dolsot bibimbap and my mom ordered the regular kalbi bibimbap. Meh, it tasted fine. Was lacking alot of flavor, there was no egg included in the bibimbap, which is strange, and the kalbi was tough and also had no flavor - lots of fatty pieces. The banchan was fine, but not nearly as good as it was the week before. Of course, the place was packed just like the last time, which is fine because all you need to do is push the button on your table and you get service right away. So we all left completely stuffed and I wasn't feeling very satisfied at all. Later in the day, both my boyfriend and I got sick from the food, and I haven't asked, but my dad probably did too since we all ate the same thing. There was definitely something not clean about the food that day. Bummer. It looks like I'm going to start frequenting a new spot for Korean. Bad, Yechon, bad.
(2)Cindy L.
Yechon is always there for you, no matter what. From the variety and 24 hour service with no menu limitation, it can't be beat. I can't say anything is particularly amazing but everything I've tried is pretty good. Service is not particularly friendly but it's always fast. Great to people watching and for running into friends.
(5)Teresa G.
I can't say enough good things about Yechon. The food is delicious, the service is great, and they're always open. There is a wait, but Breeze is conveniently parked next door so you can walk over and grab some baked goods. I got the sushi boat for the table and the quality was incredible. I will recommend to everyone and absolutely come back.
(5)May B.
Came here with a friend for a late night dinner. We ordered the bibimbap and udon. The food are amazing!! Price are average as well. There is no service what so ever, not as friendly. But would come again for the food!
(4)Jina Y.
I come back again and again thinking it'll be better this time... yet only to be disappointed. Perhaps because I am Korean and I am being biased, but seriously the only reason why I go here is those nights my friends and I want late night Korean food after a good night out (but not necessarily want Korean BBQ). Every time I go I get so disappointed. This time I ordered hae jang guk (aka hangover soup) and also had some of the hamul pajun (aka seafood pancake.) Seafood pancake was over flowing with green onions, but not enough seafood. Basically, too floury and definitely not worth $17.00 for it. The hae jang guk had too much cabbage. Other places make it spicy and has big pieces of meat in them. I had probably 2 small pieces and I didn't eat the rest of the soup. I just think there are better Korean restaurants for better quality. I don't like taking my friends there because to me it's not what Korean food should taste like. I do admit I like their side dishes though. That's about it. If you guys really want some legit Korean food, there are other places even just around Annandale you can go to for much better taste.
(1)Jessica O.
Came here with my boyfriend for the first time about a week ago and I definitely don't plan on going back. The staff was pretty rude to us...I'm guessing because we aren't Korean cause everyone else around us that was seemed like they were getting great service. Our waiter took forever to come greet us and take our order. This place wasn't very clean either. The floor had a lot of trash, the cups weren't washed good and the plates where they brought our food on were really sticky from the bottom and had food residue. Gross! Stay away from this place and just go to Honey Pig.
(1)Tiffany H.
I always come to yechon with my family. Although it's a little pricey, the food is great. We always order the sushi boat and bulgogi and it satisfied 10 people! I also like the lunch special with the bento boxes. My favorite is the tempura with their salad dressing.
(4)William A B.
It's a favorite pastime for late night meals, being open 24 hours a day is a huge convenience, the food is good, I usually get the garbi and something else, not a huge fan of their bulgogi. But I will always venture back after a long night;-)
(4)Carlo G.
This is my go to when it comes to Korean BBQ. This place never fails me and its 24 hours. Anytime I have the craving it's always satisfied.
(5)Dennis L.
I like Yechon, I think it's a bit pricey for the quality and amount of food given, but it tastes okay. I love that it's 24/7 and has a wide variety of food which is always good because sometimes I can feel korean barbeque or sometimes I'm feeling sushi. The service is always friendly, but when it gets packed, it does lack, but they do have a button call system if you ever need anything and they are usually pretty quick after that. Overall because it's has such convenient hours and pretty decent food, I usually have a lot of Yechon pretty often!
(4)Elizabeth L.
One of the only authentic korean places in the area. They have the buttons to press for service just like in Korea! We had the bulgolgi and spicy pork dishes. The kimchi mandu was decent but not shaped like a mandu! It was flat -_- The bulgolgi and spicy pork were both very tender and well marinated. I liked all the panchan except for the spinach one which was too bitter for me. The wait was shorter than what they told me - we probably waited 15 min when they said 20. They use the buzzers so it is easy to keep track of while waiting outside. Overall it was really good and this has been our korean food to go spot since we moved here last year. I still miss la ktown but it is nice to have yechon to fill the gap!
(4)In Y.
I've decided to write a review after years of eating at this place. Why? Because I decided not to go anymore.... Here is the thing. Yechon was the place where all of us go when drunk after 3am on weekends, it was a place where we can have all almost everything from Korean cuisine. BBQ, bibimbap, bulgogi... you name it. They have it. But then, one of my friend visited there about a month back. He ordered a soup and as he started to eat the soup suddenly he chewed some sort of meat that doesn't chew very well so he spited it out. Guess what. It was.... paper towel....... the towel that you clean your kitchen with. Sure, it could be one mistake every kitchen can make. But then... another friend of mine went and ordered a soup again. Yukhaejang. Aw i don't even want to and i will not mention what was in there. Overall, decent restaurant with decent food quality. You just have to be careful while eating one.
(2)Sookyung L.
I like their food and i love their service. Their food is consistent and delicious and 5 star hotel service with any server. Highly recommended.
(5)Kilani W.
this place is always busy , open 24/7 . it is nice though , good food and the people are nice . there is a next door bakery cafe that is also very good .
(4)Mary F.
Pros: wait staff in beautiful traditional attire, attentive staff, clean and not too noisy Cons: long line, small servings, a little pricey
(2)Nomin D.
I'm giving three stars solely based upon food and minus two stars because of lack of customer service and organization of the restaurant itself. Their food is typical; nothing special compared to other korean restaurants in the area. They are little more pricier that others. But oh boy, the servers are just frustrating. Half the time, they take forever to bring you refill on side dishes... Takes wrong orders and blames you for not ordering correctly... They chase you out the door if you give them less than 15% because of lack of customer service. In addition, they don't take reservations at all which means waiting can be hour+ at times. And they are not attentive at all. I don't see why people are still hyping over this place. But I'm over it. I'll come if I have to, but not need to.
(3)Alan W.
Great selection of food! Only been two times, but it's been good so far. I will be going back.
(4)Angel W.
OH MY GOD!!!!! THIS PLACE IS SO FANTASTIC. the wait: about 20 minutes for 2 people on a friday evening (not too bad, considering we first tried Kogiya and got told the wait was 2 HOURS...) we waited next door at Breeze Bakery, which happens to be a delicious place to source gelato, bingsoo, bubble tea, and asian cakes. I am totally okay with eating dessert before dinner :) FOOD: the panchan alone is worth coming for. we sat down and ordered the 2 types of bulgogi listed on the menu for the bbq (one is pork, one is beef) and it was promptly cooked in front of us while we nibbled on the side dishes. my favorites? the tofu, kimchi, and the mayo apple salad. the "appetizers" may vary between korean restaurants, but they are meant for maximum enjoyment and to eat your heart out. the meat was FREAKING AMAZING. marinated and seasoned just divinely, went so perfectly with the hot bowl of rice. we also ordered ox tail soup, which came with chunks of ox tail. SO perfect to drink with its 'healing' powers and during the cold of winter. the gelatin from the tendon being cooked into the broth is out of this world. service: just perfect. we had about 3 servers rotate our area throughout our meal, and they took our orders, refilled our drinks and flipped the meat on the bbq. just don't get annoyed when the servers don't speak English that well-- no excuses, the menu is even in english. price for 2 bulgogis, ox tail soup, sake, and beer was $58 before tip. can you say bang for your buck??!?!?! and it's a perfect date option, excellent food without breaking the bank.
(5)Jessica N.
Even though it is a Korean restaurant I only eat sushi/sashimi here. My sushi always comes out SO BOMB! &&& the slices are thick, not those wimpy half an inch kinda thing which I LOVE. It's always fresh and absolutely perf the only thing I would "complain" about is some of the waitresses don't seem to speak English very well but that's okay everybody's gotta make a living and they'll learn. Also, the making of the sushi is a bit slower than other places but it's okay because I usually order a TON. My family is like their worst nightmare
(5)Colton J.
I came across this place on my way home one night and the exterior lighting really caught my eye. The parking lot is a little chaotic with all the construction going on around it. It took about 15 minutes for me to be seated. I ended up ordering the salmon teriyaki. I loved it. It was fresh and not over cooked. Their teriyaki sauce is really amazing as well. The staff was very lovely and I can't wait to go back again.
(4)Hj W.
Yechon is an institution. It's always busy, it has a lot of great options in terms of BBQ. The service is good for foreigners and native Koreans alike. Why 3-Stars? Yechon is a place that hasn't really evolved to meet the needs of the Korean BBQ space that is Annandale. There is increasing competition in terms of high quality Korean food and Yechon provides the goods but at a cost point that is not quite right on the high end. Some of the food options for BBQ are practically meh. Get their beef tongue. Thin slivers of beef tongue that have a meaty taste like beef heart but melt-in-your-mouth texture of tenderloin. You'll barely notice what it is because it's sliced super thin and resembles just another cut of beef. I mean, an actual cut of beef.
(3)Kk D.
This is one of my favorite places to eat because I love their food. The food is delicious and their establishment next door (Breeze) is an amazing way to top it off. This is the best authentic korean food Ive ever had. I love the bibimbap and the bulgogi! One thing I would say is if you come later in the evening be prepared to wait; they get crazy busy and there is not a lot of room to stand and wait. They can't help that people love them so much! Once you get to your table, if it is busy be prepared wait some more. I am really happy they have those call buttons on the table. I try not to use it but on some nights it can be the only way to get someone to come to your table (especially if you are in the corners). For me, it is worth the wait. If you are coming with a group take one car because parking is impossible! The parking lot is very small and if you park across the street watch your car because they will tow (it is a private lot).
(4)P V.
Me and hubby went on sunday and had the bimbimbop. I had the marinated short ribs and they were terrible with so much fat and gristle. also on both of our meals, the rice was not pressed into the sides of the hot stone bowl which would have given us that yummy crunchy rice. It was not memorable in a good way and just an average meal. Sad but true. We'll be looking for a new place for our Korean food fix now.
(3)Giovanna P.
I've going here for years now...from lunch, dinner, and even late night. Its a staple in the Annandale/Northern VA area. Since I've been going there for so long there is 1 waitress that knows me very well and makes sure to give us all the extra little small plates of goodies. My normal order consists of sushi, bulgogi, and fried dumplings. I have no complaints anywhere for there food- its always fresh and flavorful and I always leave a satisfied customer. I've seen many korean and japanese families eat there as well which leads me to believe that its pretty good if the locals enjoy it as well. I definitely cant wait to try more of the menu and if you are around definitely stop in to try there food. Please note: The sushi can not be ordered late night as the sushi chef is not there & I highly recommend having the bulgogi cooked at your table- just makes the experience that much better. Enjoy! -Mangia bene, vive bene! P.S. The owners of Yechon opened a bakery/gelato/bubble tea free standing building next door. If I'm correct it is also 24/7 and I believe they offer free wi-fi. I've only had the bubble tea and loved it every time I've ordered! Some days they do run out of bubble's though so fair warning! The bakery was a great place for late night studying when I was in college.
(5)Candace J.
My family is Korean so I know what good, authentic Korean food tastes like. This place is just about as good as restaurant Korean food can get. We've eaten in Korean restaurants all over the country and in numerous large cities and we always find ourselves saying 'this place isn't as good as Yechon'. I've been here numerous times and always leave with a big smile and a very full belly. It's always packed (open 24 hours) and always amazing. I usually try to eat nothing the day that we go so that I can pack in as much as I can. The portion sizes are pretty large (for sharing). Take note that the waitresses ONLY come to the table when you press the button/doorbell attached to each table. They arrive like magic fairies within seconds after pressing. It's a fun game. Ask for the barley tea. It's good. And free. Get your name on the list, get your pager, then go next door to the bakery (also owned by Yechon) and ogle their goodies while you wait for a table. Everything there is also... you guessed it... amazing. If you have room after dinner come back and get dessert. Favorite dishes: Japchae Haemul Paejon Duk Mandu Guk Seollongtang Spicy Pork Bulgogi the Banchan is always amazing. we get multiple refills.
(5)Christine H.
My reasoning for three stars is as follows: The pros with this place is that its 24/7 open korean fare which is awesome! There is a HUGE and I mean HUGE variety of dishes mainly Korean and a mix of Japanese cuisine. So I bring my hubster here since he only eats a few items since I cant drag him to a spot that only serves soondubu, jambong, and or jajamyun, he will not eat nothing. So Yechon is our go to place in the Northern Virginia area and I feel the prices are reasonable except for the bbq, its high priced in my mind just cuz I know I can get three times as much meat for what I pay here. But when I feel lazy to cook and since our townhome does not allow a grill (shhh dont tell anyone) we settle for restaurant Korean bbq. Cons, hmm well first off the staff here is mainly Korean (what?! Who knew) and Spanish and its mainly broken English spoken, so asking for substitutions and modifications is asked with great difficulty and therefore just stick to what you know you will like and order by the number or point to the menu. Another point is the parking can get hectic and since its next to Breeze, and 7/11 it is pretty hard to find parking sometimes for prime time and weekends. And when you do come to eat in the wheee hours of post clubbing or whatever it is kids do late night nowadays, the sushi bar is closed. One time I couldn't get noodles. But that was one time so not sure. And of course the quality of the soondubu does not beat Lighthouse Tofu or the other savory soups like from Gom dang e, but its decent enough to have your tastes buds Korean food satisfied. This afternoon I came here with the hubster and my sister and we shared a couple maki rolls, kimchi mandu (fried dumplings), beef soondubu, and two orders of chadol baegi (lean thin slices of brisket) cooked at the table. The waitress came and cooked the food at the table and served us the first round, but ban chan was not refilled which would have been nice. Overall the food was tasty but always room for improvement with the authentic Korean taste and just a tad bit expensive. But it was plenty for three of us and we walked out belly's full.
(3)Chi Z.
Love this place! It's always busy so you know their good. Best banchan aka side dishes. The only place where we can get a good beef intestine stew. I'm sure there are others but it's totally awesome here. Ewwwy gooey umami goodness. The seafood stew is also a good choice. Great for hangovers or the super hungry.
(4)Jen S.
I had heard so many great reviews about this place so I came in with very high expectations. However I was disappointed to find that it is not the place it apparently once used to be. First off, the service was slower than it should have been. Granted, it was busy, but I have been told that there are times when it is even busier so they should know how to deal with several customers efficiently. The quality of the meat was mediocre. I've been told that the meat here is the best in this area, but truth be told, I've tasted better. I also found a piece of hair in one of the side dishes that was served. This is not something that should ever happen, regardless of if it is busy or not. Servers or food preps (or both) should be more cautious when dealing with the food to ensure that this doesn't happen. Overall the experience I had wasn't the best, but I did go in with very high expectations of the place. In comparison to your average Korean BBQ restaurant, it was a decent meal, but I probably wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for high quality food.
(3)Trang N.
When I started eating here, it was always in the middle of the night after clubbing. I was drunk out of my mind 90 percent of the time I would come after 2AM, so I honestly don't remember how the food or service was then. I just remember it being jammed packed (it's one of the few places in No. Va that is open 24 hours) and it took forever to get our orders in because nobody would ever come around. By the time the food actually got to the table, it was scarfed down immediately. For the times I do remember, the food was very good and surprisingly cheap. ($15 for Bulgogi! It's usually $20+ anywhere else). l really like their sushi. However, the service is wishy washy. The waitresses there are always either having a good day or a bad day.. I would too if I had to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I swear, every time I come here, no matter what time of day it is, the same exact women are working. Do they ever get a break? With that being said, I can almost cut the service some slack. I've been here a couple times for lunch. That's probably when the women are the nicest. Once a lady even took the time to help me decide what to order. I was pleased with her recommendation. Don't ask me what it was though: she just pointed at something that was written in Korean and I just nodded. The time that totally threw me off about this place was when my boyfriend and I went for dinner. It was somewhere around 8PM so it wasn't packed. We've been to dinner here before, so we knew it wouldn't be. There was only about 1/3 of the tables in the whole place being used. My boyfriend and I ordered the usual: Bulgogi, Kalbi, and 2 orders of sushi. (We love to eat Korean/Japanese food, okay?) Halfway through our meal, we notice this huge party of people seated nearby us. I'm assuming they ordered sushi or at least something that needed soy sauce, because the lady serving them thought it was alright for her to come to OUR table and take OUR soy sauce for the large party to use. Um, HELLO? What if I was still using that?! Why did you not think to swipe the soy sauce from the empty table right next to them?! I was utterly speechless. I could barely eat the rest of my meal. Thank goodness I had already finished the sushi we had ordered. Now that I think about it, this actually might be the last time I had a meal there.. I hate to say, but I have to say it: I sometimes think the service provided there is favored to Koreans. I may be absolutely wrong and this might bite me in the ass later, but it really appears this way. Being Asian does not suffice either: It's as though you must know how to speak their native tongue in order to get decent service. 4 stars for the fairly priced good food. Only come if you're feeling patient that day.
(4)Dana C.
I walked in with a mission: bibimbop with tofu. I may be vegetarian, but I still love a fried egg oozing over marinated veggies and rice, with tofu! The staff here were really unreasonable with my request to replace beef with tofu. Grant it, I can understand that for a traditionalist, my request my sound weird or gross, but I tried explaining that I have had tofu bibimbop many times before, but they didn't buy it and told me they would charge me extra to have a block of tofu on the side. Forget it. Korean food may not be traditionally vegetarian, but look out Annandale, vegetarians exist, and we will demand tofu under our fried egg instead of the usual beef.
(1)Shannon A.
I've been here many, many times (maybe 12 times) and my last two visits compelled me to write a review. BEFORE these last two visits, I would've given Yechon 4 stars. The food was always good (except the Sushi, but it is hard to find amazing sushi here) and the service was also comparable. Now let me explain my last two visits that made me change my opinion about this joint... I usually go to Yechon with my boyfriend, but this afternoon I went with a girl friend of mine. Usually the waitresses are very friendly and I am greeted as soon as I walk in, but this time they just glared at us and asked how many and sat us down. Two Korean families came in 5 minutes after us and were greeted (yes, I am one of those people who pay attention to little customer service touches such as this). They were also given drinks before us and their orders were also taken before our orders and we were there first! And yes, they got their food before we did too. The place wasn't packed either, I'd say 10 tables full. The waitresses were SO (yes, I needed to make that emphasis) rude to us, glaring at us as she took our orders with a pissed off, annoyed look. When I asked for more panchan she literally rolled her eyes and uttered an "Ugh" !!! Oh, but when she came around to the Korean people seated around our table she was all smiles! Now, I don't ever usually pull out a race card but I could definitely see the difference in how she was treating the Korean people seated around us. I am a mix of Polynesian, Japanese, and German and my friend is Filipino/White, and we don't look that Asian although we are. I've experienced this type of treatment before at Koreatown in Los Angeles. I usually go to Yechon with my boyfriend who is 100% Asian and what do you know, we get excellent treatment even when the restaurant is extremely busy and crowded! But my friend and I decided to give Yechon another chance and we returned a couple days ago. It was quite empty. I've never seen the parking lot or restaurant so empty at 5 pm! I've been here at all times too, for lunch, din, and between 2-5 a.m. for some after-party grub. Anyway, there were 2 other couples in there dining. Most of the waitresses were sitting at a table talking and the busboys were quiet and polite as usual, minding their own business. So basically, my friend and I were the only one they had to wait on. I don't know what happened but it took a good 10 minutes for them to rudely take our order (Kalbi and Shrimp Tempura Roll) and it took even longer for the food to come out! The food usually comes out pronto! I usually always order the Shrimp Tempura Roll and it always comes out within 5 minutes after ordering. This time it didn't, and after waiting nearly 20 minutes for the food, the Kalbi came out and the roll still wasn't there. I didn't say anything because I wanted to test the waitress and see when or if she would even remember (I was already so peeved, I didn't want to even speak to the waitress). Needless to say, she remembered when we were almost thru with our Kalbi so I just politely told her to cancel my order. She looked really embarrassed and did not even apologize. She just came by our table and looked around and uttered "Oh, sushi!" and ran to the sushi bar when I proceeded to follow her and told her to cancel it. She just said "Ok." I'll probably only go here when I'm drunk and starving at 4 a.m. after a night of partying, with my boyfriend in tow. Other than that, I'm finally going to give some other Korean restaurants a try.
(2)Rosalie S.
The food was great and the service prompt and helpful. WE will go back!
(4)Joseph W.
So this is a buffet, but it's also sort of like a fondue buffet. They cook lots of meat right at your table. Like as much as you want. Trust me I want a lot. This was my first time at a Korean restaurant, so I was hipped to eating the meat with a large leaf of lettuce underneath and some red sauces as well. It was sosososo good! They also have a pretty extensive sushi bar. I don't do sushi so I'm not going to lie and review that, but I can say that the other meats were good too. They had curry chicken, sweet and sour chicken, and all sorts of vegetable. All pretty high quality too, especially for a buffet. They cook barbeque chicken, squid, shrimps, barbeque pork and beef right at your table. They will do as many helpings as you like and it tastes great! They also have jello and fruits for dessert and trust me after a heavy meal like that... it's not a bad thing to have an orange for dessert! Loved it!
(5)Robert M.
Great eats, good ambiance, very reasonable prices. Had the bulgogi (very good) noodle soup (meh) and beef spareribs (mouth wateringly delicious). Dug the waitresses, diners and the environment. Stayed away from the sushi so have no idea how it is, but the bbq was fantastic. They are busy and the Korean gentleman who takes names can struggle a bit with pronunciation leading to a missed opportunity to get your table. If you have a non super easy name you may want to dumb it down a bit to help the brother out and make sure you get your table in a timely fashion. Will definitely be back.
(5)Mike E.
It's always a good sign when you go into a Korean food place and there is nothing but Koreans in there. Fantastic food and quite plentiful for what you pay. The servers were traditional Korean garb and the place has a great atmosphere. Will be going back. Also, I've been told that they are open REALLY late (maybe 24 hours???).
(4)Andy P.
I'm updating the review because I didn't like my first one, I let others sway me too much towards dropping a star. Even in DC's ultimate Korean neighborhood, this stands out as one of the top places. For starters, you can't go wrong with 24 hr Korean BBQ. It's simple, it's good, it's available at 2. am. Beyond the BBQ the other Korean staples I've tried have been pretty good. Seafood pancake, Jap chae (sp?) and others have always been good. They also have sushi, though it doesn't really seem like their specialty. Overall, I'd say it's as good or better than any place I've had outside NY. Only negatives are price (and even that isn't all that high). Service is standard asian. That doesn't bother me but does tend to bother some people.
(4)Susan S.
Usually good reliable food but after the last visit, haven't returned since. That was about 6 months ago. I took a friend there to celebrate a birthday. I'd ordered this dish before - combination meats/seafood to grill at the table. The waitress said they were out of the Lobster and then told me they would serve chicken in lieu of the lobster. When I requested shrimp in lieu of the lobster, the waitress had to ask management and made it seem as though they were doing me a huge favor. Then as we were leaving the restaurant, I passed another table which had lobster grilling at the table. When I pointed this out to a waitress, they scrambled for management and told me the lobster truck had just arrived. No apologies, just that blank ignorant look.
(3)Mike W.
daymn i miss this place. i used to eat here ALL the time back when i lived in virginia. dood - when i was a freshman in college they had this cool geeky waiter who wore glasses... when i graduated and working he was still working there - he's like a icon - heh. anyway, yah - this place gets a 5 for nostalgic reasons, ya hurr?
(5)Jamie S.
I recently moved to Annandale from Falls Church, funny how 4 miles can transform you into a whole new world. I've been wanting to try some of the Korean places in my neighborhood. So I started with Kechon which is right up the street. The food was good but the service was terrible. No one talked to you, no one explained what food they had brought to your table, even after being asked. The woman basically yelled at us when we politely asked what was in the bowl..."ITS BBQ SAUCE" and walked away. After tasting,it was not bbq sauce but bean paste :) We got the beef short rib, which was good and the pahjun (Korean pancake) w/ seafood. It was fine but when the bill came for our 2 item lunch was $60. Iam glad we went to try something new but it won't be replacing Vietnamese in Eden Center anytime soon.
(2)Noel C.
Being relatively new to yelp, I gather that it is coveted to be the "First to Review." Yet does that conversely mean that it is passe to review where seemingly everyone has already chimed in? Me thinks not. So as to all the other great reviews garnered by Yechon, I say: Ditto.
(5)Nina L.
I had my usual scallion pancake, komsot rice, and sushi...the food was delicious as usual, but the service from the waitress was poor. However the owner Kevin is always friendly and polite. I always use the ladies room when I'm done with dinner...I proceeded to the ladies room and noticed that there was a urinal...the bathroom had been recently remodeled with new flooring, granite counter top, a glass vessel sink...they decided to switch, what used to be the ladies room was now the men's room...the mens room looked nice. The ladies room now has 2 toilet stalls (yeahhh), blue pearl granite counter top, clear vessel sink, and laminate flooring...I complimented Keven on the bathrooms and he stated that his contractor was going to replace the sink and counter top because it wasn't practical...I love vessel sinks and granite counter tops...I'm so disappointed that he's going to replace it with something else :( oh well...
(4)A B.
Our waitress definitely had an attitude. She gave me the look of death when I asked to have my soup packed for carry out, as if that was some deadly sin of eating Korean food. So sue me, I was sick. And after all the banchan they load you up with, I wanted my soup at home. Not to mention I ordered soup with chicken in it...and there was no chicken in it. Warning if you order an oyster pancake - it's like as big as a pizza. Be hungry. Good variety of banchan. Please, Yechon, work on your service. I'd give you two stars but I'm a late night fiend and this place is 24 hours so that's slightly redeeming.
(3)Lisa R.
best bulgogi ever! open 24/7 - love love love it!
(5)G P.
I would have given it five stars if hadn't been for a couple of things: 1. The galbi was a bit too fatty. Fat is good but not this much. I had to spit out one of the portions because of the excess fat. My five minutes of chewing apparently wasn't enough. 2. The raw garlic/sliced peppers condiment was not fresh, especially the peppers. It looked like it had been sitting out for a few days. I brought a friend here who had never had Korean food. He was concerned that I had ordered two orders of the galbi. I guess he thought I was crazy for ordering two of the same thing. I advised him that in order to cook at the table, I had to order two servings. He pointed to some other things on the menu that I should have ordered. I told him that the galbi was the safest bet. I wanted to be sure that he would like it. When the galbi came, I was very surprised at the portions. For $19.95 x 2, you get pretty hefty portions. I'm used to the portions served in New York City - very small. The galbi was tender and tasty. But I felt like the tenderness was due to the excess fat, especially on the edges. I could tell the quality of the meat was not there. I have some premium cuts of galbi in NYC and it was both tender and not fatty. But then you have to fork over $29 for a small serving. We had a good assortment of banchans: kimchi, scallions, poached eggs, imitation crab, potato/sausage/peppers, mashed potatoes, bean sprouts, shredded daikon, raw garlic/peppers, pajeon, cucumbers, and red leaf lettuce. Service was good. I liked the fact that the waitress, who was dressed in a traditional Korean dress (hanbok), took the time to cook all of the meat for us. That's a nice touch. Most places, especially in NYC, will start the cooking for you and then later disappear. They'll occasionally come back but by that time, the meat has already been eaten. It was refreshing to see the hanbok being worn by all of the waitress. Very nice. I wish I could give this place five stars but the not-so-fresh garlic/peppers was a disappointment. I will certainly come back if I'm in the area again.
(4)Jake N.
all around good korean food. decent prices and good service. opens 24 hrs so that's a plus. there is sometime a wait line to get in but you just have to plan ahead about what time to get there. like a couple of other korean restaurants I've seen, they have the service button on your table. just have to press it if there's no waitress in your immediate area.
(5)Maria L.
Being hispanic, I'll admit right off the bat that I am not well versed in Korean food . However, my family- including my two kids- loves to try foods from other countries. Ethiopian, Afgan, and Indian are among our favorites. Lately, we've been on a Vietnamese food trend- so we were looking for a change. Loved Yechon. From the outside, doesn't look like much, but feels warm and cozy inside. We wanted to miss the dinner rush- and the late night revelers, so we ate at 9:30. Busy, but not ridiculously so. We tried beef Galbi and bulgogi- which to my childrens delight - is prepared right at the table, Dolsot bibambop, and Hae Mul Pae Jeon - in addition to hearty banchan (thanks trifood.com glossary- which had explanations of different Korean foods..... our servers understood limited english) We loved every bite- licked our plated clean, and rolled out of there a leisurly 1.5 hours later. As we looked around the restaurant, we definitely saw other appetizing dishes that we'll have to try on other occasions! We'll be back for sure. Really nice dining experience P.S.- After the amount of food we ate, I was prepared for a HUGE bill. Nice shocker that it wasn't so bad. Around $20.00 a person - and that was full to the brim!
(4)Wai T.
Great banchan, great soup (hae jan guk), great hae mul jun gol (seafood casserole). Open 24/7. 'Nuf said.
(5)Hello H.
I've only been once for Sunday lunch, but I thought the hwe-dup-bop was totally awe$ome and decently priced.
(4)Allan N.
I've only been here for late night. Some of my friends were scared to drink the beverage they serve you. They say it looks like dirty water, but it tastes pretty good to me. The food is always decent. My go to dish is bim bim bap. The fact that it's open 24 hours is pretty crazy. Come here late night and you'll see all the people that were clubbing downtown.
(4)Joyce C.
Wait staff are busy but they are able to give good services. Food is okay. Good for around the area. Tables aren't too close together which is good. Can go next door for the Korean cafe while waiting for the table. They give you a peeper for the wait.
(4)Vivian Z.
I have been to Yechon multiple times and I still have mixed feelings about it. On some days that I go I have great fast service and good food or the complete opposite. I dislike their lunchbox specials it was bland and overall not very good. However, when I come in the evening for dinner with friends I love the grilled meats and abundant amount of side dishes. The bimbimbap was on the dry side and I would prefer if they gave out the gochujang (red hot sauce) in the squeeze bottle because the little dish they give it out in is not enough for me. This restaurant gives a cozy family atmosphere which is great with a large group gathering or a regular family dinner. Furthermore, this place is usually packed on the weekends at dinner time so arrive early or the wait time is 30-45 minutes.
(3)Raquels C.
I'm still eating left overs lol!! Not much more I can add than what's been said by sooo many. Food is great, portions are huge and the cost is very reasonable. I would suggest not coming during peak hours if you are in a hurry as the wait for the food can be long. We went on a Wed night around 7pm and the place was CROWDED! Luckily for us as soon as we walked in we were immediately seated in a small table by the window! The people after us had a little wait a LONG time to be seated. No wait at all to be seated but we did have to wait about 8 min for the waitress to acknowledge us and then another 5 or more min for our drinks to arrive. We weren't in a hurry so I didn't mind and we weren't the only people who were waiting for service. We ordered the Yechon Special #3 and extra meat, everything was great and there was actually too much food!! The service was rushed during the cooking process as the waitresses go from table to table making the food. She was very friendly and kept apologzing. Being that I have eaten at several establishments such as this I understand (not saying I like it) how it works. So we just kept cooking our meal ouurself. This is the only reason I'm giving it 4 stars. The quality of the food is great,the price is reasonable ( total meal for 2 was $100 plus tip) and eventhough service is slow everyone was very friendly. I didn't feel rushed while eating as I have felt at other croweded eateries like this. I would recommend this place but only come when you have a few hours to spare and not in a hurry.
(4)Nam N.
This is one of my go to places for late night food. It's open 24/7 so that makes it better. Their sushi chef leaves around 10-11 ish at night so no late night sushi but the food is great! Love Korean food and this is one of the best. I am giving them 4 stars because sometimes it gets so busy that I feel they are so under staffed. Parking can be tough sometimes.
(4)Mary Kate M.
Wow. Just wow. I was stunned and how friendly the service was, how fresh and how cheap everything was too! To think only one person has reviewed this little gem down in Annandale. I got here at the tail end of lunch break around 2:15. Lunch concluded at 2:30pm. I was immediately greeted where I opted to sit at the sushi bar. I figured since I was a party of one, why take up a 4 top table all by my lonesome. Trust me, I didn't mind. I requested to sit where I was. Surprisingly I was the only white girl in the place. Again, I didn't mind a bit. The servers all were very fluent speakers and I hate no trouble communicating with them. I gathered from the area that this was a highly populated Asian part of NoVA. The women servers were all dressed in what seemed to be colonial style dress. I know right? A bit different. They had their buns up in their hair, neatly pressed white dresses with an apron around their waists. I had probably 2 or 3 women checking on me in a rotation. Never an empty glass of water, never missed a beat when I needed something. The menu is quite extensive. Almost to the point of overwhelming. The do offer some pretty excellent lunch specials on the cheap. I really had not ate today and decided to be glutinous. I opted for 2 sushi rolls from their sushi menu and a tempura box. The sushi was spicy tuna which was really spicy and the Japanese bagel roll aka the Philly commonly known. The tempura box came with 5 mini dishes of a variety of pickled veggies and potatoes before you receive your actual entree, miso soup, then the actual meal itself. The tempura box consisted of tempura shrimp, a salad with dressing and cucumbers, tempura veggies, another veggie dish that had mushrooms and sliced beef, and a single California roll sushi piece ...not a whole roll. We are talking a lot of food. The tempura box itself was only $8.95 and man it is filling. I brought over half of the left overs home for a second meal since I filled up on the salad, sushi, and soup. Everything was so fresh and wonderful. I can't believe that it was so good. Heaven in your mouth for sure. At the end of your meal, they bring you a complimentary cup of rice sweet tea. It has bits of rice flowing around at the bottom of the cup. Believe it or not this was a perfect ending to a perfect meal. It is very light and sweet. A cup of happiness. For everything -- my bill was under $20. I was shocked. A perfectly wonderful meal that could easily be considered fine dining to some. I lucked out on this one. Have you ever heard of a sushi establishment being open for 24 hours? Yeah, me either. Well, Ye Chon is! Nice to see something different for a change. If I ever want to get my sushi fix at 3am on a Sunday night -- it is possible to do it. Ye Chon really is a diamond in the rough that has not been sought out by many Yelpers, I certainly hope some folks make their way down here to see what I am talking about.
(5)Peter K.
My 'go-to' for Korean food. Open 24 hours, food is consistent and good, and price is reasonable. Get's crowded real quickly.
(4)Tey C.
They're food is ON POINT! but the parking sucks! thats the only reason why I am giving them 4 stars instead of 5.
(4)Calvin L.
They are 2 mins walking distance from my office so I come here often. Best Ethnic Korean so far and I love their soup! They are very busy all day long so expect loud noises, I am here to enjoy the food so that's not my concern. Like most other busy places can't say much about the floor or corners but table/silverware are clean. Lunch boxes - 4/5 (Good size lunch with everything you will need/want and tasty) Lunch soups - 5/5 (I love their spicy soup) Sushi - 4.5/5 (Surprisingly good) BBQ / Shabu - 4/5 (Had this few times and satisfied) They are popular so show up before noon for lunch or before 6pm for dinner or you are looking at 15-30 min wait.
(5)Mimi C.
yechon, yechon oh how i love thee yechon!!! where do you get great korean food 24/7??? YECHON!! shout it loud!!! for breakfast, we wanted hangover food (ok, more like i did). so ... we drove out to annadale (cuz that's where all the legit korean food is!!) sat down at a bbq table (cuz they do kbbq~!), opened the menu and.. OH!! $6.95 breakfast & lunch specials! PERFECT!!! we both ordered the sul lang tang (translate - korean beef noodle soup). they had other specials like juk and bibimbap. one sip.. we were back in ktown... :) perfect milky beef broth with small noodles and generous amounts of tender beef DIY salt, green onion, and spice powder mmmm.........................great for a cold day *it wasn't that cold, but whatever* and in between...they gave us all these banchans!! I LOVE BANCHANS!! napa kimchee, cucumber, daikon was fresh. loved the seaweed salad... staff was so nice they kept asking if we wanted more. do you see me floating out of my chair?? cuz that was definitely me!! great location next to breeze bakery (for dessert ;)) and h mart!
(4)Winston S.
Concept similar to Honey Pig, but somewhat less popular and without a hot plate on your table. My friend swore by this place, and while the serving portions are indeed LARGE and CHEAP, the food is nothing to write home about. My fish dish was unremarkable and full of bones, while the rest of the food was both spicy and bland at the same time (not an easy feat to accomplish). Being open 24 hours, I would imagine it would be a good place to go after an evening of heavy drinking with good friends. Or take the ravenous in-laws and extended family from Minnesota and don't break the bank.
(3)Kim A.
Been coming here for a while now since its down the street from my house. I mostly go here late at night after a night out with some friends. Mostly on the weekends, late at night, its busy. First time I actually came here was late at night. I ordered just bulgogi. my friends ordered pork belly. Honestly, it's not that great if they were to cook it themselves. its very dry and somewhat cold/warm. Seems like it was sitting for a while. I tried coming here during the lunch hours also but the food is somewhat the same. nothing really special. It's a bit pricey late at night but thats expected. Funny thing is, every time we get finished eating, we step outside to smoke a cigarette, and I always witness someones car getting hit. Always a hit and run moments I see. So if you come here late at night, I suggest you park a little farther, just in case (;
(3)Nhi L.
Yechon would've gotten more stars if it weren't for the terrible service. I went there with my family (grandparents, uncles, aunts, the kids, and all that jazz) We had a total of 8 adults, 1 eleven year old and a two year old. We were sat at a corner table that was not connected, now I know that taking 9 other people to a small Korean restaurant on a friday night is a terrible idea, but the least the employees could've done was have some common courtesy for the people that will be giving them tip. Not only were they confused with our order, but their staff was rude and disrespectful. On another note, the food was delicious. We ordered the seafood pancakes, Shrimp Tempura sushi, Salmon Skin sushi, Spicy Tuna Sushi, seafood tofu soup, chicken teriyaki, rice noodles, bulgogi, spicy pork and other things. Yechon would've definitely gotten at least a 4.5 if it weren't for the sucky service. Maybe ill have better luck next time.
(3)Hee L.
3.7 stars. What? Almost 4, but not quite. I'm korean so I'm pretty picky when it comes to reviewing korean establishments. NOTHING and I repeat NOTHING comes close to mom and grandma's home cooking. They have spoiled my tastebuds so of course I am going to compare to their cooking. I'm kind of torn with this place. I like it enough, but nothing I would do dancing circles for. I guess they do have good appetizers/starters. Their fried dumplings (mandu) and seafood pancake (haemulpajun) is good. Their korean bbq is above average, other stuff such as tang soo yuk (fried beef or pork in a sweet and sour sauce), fried shrimp in sweet and spicy sauce is pretty good too. All my non korean friends think this place is "the bomb" in their words. They always call me up and request yechon. Meh, I tell them lets just go to my mom's instead and she will make food 100 times better. But then again, mom is not always in the mood to cook. Thanks mom. =) I was really dissapointed with the kimchi jigae (a kimchi soup/stew) which happens to be my favorite korean dish. It tasted like they just dumped a bunch of kimchi and water in the clay pot and boiled it. No other add ins. Hardly any meat pieces (most traditional kimchi jigae is made with pork belly cuts). Yechon's version of "mystery meat" was some mushy gray dissapointment which was NOT edible. C'mon guys, this is a korean staple. Let's step it up on the kimchi jigae please. =) All in all, good place to come. The waitresses were always nice to us when we came.
(4)Rachel S.
My first Korean BBQ experience and god it was heavenly. Me and my gal went on Christmas Eve at 10:30PM and the place was still packed. We wanted about 15 minutes and then the feast began. We ordered SOO much food that our waitress was worried about us, but #YOLO. BBQ wise, we got the shortribs. Holy shit, they were amazing. Couldn't stop eating and wanted more. I also loved all the side dishes / salads it's served with. Reminds me of Israeli meals when they "open the table". We also had a grilled fish which was incredible. Simple and tasty, could have picked at it all night. We also both got a spicy stew, shit cleared my sinuses right up!! Waitresses were sweet and impressed by our nom-ing skills, although like another reviewer mentioned, it's hard to get your water filled. The vibe was great, families/friends laughing and enjoying food, waiters running around, the smell was awesome. ALSO, this place is 24/7, 7 days a week. AMAZE. God, I need to get back here ASAP. Also check out the bakery next door, SO good!
(4)Camey S.
If you are in search of some authentic Korean BBQ with a rather large selection including some Japanese, I would recommend Yechon. The portions are plentiful, they cook your choice of meats at the table right there for you, plenty of sides and miso soup to start you off and wonderful service with a staff that is attentive and accommodating! I recommend the bulgolgi (thinly sliced marinated beef) and kalbi (marinated beef short ribs). Be ready for a wait, and be patient when parking, it may take a while... But it'll be worth the wait, and the hours make it a great place to try anytime!
(4)Melissa A.
We went midweek around 1:30, and the restaurant was packed with a line out the door. Nevertheless, we waited maybe 10 minutes for a table, and service was prompt and very friendly. The banchan and mandu were absolutely delicious, and my son and I enjoyed our galbi dolsot bibimbap. We saw quite a few other dishes that looked amazing on nearby tables so we'll have to come back. There's quite a bit to choose from, including Japanese dishes. The parking is a challenge right now as there is some construction nearby, and the restaurant as well as the bakery next door seem quite popular.
(4)Tammy B.
i usually give places benefit of the doubt. and im super nice everywhere i go. the food here is pretty good (not good enough to come back) but the service is terrible. there were so many people that came in after my boyfriend and i, and they got served before us and even finished before we got our food. no one checked on us throughout the whole time we were there, and it took 30 minutes for our tiny plates to come. we were there for a total of an hour and 10 minutes maybe. we didnt get everything until 10 minutes before we left. one server just apologized for the wait but didnt do anything about it. they were running back and forth helping all their other customers but didnt care about us. i rang the buzzer and even then no one came! we rang it again and the server came like he was annoyed at us. sorry that we are a paying customer just like everyone else. im surprised i was so nice the whole time. but i am never going back. i'll go to heebeem next time, they have always been so friendly with great service.
(1)Vivian T.
Only some of the items on the menu is great, it's convenient for being open 24hrs. I love the side dishes! The service is okay and some of the time the wait could be long. Their sushi is really good! They are also known for their kbbq as well. I would recommend their kimchi jigae, udon, shrimp tempura and their salmon teriyaki!
(4)Eric M.
Everything was amazing. I had the short ribs while my friends had bulgogi. All was tender and flavorful. I cant wait to come back.
(5)James D.
Excellent service ( even with a party of 11)! Wide variety of very good food...and I would agree with previous suggestions about Breeze Bakery. A must do for dessert! Great gelato (try the green apple).
(4)Josh G.
The menu here is extensive and has options for everyone. I went with bibimbop which was tasty and authentic. The food is reasonably priced and the service was attentive. We went on a weekend afternoon and it was fairly busy, so we went next door to Breeze to browse the bakery while we waited for our table to become available. Overall, nothing really stood out, but it was a good experience and I'd be willing to return.
(3)Julia N.
Now I'm not going to try to pretend I'm an expert on Korean food or anything, but my experience here was pretty good. I love how the female staff are in traditional Korean dress, it sort of makes you feel like you're immersing yourself in the culture. They're also very friendly. Well maybe except for when they cook for you, they just do their job nice and efficiently. As for the food, I can't be one to compare. All I know is it was good. Plenty of delicious side dishes along with awesome Korean barbecue. We got the special package that included lobster and shrimp along with your pork, beef, and chicken. My party consisted of three people and the course was for two people. Was still enough food for all of us, but I didn't walk out with a full stomach. That's a good thing for me though because I just ended up going over to Breeze next door to get some dessert. My favorites were the kimchi and most of the meats. Yum.
(4)Michael N.
When you go to a restaurant during Aug in the DC area on a Tuesday night and there is a wait to get in you know that they are doing something right, especially if you keep in mind that they are in the most competitive restaurant market in the country. Hats off to the operators of Yechon, it is by far the best Korean Restaurant in NOVA. I dine here regularly and the food is excellent, the menu variety is superb and diverse and I have never had a bad meal.I love the Korean apps that come complimentary with your meal, Furthermore the price is right, I can eat with my family of four for about 60 bucks (without alcohol) which is about what I would pay at a big corporately owned chain for an inferior meal compared to Yechon. Yechon is well worth waiting to get in, you will not be disappointed! Be sure to stop next door for some desert at Breeze (also owned by the Yechon folks) The only thing that stops them from 5 stars is the less than accommodating wait staff, if Korean is not your first language you may have some trouble asking questions about the extremely complicated menu but it is all part of the true Korean dining experience so I will give them a pass on the rude servers, the excellent food outweighs this one negative.
(4)Reony T.
Out of all the Korean places I've been to, so far, this is our favorite. Great service, excellent food for the price, they even have sushi that's GOOD! Can't beat the 24 hrs too. Plus Breeze Bakery is next door which is open till 2 AM FYI. The side dishes are excellent here too.
(4)Moe Z.
Very good food! We went there around midnight and it was packed .. We had to wait for about 20 min before e could get a table for 2. Their menu is a mixture of Korean and Japanese food (they also have sushi) so it is perfect if you are not sure what you really want!
(5)Alan M.
Updated: I have dined here multiple times this year (2014) and other than the wait, the food is delicious. Only place to eat Korean food in my humble opinion. Parkings tight on weekend evenings and lunches. Plenty of side dishes and a large menu selection. Service can get a bit slow when really busy but not a big deal.
(4)Jennifer T.
delicious. Everything is delicious
(5)Vu H.
The lunch special over is a steal! For only $9.99, you get a very decent amount of food - japanese lunch box.
(4)Benjamin D.
Gotta love Yechon~~~! Never had a bad experience here. Great food, attentive staff, dont really have a bad thing to say. Try their sushi as well!
(5)J L.
Food is okay. Ridiculously huge menu. Galbi was fine but the seafood pancake was meh. I don't know - the bad service is kind of a bummer and my parents were unhappy with the server..
(3)Christina G.
I love Korean food, so I was excited when I discovered 24-hour Korean BBQ only a 25-minute drive from DC. I'd been to Yechon once before a few years ago and enjoyed my kimchee chigae, but when I recently trekked out for a midnight dinner with my husband, I have to say I was less than impressed. I was sad that the panchan was missing a lot of my favorites--no cucumbers, no daikon, no greens. They had sprouts, but they had chunks of meat in them with very few actual sprouts. The panchan seemed to be American picnic sides with a Korean twist, such as potato salad and a coleslaw type thing. They did have good kimchee though. I could have eaten three helpings of it. We ordered bulgogi and kalbi BBQ, as well as jogae maeyuntang (spicy clam stew) and beef japchae (clear noodles). I thought the meat itself was well-marinated and had a pretty good flavor, but when we asked for gochujang (Korean hot sauce), we got sriracha. Now, I love sriracha and put it on most things, but with Korean BBQ, I want Korean hot sauce! The clam stew was frankly rancid and the clams were rubber. The japchae was OK, but nowhere near the best I've ever had. Next time I make a midnight trek out to the Beltway, I think I'll try Honey Pig.
(2)RaMel V.
We were really excited to try this place out but left disappointed. Had the sampler for two with chicken, beef, lobster and shrimp .. The whole nine yards.. (70$ for two) I think the problem was twofold: - portable grill temperature - weak seasoning and low spice level Our proteins were barely "barbecued" and the shrimp was actually not edible. The lobster was really underwhelming too.. I am a lover of the Asian spices ginger, soy sauce, sesame, teriyaki etc.. But at this place the only noteworthy flavor was the kimchi. Skip this place if you can..
(2)Kristine B.
This place is A-OK but honestly if you're craving korean tofu soup in the middle of the night it does the job. Coming from LA next to Ktown, I've definitely had better korean bbq and tofu soup (BCD Tofu House). The prices here are also out of control but then again, most kbbq places are expensive. It's about a 25 minute drive from DC, so you have to be REALLY craving it if you want to come here. Best part of this place is that its 24 hours. I was surprised to come here at 1am on a sunday and it was still poppin'. This is the perfect place to go to fill your korean cravings and make sure to stop by next door at Breeze Cafe for desserts =)
(3)S G.
I can see how this place could be intimidating for some.. Come for the Korean BBQ- ask for a table with a built in grill... Order the Beef Bulgogi and Beef Kalbi- and enjoy trying everything. You'll be served an assortment of banchan, don't be shy to ask what the dishes are, the ladies serving are are so helpful and hospitable! Even for you non-adventurous eaters- a trip to Yechon is something you should do, at least once. It can be very busy and loud- The menus is vast. Don't be intimidated, just go, have fun, and don't be afraid to experience new things. Your taste buds will thank you.
(4)JJ K.
Food was excellent. Portion were good. We had Kimchi Jjigae and kimchi dolsot bibimbap. Could have had few more banchan.
(5)Annie K.
Yechon is great for two things: lunch and late night! Plus, it's open 24/7! You definitely get your bang for your buck during lunch! You get a huge bento box with the meat of your choice, (galbi with a bunch of other food in a box for $9.95?! Don't mind if I do!) and although it's lunch, you still get banchan, which are the appetizer dishes that come before your entree. My favorite dish is the kalbi dolsat bibim bap-- which is a mix of kalbi and bibim bap in a hot stone pot. Everything is still sizzling when it gets delivered to your table! (Be sure to mix everything immediately, or else it'll get stuck to the bottom of the pot) Everything is reasonably priced and the portions are huge! The service can be spotty, but it's a pretty busy place for lunch and late night, so I don't expect too much.
(4)Ashley H.
The 24 hour concept is amazing. Endless food and everything was So good!! Even the sides! Usually the sides at places like this are nothing special. Pleasant atmosphere. The service was a little aloof though. Super packed.
(4)Joshua S.
My favorite time to come here is around hours when other food places may not be open. Parking always seems a little tight but I never have trouble finding a spot. Conveniently located near another great eatery.
(5)Lauren O.
Consistent favorite. Our go to place for Korean BBQ. They also have sushi that is quite good. They serve lots of yummy side dishes too! We have been here at all different hours and we have never been disappointed.
(5)Emily K.
This is a good Korean restaurant for late night eats. It it 24 hours and has a decent sized menu so you can find something that you like :)
(4)Adrienne C.
+ efficient service + waitresses traditional korean garb is a nice touch + the waitress's mindblowingly adept deconstruction of our lobster - i didn't realize it was possible to cut up a lobster w such apparent ease and no mess at all +KBBQ +Korean bakery
(3)Emily P.
I ordered Jun Bok Juk (abalone porridge) and Bipbimbap (fried rice). Okay, I can understand how the Juk could come out bad..it is a pretty uncommon dish to order in any Korean restaurant. BUT C'mon, how could any Korean restaurant your staple dish wrong..bipbimbap was one of worst fried rices I have tried, yes including homemade ones. I cannot believe how busy this place is.
(1)Lien T.
I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical when I first heard about this place. My cousin kept raving about how they had the best Korean food and that they were open 24 hours. What?! Open 24 hours and the food is good?! Impossible, I thought! We came here around dinner time and although it was pretty busy, we were seated immediately. The restaurant was pretty large and spacious, so wait times probably aren't that long. They had a pretty extensive menu, which included Korean dishes, Japanese dishes, and barbecue. We went with their marinated bulgogi, tofu soup with seafood and intestines, and a bibimbap. Surprisingly, everything was authentic and delicious! The bulgogi was very well marinated and tasty. The tofu soup was spicy and loaded with tons of tofu, seafood, and intestines--it went very well rice. The bibimbap was well-made and savory. I liked their banchan selection too. Service was lacking, but we managed to get what we needed in a timely manner. Yechon is pretty impressive, considering they are open 24 hours (all holidays too)! Their food is good and prices are decent, I'd come back if I were in town again.
(5)Christie Y.
3.5 great place for korean food. they give you more than enough food so come with lots of people! Super crowded so the wait was a bit long, fortunately there is a semi exp korean bakery next door that you can buy some delicious bread
(3)Michael Y.
24 hour convenience, and conveniently located right next to Breeze bakery. And tons of variety on their menu. That being said, the food here is hit-or miss. Soups tend to be pretty good, but some items, such as the galbi-jjim, are too sweet for my liking and the bo-ssam was just OK.
(4)Mangala M.
OMG..... this place is hands down amazeballs. The only thing that I did not like about it is that you can't customize any dish, so if you don't eat beef, too damn bad for you... .or rather me (insert sad face). So I had limited options, but that's OK. I was able to find a thing or two that I could eat, and it was phenomenal. I ordered the Sundubu Jigae, which had soft boiled tofu. Yummoo , I could eat this all day long. I loved all the bachans (no, not the famous Bollywood family but Korean side dishes!) that came with my meal too. I had to laugh when I saw the dessert section on the menu, they had listed coffee for $1.00. I found out later it's because they have a fantastic bakery next door, which we headed to next.
(5)Chad K.
Yechon is a 24/7 Korean restaurant in Annandale, VA. The menu covers wide variety of Korean food from BBQ to hot pot soups. If you avoid the BBQ combo meals, you would be satisfied. They also have very bargain priced breakfast and lunch menu. The Breeze bakery (next door) operated by the same owner is a good place to have a desert.
(4)Chan L.
Wow. I think this is the best Korean food in DC. We had a great experience here. The food and service was the best. Our family had the Korean Short Ribs, Yukejang, and seolong tang. All dishes that if not made properly really taste bad. They did an tasty job on all the dishes. Has very traditional decor in side. If you are in VA and are craving good Korean food. This place is it.
(5)Jessie H.
I like this place a lot. I love the hwe dup bap (sashimi) dish here. Come during lunch and it's cheaper and you still get a decent amount of food. The pan chan (side dishes) are really good! The bo saam (Pork belly) is kind of pricey here but good. The galbi tang is good too. Service is fairly quick, food is great, and there's a wide variety of selections on their menu. I had the bbq once here , it was average, I wouldn't recommend getting it here but definitely try their other dishes or the ones I listed above. Food is fresh and flavorful!
(4)Brian C.
This place is great for late-family dinner. Though it's usually crowded, and it's best to get there early to get in line. Their food is great, and I've never had problem them!
(4)Jina S.
Yum! This Korean restaurant is the real deal. I will say it was kind of busy and hectic inside, but service was fast and the food was authentic. My parents and I came here on a Sunday for lunch. We ordered a seafood dolsot bibimbap, a kalbi dolsot bibimbap, and mae un tang. All very delicious.
(5)Emily L.
Good place for a late night dinner with friends! The galbi is excellent with spicy pork bulgogi when doing BBQ on the table.
(4)Geoffrey W.
This place is good. It's kind of like the Korean Denny's. The menu is huge, it's open 24 hours, and if you go on off times, the wait isn't usually too bad. There's nothing that really wows me about this place, but there's nothing that's really that bad either. The service tends to be pretty attentive and the food comes out fairly quickly. If you're ever hungry (and slightly tipsy) late night, this is the perfect place to go.
(4)Yessica I.
I LOVE Yechon. I have only been with my cousins and extended family, who would always take care of ordering for the whole table, so I longed to order something just for me from their large menu. BTW, I will always ask for more hot tea. Last week I went on a late Thursday night with a friend and got Bibimbap, because their sushi bar closes around 10ish it seemed (they were packing it up). I was devastated but absolutely loved it. I can't remember the name of it but the description said it was beef rib with a mixture of vegetables, served over rice in a hot stone pot. Yes please. The rice and meat portions were generous and I did not have more of one leftover. Last night I went with my parents who also have only came here before when my cousins took care of ordering. We were seated as soon as we entered. We looked over the menu for about 20 minutes before buckling down on our final decisions. We ordered bulgogi of course, my mother ordered a codfish and clam soup, and I got sushi (shrimp tempura roll, spicy tuna roll, and my mom wanted to get weak ass pickled radish roll lol). The table was FULL of food since they give you those yummy side dishes, and after about an hour, all that was left was enough bulgogi and rice for one person. My mother loved her soup, which was one of the few non-spicy soups they offered. My dad ate all the bulgogi up, thanks to the bean curd paste he loves so much. The shrimp tempura roll was unforgivable - in a good way, of course! I didn't care too much about the spicy tuna roll... My mother was content with her pickled radish roll. All that food and we were surprised at the bill! We were expecting to pay way more. I will always love Yechon and recommend everyone to come here!
(5)Paula F.
Great Korean restaurant with a HUGE menu. Parking is tight, and it's busy, but service is really efficient. Got the usual Bulgogi and it was great.
(4)Xinyi T.
Yechon is my favorite everything korean restaurant in Annadale. The galbi dolsot bibimbap is the best bibimbap I've had! the seafood korean pancake is great! they give you so much free side dishes here! i love the mashed potato. i also love the BBQ here. the staff here can communicate in english, which is big plus. I tried other things here it's kind of hit or miss. some dishes are great and some are okay. I love this place and I can't wait to go back again.
(4)Bella B.
Went here for the first time with my best friend. We're not skinny girls, but we're not obese either. Debating whether we were going to order more food, our waitress, sweet as could be, told me "No order no more. That's enough" Hahahahaha We ordered the short ribs, chicken, gochu japchae and the shrimp tempura rolls. Everything was delicious and knowing that it's open 24 hours, we will definitely be returning soon. Wish there was more parking tho.
(4)C L.
The whole experience was decent. The food was good enough but I was not really blown away by it. Maybe because I heard it was so much better than honey pig. Or maybe because it was about average as far as the food was concerned. The service was not missing anything other than a towel to wipe the table down before we sat. Over all the late night hot meal was exactly what it needed to be. I might return, but I don't feel like I must go back and try it all.
(4)Ryan H.
Simply gets 3 stars because it is open 24 hours and their menu offers a gazillion different items. You'd be hard pressed to find anything that leaves you walking away overwhelmed however. Hot pots are decent.. Sushi is alright.. Korean BBQ is hit or miss. I Frequent this place.. But it's really my late night go to if I don't feel like honey pig or something. Moderately priced.. Unpretentious.. Ok food. Enough said
(3)Brian F.
Solid-performing Korean BBQ. Our family went here recently to celebrate my wife's birthday. Service was friendly, and the food was good. I liked the side dishes here compared with other Korean BBQ places (Honey Pig, Heebeen). The BBQ was good, but I wasn't particularly blown away by it -- no strong differentiation in my mind... then again, I'm no expert in Korean BBQ. Yechon worked well for our family -- as our kids were able to get some Japanese dishes that they liked to go along with the Korean BBQ (which they don't like as much as we do).
(4)Kimmie O.
After a huge snow storm, we were stuck at our hotel looking for a restaurant at 10pm. After few calls to different restaurants, someone finally picked up the phone at Yechon. The food is typical korean BBQ with typical prices. I appreciate this place very much, it saved two starving souls in their battle against the wild snowstorm!
(4)Saara Z.
Not much to say that hasn't been said already. Yechon is so good. I typically order the Galbi and shrimp. Their seafood pancake is also very well made and highly recommended. The sushi can be quite fresh and comes with generous pieces of fish, so don't be scared to order it as an appetizer or something. The only thing I've been disappointed with here is the Sundubu (seafood/tofu soup). Definitely wouldn't order that here again. Lighthouse tofu is the place to go for Sundubu! Service is good and the restaurant is clean.
(4)Mark L.
Yechon was against the odds for me. We came here on the tail end of a weekend food trip in the DC-Baltimore-VA area that unintentionally consisted of nearly all Korean cuisine. By that time I was ready for anything other than Korean, but there I was in K-town, with my Korean friend offering to treat me. She was so enthusiastic. I knew that if it wasn't Yechon, it was going to be some other Korean restaurant. I'm glad it was Yechon. Service was good. They had a service button at every table--ours was busted, but we didn't need it. I had the Kalbi Dolsot Bibimbap. GET THE KALBI DOLSOT BIBIMBAP. Whenever I order bibimbap, I end up slightly unsatisfied and wishing I got something else. Yechon decided they would break that pattern and whip up the best f'ing pot of bibimbap I've ever had. It was missing the raw egg which may not come with the kalbi version, but I probably could've and should've asked for it... because... egg makes everything awesome. The banchan variety was average, but tasted good. Also tried the kalbi jjigae, which was alright. Yechon is a solid place with solid food and good service. They have a large menu so I'd definitely return for more.
(4)Jodi G.
Love this place. It's always consistent and has a ton of great options.
(4)Emily T.
All of the dishes were great except the udon noodles. The udon tasted a little bland.
(4)Roxy J.
I love this place! Have yet to be disappointed. Consistently, good, high quality authentic korean food. Open 24/7. The bulgogi is the best here. Perfectly seasoned and seared each time. Their menu selection is HUGE. They have everything to bbq at your table (seafood and meats) , hot pots galore, stews, Sushi -it's korean food heaven. I first heard of yechon through a feature on this foodie special on weta or pbs. They spoke of the authenticity and great value so I added it to my list and I was not led astray. The service is always great. It can get packed in there, especially after the club. We've come here after concerts and have tag teamed up with other patrons in line to be seated when a table for two was'nt available. I like the ambiance, it's always clean. They give you lots of yummy sides to compliment your food. Definitely check this place out.
(5)Erica W.
Is it sad that I've gone there 6 times in the past two months? Customer Service: Excellent. Food: Delicious every time. Atmosphere: More upscale and appropriate for families than Honeypig I think the Korean BBQ (Yechon special Kalbi) is cooked best when they do it in the kitchen as opposed to at your table... Bibimbop with Kalbi is yummy - be sure to leave the rice and press for longer to get the most crispiness because these bowls are not as effective as the traditional style stone bowls. I like the Sashimi Appetizer - good deal and the perfect amount for splitting before you start devouring beef and pork. This ain't Ktown in NYC, but it's definitely my go-to spot for Korean in NoVa.
(4)Jason W.
We always judge Korean resertaunts by their bonchon (kimchees) and this one has the little bowls of yummy goodness in spades. Of course the meats were high quality as well! Hanna-do Yechon dinner juseao!
(5)Tiensa L.
Family dinner for my mothers birthday. We had a good time. The food was good. Kalbi , pork belly , bulgoggi and sashimi sampler. There were so many side dishes and everything tasted fresh. We will be returning.
(5)Ash C.
Great food, terrible service. My friends and I have been here many times in the past, and we always had good service. But last night, we experienced some of the worst service we'd ever seen. Two friends ordered something that comes with bulgogi, spicy squid, and mackerel. They were brought the wrong meat and no squid or mackerel, so they asked the waitress about it. It turned out they got the order wrong. My friends, trying to be reasonable, said they didn't have to take the meat back if it would be too much work, they're fine with just getting the squid and mackerel. The waitress immediately became standoffish and insisted they ordered exactly what they got(I should point out that one of the friends comes here with her family almost every week and often gets this meal). They brought a man in(chef or manager, maybe?), and he immediately raised his voice and borderline shouted at them that this is exactly what they ordered. After trying to explain what happened to the man, he finally gave up and told the waitress something. She returned a few minutes later with the squid and mackerel. We hadn't seen a smile on anyone's face since then. When it was time to pay, they flat out declined my friend's $60 gift card, refusing to give a reason. As we left, we were met with glares from all the staff as they said with a flat, passive-aggressive tone, "Thanks. Come back later." It's a shame, because I loved this place, but my friends and I feel unwelcome and likely will never go back.
(2)Eunice K.
spicy galbo tang is really good. mandoos are always good everything i've tried has been good. have yet to try something that isnt good.
(4)Nalini B.
Amazing Korean bbq! This is my family's favorite Korean restaurant. It's a bit of a hike for us as we're in the Rockville/Potomac, MD area where there are other excellent Korean restaurants, but Yechon takes the cake for its excellent bbq. Also, they're open 24/7, which is just crazy impressive. This place is so popular that it's always packed. We've never waited more than 15 minutes, though. The food and the overall experience is definitely worth the wait! Despite being busy, the servers are very attentive and quick. It's just an excellent, excellent Korean restaurant. I highly recommend it to everyone!
(5)Kayla H.
Sometimes the waiters don't speak English well enough for clear communication. Fortunately, the food is so delicious, I'm content with pointing and nodding if that's what it takes. The seafood dishes are especially good. I'm docking a star because the service can be slow sometimes...not in getting the food, but usually in getting the bill. Last time I went, my group ended up waiting at least 15 minutes after we were finished eating before we saw our waiter to request the bill.
(4)Esther Y.
It was raining, but Yechon and its 24 hour BBQ was beckoning. Who knew this part of VA had such great Korean food? Yes, a bit pricey, but it was all worth it. Great ambiance, and an excellent Korean bakery next door to boot. Here's what we ordered: Chadolbaegi -- brisket beef Bulgogi Sashimi Japchae Haemul pajeon Grilled fish -- Kkongchi gui Needless to say, I was pretty much exploding by the end of all this goodness. It's not LA, but it stands on its own.
(5)Alise K.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! This place is one of my favorite spots to go to! Now yes the place is usually packed but also depends on the time you go. For there are times the crowd has died down a bit, but in the end it is worth the wait. I can tell you, this was the first Korean BBQ place I had ever been to and it was love when I tried their Bul Go gi. ^w^ and their Miso soup is deeeeeelicious! This is a great place to try out and you might end up like me, going back time and time again.
(5)Jen P.
Do you want to try authentic Korean cuisine? If you answer is "yes", Yechon is definitely one of Korean restaurants you might want to check out in Annandale, VA. You will experience of home-cooked small side dishes which are the main reason why I go to this place. Here are my recommendations: - Kalbi Dolsot Bibimbop : You can taste both Kalbi (beef ribs)and lots of vegetables with hot steamed rice. If you can't handle anything spicy, please don't order this. -Sashimi Bibimbop: This is my favorite at Yechon. If you want to try some healthy Korean food, this is for you. It has fresh Sashimi and lots of vegetables with spicy red hot chili paste. - Kalbi/bulgogi: If you don't want to try anything spicy, these are the safe choices for you. Who wouldn't like Korean BBQ? :)
(4)Jess H.
This place was paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacked. Go shop at Breeze next door while you wait. They even insist that you do. We waited about 20 minutes, which wasn't too bad. I felt bad for the table that sat just inside the door...even though there was a separating wall, there were still little windows through which I stared at their food like a creeper, licking my lips. If you're nervous about the ventilation in the restaurant, don't be. It's pretty top-notch. They do bring out all the little side dishes, which is great. My mushroom/beef/tofu jigae was just alright, though. I've definitely had better. They were pretty skimpy on the mushrooms and beef, and all the cuts of beef were like...stringy. Meh.
(3)Sarah W.
Before bothering with some of the more ridiculous reviews, go in with some friends and enjoy your meal. Good customer = good service. Simple. Being Korean, having lived in Korea, etc... means nothing. I make better burgers at home, but that doesn't mean I don't eat them out whenever I can. Great meal, service was on point.
(5)Jess Y.
4.5 stars. This place is simply delicious and amazing for a late-night snack. I love that they are 24 hours. I've been here several times and I have never left disappointed. In fact, I usually leave stuffed, amazed, and super satisfied. First off, their panchan (the complimentary appetizers/side dishes served with your meal) are varied and delicious. Also, they happily replenish and refill them...this is not true of many other Korean restaurants. Love the variety but there's almost too many to fit on the table! All of their standard dishes are delicious. The seafood pancake is spot on and their barbecue meat is also great. I am also super impressed by the Yechon Bossam. If you've never had it, you need to try it...but make sure you bring friends because it's huge (even though it's listed in the "side dishes" section--it's a conundrum). Anyway, basically they bring you tons of slices of steamed pork belly, fresh kim chi radish, raw garlic and jalapenos, and soaked napa cabbage leaves. You take one of the cabbage leaves, add a little rice if you desire, add the brown bean sauce, 2 slices of the pork belly, and pile on the delicious fresh kim chi (P.S. I am not a fan of kim chi so the fact that I find this concoction mind-blowing is telling) and then you put it in your mouth and wait for the explosion of delicious, scrumptious flavors. Seriously, it totally changed my view of Korean cuisine. I have been more accustomed to eating the lettuce-wrapped rolls of kalbi or bulgogi (which are also delicious)...but this was like a whole 'nother level of hands-on Korean eating. One plate can easily be shared with a group of other people. For our group of starving 4 adults, we ordered one plate of the Yechon Bossam, a seafood pancake, and an order of Dolsot Bibimbap and had plenty leftover (we probably could have done without the pancake or the bibimbap). Anyway, I love this place. And if you forget to make reservations and come during a busy time, you can just hop next door to Breeze Bakery and pick up some delicious pastries as appetizers while you wait. Or, you can do it the other way around, and eat first at Yechon and then walk next door for some lovely dessert.
(4)Jenny L.
I love that this place is open 24/7. Sometimes you just need your Korean fix at midnight. The parking lot is small and treacherous -- I've come across many close calls and one full on crash. I also wish that the sushi bar were open at late hours since I tend to crave it then. All-in-all a tasty and reliable Korean/Japanese place.
(3)David H.
Really good. Open 24 hours. Busy. Pancakes are good, bonchon is good, loved the galbi bibimbap, sushi was surprisingly pretty good, and the BBQ is delicious. All around great meal, although can be a little cramped inside because it's so popular. Service is whatever (very slow to refill water) but the food is worth it
(5)Katie L.
Yechon is in fact my favorite Korean restaurant in the area. I always order the kalbi, the spicy beef tofu soup, and the seafood pancake. Though they have diverse menu, these are my staples. Although I prefer to come here in the winter, I know Yechon always has a nice crowd. They give each customer the traditional Korean small plates with the kimchee, bean sprouts, etc. The rice is soft and moist, just how I like it, and I love dipping the grilled BBQ on the sesame oil-salt sauce. Ohmygosh, my mouth is watering. You don't come here for the ambiance, that's for certain, but if you want authentic flavorful Korean food, this is the place to dine at. Mmmmmm.
(4)Jane K.
Horrible service. DO NOT COME HERE. Just don't come. Don't ever get the udon. Rather go to other nearby Korean restaurants. My food took 40 mins and the udon was inedible. It lost texture and couldn't eat it. Then the second one took another 40 mins. Ridiculous.
(1)Francis c.
Even though we had to wait for us to be seated. After being told we had to wait about 30 min. we got seated in 10-15 min Food is always gonna be good when its cooked fresh. Of course the meat is more expensive but definitely worth the price.
(5)Shanti C.
The best two things about this place is that it is open 24 hours and the diners are very diverse. Although mostly Asians there was a nice mix of other nationalities including Latino, Caucasians, and Black Americans. There were senior citizens, groups of teens, couples on dates, and families sitting and enjoying good Korean food. We ordered bibimbap and scallion pancakes. This is always our safe menu choice. The pancake was monstrous, doughy, and surprisingly had veggies in as well. It was not greasy so that was a plus. I ordered the non meat bibimbap and my friend had the seafood bibimbap in hot sauce. Warning: it arrives extremely hot so be careful and let the rice get crispy. The amount of rice versus seafood and vegetables was perfect. Very flavorful especially with the side sauces. I especially love all the little side dishes (kimchi, spinach, miso soup, etc) that arrive on the table. Service is quick so don't worry if you arrive hungry. Your food will come soon after. My only negative mention would be the steam, smoke, heavy aromas of the restaurant will definitely seep into your hair and clothes and eventually your car. I recommend driving with your windows down when leaving. All in all, I always try to stop by this place whenever I visit The DC area. I forgot to mention that the prices are pretty inexpensive so If you like Korean food, you will definitely not be disappointed.
(4)Tiffany Y.
Yechon is a nice small restaurant that transports you to Korea with the wooden decor and wait staff dressed in Korean attire. We were able to get a table easily as we went a little earlier than the dinner rush on a weekend. The menu is old and beaten up and needs a face lift. They even spelled Japanese wrong on the menu. We initially wanted to order Dak Gui (chicken marinated in special spicy sauce) and Samgyeopsai (thinly sliced pork belly). Unfortunately, we were told Dak Gui was cooked in the kitchen and not at the table and so did not satisfy the minimum of two orders to be cooked at the table side. Plan B - we ordered the Samgyeopsai and Chadolbaegi (thin slices of brisket beef). The banchan arrived quickly. It included miso soup, kimchi, salad, various pickled vegetables, and one of my favorites was the unique sweet mashed potato. It was delicious and filling. However, as we continued to eat the salad we discovered a sliced red pepper with the sticker still attached. Gross. They do not pay attention to how their meals are cooked and prepared. Our waitress began barbecuing our dishes. Without the sauces the meat was bland. We got a bean type sauce and the sesame oil & black pepper dip that we used to accompany the meat. I wished there was an option to have the meat in spicy sauce versus the sesame oil dip. A couple times our meat was cooking and left unattended, until one waitress noticed and finally took it off the grill, a bit overcooked and crispy. As much as I wanted to love Yechon. The Korean BBQ just did not entice. I have had better at Honey Pig. With the red pepper sticker found in our salad, limited table side Korean BBQ choices, and mediocre service. It was a hit and miss.
(3)Sam L.
After 900+ reviews for Yechon, I'll sum it here: great food, spotty service, 24-hours, and they don't take reservations. We recently celebrated a friend's birthday, who was craving for Korean food (and not the buffet Iron Age or Honeypig style). There are limited "good" options in Maryland so we decided to venture out to Annandale, where there are plenty of options. Knowing Yechon's reputation, we decided to come here for an early Sunday dinner and even then there was a wait. The first thing you'll notice is like most Korean restaurants, your clothes and ultimately sweat will smell like cooked meat. Even if you decide not to get Korean BBQ, you'll definitely smell it from one of your neighbor's tables. Good luck getting a menu during peak hours, so you'll have to employ the ol' traditional Asian tactic, which is flag down anyone and everyone that works there (busboy included). Their portion sizes are fairly generous and any food that says "for two people," it's really for 3-4 people. So not knowing, we ordered an outrageous amount but still ended up finishing majority (what can I say, we loved the food). We ordered a seafood hot pot, bossam, seafood pancake and chicken fried rice - all were super good. I subtracted one star because their service was spotty, where we often couldn't flag anyone down or any requests take a good 10 minutes to get. They also didn't have oysters, like at all. No oysters for the bossam (shouldn't that be cheaper then?) or oyster pancake. That's a pretty big deal. Pro tip: Korean fried rice is unlike your Chinese and other style, it's definitely tasty. Pro tip II: there isn't a designated waiter/waitress, so embrace the Asian culture, take the initiative and flag down anyone who works there to place orders, extra napkins, extra bowls, ask questions, and get recommendation for dessert (Siroo is the place to go afterwards)
(4)Prairie S.
What else can I give but a 5, for the gift of an escape (even if illusory) from the soulless, indistinguishable 'burbs of greater Washington to a dark, wooden shop bustling with all the toil and relish of a Korean kitchen? This ethnic restaurant wraps its menu offerings in the full-blown cultural experience of the cuisine. The majority of its patrons appear to be Korean families; they obviously feel well catered to here. Of that I take note, and am appreciative. Walking in from the dedicated parking lot (which appears to be in expansion mode) you are greeted by a waitresses in full Korean costume complete with delicate, embroidered blouse. She courteously and efficiently escorts you to an open table (no wait at a recent weekend lunch time) and hands you a massive menu. Lots of adequately-described and well-edited English translations of menu items are available (hallelujah!) The restaurant has a full sushi bar and 2 pages worth of Japanese offerings, which we skipped because...Korean. A quick scan of my trusty Yelp app and quick conference with my mostly vegetarian dining companion, and we've settled on the scallion/chilli pancake which I have been rather craving, as well as a spicy stew with rice. I am partial to food that resembles Indian plating, so the choices make me happy (translates as: I'm getting a Korean version of a stuffed paratha and rice with curry! Yay!) The panchan arrives first followed by the food in short order. No noticeable wait. The waitress served the pancake by cutting it with scissors into triangle wedges, and patiently tolerated my anthropologist-style questioning about the correct pronunciation of "pajeon". We start chomping on the hot and slightly greasy pancake combined with the various panchan. Wholly delicious, though I did desire an even more fermented, overpowering version of the kimchi than the one they served. We dived into the vegetarian stew whose vegetables were basically zuchinni, soft tofu, and onion, but whose seriously-spiced, seafood-based broth offered lots of clams/shrimps/chunks of fish, with strong fishy, umami? flavor. Now I'm not one to shy from spice and strong flavor, but the thing was literally simmering at the table and I needed it to cool down. Korean spiciness is cooked into the broth, so it wasn't like biting into a raw Thai or Mexican chilli bomb where your lips tend to go numb and you have to coat your tongue in dairy balm to be able to taste anything again. This heat just leaves you panting. Good panting though. We were just stuffed, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves being surrounded by Koreans and their exquisitely presented foods. Perhaps the only thing lost in translation here was a sign I saw in the bathroom stall, saying "No Dumping". They are missing some kind of object at the end of that imperative construction, perhaps "trash items". No matter.
(5)Tim Y.
This is what a Korean BBQ should be. For an example of what it absolutely should not be, please reference my review for Honey Pig. As far as Korean goes in the Baltimore, DC, Virginia area, this is the best place that I can find. It's open 24 hours and the vibe that you'd expect from every good Korean place. The Banchan is excellent and quickly refilled.... you get a selection of at least 8 things and soup every time you go. The Kimchi is on point and the ojingeo bokkeum, aka spicy squid/my favorite dish is spicy and excellent every time. I also typically order a seafood or vegetable pancake, which here is the size of a large pizza. It's humongous and always great to have as leftovers for later. On the downside, the service is a bit hit or miss... I always feel like if I spoke fluent korean, I'd do better here, but I really can't complain about it, because it really is THE BEST place to go to get Korean in this region. There's also a great Korean bakery/coffee shop next door that is the perfect coupling with Yechon... you can go there to sit and think about how much food you just consumed over coffee and a variety of desserts. If you want to try solid, authentic Korean, you should go here.
(5)Jenna W.
Where to begin??? This place is GREAT and what Korean BBQ should be! It is open 24 hours every day of the week and all holidays (dangerous knowledge). They have a huge menu with many of the Korean BBQ staples. My friend and I got the Dwaeji bulgogi (spicy sliced pork) and Dak Gu (spicy marinated chicken) which were both cooked tableside. We also ordered the Gochu Pajeon (hot pepper and scallion pancake). All of this comes with multiple sides of kimchi, tofu, and steam rice. This was way more food than two people could eat but we welcomed all the left overs! If you can save room, there a great bakery next door selling adorable baked goods as well as tea sets, mugs, and other related items. The restaurant is large and was packed when we went on a Wednesday night at 7:30 though we fortunately did not have to wait. The staff is very good and attentive with quick service. Considering how many people they have to serve, it is impressive. I have found my new favorite Korean BBQ restaurant. This is definite repeat!
(5)Ann P.
I have been here so many times and each time I can never get them past the three star point. The pro! They are open 24/7. How perfect is that? You can eat here after playing in DC! When I came here last night, after a long night of partying, the service was slow. I asked them for more ban chan and they took forever. I had to ask them three times to get more ban chan. I would say their udon is a 2/5. It is not that great. The shrimp tempura is the best part of the dish. The shrimp tempura is crispy and crunchy. The broth is muddy and not refreshing as you would find at other restaurants. The soonduboo is a 4/5. It's not too spicy that's why I loved it! The actually soft tofu in the soup makes the dish a 4! The soonduboo is soft and melts in your mouth. They give you big chucks of it which I love! The bimbimbap is not the bolsook bimbimbap so it does not come in the traditional clay pots.
(3)Josie F.
One of the best Korean food in DMV area! Must get item: Korean BBQ and Kimchi Jjigae!
(5)Jean S.
I have been going to Yechon for decades (yikes, I'm old) - it was always a favorite late night eats place after clubbing in DC with friends. Now that I'm much older, I appreciate this institution, which not only has stayed in business for so long in an area with lots of failed Korean restaurants, it is busier than ever! Whether I go in for their early breakfast special or during the mad busy lunch time, this place is so packed, it's hard to find parking. Their Korean food is solid - nothing extraordinary, but it is just honest-to-goodness homecooked Korean comfort food. My family likes that they have a sushi bar, because we all love their hwe dup bap, which is sashimi and fresh veggies served over rice with spicy red pepper paste. Last time my family dined here, we ordered a variety of foods to include hwe dup bap, udon with shrimp tempura, kalbi tang, soft tofu stew, mae woong tang (spicy cod fish stew) and hae jang gook (blood cube soup, aka "hangover soup"). Despite being super busy (I really think there were no empty tables), the wait staff was efficient and very friendly. Sure, Yechon isn't the most exciting place to go for Korean food, but when I want food like my Mom makes at home, this is where I would go.
(4)Misa C.
Food's typically good here but service leaves much to be desired. Ordered a $35 soup to go PRIOR to actually eating a meal in and behold, 45 minutes AFTER finishing and paying for the ticket do we get our food. Most likely never returning here. Goodbye! Never coming back here again. Korean to Koreans, horrible service.
(1)DeAndrea C.
I have been to Yechon about 6 times now and it's pretty much as good as it gets for Korean food on the East Coast. For reference: I have been to Korea 3 times for a total of 2.5 years and I LOVE Korean food. Yechon is not cheap if you go alone or with one other person, but if you go as a group you can order from the set menus and do very, very well. Like another reviewer said, if it says "serves 2 people" it really can serve three or four. One time, a group of 15 of us went for a birthday and paid about 11 dollars a head. This included a few of the set menus, BBQ, and drinks. Parking is a PAIN. Yechon is immensely popular and therefore it gets incredibly busy in the evening and on weekends. They also share a parking lot with Breeze Bakery next door (Same owners, I think) therefore, I recommend you avoid the aforementioned times. If you are new to Korean food, I recommend you get one of the set menus. It is a good representation of Korean "sit down" food. It's served family style so don't feel weird about reaching over someone to get to the kimchi or about eating soybean stew from the same bowl. Each table has a call button if you need a server so you don't have to worry about flagging them down. Also, Yechon is open 24 hours. You really can't beat that. Side note: A lot of people complain about the "crappy" service. They are not super friendly and can be extremely terse, but they are a lot nicer than servers in Seoul. If you go in expecting this, you will enjoy your dinner much more.
(5)Ken L.
I've been here a lot in the past, every now and then. This review is based on my previous visit. They recently expanded the parking lot which was great because we don't have to fight for parking spots or parking across the street anymore. I visited with five other friends around midnight and it was very crowded still. We got seated all the way in the back about 10 minutes later. The place was just crazy, as always. The service was very slow (as they usually are). The waiters were also very rude and not attentive, I mean I understood they were busy, but come on! Our food came out about 25 minutes later, not all at once. And they happened to run out of rice... I'd only come here because they open 24 hours and it's somewhere to go to after 11pm.
(3)Stephanie M.
Originally I would have given this restaurant 5 stars, but I went a second time and had a completely different experience. First, we asked the host how long the wait was. He said 20-25 minutes. Okay we can do that. 7.5 months pregnant with a craving for bulgogi, so I don't mind standing in the heat for 20 minutes if it's for good food! 35 minutes later I go in and ask how long we have left. The guy gives me an attitude and says he doesn't know, asks for the pager number in a very rude way. But then he gives us the next table, so I forgive him. However, I truly believe that if I had not gone in to bug him we would have been waiting a lot longer. Second, we want to get pork belly and bulgogi - we ordered the same last time. This time though, the waitress says no, you have to order two servings of pork belly. What? I try to explain that we didn't do this last time, but she didn't understand me. Okay, so we order galbi instead. Third, they basically kicked us out as soon as we signed the receipt. Literally, she came to our table and asked us to leave because people were waiting. At 9:30 on a Sunday night. I get it, you're busy, but can I finish putting my leftovers away? Three strikes, you're out Yechon. This pregnant lady who often craves Korean food will be visiting the several other Korean establishments in your area.
(2)Jun Y.
Fun fact: They spelled Japanese wrong on the menu.The best part of this restaurant is it's open 24/7 and their seafood pancakes cannot be duplicated. I tried to make my own seafood pancake from the pre-packaged mix from the korean market but it just don't come out the same as the fluffy bit of carb guilt served at Yechon. First, the dish comes out golden brown on both sides with a nice crisp when you pick it up but the insides are soft and warm. There's a sprinkling of seafood pieces here and there but you're eating mostly for that crispy dough. Maybe it's the oil or the technique but I can try to replicate it but it can never be duplicated in your home kitchen. The seafood pancake is just a must-order here every visit; even if you're on a low-carb diet it's cheat day when you come here. Other honorable mentions are the Galbi bibambap, and the Galbi beef. The prices are reasonable; it comes out to roughly 20 bucks per person and that'll stuff you and have some leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. This place is packed during dinner time. You're averaging around 20-30 minute wait around 7p.m. The servers feel the pressure too because you often get the stank eye when you ask for any additional cold dishes. I always feel like you have to come here with a person that speak Korean because the servers always sound much more polite when speaking Korean. That also means the servers aren't really fluent in English so you have to point to what you want and know what you want. I guess that's what Yelp is for so you find out what other people recommends.
(4)Mei L.
Hands down my favorite restaurant and one of the best Korean restaurants I've been to!! The food there is so good and it's consistent everytime I go there! The service is great but it gets really busy so the service gets slow but it's understandable because they have so many customers to take care of. I usually go with a large group and we order the party platter and it's a lot of food for a lot of people! When we split the cost between everyone, it's pretty cheap compared to other Korean restaurants. Also the lunch special is amazing!! The food and price makes me go there so often even though I live 45 mins away. Don't be surprised by how many people are in there because their food speaks for it self. And the side dishes are on point!! We always so many orders of side dishes. And when you're done, breeze bakery finishes your meal just right. :) Foods I love: seafood soon du bu, seafood pancake, sushi there is good, galbi tang, bulgogi, all the kbbq meat actually, side dishes (sweet potatoes omg), etc
(5)Hank D.
Reasonable prices for Kbbq for two people. They have a two order minimum, so our total came out to like $38 for an order of bulgogi (meh) and tongue (GOOD). The tongue is an excellent bbq meat: leaner, less fatty, and more satisfying to chew than the bulgogi. The side dishes are pretty good. It's nice of them to include hand leafed lettuce in the banchan. I noticed some cats at another table ignoring it while wolfing down their meat and banchan, then they left and the staff threw all those healthy leaves in the trash bin. Come on fellas, if the staff notices lettuce being neglected, they'll stop including it in the spread, to the dismay of we who enjoy it! On the banchan refill, they don't bring you everything, just select items, so you might want to be persistent about requesting the items you really liked, such as the potato and bean sprouts! Staff are fast and personable. We would be back!
(4)Krystle B.
Yechon, I love you let me count thy ways. 1. Open 24 hours 2. Kimchi on fleeeeeeeek 3. Sides are amazing and not the exact same every time 4. The hot tea doe 5. Miso soup 6. I don't have to cook my own food on the table I let the professionals stick to that 7. DAT BULGOGI DOE 8. DAT SPICY CHICKEN SON 9. GALBI GOT ME LIKE WHAAAAAAAA 10. SERIOUSLY DAT BULGOGI DOE
(5)Jarell M.
One of my many go-to KBBQ spots in Annandale. A little on the pricey side but the unlimited rice and sides make up for it ;) Staff are usually a hit or okay (not a miss) when it comes to service so it usually depends on the day that you go. Ive received exceptional service at 3AM on a Sunday Morning and received acceptable service at 7PM on a Friday. The one thing main thing that has always remained consistent though is the FOOD. Always in a timely manner and if you look like you don't know what you're doing, the staff will help you out. (Crispy bulgolgi is better burnt bulgolgi)
(4)Caitrin O.
After a recent trip to South Korea, my friend and I have been wanting to share the joy of Korean BBQ with our other DC friends. We stopped by Yechon at 6:30 on a Saturday night because Kogiya was booked through 9 PM. Two of our party arrived early (bless them) and put our names down. The wait was about 30 minutes for a table for 6, which wasn't too bad because it was an opportunity to scope out the awesome bakery next door! The atmosphere is more subdued and family-focused than Honey Pig and other KBBQ spots, but the food was great and the prices are pretty awesome. We ordered two orders of bulgogi, one of pork belly, and one of the thin-sliced brisket. The waitress said that wouldn't be enough food so we also got a scallion and seafood pancake, which was delicious. We left extremely full and each person's tab with a drink was $20- not too shabby when other locations are charging $25-30 per person before alcohol. Overall it was a fantastic dinner at a great price. Things to note: 1) Only a few meats are actually cooked tableside. The bulgogi was my favorite but they cooked it in the kitchen and then brought it out on plates. I guess they are trying to save time and let people order as many different dishes as possible, but Yechon eliminates my favorite part about Korean BBQ, which is getting to cook the meat myself, which isn't allowed- even for the "cook at table" meats, only the waitresses are allowed to use the tongs. 2) The parking situation is an absolute nightmare. It is basically impossible to find a spot unless someone happens to be leaving at the same time as you arrive. I'd suggest factoring this into your commute time. 3) Go to the bakery next door. It is very cute and a fun experience!
(4)Moe G.
I tried this place while visiting family in the DC area and enjoyed it very much! I love Korean food and have had my fair share of it in various places on the west coast, but they do it a little differently here. You have to ask for water separately as they serve you hot tea instead. For grilling you can only order two of the same dish, which is hard when you want to try multiple dishes. The food is so good though, both the sushi and the BBQ. The price is a little high, but it's worth it. I would definitely come here again!
(4)Phuong O.
Finally got to give this place a try. The food was OK in my opinion. We ordered the bulgogi, bimbap, seafood pancake, and the beef yokisoba. The pancake was OK, I don't know what the raving is all about. There was barely any seafood and this dish is made out of flour, I thought it was egg. Beef yakisoba, can they put any more onions in the damn dish. 60% of the dish was all onions and barely any noodles. But it tasted pretty decent. Bulgogi was done nicely. Bimbap, looks delish but tasted ehhh. What I didn't like was the fact that they didn't let me carry out my side dishes. We barely touched them and would like to have saved them for dinner. The waitress said no... So I wonder if they reuse the side dishes. That would be effin gross!! It's a big waste to just to throw it away... So hmmmmm. Oh yeah they are expensive. I paid $70ish plus tip for these dishes.
(3)Cat L.
6 of us came on a Sunday lunch and didn't have to wait long despite the place being pretty crowded. The lunch specials are available everyday, but there's no descriptions on the lunch insert like there are on the regular menu, so if you don't know Korean dishes (i.e. bibimbap, yukgaejang, or seolleongtang) then you're out of luck. I tried to ask the waitress for help, but she didn't understand my confusion. I got the beef bibimbap lunch special, and our table got 3-4 types of side dishes. The bibimbap had way too much rice and didn't have egg or a lot of veggies/beef. I had about 1/2 the amount of rice left over in the bowl because there wasn't enough of the other stuff. The menu's huge, so I wouldn't be opposed to coming back here and trying other dishes. I'd stick to ordering off of the regular menu though.
(3)Alexandra P.
First Korean barbecue experience and it was amazing. I don't know the names but everything starting from the tea to the grilled pork and fish, steamed beef and side dishes tasted delicious. The service was fast and efficient. To sum up the night, just buy a desert at the Korean bakery next door. Probably, next thing to do is to find something almost the same in Brussels
(5)Janice P.
Food is alright, solid Korean and Japanese food, but the service is awful when it's busy (which it is most of the time). Last time I went with my family, we ordered within the first 10 minutes. Banchan (the small side dishes) and 3 out of 5 of the guests' orders came out in about 10-15 minutes (fine), but my uncle's naengmyun came out 15 minutes after everyone else's order. If that had been the only problem, we wouldn't really have had a huge issue. The main issue with our meal was that the sogogi/beoseot jeongol (beef and mushroom stew) we ordered to share had been cooking for 35-40 minutes and 4 or 5 different servers had all come by, said, "Wait, there's no beef yet?" and gone back to the kitchen with no results. We had to flag down 2 more servers before someone finally brought the beef to add to the stew, and by then the mushrooms were all wilted and the noodles had become swollen and fallen apart. We were still charged full price for everything even after speaking with the manager. We will probably not be going back again. Two stars for the food, which was mostly good otherwise.
(2)Nick M.
Absolutely amazing place! Been here recently and l can't wait to go here again! Had the Mung Bean Pancakes and a veggie sampler. The pancakes are so good! Kept eating beyond being full! Super convenient that it's open 24/7 and very reasonably priced. I've never had authentic korean food before this place and I'm very impressed. I'm glad i had someone with me to introduce me to a variety of new foods like this place. It's good to know that Yechon is open when everything else is closed, I'm a vegetarian but from what i hear, you can't go wrong with any item on their menu. Looking forward to going back to this place.
(5)Wally K.
If you live in the area, you should know Yechon. It's been around for a long time. All the food here is pretty good. Can't go wrong with anything really. It's 24/7 which is rare to nova. It's not somewhere I go for korean bbq though. I'm actually not sure if they do that, there are better options for korean bbq in annandale and centreville and some scatter throughout fairfax. The soups and the dolsot bibimbaps are usually what I get here.
(4)Gina C.
I really dont get why this place has 4 stars... Went there for lunch but the service was so slow and the foods were very salty :(
(2)Lewis A.
McCormick & Schmick's Crystal City VA This restaurant hit the trifecta tonight: mediocre, overpriced food; glacially slow service; a dining room so noisy that normal conversation was impossible. The only thing lacking to make the evening perfect would have been an application by the staff of CIA enhanced interrogation techniques.
(1)Tao N.
Pretty bad service today. Waited for 15 min for ordering. Asked for ice water but never came.
(2)Antonio C.
I used to come here all the time after a long night of Karaoke down the street at Cafe Muse. The food here is consistently good and you can't get better "real" late night food.
(3)Nadine F.
I'm not a huge fan of Korean food, but Yechon is very good, and I'd gladly go again. I was there with a group of 10, so we did family style and I got to try a little bit (OK maybe a lot) of everything. By far, the casserole (spicy noodle soup) was my favorite. Bulgogi and short ribs were also excellent. I would not get the seafood pancake again, because I found it a little too heavy and greasy, but most people liked it. For such a crowded restaurant, service was surprisingly fast. They have little buzzers on the table, which helps a lot, because otherwise it would be impossible to flag down your server, who will be covering a ton of tables and going back and forth a lot. Yechon didn't make me a convert to Korean food, but I did enjoy it. I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but I'd gladly return if I were in the area or if someone else wanted to go.
(4)M D.
Having eaten here quite a few more times, if you want great korean soup dishes, go during lunch. That's when all the Omas are in. If you go on the dinner or late night hours, their sundubu and kimchi jigae are watered down and not worth the $9-10 cost.
(3)Zach H.
What's great about this place is the food. What makes it better? It's 24/7. I've spent many nights here satisfying my late-night/post-drinking craving for Korean food. I have had several things here and have never had a bad bite. Among my favorites are the Dduk Mandu Guk (Rice Cake and Dumpling Soup) and Seolleongtang (Ox bone soup with sliced beef). You can't go wrong with the many BBQ options either... well, you can't go wrong with any of the Korean options. Sushi is also served here, but I haven't had the sushi here so I'm unable to comment on it. Overall, the service is excellent and the food is delicious. Better than that, it's great any time of the day whether it's for lunch or a midnight snack. Personally, it seems I find myself here around 2am more often than not :-P. With the extensive menu, everyone is sure find something they'll enjoy.
(5)Brian M.
Food here is amazing and one of the best Korean restaurants I've been to. I came here with my parents and my girlfriend for dinner on a Saturday night and normally this place is packed but we only had to wait about 30 minutes for a table of 4 which isn't too bad considering I've had to wait upwards of 1 hour before (theres a bakery store right next door that you can go to while you wait). I got the spicy kimchi bibimbop while my girlfriend got the seafood bibimbop. My parents ordered the eel over rice and the sashimi salad with rice and we ordered another seafood pancake as well. Overall the food is just delicious and I want to try everything on the menu until my stomach can take no more and I would definitely recommend this place to everyone who is in the mood for good Korean food. I'd say that the prices are fairly reasonable and the atmosphere is ok, because of the amount of people its easy to understand that it will be loud but the servers are very attentive and were always stopping by to come refill our tea and ask us if we needed anything. Foodwise this place is 5 stars. Only giving it 4 stars because the parking situation sucks and the parking lot is terrible because its wayy to cramped and people are just sitting there taking up room waiting for spots to open up causing more of a jam than is needed. TL:DR-- come here and eat delicious food, try to take one car
(4)Misha T.
It's a little pricey but I think it's better than the much beloved Honey Pig. The service is surprisingly slow, even though they have the waiter/waitress buttons at the table. The portions are also pretty enormous. Here's what we had: Special Marinated Beef - Good quality and rich. Not cooked at the table but honestly I don't care about that anymore as long as it tastes good. Beef Intestine and Octopus Hot Pot - Hot and rich. Make sure to turn the heat down after a bit because it'll boil itself out while you're eating your first serving of the stuff. Seafood Pancake - Enormous. Not the best tasting bite for bite that I've had but there's so many bites that there's upside. Broiled Mackerel - You know what you're getting with this and it acted as a good foil to the other dishes we had.
(4)Christina L.
My favorite Korean restaurant in Annandale! It has both Korean and Japanese cuisine so I love the variety. It is also next door to a bakery/cafe which is nice for dessert :-)
(5)Andrea A.
I miss this place!!! It's always packed even though they're open 24/7. This was my go to place for good Korean BBQ. It's more expensive than Honey Pig but I think they're way much better! I always ask for their Bimbimbop sauce on the side even though I always just do their BBQ. I don't live in VA anymore but I can't go back!
(4)Joseph S.
Ordered Short Ribs, Bulgogi, and Japchae. All my favorites. The meat was prepared at the table in a very traditional manner and was exceptionally tasty. The sides were very fresh and well prepared. The interior was very unique but also very busy (which is a good thing). If you are familiar with Korean BBQ and plan on getting that, be sure to tell them you want a table with the burner before being seated. We had to switch tables as not every table has a burner. I think they can prepare it for you in the kitchen anyway but I prefer it at the table. Prices to me were a bit high but were worth it, because of that I would probably give them a 4.5. Great place!! Great food!!
(5)Kristina P.
I find that my family and I go to this restaurant every time we're in the mood for Korean bbq. (Been going to this restaurant for years now) They have such a wide variety of food! We tend to order the special orders (#3 to be specific) and it comes with plenty of meat, sides, and even soup. (It says for 2 people but we find it's still filling for a family of 3 or 4) Only issue I would have is that it can be pretty crowded, so you might have to wait a couple of minutes and there isn't much space for the waiting area. Even the parking can be a hassle but it looks like their expanding it? But the food is totally worth it!
(4)Helen C.
Service was great, price was quite reasonable (for lunch specials). Got a vegetarian dolsot bibimbap. It was average, but nicely hot.
(4)May S.
Nice place! good service:) I had a dish that was rice and some meat on top. went with a friend can't remember what she said it was called. Prices are reasonable! I was shocked that this place is open 24 hours
(5)Sophie H.
Yechon is a nice and decent restaurant with serving good quality of food. I like their sashimi, which is always fresh and tasty.Also, this is 24hour restaurant, so you can have access to the good food any time. The con that i think of is they usually get very busy during the dinner time and weekends. If you don't feel like to wait for a seat, phone ordering is a good option. Even though Yechon is a little bit pricey, it is a good restaurant in general.
(4)Ashish S.
I've lost count of how many times i've been to Yechon. This place is packed with patrons all the time, and for a good reason. Best time to go on the weekend is anytime after 11 p.m otherwise you'll have to wait at least 45 mins to an hour for a table, but it's worth it.
(4)Joel B.
Best Korean, short ribs are a must, japchea is a must, and be aware that sides are not small.
(5)Joy C.
I went to Ye Chon for my birthday. Luckily we got there a titch early for dinner, about 6p because by 7p the place was packed. Neither of us got the Korean Barbecue but it seemed to be popular with everyone around us (which brings up the temperature of the restaurant significantly so be sure to layer rather than wear long sleeves). We started with the Nokdu Jeon, which is a mung bean pancake. Neither of us had had them before but they were really tasty. I ordered the seafood dolsot bibimbap and my friend got the bulgogi. I was a bit disappointed because I didn't realize that the seafood dolsot bibimbap doesn't come with the fried egg so I'll probably stick with the beef next time. My friend thought her bulgogi was was really good. I've never been there but my friend also mentioned she liked Ye Chon more than Honey Pig because the food was a little cheaper and the atmosphere was much better.
(4)Dan W.
This place is the best. It's no wonder it's always busy. They give you an awesome amount of side dishes, and you can request ones that are your favorite if they don't bring them out to you. The bbq is always good, but I prefer the dolsot bibimbaps. They are always super hot and tasty. I take my family here whenever we can and are never unsatisfied.
(5)Kevin L.
The worst thing about this place is how crowded it is when you want Korean bbq on a friday night and the prices arent too bad as the quality tops your dollar and youll know why and I mean that positively I've never had bad service here the cute old asian ladies are always nice and ready to serve you I usually get bulgogi and its delicious even your entree comes with extra dishes and miso soup to fill you up the service is great and the food is wonderful if you want to branch out with oriental try the korean bbq here its delicious also head over to breeze bakery afterwards amazing desert too!
(5)Daniel C.
Always packed and cramped w/ very little parking, but damn is it worth it! All the kimchi, bulgogi and sides you could ask for. The barbecue is a must!
(4)Colin C.
I have been trying to go here for years but always some other Annandale location that we end up at or yechon is far too busy. The parking lot gets crazy with cafe breeze and seven eleven and the waits can be very long at times. Not unlike some of the other popular Annandale establishments. Menu is vast and well laid out with sections and lots of pictures. The prices aren't horrible and they have a great lunch special during the week and even a decent one on weekends. Sides are good and service is ok. The food was pretty standard but not great. Not really seeing what is so special here. The kalbi bimbimbap was horrible with grisly kalbi and no egg with not much variety in the ingredients. Some of the other dishes were fine. Overall just seeing why the wait is so long. Go for the lunch special though.
(3)Justin W.
Favorite go to spot for Korean food other than soondubu or Korean BBQ. This place has great soups and bimbimbaps. There is not too much parking and it gets ridiculously packed at night during the weekends. I love the service and the friendly staff.
(4)Sam Y.
I've been coming here for soooooo many years. Back in the day, this place used to be packed on Friday/Saturday nights after all the kids came back from the clubs in DC haha. That might still be the case, I wouldn't know. It's open 24 hours, so it's the perfect late night restaurant. But it is definitely a family restaurant during the day. The food is actually pretty decent as well. It's great because it's not just focused on one type of food like meats or stews, but there are a lot of different options to choose from. They offer Korean (including BBQ), as well as Japanese cuisine. You can also get sushi during the day (not an option for late night). I'm not going to try to write a review for every single item I've tried here (that would take a very long time...), but I will mention a couple of items which are worth trying. 1) Kal bi tang or Mae woon Kal bi tang (Beef short rib soup/spicy beef short rib soup) - This place has one of the best ones in the area. The broth always tastes the same, very flavorful and not super greasy like other places. They usually put in a good amount of meat and the portions are pretty big. 2) Hae mul soon doo boo jji gae (seafood soft tofu soup) - people in this area usually go to Light House Tofu to eat soon doo boo jji gae, but I really like the seafood soup from Yechon. It's a little spicy and they add in mushrooms, clams and green onion. The tofu is always incredibly soft and the soup is very good. It comes in a hot pot so it stays hot through your entire meal. 3) If you come during lunch, you must try one of their boxes. My favorite one is the Kalbi box, which is marinated short ribs. It comes with a variety of different sides as well as a bowl of miso soup on the side. The sides change everytime we come, but there's usually one type of meat, a bunch of little fried dishes, one california roll and salad with a yellow dressing. All this for only $10.95. Awesome deal! -Their other lunch menu items are very cheap and delicious as well. The table side dishes are usually always the same, but one thing always stands out. The potato salad! I've never met anyone who has been here and hasn't loved the potato salad. We usually ask for a couple extra dishes because that's the first thing to go haha. I don't really have much to say for the service here. The ladies who work during the day are friendly at times and then so unattentive at other times. The wait time can be a little long if you come during lunch because it gets incredibly packed, but they usually get everyone seated as quickly as they can. The guys who work the late night shifts are pretty friendly, but are short staffed so it takes awhile for everything to get to your table. I usually come here when I don't know what I'm in the mood for. Since they have so many things to choose from I always know I'll find something good to eat. Almost everything I've tried off of their menu so far has been fantastic. I would recommend this place especially to Non-Koreans because you can get a general idea of how many different types of Korean foods there are.
(4)Tom C.
First off.. Good ventilation here so you wont smell afterwards..like you would at some other korean bbq places. I've been here countless of times and always get awesome service here. I tend to get the rice cakes and dumping soup.. it's just my thing here :D Three main things I like about this place is... 1) its 24/7 with a large menu 2) it's right next to Breeze bakery which opens fairly late. 3) attentive service (which is pretty much standard at most k-annandale places at least to me)
(3)Gene S.
Lunch Specials are always the best, we even take food home!. Being Korean helps and Yechon is probably my favorite. I just wish they would have better parking and maybe the construction being done around the property is for that. Food is very good, I am not a huge sushi fan so I cant attest to how good it is but for the Korean Food: the Kalbi and Bulgoki are very good and I should mention the soups too!
(5)Hunter Z.
Decent restaurant but always crowded. The owner also owns the bakery next-door so you could grab a number and wait while enjoying delicious cakes. The seafood rice bowl is the one I like. If true Korean BBQ is what you want, Honey Pig probably is a great competitor.
(4)Esther K.
This used to be my go-to place for a late night food craving but I've noticed they increased most of the prices on their menu. The croaker has a major price increase of 30% (used to be $15.95, now $19.95)! That's pretty ridiculous considering you can go one mile away for the same thing but half the price... Oh, and they have the most expensive galbi in the area ($27.95 compared to $20 for most places). That being said the food here is consistently good so if you don't mind paying a few extra bucks Yechon is a pretty good place to get your Korean fix.
(3)James B.
Food is above average. Long lines and rushed service on weekends. Communication in English is limited. The servers do not take time to explain all the dishes. Try to sit away from the entrance in the winter. Don't get me wrong, I'm a regular.
(2)YJ D.
I am full on Korean and their food is average. They are always packed with A LOT of people so the customer service isn't that great. I'm okay with that but do feel like sometimes they rush you. I don't come here often but I'll go once in a while for late night food with friends since it is 24/7
(3)Vlad R.
I drove for two hours to get here and it didn't disappoint. As a recent migrant from CA I miss my korean food dearly. Yechon is as good as you can find in this area.
(5)Maria N.
I've been here twice and both times have been a really good experience. We got the special #3 which includes shrimp, one lobster, pork, chicken, and of course the bulgogi. Everything was really good and marinated just right. I love how there's a lot of side dishes. I like eating them with the meat. Service is really good. Always checking up on you and refilling out drinks. And they cook the meat for you! Nice! We don't have to do anything lol. Usually at other places, we have to do it ourselves. And you can't beat a place that's open 24/7 even on holidays.
(5)Douglas W.
I am really becoming a fan of Korean food. I am a relative newbie but have come to really love this cuisine. I followed the huge trail of great reviews and was not disappointed in this restaurant. We ordered Yechon special menu #3. It was quite a feast for two and included table cooked beef, pork and lobster. It came out with a plethora of dishes that were too numerous to name here but were all delicious. Everything was wonderful. I do want to note that the service wasn't good. We were forgotten often and it didn't matter how many times I pushed the little service button at our table. We needed water and couldn't get it and they totally forgot about the lobster on our cooker and they ruined it. We still had to pay for it too. We were pretty well neglected for the evening. If the food hadn't been terrific I would give this place 3 stars. At the same time if they cared that I was there I probably would have given it 5 stars. I hope that this was an anomaly and will try it again another time and let you know. Do try it and afterwards, head on over to the Breeze next door for desert!
(4)Chris C.
Yechon is a dependable Korean restaurant when you want a little bit of everything from KBBQ, to tofu soups, to great side dishes. They really have it all. It's also affordable and open 24 hours so who wouldn't love that. I wouldn't say anything they offer is spectacular, just above average. Service is always good and they have the most side dishes out of any Korean restaurants in Annandale I've been to.
(4)Jey J.
delicious food and it's open 24 hours! sushi is fresh and delicious but i typically go for the bulgogi and have them cook it in the back instead of at the table because i don't trust myself with cooking. (which is why i eat out so often!)
(4)Christine Y.
After seeing the high ratings on Yelp, my friends and I decided to try this place two weeks ago, and it was definitely worth it! We went on a busy night without prior reservation, but we got seated within 20 minutes, and the service was great. They have a nice selection of small dishes, and really great Korean BBQ! They require a minimum order of two for each type of meat, so we decided to get the beef galbi, and it was just as good as expected! We ordered soju and beer to go with the BBQ and had a really good time. I'd definitely go back again!
(4)Anne C.
I'm confused...How have I not ever written a review for Yechon??? I used to come here a lot a few years ago and for some reason stopped going as often (maybe because honeypig opened up??). Recently, it' s been tradition between myself and a friend to go every Thursday when he gets back from a late flight. Service has been great - the boys working are funny and sweet. The food comes out fast and the panchan is delicious (especially the spicy fish they give you). The galbi tang is one of our faves and the mackeral and other broiled fishes are too. I would say the galbi is not the best and the portions are small, but if you stick with the non-meat items, you're in for a good meal! Thursdays are 10pm for a meal is perfect when it's not packed and overwhelming and the service is fast! the food has been tasty th elast two times we went and hope it continues to be this way! --- OH OOPS. lol I wasn't signed in loooooooooooool!!!! and now i realized why i hadn't been back in a long time. man, how awesome yelp is for helping me remember parts of my life I had blacked out.
(4)Sacha K.
One of my favorite restaurants in the DC Metro area. Authentic Korean fare. Never disappoints. Thumbs up!
(5)Dana S.
Yechon is great. I've never had a bad experience here. I usually get the ojingo bokkeum and one of the BBQ combos (if I'm with enough people). The service is better than at other Korean places but still not quite what some Americans might be used to from a restaurant in this price range (average bill for 2 is usually $50-60 in my experience). Overall the food is delicious. My only complaint is that they don't have my favorite Korean dish which is jjambbong.
(5)Eddy E.
Food tastes better! We're there last week and our regular Hejjangug (totally wrong spelling ;) :) ) tasted much better than for the last half year! Do they have new chef? If yes, keep him!!!! New wait stuff is little bit shy and insecure, but really good too. Was little bit reluctant lately, that's why we (as a family) stopped coming here every week as we used to. Maybe once in a month or two... But if food and service will improve like we experienced last time we will be back again more often! What I can say: this is only Korean place that we like!
(5)Jane Z.
FYI: Another huge "miss" at Yechon is the tofu stew (soondubujiggae). Quite bland.
(4)KC C.
Ordered the sushi/sashimi boat, seafood pancake and one seafood stew, which was enough to feed a family of eight. Definitely a good place to go if you are looking to feed a large family with some good old fashion Korean food. While we were there on what I thought was an off night, there was a line outside the building when we left.
(3)Diane B.
OMG(oodness)! Love this place. The wait was about 40 minutes for a Saturday evening ~8pm but the bakery next door was a welcome diversion. DH was feeling pretty good so we went with the $60 dinner for two. Forgive me for not knowing the official name. It's a great buy considering you get delicious soup, a heaping of this beautiful purple colored rice, a wonderful assortment of marinated meats cooked to perfection right in front of your very eyes and the deliciousness that is kimchi and pickled vegetables. I knew we were in for a treat when they brought out the soup - delicious! I will restate this because it's worth noting - they had me at the soup. One last thing, the dinner came with lobster and it was marinated. DH says when I order lobster I always complain because i'm hoping "this time it will be different" but it ends up tasting like tire anyway, yuck! Not here, the lobster was fabulous! Yechon is now on my short list of NOVA faves.
(5)Andy P.
Korean food in northern VA is much like San Diego: there's nothing particularly outstanding. Sure, this place actually has a wide variety of dishes, very popular, and tastes pretty good--but it would be an overstatement to say that THIS is the standard of how Korean food should be. But for what it's worth--in a district not booming because of Korean restaurants, Yechon does decent justice if you want a quality Korean meal. Food: - Hweh Dup Bap (Chirashi Sashimi & mixed salad): Their sashimi is not very plentiful in this bowl, but it's not skimpy either. Of course they wouldn't use the best cuts of fish, but they did give a good selection and decently fresh fish. There's an overwhelming amount of baby greens but after mixing a bowl of rice and some of their red pepper sauce (dont use the whole bowl), it was a decent lunch meal. It's a little pricey, but it was fairly light and easy to eat. I would recommend it for those who don't want to feel like they're exploding but also want the satisfaction of knowing their meal wasn't going to ruin their diet! Yum. - Jogi Gui (Broiled Yellow croaker): The only thing I'm going to say about this meal is that you get two HUGE fishes. Seriously, someone must have fed them growth hormones because in Korea these are 1/3 the size. But dear God, it's a bit expensive but they are worth the insane amount of fish protein you're going to have. Better off splitting the dish with someone else--one fish is enough. I can't get over this...should have taken a picture. Pros: - Open 24 hours! - Many many side dishes. They dont shy away from giving you refills too. Also, very fresh ingredients. Impressive! Keep them rollin' - Hot tea? Yes. Kinda need that when it's freakin freezing outside. - Cheap lunch prices with a good menu selection. Some dishes will go for $7. Not bad for a Korean meal! - Attentive staff. Great service. - The Pavlov bell of service. Aka, service bell. I have too much fun pressing the little button the side of my table. Someone please don't separate us. Cons: - Very packed during peak hours. We all know what peak hours look like...and when they are. In the end, as a Korean restaurant that's doing really well in the area, and fairly popular on Yelp (I'm used to seeing less than 100 reviews on all places I find on yelp in northern VA)- Yechon is definitely a place I may come back to when I visit VA. You wont regret trying this place either!
(4)Brandon T. L.
This place is always packed for lunchtime and dinner. Love the lunch specials! Be aware, parking is a pain.
(4)C.H. T.
It was a horrible experience dining at this restaurant. My friend went there before and had great dinner. This time, we decided to go there together. I went there with a friend who prefers not to have pork. Here were our horrific experiences. 1) We picked up their special #1 But, we were not sure if some dishes could be changed because no pork was preferred. So, we asked the waitress if we could change some of dishes. She just answered "NO! Choose something else!" ------ What was that attitude? Is anything wrong if customers prefer not to eat pork? If you gave that attitude, how could you expect them to tip? 2) We asked the waitress if there is anything with pork in the set of special #1. She answered "only pancake". So, we decided not to eat others dishes in that set, except pancake. They first delivered "sashimi". 2 pieces of tuna, 2 pieces of salmon and 3 pieces of white fish. Tuna looked sooooooo black, smelled so fishy, tasted not fresh at all. Salmon tasted not fresh as well. Only the 3 pieces of white fish was acceptable. Then, they delivered "dumpling soup." Before we ate that, we asked them if the dumpling contained pork. Ironically, they answered "yes." ----- We did ask if anything else with pork will be the set of our order. The waitress told us "only pancake." So, why did you deliver the "pork" dumpling soup to us?! Furthermore, the grilled beef and fish were burned. We didn't like that. 3) When we were waiting for our dinner, we heard something ridiculous. Two girls were seated next to us. Before they sat down, they asked the waitress if they could change their seats. The waitress just answered "no", and put the menu on the table and walked away. Same thing happened around 10 minutes later. Two guys came to that restaurant and were seated to the table they didn't like. Those two guys asked if they could change their seats. The waitress just answered "no", and put the menu on the table and walked away. ----- We couldn't understand why customers couldn't choose their tables since the restaurant was not that crowded yet. If they could not provide other tables, customers should have been noticed the reasons, instead of answering "no" and walking away. In my personal perspective, that dinner ruined my great day. I will never go there again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)Eric N.
Wow! I can't believe I haven't done a review for Yechon before. I've been here previously years ago but its been a long time since I've been back. Luckily for myself and a few friends, that we did come back. Honestly, the best late night food is found in Annandale. Not DC (sadly) or Arlington, but in Annandale. Why? Real Korean food. All of us order the Bulgolgi, but I opted for the USDA Prime option. Honestly, why not? Its only a few bucks more and tastes damn good. I also love how Yechon brings out the tapas style sides and you can always ask for more free of charge. Quite honestly, I wish we would drive out to Annandale more often after a night of barhopping. Legitimate Korean food with an extensive menu at reasonable prices. This ain't your neighborhood ihop. You want good food? Come to Annandale and check out Yechon.
(4)Yujin M.
Food from the motherland, open 24 hours! I was a bit skeptical because of the extensive menu, the usual experience being that places that have a shorter, specialized menu do it better. But Yechon seems to be at least above average for even the more adventurous items on the menu, and quite impressive for others. I'd recommend sticking to the traditional "Korean" food on the menu for optimal experience. The meat dishes are particularly good. We had the grilled rib lunch set and the teriyaki beef lunch set yesterday. The portions are very generous, and the extra side dishes on the lunch set were much better than the regular side dishes you get with every meal. The grilled ribs were perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of marinade and smokiness. Dare I say...better done than how my mom does it at home?? The teriyaki was good, but lacked a little bit of flavor compared to the ribs. On more adventurous days I've also had the hoe neng-myeon (cold buckwheat noodles with raw fish). This is a more difficult dish that's usually better done at places that actually specialize in sushi. I probably wouldn't get it again since there are so many other things on the menu that Yechon does much better, but it was enough to satisfy my sudden strong craving for spicy raw fish at 1 in the morning. In sum, unless you're planning to actually travel to Korea any time soon, Yechon is probably one of your best options among the wide selection of Korean restaurants in the Annandale area. ** One of the reasons that I have a particular fondness for Yechon is probably because it's right next to Breeze bakery. Save a little room for dessert, and head over to Breeze after your meal for a refreshing bowl of shaved ice!
(4)Cierra M.
5 stars for this amazing 24 hour korean spot! My fiancé and I were originally going to try out another spot up the street (I forgot the name because yechon blew me away) but they told us that we'd have to wait for 2 hours for a seat. Psssh yea right! So I yelped yechon, and boy was I pleased. It was cramped and loud but their food and service is the best! I've only tried korean food twice and it just didn't seem to match up to what I've heard about it but yechon changed my views! Had the spicy marinated pork, bibimbap, and mul mandu. Everything was delicious. The banchan was also yummy . Ooooh I want to go back soooooo bad
(5)Nicole M.
I have been to Yechon countless times over the years and find it to be the best KBBQ in the Annandale area. The galbi, sam kyop sal, and daeji bulgogi is excellent. They also give a generous amount of side dishes compared to others. Only gripe is that they do no not like to put the galbi and sam kyop sal on the same grill top and they do not switch out grill tops between the meats you order, so there are certain items that you cannot order together unless you are with a larger party of people and multiple grills are being used at the table.
(4)M Y.
The food is way too sweet. They are definitely catering to an Americanized palate. Had the lunch box chim-galbi and the food came out cold and sweet.
(1)Donna Y.
With 3 people we waited 20(ish) minutes which isn't too bad since there is a super nice bakery next door! We went on a Sunday at (6:30p (ish)) I'd recommend if it was any other day to arrive at non-dinner hours. The menu is very very extensive so you can pretty much get whatever you want. We ordered the Kalbi beef short ribs marinated in sauce, Hae Mul Pa Jun (seafood korean pancake 14.95) and a Bibim Bap. The Kalbi has always been a favorite of mine and Yechon has done a wonderful job with the marination. It comes with a bowl of rice and some lettuce for you to build a lettuce+beef+rice+pickled whatevers. The seafood pancake was also super tasty. It was almost the size of a medium pizza to put it in perspective. The outside had a nice crispy coating and the inside has a variety of vegetables, squid and shrimp. My recommendation for this dish is to eat it while hot and with the soy sauce dipping sauce because when you wait too long it looses it's crispy-ness. The Bibim Bap was alright (not the best) but it definitely filled us up. It had a variety of toppings: fried egg, pickled radishes, minced beef, bean sprouts etc. As always, we got a bunch of side dishes pickled cucumbers, radishes etc. The restaurant was overall very clean and the waitresses were very attentive. Our drinks were never empty. There is also (very conveniently) a buzzer at the table, when pressed it'll alert the waitresses that service has been requested. Private parking lot but is limited.
(5)Sheri G.
How have I not yet reviewed Yechon?! Probably because it already has almost 500 reviews, but I'll throw in my two cents anyway. We come here quite a bit, and it's the best restaurant in Annandale as far as selection goes. Many of the Korean restaurants in Annandale specialize in a few dishes, but Yechon does it all, and does it pretty well at that. The menu is HUGE and consists of both Korean or Japanese fare, so whether you're looking for udon or jjigae, BBQ meat or japchae, sushi or pajeon: they have it. You could probably eat here every day for half a year and not have the same entree twice. The amount of banchan at Yechon blows away most other places too. It's open 24/7 and always seems to be crowded no matter the time of day, although you don't usually have to wait for a table Mon-Wed or during off-hours. However, if you are stuck waiting, their buzzers reach Breeze Bakery next door, so you can have dessert first. We brought our Canadian relatives here while they were visiting this summer, and the waitstaff was very accommodating. They quickly realized our family was struggling with their chopsticks so they rushed over with the little chopstick grips to help them (I was mostly pleased that they recognized my husband and I didn't need them)! It's not the very best food I've ever had, but having a suburban restaurant open all night with the ability to prepare a wide variety of Korean and Japanese food earns 5 stars from me.
(5)Allison I.
Its a great 24-hour Korean restaurant. They're lunch specials are fantastic and flavors are great. Definitely savory and well marinaded beef as well. Sushi used to be good, lately it hasnt been the same but worth a try.
(4)Montaign G.
Okay, this Korean favorite hot spot located in "Action"-dale (Annandale) is a definite go-to late night destination for authentic and consistently high-quality ethnic cuisine! They serve savory dumplings, a nice assortment of flavorful Korean soups, a variety of broths, authentic hot pots, homemade stews, plus an entire slew noodle and rice dishes as well as the classic meats of bulgogi and kalbi (cooked to perfection by the expert tong-wielding waitstaff!). For sushi-lovers, they can find freshly made top-quality options here as well :) While the wait for available seating may initially appear daunting, it goes by steadily and patrons are efficiently provided with light-up buzzers to notify them when their table is ready. Definitely worth the wait, the excellent service is friendly, impeccable and well-paced (our table was consistently checked & waited on throughout the meal). Highly-rated and regularly visited by those-in-the-know, you are guaranteed to leave full and well-satisfied every time! As your friendly neighborhood "foodie ninja", I highly recommend :)
(4)Kelsi G.
One of the better korean restaurants in Annandale! I've been here once for lunch and had one of their boxed lunch specials, and it was an amazing deal for the price! The bulgogi was on point, and the side dishes were plentiful and delicious. I've been here once for dinner, and tried the stir fried udon and kalbi. Both were pretty good, although kind of expensive. Next time I go I'll try the bibimbap though, as many people have told me that it's one of the best dishes here. Overall, I'd recommend sticking to the Korean side of the menu over the Japanese side, as they do BBQ and Korean dishes the best!
(5)Ricky B.
3.5 Good food but the service is very inconsistent. You never know what you are going to get. I have been here before many times and some days the service is very attentive and other days (like my last visit) it took the host, who was taking reservations, to come over and take my order after he noticed all the other tables had been served before me, even though I was there first. Too sum it up: Food: Great. Service: Needs serious work Tip: If you are a male, do NOT go here alone and expect to get good service.
(3)John L.
We went with our son who'd just came back from overseas deployment, and he wants to go to his favorite restaurant, it is quite a long way, we drove from Gaithersburg, he drove from Quantico. We waited 40 minutes to be seated, and were served quite good initially, but before we finished eating (we are considered fast eater), the waitress gave us the check, two minutes later she came back to check if we paid, and our son is still eating, so she opened the check folder, stood it up on the table, (extremely rude), I closed the folder and laid it on the table, she immediately came back to pickup the check. Its like she can't wait to get rid of us!. Meanwhile the couple seated behind us, who were seated long before us are still eating unmolested!. We will not come back to this restaurant, there are many other restaurants in the area, and they are just as good or even better!
(1)Hien P.
Drove to Annandale with the boyfriend and heard all the rave of Yechon so we thought to stop by! There was a wait of 30 minutes on a weekend night. We ordered the Sashimi combo and two kalbi orders! Both choices were scrumptious! The sushi was very fresh and kalbi was favorable! The wait was well worth it and to think I can eat here anytime because they are open 24 hours! WIll definitely eat here again!
(5)Rich S.
After going here twice, food quality and service has proven to be consistently above average. Both times I have come for the BBQ. This time I went with a group of 5 to celebrate my partner's birthday. We ordered Galbi (beef short ribs), Dwaeji Bulgogi (spicy pork strips), and two portions of Bulgogi (thin beef strips). The flavors were intense, the meat was tender, and according to my friend "in the know" about Korean BBQ, it tasted just as it should. Along with the BBQ, we were served a large variety of small plates, which were mostly tasty and a good conversation piece (in the attempt to try to figure out what everything was). Our party pretty much cleared all of the dishes, but we walked away satisfyingly full. The service was quick; they typically cook the food at your table, but we instead requested that it be cooked in the kitchen. Perhaps a more well-known place to get KBBQ is Honey Pig. While the food there is comparable if not slightly better than Yechon, the atmosphere is much more conducive to a formal dining experience at Yechon. In addition, Yechon has a full bar. It ended up costing just under $80, which considering the quality of the food and the level of service, I felt was very reasonable.
(5)Jennie C.
I think the service can be a hit or miss, but the fact that they are open EVERYDAY, including Christmas, now that's something. Also free calendars (since I always tend to lose mine) work, too! Waited a bit long for my food, probably because it was packed for Christmas Eve, but the food was always good nonetheless. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't refill my water at all, but like I said, the service can be okay. Can you imagine wearing a Korean traditional dress and running around with scissors/hot plates? Always good in my book!
(4)Beena V.
Until recently, I was under the impression that Korean food mostly meant meat dishes. When I found this place, I was delighted to see enough veggie options to satisfy my palate. I am in love with the Bibimbap and Jap Chae. Probably the best I've eaten in this area, especially the KIMCHI. The hot sake was yum. The service is good and they are open 24 hours! I still need to try the bakery next door called "Breeze". Looking forward to my next visit.
(4)Todd S.
Always a great experience. This place is busy and you can expect a wait but the food is great.
(5)Gunbold B.
Found a plastic bag inside the galbitang that i was eating. Told the waiter, and her face was like "so what?". Told the manager, and didn't even get a "sorry". Very disappointed. I didn't try to make a scene, because I really liked the place. But now, I will never go there again, never ever forever. There are plenty of good places other than this. Will upload the picture soon.
(1)Aaron W.
Worst!!!! Service was average but the food ..... wow I left more than half of the food:( price was quite higher than other Korean restaurant and taste like shit .... I don`t get why they rated so high.
(1)E Y.
I've given this place numerous chances, yet Honey Pig in Annandale has always been better. Customer service at Yechon is not great. The food is good, but way overpriced. They require you to order (2) of the beef brisket and they still stiff you on the serving size. Don't waste your money. Go to Honey Pig!
(2)Azucena R.
I've had the opportunity to dine here and at honey pig, I prefer Yechon because they're not skimpy on the sides.
(3)Mariam S.
I got introduced to this restaurant by a vegetarian friend...and I usually am not fan of Korean or Japanese food. But this place is perfect, from sushi to salmon teriyaki. They are open 24 hours which is a big plus! The food is served HOT in front of you with variety of different appetizers from tofu to delicious mashed potatoes. They are not expensive at all for the food they serve and the service is amazing! Food comes out within minutes!
(5)Minn L.
This place is great! Wish there were something like this in DC for Korean food. They have a every extensive menu, and I've tried a variety of stuff, and all of them were surprisingly good. It's typical for Korean restaurants to have a specialty (bbq, kalbitang, soondoobu, etc) and not really excel in other areas, but this place gets a solid 4 for nailing each item on the menu.
(4)Ruth C.
Friendly service, and we never had to look around for refills despite a half-full house. Mostly fellow yellows pouring soju for each other. Yechon's food selection is odd in proportion but I suppose that means you're bound to find something for everyone. I ordered the goat meat soup, which came out in good time, still boiling. The great broth was meaty and pleasantly spiced; best Korean entree I've had this year. It was so filling that I simply couldn't finish. Rice was just right, and improved further by the soup. The bite I mooched of the beef yakisoba was decent. The nine banchan were less impressive than the entrees, but by no means unwelcome. Fried tofu, meh seaweed, chicken patties with broccoli and wood ear fungus, napa kimchi, vermicelli noodle salad, potato salad, ssamjang with purilla seeds and sesame oil, fresh cucumber salad, and spinach. The hot barley tea was exactly what I needed on a chilly evening. I'll definitely be back, even if it isn't the middle of the night. Second visit: Closer to three star food, but service was just as excellent as last time. I probably didn't have to request the tea, but I was parched and didn't want to leave things to chance. This time we had seven banchan between more people, possibly because of the later hour: pickled daikon and cucumber, bean sprout kimchi, spinach in sesame dressing, wakame, potato salad, napa kimchi, cucumber kimchi. My udong was okay. Light broth, nicely chewy udon noodles, various vegetables. I would've liked more than one piece of wood ear fungus, but the mushrooms I mooched from the sisters' vegetable yakisobas made up for it. The inclusion of tofu skin made for good hangover prevention. Not bad, but it's unlikely that I'd get this again. Third visit: I had envy over Keon's daeji bulgogi. I preferred it to my tonkatsu, as much as I adore apple bunny slices. The applesauce added as dressing to the relatively plain salad wasn't bad. Napa kimchi, bean sprout kimchi, wakame, potato salad, watercress, tofu, fermented daikon. Fourth visit: Miso soup was alright, not too mealy. Japchae was pretty good, more beef mixed in than wood ear fungus. I prefer a thicker glass noodle but I'd get it again. Gochu pajeon wasn't too greasy or spicy, cooked to an appealing texture with light crisping. Dak gui was inconsistent to me, good seasoning but the some of the white meat was on the dry side. Bulgogi was outshone by the galbi, which was quite good despite being trimmed off the bone. Both were accompanied by a few halved button mushrooms, no garlic. The oranges cut up as a birthday dessert were of varying ripeness. Napa kimchi, potato salad, watercress, tofu, cucumber kimchi, scallion salad, savory radish w/shrooms. The meat in maeun galbitang is cut thick but tender, outshining the protein of yukgaejang. Despite sporting the same broth, the former came with less glass noodles and bits of egg white but no yolk. Kimchi mul mandu were flat-style, drizzled with sesame oil and served with a maraschino-garnished gritty salad on the side. Yukgaejang is okay. Overall winner is the boyangtang, tenderest goat meat I've had in awhile. For KBBQ, the Yechon galbi is worth doing; samgyeopsal and bulgogi are okay, I've had better elsewhere.
(4)Jacky K C.
tip: combo dinners for 2-3 are a great deal, includes bugogi, squid, grilled fish, tofu soup, banchan dishes, sushi (not very good though), 2 bottles of beer. soup casseroles are very filling, great on cold nights, has many choices including seafood, tripe, intestines, etc. regular soups also have a lot of varieties such as the blue crab soup. also have table bbq option. great place with value.
(4)Maki P.
When I saw the extensive Japanese and Sushi menus at this "asian fusion" establishment, I was skeptical-- but Yechon delivers a quality Korean BBQ experience in a friendly environment. Solid 3.5 stars. Pluses and minuses: +Great banchan (the small dishes that come free to complement your meal and your rice), above and beyond the ordinary, with a good mix of veggies and protein +Good bulgogi and OK kalbi (sliced a bit thin for my taste)-- both were marinated a bit sweeter than I'd like, but definitely above average on the flavor, and high-quality meat +Service was very friendly and accommodating, though one of our servers didn't speak much English-- a smile is all it takes! Plus, they're all wearing traditional Korean garb-- very charming -If you're going for the BBQ, note that not every table has a grill-- they will bring you a tabletop grill instead, which does the trick, but is not quite the same -I asked for some spicy pepper paste (gochujang), and what they brought me was watery and not at all spicy I came in here after a hot day spent outside craving nangmyeon, but after smelling all the bbq, I deserted my plans-- would love to come back and give their nangmyeon a try, for real this time.
(4)Erin T.
Yechon was my first foray into the Annandale Korean restaurant scene (thanks to all the positive reviews here), and I am so glad I started there, because it was delicious and a wonderful experience! I recommend going at slightly off-hours because the line gets kind of long around 7 pm, but it is well worth the wait. My dining companion and I ordered a beef and a pork BBQ, both of which were cooked at our table, and found it to be a perfect amount of food for two people. Even though we didn't order any of the spicy dishes offered on the menu, there were plenty of spicy toppings and sides to complement the nice cuts of meat. Our waitress was extremely attentive without being obtrusive, promptly cooking our food with plenty of intervals in-between so that we could enjoy our conversation. The staff was exceptional and bumped this rating from a 4 up to a 5. Overall, we were extremely happy with our dinner and are already planning to bring a larger group back so we can try even more of the barbecue options.
(5)Anuj P.
THE go-to spot for me and my friends. My favorite Korean BBQ joint hands down.
(5)Jen F.
Yechon was alright- not worthy of four stars in my opinion, but not bad either. The small plates that came out at the beginning were about 50/50 in terms of yum and not-yum. The menu is large and has a lot of options but the lack of vegetarian dishes really struck me. I asked if they could substitute bean curd into one of my dishes and they said no. I settled on getting one of the spicy casseroles without the meat which ended up being tasty but not spectacular. I left here full and satisfied, but it was not good enough where I would come back again. 2.75 stars.
(3)Nicole H.
Pretty good Korean food. And they are open 24/7, good for those late night munchies. Horrible staff. Plain and simple. If you're not Korean or a rich looking White person, prepare for the worst service ever. They took forever to bring out our food and they neglected our table countless times. We asked for water and rice about 6 times (from the same server) and didn't even get it until we were all practically done eating. And that's only because I asked the Manager.
(2)D K.
the worst korean restaurant i have ever been. i lived in the west coast & the east coast, northern & southern states, been to hundreds of restaurants and this place has to be worst in food prep and quality. customer service is bad but i don't care much about that. most asian rest. are bad in service. old & stale fish, beef; smelly soup... and guess what? they serve "sushi" & chinese too... yes, another korean rest with identity crisis... if you want to run a korean restaurant, make korean food right. what are you doing trying to, make all diff kind of cuisine that you don't even know how to start? i think that most imp thing in asian food is rice.. and their rice had a worm looking bug inside. if i only had a camera back then... i was there about six years ago and just writing this up now because i was so traumatized by what i saw in my rice. so over priced for what they serve... and do you know what i found out about how they prepare kimchi? they "pickle" the cabbages using salt... and an immigrant cook helper steps on them with his rubber boots. the rubber boots that he walks around the kitchen and out to the dumpster... no no no...
(1)Super A.
Pretty darn good! I would have given them 5 stars but the service was a little slow and they were not even that busy when we were there. Nice atmosphere and a cute bakery next door for dessert if there is any room left- which I doubt!
(4)Lisa L.
Great food, service and the restaurant is clean! Seafood soondubu chige, seafood pancake, pork, kalbi and all the numerous sides were all delish!! Definitely going back ;)
(5)Amanda N.
Probably the best Korean food in the area. 100% authentic, really great service, a good range of selections, and prices are reasonable. You always, ALWAYS get your money's worth because almost every dish comes with a bunch of side dishes that are sure to fill you up. And, of course, the food is absolutely delicious. Plus, the waitresses dress in traditional hanboks - how much more Korean can you get? Ambiance is a bit loud, since it's usually packed. Watch out for weekend evenings - be prepared to wait if you arrive later than 6PM. Location is a little hidden, but it's literally five steps away from Breeze Cafe - which is a great stop to go to if you want a cute dessert afterwards. If you're ever in the area, make this a place to stop by.
(5)Tiffany N.
Good food, decent prices. Good variety of dishes including sushi. I think the best part of this place is the awesome side dishes! As for main entrees, I haven't had anything grilled here so I can't compare it to honey pig. However the bibambap is great, and the udon noodles are good as well. Good service. Open 24 hours. Parking is limited though, and often hard to find.
(4)Don H.
3.5 stars for variety of korean foods and being open 24/7 to get the grub on at anytime.
(3)Steven C.
Customer service here is not great. The food is ok, but I like To Soc Chon and Honey Pig more. For the Tofu soup, I like Arirang in Rockville.
(3)Kat B.
Came here late night with the husband hoping it would be less crowded. The food was good as usual: galbi dolsot bibimbap came in a very hot bowl which was nice and the yukaejang was pretty flavorful although the meat was a bit over like last time. One of my galbi pieces was pure tendon and inedible as well. I really enjoyed their banchan selection though and I was really hoping a waiter would come by and offer a refill like they normally do. Unfortunately despite the restaurant only having four filled tables and 3-4 waiters no one came to our table until after many many minutes of trying to flag one at the end of our meal. During the meal we pressed the button multiple times so either the button on our table was broken or they were choosing to ignore us. One of the waiters spent like half an hour sitting at a table of what appeared to be loud drunk guys and just fraternized with them the whole time. I find it really strange that we've had better service when the entire restaurant is packed than when it is empty. At the end of the meal when I asked a waiter if they could throw some extra banchan in with our doggy bags he got really awkward and said that they don't do that at the restaurant. Then another waiter came over and told us the same thing...which made me doubly regret asking. Are they are trying to cut back financially and no longer offer extra banchans when you run out or are the servers just not as generous late at night? I really wanted to tell them that I would've asked for more earlier in the meal if given a chance but I refrained because I didn't want to make it more awkward turtle than it already was. I would have gladly paid for the extra banchan too if given the choice. The food is ~3.5 stars and better than most of the Korean BBQ establishments in the area but the service is only 1 star late at night and inconsistent at best. I think from now on I'll only do takeout.
(2)Rod S.
Yecheon is fantastic food! The bulgogi steak bubbles and browns right in front and gets your senses ready for the feast to come. Nibble away at the array of kimchi, pickled cucumbers, bean sprouts, sea weed. They really are flavors to explore - I really liked the yellow bean sprouts. Once your done with that, time to start on the bulgogi wrapped in lettuce with rice and peanut sauce. It's divine and the best way to eat lettuce I've come across. We also had spicy chicken which was excellent, but bulgogi is my absolute favorite. The seafood pancakes and the whole mackerel were also very tasty - so many good options. Prepare to over do it! This place gets packed on weekend nights, so be ready for crowds and frenetic servers. You can pass the time at Breeze Bakery next door - which us a sight to see on its own. Bubble smoothies, pound cake, gelato, macaroons, and on and on!
(4)Meredith H.
Pretty standard! Delicious food, attentive service. Delicious tea! It's a little expensive, especially for the area, but I feel like a lot of it is worth it. Try to go with a Korean speaker - although the food at my table is always delicious, I can't help but look at other tables and see things that dazzle me. Also, get the seafood/green onion pancake. So worth it.
(4)Mike T.
Usually solid, 4 or 5 stars each time ... but on the last trip, service was a little off -- server must have forgotten about the table ... if I hadn't acted, bbq meat would have burned on the grill! No apologies ... no service recovery. Hopefully, it was just a bad night for our server.
(3)Gregg M.
There's not much I can add to what has already been yelped about Yechon, but I'll give it a shot. I brought my girlfriend and a mutual friend of ours to Yechon. This was their first time to this 24-hour Korean gem. Hey, it has to be good as evidenced by the roomful of Korean families taking in their native cuisine. As an aside, I'd love to see the crowd that's rolling in here at 2:30am for their kimchi fix! But anyway, for the table, we ordered the Hae Mul Jun Gol (seafood and vegetable casserole/$34.95)) and the Kimchi Sam Gyup Sal Duruchiki (sauteed kimchi with sliced tofu and pork mixed with vegetables and spicy sauce/$18.95). We received the standard Banchan side dishes to accompany our meal. Personally, I could make a meal out of just Banchan! No beer or wine with this meal, however, the hot green tea flowed freely. Our casserole didn't skimp on seafood and was heated to bubbly perfection over a gas stove. The sauteed kimchi and pork dish was a revelation in deliciousness! The red pepper spicy sauce gave the pork and veggies a nice heat which balanced perfectly with the salty/sour/tanginess of the sauteed kimchi. The huge chunks of tofu provided a "cooling" soy blandness to spicy dish. Yechon is a very good place to get your Korean feedbag on. It's very reasonably-priced given the portion sizes. I recommend bringing friends and/or family and come hungry!
(4)Jason C.
The worst Korean restaurant in town and one of the most overrated place. The food is not special but service is really terrible. I think people giving a good rate for this restaurant seem not to know other Korean restaurant. Only good thing of this restaurant is open 24hrs.
(1)K Y.
I've dined here multiple times for dinner (Mon-Wed), and it's always busy! They are quick to seat you though as it seems they move people in and out pretty quickly. Nothing extraordinary about the side dishes, but they give you a wide variety so you can try multiple items. If you choose to grill your own meats, they tend to come around and take the tongs from you so they can grill the meats. Not sure why. . .and I know it's not customer ineptitude on my end. All the meats are standard by most Korean BBQ restaurants in which I've dined. Don't expect the waiters/waitresses to always come around to fill up drinks or answer questions. Press the button at the end of the table to get their attention (don't abuse though!). The other dishes such as soups and noodles are good. Overall, you won't be amazed with the Korean food (I haven't tried the others yet), but still a solid choice!
(3)Andrew S.
Always top notch Korean Food. Delicious quality Kimchi, a nice assortment of side dishes, generous portions of Bulgogi, Sashimi, Flavorful Spicy Squid, Grilled Fish, Marinated Spicy Chicken, Finished with a Sweet Rice Dessert Drink. My picture kind of says it all.
(4)Casmi T.
The food is great and the service is great as well. Its the go to late night spot to eat.
(4)Eric L.
Seriously... this place can't get any better. For a place that's open 24 hours and the food they serve actually taste like Korean food IN Korea. You really can't ask for more... espically with all the side dishes that they have to offer.
(5)Al A.
Decent Korean but I've had much better in Annandale. Service was decent. Things just weren't that tasty. :(
(2)Lindsay B.
Had a craving for Korean barbecue in the middle if the night and came here for the first time. We had such a good time. The food was surprisingly served in large portions. So many things to taste and try with our entrées we will definitely be back!
(5)Brian H.
I went here for what I thought was the first time tonight after finding it on yelp while in search of Korean place only to get there and realize I had been here a few times like 5+ years ago in the middle of the night - those were college days and those evenings involved being taken here by Korean friends and lots of soju followed by noraebang/karaoke. Needless to say it was cool to happen upon this place years later as a young professional just going out to for Korean food. On to the actual review... The food was very good. Lately I've been going to the Honey Pig in Ellicott City Maryland as until recently that was much closer to my residence than Annandale though I have also been to the Annadale Honey Pig; needless to say I'm going to use Honey Pig as the standard to compare this with. The atmosphere is much more traditional Korean compared to Honey Pig's corrugated metal, utilitarian chic feel, down to the waitresses traditional dress. It definitely feels like the kind of place older folks would prefer to Honey Pig's hip young crowd- I honestly liked this for a change, it took me back to the days when I worked with a Korean-American friend that used to take me all over the Eastcoast Korean community. Going off the idea of this being more traditional than hip I think the food was definitely better than Honey Pig's and the menu was also much larger. Prices were a bit higher than Honey Pig's but it still felt reasonable to me for Korean BBQ. I also like that they gave you rice like most Korean places- Honey Pig (in MD anyways) charges you for it. Service was decent- as a Korean place it was typically colder than the American standard but none the less relatively speedy and to the point. I guess if you want the waitress to BS with you and laugh like old friends you might be bugged, but conversely they won't annoy you by checking on you every two minutes. we got our food quickly and the waitresses seemed to know exactly when we were ready to order and ready for the check. Very business like, but it's not entirely a bad thing. Overall I think Yechon is a great choice if you want a slightly classier and more traditionally Korean experience and are a real foodie as opposed to Honey Pig's "let's go out and gorge on grilled meat and soju in the middle of the night because we're 21 years old". Of course being opened 24/7 I assume you can do the same at Yechon if you really want to, but it also would be a good choice for a birthday dinner with grandma thanks to it's atmosphere.
(4)Ritzie C.
I. Love. Yechon. Why? It's cheap, open 24 hours, and is a great place for groups. The food can be very good - depending on what you order. Each time I went, my group opted to have the food cooked in the back and brought to our table. Dishes we enjoyed include kalbi, bulgogi (spicy and regular), seafood pancake, and japchae. Also, they refill the banchan on request. The advantage of Yechon over Honey Pig (which I also love) is that it's quieter here - in that they're not blasting hip hop music so loud that you can't have a conversation with someone across the table. You must try it! Especially the kalbi.
(4)Mocca T.
The best thing we had was the hot pepper and scallions pancake, not greasy, rather delightful. That was it though. We received a smaller selection of banchan than other guests, also no barley tea, both are not something that you have to ask for, but come standard at a Korean restaurant. Worse, the table attendant did not turn up the heat high enough on the grill for the pork belly meat to turn at least a little crispy. It was just soft fat. All in all a disappointing experience, since we had spent some time researching where to go and were hoping for more given the solid four stars after 500+ reviews.
(1)Lucy X.
I was so excited to come here after all the rave reviews on Yelp. The only Korean BBQ type restaurants I've been to in Annandale are Honey Pig and Il Mee. Honey Pig will forever be my number one, but I was hoping maybe Yechon will replace it. Through the recommendations, we ordered the Galbi (with chef's special sauce) and the Bulgogi (spicy). O GOD! It might've been because I was ravishly hungry, but holy geezus the meat was SO tender and juicy, ESPECIALLY the bulgogi mmm :D. If anything, go to Yechon and get the galbi & bulgogi (min. of two orders per type of pan). I also wanted to order the Pork Bellies but I wasn't aware that it must be cooked on a different kind of plate, so you had to order at least two for that too (and there were only 3 options for that kind on the menu). So because we weren't fully full after the first two orders, we ended up getting the Pork belly and another Beef thing...which was definitely not that great of an idea considering they tasted NO WHERE as delicious as the galbi or the bulgogi! And it's not because we weren't as hungry as the beginning, but they were honestly mediocore. And the pork belly, unfortunately, was nothing like the one from Honey Pig (which I assumed it would be, that's why I ordered it in the first place). Besides that, we also ordered the Soondubu jjigae (stew with tofu and seafood). It was, of course, delectable as always and expected :) Overall, I would give Yechon 4.5 stars if I could, because I could do without the whole 2 minimum order thing. And the side sauces (for dipping the meat) wasn't that special or great (compared to HP). AND lastly, the portion of meat was not a lot at all (compared to HP and Il Mee). All this would/should make it a 3/4 stars rating but...the bulgogi is really THAT delicious!
(4)James S.
This place is a must for Korean food. I don't know how but they manage to stay open 24/7 and deliver excellent food and give great service, even when the place is packed with people. I have to give it up to the people who work here...they are dedicated and hard working. (In my personal experience I've never had an issue here and I've been here many times) Yechon is also located right next door to cafe breeze the best Korean pastry/coffee shop in the area! So after a good meal you can just walk on over to breeze for some delicious pastry or my fav Pat Bing Soo ^_^ Love this place!!
(5)Michael B.
my favorite Korean Food in NOVA
(5)Irene F.
24 hours= awesome. Unlike most Korean places that open late at night, this place isn't like a night club. I can totally bring my kiddo for a late night snack. They have table ringers to call the waitress and I accidentally hit it a few times with my elbow and the waitresses were extremely prompt! and I was extremely embarrassed. Food was pretty good- above average. But great considering their other assets.
(4)Crystal-Nicole B.
The food here was stellar. I had the Deondang Jigae and the Galbi. Both were off the chain! It was busy when me and my friends went but the service was still on point. I would recommend this place to friends and will definitely be back.
(5)Sara B.
"I only want a small Cass!" "Psh, I'm getting a large." "I'm not eating anything with seafood in it." "What's that!?" "Does it have mushrooms in it?" "That thing with the stuff is good..." "Soju? How many shots does it have?" Like a boss. That's how the staff at Yechon took care of us last night. Faced with a party of 16 of mi amigos who have attention problems, the ladies were able to decipher through our yapping to take our orders down to the minute details of beer sizes...We were all ravenous and the food was whisked out so fast I didn't have time to do my obligatory whine about how hungry I was. Yummy: bulgolgi, galbi, seafood pancake sliced up like a pizza... Pork belly was flavorfless and underwhelming to me. Size wise (snicker...) they weren't able to accomodate us all at one table which stunk but they did the best they could. AND Despite the naysayers, I was able to get a to go order of galbi. They just cooked it for me in the back and packed it up. Boo yah!
(4)Yuh-Line N.
sooooooooooo good. I love korean food. love love love korean food...and they do it pretty good here. we got one of their meal packages and it came with so much food. We had a party of four and we ordered two more dishes to share along with that. we threw down and showed that the chinese really are bigger at everything. we all had the BIGGEST food bellies when we left. 24/7 korean food=heaven. too bad it's in annandale. I would like there to be a stop for Yechon on the metro. thanks.
(4)Q. S.
I always go there during the midnight because it's kind of the only choice at that time. It was super busy last night (actually was Sun morning). My husband and I ordered our usual, stone bowl Bibimbap and tofu seafood soup. I think that the taste was pretty good, but super H has a bit little better price and taste. But my favorite thing about this restaurant is all the little free side dishes you get after you order. They always surprise me because there's always something new to try the side dishes. Potato salad is my favorite side dish. You should definitely try it.
(4)Suzanne B.
While my baptism into the world of Korean food was overseas, this was the first place in the USA... Yechon runs like a well-oiled machine 24/7. The service is efficient, the banchons are plentiful & fresh, and the tea is roasted and nutty to perfection. This is a great place to venture beyond the bibimbop & bulgogi. Try the stew, squid, etc. live a little... And when you're done since dessert isn't their forte, venture next door to the very classy Korean cafe for a rooftop sweet & coffee or tea.
(4)Desi W.
I'm not a Korean food expert but this place never disappoints.
(4)Leonard H.
Not many Korean eateries in the Washington DC area as compared to Seattle. My first observation is Korean restaurants in DC favor American sounding names. Apparently this restaurant is open 24 hours a day and it seems to have a very brisk business. Almost 930 in the evening on Monday. The food is so-so and the hospitality is average nothing spectacular With servers running around like little Machines. I was out voted on this adventure. Sorry this is not a venue I would count on a second appearance.
(2)Lia M.
A very successful first Korean food experience! I was here on a weekday, around 1:30pm, and it was extremely packed with limited parking (which I understand to be normal for Yechon). However, we were seated very quickly, though the food took a while. Our waitress was friendly. I had a lunch box - spicy pork that came with rice, beef with greens, shrimp tempura, veggies in a wonton wrapper, and salad. The pork was delicious and spicy. Tempura was good, as was the beef. My friend had the salmon lunch box and she got a piece of sushi in hers - very jealous. The salmon was substantial and came with steamed broccoli as well. Our sides were seaweed, mashed potatoes, watercress, water chestnuts, kimchi, and bean sprouts, along with miso soup. I enjoyed the miso and kimchi. Prices were very reasonable - each lunch box was only $7.95. I really do think I need to go back after being out all night - I could see the food being even better then. Oh, and I can't wait to eat Korean again...
(4)jessica L.
I love this place! I go here for the sit down, greater selection experience of mama's home-cooked Korean meal. PLUS, it's 24 hours. AND they make their own buckwheat noodles for their naengmyun! Warning though- they don't serve it after 11pm. They also don't serve the lunch specials on the weekends, fyi. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because there was something missing in the hwae naengmyun- it was barely there, but it was there. But aside from that, the yooksu (beef broth) that comes with it reminded me of a place I used to go frequently in Korea (yeah, the broth was pretty awesome). You can never go wrong with the pork belly, and the bossam is pretty damn good, too. So the last time I went, my friend and I were on a single-minded mission to achieve a food coma. My friend and I (the two of us) ordered 2 servings of samgyeopsal, the bossam, the naengmyun, and japchae. The waitresses are great at timing their check-ins at appropriate intervals (not too frequent, not ignoring us either), but they definitely let us know that we ordered a LOT of food. They said it EVERY time they visited our table. Perhaps it was because we were both Asian females (and I spoke Korean with them) that they felt okay reprimanding us about how much food we ordered. Hey, none of it went to waste and many others were fed from that meal. So no one died from a food coma. We'll definitely be back to tell them that. Make sure to hop over to the Breeze Bakery next door afterward!
(4)Ashley E.
Hands down, my favorite place to eat in the world. Must try the pork belly, kalbi, and bulgolgi. Also, the korean potato is my favorite side
(5)Ji Y.
The restaurant was very busy when I arrived to meet some friends for dinner. I have never been here and since part of the party I was with wanted sushi and other korean BBQ, it was a good solution for us all to be here. I ordered the korean bbq and the naeng myun. The kalbi was really tasty but the other beef was not very special. Naeng myun was okay and the noodles were overcooked. One great thing about this place is that give you a good selection of other foods besides Korean BBQ and they are opened 24 hours! Maybe next visit, I'll get a better impression once I try other things on the menu. It might make me give an extra star and be a fan of this place. Who knows until I try again right?
(3)Carol W.
Went here tonight with my boyfriend and another friend. Now, I'll be the first to admit - I don't know that much about Korean, but I do know what flavors I like. I know this is a very popular place and though it was my first time here, it wasn't my boyfriends first time. We ordered the seafood and vegetable casserole and the sauteed kimchi with pork. Along with this order came some nice hot green tea and the Banchan. Of the Banchan, the "eggplant" one was by and far one of the favorites - though the daikon radishes were pretty good too. Of our dishes - my absolute favorite was the kimchi with pork. It had just the right amount of spice, wow - definitely a dish I could eat again and again. Though the seafood casserole was good, I was disappointed that the octopus was so chewy - to the point it was difficult to actually eat it. The lobster though was delicious as was the crab, fish and shrimp. Both dishes had tofu served with them. All in all a positive experience and I would go back again.
(3)Lisa N.
Yechon is situated in Annandale at the intersection of Little River Turnpike and Hummer Road. It serves Korean bbq as well as sushi, bibimbap, soups, etc... Since it was only me and my boyfriend, they cooked the galbi in the kitchen and not on our grill so it turned out overcooked/chewy. The bibimbap was nice and hot, but barely had any meat. Overall, service was decent. I'd probably go back if I was craving Korean food and it was late/I was in the area, but I'd prefer Korshi or Honey Pig. (+) open 24/7 (-) value of food
(3)Eric O.
Usually a place that's open 24/7 means you need to be drunk to actually enjoy the food (a la Taco Bell or Denny's). Impressively, Yechon bucks this trend and can be enjoyed equally as much while sober. For your information, I was there sober, but I imagine I'd rate it 5 stars had I tried it while drunk. The inside is nice which is also surprising for a place that's open 24/7. The service is very prompt and friendly. The menu is VERY extensive, and even includes a few pages of sushi items. Though I avoided these, figuring it'd make more sense to eat Korean, at well, a Korean restaurant. As others have mentioned, the bul gogi is excellent. We had the daeji bul gogi which is the spicy kind, though I really didn't notice it. Next time, I'll ask them to really turn the heat up. Gop dol bibim bap was tasty as well, though nothing mind blowing. As for the banchan, the variety is good but it wasn't the best I've had. Altogether the meal was just a little over $30 and it was more than enough for two people--not bad at all. A bonus is that if you've got some room to spare, the next door bakery offers some nice cakes and ice cream. This makes for a great 1-2 punch of quality and convenience.
(4)Shawn O.
This restaurant takes shortcuts. It's not a true representation of Korean cuisine. Go to To Sok Jip if you want the authentic experience.
(1)Jon L.
Lettuce came from the kitchen with a dead fly right on top, in plain sight. The waitress that came to take it away didn't make any facial expression, which I thought made it seem like it was normal for there to be bugs in the food. The manager told me it happens all the time in the summer. Tell all your friends never to come here. I'm certainly never coming back.
(1)Antonio M.
Holy crap, what better way to stuff my face after fasting (for a blood test) than by having some Spicy Jap Chae for an 8am breakfast? Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!! This was my FIRST visit to Yechon and I had been dying to stop in and try some of their traditional Korean eats. At first, I was a bit reluctant to stop in so early in the morning, but then I figured, "Why not?". Afterall I love eating real "entree" type food for breakfast. Scanning the large menu I settled on the Spicy Go Choo Jap Chae and placed my order with the waiter. As I waited for my food, I looked around and appreciated the subtle wooden decor of Yechon. I wasn't the only person eating an early breakfast as there were men in business suits, and older couple, a woman and her daughter, and white haired old man and a gentleman sitting next to the front door happily slurping up some noodle soup. The waiter soon brought out a beautifully colored assortment of side items (see picture) which appeared to be Kimchi, spicy bean sprouts, seaweed, pickled radish, some thick egg like omelet, slightly sweet mashed potatoes with peas and a small cup of miso soup. I drank the miso and enjoyed bits of the side items combining the egg (which had a unusual dark green tinge) with the Kimchi and other items. As I began stuffing my face, the Go Choo Jap Chae arrived and it looked amazing! The Go Choo was the bolder more aggressive brother of a regular Jap Chae as its quite spicy due to the hot sauce and very generous amounts of hot peppers sprinkled throughout the dish. The dish itself is primarily made up of clear vermicelli rice noodles, thin strips of beef and julienned carrots, zucchini and onions. This massive dish of yum yum was accompanied by a good sized serving of rice (served in a covered steel bowl). The first bite of my big boy Jap Chae was not only hot temperature wise, but hot spicy! Wow! I love spicy Korean food but this was the first time in a long time that I said, "Wow that's spicy!" But it was soooooooo good! A warm feeling came over me as the hot peppers and sauce began working their magic. My nose started running and I could feel my face and tummy growing warm. I loved it! The noodles had sucked in all the flavor of the beef, sauteed veggies and slapped your taste buds with the spicy flavor mixed within the dish. The dish was SO big (how big is it?) that it could have easily fed two fatty Antonios. I was pretty full from eating most of the side items that I barely managed to eat half of my Go Choo Jap Chae. The gi-norous "can serve 2 or feed you again" size of the dish along with the price (a mere $16) made this early morning breakfast a real value. I asked the waiter to box up the rest of my food (and the uneaten rice) and happily paid my check. I loved the food here and will definitely be back with the wife. Unlike other reviewers, I noticed the service was amazing and had no complaints about the quality of the food. I truly enjoyed my first visit to Yechon and will come back very soon.
(4)Jon N.
As authentic as you can get when there isn't a large Asian community. I like the service here, the friendly waitress helped cook the meat at our table. yelp.com/biz_photos/w_KI… The ban chan dishes aren't bad. I always like the potato salad even if there is almost nothing Korean about it. yelp.com/biz_photos/w_KI… Parking can be a little rough since it's a small parking are relative to the number of seating they have. Yechon's Score - 86 Points
(4)Natasha S.
I love this place and have been coming here for many many years! My favorite place to go especially during the late late nights! I've had a lot of the different soups, meats and seafood pancake! MMMMMMM! They give a generous amount of GOOD pon-chon! The service is always consistent and although the prices can get pricey, the food quality and taste is well worth it. Additionally being open 24 hours adds a huge aspect of convenience! One of my favorite places to go to in the Washington DC area!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Sarah J.
This place has a crap load of reviews and for good reason. 24/7 Korean comfort food to the max. We went all American tourist and had at-the-table Korean bbq (chicken and beef) which did not disappoint. And holy crap do they love their side dishes! They must serve at least 10 different types. Some of my favorites include the sweet mashed potatoes (or is it potato salad?), every dish that they pickled (love me some pickled veg), and the squid. Believe it or not, I didn't really take to their kimchi, but I'll cop that up to being a fluke. Service was just ok. I realize we're not at a fine dining establishment, but since we're in the good ol' US of A and at least a third of the clientele at Yechon are generic caucasians like myself, it would be nice to have my server speak at least a few words of English. Ours spoke almost zero English, so it was a little dicey for a few minutes. So, maybe for future reference, educate yourself on Korean cuisine before you go to Yechon. They're not too keen on people asking questions about the menu...or at least that's how I felt. But hot damn, the prices! We spent maybe 30 bucks and came out of there with lunch for the next day. For two people. Win.
(3)Liz N.
I've been to many Korean bbq spots and rarely do I many stand out. This gets a little place in my heart due to the service, those old korean ladies are awesome with keeping the food cooking. I love how they offer those vibrating thingy as you wait 1 h for a table for 2.. yes, on a weekend night, it can be up to 1 hr. for table of 2!!! but there's an amazing korena bakery right next door that you can explore. Walking in there takes you straight back to korea. bad thing with this place, along with other korean restaurants are the prices.. why so expensive?!?!
(4)Henry R.
Came here with my girlfriend at 1am in the morning because we were craving korean foods. Drove almost 45 minutes from Leesburg to Annandale. The place was somewhat packed, but not a full house. Was seated immediately and presented with menus. Order was placed in promptly and the foods came out 15 minutes later. Foods was pretty good, my girlfriend's tonkatsu was not bad, but the tofu soup i got was just ok. Probably because i have had better spicy tofu soup from other places. This is not a bad place to go to if you are craving korean/japanese (no sushi) late at night as this place opens 24/7. Service seems a litlte rushed by the young servers tending around. The place is blasting with korean pops and pretty lively. The menu has a wide variety of dishes, with half of them i am not too familiar with. Pricey too. But if i were to pick again what to eat for that night, i think i would have prefer Honey Pig. But the main reason why we chose that place for that night was because of the Breeze cafe bakery next door. We hit up that bakery after our meal, it was great since the bakery also opens late (2am). But will i do this again next time? Probably not.
(3)Kareem F.
Great place to get Korean BBQ. Open 24/7! I love their Bulgogi and beef short ribs. They serve many small dishes with interesting taste and flavors. Their mashed potatoes are delicious. A must try!
(4)Jae S.
If you're a night owl who love Korean food, this is the place. Open 24-7 I'm Korean and I know what Korean food should taste like. So listen to me. Try all their food in their menu. I especially like the Yuk Gae Jang and Soo Doo Boo. Also, they have great selection of sushi too. If you live in DMV and you're an Asian and never heard of this place, shame on you!!! Good place for Korean food beginners to enjoy authentic Korean food. Enjoy!
(3)Diana C.
24-hour Korean. Let that process for a minute. Yes, it's a haul out to Annandale, but the Koreans seem to snub Montgomery County, so it's off to the dark side of the Potomac if I want tasty, tasty eats. The food is really great, and the service is really fast. I've had a variety of dishes (including the sushi & some of the Japanese dishes), and everything has been awesome. I usually stick with the bibimbap, which is tasty and filling, or one of the udon soups if I want something lighter. The service is not super friendly but they are nice enough. What they are is very efficient.
(4)Joseph C.
This restaurant is so delicious, affordable and its opens 24 hours. However, I couldn't give this place a perfect 5 because of how packed it is all the time. I used to come here about once a week for the past 4 months and all at different times but recently it has gradually gotten worse of how packed and busy it is. ***Keep in mind, you could be waiting minium of 30 mins to get a table.***
(4)Leslie J.
MUST ORDER: KOREAN PANCAKE or what I like to call it "KOREAN PIZZA!" I especially LOVE their seafood pancakes here. They have just the perfect ratio of seafood, spice, and the best part of it all is that the texture of the pancake is crispy and not soggy. YUM!
(4)Jean S.
Extensive menu, reasonably priced, clean, good service, and solid all around for all sorts of standard Korean food. Great for late night as it is open 24/7
(4)Jenn H.
I'm not really a fan of Yechon. Seriously, there are so many options in Annandale. I didn't come for the bbq--two of us got dol sot bibimbap, the bf got duk manduguk, and one other guy...i forgot what he ordered; we also split a seafood pajung. Everything we had was "blah". Seriously, you could do MUCH better, especially in this area. At least the other two people we went with seemed to like it. Best part of the night--a bunch of Yechon waitresses sat in a corner eating Popeye's. HILARIOUS.
(2)J M.
We came here on a whim on a Sunday afternoon, after researching Korean Restaurants on Yelp alone while driving through town coming from Dulles Airport back to the district. I haven't had Korean since I moved from my hometown city of Toronto, so was in serious need of bbq meat. The BBQ we had wasn't even BBQ, it was a table-top "saucer"-looking dish to cook meat on, it was like a pan-fryer, not BBQ at all. It left a LOT to be desired. We ordered pork belly, one of our favourite dishes. This version was not comparable at all to the type we have at our fav place in Toronto. It was so thin and tasteless (as was the beef). At our go-to place in Toronto, it's thickly cut and has the pork skin still on it and juicy after cooking. Since it was 2 of us, I doubt they would give us an actual grill table, I think they might only give those tables to larger parties. The bachan were great and so was my tofu/beef spicy soup. The Pajeon was less than ideal. Yes, it was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, but a seafood Pajean at Yechon only consisted of a few shrimp and green onions galore. The pajeon that I traditionally get from my Korean restaurant in Toronto has calamari as well as octopus tentacles. They should rename it shrimp pajeon (not seafood). It seems to be the only decent place for Korean in the DC area so it'll have to suffice. We don't mind shelling out good $$ for good food, price is not an issue. Service was good, but frankly, I don't go for Korean food epxecting great service, aren't we (Koreans) the ones that invented the doorbell to request service at a restaurant? Anyhow, service was decent.
(3)Jason C.
Enough people have given reviews about this place and the food so I'm just going to add one thing to the mix and leave some statements that you can think about. This is probably one of the most famous korean restaurants in the DC area. The place is open 24-7. The same cook can't cook 24-7. The taste of everything you get tastes the same 24-7. The only way you do that when you have 150 things on the menu is to pour in bags of MSG into the food. My Korean friends and I almost gagged when we had some of the Korean stews there b/c of the MSG. Korean restaurants are notorious for putting MSG in the food but this place does it on a whole new level. Think about what I said and watch it if you're MSG intolerant or are health conscientious.
(3)Lisa K.
Something has happened to this dependable spot for good, authentic korean food... we have been coming here for over 10 years.... last 2 times we ate here in the past 2 months, we found that the flavors were off... just not well seasoned... some of the side-dishes lacked salt... the bibim nangmyun had the traditional pepper sauce... spicy but without the right balance of sweetness & tartness... the noodles also didn't have the chewy consistency you would expect... our old standby at this place, tang-su-yuk was lacking the right flavor in the sauce & the meat was not crisply fried & was covered in lots of batter... soodubu jigae was deemed flavorless... just spicy but no deep flavors at all... I don't know if they have a new cook or what's going on... just disappointing...ugh!!! Hope things return to normal soon!
(2)Michael S.
Parking lot is very annoying. Every column has a dead end. I thought that since the lot was almost full that would be a good sign to the quality of the restaurant, but not really. When we went in there was a bit of a wait, but not very long. The service was quite good actually. One will find very similar service amenities as Korea, such as the buzzer to call the wait staff, and the endless supply of pan-chan (side dishes). The food was nothing to write home about. I went here with three friends and they liked it better than I, but I had also lived in Korea for over a year so I know what Korean food is. Good pan-chan defines a Korean restaurant. If the pan-chan is not good, the restaurant is not worth attending. That being said, the bad pan-chan is why I gave this restaurant a low rating. The main dishes were not bad (about a 3.5/5), but pan-chan makes up at least 50% of the Korean dining experience. Having low quality pan-chan is like ordering a steak dinner that is only half cooked. Aesthetically the restaurant is nice. There's plenty of room to walk and move your chair without hitting the person behind you. The tables are also large enough to fit an entire Korean meal without stacking plates, so that's a big plus! Price is a tad high for the quality of food. I would go again if asked to go.
(2)S M.
I have to be honest -- I had an undercooked seafood pancake here a few years ago and some surly service to match, so that kept me away for a long time. I went back a few weeks ago with two friends and a baby on a Saturday night at 10 and was VERY pleasantly surprised. Everything was fresh. The pancake was among the very best I've had, and the bulgogi and galbi were both excellent. The yakisoba was too greasy for my taste, but let's face it: you shouldn't be going to Yechon for Japanese food. We had a really great time, and I look forward to going back. Also, there aren't that many late-night places where I'd feel comfortable taking little kids, but Yechon is very family-friendly. (I know that little kids don't need to go out to restaurants late at night, but for people working shifts or coming back late from a trip, this is a better option than most!)
(4)Taryn L.
New to the Korean BBQ scene, we were super appreciative at how helpful the wait staff were when it came to figuring out what everything was, the best dishes to order for our tastes and how to cook the meat ... all despite our total lack of Korean language fluency and their limited grasp of English. We managed, and we're glad we did. Meat was delish, kimchi was awesome. They bring out TONS of sides of and plenty of rice. We had so much fun trying it all. We recently tried Honey Pig, which isn't too far away. Similar menu but very different atmosphere - Yechon is still bustling but much less squished and somehow more organized. Also... more expensive. Both were fun to try.
(4)Tim H.
I love how this place is open 24 hours and they have an electronic paging system at each table. Overall the food is really good. I had the Dolsot Kimchae Bimbimbop. No real complaints. I'll definitely be coming back.
(4)Mic X.
it had been a long time coming and it all happened on a totally random whim while driving along the lovely 495, in the midst of errands, when my wife feels a sudden pang for good old Korean food, which leads us to our El Dolrado.... Yechon. Now there is bul gogi and then there is Mom's bul gogi. no one is ever better than Mom's bul gogi - ever! i would never know as i don't dine on cow meat, much to my in-law's chagrin, but let me allow my lovely wife to explain the finer distinctions of bul gogi. here honey, take over..... Screw you! I HATE yelp!! umm, but without yelp, we would have never have found Yechon. well, ok. i just hate yelp while you are on yelp! moving along. this is the best bul gogi (that's shredded beef bbq for you non-Korean folk out there) that my wife that has had since she moved to DC 12 years ago and we have been to many Korean places in those 12 years. bul gogi is all about the seasoning and this place perfectly executed the beef marinade to all of its' succulent potency. along with the bul gogi, my wife ordered some kimchi jigae (a spicy hot bowl of pork and kimchi) that didn't knock your socks off with spice or flavor, but definitely hit the spot. as for myself, i ventured out to try the mae woon sae woo (a fried shrimp dish smothered in a tangy, spicy sauce). it was the first time i had ever tried this dish and the sauce reminded me a bit of the sauce that is used in make kang poong gi (tangy, spicy little chicken bones) that i have ordered from Woo Mi up in Wheaton. it was almost like a Korean version of a spicy sweet & sour Chinese sauce. needless to say, not a single shrimp was left on the plate. oh, before i forget - best. panchan. ever. there is nothing better than a myriad of crisp, variously seasoned vegetables. due to my daughter's love of noodles, we ordered her up a bowl of Japanese Udong, which she inhaled in the typical child gorge-fest. a momentary divergence - this place gets packed and most everyone who comes here, comes for the Korean food. why does this place feel the need to have the front of Korean/Japanese cuisine? pssst, Koreans. the white man is learning about your food. it's ok to have a restaurant that doesn't serve sushi. it is ok to market yourselves to other cultures and peoples. make good food and they will come. speaking of culture, the waitresses are decked out in the cutest of hanboks (traditional Korean dress) and are as friendly as Korean restaurant as i have ever been to. (that's right, i ended that sentence with a preposition) if you have children, please do not allow them to tap on the little buzzer on the table. that's is to used when you are ready to order your meal and summons the waitress over to your table. it should only take one buzz to figure it out. (yeah baby, adverb) is there anything else i am forgetting, honey? shut-up. stop drinking and come to bed..... NOW! be there in a minute. i only hope Tina can forgive me for not giving her a shout-out when we stopped by her hood. that reminds me. what truly motivates me to give a restaurant a 5 star rating? when i will drive all the way across town to eat there. (another adverb) Yechon. we shall met again.
(5)Caroline L.
Came here pretty late one night (maybe around 10 pm) on a weeknight. Restaurant was 3/4 full. I was pretty happy that we were greeted right away and sat down w/ menus. And then it all went to.. sh-- well, you know. We rang the service button 4 times... no one. I tried my best to raise my hand and make eye contact with someone- ANYONE but w/ no success. 10 mins later I saw 2 tables sit down next to us and get serviced. After probably about 15 mins, I finally got up and went up to who looked like the manager. He asked me where I was sitting and then said he'd take the order himself. And then nothing. Well then the food came (which was great btw- which is where the 2 stars come in). The spicy galbitang was YUM. I thought most dolsot bibimbaps come with a fried egg on top but this one didn't have one. I would've asked if you know, there was actually someone serving us. Didn't see anyone pay attention to our existence until it was clear we were done and looking to pay. Given that one person sat us down, another took the order, one person brought the food, and another person took the check, we weren't sure who was gonna get the tip. The other tables seemed to have established servers. I still don't get why we didn't have one. And to be fair, I was more annoyed after a 5 hr drive from VA beach (and craving korean food the entire time). I have to wonder what my Korean parents would've done if they were ignored like this. I guess no extra banchans, napkins, or refills for us. :( Now if this was the only Korean restaurant in the city, I'd bear with it. But come on, it's Annandale. There's plenty of other restaurants who won't ignore me this much.
(2)Ed L.
Please note, I would go 0 Stars if possible. After entering the Restaurant and being seated, everything seemed normal. My friend and I placed our orders and waited... My order came out first, my friend ordered a broiled Fish Dinner. We waited and waited and waited. Then our Waitress comes by and asks me if I wanted a bowl of rice on the side, I said yes. Then we waited some more. My friend finally asks, whats taking so long? The Waitress first replies "Oh we're re-firing your order" and my friend replies "Huh?" Then she changes her story and says "Oh, we're re-making your order because it turned out too dry". Finally her Order comes out. My dish is pretty much cold now, because I waited for my friend and to add insult to injury, the Waitress never brought me my rice !!! My friends dish looked like the Turkey in Christmas Vacation after Chevy cuts it open. These Waitresses look like they were transported here from NORTH KOREA...seriously...they have these blank looks on their faces and they all wear traditional dresses. Also, they dont give you sh@#!t for Bahn Chan !!! I'm from Chicago and this place BLOWS!! Avoid it at all costs!!! Before you decide to get mad at me and my review.....consider this: I'M KOREAN!
(1)Beck E.
You can't beat the hours, although if you want sushi, I think you have to go during the daytime. I don't think there are any sushi chefs working late at night.
(4)Mark A.
Seems likes Yechon is spiking a few drinks to bring out some spirited reviews. Nothing about being passionate about good Korean food right? And as I'm waiting on my order I got to read the last few reviews so I wasn't sure what I would get. Now my two cents. Agree with the comment about the Kimchi. Not sure what that kimchi slurry was but it tasted off. It might be added sugar but didn't want to know. It's kimchi, not rocket science. How can you mess up the kimchi?! Then to the side dishes. When I got the first one, meatballs and potatoes, I immediately thought Americanized. Then came the soup which was good. Finally, the dolsot bibimbap, and of course the first thing it's missing is well, the over-easy egg on top. I mean who doesn't put that on this dish? So, the bibimbap was not bad but feeling like I was already in a deficit, I know it could have been better. The rest of the side dishes were OK, but again not the traditional ones I get from authentic Korean restaurants. The service didn't seem all that bad. Yes the place was quite busy and everyone was running around but didn't sense rude. With the 24/7 operation, it did feel like ''fast food korean'' and I can understand some of the reviewers. But what's still throwing me off is that a lot of Koreans are partronizing this place which should mean the food is on par to expectations. Maybe I should have had some soju.... yes maybe. All in all, I'm still trying to find "the" Korean restaurant in the DC area. If I could train it up to Korea town in NYC I would, but since I can't I will continue the search.
(3)Hank C.
ah, totally didn't realize this was 24-7. However, my friend from the area brought me here, claiming it was the best Korean food in the area, and quite possibly as good as Korean food anywhere in the US. They mentioned that Presidents had come here, I believe? I was happy with the BBQ, that's surely true... plenty of meat, excellent sweet marinade, and a good selection of sides and more. Raucous environment, too, and decent soju selection. The parking lot was a bit off the beaten way, and a major road there for you to cross if you want to get there from the DSW, etc., but overall a great place to grab a bunch of friends and feast for a while. Will have to come back here again when I'm in the area!
(3)Troy M.
Wow this place is really top notch, great Korean restaurant. Being new to the area I've been searching for a great Korean restaurant to frequent and after visiting 5 other restaurants I haven't had much success. Finally this place will be on my return list. The menu is huge, SO many options because it is Korean AND Japanese.. We ordered spicy pork bulgogi and bibimbap. Both dishes were great but the bulgogi was phenomenal. I liked that when I ordered a Cass there was a choice between a small bottle or a big bottle...and I had no trouble taking care of that. An overbearing amount of side dishes come to the table as well. My favorite was the un-fermented kimchi, the rest were good but the only bad one was the tofu....just no flavor at all, like emptiness. Service was great. We were greeted and seated immediately. A little into my meal I realized there wasn't a hostess stand...so I was curious how long of a wait would it take the waitresses to notice new customers, if they had to wait at all. For about 20 minutes I paid attention to all the customers coming in and every single time they were immediately greeted. It's great to see this because it means you won't end up having that awkward moment of walking in, no place to sit or wait, people looking at ya, and no service. My only complaint is that I think the menu is slightly over priced, my bolgogi meal was priced at $17 I believe...thats pretty steep.
(5)Donald P.
Updating my 5-star review of this place. (-2 stars) for this rather rude waitress who was TOO STINGY to give us a larger container to take our leftover food home. After having to INSIST that it wouldn't fit, she finally relented, but you could see the bitter look on her face. (+1 star) for the other rather pleasant waitresses ================================ Total 4 stars They give good amounts of banchan at Yechon compared to Gooldaegee's minute amounts. Come here during off-peak hours for better service. It's just amazing how an unpleasant waitress can totally RUIN the atmosphere of a restaurant. This especially as I was introducing 2 new guests to the restaurant, one of which was new to Korean food. I think my guests still managed to leave with a positive impression of Korean food but that was only because of the copious amounts of food we ordered (thus the take out containers).
(4)Jim D.
This mecca of Korean BBQ is located under the tacky neon lights you can spot a mile away. And trust me, you do not want to miss this place. You probably won't either when you see the sight of that monstrous crowd waiting anxiously outside for their table. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait if your party is more than 5. In fact, let someone in your party get out of the car and put their name down right away for a table. The aromas exuding out of this place is enough to drive you mad hungry. Their generous variety of banchan is always a lovely way to start a feast. I tend to overeat at this point so be patient and reserve that precious belly real estate for the really good stuff: the Kalbi (super tender beef short ribs) and the spicy Bulgogi (marinated barbeque beef). If you are hungry enough, I highly recommend the Hae Mul Pa Jun (seafood pancake) which is flavorful, crisp, and absolutely delicious (and not to mention enormous). I honestly cannot fathom how anyone is able leave Yechon not stuffed. Service is quite efficient considering how busy it gets, especially during lunch and dinner. People literally pour into this place. We never had to wait long for anything and the lovely ladies frequently check back on us. Repeat visits are obligatory.
(5)Krista B.
BF and I wanted something different and definitely wanted the bakery next door, so we settled on lunch here on a Saturday. We really wanted the bento box lunches but they were only served during the week. We both settled on yakisoba- chicken for me and beef for him. Both dishes had large portions and came with 6 small plates of, umm, not sure. Kimchee? One looked like a cold potato salad but it had apples in it. Anyway, the meal was ok, not really anything to write home about. The service was ok, too. Not terrible but not great. I would like to try the bento boxes though.
(2)Robert G.
This is one of the best Korean reatuarants in the Annandale village of Korean BBQ places
(5)Nicole L.
I can't believe I left out a review on Yechon. This is the best all rounder 24 hr Korean restaurant. For those who commented they had bad service because they were not asians, it maybe true but I never had that issue haha. Anyhow I've had pretty much everything there from BBQ to tofu casseroles to seafood pancakes to korean chirashi to sushi. They were all good. They made casseroles spicy like I requested. Loved their banchans, the lovely waitresses always gave us extra if we asked. Most of the dishes were also inexpensive unless you ordered the BBQ or the large family style casseroles. I don't think you can say that about other korean restaurants they either specialise in certain type of korean dishes or they are big buffet joints. Yechon is the one stop shop and it's the first restaurant right off RT-495 when you arrive in Annandale via the highway.
(5)Maria G.
I don't know how this happens every time, but after a night out, somehow I get into my auto pilot mode and head straight to Yechon. This place is open 24/7 and good for any occasion. I come here with family, with dates, occasionally stumble in with what I'd like to call my 'sophisticated drunkeness', and even when I'm all by my bad-a$$ self. For lunch during the week, their bento boxes are a crazy good deal. I've come alone and ordered a single bento box but my table was overflowing with dishes of Banchan's. I love their bulgogi and kalbi, seafood pancake, tangsooyook, bibimbap, and cod fish head (sounds weird, taste awesome if you don't mind bones). Late night favorites are jap chae and tofu soup. Somehow that soup cures hangovers before it starts!
(5)Michelle P.
Pros: Delicious delicious delicious food. My favorite Korean place to eat. My favorites are the bulgogi, bibimbap, and the galbi tang. Everything is so flavorful and yummy, I always leave extremely satisfied. Cons: This place would get 5 stars if it weren't for their service. It's always extremely busy in the restaurant, service is slow, and they don't take reservations. The waitress that you originally get never comes back to you and I personally feel awkward and rude waving down someone else for help, but I gotta do what I gotta do. Conclusion: Definitely give this place a go. But be patient. Very patient. It's worth it in the end!
(4)Dan J.
We have been to Yechon a few times, and each time the dining experience has been excellent! We've ordered the BBQ, Gopdol Bibimbap, Oxtail Soup, and everything has been delicious. We really enjoy all the little side dishes they bring out before the entree. The restaurant is always packed, so we're definitely not the only people who thinks this place rocks! Service has always been fine. The menu is very expansive. Restaurant is open 24 hours a day. If you want authentic Korean fare, this is a good option.
(4)Corinne M.
Love this place. Favorite part is all the little dishes of varying kimchi they automatically bring out for you. Healthy probiotics, and super tasty! The broiled fish is delicious. I usually order off the Japanese part of the menu, but it's notable that they put a Korean spin on Japanese dishes. I enjoy the creativity. I also really dig the vibe. Used to always come here at weird hours with my buddy Frank H. may he RIP.
(5)Lilli M.
I've gone to Yechon at least half a dozen times in the last few months, so either I'm a masochist or I just like Yechon. It's the latter. Yechon's food service is speedy and their food is piping hot. The only reasons you might be deterred are the lack of attention you tend to receive during your actual meal -- for instance, you might need to flag someone down on occasion to get a refill on your tea -- and how packed the place can be. Lines are the norm at Yechon, not a rarity. I see the long lines/wait for tables as largely a good thing (except when you're hungry and waiting to be seated), b/c it means the food is probably fresh and you must be in a good place if a dozen or so other people also want to eat there. (Either that, or you guys are all in the wrong place, which I don't think you are.) I always see a lot of Koreans here, so I'm guessing that means the food is authentic. I tend order the bimbim bop and/or golbi bimbim bop a lot. I've ordered the kimchi jigae before, which I also like on cold days since it warms me up right away, but the meat in the kimchi jigae is a bit on the fatty side for me. I'm still coming back! One star down 'cause of the lack of attention to you once the food's on your table, but that's about it.
(4)Jenny T.
I was super overwhelmed when i walked in for dinner one night. I was with my family and we had never eaten at a korean restaurant before other than bbq ones. So as we flipped through the menu, we were at a loss. Our waitress tried her best to give us some good options and we ended up ordering 2 bbq meat courses, noodles, and udon. As I looked around, everyone had orders that were all very different. It ranged from sushi to enormous plates of meat and vegetables. I definitely wanted to come back to try other dishes. When the food came out i was so excited! Everything was delicious and the little side dishes were wonderful! At the end of the meal, i was extremely happy with the food. Definitely check this place out with friends but be careful of racking up the bill! That night my family (4) had a bill that was $65.
(4)Chow N.
This place serves up pretty good Korean grub, but the standard that I compare Korean food with is the old Hee Been prior to their conversion to a buffet restaurant. Given that, the Kalbi was well marbled, marinated and tasty. Regardless, I can't figure out why two strips of thin rib meat cost $24. I had two orders and it was gone quick. One of the orders was part of the #1 combo which came with the buckwheat noodles. They didn't give you sliced green onions with Kalbi. Other stuff ordered include the seafood pancake, the 10 pc pan fried mandu, and the stir fried yakiudon noodles. The pancake was the best out of the bunch. Mandu was decent, although I can't tell between homemade or store bought. I wasn't too impressed with the panchan. There was no season dried fish. Ordered a last minute cali roll which looked good, but the sushi chef only put on his gloves after he saw me spying on him making it. Service was really attentive and my table even included a doorbell style ringer that you push if you want service. They came by to remove the grill grate after a black crust built up before all the kalbi was cooked. It was raining, so they even give you a plastic sleeve for your umbrella. Overall, the meal was more "oh my gawd expensive" than "oh my gawd good."
(3)Fina A.
Let me contribute another 4 stars from me!! And when the yelpers said the menu is massive, Yechon's menu, IS, massive. Thank god I got to come here with a Korean Korean, like real Korean, you know. And he went to explain the food when I pick whatever menu I think is good. And as a pescetarian, having Korean meals is one of the best choices, like ever. We ended up having four of anything-with-seafood-and-no-meat meals. 1. Hae Mul Dolsot Bibim Bap (Bibim Bap with seafood in hot stone bowl) Boo me, but i'm actually not a big fan of the Bibim Bap I used to eat when I was a carnivore. I mean they are good but I prefer something else. So then, this time, I tried for the first time their seafood Bibim Bap. I thought it's gonna be the same with the regular Bibim Bap, its just that with this one they substitute the meat with seafood. No no no no, it's a complete different Bibim Bap. All seafood on top of the rice, with whatever sauce they have mixed, but I'm telling you, IT IS SO GOOD. trust me. 2. Dae Gu Mae Woon Tang (Codfish and clam stew with vegetables, tofu in spicy sauce). O, my, God! The soup tasted soooooooooooo good! The fish is scary for me with lots of little bones in it so I barely eat them, but the rest of the soup with the other seafood creatures here and there, some veggies, it's so good. with hot rice? my goodness! 3. Mae Woon Sae Woo (Shrimps with spicy sauce) Mmm mm mmm mmmmmm... the sauce is so good! the shrimp is of course, good, no explanation needed. Although, my Korean dude said it was alright, he gave it 6/10 but my tongue gave it 8/10, so so so good. I took the left over sauce and put it on top my hot rice, yumm! 4. Duk Man Doo Guk (Dumpling and sliced rice cake soup) My least favorite meal on the table. It's good, not bad. But nothing special. Maybe I said this because I have the winner (dae gu mae woon tang) on the table already. 5. The Banchan is good. so good. I love the kimchi, and whatever they have, idk each of them. Four of us, ended up paying each of fifteen bucks. Man, fifteen with those varieties of foods? I, am, pleased. Wish to go back here again! The services is awesome, I deserve it so bad after having too many Chinese meals (if you know what I mean). Definitely going back here again.
(4)Jayne C.
...... Yechon.. Yechon... Yechon... what the heck happened to my $24/serving kalbi... I got 2 tiny ass plates which I should've taken a picture of to post how shamefully small it was. I chose you over Honey Pig in Annandale (due to horrible service). Granted.. you were not busy at all this Saturday night so MAYBEEE you didn't want to start the grill.. but maybe because you're ripping them off with your really crappy servings. Peace out Yechon.. Peace Out... I guess portion of food is greater than quality service in Annandale for me.. I will go back to Honey Pig and suffer their horrible service for decent sized servings.. At least I know I'm eating my $24 of meat....
(2)Julia E.
My favorite Korean restaurant ever!!! 24hours/7days open. Amazing kimchi jiggae and galbi tang soup. Yummmm!!!
(5)Jen C.
Down a star for defensive service. As customers, if we order a $50 platter of food we're gonna want to eat everything on it. Because some of it was taking too long to bbq in front of us, they said they would take it inside to cook. Well, then the items on the plate never got back to us (they were side vegetables). We asked very nicely what happened to them... and instead, we got a very defensive waiter who said "I've been working here for years.... " and went on a shpeel. What is the deal? Everyone at my table was a little baffled, so I know it wasn't just me. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and hope it is because it was a late night shift. The quality of the food and quantity made up for it... otherwise I'd reconsider coming back.
(4)Mark S.
Tried this place.. it was good. their side dishes are plentiful and yummy. We ordered the short ribs and pork for korean BBQ. You have to order at least 2 korean BBQ dishes to have it cooked at your table. The beef short ribs seemed to be less in quantity than the pork.. they were similiarly priced though. next time maybe we'll just get 2 orders of pork or something. the food was good.. price was OK.. not cheap.. but not a rip off. it's nice that it's 24 hours.. but when i ate there.. i was still hungry. i should have ordered more.. but it's not cheap.
(4)Anna Y.
I had the nengmyun (cold noodle soup) and galbi (marinated spare ribs) combo today. It is a smaller portion of nengmyun and comes with one strip of galbi. The nengmyun comes out cold but bland. You have to add your own vinegar and mustard for flavor. The mustard is like wasabi. The galbi was tender and juicy. I wish they used a little more marinade on it and charred it up a little. I love the banchan at this place; it is a little bit of everything. I wished they gave us a little more; however, I have never had any problems here with asking for me. :) We also enjoyed the sheekae that they served at the end of the meal. It was cool and refreshing. It is like a dessert drink. If you are new to Korean food or someone you know is, then this is a good place to bring them. It is always busy and the food is consistently good. Is it the end all be all of all Korean restaurants? No. It is the place you come with a friend after you go out or to meet for lunch. Friends come in all ages and you will see them all here. It is a good place to try, if you want to try Korean food. You may even come back again. The servers are friendly and speak English well if you need them to. You may even come back again. Parking can be a pain, but that usually is a good sign isn't it?
(3)Kristen H.
Absolutely horrible service, but who can really say anything when you compare it to other Korean restaurants in the area...that's pretty much what you get. Expensive, too...another commonality with other area Korean restaurants...and Korean restaurants in general, for that matter. As far as the food, they really messed up my fave, which is japchae, but I've never had that done well in a restaurant. Their version was swimming in oil and the chopped veggies were huge. I have had catering from here at a friend's house and the food is actually really good, especially the galbi (Korean short ribs). All of my Korean friends say this is the best Korean restaurant and this is where they get their catering. When I go with a table of about 5 or 6, with me being the only non-Korean, everyone else seems to get the bibim bap and it does look really good. In sum: catering--5 jap chae - 2 service - 1
(4)Fenny L.
Do you have those rare moments of clarity where you know that you are about to do something incredibly dumb, but you don't care because you know that it will promise to be a good time, and well worth any fall-out that may arise from said stupid decision? I was standing at the Yelp booth at the Old Ebbitt Grill Block Party. I had just consumed: 1 beef brisket sandwich, 1 crab cake sandwich, 1 bratwurst, 3 Stoli Lemonades, 1/3 of a Strawberry daquiri...when Kevin L pipes up with an "OMG! I'm still hungry! Let's go to Yechon after this!". At that moment, I had that perfect moment of clarity. I could either, wisely say "nay, not I, for I have consumed enough to feed a small Third World family for a week, I must hie myself home and partake in the gym and to keep thy country's obesity rates at bay!" or..."SURE THING! LET'S GO!!!". As I am writing this review, you can surmise what was my answer. I am glad I came. My husband, who is of very few words and not of the "stuff-yourself-until-you-vomit" type, was very glad we came and couldn't stop chatting away about how good the food was. However, that doesn't mean that I'm pleased with the fact that my clothes are getting uncomfortably snug again, and the torturous 6 week diet (that I habitually cheated on with fellow Yelpers the entire time) was all for naught. But enough of my whining - onto Yechon. Surprisingly, I've never been here - I have a thing about going too far into Virginia. Although Virginia did vote Blue in the last election, so perhaps I need to revisit my policy. Anyhoo - everyone was shocked and dismayed that I've never been here, and now that I have - I have learned the error of my ways and I hang my head down in shame for having missed out such a gastronomic treat for so long! Yechon is open 24/7! And they are *fast*! Despite the place being extremely busy (it was around 9:30pm on a Saturday night), we were seated in less then 5 minutes, and someone came by to take our order in 10. First round of ban-chan (the freebie little side dishes) came out 5 minutes later...and the crazy massive second round of ban-chan came out 5 minutes after that. Then the parade of food started coming out. Endless amounts of delectable treats! Nom nom nommy goodness! The super hot and crispy, yet fluffy, seafood pancake was devoured with a song in our hearts. The bulgogi was tender and delicious. The galbi made my husband weep with joy (no really, he did. However, he hid his manly tears with another shot of the soju). The vegetarian bibimbop was insanely flavorful. As for the ban-chan...well, each one was like a magical dream. The best thing I can say about this entire meal, is that my husband normally dislikes pickled veggies of any type...and he was fighting with a fellow Yelper for the last bite for one of them. Yeah, it's that good. I could hardly believe it, but we completely devastated that huge table of food (the five of us had a 6 top, and the table was filled to capacity with dishes hanging off the edges) and rolled out of there with painfully full bellies. The service was great, although that could be because we had Jake K with us, who evidently, is the darling of the waitresses here, as they couldn't stop fawning and giggling at him the entire time. Hey, I'm not complaining, I reaped the benefits of his kevorka! YUM YUM YUM! I can not wait to come back...only this time, I will be ready for the onslaught of deliciousness!
(5)Patrick G.
Yechon is my "go-to" when I want to take friends from out of town somewhere. Open 24 hours, neat traditional attire worn by the wait-staff, and lots of free appetizers (kimchi, fish, things that I couldn't tell you the name of but taste great).
(4)Yule K.
Yechon is an Annandale institution. It is a consistent, reliable standby that serves a wide variety of Korean staples 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most non-Koreans probably come for the BBQ (which I have yet to order), but there are plenty of items to choose from on the menu for bold epicurean or even the slightly less adventurous palate. For those seeking to expand beyond Korean BBQ, try the dolsot bibimbop. It essentially is rice served in a hot, stone bowl with various vegetables, both pickled and fresh, tossed in with a portion of Korean BBQ beef (bulgogi). When mixed together with the hot pepper paste and a little sesame oil, you get a nice melange of earthy spiciness, piquant acidity from the vinegary vegetables, and the heartiness of toasted rice. I would also urge you spend the extra money on the hot, stone bowl: the slight crust it develops on the rice really elevates the dish. They also have bokumbap, which is a Korean fried rice dish, that is a little softer and less sauced than Chinese fried rice. The stir-fried noodle dish (japchae) is also well made and an utterly correct rendition. For the more adventurous, I am a big fan of their oxtail soup (kkori gomtang) which is essentially just a milky beef broth made by slowly boiling beef bones and oxtails for several hours. It is a very refreshing dish, though many would probably characterize it as bland. But, throw in some diced scallions, salt, and red pepper, and it becomes a marvel of simplicity. On the other end of the spectrum you have the spicy buckwheat noodle dish (bibimnaengmyung) which is served cold. Traditionally a summer dish, I think it is still suitable for the fall. The gratis banchan dishes are all solid if unspectacular. The radish kimchi (kaktugi) is good, though I find the cabbage kimchi (baechu kimchi) a little bland. The potato salad and bean sprouts are nice. All in all, I ate with two other people and we got a huge spread for $40 plus tip. Service is efficient and polite and the ambiance is quiet and sedate (though I hear that it is quite hopping late night on weekends). It is a good place to go to try Korean food for the first and you really can't go too wrong with any of the Korean dishes they have to offer: probably one of the more consistent menus I have tried in Annandale. N.B.: One amusing detail my sister noticed as we left: the staff were eating Domino Pasta Bread Bowls for dinner. I guess even they get tired of Korean food (though we generally can't really kick our love for carbs, though).
(4)Maynard A.
Love this place. Pork belly, Kalbi, bulgogi all my favorite. Customer service is great, but when it gets busy they tend to delay a little which is not a problem. Food is always good here.
(4)Victor W.
The menu can be a little overwhelming, they did a good job formatting. Above average ambiance - something most Asian restaurants lack. Although their rice and noodles are great, the KBBQ are sub par. They're more seriously about their banchan vs their competition, which it's always a good thing.
(4)Marcia B.
Wow I love this place. Best Korean BBQ.. Hands down. Side dishes are awesome too. Samgyeopsal is my favorite! Just as I remembered in Korea. It's a popular joint and always busy. Parking can suck but it's worth it.
(5)Nai L.
I am in love with this place. I've eaten at a lot of different Korean restraurants in the DMV area but none come close to being as good as Yechon. My favorite thing to get is the #3 Special which serves 3 - 4 people. It comes with a lobster tail, shrimp, gaobi, bulgogi, spicy chicken, and spicy pork. They are flexible about substitutions. The Special also comes with (my favorite) a bean paste base tofu and beef spicy soup. It is seriously the best thing ever. The selections of kimchi and other side dishes are diverse and plentiful; the servers always come by to check on the bbq and refill drinks and kimchi. Something not on the special that I would recommend is the seafood pancake which is fluffy and has a lot of seafood in it. The sashimi here is pretty good too.
(5)Danielle S.
I was told about a 24 hr Korean Restaurant by a girlfriend of mine and knew I had to try it! I went to the restaurant with my husband around 7 pm on a Saturday night and IT WAS PACKED. Aside from the crowded dining areas, the food was pretty good and I was a huge fan of the plentiful side dishes that the restaurant provides when you order your meal. The servers also wear adorable traditional Korean clothing which only improved my eating experience. However, the restaurant is very noisy and I'm sure it's because of how busy it is. I would definitely recommend the bulgogi (Korean beef) or the tofu soup!
(4)Ethan L.
This was our first time at a Korean restaurant and we knew very little going in. As others have noted, the place was crowded, but we were seated right away. After giving us a few minutes to study the massive menu, our server came over and helped us decide what to order, finally settling on bulgolgi and shrimp with gyoza to start. After ordering things happened pretty quickly. The grill was turned on, the gyoza arrived, and shortly thereafter a table's worth of tasty looking accompaniments for the meat. It would appear that you can be as involved or uninvolved in the cooking as you want. This being our first time, we let our server drive. She came by every few minutes to turn or redistribute our meat and shrimp, finally telling us that things were starting to get done and we could begin removing them from the grill. Everything was delicious. You can't go wrong. Full stop.
(4)Norry H.
It was okay. Nothing special. Bulgogi was pretty good. Kalbi was good but not excellent. It was too lean for me. I like Kalbi with more fat, which makes it juicier and sweeter. I think I'll go back to Il Mee next time for more variety of dishes and fattier Kalbi at much less cost.
(3)Kristen R.
Went there last night for a late night feast. I can't explain to you how much we enjoyed the food and service. We ordered 5 plates of meat to be cooked at our table. We asked for extra sides that don't come out with the first 7 sides. Not one issue what so ever. The whole staff was attentive and making sure our meat was cooked perfectly. After being turned away rudely from Honey Pig it was great to come in here and get served with respect.
(5)Peter D.
We were all exhausted, having spent the night conquering meth-head overdoses, narrowly escaping monsoon-related car crashes, and battling the forces of evil.* Unable to function, the only thing I craved was bed. However, my companions were champions. Determined to end the night properly, they insisted we embark on an adventure to Annandale. Surrounded by better men (and women) than I, we forged ahead, sustained only by the promise of banchan and bulgogi. Everything was worth it when we arrived. Farther outside DC than I care to believe, Yechon shone like a neon beacon of hope. The Asian to my left expertly mixed our bibimbap as we dug into each and every dish ordered. Buoyed by the potato salad and the noodles, I eagerly stuffed my face with the seafood pancake, which is always a favorite. But tonight was the night of The Kalbi. Wrapped delicately in lettuce leaves with a touch of bean paste, I would've eaten endless amounts of this deliciously marinated meat. A 24-hour paradise of Korean comfort food, Yechon will provide everything you didn't know you needed. *Not the ska band. I meant it more as a general term to include various sinister elements. I may or may not be exaggerating about such elements.
(5)Jessica L.
After much deliberation of where to go to get our Korean BBQ experience in NoVa, we decided upon Yechon. Now I had previously gone to Yechon before for lunch and the food was just OK. We went this time for dinner and the kalbi and bulgogi were really tasty. I was pleased the the panchan as well and their kimchee was yummy. The seafood pancake was pretty good as well. The quality of the meat was definitely better than I expected. Our wait on a Saturday night was about 25 minutes and it was jam packed in the restaurant. No wonder why it's so popular. I'll come back again.
(4)Mia N.
I have been around the world and we eat out a lot because I do not cook worth a cent, and we always come to this place! We average 3 times a month for the cheapo lunch. When we were at Disney World eating up a storm in all the $$$$ restaurants 2 weeks ago during our vacation, I kept commenting to my husband, I wish we had Yechon food. Miss my bibimap! Service can be slow at times, but I am rating the food, people! Food during lunch is cheap and good.
(5)Geoff c.
While the food is decent, I think it's a bit overpriced for Annandale. Perhaps I ordered the wrong dishes. But it's almost $10 for rice dishes like bokumbaep or bibimbap for lunch. That can go up a bit during dinner or on weekends. $16 for haemulpajeon. On the good side, theyre open 24/7. I havent tried any of the Japanese dishes or sushi yet. Or krn bbq. So i'll probably update this review after I do. But at the moment, it didnt seem like anything incredible.
(3)Kevin L.
Past midnight. Hae mul pa jun. Bulgogi. Need water. Obtained. Fast service. Satisfaction.
(5)Juliana C.
It's a testament to the powers of Yelpdom that I not only had amazing pizza this past Saturday night (Valentino's), but unexpectedly delicious Korean BBQ seven hours later. By the time I rolled in to the Yechon parking lot at 3 am, I was beyond tired and not remotely hungry. I blearily eyed the Asian fashion show going on around me as I joined the remains of the PIG parole party. They had already put in a few orders of food, so my work was done for me -- thank god, because the massive menu would have taken me forever to navigate in my sleepy state. I perked up a little when the tiny appetizer plates arrived (banchan, I'm guessing? I'm so white that hearing or reading "bibim bap" starts the fairy godmother from Cinderella singing "bippity boppity boo" in my head, no lie). There was a weird creamy apple plate, some kind of noodle dish, and what looked like cabbage covered in red sauce (actually turned out to be pretty good). But then the pork bulgogi arrived. Game over, I have found my favorite late night food. Between the five (six? I can't remember now) of us, we scarfed the stuff down in minutes. Poor Eric was barely able to put any of the meat in the lettuce leaf wraps before it was gone. So we got another serving! Yessss. I believe I told Tina R, "I want this in my mouth for the rest of my life." First foray into Annandale: smashing success.
(5)Elizabeth C.
BEWARE OF SIDE DISHES. When we tried to wrap up some of the side dishes to take home to eat with our leftovers entrees, we were told of a policy that they don't let you take home the side dishes that were already served to you. I can't prove it but the only explanation I can think of is that they serve your leftovers to another table. When pressed for an explanation, the waitress mumbled something about the food going bad really fast so it is unsafe for them to let us take it out of the restaurant. This doesn't make any sense. I grew up eating Korean food. Nothing they serve should go bad in the 30 minutes it takes to go home. Kimchee can last for days at room temperature. Why do they care if you take home food that should be going in the trash?
(1)Rob C.
Surprising to find another K town outside of LA and NYC. We don't even have a 24 hr place in NorCal. Had a quick kalbi dolsot bibimbap -- crisped rice was nice, meat bits a little chewy and fatty, slightly skimpy on the mix-ins but worked. banchan mostly pickled stuff
(4)Tellsplatte ..
This place really isn't worth more than 3 stars. Food was subpar at best. Eight of us, we had bibimbap & mandu soup (Korean dumpling soup). The dumplings were very greasy inside (from seeing extent of floating grease after cutting a few in half). Bibimbap wasn't all that good. I could get much better Korean food here in Colorado Springs. The banchan (side dishes) were terrible. Really not sure why this place was so busy.
(3)Miriam W.
Just as one might judge a French restaurant, at first blush, on the quality of the bread served prior to the meal, I judge a Korean restaurant on its banchan. You know, the small side dishes of kimchee, spicy cucumber, pressed tofu and the like. Chances are, if the banchan is good, the rest of the meal will follow suit. In the case of Yechon, this assumption is proven true. The banchan is excellent and so are the kalbi and the pajeon! In fact, the pickled daikon was so exceptional I couldn't help accepting another dish when it was offered. As we ravaged the banchan, tucked the kalbi in supremely fresh red leaf lettuce and stuffed pieces of pajeon into our mouths, my favorite Washingtonian could not stop talking about how delicious everything was. Not one to trend toward ersatz keenness (nor to be particularly interested in driving to the suburbs for dinner), I took note of his fervent response. Yechon is a winner by all accounts - excellent food, great service and the fact that it's open 24 hours cannot be overlooked! (Look for me here soon, eating kimchee for breakfast.) Also, like a red beacon of hope and a foreshadowing of good food to come, I saw a "People Love Us on Yelp" window cling on the front door! Yes Yechon, people love you on Yelp. They really, really do!
(5)Tom N.
Hadn't been to Yechon in years (and almost never before 2am,) so I was pleasantly surprised to see they have some awesome lunch specials! There are a dozen meals for under $10. They always bring out banchan before your meal, so you won't go hungry. Plus, the sweet dessert drink thingy was nice. I'll upload a photo of the menu since I can't read Korean ( yelp.com/biz_photos/yech… ), but the lunch specials include various rice dishes and Korean soups with beef or squid or goat or whatever. You can find English language descriptions of the lunch specials on the regular menu, though the regular one lists them with just the dinner prices. I'll recommend ordering the galbi dolsot bibimbap; it's a vegetable and rice dish cooked in a claypot with egg and short ribs. Otherwise, just look at the pictures on the menu since everything is good in its own way. Some of the newer places may offer friendlier service, but the ambivalence of Yechon's staff to please just completes the experience of dining in a Korean restaurant.
(4)Boon K.
Hooray I found a korean place in the DC area that I want to go back to. This place had a great service and everyone was so nice, yup I am telling you this and I was shocked about it too. The food was great, it wasn't super spicy, it was perfect for me. I love the tofu jijae and the Kalbi was so good. They have a great selection of side dishes. I'm totally happy.
(4)Candice M.
I love Yechon. It's open 24/7, AND it's delicious. The banchan is good and diverse. My favorite meals to get are the hot pots (dolsot). Their servers wear hanboks! So cute! :D They also have a button on each of the tables when you want to request service. I wouldn't recommend the jumuluk, as my Korean mother didn't much care for it. The bulgogi is good, though. Whenever my mom comes to visit, I take her to Yechon. She loves it.
(4)Alan C.
This is our favorite Korean restaurants in all of Northern Virginia. The menu selection is huge as they have tons of Japanese/sushi choices in addition to Korean. There is often a long wait, but that's just a sign that it's good. Food quality and service are both excellent. Our favorite dishes are: kalbi, dolsot bi bim bop, chap chae, and seafood pancake (pajeon).
(5)Shelly N.
I can't believe I've lived in the DMV and haven't eaten here before. I love Korean food and have tried few places around, to much disappointment. I'd resolved myself to having to cook my own galbi since my mom's recipe still reigns supreme. However, I am happy I tried Yechon because this will be my new go-to Korean spot and I can't wait to try other dishes. Their menu is huge and my friend and I tried the following: fried mandu, bulgogi, and galbi. The banchans that came were all flavorful (although I will say they have been Americanized in that they are not very spicy...which is fine since I could actually eat them all) and service was fast. I was surprised by the quality of meat they served (I've found other restaurants use cheap, fatty, meat that just ends up being a stomach ache later) and was very happy to find that they actually marinated the meat long enough to absorb delicious flavor. I showed up at 5:30p on a Saturday night and lucked out with an open table. If you have to wait, there really isn't much room in the vestibule. I know why they wait and will definitely be back.
(5)Tracy C.
This Korean restaurant is my husband and I's go-to place for Korean food when the mood strikes. First off, it isn't too far from where we live and we have always experience good or great service. The food that is served has always been fresh and they give you good portions. The sushi menu is also not too bad either. The place can get rather busy at certain times but it has never gotten so bad that we didn't get great service. And also, there is a little Korean bakery/cafe next door which makes it nice if you are in the mood for dessert. :)
(4)Steve L.
Since Yechon place is open 24 hours, it's an awesome place to visit after a good night of beer drinking. I don't think I've ever been to this place before 1 am with a liquid free stomach. Plus it's right off 495 which makes it convenient location. Food wise, I don't think I've ever had a bad experience. The panchan is usually brought out very quickly and the service is generally good. I've ordered the tofu soup many times and it has everything you're looking for - piping hot in a stone bowl, right amount of spice, and a fair amount of seafood. There's plenty of variety on the menu. I've ordered a bunch of different items - kalbi tang, korean pancakes - and I generally found their food to very good and reasonably priced.
(4)Jackie G.
Large portions! I always split a dish with my girlfriend. They give you a variety of side dishes. Quick service! And sushi is good too
(5)Jill K.
Love different varieties of korean dishes and best is that they are open 24 hrs.
(4)Diane B.
Been to this restaurant twice. Both times, the food nicely flavored, but excessively greasy. We tried both the bbq and some regular entrees, and both were fine but not overwhelming. The service was fine -- we went later on a week night, so seating was not a problem.
(3)Cindy H.
I pass this popular 24-hour Korean restaurant on my way to and from work every day and finally got around to checking it out recently, once as a party of two and again a couple of nights ago as a party of four. There's a reason this place is always doing a brisk business and has consistently good reviews on Yelp -- it's fun, the food is delicious, and even your credit card can't complain. The menu is extensive and lists many tempting dishes, including the bibimbap, a rice dish containing meat or seafood, vegetables, and a spicy sauce, topped with a fried egg. There's also sushi for those more inclined to eat Japanese, and I've heard that it's very good, but why, oh why, when the Korean food is so wonderful? Both times I visited, my friends and I ordered from the barbecue section of the menu, which offers a variety of meats and a couple of seafood options, most of which are grilled at the table. The fun element is of course the banchan (small dishes) that come with the grilled food. There are almost a dozen little bowls of kimchi, spiced cucumbers, scallion strands, green beans with dried shrimp, pickled ginger, peanut sauce, and so on, accompanied by a basket of iceberg lettuce leaves for wrapping. I've sampled the bulgogi (tender marinated beef) twice and both times it was a hit because of the great flavor and texture and how well it pairs with all the little extras. Over the course of two visits, we also tried the beef brisket, pork belly, and shrimp. The bulgogi is the definite winner for me, but everyone was happy with all of the choices. What really cinched it for my budget-conscious friends is that a dinner for four that included an appetizer of steamed dumplings, three different barbecued meats, and generous refills of the banchan came to less than $20 per person. Win, win! We all left feeling full but yet somehow virtuous for eating healthy, (mostly) low-fat food, so we treated ourselves to coffee at Breeze bakery next door, which is owned by the same people and is a marvel in itself (see my Yelp review on it). If there is anything about these two places that isn't five-star for me, it's that the small shared parking lot is usually full, and that there's often a wait at Yechon if you go during prime dinner hours. But the wait is usually not long and you can park across the street if all else fails, so don't let that discourage you. One last thing I love about Yechon -- the button on each table that calls the waitstaff. How cool is that? Every restaurant should have call buttons on the tables. I'm happy that this place is so close to my apartment because it is definitely one of my go-to places now. There are a lot of good Korean places in Annandale, but for my money, this is the hand's-down winner.
(5)Tri T.
I went here with a friend of mine for dinner last week which was a bit strange because I've never been there before 2am EVER! Needless to say, it's as good as always and smelled even better. We ordered bi bim bop and a squid dish which was pretty rad. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Yachon at 2:30 am though.
(4)Sophie T.
Oh my late night, after club grub spot! You will usually find me there on a sat night/sunday morning between 3-5AM along with DC/MD/VA's party goers. Room full of people, some sober and some NOT. Service is decent, they are on a skeleton crew but you're drunk anyways so who cares. Just don't expect the service to be attentive during that time. Food is excellent, or maybe you're just so drunk by that point that everything taste delicious! I kid, I kid, the food there is really really good. We usually order the Bulgogi, the spicy pork, Jap jae, abolone porridge, spicy squid, seafood pancake, galbie and more - oh yes, we are a hungry group! The best part also is all the side dishes that come with your food: kimchi and company! They are open 24hrs, so no excuse not to check them out! During the day, they are just as busy but the staff are ladies dressed in Korean dresses - very pretty.
(5)Scarlette T.
high point: open 24 hours. low point: deteriorating food quality. it's quite a trek for me to get out to annandale but i do so occasionally. i have to say, though the service has gotten much nicer (though it's still hit or miss), the food seems like it's suffering from the bustling business. we only get about half to two-thirds of the side dishes, and the ordered items don't taste as good as they used to. all in all, very decent as a 24 hour backup joint. sometimes they're fantastic. take it for what it is.
(4)Mac O.
Yechon, I've renamed you "Yum-nom." Henceforth, this is how you shall be known. Your banchan makes me giddy, and you happily offer refills of whatever my little gullet desires. Thanks for changing it up, too, so that each visit finds a different parade of these cute little plates on the table. Husband and I enjoy the Korean potato salad, the dried shredded squid, the braised beef and peppers, and the glass noodles. I am so appreciative that you have beautiful, marinated shrimp for me, while carnivorous husband can indulge in Gal Bi, Samgyeopsal, or Bul Gogi. The couple that BBQs together, stays together. [But, um, could you pay particular attention to the cleaning of said shrimp? Last time I found a poop chute. It was only once, so I am willing to forgive the errant doo.] I enjoy the wide variety of your "side dishes." Air quotes because they could feed a small army all on their own, like the veggie yakisoba which is packed with veg and lasts us days for leftovers. The only side dish we haven't liked here was your oyster and scallion pancake. It was kinda bland, and the scallion pieces were enormous. I like soju, and the sexy lady on the Chum Churum bottle is hilarious. A dapper server said to husband once, "See cute girl? This drink for the man," even tho I'm the one who orders it (he gets the Sapporo) and some girls like girls, you know. Speaking of dapper servers, tho -- wow, are your staff ever pros. Really welcoming, efficient, and patient. And the bus-kids are so hard-working. I love that water glasses are never allowed to empty. I'm a notorious water guzzler, and this is one of my benchmarks of good service. Even tho you're usually packed, waits aren't long. And despite the crowds, I never feel like you're raring to turn my table. Thanks for being you, Yum-nom. [15 Minutes of Fame: WETA's "Neighborhood Eats"]
(4)Merly T.
One of my favorite places in VA. I love the fact that it open 24 hours. I didnt like the goat soup was very hard to chew the meat. Sushi is always good. Their side dishes are so tasty!!!!!!!
(4)Alicia G.
I'm willing to bet that if you mention brunch, mini-burgers or late night eats to Kevin L, the following conversations will ensue: You: Brunch...what should I get for brunch? Kevin: Bison burger at Cashion's! -- You: I could go for a mini-burger right now Kevin: Have you had the mini-burgers at Matchbox? Or Morton's? -- You: I really like _fill in the blank_ for late night eats! Kevin: OMG - YECHON! Open 24 hrs! -- I was prepared to go to Ben's Chili Bowl last Saturday since we were 2 metro stops away, dressed in 80's apparel but then Yechon was mentioned and it was all over! I've been wanting to come here for a long time because Mr. L raves about it all the time and now I finally made it! Gotta love a 24 hr Korean joint! We arrived and secured a table in the back corner. It was kind of drafty but I was more focused on the fact that I was really hungry instead of caring about being too cold. I did get a chance to glance through the menu before Kevin just went ahead and rattled off our order (I had never heard a Chinese man rattle off an order in Korean so quickly!) Hae mul pa jun, bulgogi, kalbi, dol sot bibimbap - it was the perfect amount of delicious food. The ban chan were plentiful and tasty. Oooh this was exactly the way to top off an already awesome night! Service was quick and efficient. Water was refilled. Can we do a Yechon UYE please? I'm craving the pancake today.
(5)Felix H.
I'm giving you 4 stars because you're open 24 hours a day and for the food. You have some very good Korean food, not the best - but again it's because you're open 24-7. Be prepared to suffer with probably some very bad service though. Unless you speak Korean, GL to ya. I always have a better experience when I go with my Korean speaking friends. The wait staff also rotates: all male servers or all female servers. DOUBLE GL if you happen to go on a male server day. The lady's are a lot better IMO. Parking does get full.
(4)E L.
Salmon Teriyaki - 2 stars (Very Dry) Steak Teriyaki - 3 stars Service - 2 stars
(2)Michael S.
I'm not a fan of Korean cuisine (I know, I'm such a hypocrite), so this will be a biased review. This place is OK. A pretty decent assortment of banchan, especially the sweet potato thing they had (yeah, I don't know the names). This place was CROWDED and filled with a ton of non-Koreans. Which I guess is a good sign, since it obviously satisfies non-Korean palates. Like any Korean place, service is nonexistent (but no one really expects service at a Korean restaurant--I know I don't). Very hard time getting my water refilled. The busboys like to give lecherous looks to pretty much everyone under the age of 30 (creepy). The orange slices they gave at the end were pretty sad. At least they didn't have plastic dishes and bowls!
(3)Hong K.
Best bulgogi around. Also a good place to entertain because they bring out so many side dishes for people to try.
(5)Amanda K.
I was on this side of town and looking for a place to eat. I decided to give this place a shot based upon my bookmarks/location. My husband and I rolled up around 6pm on a Saturday evening. The parking lot was very full but we managed to squeeze into a spot around back. Upon entering we were immediately greeted and seated. I have had Korean BBQ once about 10 years ago and went with people who knew what to order. My husband had never had Korean food and had no clue what to get. I had did a little research via Yelp before we showed up and we decided on Bul Gogi and Sae Woo Gul. Basically BBQ shrimp and beef. My husband ordered clam soup which was good. He didn't know our meals included a cup of miso cup. I love the challenge of not knowing what things were in the tiny bowls they bring to the table and you get to just try them. It is a mystery for my taste buds. I had found some delicious things that night. Overall the food was delicious and I would come back for that alone. It was a little difficult ordering because of the language barrier with our waitress. I had did a lot of pointing on the menu while I said what I wanted. There are big portions here and also it seems with smaller parties they will cook your food in the kitchen. I would have enjoyed cooking my food at the table but at the same time it was fun. Imust note I didn't like the table we sat at. The seat was in the window and people on the outside were standing outside of it. My husband waved at this lady who kept staring back so she would get the hint she was annoying us.
(4)Lisa P.
This place is a Korean heaven-on-earth. Korean barbecue and sushi that's open 24/7? Count me in. Came here at 10 on a Friday night after being hit with a random bulgogi craving. Ordered yellowtail and salmon sushi which was surprisingly fresh and came out super fast. As for entrees, the bulgogi and spicy pork bulgogi were so delicious and tender. Most importantly, Yechon offers a ridiculous amount of bon chons. No joke, it took up the entire table! We were stuffed at the end of our meal and had numerous leftovers. Definitely coming back.
(5)Ha T.
The food is good, prices are decent. Been here numerous times. However, service has not been great for us each time. There are times where we do not get orange pieces (not that it matters) but be consistent. And sometimes service seems a bit cold? I'm not sure how to say it but it just seems off. We like that there's the bell service so we don't have hovering servers. We also do not go during busy hours either, so I'm not sure why it's this way.
(3)Lucy C.
First time here On a Sunday loved the food huge portions. Our waitress was great. My seafood pancake was exactly what I expected the same as a place I went to in Tampa. First time experience with BBQ where they cooked the meat in front of me great little appetizers as well. Will come back.
(5)Xinwei Z.
I have pretty high standard for Korean food, but with that said, Yechon is definitely a comforting place. It's a good place to take a large group of people - lots of choices, different set menus, and large quality. It's quite popular and I probably waited half an hour before being seated. Once seated, we were immediately brought some hot barley tea and menus. Service is quick and banchans and entrees were quickly brought out. The banchans are pretty basic but also very fresh. They do simple things, but they do them well. As for food, we ordered soondubu and agujjim, two of my favorite dishes and something my dining partner had never tried before. Soondubu: My biggest gripe about the soondubu is that they didn't bring us an egg to crack into it. Other than that, it was hot, nicely flavored, had plenty of ingredients in it, and definitely comforting. Agujjim: Can I just say holy monkfish? I was expecting a large serving, but not that huge. We barely finished half of it and were absolutely stuffed. The monkfish is plentiful and I was happy to see that they didn't skimp on the sea squirts. Not many places serve agujjim, so I do recommend trying it out here.
(3)Craig B.
My favorite Korean restaurant in Annandale. The beef and mushrooms casserole is very delicious. They use five or six different kinds of mushrooms. Especially good for a person that is not a fan of spicy food. The grilled mackerel, kalbi, bulgogi, and bbq pork are very delicious too. I love that you can get sushi and other Japanese dishes there too. Definitely try the seafood pancake and ask for the anchovies as one of the little dishes otherwise you won't get them. They do a grilled lobster as part of their specials that is fantastic as well. I highly recommend it. Be careful on the weekends as it can get crowded during peak times. I like to eat their late at night as it is open 24/7.
(5)Linsey M.
Love this place after a long night of drinking Prices are reasonable with a large crowd. Food is served fresh also so enjoy!
(4)Juliet K.
i have been here plenty of times, mostly after a night drinking since they are open 24 hours. the food is great and they have a huge selection of foods from meats to veggies. i thought maybe i was drunk so it was tasty, but then i went there completely sober and it was still tasty. the service is great but def helps if you go with someone who speaks korean. if u dont like being around a lot of poeple all the time then this might not be the place for you. i have never been here whne it wasnt busy on matter what time of day it is.
(4)Carolina M.
I'd prefer a 2.5 star rating. Went for Korean BBQ yesterday, and I would guess if I didn't grow up in a very Korean neighborhood in SoCal, then I would rate this place higher, but it just doesn't live up to my expectations. I was very disappointed in the side dishes that come with the Korean BBQ - they were all a bit bland and nothing felt really special. The meat was good quality and tasted good, but for having ordered the seasoned beef, I would expect more actual seasoning. I imagine a major draw would be to eat here for late night after drinking, then it would probably seem a lot more delicious.
(2)Jack P.
epic mehhhh
(2)Tina L.
Our go-to place for 24/7 Korean food. My favorites are the seafood pancakes, and bibimbap. I also love how after each meal, we could go for some dessert/froyo at Breeze just next door.
(4)Molly P.
Without a doubt this is in my top 10 all time best restaurants! This place has become an addiction. We usually order the short rib BBQ and the gyoza, but we have tried multiple other entrees and they are all delicious! The wait staff is awesome! They are all very helpful and courteous. Honestly I can't say enough wonderful things about this restaurant!
(5)Mads L.
Yechon carries a wide variety of foods but everything tastes very mediocre to me. My friends and I have ordered different dishes every time we go and we have yet to found a dish that tasted good. But we keep going back there because we hang out at non-conventional hours and we don't want to eat crappy IHOP food.
(3)Annie W.
Great service. The ladies here are so cute and although there was that slight language barrier, we communicated well. They give us a TON of panchan (and are very generous with refills). Yummy food. Busy times. We got the pipin' hot galbi, jap chae (YUUUUM), and dolsot bi bim bap. I just wish there was a metro to Annandale because I miss my Asian food and can't afford to always zipcar around!
(4)K C.
Can get very busy during weekends. Full sized fish and lots of side dishes. I love it.
(4)John L.
I've only had the bulgogi at this location and it's really good. I wish this place has that same sweet dipping sauce Honey Pig has. I'm not sure what it's called, but I think it'd taste better with that sauce.
(4)Winston S.
This is a good place to go if you are around the annadale little turnpike exit and it's really late. There aren't a ton of places open to eat late at night and they are open 24/7. One of the few places that I can think of that is open 24/7 in the area. Aside from that the pros are the menu is pretty large, wait is usually not an issue, and they are pretty attentive when it comes to service. Downside is the price, it's pretty expensive for what they give you. Like 5 little plates of stuff I don't want to eat, then the main entree is majorly over priced. The taste, I thought it was a bit tasteless but few friends said the soups were ok. I prefer the lighhouse place, which is a bit further down the road. If you scan their menu the entire menu is over priced. My korean friends told me that's not the place to go for korean food but for late night cravings it's definitely a nice alternative to nothing else open aside from grocery store and possibly drive through mcdonalds.
(3)Cathy D.
As far as Korean restaurants go, this one is pretty popular because it is open 24 hours. The last time I went here was for a friend's birthday and we ordered an assortment of dishes that was very appetizing and friendly to the wallet. (My favorites are bibambap, bbq pork & beef, shortribs, jap chae). If you don't mind communal eating, Asian restaurants in general are the ideal place to do it, since you can try a lot of different dishes.
(4)Justin S.
To be frank, I don't have any way of comparing Yechon to any competitors, as my experience here was my 1st foray into Korean dining. That said, I went here last week and PIGGED OUT on delicious lumps of tasty beef grilled up right on my dining table. There were perhaps 15 plates of food between myself and 3 other companions, and everything was delicious. I was very happy with the entire experience, save one HUGE pet peeve... this place allows smoking. Let me rephrase that: Yechon allows smoking in the main dining area. Luckily no one was smoking until after I had finished eating. With food as good as what they're serving though, I just might brave a smoky dining area.
(4)Aileen D.
I've been to this restaurant many times throughout the year and I must say that it always seems to be busy. Although their menu has both Korean and Japanese dishes, I have only tried to Korean ones. The best experience I have had thus far was when I went with two other friends and ordered their BBQ special. Although it was meant for two people, the food was enough for three. The BBQ came with a good variety of meats and seafood, which is ideal if you want to taste a bit of everything. The meats were well marinated and had a bit of the sweetness I always look for when I eat Korean BBQ. The special also came with a bean-paste soup. Some of the good points about this restaurant include the fact that it is open 24/7 and also, because it is fairly well-staffed, the food arrives relatively quickly. If you are looking for an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, I suggest choosing the Korean BBQ buffet down the street by Shilla's Bakery.
(4)Michael F.
This place is just awesome! The food is great and very reasonably priced, and they're always open. What's really amazing is that the quality of the food is the same, no matter what time you go. This is pretty rare for 24-hour restaurants. I think the reason for this is that they are always busy. Every time I've gone here, the place is packed; even after midnight!
(5)jenn h.
24 hour Korean - what could be better? Get your Kimchee on, even at the break o dawn.
(4)lAy O.
Not bad for a 24hour place. Good service and food. Lots of side dish's. Just wish they had a better menu for splitting dish's.
(4)Adri B.
Not really a Korean bbq aficionado, but I definitely know a good piece of meat when I taste one. And the meat here is goooood! I had the Bul Gogi and the Kalbi. The Bul Gogi: on point!!! Service was great, it's spacious, and (though I haven't been able to take advantage of it yet) it's open 24hrs! What more could you ask for?
(5)z k.
Great range of Korean dishes; good banchan, bimbim bap, pancake, and soon tofu; ok bulgogi and dumplings.
(4)Azn G.
Probably my favorite restaurant in the annandale area. Great place if you are craving korean food. The service is so-so. If you can speak korean, it's a definite plus. The place is usually crowded when i go, but you get fast service once you order. Plus, its open 24hr/day.
(4)Todd Y.
The food was great, but the service was so-so. The only person working was a young man running around. All of the female waitress did little things and appeared to act too-good and princess-like to do any work.
(2)Ka-Loon T.
For those that want kimchee 24/7, Yechon is an inexpensive (and good) Korean food eatery. If the gauge of whether an ethnic food restaurant is good or not depends on how many of that ethnicity dines there, then Yechon certainly fits the bill. Read more about it at the Washingtonian website: washingtonian.com/Dining…
(5)Josh B.
My favorite all around Korean in the DC area. Bright, friendly service. High quality sushi and Hue dap bap. Good bar-b-que.
(4)Patrick S.
I used to like going to Yechon, especially when I am hungry late at night. Maybe something happens when the Sun comes up, but Yechon just was not the same place when I stopped in for lunch yesterday. Not with the food, which was OK, but the management was really poor. While i was eating, one customer was upset about something and stared arguing with the waitress loudly. The manager was standing right there, but just stood and watched. When the customer lady started talking to the manager, he just argued back, prolonging the drama. The customer stormed out of the place evidently very upset. The manager did not offer any apology to her, or anyone in the vicinity that were unwilling participants in this nasty scene. I, for one, was very uncomfortable, and ended up with an upset stomach. I hope Yechon management will realize that customers do not want to witness loud arguments while eating, regardless of who is right.
(1)vinnie t.
great Korean BBQ. sushi is ok. service is pretty fast when it not too busy. try to stay away after club hours that's when all the messy drunks come in and expect to wait for a table at 2am!
(3)Corinne G.
at 1:30am the seafood pancake was way too good for me to feel as embarrassed as i should by the fact that the way i was eating it made them offer me first a fork, and then at least the dang plastic things for chopstick retards. yum.
(4)Emceen N.
The food is okay. Service is not great, but not horrible either in my experience. I would have given the place four stars, but I ordered the kalbi bibimbap and it came without an egg. Bibimbap without egg just seems odd and wrong to me. Obviously it wasn't a mistake because BF's bibimbap also had no egg. Also, the mushroom was white mushroom instead of shitake, and white mushroom just doesn't go well in the dish. It still tasted decent, and the banchans were pretty good. Not my favorite restaurant, but a good late night alternative.
(3)Corinne G.
Yechon probably doesn't need any more business (there's usually a line) or positive reviews, but here it goes anyway. We ate here for the first time about three months ago and have been back twice since. The food and service are both consistently excellent. They have a great variety of side dishes, which they rotate when you ask for seconds.
(5)BJ K.
not a big fan... their banchans are stale and old. They used to be so good back in the days, what happened?
(2)Gregory C.
Yeochon is worth the drive out to Annandale. Especially for a late dinner, and even better when it's cold outside. Their hotpots are superb, and their smaller dishes complement the hotpot selection. It has been a while since I've been, but I wanted to review this nice find for all those that live in the DC area. Tasty dishes in a nice atmosphere !!!
(4)k s.
I lived in NOVa for 6 years and down the road on main street fairfax for 2, so this place was a regular for me. the reason i gave this a 4 star is cause the food never ever tasted the same, it was good 8 out of 10 times. i think it was better after 10 pm when the lady servers left and the male counterparts took over the floor, but that is my opinion. although i went here a lot, i did not try everything on the menu but most of it. the sushi was good 8/10. the bulgogi and dakgui were my favorites. the service was good most of the time , maybe an instance or 2 it was ok. this place can handle large groups very easy. the thing about korean joints is that they give you this small serving before the main meal, like salads, fish cake, eggs, evegteables, kimchi, etc. it kinda distracts you with the service. i have taken upto 35 people to this place , and things were handled very smoothly, although i waws kinda a server. highly recommed it and try the yakisoba noodles, bul kalbi, seafood casserole. hey it is open 24 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(4)eugine p.
Service is good most of the time and the food is great. Be kind and courteous to the waitresses and they will treat you the same. I've had most of their dishes and they are all good. If you plan on going out after dinner I recommend not bbq'ing at the table because you'll smell like it all night... just ask them to grill it for you in the back. Overall this place can't be beat, 24/7, cheap prices, and great food... what more could you ask for.
(5)Mia C.
still fabulous, but should point out that after midnight, all the women wait staff go home and only men work there - for a reason. for some fun people watching, go check it out at 1 a.m., the prostitues are in full force. ..and it always seems to be with the nerdy lawyers or military guys
(5)Jazzy K.
Sorry for those people loving this restaurant but...it is a mediocre reataurant using lots of MSG!!! Especially in the soups! Watch out for that those of you who have high blood pressure or diabetes.
(2)Peg S.
We had a feast at this 24 hour eatery. I have not had a real Korean pancake before coming here. Do order this.
(5)Jae L.
I have no idea why this restaurant got high ratings. Yes I agree that the taste of food here is good. But I srtongly felt that they put too much MSG into their foods. I ordered seafood stew and tofu with stir-fried kimchi. The service was okay but I would not visit here again if i want to have a healthy home style korean food.
(2)Berna D.
I've dined at Yechon twice: once for a business lunch with a large group and once for a late dinner with my boyfriend. On both occasions the restaurant was packed, and I get the impression that it's consistently busy, even during odd times. The service is not stellar, but it is impressively attentive considering the constant rush and the demands of at-table BBQ. I haven't tried the BBQ yet. Unfortunately, several of the BBQ dishes I found most appealing can be prepared only if ordered by a minimum of two people. (This is true whether cooked at the table or in the kitchen, even though the menu says "Only Cook at Your Table.") If you go with a group, chadolbaegi (Korean brisket with sesame and a salt dip) and samgyeopsal (same preparation of pork belly) both sound like great options. I'll update my review if and when I try the BBQ. Both of my visits included hearty gopdol bibimbap. On this last visit, I also enjoyed maeun galbitang, a slightly spicy soup with clear noodles and short ribs on the bone. Yechon provides a dizzying array of banchan, all of which are fresh and tasty. The bibimbap was better on my first visit, but it was good both times. As others have mentioned, Breeze Bakery next door is a great place to either kill time while waiting for a table or pick up some dessert.
(3)Kim E.
Amazing place! Such a large selection of foods to choose from. Employees were very polite (I got to practice some of my Korean here!), food was amazing and filling, environment was very comforting. I recommend the Tempura Box, it will fill you right up!
(4)Tim L.
Wow, it's been a while since I wrote my previous review and I've been here a few more times, actually during normal business hours. Based on my experience, I feel I have to update my rather scathing review. Both service and food are much better than after hours. It does get really packed though, which is to be expected when it's the norm to see tour buses in the parking lot. While I still feel that there are better places in Annandale if you are craving specific Korean dishes, I would come here for an all-around decent meal, provided that it isn't in the middle of the night!
(3)Jonathan Y.
Add 1 star for being one of few places open late night Add 1 star for having a pretty wide range of dishes to choose from (if you don't want just Korean BBQ, this place has a lot of other dishes. But if you want Korean BBQ, DON'T come here, there are so many better places for better prices and quality) Add 1 star for the food tasting good even at late night I'm not going to be an extreme grader here, and just give 1 star because I had a negative experience, but here is why they only got 3: Cost/quantity: They don't get any more than 3 stars because the Kalbi I ordered was ~$25 and it was tiny. Not only were there not many pieces, but the pieces themselves were very thin (See my pictures I uploaded comparing the size of the dish to a $20 bill). Customer service/satisfaction: I asked if we could change it to another dish because it was a rip. Waiter ignored my question and said "it's been served like this for a long time, two pieces of short ribs". But I wasn't surprised or offended. I didn't expect them to accommodate the request because 9 times out of 10 Korean owned restaurants will pinch every penny and almost never give in to any type of customer escalated issue. But that's just the norm. The waiter was a little rude in that he gave no effort or could care less to try to ease a customer by at least talking nicely. I can't really blame the waiter all the way, as poor business always trickles down from poor management. They do NOT follow the "customers first" or "customers always right" business frame. They have hundreds of reviews and are highly rated for the 3 reasons / stars I gave above and they don't have real competition late at night, especially with their prime location right before the beltway. Conclusion: I'll still come here and would suggest a lot of other great dishes they have. But long story short, I'll never order the kalbi short ribs ever again, nor would I go to expect any type of kind service. So if you take coworkers or a date, just be aware of that ahead of time. If you want Korean BBQ, go to an actual Korean BBQ restaurant, they are popping up everywhere, just look them up in Yelp. And I would suggest management to school their employees a little bit on customer service and how to smile to diffuse a situation. A little smile goes a long way.
(3)Jay L.
I was hesitant coming here since I've known it as a late night spot. However, I was pleasantly surprised. We ordered kalbi dot sot bibimbap, kalbi, and bugolgi. The Kalbi was a winner, very tender and delicious. The Kalbi dot sot was also delicious but the portion was small. Disappointingly, the Bugolgi was only OK. We got it because of the Yelp reviews, but I don't think it was worth it. Overall a nice dinner spot despite its reputation. Be prepared to wait for your table though.
(4)Alison L.
I love, love, LOVE this restaurant. Every time I'm in the area, I always try to stop by. The prices are not too high for authentic Korean, and the food quality itself is always really great. I've had almost everything on the menu including soups, stews, rice dishes, seafood, kalbi, bulgogi, and so on, and I have yet to be disappointed. The service is impeccable because all the servers seem to share the tables. Also, the food comes out fast, so go hungry! The bento boxes for lunch are definitely worth the ~$9, served with sushi, rice, tempura, entree of choice, salad, vegetable stir fry and miso soup. Definitely stop by if you're in the area. They're open 24/7, so you have no excuse not to. Also great to grab coffee and Korean pastries afterwards at Breeze Bakery next door.
(5)Annie L.
Yechon is awesome - it has everything you want from a Korean restaurant, and it has a killer sushi sashimi and really good basic Japanese dishes. And the service is really fast and friendly! One menu item that is glaringly missing is edamame. I know, I know, they are not a Japanese restaurant, but my kids live off edamame's, and when most of the banchan that is served is too spicy for the kids, it would be nice to have edamame as an option for them (and us adults) to snack on. Oh and they do not serve hot water, if you ask for hot water they will only give you hot tea. Yes, weird. So other than these two things, I love Yechon, we always get the bulgogi, an assortment of sashimi and sushi, and either the tofu soup or the nabeudon. I'm getting hungry just thinking about the food!
(4)Emily L.
Love yechon! The best late night spot that's not only good if you go late at night. Their food is consistently good, but be prepared to wait during the typical dinner rush. We waited 45 minutes for a table for 2 checking in at 8 pm on a Saturday night. But they give you a pager and you can wait at breeze bakery, next door. We've never tried their Japanese dishes, but their Korean food is great - we usually get hae mul pajun (seafood pancake) which is huge and can serve a whole table, soondubu (spicy tofu soup with seafood or beef), or their kalbi. Servings are really generous and prices are fair. Highly recommend.
(5)Farah K.
Great place that's Open 24 hours ... I love their food probably the best korean food I have had in NoVA
(5)Kimberly K.
Open 24 hours? 7 days a week? Cool! Upon entering, we were greeted by a kind gentleman. He seated us immediately. As we scanned the menu, we couldn't help but notice how extensive it was. Nice :) Our server, wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) took our order quickly. About 8 panch'an (small complimentary dishes that accompany a Korean meal) were offered, along with a small bowl of complimentary miso soup. The panch'an were delicious! All of these small side dishes and a bowl of rice could have been a meal in itself. We decided to order the Japchae (clear noodles w/ beef and veg), Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake), and Dwaeji Bulgogi (pork marinated in spicy sauce). Each dish was prepared well. The consistency and taste was spot on for all three dishes. The Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake), didn't have as much seafood in it as I'd like. It was still delicious. The batter was lightly crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. Filled with tender veggies and some seafood. The Japchae had a generous serving of beef and veg mixed into it. The Dwaeji Bulgogi wasn't as spicy as it sounds. There is a picture of a red flame next to this dish on their menu warning you that it's spicy. If you can handle a bit of heat, you will have no problem devouring this dish. It actually tasted more sweet to ME, that is. Our server was attentive. She came to check on us twice. We did have to call over the young gentlemen for some water a few times, but they were quick to do so and also very kind. Looking for some delicious Korean food with a LOAD of panch'ans? Yechon's got that covered! {Note} Don't forget to visit the cute bakery next door, Breeze Bakery Cafe.
(4)Jason C.
24-hour restaurant? Who wouldn't love a 24-hour Korean restaurant... I know I would.... I could only give three stars for this place as I feel their food isn't superb enough to earn 4 stars from me. Parking is easy.... granted, some people don't know how to park within the line :) I went in, got a table and waited for my friend to arrive... as I waited, reviewed the menu and it's extensive! I like their combo meals for 2 or 3 people and I think for those that aren't sure what to eat should opt for these, as it'll introduce them to variety of Korean food to them. I went with spicy kalbi tang while my friend went with cod stew. We also ordered haemul jeon. We got our food first before the jeon, but that was okay... and be warned the jeon is large (almost big as a large pizza!!). The spicy Kalbi tang was decent, but it could have used more chili powder to enhance the flavor. I'll admit though, they had really good radish kimchi and napa kimchi! The best I had thus far in VA area. Other side items were just ok. As always, swing by if you are near to give it a try and judge it for yourself. I would recommend this place if you are in town/area. Don't let the menu scare you away... look carefully and you'll find what you want to eat.
(3)Daniel H.
This was my first 24 restaurant which was a plus. The parking was was filled to the brim but it is shared with another business. The restaurant was filled but we only had a short wait. The service was very good and they have a buzzer system to alert the waitstaff. Being a nursing I had to resist the urge to overuse the bell ! I ordered bibimbap and my friend had bulgogi. The bulgogi is amazing the bibimbop was a new experience for me because it was served in a hot stone which keep the food hot the from first to last bite. I am not big into panchan but a friend who has lived in korean was unimpressed. It is a solid place to eat and I would go back
(4)Chris K.
For a town that has a million Korean restaurants this one definitely stands out. My first visit here was with a group of 8 people at 10 o'clock at night. We were sat immediately and the servers were more than accommodating. We ordered multiple rounds of food and drinks and enjoyed just about everything the menu had to offer. I have also returned during lunchtime with a smaller group and received the same, great service. Prices are reasonable, food quality is great and its open 24 hours!
(5)Paul K.
Ohh yeahhh. This is a hoppin Korean joint. A wait out the door for dinner but these guys can turn over a table in no time. Food was great! From the side dishes to the staff taking special requests, this place was outstanding. One dish that stood out was the pal bo chae (8 seafood dish-including lobster!). Omg, was in heaven. Don't be afraid to try something new. You won't regret this choice.
(5)Yelp_user M.
Not a big fan of Korean food but since all my friends love this place I couldn't say "no" lol. I think food is great and it changes the entire outlook and stereotype about Korean cousine as such. I'm giving one star less simply because I'm generally not into Korean foods. Five stars from all my friends. If you like Korean foods, you definitely gota love this place...
(4)Ian F.
Yechon is the perfect place for a group that can't decide what to eat, because well, they have everything. Boasting a 10-page (maybe more) packed menu, they have a huge selection. Some of my personal favorites include HueDoBap (Korean Chirashi), Kalbi Dol Sot Bibimbap (Rice over hot stone pot with Kalbi). They also have sushi, cook at your table korean bbq, a number of different chiggaes (stews) for sharing. Heck, i came here once with my friend, and he ordered a Goat Stew. Prices are reasonable, and it's open 24/7. Probably one of the biggest perks is the fact that right next door is Breeze Bakery. So you don't even have to move your car to get dessert and find a place to hang. I feel like they should offer some coupons to Yechon customers to get stuff at Breeze after since they have the same owner.
(4)Krystal M.
Definitely recommend this restaurant. The atmosphere covers half of what you pay for to be honest. Everything seems very traditional, and the food is amazing! Might be a little pricey depending on what you order, but not if you consider the amount that you get (not to mention the side dishes). The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is because the service was so-so. The food came out very quickly, but the waitress seemed a bit unfriendly. Maybe it was just that specific waitress but everything else about my experience at Yechon was exceptional.
(4)Michael Q.
Yechon is renowned for its 24 h open accessibility. The food is consistently good and compares well with other Korean restaurants in the area. Busy all the time. Good bbq and seafood. Great when you are craving decent galbi late night. Can't compare with places in LA or seoul but if you are in dc Metro Area can't go wrong. Better quality ingredients than buffet places or all you can eat places. Woomi garden in wheaton has better quality meat but they are not 24 h open and are much pricier
(4)Scarlet K.
24 hour restaurant. I go here if it too late and want a good bowl of Korean soup. It isn't the best service, but the food is good. I don't like the parking area here, it is narrow and uneven like many Korean restaurant parking lots. I like to go here for lunch too because it is quick.
(4)Orchid L.
Big fan of their lunch boxes. Love their soups too.
(4)Tanya S.
Ahhhhhh, the good old Yechon. What's not to love? Maybe the highly flammable dresses the waitresses are wearing? So cute, though. Service fast, food good. Lots of things on the menu so satisfy everyone's taste. That being said, taking a star off because these people think if you are not Korean, then you don't know your Kimchi. Not true, Yechon! Your kimchi has "out of the bucket" taste, but as a vegan in a rush, I'll take it.
(4)Anna N.
The food is pretty good. Always a pleasant experience whenever I eat here. Worth trying!
(4)Emily L.
I absolutely love this place. The atmosphere and the food is amazing with a decent price and the best part is that it's 24/7! I come here after picking up my boyfriend from union station because it's the only place that's really open. I have tried everything from maeun galbitang to dolsotbibimbap and everything has been good. The service is quick and they seat you as soon as possible. It's always busy when I arrive and the waiters tend to your needs swiftly. My water was always full too by a gentleman who has both the hot tea and the cold water on hand. All in all, for the convenience and quality of food, this place is a sure 5 stars!
(5)Charlotte S.
I was here a long time ago, about August or September of 2010. This place stuck with me, though, because they had pretty good food. I'd always wanted to suggest this place to my friends or come back again. I'll start with the basics - it's pretty crowded once you get inside - the flooring is carpet so it's a bit questionable. This makes the smell of ribs/whatever's being cooked on tables linger in the air no matter when you're there. Plates/dishes are actually ceramic, which is a plus! Waitstaff are dressed in traditional Korean dresses (hanbok) except for their shoes, which kind of kills the whole outfit. The last time I was here, I got the yakisoba with chicken and it was alright, I just ended up getting full really quickly and feeling a bit nauseated (noodles tend to not agree with me). The helping was very generous and I thought the price was really appropriate - no qualms about that! I was here again, for the second time, with my family yesterday. I got the chicken teriyaki and it was pretty good - they skimped a little on the sauce and, per usual, I couldn't finish it. So I asked for a box and they kindly did so, along with an actual Yechon-printed plastic bag. I stored it to eat for lunch the next day, aka today. So I open it up, blah blah, dig in, and some foods taste better the day after (like pizza, ESPECIALLY Ledo's, totally tastes better the next day!!!). Until I spear a red bell pepper with my fork. And guess what? The label/sticker with the little barcode, SKU number, and place of origin - "Product of Mexico", it said. (I have uploaded a photo of it) I was mortified. How can a restaurant be so careless? Not only that, but my first thought and assumption (which I am still holding) is that they don't even go through and wash their vegetables. I convinced myself mentally that I wouldn't get sick from it and I think that's how I'm holding myself together. I only wish I could've discovered it AT the restaurant so I could see how they handled it/responded to it. Either way, all my praises about this place have gone out the window and I am still on the search for a Korean restaurant that won't disappoint me - a journey I've been on for all of my life.
(1)Ali B.
Large portions, reasonably priced but I've had better Korean food for the same price. I've more than 3 waiters come to take my order because none of them knew what was in their menu or have failed to communicate with me. No sushi after 7 or 10, I don't plan to come again here. Only advantage is they are open 24hrs.
(2)Holly S.
Always fast service, to the point where it's a bit overwhelming. Last night it took my husband and I 10 minutes to decide on our food and we were visited at least 10+ times by various servers including the man who regulates restaurant table traffic (if you've eaten here then you know whom I speak of). That is no exaggeration either. It became a bit of a joke for us. Regardless, I can't say they neglect you here. Side dishes are always plentiful and delish. Get the California rolls because although they're lacking adventure, they're fresh and large and worth the money. The spicy pork is amazing as well. A must do!!
(4)Brenda L.
Food was simply amazing and the service was pretty good. I will definitely return!
(4)Ron H.
OK, I'm sold. I mean, I thought I was in Korean BBQ heaven with Honeypig, but after trying Yechon I think I've found my home. Here's the skinny: First: Yechon has amazing banchan - those are the little appetizer dishes that come out before the main course that you poke your chopsticks in. The particular selections that they choose to serve are unique, fresh and absolutely delicious, and I really mean that. I couldn't find a single dish I didn't like - they were all super yum. Second: the service is great. Our drinks were constantly topped off, the waiter attended our table several times to make sure we were happy. He even replaced our spent kimchi banchan without us even asking. Compared to previous experiences at Korean service, I was simply amazed. Third: the better quality of the meat here is easily noticed. We had Kalbi and the spicy pork and it was so flavorful and instantly addictive. The marinade they use for the spicy pork is much much better than other places I've tried. The Kalbi here was thick like little miniature juicy steaks that exploded with flavor as you chomped down on every bite. The only drawback is their higher prices. Honeypig is a better buy, but it seems to me that you really get what you pay for. Plus, at Yechon, you don't have the loud, smoky, dishes crashing, K-pop blasting environment that HP is known for. Much more intimate and adult experience here.
(5)David T.
Dude, a 24 hour Korean BBQ place! Let me repeat: 24 HOUR KOREAN BBQ!!! How friggin' awesome is that...and it's not low quality either -- they have amazing service and don't hold back on the meat and side dishes. My GF and I ordered the bulgogi and short ribs and was totally stoked that they grilled the meat in front of you. They also have a good system of making sure that the side dishes are continuously replenished on your table! The wait is a little long, but totally worth it in my opinion. AND you can always go next door to get a head start on your desserts and boba! :P
(5)Angie L.
Love this place! The food here is really good. If you are looking for authentic Korean food, this is the place to go. They are always busy so wait time is a little long at times. They have special lunch boxes until 2:30 on weekdays that are really good at a pretty good price. Their customer service is ok. But that's understandable since the servers are not fluent in English. Overall I would recommend this place. We come here all the time for family dinners and birthday celebrations. When I have family in town this is always one of the restaurants I take them too.
(4)Thomas L.
Love this place! Great food and great service but you can't get that in this area for a decent price. Be prepared to pay unless you catch a lunch special. Tip well and repeat visits will be smoother.
(4)Ashleigh C.
This place gets 5 stars because it was the best Korean restaurant I've ever been to! Can't wait to try it again and do the BBQ !! Love that it is 24 hours... I would so utilize that if I still lived in the area.
(5)Alison S.
Wow! I think I've found my new favourite Korean BBQ place!! And so close to home! We came on a Saturday night with no reservation (don't even know if they take reservation). We arrived just after 6pm and there was already a line out the door! Which is a good sign of course. They have a nice system of giving out pagers, so you can be sure that it's fair and efficient. We were told that the wait is around 20mins. We got a table after around 30mins wait -- not too bad, considering . The service was good and the food came out fast. Despite the obviously very busy evening, the waitresses never forgot us. They offered us the option of having our Galbi pre-grilled in the kitchen, and given the small size of our table, we decided that that would be a good idea. With all the side dishes that come with a Korean spread we were going to need all the space we could get. In contrast to many other Korean BBQ places, the tables don't have the built in grilling well. The restaurant is quite tightly packed so the tables tend of be close to each other. It's cozy. Everything was super yummy. Side dishes were plentiful and the kimchi was excellent. We left with our tummies happily full. We'll surely be back.
(5)Jackie N.
Yechon is a must for any korean bbq lover! I personally like to go during lunch b/c their lunch specials are the bomb. They have bento boxes, noodle soups, and sushi for all around $10-$15 if I remember correctly. My favorite dish is the hoe de bop....uh don't quote me on that spelling. It is a extremely big salad with sliced up sashimi and a spicy dressing that you mix in yourself. it also comes with a bowl of rice. It is healthy and filling at the same time! Even though I have been to Yechon many times, I still get overwhelmed with the large menu! Lunch specials are in the front, followed by the sushi, which is excellent, and then the typical noodle, meat, etc. dishes. One of their best deals is the fixed price meal. They have different menus for how ever many people you have. My dad and I usually get the 2 person meal, which comes with sashimi, soup, a whole fried fish, rice dishes, pork belly, and so much for I can't even remember! And it's all for around 30 something dollars! Note - parking is intense, but at night you can usually park across the street. Also - late night is just korean bbq, no sushi and all that jazz.
(5)Elizabeth C.
So good! We went late night and had a great time.
(4)Cang N.
Best late nice place you can go to. Great food, good portions. Also there lunch specials are awesome. under 12$ from any box. I usually get there galbi box. They have the best condiments they serve with there foods. Plenty of variety of different small kimchi dishes.
(4)A B.
Awesome place! Can't believe it's 24/7. Mandu are very tasty! Prices are fair. Parking is difficult sometimes, but not a huge deal. Highly recommend.
(4)Ross M.
Pros: + Good and Fast Service + Open 24 hours + Decent food + Fun to people watch Cons: -Jack of all trades, master of none -Your hair, clothes and iphone will smell afterwards - Young male waiters only I wasn't really blown away by any of the food. I've had better. But if you are looking for something decent in the middle of the night and don't want diner food, have some Korean! Is it better than Honey Pig? I don't know. You tell me.
(3)Steven K.
Yechon is a very popular Korean restaurant that serves traditional Korean food in Annandale. Expect to wait most of the time but the wait isn't too long. The most popular items on the menu are usually good but anything soup/stew is loaded with MSG. My face and hands swell up like a balloon next morning after eating Yechon. Food is good but don't expect good service especially if they seem busy which is all the time. Their waitresses are usually too preoccupied with other orders that they have trouble taking your order. I once tried to explain to the manager that I received a wrong order and he smiled and said he verified the order before the waitress has put it in the kitchen. Not only that, he insisted that I ordered what I had received which was wrong. While smirking, he handed me the bill and said the order was correct. So I basically ordered the wrong food that I have been ordering for the past 10 years or so. Their service is progressively getting worse as their business volume increases. Either they need to expand and hire more staff or improve on efficiency with service. Changing the manager would help greatly too! I will take my business elsewhere now that yechon is rolling in dough and customer service is on back burner.
(2)Katie B.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. The Japchae is delicious, and the Kimichi dumplings are a favorite as well. Sometimes their seafood can be a bit over cooked ( I don't recommend the Octopus for that reason), but that would be my only complaint about the food. Its a great bang for your buck too! Service is usually very speedy, you do not wait long for any food.
(5)Ju Yeon P.
Great service, great food. The servers there are always super friendly and polite. The waitresses are all open to help their customers out even if they might not be serving that table. As for the food, I can't praise them enough! They have the best side dishes out of all the Korean restaurants in Annandale! This restaurant is also at a super convenient location as there's a cafe located right next door for desserts.
(5)Sungjin K.
Yechon is a place that Korean people should appreciate. I can't think of other restaurants that are open 24 hours a day in Annandale. Like honestly, who is willing to open 24 hours a day? Yechon is the place that actually does what many others won't do. It's a good guy/girl yechon. two thumbs up!!
(5)Tuan N.
This place has never failed me when I want Korean BBQ.
(5)Rachel P.
Very authentic! I know, you might roll your eyes at that, but I lived in Korea for a year and the food here is spot on. They will not bat an eye at you if you order in Korean even if you don't look Korean which was kind of fun. The beef tongue is awesome!
(4)Carly C.
You know you're in the right place for authentic Asian fare, when you are one of only two white people in the restaurant (the other white person being the one your with). Pulling into a restaurant's parking lot on a Wednesday afternoon, and having a hard time finding a place to park is also another great sign that you're in for a treat. Yechon is a very unassuming little restaurant close to the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College (best community college in Virginia and their best campus if you ask me!). It's menu is large and the favors that it offers are even larger. Come here, and you are sure to be pleased... Daengu Maeuntag: 5 stars. I can't even pronounce the name of this dish, but I can tell you that it's super yummy. The eight or so little mix-in's that come with it are truly what makes it. The seaweed was amazing and the rice was perfectly cooked. Also, the green tea drink that came out after the meal in a rocks glass is not something you'll want to pass up. It might have actually been the best thing about the meal. Must try!!
(5)Ricky M.
Although it wasn't the buffet that I was used to in Nova it was the perfect example that quantity doesn't beat quality. However that doesn't mean they don't give you a good amount of food.
(5)Eric J.
This was my first time here. I always get the seafood pancake at every korean restaurant, and I really liked theirs here. They use just enough pancake to hold everything together. I love it!
(4)Jaclyn S.
This place has solid Korean food. It's awesome that it's open 24 hours so I always know I can get something. The price is good and the servers are quick. Overall, they don't really have any foods that are outstanding but everything is good. This is probably the restaurant I frequent most often. I'd say I'm here every other week, if not more. Good choice for Korean food.
(4)Asor A.
Yechon is great! The hostesses aren't always the nicest but they get things done and the food is pretty good! Great for taking a group of people and sharing dishes. There is a nice Asian bakery next door in case you have to wait for a table.
(4)Monica M.
First of all, I randomly write a bad review unless it's getting to the point that I can't accept the the fact that it happened! Second, I love coming here because the food is so good and it's one of my favorite spots! BUT after the last time I went there as regular as everyone I felt like they treat me like shit! If ur not Korean ur not getting a service first even though u been seat first and waited for so long because they'll serve to their KOREAN people first! Oh well unless ur in a uniform (army/police) that's how they treat us BEFORE! As u can see on my old review 04/25/14 I love their food! They're one of the best! I love to go there at lease once every two weeks! Their lunch are good! Special box is amazing! Staffs are nice and friendly! Long wait but worth it!!! Gooo gooo gooo eat there! Highly recommend to go there
(1)Nicole F.
This is my favorite place around here. Maybe it's the bakery next door...mmmmm.... no, no, even though that place is also great, I think the food here is superior to the other places around. Maybe its not as trendy but it has the best sides and the BBQ is excellent. Why wait 2 hours to eat?!
(5)Phil L.
Open 24 hours 7 days a week, this is apparently some sort of institution in Virginia. When you arrive, flag down the manager and get your name so you can get one of those pagers. Then proceed next door and gorge yourself on Korean baked goods. Once you feel that buzz in your hand, head over and stuff your face with some delicious Korean food. They sell sushi, BBQ stuff, and the hot pots. We ordered a seafood jeon, a seafood hot pot, and two meat dishes. For our table of 6 adults, we all left happily full and I gotta say for $120 or so dollars for all of us, it's a heck of a deal. The seafood jeon was enormous, much larger than anything I've seen in Manhattan and let me tell you not only was it the size of a 14 inch pizza pan, it was thick too. Loaded with lots of goodies, it was delicious. The kalbi and duk were great and the seafood hot pot was awesome. The only downer was the fact they didn't make the steamed egg for us but rather brought it out pre-made and when they were cutting up the lobster for us, I got squirted right in the face with lobster juice. Service here is fast, the lines are long, but thankfully they have a large bakery next door to ease some of your hunger pangs. If I had to make a comparison, this is like Sik Gaek in Queens only better! I would definitely recommend coming here if you're in the area.
(4)Nick H.
One of the oldest, and yet still one of my favorite Korean BBQ restaurants in all of Northern, VA. Located in the heart of Annandale, you know your restaurant has to be legit if it has any chance of surviving the Korean BBQ market. Yechon is one of the alpha dogs and there's so many reasons why. It's spacious. It's open 24 hours. The food is incredibly delicious. The service is great. And there's ample parking. Anytime my friends go out, there's about a 90% chance that we end up at Yechon afterwards for late night bbq. It's easily one of my favorite locales and I will gladly eat there just about anytime. If you have a group of 4 or more people, I highly recommend the Special #3. Otherwise, individual orders of any of the most popular Korean dishes will serve you fine: kalbi, bulgogi, bibimbap, etc. The bon chon (side dishes) here are awesome as well.
(5)Cat P.
I want so badly to like this joint because it is such an Annandale institution, but it still hasn't grown on me. The long waits aren't worth it, IMO. The menu items are overpriced. Service ranges from okay to good. Nothing I've tried here has been exceptional. The food always has a slightly sloppy look to it, too...While I appreciate the diversity of the menu, I would much prefer they scale down the options like some of Annandale's other Korean restaurants and focus on perfecting a few dishes (Gombawoo makes excellent mandu soup, for instance). The convenience of it being open 24 hours isn't enough to lure me since the sketchy folks come out after midnight (older men and their very young escorts....drunken crowds after their Eden coffee shops had closed...). Yechon has sleaze written all over it, and I only go here to appease the masses. For traditional Korean cuisine, I'd much prefer the smaller restaurants. For the carnivorous diners, Kogiya or Honeypig seem like more logical choices. Korean-Japanese dishes are great at Ara. And Damoim is awesome for Korean fusion. With the wealth of choices available to me now, Yechon would be a last resort, not a first pick.
(3)Sijia H.
Love this place. I always go here when I'm at annadale. The waitresses here are so nice and the food is so good. I always get the 2nd one with the fish, sushi and other stuff. It's a good amount for two ppl.
(5)Hazel M.
Visited La mart, Brandon ave., Springfield, for the first time last week. I have been a regular customer at Han Ah Rheum and the Great Wall in merrifield, as I love sea food. Over the past year I purchased mussel, which in particular, are not fresh. They are brown and withered. To get to the point the seafood at la mart is the freshest! The mussels were white and still alive. I placed them in ice overnight and they were fresh tne next day. The same applies to the fish, oysters, shrimp, etc. la mart is the best for freshness, and even though it is not as close, I will become a regular customer
(5)