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GueZip The Korean Place
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
GueZip The Korean Place
8.2
Compact downtown spot doing crispy Korean fried chicken, bubbling soon tofu, and hot-stone bibimbap. Locals lean on it for generous portions, late-ish hours, and friendly, efficient service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half & Half Korean Fried Chicken, Hot Stone Bibimbap, Beef Bulgogi
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Fried chicken and hot-stone bibimbap done with care downtown.
Who should go: Casual groups craving bold, comforting Korean plates
When to visit: Weeknights after 6:30pm for easiest seating
What to order: Half & Half chicken; hot-stone bibimbap; galbi
Insider tip: Ask for extra pickled radish and sauce for the chicken.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on First Street and nearby side streets is usually available, but fills up quickly after 6pm on weekends. Free public lots are within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most diners come in jeans or everyday wear after work.
Noise level: Moderate during peak dinner hours, but easy enough for conversation in small groups.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak times; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like bibimbap (without meat) and tofu stews are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some tofu dishes can be made vegan if you request no egg or meat broth.
Gluten-free options: Partially—certain dishes like grilled meats or rice bowls can be adjusted; soy sauce contains gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or food-focused dates than romantic ones. The space is tight but lively, great if you bond over good food rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first come, first served. Arriving before 6:30pm helps avoid waits on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are welcoming to families and can adjust spice levels. Portions are generous and shareable for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Crispy Korean fried chicken and comforting hot-stone rice bowls at value prices.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, upscale experience or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
GueZip The Korean Place
8.2
Downtown spot for homestyle Korean plates—think bubbling stews, sizzling bulgogi, and generous banchan. Locals use it for reliable comfort cooking and sit-down meals steps from First Street nightlife.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi jjigae, LA galbi (short ribs), Seafood pancake
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Well-executed classics with plentiful banchan right on First Street.
Who should go: Korean comfort seekers and downtown diners
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 for easier parking and seating
What to order: Kimchi jjigae; LA galbi; haemul pajeon
Insider tip: Ask for extra banchan refills—staff accommodates politely.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along First Street and side lots nearby; typically easier after 7pm but limited during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—most diners come in jeans or relaxed outfits after work.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly with occasional sizzling sounds from grill platters.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, short wait if larger parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable stews and tofu dishes available, though limited beyond that.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and vegetable bibimbap can be adjusted on request.
Gluten-free options: Partially—certain grilled meats and stews are safe if soy sauce is avoided; staff can guide clearly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates—warm atmosphere and shareable dishes encourage conversation without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins accepted, though small groups may wait briefly on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-welcoming with mild dishes, high chairs, and quick service for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Traditional Korean flavors and banchan variety stand out over trendier fusion spots in town.
Skip if: You’re seeking BBQ table grills or upscale ambiance—this is more homestyle than high-concept.
Hours
Monday4:30pm - 9pm
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday4:30pm - 9pm
Thursday4:30pm - 9pm
Friday4:30pm - 10:30pm
Saturday11am - 10:30pm
Sunday11am - 9pm