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Shin Toe Bul Yi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Shin Toe Bul Yi
8.4
Long-running Korean spot where the crispy Korean fried chicken shares the table with stews and pancakes. Locals hit it on weekend evenings for heaping portions, fresh banchan, and a reliably crunchy bird.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean Fried Chicken (whole/half), Seafood Pancake (haemul pajeon), Kimchi Stew
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic Korean fried chicken served with generous banchan and big portions.
Who should go: Korean comfort food fans and fried-chicken purists
When to visit: Fri–Sat early evening to avoid the rush
What to order: Fried chicken; seafood pancake; kimchi stew
Insider tip: Weekdays are mostly takeout—dine in is best on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval and nearby residential blocks; typically available but can tighten around 6–7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—locals often come straight from the beach or errands; neat attire fine but no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—steady background chatter and sizzling kitchen sounds, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick turnover from takeout and solo diners.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—vegetable pancake, tofu stews, and side dishes provide a few solid options.
Vegan options: Minimal—banchan like kimchi often include fish sauce; best to confirm before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled meats and stews may be suitable, but fried items use wheat flour batter—ask the kitchen for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual comfort than romance—great if you both love Korean food and don’t mind sharing big, saucy plates in a lively space.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive before 6:30pm on weekends to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent it for the large portions and mild fried chicken options. High chairs available but space between tables can be tight.
Best For
Better for: Crispy double-fried chicken and hearty Korean stews served in generous portions—ideal for comfort-driven dining and casual groups.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy plating, cocktails, or a quiet dining experience—this is more about flavor and fullness than ambience.
Shin Toe Bul Yi
8.3
Neighborhood stalwart for Korean stews, seafood pancakes, and weekend dine-in plates, with weekday emphasis on takeout. Portions run large and the fried chicken and kimchi jjigae keep locals coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi jjigae, Haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), Korean fried chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Big-portion classics—stews, pancakes, and fried chicken—done reliably well.
Who should go: Fans of hearty Korean comfort food
When to visit: Arrive early on Fri–Sat to avoid waits
What to order: Kimchi jjigae; seafood pancake; fried chicken
Insider tip: Weekdays skew takeout—call ahead for fastest pickup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval is generally available but fills quickly on weekends; no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and everyday wear are common.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly except during peak weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating or quick takeout turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—several banchan and tofu stews available, but most dishes include meat or seafood base.
Vegan options: Minimal—kimchi and sauces often contain seafood; best to confirm when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Partially—grilled meats and stews can be adjusted, but soy sauce is common in marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values great food over atmosphere—casual vibe, hearty portions, and plenty of flavor, but not a quiet or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first come, first served. Arrive early on weekends for dinner; weekday evenings are typically open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booth seating and quick service make it practical for families with older kids; younger ones may find spice levels high.
Best For
Better for: More consistent stew flavors and portion sizes than nearby casual Korean spots; standout kimchi jjigae and pancake execution.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale ambiance or modern fusion plates—this is traditional comfort food in a no-frills space.
Shin Toe Bul Yi
8.4
Neighborhood Korean standby known for hearty stews and sizzling grilled meats like LA galbi and pork belly. Weekend dine-in brings lively groups sharing platters; weekdays skew takeout-heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
LA Galbi (marinated short ribs), Grilled Pork Belly, Kimchi Jjigae with Pork
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Well-marinated Korean BBQ meats with big, shareable portions.
Who should go: BBQ lovers and weekend group diners
When to visit: Arrive early on Fri–Sat to avoid waits
What to order: LA galbi, pork belly, kimchi stew
Insider tip: Weekdays: call ahead for fastest pickup; weekends: dine-in only.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval and nearby side streets; tends to fill up after 6pm on weekends. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—most diners come in jeans and hoodies, though groups occasionally dress up a bit for weekend dinners.
Noise level: Lively during peak hours with table grills sizzling and conversation buzz; moderate enough to talk without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical wait for walk-ins after 6:30pm; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though takeout orders may take 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some banchan (side dishes) and tofu stews available but BBQ menu is meat-focused.
Vegan options: Minimal—few items without fish sauce or animal-based broth.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—some grilled meats can be made gluten-free on request; soy sauce-based marinades may contain wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun if your date enjoys hands-on dining—grilling at the table adds interaction, but expect smoky air and casual vibes rather than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Arrive before 6:15pm on weekends to avoid a wait; after 7pm expect 30+ minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle the heat of tabletop grills. Staff are attentive but the environment can be a bit noisy for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Casual Korean BBQ with authentic marinades and hearty stews served in generous portions; great value for groups.
Skip if: You prefer upscale ambiance, quiet dining, or fully vegetarian options—this is more of a neighborhood comfort BBQ spot than a refined experience.