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Anju House
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Anju House
7.9
Anju House, a modern Korean 'pocha', excels at fun, shareable bar snacks, with loaded fries (think bulgogi and kimchi toppings) standing out as a local late-night favorite. Affordable prices, creative drinks, and a lively ambiance especially shine for groups. Its casual vibe and inventive fry platters make it a Koreatown favorite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bulgogi Fries, Kimchi Tofu Fries, Soju Cocktails
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Inventive Korean fry platters at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Late-night groups, snackers, soju lovers.
When to visit: Weekends or after midnight for lively crowd.
What to order: Bulgogi fries, kimchi fries, soju cocktails.
Insider tip: Happy hour brings extra value on shareable fry plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available ($3-$5), strongly recommended; street parking is limited and private lots should be avoided due to tow risks.
Dress code: Casual, with flexibility — jeans, T-shirts, and comfortable wear are all common; no formal attire required.
Noise level: Moderate, especially later in the evening — lively but allows for group conversation; quieter on weekday afternoons and earlier evenings.
Weekend wait: Typically 30-60 minutes for walk-ins; reservations accepted for larger groups, but patio and lounge seating available for drop-ins.
Weekday lunch: No wait most days; faster seating for groups before 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — crispy tofu fries, vegetable bibimbap, and other vegetarian-friendly options.
Vegan options: Limited — about 2-3 vegan options, such as tofu fries and select rice bowls.
Gluten-free options: Several items (e.g., bulgogi with rice, certain fry platters) can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for casual, social dates — fun ambiance, shareable snacks, and creative drinks foster a relaxed vibe, but noise and group tables may not suit intimate, romantic outings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common and typically accommodated, especially for smaller groups; expect longer waits on busy nights, but patio and lounge seating help reduce delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally suitable for kids ages 10 and up, especially early evenings; later at night, the crowd and bar scene trend more adult, and there’s no kids’ menu or activities.
Best For
Better for: Anju House excels at creative Korean fry platters and late-night group hangs, offering value and fun atmosphere superior to most Koreatown snack bars.
Skip if: Those seeking a quiet, romantic dinner or full traditional Korean barbecue experience may prefer elsewhere.
Anju House
7.9
Anju House brings Korean pocha energy to Oxford Avenue, with lively soju cocktails, late hours, and craveable comfort bar foods. Outdoor seating and approachable pricing make it a popular after-work or late-night hangout for small groups and casual dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi Bacon Pasta, Korean Fried Chicken, Animal Style Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Authentic Korean pocha with buzzy soju-centric menu and great value.
Who should go: Night owls, Korean comfort food fans, small groups
When to visit: Weeknights post-8pm, weekends until late night
What to order: Kimchi pasta, fried chicken, animal fries
Insider tip: Outdoor heat lamps extend patio life year-round.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the norm; metered spots fill quickly after 6pm, and there’s no dedicated valet.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are, but trendy streetwear is common.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat; conversation is possible, but expect some buzz, especially after 9pm.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min wait is typical after 8pm; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait since lunch service is limited or crowds are light.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including kimchi pasta and fried tofu bites.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan choices are minimal but customizations may be possible upon request.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be made gluten-free, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you prefer energetic spots with drinks and shared plates, but note it gets spirited later—great for casual chemistry, less so if you need quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only; go early or late to avoid peak waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally geared toward adults—groups and late-night crowd; older kids okay early, but not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night bites, casual group hangs, and affordable rounds of soju cocktails.
Skip if: If you need ultra-quiet, a romantic vibe, or a robust vegan menu—try a traditional Korean restaurant or a quieter bistro instead.
Anju House
7.7
Anju House is a modern Koreatown pocha (snack bar) serving creative vegetarian-friendly anju—small plates—geared for late-night crowds. The lively, neon-lit space is ideal for group outings or solo comfort food after hours, with Korean classics and shared plates at wallet-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Tofu Bites, Kimchi Pancakes, Vegetarian Japchae
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Korean comfort classics and late-night crowd energy at street-food prices.
Who should go: Night owls, small groups, Koreatown adventurers
When to visit: Late night—open until 2am most days
What to order: Kimchi Pancakes, Japchae, Crispy Tofu Bites
Insider tip: Happy hour deals on soju cocktails—ask for the latest specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the area, especially after 6pm, but there are paid lots within a block—no on-site valet offered.
Dress code: Come casual; trendy streetwear, jeans, and sneakers fit right in, but no dress code is enforced.
Noise level: Expect a lively environment—conversations are possible for small groups, though it can be boisterous after 10pm.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minute wait typical after 8pm; walk-ins are okay but groups may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: No wait usually, as lunch service is quieter and tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most menu items are vegetarian, with a dedicated section and knowledgeable staff.
Vegan options: Limited but present—expect 2-3 solid vegan dishes, with staff able to accommodate requests when possible.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-free; ask about modifications and look for clear menu markings.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a laid-back first date who appreciates fun, energetic vibes; best if both enjoy shared plates and late nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are welcome and standard, but tables fill fast on weekends—small parties have the best luck.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—atmosphere is more adult-oriented, especially late, but daytime visits with older kids are fine; no kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for budget-minded vegetarian groups seeking inventive Korean late-night eats that don’t compromise flavor or fun.
Skip if: If you want a quiet dinner or upscale ambiance, or need fully vegan/gluten-free meals, consider alternatives nearby.