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Jincook
Master Critic Review
Jincook
8.3
Jincook brings authentic Korean soul food to Santa Monica's Westside, specializing in traditional comfort dishes like seolleongtang beef bone broth and spicy rose tteokbokki with bacon and mozzarella. The restaurant opened in 2024 and quickly became a local favorite for its late-night hours, generous banchan selection, and individual-sized army stew portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seolleongtang (Beef Bone Broth), Spicy Rose Tteokbokki, Brisket Hot Stone Pot
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Only authentic Korean soul food restaurant in 90403 ZIP.
Who should go: Korean food lovers avoiding Koreatown traffic
When to visit: Late nights Fridays-Saturdays until midnight
What to order: Seolleongtang, rose tteokbokki, mushroom japchae with truffle
Insider tip: Free hour parking available on Stanford Street
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 1-hour street parking on Stanford Street, metered parking ($2/hour) on Wilshire after 6pm, residential streets nearby usually have spots
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, popular with locals in everything from workout gear to date night outfits
Noise level: Lively but manageable - bustling late-night crowd but booth seating allows conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min peak hours (7-9pm), walk-ins usually seated after 10pm
Weekday lunch: No wait, plenty of seating available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom japchae, vegetable bibimbap, tofu stews, plus all banchan sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify bibimbap and japchae, kimchi contains fish sauce
Gluten-free options: Some options - rice-based dishes safe, but most stews and marinades contain soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if they like Korean food - cozy booths, shareable dishes like rose tteokbokki create fun experience, not too loud for conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially after 9pm or weekdays. Friday/Saturday 7-9pm expect short wait, bar seating often available immediately
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - high chairs available, mild options like japchae and plain grilled meats, kids love the sweet rose tteokbokki
Best For
Better for: Late-night Korean cravings without the Koreatown drive, individual-sized army stew portions perfect for solo diners, truffle mushroom japchae you won't find elsewhere
Skip if: You want Korean BBQ grills at table, need extensive seafood options, or prefer modern fusion over traditional comfort food