0 Followers
Kitchen Sooda
Master Critic Review
Kitchen Sooda
7.9
This late-night gastropub fuses Louisiana Cajun seafood with Korean bar food in a vibrant patio setting. Dollar-fifty oysters available all day draw the after-work crowd, while Louisiana-style boils featuring shrimp, clams, and crab legs get the Korean treatment with gochujang-tinged preparations alongside mentaiko pasta and Korean fried chicken.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cajun Seafood Boil, Mentaiko Pasta, Daily Oysters ($1.50 each)
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Rare Korean-Cajun fusion with all-day dollar-fifty oysters and big patio energy
Who should go: Late-night diners and groups seeking drinks with creative seafood
When to visit: Happy hour for oyster deals; weekend nights for lively atmosphere
What to order: Oysters, Cajun boil of choice, mentaiko pasta, Korean fried chicken
Insider tip: Oysters went from $1 to $1.50 but still best value in Koreatown
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive after 7pm; paid lot on 6th Street ($8-10). Ride-share recommended for late-night visits
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and sneakers work, but most lean toward date-night attire on weekends
Noise level: Lively and energetic - good for groups and casual dates, but expect to raise your voice during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 8pm; bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; best time for relaxed dining
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - mostly sides and pasta options, but mentaiko pasta is a standout
Vegan options: Very limited - essentially salads and modified sides; not the best choice for vegan diners
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - oysters, boils (skip seasoning blends), and some proteins work, but ask about cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice for casual first dates - the lively patio atmosphere takes pressure off conversation, and sharing a seafood boil is interactive. Skip it if you want quiet, intimate vibes
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, usually within 15-20 min. Weekend dinner is riskier - arrive before 7pm or after 10pm for better odds. Bar seating is first-come, first-served and moves faster
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours (before 8pm) work fine for families - kids enjoy the hands-on boil experience. Gets louder and bar-focused late night, so better suited for ages 10+ who can handle noise and later dining
Best For
Better for: Best-value oysters in Koreatown, creative Korean-Cajun fusion you won't find elsewhere, and late-night seafood cravings with full bar. The patio scene beats most competitors for group energy
Skip if: You want traditional high-end seafood, need extensive vegetarian/vegan options, or prefer quiet romantic ambiance. For pure Korean bar food, traditional pojangmacha spots offer more authentic experiences