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New Wonjo Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
New Wonjo Restaurant
8.2
A veteran Korean BBQ house in Koreatown with a reputation for no-frills grilling and strong soups. The draw is classic marinated meats cooked at the table, backed by reliably good banchan and cold noodles. It’s old-school in the best way: efficient, loud, and focused on flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi (marinated short rib), Samgyeopsal (pork belly), Naengmyeon
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Classic table-grill BBQ with decades of Koreatown history.
Who should go: BBQ loyalists and big parties.
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak waits.
What to order: Galbi, pork belly, naengmyeon.
Insider tip: Finish with cold noodles after the last grill round.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited, especially in the evenings. Valet parking available for $15.
Dress code: Casual - Jeans and a T-shirt are fine, but avoid overly casual attire.
Noise level: High - Expect loud chatter and sizzling sounds from the grills, making conversation challenging.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without a reservation, especially on busy nights.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, though it can get busy during peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - A few options like kimchi, pancakes, and banchan, though the focus is on meat.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, mainly vegetable-based dishes, but not a vegan-centric menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - Gluten-free options available, but cross-contamination is possible due to the shared grill.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s a fun, interactive experience, but the noise and shared grill setup may not be ideal for a quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends. A reservation is recommended for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - The atmosphere is casual and welcoming to families. Kids can enjoy grilling at the table with supervision.
Best For
Better for: New Wonjo excels at classic Korean BBQ with a focus on strong, flavorful soups and no-frills grilling, perfect for BBQ enthusiasts and large groups.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a quieter, more refined dining experience or strictly vegetarian/vegan options, there are better alternatives.
New Wonjo Restaurant
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
One of Koreatown’s longest-running BBQ dining rooms, known for no-nonsense charcoal grilling and deeply savory marinades. The vibe is old-school and functional, but the galbi cooks evenly and the seafood pancake and stews hold their own. Come here for tradition and a steady hand.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi (short rib BBQ), Bulgogi, Haemul pajeon (seafood pancake)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Charcoal KBBQ with decades of Koreatown credibility.
Who should go: Tradition seekers and mixed-age groups.
When to visit: Early evening for calm grilling.
What to order: Galbi, bulgogi, seafood pancake.
Insider tip: Pair BBQ with their cold noodles if you want a lighter finish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be challenging, especially after 6pm. Valet parking available for $12.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but lean towards dressier attire for a more polished look.
Noise level: Moderate - the ambiance is lively, but conversations are still easy to have, especially during early evening visits.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, as it can get busy in Koreatown.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but it can get busy during lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - a few vegetable-based side dishes, but not a full vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited - options are available, such as vegetable stews or tofu dishes, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer gluten-free options with a separate prep area for certain dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can be a fun choice for a first date if you're both open to a more casual, lively dining experience. However, if you're seeking a quiet, intimate setting, it might not be the best fit.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but especially during peak hours, you may have to wait. It’s recommended to make a reservation, particularly on weekends, to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it's kid-friendly with a family-friendly atmosphere. There are options for younger diners, and the large tables make it easy to accommodate groups with children.
Best For
Better for: New Wonjo is great for those seeking a classic KBBQ experience with an emphasis on charcoal grilling and traditional Korean dishes.
Skip if: If you're looking for a modern, trendy atmosphere or cutting-edge fusion, there are other places in Koreatown that might be a better fit.