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Toyose
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Toyose
8.4
Garage-born Korean spot famous for late-night stews, wings, and soju rounds. Locals pile in after 10pm for bubbling kimchi jjigae, crispy chicken, and shareable snacks that still hit when most kitchens have closed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi Jjigae, Korean Fried Chicken Wings, Tteokbokki
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Family-run, late-night Korean comfort food with soju in a converted garage.
Who should go: Night owls craving hearty stews and wings
When to visit: After 9:30pm for peak late-night energy
What to order: Kimchi jjigae, wings (soy-garlic or spicy), fried rice
Insider tip: Put your name in, then grab nearby street parking on quieter side streets west of 40th Ave.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually easier west of 40th Ave after 9pm, but can be tight on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers are the norm for this late-night crowd.
Noise level: Loud and lively—expect laughter, clinking soju bottles, and K-pop chatter rather than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes after 9pm; small space fills quickly with regulars.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; opens late evening only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some tofu stews and veggie pancakes available, but most dishes contain meat or seafood.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible to modify a few sides, but broths and sauces often contain anchovy or fish base.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—many items use soy sauce; best to ask about specific dishes like rice-based stews or egg dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into casual, lively late-night vibes—think shared wings and soju, not candlelight or quiet talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait—no reservations accepted, so put your name in early or come after 10pm when turnover improves.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids given the late hours, tight space, and boisterous soju crowd—teens are fine if they’re night owls.
Best For
Better for: Late-night stews, communal energy, and authentic garage-style Korean comfort food that other spots can’t match.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, upscale ambiance, or extensive vegetarian options—this is more for social night eats.
Toyose
7.9
Late-night Korean favorite serving grilled meats and shareable plates from a converted garage dining room. Galbi steak and sizzling platters pair well with soju for post-beach hangs or after-hours bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi Steak (Beef Short Ribs), Spicy Chicken Wings, Kimchi Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: After-hours Korean grilling with lively energy and shareable plates.
Who should go: Night owls and group hangouts
When to visit: After 9 pm on weeknights for fastest seating
What to order: Galbi steak; Kimchi fried rice; Seafood pancake
Insider tip: Put your name in early—text back quickly or you’ll lose the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited spots along Noriega and nearby residential streets—expect to circle during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most guests come in hoodies or jackets; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively and loud, especially after 9 pm; conversation can be tough in larger groups.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes depending on group size; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch—dinner only service starting in the evening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mostly side dishes like kimchi, tofu stew, and pancakes.
Vegan options: Very limited—most dishes contain egg, seafood, or sauces with animal products.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled meats and rice dishes are gluten-free if ordered without sauces; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for fun and casual—energetic vibe, soju, and smoky grills make it playful but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait. Text your name in early; they’ll message when ready—arrive promptly or lose your spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to late hours, noise, and tabletop grills; better suited for adult groups or teens.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Korean BBQ and group energy—few Outer Sunset spots match its post-10pm scene.
Skip if: You prefer quiet dining, health-focused fare, or need vegan options—opt for a calmer Korean spot instead.
Toyose
8.0
Garage-turned late-night Korean spot pairing crisp wings with kimchi pancakes and soju. Sauces range from soy-garlic to chile heat; the vibe is casual and lively after dark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy-garlic chicken, Spicy fried chicken, Kimchi pancake
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Late-night hours with classic soy-garlic and spicy wing options.
Who should go: Night-owl friend groups
When to visit: After 9 pm for the full late-night energy
What to order: Soy-garlic wings; spicy wings; kimchi pancake
Insider tip: Request half-and-half sauce on a large order to mix flavors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—limited after 8pm near Noriega and 20th; expect to circle during peak late-night hours.
Dress code: Casual to laid-back streetwear; most guests come in hoodies or jeans after hours.
Noise level: Lively and chatty—music and group energy make it moderate-to-loud but still conversational at close range.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical after 9pm; small groups can often get seated faster.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; evening-only operation with less crowd early on weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—kimchi pancake, fried rice, and some banchan are meat-free but cross-prepared.
Vegan options: Very limited—no dedicated vegan dishes, though some side dishes may qualify if requested without egg or mayo.
Gluten-free options: Not guaranteed—soy sauces and marinades likely contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun for a casual, late-night date if you’re both into shared plates and a lively vibe—less ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, but larger groups may need to wait; arrive before 9pm for best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—mainly an adult crowd due to late hours, alcohol service, and small, tightly spaced tables.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Korean wings and soju sessions with friends—Toyose offers a unique garage-style energy unmatched by other Sunset spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet dinner, upscale ambiance, or dedicated vegetarian options—try Um.Ma instead for a more refined sit-down experience.
Toyose
8.0
Garage-turned-late-night Korean spot where crisp fried chicken meets kimchi pancakes and soju. It’s casual and lively, with sauces that range from soy-garlic to chile heat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean Fried Chicken (Original/Soy-Garlic/Spicy), Kimchi Pancake, Cheese Corn (shareable)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Late-night Korean fried chicken with sauce choices and soju.
Who should go: Night-owl friend groups
When to visit: After 9pm for the full late-night energy
What to order: Soy-garlic chicken; spicy chicken; kimchi pancake
Insider tip: Ask for half-and-half sauce on a large order to mix flavors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Noriega and nearby residential blocks is available but limited after 8pm; no valet or lot.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers are perfectly fine; think laid-back comfort over presentation.
Noise level: Lively and loud after 9pm—expect laughter, clinking bottles, and upbeat music; not ideal for deep conversations.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes after 9pm; lists fill up quickly for groups.
Weekday lunch: Closed during lunch; opens for dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some pancakes and side dishes like kimchi or tofu stew are vegetarian, but cross-contact likely.
Vegan options: Minimal—most dishes include egg or seafood; consider kimchi pancake if flexibility is acceptable.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated options; soy sauce and batter contain wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys casual, noisy, and energetic environments—it's more of a shared-plate fun night than an intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait—walk-ins are common, and groups sign up on a list outside. Arriving before 8:30pm helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—late hours, alcohol focus, and small space make it better suited for adults and groups of friends.
Best For
Better for: Late-night hangs, casual friend groups, and soju-fueled fried chicken sessions with shareable sides.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet dining, early hours, or dietary accommodations like gluten-free or vegan.
Toyose
8.4
Late-night Korean standby in a converted garage serving fried chicken, kimchi fried rice, stews, and soju. Best after dark for lively tables, shareable plates, and dependable crowd-pleasers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean fried chicken, Budae jjigae, Kimchi fried rice
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Beloved late-night Korean spot with shareable plates and soju.
Who should go: Night owls and after-hours groups
When to visit: Late evening; expect a wait on weekends
What to order: Fried chicken, budae jjigae, kimchi fried rice
Insider tip: Put your name in early—garage setting fills quickly after 9pm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—spots can be scarce after 8pm, especially on weekends near Noriega.
Dress code: Casual and cozy—hoodies, jeans, and jackets are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively and loud after 9pm with overlapping group chatter and music; hard to hold a quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes for a table between 8–10pm; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Closed during lunch—opens late afternoon for dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate—several sides and mains like kimchi pancakes and tofu stew are suitable.
Vegan options: Limited—some banchan are vegan, but most dishes use fish sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Limited—many sauces contain soy or wheat; ask staff for adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun but noisy—better for casual dates or couples who don’t mind a bit of chaos over soju and fried chicken.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait. They don’t take reservations; best to arrive before 8pm or join the waitlist early.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—tight space, loud environment, and late hours. Teens and older kids who enjoy Korean BBQ fare will do fine.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Korean comfort food with real neighborhood energy—great for groups and post-event eats.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal or need gluten-free dining; try Um.Ma instead for a more polished vibe.