BBQ 21

Don't be fooled by that it wasn't crowded or that it could use some modernization, BBQ 21 serve one of the best kalbi (korean bbq short ribs) in this area where there are a lot of Korean restaurants. Service was great and treated you like family. The mandu (korean dumplings) were served hot and crispy and highly recommended. Minus is there were only six to a serving so we had to order two. There were only three sides served for banchan (side dishes) but were perfectly fine. Seafood pancake was big and tasted great. As mentioned earlier, the kalbi was great - tender and well marinated. Our server cooked it great and served it. I usually eat korean bbq but the other korean dishes ordered were enjoyed by other korean folks with me. Was a little concerned at how restaurant was a bit empty when I arrived at first but left puzzled why it wasn't more crowded due to the great food and service.

The food was decent, as well as the service and atmosphere. However, there is still room for improvement in all areas.

My partner loves this place. He secretly hopes this spot doesn't get too popular so he can have it all to himself. here's what he thinks when i asked. Galbi / Kalbi:wonderful char, grilled to medium rare, and a perfect pairing for their tasty and plentiful naengmyun.Mul Naengmyeon:older people will say that's it's close to "classic naengmyun" in virginia. it's got a really clean flavor profile, and their hot mustard is STRONG. they use some kind of underlying flavor i can't place my finger on, some kind of herb. rosemary maybe?Banchan (sides):perfect. they're so great. every single one of them, absolutely delicious.

Had just arrived in town and was super hungry. We arrived just after lunch but before dinner so had the place to ourselves. When the waitress spoke little but good English I knew we were in for an authentic treat and the place did not disappoint. We call 2 other friends of ours to come right over and try it. They loved it also, on our way out of the door literally two more friends arrived asking if it was good. I showed them the pictures and said definitely give it a try!! And they did!!

One comment. Galbi MulNangmyun. That is all.Best combo here. We also ordered the seafood pancake (good but not the best I've ever had).

Part II: Viva Korean Cuisine!!!! Let me tell you, the Bulldog had just downheartedly left another Korean Joint (Breakers - aka Imposters) at Fair Oaks Mall (see Part I) wondering if all the amazing Korean food that I had at my friends' houses growing up was just an illusion. But I didn't give up, I persevered into this hidden diamond-in-the-rough, BBQ 21, where my love for everything Korean was rekindled with splendid fervor!!! Spicy Soup - Red, intricate and amazing, Bulgogi flavorful juicy and succulent, rice fluffy and sticky, dumplings were tasty/greasy/flavorful, veggies were so g-damn fresh and spicy I almost filled up on them, fresh condiments with interesting spices that dance on a wide-range on your palette. Would have given 5/5 if my can of Diet Coke wasn't flat, but everything else was top-notch and I suspect - was cooked with love for the game - masterful. I finished stuffed and satisfied. Verdict: I'll DEFINITELY be back...

Highly recommend this place! Most people come from their ddukbokki, but I recommend their authentic Korean food. The dishes I ordered with my mom was called daegu moom tong jjim and a fish soup. Both were fantastic! The first dish is a little spicy, and portion size is huge. It's also worth a pretty penny, but that's due to the portion size and good fish they use. Their side dishes are amazing and service is great. Highly recommend!

As soon as I walked in I was encountered amicably and was led to my seat. The music and surroundings were easy on the eyes and ears. The bulgogi was amazing and so was the kimchi and all the side dishes. I'm surprised they were empty when I came cause after the food and service were top notch!!!

This review is mainly for the cheesy ribs. They gave us 2 options - spicy and nonspicy. The ribs were literally just slabbed with american bbq sauce. I was hoping and thinking that the ribs would be an asian influenced flavor since I was in a korean restaurant. The sauce was just straight up bbq sauce. I felt like i was eating those microwavable bbq ribs from any grocery store.. or i could go to tgi fridays and get cheaper ribs.If you're looking for american style bbq ribs with a side of melted mozz, then maybe this place will hit the spot for youAlso the dukkboki that came with it was flavored with the same bbq sauce as the ribs. Service was good. I'd never order those ribs again though

We used to visit BBQ21 and enjoyed it, but now it has a new name and different menu/inside. We had a bad experience this weekend and won't return.The service was the worst part. We had 6 people (2 small children) but weren't allowed to sit at a single table. We pointed out another party had 6 people sitting at the same size table and they relented.The menu was heavily redacted with black marker--there were almost no drinks available at all. Why not print a new menu? Ordered drinks and one never came at all.Many of the things we enjoyed at the old BBQ21 were no longer available (tempura, dwaejibulgogi, etc). We ordered galbi. The waitress returned to say out of galbi. We ordered pork belly; it came totally unseasoned. The waitress put it on the grill, came back and said "take it off" though we weren't ready yet. Not sure why she didn't bring a plate to put it on? She piled it onto our dishes (and my lap).Stingy with banchan. We received 1 lettuce leaf per person. We had to request additional lettuce repeatedly and often it took 10-15 minutes or more for it to come out. We requested more kimchi and the waitress said "you already have kimchi" (there were 4 leaves of kimchi in the bowl, for 6 of us). Saw two other tables with cucumbers and requested cucumbers. We were told no cucumbers were available. The bulgogi and stir-fried pork we got were good, but it was really hard to get past the hostile service.