Hosted my son's girlfriend's 14th birthday party here. Yes, it is appropriate for such a party in spite of it clearly being a soju bar. Called in a day before, and they were willing to accommodate a party of 16. They created a separate space for our party in a somewhat private space separated from the main space by cloth curtains. The space is clean, modern and very hip. For a weeknight around 6:15 PM, the crowd was very calm and pleasant--no one drunk or rowdy. The service was quick although it was very busy, and the staff was incredibly friendly, accommodating and local in a Hawaii style. The ambience was great--very true to Korean interior style. Blonde wooden tables and Korean style trinkets decorating the wall. Each table had a jar of pens which you could use to leave your mark on their walls. Hip Korean music played overhead. It was very comfortable. The food was delicious, prepared very well, and true to what is being served in South Korea. Modern dishes like melted cheesy and smokey corn with furikake, creamy and cheesy rosé tteokbokki, crispy fried chickens drums with Korean seasoned batter and glaze, meat jhun, loaded seafood pancake, fried seaweed rolls to classic Korean dishes like jokbal, bossam, spicy squid, and a citron yuzu ice tea (virgin). It is a great place to bring young kids and teens. The setting is somewhat reminiscent of Side Street Inn--very family friendly. I imagine that it's even more fun as the night progresses. What made this experience exception apart from the food is the customer service. Our server was the owner's sister, and she's was very professional, accommodating and friendly. Proud South Koreans but locally raised--this place is welcoming to everyone and is different from other Korean bars in which it would benefit you if you spoke some Korean or know the secret Korean "password" to get exceptional service. This is a modern Korean bar open to everyone who wants to eat great food and have a great time. Our server took the time to chat with each of us and took the time to take many pictures of us. Very genuine and honest service with lots of pride and heart. Excellent service and highly recommend everything on their menu especially the spicy squid, rosé tteokbokki, chicken drumettes, cheese corn, and especially their seafood pancake that was more seafood filling than batter. The dishes are more for a modern palate. Most dishes were balanced, and not heavily seasoned with fish sauces or shrimp pastes found in traditional Korean cuisine. The complimentary sauces and panchan were all very balanced and complimented their dishes perfectly. Portions are very generous and the quality of ingredients are good. It's a great place to get a taste of modern South Korean favorites in Hawaii. Great small business with good heart and pride. Will visit again. read more

I recently visited Jagalchi, a Korean restaurant known for its delicious cuisine. Having dined there in the past, I was excited to experience their updated atmosphere and sample some of their signature dishes. During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying their steamed egg, tofu, tofu soup, and chicken fried with fries. Here's a review of my overall experience. First and foremost, I was impressed by the modern ambiance of Jagalchi. The restaurant had undergone some changes since my last visit, particularly with the seating arrangement. The new layout added a fresh and contemporary touch to the dining area, enhancing the overall dining experience. The ambiance was inviting and comfortable, making it an enjoyable place to spend time with friends and family. In terms of convenience, I found ample parking available near the restaurant. However, I must mention that during my recent visit, the restaurant was quite busy. Consequently, it was challenging to find an available parking spot immediately. Yet, once inside, the lively atmosphere truly showcased the popularity of Jagalchi among locals and visitors alike. One aspect that slightly impacted my experience was the noise level. The bustling crowd and enthusiastic conversations of some customers contributed to a higher noise level than I had anticipated. However, this is to be expected in a busy and popular establishment. Thankfully, the attentive service provided by the young server made up for this minor inconvenience. Speaking of the service, the server at Jagalchi was outstanding. The young man attending to our table was attentive, courteous, and knowledgeable about the menu. He provided excellent recommendations and ensured that all our needs were met promptly. Despite the restaurant's busy environment, he maintained a high level of professionalism, making our dining experience all the more enjoyable. Now, let's talk about the food. The steamed egg was a standout dish, prepared to perfection with a delicate and silky texture. The tofu and tofu soup were also delicious, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to using fresh and high-quality ingredients. The chicken fried with fries was a delightful combination of crispy and flavorful, satisfying both the cravings for Korean cuisine and a Western-style comfort food. In conclusion, my visit to Jagalchi was an enjoyable experience. The restaurant's updated atmosphere added a modern touch, and the attentive server ensured that our needs were met. While the noise level was a bit high, it was a testament to the restaurant's popularity. The steamed egg, tofu, tofu soup, and chicken fried with fries were all delicious and showcased the culinary expertise of Jagalchi's kitchen. If you're looking for a Korean restaurant with great food and a lively atmosphere, Jagalchi is definitely worth a visit. read more

I had the privilege of visiting Jagalchi recently and indulging in their delectable sweet and sour pork dish. I can confidently say that it was nothing short of an exceptional dining experience. From the moment I entered the restaurant, I was greeted warmly by the staff and instantly felt at home. The cozy and inviting ambiance added to the overall charm of the place. The sweet and sour pork dish itself was a masterpiece. The flavors were perfectly balanced, with the sweet and tangy notes harmonizing beautifully. Every bite of the tender and succulent pork was a burst of delight, and the sauce was rich and full of depth. The presentation of the dish was visually pleasing, adding to the overall enjoyment. Beyond the sweet and sour pork, the other dishes showcased at Jagalchi were equally tantalizing. The menu boasted a wide variety of choices, ensuring everyone's preferences were catered to. What impressed me further was that the prices were reasonable, making it even more enticing. The service at Jagalchi was impeccable. The staff was attentive, friendly, and efficient, ensuring that every need was met promptly. Their knowledge and recommendations added to the overall experience, making it all the more special. Overall, Jagalchi deserves a perfect 5-star rating. From the outstanding sweet and sour pork dish to the wide range of delectable options on the menu, the culinary experience was truly superb. The warm and attentive service further enhanced the dining experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Jagalchi to anyone seeking an unforgettable dining affair. I apologize again for any inconvenience caused by the oversight, and I hope this updated review accurately reflects your positive experience. Please let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with! read more

I recently decided to satisfy my craving for Korean food by visiting Jagalchi, a place I discovered on Yelp that's somewhat hidden off the beaten path. I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. The restaurant offers free parking either on the street or in a small adjacent lot, which is a great convenience. Upon entering Jagalchi, I was immediately struck by its cleanliness. The restaurant has recently undergone renovations, and it shows. One notable aspect is the lack of the overwhelming fried oil smell that can cling to your skin and clothes in some fast-food court environments. Instead, Jagalchi feels and smells fresh and clean, a trait that not all restaurants, especially Korean ones, manage to maintain. The service was welcoming and efficient. Our server was knowledgeable and guided us through the menu effectively. We started with crispy seaweed rolls for an appetizer. They were exactly as I hoped: perfectly crispy, served with a delightful sesame sauce that complemented the seaweed's flavor. For our main course, we chose the rabokki combo with cheese, which was impressively substantial. The dish included not only cheese and crispy seaweed rolls but also ramen, egg, and other tasty components. The food arrived hot and fresh, with flavors that were more sweet than spicy--surprising, given the intimidatingly red appearance of the dish. For those wary of spicy foods, this dish proves to be quite manageable. Overall, my experience at Jagalchi was very positive, and it's certainly a place I'd return to. The combination of clean settings, helpful service, and tasty, well-prepared food makes it a standout option for Korean cuisine lovers. read more

Jagalchi is definitely worth the hype! The food is super delicious, and one of the best things about dining here is the generous portion sizes. Most dishes are perfect for sharing, making it a great spot to come with family or friends so everyone can try a little bit of everything. Everything we ordered was flavorful, fresh, and satisfying, and the variety on the menu means there's something for everyone. The lively atmosphere adds to the experience and makes for a fun night out. One tip: be prepared for a wait, especially during peak dinner hours. The restaurant is very popular, so it's a good idea to put your name on the online waitlist before heading over. It'll save you time and make the experience much smoother. Great food, great portions, and a great place to gather with friends and family. We'll definitely be back! read more

My bf and I eat here at least 3-4 times a month, consistently for the last 3 years. Since I'm moving back to sf in 2 weeks, I would gladly eat here for my last meal in honolulu. They treat us like family, which I haven't experienced anywhere else on island. The owner, Rory, always greets us in a friendly way and whenever he's in the kitchen, you can bet that his creations will make your face fall off, his cooking is that good. I will miss Jagalchi. Being half Korean, this restaurant was my go-to for soul food and Korean cooking that feels utterly homemade, like your grandma's cooking. Sometimes you'll see a group of really drunk, old, Korean men partying in the back room. But, don't mind them, you would do that too, if you were an old Korean guy in Hawaii. I give them 5 stars for the quality dishes and unbeatable service. read more

This Korean restaurant offers more than just good food; it's also convenient with ample parking available. With its inviting ambiance, it seems like an ideal spot for those who enjoy Korean alcohol and chicken. Despite the smaller portions of meatjun and sides, the flavorful garlic chicken, served with fries, makes for a satisfying meal. Overall, it's a great choice for both food and ambiance. To cap off the meal, we enjoyed Dippin' Dots chocolate ice cream, providing a sweet conclusion to the dining experience. The service was impressively fast, and the staff were incredibly friendly. Moreover, the place was spotlessly clean, enhancing the overall dining experience. Highly recommended! read more

Friends and I chose this restaurant for a last minute dinner plan. We were craving for Korean! It was everyone's first time. It was a Friday night and the place was packed. It felt a little chaotic and the servers seemed to be in a rush. Understandable! It really was busy. My favorite was the garlic shoyu chicken wings, then comes the Meatjun. Yum! My least favorite was the Bossam. It was a little too fatty for me. Portions of the plate were just right to share with a group of friends. Overall, everyone had a good time and had a specific dish to fit with everyone's liking. read more

OMG, the food we got was seriously amazing and tasty! My cousin, who lives on Oahu and comes here all the time, told me the owners are new. The service was great, and the tables are so cool - you can write your name or whatever you want on them! They even have beer bottles as decorations on the wall where you can write too. It's a pretty cool spot, but they don't have a lot of seats, so you gotta get there quick. There's always a line at lunch and dinner. read more

Jagalchi offers an unforgettable Korean seafood experience with incredibly fresh dishes and bold, authentic flavors. The grilled fish and spicy seafood stews are standouts that keep me coming back. The ambiance is vibrant and lively, just like a true coastal market eatery. Staff are attentive, helpful, and make great recommendations if you're new to the menu. If you're in the mood for top-quality Korean seafood, Jagalchi is a must-visit. read more

The pork soft tofu stew, along with the crispy seaweed rolls, at Jagalchi restaurant were truly outstanding. The fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation of the tofu stew captivated my taste buds, while the crunchy seaweed rolls had a delightful and savory flavor. Both the taste and service were excellent, making Jagalchi restaurant highly recommended for a delightful dining experience read more

Great food and great service. I loved it here! The owner was so welcoming too. I'm happy we came across this place. Thank you again!

Employees were very friendly and made suggestions of good food. Food was delicious and I would definitely come back.

Looked to make sure we tipped before we could leave. Service wasn't terrible but surely could've been better.

Love this place. It reminds me of my childhood. Hopefully they'll stay open for a long time

Service is extremely slow sitting here for 35 minutes and no food yet only one waitress

Food is Always so good! Been going here for many many years.